Division 8 News
Stolt-Nielsen Navigates Rising Uncertainty in 1Q26
Stolt-Nielsen Limited opened 2026 with a solid—if more tempered—financial performance, underscoring both the resilience of its diversified logistics portfolio and the mounting pressures facing global chemical shipping markets.The London-based group reported first-quarter revenue of $716.8 million and net profit of $47.5 million for the period ending February 28, 2026, compared to $675.6 million and $151.4 million, respectively, in the same period a year ago. The sharp year-on-year profit decline was largely attributable to one-off gains booked in 1Q25…
Plastics Pipe Institute’s Handbook Updated for High-Density Polyethylene Pipe Projects
The Marine Installations chapter of the Plastics Pipe Institute’s Handbook of Polyethylene Pipe has been updated to include more technical information and guidance for the use of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe. “This revision significantly expands the technical depth and practical guidance for marine HDPE pipeline projects,” explained Alex LeBon, P.E., Marine Pipelines Division Manager for Makai Ocean Engineering (Hawaii). LeBon served as the primary author.“Our group made…
RINA, Hanwha Team Up to Develop Battery-Hybrid Propulsion Systems
RINA has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with South Korea’s Hanwha Group to promote the adoption of battery-hybrid propulsion systems in the maritime sector.The agreement involves Hanwha affiliates Hanwha Power Systems, Hanwha Aerospace and Hanwha Engine, and targets the development of hybrid propulsion solutions for both newbuild vessels and retrofits, with a focus on the roll-on/roll-off ferry segment.The partners said the collaboration aims to accelerate the transition to lower-emission vessels by combining Hanwha’s expertise in propulsion…
Serco to Build Lord Howe Island Freight Vessel
Serco has been selected for the design and build of a new freight vessel to support World Heritage listed Lord Howe Island’s critical freight needs for the next 40 years.The project, part of the NSW Government’s Lord Howe Island Critical Infrastructure Program, will deliver a vessel designed to meet stringent environmental and biosecurity standards, helping provide critical protection for the native plant, bird and insect species present.The new vessel will feature roll-on roll…
Drone Strike on Kuwaiti Oil Tanker off Dubai Signals Further Escalation in Gulf
Tehran attacked and set ablaze a fully loaded crude oil tanker off Dubai on Tuesday, despite a threat by President Donald Trump that the U.S. will obliterate Iran's energy plants if it does not agree to a peace deal and open the Strait of Hormuz.Authorities in Dubai said the fire on the Kuwait-flagged Al-Salmi had been brought under control following a drone attack, with no oil leak and no injuries to the crew. Kuwait Petroleum Corp, the ship's owner, said the vessel's hull was damaged.The attack was the latest on merchant vessels in the strait…
Christian Ortego, Christie Miller Named as Vice Presidents at HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding
HII announced the selection of two vice presidents at its Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division. Christie Miller has been promoted to the role of vice president of communications and Christian Ortego will join the division as vice president and NNS chief counsel.In her new role, Miller will have responsibility for internal and executive communications, special events and protocol, and tradeshows and tours for NNS.Starting her career with the company in 2011, Miller has held positions of increasing responsibility…
HII Promotes Veteran-to-Shipbuilding Workforce Pipeline
HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding division recently welcomed senior enlisted leaders from the U.S. Marine Corps for a visit focused on strengthening pathways between Marines completing active service and long-term careers in the shipbuilding industry.The visit underscored the longtime partnership between Ingalls and the Marine Corps, particularly through Ingalls’ role as the nation’s primary builder of amphibious warships.“Marines bring discipline, technical aptitude and a service mindset…
Verlume Evolves Leadership to Support Next Phase of Growth
Following three consecutive years of revenue growth and expanding international demand for efficient offshore power delivery, Verlume is evolving its leadership structure to support its next phase of global expansion transitioning from technology commercialization to global scale-up.After founding Verlume and leading the company as CEO for 13 years, Richard Knox will transition into the role of Founder-CTO. In this position he will focus on customer engagement, innovation and technology strategy.
ATSB Releases Preliminary Report on Nuyina Grounding
An ATSB preliminary investigation report details the circumstances leading up to the brief grounding of the Australian research vessel Nuyina off Heard Island, 4,000 km south-west of Perth, October 13 last year.The grounding occurred while Nuyina, the Australian Antarctic Division’s research and supply vessel, was conducting drone survey operations over the shore of Heard Island, close to an area of uncharted seafloor.On board the vessel were 37 marine crew and 85 expeditioners.“Nuyina had several scientific instruments installed on a retractable drop keel…
Union Members Ratify Pay Rise at HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding
HII has announced that all five collective bargaining units at its Ingalls Shipbuilding division have ratified new collective bargaining agreements, securing an immediate 18 percent or higher base wage increase for union-represented shipbuilders.This is the largest single wage increase in Ingalls Shipbuilding history and will extend the contract through March 8, 2031.The Ingalls Shipbuilding Collective Bargaining Agreement, for union-represented shipbuilders, provides historic wage growth of 35 to 47 percent through 2031.
Towage Giant Delivers Record Results, Eyes Global Expansion
SAAM closed 2025 with record financial performance, underscoring the continued strength of its harbor towage business across the Americas while positioning the company for further international expansion. For a company that has spent the past several years reshaping its business model and sharpening its strategic focus, the results signal both operational momentum and growing scale in the global tug market.The Chile-based maritime services provider reported net income of $80.4 million for 2025, while EBITDA reached $216.9 million, representing a 15% increase compared to the previous year.
