Shipbuilding News

The containership Dali has departed U.S. waters en route to a Chinese repair yard nearly six months after the vessel struck Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge, triggering its deadly collapse.The Singapore-registered ship, which had been moved from Baltimore to Norfolk, Va. in June for initial repairs, will undergo more extensive repair work at a yard in Ningbo, China. Dali departed Norfolk on Thursday without cargo and under escort from the U.S. Coast Guard and a trio of tugboats. The damaged vessels' journey to China is expected to take about 6-7 weeks due speed restrictions.The U.S.

Malaysian shipowner Coastal Contracts Bhd on Thursday placed an order with Chinese shipbuilder Fujian Funing Shipbuilding Heavy Industry, a subsidiary of Fujian Shipbuilding Industry Group, for a pair of 85-meter subsea support/maintenance vessels.The vessels, each with 22-meter beam, 8-meter depth and 6.2-meter structural draft, will primarily support subsea maintenance, pipeline installation, marine cable laying and submarine resources exploration.The ships will be classed by ABS and meet the requirements of DPS-2, FFV1 classification notation,

Bardex, which provides solutions for marine-based heavy lifting, transfer, and restraint has teamed up with Von Schmidt Maritime to provide the U.S. with dry dock Solutions. Von Schmidt, located in Baltimore, MD, are Maritime Consultants and Naval Architects providing shipyard professional services.

Damen Shipyards has started construction of three shallow draft multi-purpose support vessels at its shipyard in the United Arab Emirates, in anticipation of an increase in offshore and dredging activity in Arabian Gulf region.The initial program will be comprised of a 27-metre Multi Cat 2712 for delivery in November 2025, a 33-metre Multi Cat 3313 SD (shallow draft) for delivery in December 2025, and a 27-metre Shoalbuster 2711 for delivery in February 2026.All three types are…

ST Engineering has officially opened its new shipyard located at 55 Gul Road in Singapore.The Gul Yard was acquired in February 2023 for S$95 million ($74 million) and will replace ST Engineering’s Tuas Yard, whose lease expires at the end of 2024.Twice the size of its existing Tuas Yard, the Gul Yard is designed to handle larger, more complex projects and will enable ST Engineering to explore new market segments, including offshore renewables projects, offshore support vessels for the oil and gas industry…

A marine services company was cited for 15 serious violations and fined $164,000 for exposing workers to fire and asphyxiation hazards while making repairs to a Canadian-registered bulk carrier moored at the Port of Ashtabula, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) said.The 81-year-old vessel Cuyahoga was in winter lay-up when a fire broke out on March 15, 2024 while maintenance and repair work was being performed. All crew members working on board managed to escape without injury.Acting on a referral from the U.S.

The shipping unit of Indonesia's state energy firm Pertamina plans to double its fleet of 320 tankers in the next 10 years, the unit's CEO Yoki Firnandi told the Gastech conference in Houston on Thursday.The expansion, aimed at reducing the average age of the company's fleet, is set to include investment in vessels to transport liquefied natural gas (LNG).Indonesia is a major producer and exporter of LNG.

Gulf LNG Tugs of Port Arthur on Thursday announced it has placed orders for four new escort tugs to serve the Port Arthur LNG export facility in Texas. Two will be constructed by Master Boat Builders in Coden, Ala., and two by Sterling Shipyard in Port Neches, Texas. Gulf LNG Tugs—a joint venture comprised of Bay-Houston Towing, Moran Towing Corporation and Suderman & Young Towing Company—said the new high horsepower, highly maneuverable RApport 2800 tugboats have been designed by naval architect Robert Allan Ltd.

Metal Shark, a Louisiana-based boat builder, has delivered the first of two cutting-edge 50-foot welded-aluminum fireboats to the Anne Arundel County Fire Department in Annapolis, Md. These new vessels are set to enhance emergency response capabilities across Chesapeake Bay, safeguarding over 500 miles of shoreline.Designed in-house and built at Metal Shark's Franklin, La. shipyard, the 50 Defiant NXT monohull fireboats feature advanced technology that improves response times, firefighting effectiveness and safety for firefighters, the builder said.

Certification body DNV has issued an approval in principle (AiP) for an 80,000m3 capacity liquefied hydrogen carrier, jointly developed by Mitsui O.S.K Lines (MOL), Woodside, HD Korea Shipbuilding and Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE), and Hyundai Glovis.MOL has been working with the partners to develop a liquefied hydrogen carrier since January 31, 2024.DNV’s AiP follows the completion of the hazard identification study (HAZID), a safety evaluation method for plants and systems…

American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has granted an approval in principle (AiP) to HD Hyundai Mipo (HMD) for the design of cargo containment system for a liquefied carbon dioxide (LCO2) carrier.HMD developed a cargo containment system optimized for a 35,000 cbm LCO2 carrier using new cargo tank materials.Ahead of issuing the AiP, ABS completed design reviews based on class and statutory requirements for liquefied gas carriers.“Capturing and transporting carbon are key components in the carbon value chain for the global energy transition.

