What Does Climate Change Mean for Extreme Waves?
In 80% of the world, we don’t really know.Across much of the world’s oceans, waves are getting bigger. In the Southern Ocean, where storm-driven swell can propagate halfway across the world to California, the average wave has grown about 20cm in the past 30 years.These changes are part of climate change, and are likely to continue well into the future. If you’re making long-term plans near the sea – like building ships…
BV, ThorCon Developing Molten Salt Nuclear Power Barge
Testing, inspection and certification specialist Bureau Veritas and nuclear power technology developer ThorCon have entered an agreement for the technology qualification and the subsequent development of a 500-megawatt (MW) molten salt nuclear power barge for operations in Indonesia.The concept developed by ThorCon is a molten salt fission reactor that operates at low pressure and uses liquid fuel.
New Shiplift Will Expand Capacity & Flexibility at BAE Systems Jacksonville
BAE Systems announced it will spend $200 million for upgrades aimed at increasing capacity and flexibility at its Jacksonville, Fla. ship repair yard. The investment covers the preparation, construction, procurement and installation of a modern Pearlson shiplift and land-level ship repair facility, giving the yard the capability to service a greater number of vessels more efficiently.Located two miles from the Atlantic Ocean, at the intersection of the St.
Wilhelmsen Takes Over Management of HLS' New VLGC
Norwegian vessel operator Wilhelmsen Ship Management announced it has taken over management of the newbuild liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carrier HLS Blue Sapphire.The 86,000-cubic-meter-capacity very large gas carrier (VLGC) is the first managed by Wilhelmsen for new client Hyundai LNG Shipping of South Korea.The LPG dual fuel vessel was built at South Korea's Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries Ltd.
Helix Inks Long-term Charter for Glomar Wave
Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc., announced its robotics division has entered into a three-year charter agreement with two years of options for the DP2 offshore support vessel Glomar Wave for work on a range of opportunities in both the offshore renewables and oil and gas sectors.Helix Robotics Solutions' Glomar Wave, a DP2 66.4-meter multi-role vessel, is expected to operate across energy sectors supporting Helix clients in a variety of roles.The purpose-built vessel…
VIDEO: Watch the Armach Robotics Hull Service Robot in Action
Armach Robotics, Inc. (Armach), recently passed a critical milestone during a trial of its Hull Service Robot in full over-the-horizon (OTH) mode.At the end of 2022, Armach’s hull service robot (HSR), in the water in Norfolk, VA, was monitored and controlled by staff at Armach’s command center in Plymouth, MA, using a 4G modem providing over-the-air connectivity. During the trial, the Plymouth-based operator was able to fly the robot from its launch point at the pier…
Vessel Retrofits Could Accelerate U.S. Offshore Wind Development
The U.S. Administration’s strategy to fast-track offshore wind development is exciting for overseas shipbuilders and service providers in the field. Joint ventures meeting Jones Act requirements will support accelerating development. Some question, however, whether ambitious 2030 targets can actually be achieved.Ulstein group is a front runner. The Norwegian-based company has already provided the design…
Gusting Forward: U.S. Gov't to Simplify Offshore Wind Rules to Meet Climate Goals
The U.S. Department of the Interior will reform its regulations for the development of wind energy facilities on the country's outer continental shelf to help meet crucial climate goals, it said in a statement on Thursday.The proposed rule changes would save developers a projected $1 billion over a 20-year period by streamlining burdensome processes, clarifying ambiguous provisions, and lowering compliance costs, the statement said.
Turkish Yard Starts Construction of Two Ferries for Scotland
Keel laying and steel-cutting ceremonies for two new ferries being built for Scotland's Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) were held this week at Cemre Marin Endustri shipyard in Turkey.The first ferry in the production timeline has had its keel laid, while steel-cutting for the second vessel has also begun – three weeks earlier than planned.The new, 94.8-meter vehicle/passenger ferries will each have capacity for up to 450 passengers and 100 cars or 14 commercial vehicles…
Injured Mariner Medevaced from Tanker off Alaska
An injured mariner was medevaced from a vessel 220 miles south of Dutch Harbor, Alaska, on Wednesday, the U.S. Coast Guard said.Watchstanders at the Coast Guard 17th District command center, in Juneau, received the initial request for the medevac on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. from the crew of the Liberia-registered FPMC 33 after a crewmember on board had reportedly broken his legs.The watchstanders requested the tanker meet a Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak aircrew…
UK Ship Pilot Dies in Transfer Accident
A U.K. ship pilot has died as result of an accident during a transfer from a pilot launch to a large oceangoing vessel on the east coast of Northern England.The accident occurred on January 8, 2023 in the Humber Estuary, the UK Maritime Pilots’ Association (UK MPA) said in a statement. The U.K.'s Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has opened a full investigation into the cause of the incident.Killed in the incident was Capt.