Keel of USS Philadelphia Authenticated by HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding
Ingalls Shipbuilding division authenticated the keel for the future USS Philadelphia (LPD 32), a Flight II San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship.The ceremony included ship sponsor Maureen Paparo, a Philadelphia native, who was joined by her spouse, Adm. Samuel Paparo, commander U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. Also, attending the ceremony was Chris Kastner, HII’s president and CEO, Brian Blanchette, Ingalls Shipbuilding president and key U.S. Navy officials.As part of the ceremony…
OEG Adds Fulmar CTV to Growing Offshore Wind Fleet
OEG has expanded its offshore wind vessel fleet with the delivery of Fulmar, a new multi-purpose crew transfer vessel (CTV), following successful sea trials.The vessel will operate in U.K. waters and has secured its first charter in Scotland, supporting offshore construction work at the Inch Cape Offshore Wind Farm. The project was awarded to OEG earlier last year and is supported by the company’s specialists based in Edinburgh.Fulmar can accommodate up to 24 personnel for high-speed transfers and can be configured for extended offshore trips.
Brim Explorer Orders Two Battery-Powered Trimarans
Tourism and technology company Brim Explorer has signed contracts for the construction of two efficient, battery-powered passenger vessels. The high-speed trimarans are scheduled for delivery in spring 2027.The two new trimarans have been developed by Brim Tech, Brim Explorer's in-house technology division, following the principle of "electric by design." This means the vessels are engineered from the ground up for electric propulsion, not converted from fossil-fuel solutions.With a range of 100 nautical miles (nearly 200 km) at 20 knots without recharging…
TKMS CEO Calls for Defense Industry Consolidation
The chief executive of German warship builder TKMS has called for consolidation within the defence industry in a speech published on Monday ahead of the company's annual general meeting."If defence capabilities are to be established more quickly, standardisation, industrial consolidation and speed are required," CEO Oliver Burkhard said in a transcript of the speech due to be held during the AGM on Feb.
One Dead After RoPax Fire Off Singapore
A fire onboard the Liberia-registered passenger vessel World Legacy while it was en route to Singapore has resulted in the death of one crew member.The incident occurred on February 20 at about 4:00am (Singapore Time). The fire was brought under control by the crew shortly after.The vessel is in a stable condition and is currently anchored at Raffles Reserved Anchorage.Singapore MPA patrol craft, the Police Coast Guard and the SCDF Marine Division are attending to the vessel.There were 388 crew members onboard and 224 passengers.
MacGregor to Supply Cargo Access, Deck Machinery for BC Ferries’ Newbuilds
MacGregor has been selected to supply cargo access solutions and deck machinery for four new major vessels under BC Ferries’ fleet renewal program.The next-generation vessels, to be built at China Merchants Industry (CMI) Weihai Shipyard, are designed as diesel-battery hybrid, all-electric ready ships intended for BC Ferries’ busiest routes between Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland in Canada.MacGregor will provide the cargo access equipment along with a dedicated Integrated Logistic Support (ILS) package.
Fincantieri Eyes Doubling Profit via Defense
Fincantieri this week pledged to double its core profit to $1.49 billion in 2030 under a new defence-centred multi-year strategy that will also double its shipyard production capacity in Italy and expand its underwater business.Rising demand from the defence sector as Europe steps up military spending, with new contracts coming in already this year, is driving the need to increase production capacity, Fincantieri said.The Italian shipbuilder projected a 40% increase in revenue through 2030…
Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division Hosts Annual School Innovation Challenge
For more than a decade, Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division has invested in regional schools through STEM events, robotics competitions and technology donations, recognizing that the next generation of scientists and engineers is already sitting in today’s classrooms.On Feb. 13 and 14, NSWCDD will host its annual Innovation Challenge at Dahlgren, called IC@D for short, for middle and high schoolers at the Fredericksburg Convention Center. The invitation-only event will…
Blue Water Announces Andy Tite as Senior Vice President, Projects
Blue Water Shipping has announced Andy Tite as Senior Vice President, Head of Projects, effective July 1, 2026. Andy brings experience, knowledge and insight to the projects industry and will focus on further global expansion at Blue Water.Andy has, for the past six years, held senior management positions at DHL, including most recently Vice President, Global Business Development & Commercial Director, Industrial Projects. His career experience to date includes positions at Zeamarine…
MacGregor Nets AHC Subsea Crane for Floating Wind Farm Vessel
MacGregor has been selected to supply a substantial 400-tonne Active Heave Compensated (AHC) subsea crane for a new 127-meter Floating Wind Farm Construction Vessel (FWCV).Purpose-built for the burgeoning floating offshore wind market, the new vessel is a significant development for the industry and requires one of the largest subsea AHC cranes ordered in recent years.The order is booked into MacGregor's first quarter 2026 order intake.The contract for MacGregor is with Chinese shipyard, Jiangsu Dajin Heavy Industry.
HII Newport News Shipbuilding Completes Builder’s Sea Trials of John F. Kennedy (CVN 79)
HII announced that its Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division has successfully completed builder’s sea trials of John F. Kennedy (CVN 79), the second Gerald R. Ford-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.Kennedy returned to NNS after testing important ship systems and components at sea for the first time.The sea trials brought together NNS shipbuilders, John F. Kennedy sailors and Navy personnel to execute the testing and demonstrate ship operations.CVN 79 continues the legacy of highly capable nuclear-powered aircraft carrier platforms.
Fire Island Ferries: Built for the Fourth Generation & Beyond
Tim Mooney is the third-generation family member at the helm of the iconic Fire Island Ferries. While the company’s primary focus has been moving people to and fro, from the Long Island, NY mainland to the Fire Island barrier communities and beaches, the business has evolved and grown since its start in 1948 via acquisition and organic growth. Mooney discuss the assets, the people and the priorities to safely, efficiently keep his cumulative operation of moving about one million people annually in good order.There are ferry operators…