San Diego shipbuilder General Dynamics NASSCO delivered the future USS Robert E. Simanek (ESB 7) to the U.S. Navy, on September 12.The Lewis B. Puller-class expeditionary mobile base ship is named for Private First Class Robert Ernest Simanek, who was awarded the Medal of Honor for shielding fellow Marines from a grenade at the Battle of Bunker Hill during the Korean War. The Medal of Honor was presented to him by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in a White House ceremony in 1953.“From christening in May 2024 to delivery…

Mobile, Ala. ship repair yard  Alabama Shipyard has been awarded a contract to repair the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' (USACE) largest trailing suction hopper dredge, Wheeler.Alabama Shipyard was one of three bidders for the contract, winning the drydock and repair deal with its $11,466,912 bid. The contract was awarded by the Corps' New Orleans District, which owns and operates the dredge to keep waterway channels clear from Key West, Fla., to Brownsville, Texas.The repair work…

KR (Korean Register) has awarded an Approval in Principle (AiP) to Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) for its 9,300 TEU ammonia-fueled container ship.The development of the 9,300 TEU ammonia-fueled container vessel marks a key step in advancing ammonia fueled propulsion technology, according to KR.SHI has developed an entirely new structural layout and the vessel’s design which includes specialized fuel tanks, fuel supply systems, ventilation, and gas detection systems, incorporating the unique properties of ammonia fuel.KR verified this newly developed vessel’s design and ammonia fuel system…

Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK) and Oono Development Co., Ltd. agreed to jointly study the commercialization of ship recycling, in which ships and large offshore structures are dismantled in Japan and recycled as steel scrap and other materials. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed on September 18 at NYK's head office. Ship dismantling work will be performed at Japan’s only dry dock which can handle large ocean-going vessels and is owned by Oono Development in Chita City, Aichi Prefecture.

American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK) have issued approvals in principle (AiPs) for two types of low-pressure type liquefied CO2 (LCO2) carriers developed jointly by Japan’s industry majors.The LCO2 carriers have been developed by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (“K” LINE), Nihon Shipyard, Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK Line), Mitsui & Co, Mitsubishi Corporation and Mitsubishi Shipbuilding.The two LCO2 carriers that received AiP certifications are low-pressure type 50…

Alfa Laval reports it has received an order to replace 18 ballast water treatment systems (BWMS) onboard vessels belonging to a major European shipowner. Over the past two years, Alfa Laval has replaced more than 250 systems from 30 different manufacturers, and the orderbook for replacement continues to grow.“With the consolidation of the BWMS market, we see a growing need for replacing installed BWMS systems,” said Tobias Doescher, Head of Global Sales, Business Development and Marketing, Alfa Laval PureBallast.

Golar LNG signed an agreement with CIMC Raffles for a MK II Floating LNG Production (FLNG) vessel with an annual liquefaction capacity of 3.5 million tons of LNG per annum (mtpa).Black & Veatch will provide its licensed PRICO® technology, perform detailed engineering and process design, specify and procure topside equipment and provide commissioning support for the FLNG topsides and liquefaction process, similar to Black & Veatch’s role in the construction of Golar’s existing assets…

Drydocks World has signed a deal for the largest floating sheerleg crane in the Middle East and Africa.Fabricated by Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries (ZPMC), the new 5,000 tonne crane features a 160-meter-long A-frame and a 600-tonne fly jib that can extend its reach to 180 meters.An automatic ballasting system guarantees stability and includes the integration of a high-capacity ballast water treatment plant.The design, construction, testing, and commissioning phase is expected to take approximately 24 months…

HD Hyundai Marine Solution, HD Hyundai Engineering & Technology, HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE), and Hyundai Heavy Industries Power Systems have obtained Approval in Principle (AIP) from DNV for their design of an onboard carbon capture and storage (OCCS) system for retrofits.The retrofit design is applicable to a wide range of vessels, and DNV's AIP confirms that the OCCS technology is both feasible and prepared to meet emerging regulatory requirements.The project was conducted as a Joint Industry Project (JIP) between DNV and the HD Hyundai companies…

Austal USA has been awarded a $450 million contract by General Dynamics Electric Boat to expand production capacity at its Mobile, Ala. shipyard in support of the U.S. Navy submarine industrial base (SIB).In 2022, Austal USA and Electric Boat, supported by the U.S. Navy, formed a strategic partnership to expand the production capacity of the SIB. As part of the partnership, Austal USA is constructing and outfitting Command and Control Systems Modules (CCSM) and Electronic Deck…

San Francisco Bay Ferry has been awarded a $11 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to support the agency’s plans to procure the nation’s first high-speed battery electric ferries.The award—announced by the FTA on Monday as one of 18 new ferry grants totaling nearly $300 million—advances Phase 1 of SF Bay Ferry’s Rapid Electric Emission-Free Ferry (REEF) Program, a suite of projects to transition the agency’s fleet to zero-emission propulsion technology.

ABS and HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to advance the development and certification of innovative systems for next-generation, zero-carbon ships.Entitled “Cooperation on the Advanced Zero-Carbon Ships,” the MOU focuses on integrating advanced technologies in three main areas: a novel liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargo handling system that utilizes full re-liquefaction system to suppress boil-off gas (BOG) for zero-carbon LNG carriers…

Theodore, Ala. boatbuilder Silver Ships announced it recently expanded to a second location to maximize the efficiency of its boat manufacturing process.Silver Ships, which produces aluminum workboats for military, federal, state and municipal governments as well as commercial applications, said its new manufacturing warehouse is located less than one mile from its original 95,000 square-foot facility and headquarters. The new facility adds 16,500 square feet to its manufacturing process and creates an additional 18…

Canadian shipbuilder Davie announced it has appointed Maxie Lafleur as president, bringing in a business executive from outside the shipbuilding sector to help drive growth.A Montréal native, Lafleur brings a wealth of experience in digital transformation, growth strategies, change management, mergers and acquisitions, and business development, both in Canada and abroad. Her career began at KPMG as an auditor, after which she joined CAE’s M&A team. She subsequently held various senior management positions, including CFO and CEO at Bus.com, where she led growth and transformation initiatives.

Canadian ferry operator BC Ferries announced it is moving forward with a program to build a series of new vessels for its busiest routes.The company said on Monday it has put out a request for proposals (RFP) to pre-qualified shipyards for the construction of the first five of seven new vessels in its New Major Vessels (NMV) project, with contracts expected to be awarded in Spring 2025, subject to approval from the Ferry Commissioner. The first ship is intended to start service in 2029…

Harland & Wolff said on Monday it plans to appoint administrators in the coming days as the company known for building the Titanic struggles with a debt crisis.The Belfast-based shipbuilder, which survived closure once in 2019, said it would cut jobs in its non-core and certain central support areas, without specifying the number of roles affected.It will also either dispose of or wind down its non-core assets.Harland & Wolff's non-core operations include its Marine Services business, the Scilly Ferries business, and its U.S.