Resolve Marine Announces New Leadership Roles
Marine salvage, rescue, emergency response and specialized services company Resolve Marine announced that Deputy CEO Joseph Farrell, III has been appointed Chief Operating Officer. In the combined role he oversees all operations and administration including emergency response, projects, Alaska, shared resources, HSEQ, strategy and M&A, finance, government relations, human resources, marketing, and alternative investments.Farrell…
Manson Construction Names Ray EHS Director
Seattle-based dredging and marine construction contractor Manson Construction announced it has named Forrest Ray as its new director of environmental health and safety, effective January 1, 2023.Ray succeeds Dave Howard, who will retire this Spring after 18 years of service at Manson. Howard will work in an advisory role until his last day, scheduled for March 7, guiding Ray through the transition.Ray…
Hapag-Lloyd Acquires Stake in the Spinelli Group
German container liner Hapag-Lloyd on Thursday announced it has completed its acquisition of a minority stake in Italy-based logistics company the Spinelli Group as global shipping firms continue to expand their port presence amid prolonged supply chain disruption.The deal was first announced in September but remained subject to the approval of antitrust authorities.With today’s closing, Hapag-Lloyd has acquired a 49% stake in one of Italy’s leading terminal and transport operators.
Lobsters Versus Right Whales
Lobsters versus right whales: The latest chapter in a long quest to make fishing more sustainableMaine lobster fishermen received a Christmas gift from Congress at the end of 2022: A six-year delay on new federal regulations designed to protect critically endangered North Atlantic right whales.The rules would have required lobstermen to create new seasonal nonfishing zones and further reduce their use of vertical ropes to retrieve lobster traps from the seafloor.
Russian Oil Revenues Falling Because of Price Cap -US Official
Russian oil revenues are falling due to the price cap that Western countries imposed on its crude oil shipments and, ahead of further caps on Russia's oil products, Europe is well positioned to manage any price pressures, a U.S. Treasury official said on Wednesday.The Group of Seven countries, Australia and the European Union will extend sanctions on Russia for its war in Ukraine by putting a price cap on its oil products, such as gasoline and diesel, on Feb.
Port of South Louisiana Buys Avondale Global Gateway
The Port of South Louisiana (Port SL) said it has reached a deal with T. Parker Host to buy the Avondale Global Gateway, a logistics hub at site of the former Avondale Shipyard.The acquisition of this 254-acre facility at mile 108 of the Mississippi River will allow the port to be more competitive in traditional international trade and focus on the new frontier of renewable energy development, Port…
U.S. Gulf of Mexico: Laborde Marine Expands Offshore Vessel Fleet
New Orleans-based Laborde Marine said Thursday it had acquired two 240-foot (73.15m) deepwater DP-2 offshore supply vessels from L&M Botruc Rental, Inc. and has expanded its fleet of managed vessels. The company said that SOLAS-certified Shelley Lab and Gibson Lab vessels would support deepwater activities in the Gulf of Mexico.One of the vessels is currently operating under contract, while the other…
Container Shipping Turmoil Spills Over Into 2023, says Xeneta's Sand
As container shipping demand continues to fall into the New Year, Xeneta Chief Analyst Peter Sand weigh in with his insights on the pace and direction of spot and contract rates; the likelihood of ship lay-ups and scrapping in 2023; plus the impact that West Coast port labor strife will have on the industry as a whole, as the East Coast U.S. emerges as the dominant player.To start us off, what do you…
Yinson's FPSO Contract in Nigeria Ends after 16 Years as Client Opts to Buy the Floater
The Malaysian FPSO leasing company Yinson has completed the 16-year contract for FPSO Adoon in Nigeria as the client Addax decided to buy the FPSO.The contract for the FPSO which has been operating at Block OML 123 offshore Nigeria, had an original term of 8 years until 2014, with the option to extend by up to 8 more years until 2022. The contract was further extended by client Addax through consecutive monthly extensions until January 2023.
