Danish Maritime Takes Center Stage
The inaugural Danish Maritime Days was held with the goal of providing an open platform for a diverse range of industry stakeholders to collaboratively address some of the largest issues facing the maritime sector; but the event also showcased a resurging maritime nation asserting itself on the international radar. From October 6-10, 2014, maritime stakeholders from across the globe convened in Denmark for the inaugural Danish Maritime Days (DMD), held via a public-private partnership between Danish Maritime, the Danish Maritime Authority and the Danish Shipowner’s Association.
Air Cavity System Aims to Help Reduce Emissions
DK Group will install its emissions-reducing Air Cavity System (ACS) technology on a 12,580 deadweight ton (DWT) multi-purpose vessel owned by Danish shipowner and ship management company Dannebrog Group. The deal marks the first time that DK Group's patented air lubrication technology has been installed on an international commercial vessel, and represents significant progression in the adoption of clean technology within the shipping industry. The Air Cavity System uses air bubbles in the boundary layer of the vessel to reduce frictional resistance between the water and the hull surface. The fuel efficiency generated by ACS will be up to 10 percent and will depend on vessel type and size. The investment payback period will range between 18 months and 3 years.
Stena Bulk Doubles Medium Range Fleet with Danish Merger
Stena Bulk is increasing its MR segment (Medium Range product tankers of 50,000 dwt) by acquiring 50 percent of the Danish shipping company Weco. This means that Stena Bulk has doubled its fleet in this segment from 15 to 30 tankers. Its objective over the next couple of years is to build up an operation with upwards of 50 vessels under the new brand name of Stena Weco. Weco, which is part of the privately owned shipping group Dannebrog, is a market leader in the transportation of special-type products such as palm oils, edible oils and caustic soda. Weco currently operates some 15 vessels with peaks of 30-35 vessels, including short-term charters. “This is in line with our new investment in worldwide MR operation with a greater focus on cargoes of edible oils.