DNV has issued an Approval in Principle (AiP) to HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) for its cutting-edge electric propulsion liquefied hydrogen (LH₂) carrier design, which has the potential to store and transport up to 80,000 cubic meters of LH₂. The approval is a key achievement in a collaborative effort involving major industry players: HD KSOE, Woodside Energy, Hyundai Glovis, and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL). Together, these companies are working to create…

Master Boat Builders has launched Patricia B. Moran, a new tugboat it is building for Moran Towing Corporation, based in New Canaan, Conn.The newbuild is one of two 86-foot (LOA) tugs the Coden, Ala. shipbuilder is building for Moran. Ordered in 2022, the tugs were designed by Crowley Engineering Services and will produce a bollard pull of over 55 metric tons. The vessel will each feature two Caterpillar main engines (3512E) that are EPA Tier 4 certified and produce 2,549 horsepower…

Kitsap Transit, a public transit operator serving Kitsap County, Wash., announced it will receive $13.5 million in federal funding toward the purchase of a new fast ferry that would replace one of its oldest vessels on its Kingston/Seattle route.The funding comes from the Federal Transit Administration’s Passenger Ferry Grant program and covers nearly 80% of the project’s $17.5 million cost. Kitsap Transit said it will contribute about $4 million in local dollars to the project.“This…

Cash buyer GMS cites the dangerous situations unfolding across the Middle East, Ukraine and South China Sea, when saying that politics, war, and ensuing global financial instability, means that ship recycling markets continue to endure profound challenges as the industry heads towards Q4 2024.“On the financial side, we witnessed a seesawing of fundamentals as on the one hand, likely on the back of news that the U.S. Feds are revising another reduction in interest rates, the U.S.

The U.S. Navy on Friday announced it has placed a $6.75 billion order with San Diego shipbuilder General Dynamics NASSCO for up to eight John Lewis Class (TAO-205) Fleet Replenishment Oilers. The ships are scheduled for delivery through January 2035.The Navy, which has been looking for ways to reduce costs and increase efficiency across its shipbuilding and repair programs, said it expects the "block buy" approach will unlock savings of $491 million compared to the total anticipated…

RV Resilience, a new hybrid research vessel designed by Incat Crowther and built by Snow & Company in Seattle, has been delivered to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL).RV Resilience is the Department of Energy’s first hybrid electric-diesel research vessel. The 15-meter aluminum catamaran will help PNNL sustainably expand its research activities in the Sequim Bay region of Washington state.RV Resilience’s 28 m2 main deck is equipped with an A-Frame, boom crane and movable davit in addition to a foldable swim platform.

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) and Chevron Shipping Company, a subsidiary of oil and gas giant Chevron, have signed an agreement to install Wind Challenger to a newbuild LNG carrier, which will become world’s first LNG carrier equipped with wind-assisted propulsions system.The is under long term charter from MOL Encean to Chevron Asia Pacific Shipping, and is currently under construction at the Geoje Shipyard of Hanwha Ocean, scheduled for delivery in 2026.In August 2024, MOL obtained…

Fincantieri and MSC Group have celebrated the progress on the construction of cruise ships for the Explora Journeys fleet, marking the delivery of Explora II, the coin ceremony for Explora III, and the steel cutting for Explora IV cruise ships.The cruise ships are part of the fleet of six ships belonging to Explora Journeys, the luxury brand recently launched by the MSC Group.The first cruise ship was delivered in July 2023, and all vessels are built in Italy by Fincantieri, with a total MSC investment exceeding $3.85 billion (€3.5 billion)…

Titan, a ship repair and fabrication company with yards on the U.S. West and East Coasts, on Thursday announced it has appointed Francesco Valente to replace CEO Jim “Marco” Marcotuli, who is retiring after five years leading the company.Valente will lead Titan from its Portland, Ore. headquarters starting on September 23, with Marcotuli taking on a role as a board member and advisor.Valente possesses more than 20 years of experience running business operations globally, having previously served as CEO of Fincantieri Marine Group, the parent company’s U.S.

Seaspan on Thursday announced its Vancouver Drydock has completed a Vessel Life Extension (VLE) program for the 38-year-old Canadian Coast Guard icebreaker vessel CCGS Sir Wilfrid Laurier. After undocking at the end of April 2024, the vessel completed an in-water work period in preparation for ship commissioning and sea trials, finally departing Seaspan on August 17, 2024.According to Seaspan, the ship repair and overhaul project was the largest and most complex ever undertaken at Vancouver Drydock.The entire project consisted of more than100 separate upgrades including…

The U.S. Navy has set November 16, 2024, as the date of commissioning of future USS Nantucket (LCS 27), a Freedom-variant littoral combat ship.The commissioning will take place at Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston, Massachusetts.The naming of LCS 27 honors the rich heritage of the people of Nantucket and the maritime legacy that the island represents.As the sponsor of LCS 27, Polly Spencer, the wife of the 76th Secretary of the Navy, will lead the time-honored Navy tradition of giving the order during the ceremony to ‘man the ship and bring her to life.’At that moment…

Germany's lower house of parliament and the state parliament of Lower Saxony have approved the rescue of Meyer Werft, one of the world's biggest cruise ship builders, members of the budget committee told Reuters on Wednesday.Although the shipbuilder's order books are full, it has an almost 2.8 billion euro ($3.1 billion) financing gap due to the delayed effects of a demand dip during the COVID-19 pandemic.The German government and that of the state of Lower Saxony, in northwestern Germany…

Wendy Laursen’s article Getting the Numbers Right, published in the August issue of Maritime Reporter, sparked debate from ballast water management experts. Here Jad Mouawad, CEO of Mouawad Consulting, provides his feedback on the article which outlines the challenges the industry has faced trying to reduce the occurrence of invasive marine species transferred by ballast water.We have now the vast majority of ships fitted with ballast water management systems (BWMS). I would say…

AMBPR, a SERCEL company, announced that it has signed a contract with Damen Shiprepair Dunkerque for the sale of the first five ship repair robots. Damen in Dunkerque is thus the first shipyard in the world to acquire the GreenDock Robot, an autonomous solution for washing, UHP and abrasive blast cleaning, and painting of ships.The official signing took place at the SMM trade fair in Hamburg on September 4 following several years of collaboration between the robot manufacturer and DSDu…

Patriot State, the second vessel in a series of new training ships for the U.S.' state maritime academies, was christened during a ceremony at Philly Shipyard on Monday ahead of scheduled delivery to Massachusetts Maritime Academy in the coming weeks. The vessel is the second of five being built by Philly Shipyard under the U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration’s (MARAD) National Security Multi-Mission Vessel (NSMV) program, designed to provide a purpose-built…

How do you balance the fact that your skilled workforce will get older and retire and leave you with a group of younger individuals that will not have the "experience" that your more tenured employees have? Back in the day individuals would not pass down knowledge to younger workers in fear of being replaced. The days of reckoning are upon us. An older workforce is leaving with years of knowledge bottled up in their heads with no way to capture the information. What is the solution? Can brain-drain be mitigated?Here is an example of brain-drain that every older individual can relate to.

QatarEnergy has inaugurated the Rex Tillerson vessel, marking the delivery of the first LNG vessel under its historic shipbuilding program.Rex Tillerson vessel was named after the former Chairman and CEO of ExxonMobil as a tribute to his life-long accomplishments in the energy sector.The traditional naming ceremony was held at the Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard in the Chinese city of Shanghai.“As the first ship in our new LNG fleet, the Rex Tillerson will undoubtedly play a significant…

Appalled that deaths in enclosed spaces continue to be all too frequent occurrences in the shipping industry, the Maritime Professional Council of the United Kingdom (MPC) has announced its support for fundamental changes to ship operation and design.MPC member InterManager has been at the forefront of raising this issue where, it says, seemingly innocuous compartments, cargo holds and fuel tanks, vital for storage and operation on board any vessel, have become graveyards for far too many seafarers due to a lack of attention…

Wendy Laursen’s article Getting the Numbers Right, published in the August issue of Maritime Reporter, sparked debate from ballast water management experts. Here Giles Candy of Giles Environmental LLC – Independent Ballast Water Consultant, provides his feedback on the article which outlines the challenges the industry has faced trying to reduce the occurrence of invasive marine species transferred by ballast water.Ballast water is a complex multi-faceted subject with few simple…

Austal USA has officially launched the construction of the U.S. Navy’s final Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF), the future USNS Lansing (EPF 16), with a keel laying ceremony at its Mobile, Ala. shipyard. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who is serving as the ship’s sponsor, and Emija Coleman, a seasoned welder with nine years of experience at Austal USA, played key roles in the ceremony. Governor Whitmer, along with Coleman, authenticated the keel by welding her initials into a keel plate that will be permanently affixed to the hull of the USNS Lansing.At Austal USA…

McAllister Towing recently placed an order for series 240 JonRie Escort Winches to be installed aboard the tugs Vicki M. McAllister and Janet M. McAllister. The company is undertaking modifications of both tugs, and replacement of the hydraulic winches aboard was seen as the wisest decision.“Brandon has done well with everything he’s undertaken,” said Martin “Marty” Costa, veteran engineering manager at McAllister Towing, a reference to Brandon Durar, president of JonRie Division at Markey Machine in Seattle. “The entire fleet had been outfitted with JonRie not so long ago.

QatarEnergy has signed an agreement with China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) for the construction of six additional QC-Max vessels, bringing the total number of LNG vessels on order under its fleet expansion program to 128, including 24 QC-Max mega vessels.The QC-Max vessels, which will be built at China’s Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard, a wholly-owned CSSC subsidiary, are the largest LNG vessels ever built with a capacity of 271,000 cubic meters each. The new advanced carriers…

The ship recycling market has so far been subdued in September, as expected, reports cash buyer GMS.Macro factors affecting the market include the situation in the Middle East, Houthi attacks on passing vessels and tensions caused by the repositioning of navies in response to ISIS fighters targeting U.S. bases.“The start of September saw the industry still witness the inescapable decline that is India’s ship recycling sector today, one that continues to show no signs of it slowing since early June,” says GMS.

Becker Marine Systems introduced two new products at SMM which are designed to optimise vessel hydrodynamic performance: the Becker Daggerboard and the Becker Steering Gear.The Becker Daggerboard is an anti-leeway fin designed for ships equipped with modern wind- assisted propulsion systems (WAPS). When using WAPS, the desired thrust ahead components drive the ship. Depending on the wind direction, there can also be stronger or weaker lateral force components leading to leeway from the desired course.

The San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS Richard M. McCool, Jr. (LPD 29) commissioned aboard Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida, on September 7.San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ships are warships that embark, transport and land elements of a landing force for a variety of expeditionary warfare missions. They provide the Navy and Marine Corps with modern, sea-based platforms that are networked, survivable and built to operate in the 21st century, with the MV-22 Osprey…

The Arab Shipbuilding and Repair Yard Company (ASRY) has launched the first phase of the Bapco Refining Self-Propelled Fuel Oil Bunker Barges project with a keel-laying ceremony.The project, which is scheduled for execution in the final quarter of 2024, comes as part of a strategic alliance between ASRY and Bapco Refining and is a step towards positioning the Kingdom of Bahrain as a key maritime hub in the region.The project consists of the delivery of two self-propelled fuel…

MAN Engines has introduced its MAN D3872 LE432 workboat engine with a displacement of 30 liters.The V12 engine has an output of 1,213kW (1,650hp) at 2,100rpm, making it suitable for medium-duty applications such as wind farm supply vessels, ferries, passenger ships and fishing boats.Further power variants of the MAN D3872 (1,471 and 1,618kW or 2,000 and 2,200hp at 2,300 rpm) for light applications have already started in production.The MAN D3872 engine has a completely new basic engine and benefits from improved coolant delivery through a new coolant pump and thermostat housing…

MAN Energy Solutions has announced a new generation of its Common Rail injection system for its medium-speed, four-stroke engine portfolio.Its core components comprise an optimised and uniform high-pressure pump and a newly developed injector, integrating the CR 1.6 valve group and making the entire system setup more coherent. It is initially being introduced via the MAN 49/60DF engine.MAN Energy Solutions reports that CR 2.2 can boast of up to 38% increased rail-pressure for all applications, and over 33% increased target time-between-overhaul intervals for most components.

KNUD E HANSEN has designed a “Jack-up on Jack-up” vessel concept for offshore wind farm maintenance.The four-legged jack-up vessel features a 15m wide working platform that can be jacked-up to the height of a nacelle to provide a safe platform for maintenance work on the blades eliminating the need for rope access.With a telescopic weather cover fitted on the platform, work on the blades can be done in practically all weather conditions, day or night, resulting in more working hours annually than with conventional maintenance vessels.A large…

Nordic Fender has partnered with crane and davit supplier Red Rock to provide an integrated davit and pneumatic fender system.Fender davits offer better control over the raising and lowering of fenders, ensuring a smoother process and reducing the risk of mistakes."By using fender davits, we can reduce the number of crew members needed to handle the fenders, which can lead to lower labor costs and better resource utilization. By offering Red Rock's davit systems alongside our own fenders…

Industry group CIMAC and the Maritime Battery Forum have published the first of three white papers on the use of batteries in deep-sea shipping.This first paper, Environment for the use of batteries in deep-sea shipping: Use cases and application areas, demonstrates the potential for battery usage even though a fully battery-powered, zero-emission application is not yet available.Currently, vessels on order include hybrid propulsion vehicle carriers and oil/chemical tankers. Installations typically vary between 350kWh and 2,847 kWh.

Auramarine has launched an ammonia fuel supply system designed in adherence to all safety, design and material requirements for the fuel.The system is suitable for both two-stroke and four-stroke engines as well as other ammonia consumers. Safety measures include gas and leak detection, ammonia capture, reliquefying and ammonia release mitigation functions.The system has been developed in collaboration with experts on ammonia as well as using findings from the HENNES research…

Marine pump specialist Svanehøj has launched what it claims is the world’s first high-pressure centrifugal pump for ammonia fuel applications.The HP NH3 Fuel Pump delivers a fuel injection pressure of up to 100 BAR. It is based on the design of Svanehøj’s patented deepwell low-pressure fuel pump, a centrifugal low-pressure pump, which has sold more than 1,000 units since its introduction, with 100 of those units being used for ammonia. The new pump has a small footprint of 2,100x780x1…

Naval architecture and marine engineering firm C-Job Naval Architects announced it has appointed Heidi Landen-Greene as president of C-Job Houston, overseeing sales and engineering teams located in the company’s office in the city and overall U.S. operations.Prior to joining C-Job, Landen-Greene’s experience in the industry includes technology director and operations director roles for the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS). These titles are the most recent in a long and impressive 28-year career at ABS overseeing strategic projects, as an engineering director and in various manager positions.

Bellingham, Wash. aluminum boatbuilder All American Marine (AAM) announced it has delivered a new 74-foot catamaran patrol boat to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Law Enforcement Division.The 74’ x 27.5’ twin-engine hydrofoil-assisted catamaran is equipped to handle near coastal and offshore missions and will support partner agencies. Missions will include multi-day patrols, commercial gear inspection and recovery, fishery enforcement, and marine protected area patrols.

Hanwha Ocean on Wednesday announced it has secured a contract that makes it the first Korean shipbuilder to provide maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services for the U.S. Navy.The 40,000-ton U.S. Navy dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Wally Schirra is undergoing maintenance and inspection at Hanwha Ocean’s Geoje shipyard, with additional onshore maintenance work being conducted using the shipyard’s floating facilities.The MRO contract requires a Master Ship Repair Agreement (MSRA) certification, which Hanwha Ocean earned in July 2024. The certification, granted by the U.S.

Mobile, Ala. shipbuilder Austal USA launched USNS Point Loma (EPF 15), the U.S. Navy’s 15th Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF).The ship was christened in the beginning of August and is now docked pier side for final outfitting and system activation in preparation for sea trials later this year.During the launch process, self-propelled modular transporters (SPMT) lifted the ship almost three feet and moved it approximately 400 feet onto a deck barge moored adjacent to the final assembly bay.

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) has held the naming and launching ceremony for the LNG-fueled ferry Sunflower Pirka, under construction at Naikai Zosen Corporation.The LNG-fueled tugboat Ishin, operated by MOL Group company Nihon Tug-Boat, assisted with towing operations during the launch of the ferry.MOL will proactively adopt LNG, a low-carbon fuel that can be put to practical use immediately, and lead the world toward the realization of a low-carbon/decarbonized society.The ferry was given the name Sunflower Pirka…

Norwegian shipbuilder Vard has secured a contract to provide design and equipment to Cochin Shipyard in India for two Service Operation Vessels (SOVs), one of VARD 4 07 and one of VARD 4 19 design, being built for North Star.Vard has previously delivered 12 designs to the Cochin Shipyard. The first hybrid electric SOV to be delivered by Cochin Shipyard is of VARD 4 07 design and is tailored to meet North Star’s specific requirements.The focus has been to develop a competitive…

Action in the Middle East, including a repeat Houthi attack on container vessel Groton in the Red Sea, has increased volatility in the region, and the already slim pickings of tonnage for recycling only got worse through August, reports cash buyer GMS.“The desperate question unraveling in everyone’s mind is whether this is expected to be the case through 2024 / early 2025? Interestingly, even though we have seen sub-continent ship recycling nations take independent measures to curtail the devastating state of economic affairs…

ClassNK has published industry-first estimated leak frequencies for ammonia fuel from onboard components for ammonia-fueled ships. For new ammonia-fueled ship designs, risk assessments involve the consideration of the probability of ammonia leak from each component. However, statistical data of onboard ammonia leak have been extremely limited, making probability estimation difficult.ClassNK, in collaboration with the Research Institute of Science for Safety and Sustainability (RISS)…

Austal USA held a ceremony marking the official start of construction on the first U.S. Coast Guard Heritage-class Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC) to be built at its Mobile, Ala., shipyard. The vessel, named Pickering (WSMM 919), is the lead vessel in a series potentially comprising up to 11 cutters under a contract valued at $3.3 billion.Designed at 360 feet in length, the OPC program is set to replace the Coast Guard's aging medium endurance cutters, filling a crucial role between the open-ocean national security cutters and the coastal fast response cutters.

The keel for the future USS William Charette (DDG 130), an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, was ceremoniously laid on August 29 at General Dynamics Bath Iron Works (BIW) in Bath, Maine. The warship is scheduled for delivery to the U.S. Navy in 2026.Named after Medal of Honor recipient Master Chief Hospital Corpsman William R. Charette, the ship honors his valorous service during the Korean War with Company F, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division in the Panmunjom Corridor.Rear Adm. Darin K.

Incat Tasmania has acquired a 12-hectare site in the Derwent Valley, located north-west of Hobart, Australia, to double its current shipbuilding capacity and workforce.The expansion plan for the site includes the construction of a 240 x 120meter production facility, with capacity to construct three large ships at one time.Incat CEO Stephen Casey said: “Incat is leading the industry by building the world’s largest electric ferry, and our goal over the next 5-10 years is to build on that success and produce multiple electric ships for the global market while expanding our workforce.

Niels Rasmussen, BIMCO’s Chief Shipping Analyst, predicts a stronger 2024 than 2023 for crude and product tankers.This is despite weaker cargo volumes during the first half of the year.The BIMCO Tanker Shipping Market Overview & Outlook August 2024 states that muted fleet and supply growth in both markets during 2024 is a key enabler for the relatively significant strengthening of the supply/demand balance predicted.Longer sailing distances due to rerouting of many ships via the Cape of Good Hope help ensure strong tonne miles and demand growth in 2024 even if cargo volume growth is limited.

The Grimaldi Group took delivery of the fifth G5-class multipurpose con-ro from Hyundai Mipo Dockyard.Named Great Casablanca, this vessel will operate between Northern Europe and West Africa, like all six sister ships in the series.With length of 250 metres, beam of 38 metres and deadweight of 45,684 tonnes, the design of the G5 vessels has a completely customized internal configuration enabling them to transport 4,700 linear metres of rolling freight, 2,500 CEU (Car Equivalent Units) and 2,000 TEU (Twenty Foot Equivalent Units).

Senesco Marine recently held a launch and christening ceremony for WindServe Marine's new Jones-Act-compliant crew transfer vessel (CTV), WindServe Frontier.WindServe Marine, a sister company to the North Kingstown, R.I. shipbuilder—both part of the Reinauer Group—will operate the CTV to serve the emerging offshore wind industry on the U.S. East Coast.The BMT-designed aluminum catamaran is 29 meters long with a 9-meter beam and 1.7-meter draft. It is equipped with Volvo Penta D13 main engines (515kW at 2,300 RPM) and a Volvo Penta IPS 900 propulsion system.

Orient Overseas Container Line Co., Ltd. (OOCL) today celebrated the naming of the company's twelfth 24,188 TEU newbuilding at a ceremony held at Nantong COSCO KHI Ship Engineering Co., Ltd. (NACKS) shipyard. The new vessel, named OOCL Portugal, is the last in the 24,188 TEU eco-friendly mega vessel series.Michael Xu, Director and Member of Executive Committee of OOCL, said, “The naming of our last 24,188 TEU new vessel marks an important milestone in the development of OOCL.

The second vessel in a series of new training ships for the U.S.' state maritime academies has completed sea trials, build manager TOTE Services said.The National Security Multi-Mission Vessel (NSMV) Patriot State, built by Philly Shipyard and scheduled for delivery to the Massachusetts Maritime Academy later this year, completed the trials with participation from the shipyard, vendors, construction management teams, captain, crews and the Massachusetts Maritime Academy.“We’ve reached a historic milestone with the sea trials of the second NSMV…

Shanghai Electric earlier this month celebrated the combined naming and delivery of two service operation vessels (SOV) at ZPMC, Qidong base, China. The vessels are based on two different ship designs from Ulstein Design & Solutions AS and are the first purpose-designed vessels for the offshore wind industry in China.The Zhi Cheng 60 is an ULSTEIN SX197 design measuring 72.6m in length and 17.5m in beam. It can accommodate 60 people and has a deck area of 400 sqm.The Zhi Zhen 100 is based on the larger ULSTEIN SX195 design.

Just shy of 10 years old, United Heavy Lift (UHL) recently welcomed its 19th ship to the fleet, an F900 eco-lifter. In advance of the ship delivery festivities in mid-July, we had the chance to chat with Andreas Rolner, Managing Director of UHL, a man who with his father parlayed cumulative experience in the heavy lift business into one of the world’s largest heavy lift companies.“Shipping has always been a part of my DNA,” said Andreas Rolner, noting his family moved from Denmark to Germany when he was a young boy, and his father Lars joining SAL back then in 1980.

New Times Shipbuilding Co. Ltd. of Jiangsu province, China, has ordered 12 × 8G95ME-GI (Gas Injection) Mk10.5 main engines in connection with the construction of 12 × 18,000 teu container vessels for Singapore’s Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS).MAN Energy Solutions says the Diesel principle provides the ME-GI engine with high operational stability and efficiency, while also ensuring reliable operation during load changes on gas with just normal additions of pilot-oil amounts. Furthermore, the ME-GI operational principles feature a seamless change-over between gas and diesel operation.Thomas S.

German federal and state governments will invest 400 million euros ($445.84 million) in Meyer Werft, one of the world's top makers of cruise ships, for an 80% stake to secure the future of the company, a local government minister said on Wednesday.The support plan also includes guarantees for 2.6 billion euros in loans for the family-owned company, said Olaf Lies, economy minister in the state of Lower Saxony.Meyer Werft's home state agreed the support plan together with the Berlin government and other stakeholders.The shipbuilder with a 229-year history boasts full order books but is facing a

Vard has signed a contract for the design and construction of a second hybrid ocean energy construction vessel (OECV) for the Norwegian shipping group Island Offshore.In May, the companies signed a contract for one firm OECVs with an option for two sister vessels. This new contract confirms the first option.“We are happy to confirm this order, demonstrating our faith in the market outlook and our commitment to continue renewing our fleet. The vessel will further strengthen Island Offshore’s positioning in attractive market segments based on a fleet of versatile advanced offshore vessels…

Austal USA LLC has pled guilty and has agreed to pay $24 million to resolve an investigation by the U.S. Justice Department related to an accounting fraud scheme and efforts to obstruct the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) during a financial capability audit.The Justice Department’s criminal resolution was coordinated with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Separately, Austal USA also entered into a False Claims Act settlement with the department’s Civil Division to resolve claims that it knowingly provided non-compliant parts to the U.S. Navy.

On release of its interim financial report 2024 Cadeler reports that it has delivered results in line with expectations and achieved a record high order backlog.The world’s largest operator in offshore wind installation, operation, and maintenance services also states that in addition to progress on the integration of the Eneti business has achieving synergies above expectations.Cadeler has also added projects in Asia and the US – as well as Europe – to its order book.The renewed O-class cranes were delivered on time and on budget.

Bergen Engines announced a new contract with VARD to supply a Bergen B33:45L9P propulsion engine to the Norwegian owner Havbryn AS, a part of Strand Rederi. The vessel will be built in VARD’s 8 02 design and operate on a hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system, minimizing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions while in operation.The new stern trawler, with a length of 80.4 meters and a beam of 16.7 meters, is being constructed with an ice-strengthened hull according to Ice-1A standards, and it will feature an advanced H/G processing factory, and spacious cargo areas.

German ocean carrier Hapag-Lloyd announced it has taken delivery of a new ultra-large container vessel from South Korean shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean.The 399-meter-long, 23,660 TEU Hamburg Express is the seventh newbuild in a series of 12 "Hamburg Express" class containerships—the largest to ever sail under the German flag. The series' first vessel, Berlin Express, was delivered in 2023, and the remaining ships will be delivered through the end of 2025.Each ship features MAN B&W11G95ME-C10.5-GI dual fuel main engines…

WE Tech Solutions informs it has received an order from Sirius Shipping for a hybrid electric system for their new chemical tankers. For this order, WE Tech Solutions will provide the Solution Four for the tanker pair. This solution is based on a battery hybrid shaft generator solution. The solution makes it possible to run the main motor at variable speed, and the propulsion machinery can be operated at optimal duty points at all vessel speeds. The electrical network is also generated by the shaft generator. Therefore, there is no need to run auxiliary engines and generators when sailing.

Royal Caribbean Group on Tuesday announced an agreement with Finnish shipbuilder Meyer Turku for the construction of up to three new Icon Class vessels—the world's largest cruise ships. The deal includes one firm order for scheduled delivery in 2027 plus options for two additional vessels.The U.S.-based cruise giant has been steadily growing its capacity amid continued strong demand across the cruise sector, with a newbuild pipeline that now includes seven new ships on order and two shipyard options.These latest orders are the fourth, fifth and sixth ships in Royal Caribbean's Icon Class.

Singapore-based shipbuilder Strategic Marine announced it has delivered two 42-meter Fast Crew Boats (FCB) to ADNOC L&S, the global energy maritime logistics arm of UAE's ADNOC Group.The 42m FCBs are equipped with advanced technology such as gyro-stabilization to reduce vessel rolling motion and hybrid systems for carbon reduction and increased efficiency, the builder said. In addition, the newbuilds each feature an optimized hull design for enhanced speed and fuel efficiency…

As the shipowners stare down decarbonization mandates that grow increasingly strict through 2050, the engine makers are at the tip of the spear of this energy transition phenomena, working to design and build engines and components that are built to operate on a long and growing list of alternative fuels. We recently visited with Dr. Gunnar Stiesch, CTO, MAN Energy Solutions, to take a look inside the research and development process at this global power leader, for insights on ‘what’s next’ in ship propulsion.Dr.

“K” LINE, MOL, NYK Line, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding, Imabari Shipbuilding, JMU, and Nihon Shipyard have started a joint study to establish standard specifications and designs for liquefied CO2 (LCO2) carriers.As the demand for LCO2 carriers is expected to grow in various CCS (Carbon dioxide Capture and Storage) projects that transport CO2 collected in Japan to storage sites by sea, it is necessary to build and supply LCO2 carriers stably within Japan to realize the CCS value chain and improve economic efficiency. Therefore, the seven companies have agreed to conduct a joint study to establish standard specifications and designs for LCO2…

Kongsberg Maritime’s rim-drive azimuth thruster has achieved Silent-E notation from DNV, the first of its kind to receive this certification.Installed on the new commissioning service operation vessel (CSOV) Norwind Hurricane and its sister vessels, the thruster demonstrated exceptional performance in reducing underwater noise pollution during a recent trial.To assess the noise levels of the Norwind Hurricane, an extensive underwater noise study was conducted using hydrophones placed on the seabed.

When only six ships with a capacity of 4,746 TEU were contracted in the fourth quarter of 2023, many might have thought that the container ship contracting spree that began in 2021 had finally cooled. However, the appetite for new ships remains high and year-to-date contracting already exceeds the 2023 full year total, reports BIMCO.The total capacity contracted since the start of 2021 is now 10.47 million TEU, says Niels Rasmussen, Chief Shipping Analyst at BIMCO.The 1.59 million TEU capacity contracted so far in 2024 is the third highest since 2008…

“K” Line, MOL and NYK Line have commenced a joint study with a group of Japanese shipyards for the design and specification of LCO2 carriers and the development of a supporting construction supply chain.The companies believe that as the demand for LCO2 carriers is expected to grow to support projects that transport CO2 collected in Japan to storage sites by sea, it is necessary to build LCO2 carriers stably within Japan. This will help realize the CCS value chain for Japan and improve the economic efficiency of the projects.The shipyards participating in the study are Mitsubishi Shipbuilding…

Birdon America, Inc. reports its contract to supply Bridge Erection Boats (BEBs) to the Netherlands Army is moving forward on schedule.Six Birdon BEBs are in the final stages of assembly, with delivery expected by the end of September. The contract, awarded in 2023 to General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS), involves the provision of three sets of Wide Gap Crossing systems. Each set includes the Improved Ribbon Bridge (IRB), Bridge Adapter Pallets (BAP), and BEBs. The current tranche is the first of three…

Silver Ships, a boatbuilder based in Theodore, Ala., announced the successful completion of reactivation and crew familiarization training for four Coastal Fast Response Boats (CFRBs) recently delivered to the Montenegrin Navy. The training, which spanned two weeks, concluded with a graduation ceremony attended by officials from the Montenegrin Navy, the Ministry of Defense, and the U.S. Embassy. U.S. Ambassador Judy Rising Reinke was present to commend the crews and present training…

A U.S. nuclear-powered submarine will undergo maintenance in Australia for the first time on Friday, a key step by AUKUS partners to deter aggression in the Indo-Pacific, the defense ministers of Australia, Britain and the United States said.Australian personnel trained with the United States and Britain over the past year ahead of the submarine maintenance at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia, involving personnel from the three nations."Our navies are committed to reinforcing…

Norwegian-headquartered offshore vessel owner Østensjø Rederi has placed an order with Spanish shipbuilder Gondan for a new offshore support vessel (OSV).The 120-meter vessel was designed by Salt Ship Design of Norway and will be built at Gondan's facilities in Asturias, Spain, for scheduled delivery in the second half of 2027. Featuring a 23-meter beam and accommodations for up to 180 personnel in daylight cabins, the new vessel will be equipped to perform a wide range of offshore operations…

Eidesvik Offshore will refit its platform supply vessel (PSV) Viking Energy with an ammonia dual fuel engine, targeting 2026 as the year that the vessel will operate on ammonia for Equinor, effectively cutting GHG emissions by 70% or more.Viking Energy will switch to ammonia operations, in a move that should make it the world’s first in-service vessel to adopt the fuel as a primary energy source."This conversion is made possible by the support and investment from Equinor. We are very pleased to partner up with a client that share our ambitious climate targets…

Kongsberg Maritime has secured a contract from COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry to supply a package of mission-critical technology for its latest Wind Turbine Installation Vessel (WTIV).The new GUSTO NG-20000X design vessel will be the third A-class WTIV to join the Cadeler fleet. It will be one of the world’s largest installation vessels in the offshore wind market, with a deck space of 5,600m2 and a payload of over 17,600 tons.Kongsberg Maritime will supply the complete electrical, automation and propulsion system, with a system comprising nine thrusters, all with fixed-pitch propellers.

Shipowners and cash buyers continue to struggle with the ongoing tonnage shortage as sub-continent ship recycling markets continue down their current trajectory, says cash buyer GMS.Negativity is permeating across the industry on the back of a short supply of vessels and global economies that remain shaky.

The U.S. Navy commissioned Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Kingsville (LCS 36) at the Solomon P. Ortiz Center, on August 24.Kingsville, the 18th Independence-variant LCS, is the first to bear this name and pays homage to the city of Kingsville and the King Ranch. The ship’s sponsor is a member of the sixth generation of the King Ranch family, descendants of steamboat captain Richard King who founded in the King Ranch in Kingsville in 1853. The King Ranch continues…

The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) is acquiring four new state-of-the-art Naval Large Tugs (NLT) to modernize its fleet. These new tugs—two for each of Canada's coasts—will replace the current Glen-class and Fire-class tugs.The new IMO Tier III vessels are based on a proven Robert Allan Ltd. RAmparts 2400 design. They are more powerful and more capable, which will improve the RCN's effectiveness in harbor berthing, coastal towing and firefighting. This update will strengthen the RCN's effectiveness in supporting the fleet.In April 2019…

American Liberty, the third new Coastal Cat in American Cruise Lines’ series of 100-passenger ships, was christened in Newport, R.I. this week.Built by Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Salisbury, Md., American Liberty is the newest ship in American’s ongoing Project Blue series of 12 new small ships for river and coastal cruising in the U.S. Several more ships in the series are already under construction, including the fourth Coastal Cat, American Legend, which is set to begin cruising in November 2024…