Exhaust Systems News

German shipbuilder Meyer Werft has introduced a concept for what it says would be the world’s first fully battery-electric cruise ship exceeding 80,000 gross tons, signaling a bold step forward in the industry’s push toward decarbonization.The concept, dubbed “Vision,” was unveiled at Seatrade Cruise Global in Miami. According to the yard, the 275-meter vessel would accommodate 1,856 passengers and deliver up to a 95% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional cruise ships.The design leans heavily on existing battery technology rather than speculative future solutions.

As global demand for data storage and processing accelerates — driven by cloud computing, streaming media, and the explosive growth of artificial intelligence — the physical footprint of data centers has become a growing challenge. Land-based facilities face mounting constraints: limited space, water scarcity, grid congestion, long permitting timelines and rising community opposition. Against that backdrop, a once-niche concept is moving rapidly into the mainstream conversation: floating data centers.For maritime designers…

Mavrik Marine, Inc. was selected to build high-speed passenger ferries for the Golden Gate Bridge Highway & Transportation District. Mavrik will construct catamaran passenger ferries as part of the District’s eight vessel Lima Class Ferry Replacement Program to provide transportation services in San Francisco Bay.The 50-m aluminum ferries specifications and systems were developed by Aurora Marine Design in San Diego with structural design from One2Three Naval Architects in Australia. Construction will begin immediately at Mavrik’s facility in La Conner, WA.

Breaux’s Bay Craft delivered its latest aluminum pilot vessel for the Houston Pilots. The first of two, M/V San Jacinto, is the newest addition to the fleet of high-performance pilot boats,designed for  precision, built for strength, and finished with a striking red, white, and blue color scheme that reflects the Gulf Coast heritage of the Houston Pilots.Measuring 80 x 21 feet wide, the San Jacinto is built with a new-generation inverted deep-V bottom hull, exceeds the rigorous operational demands of one of the busiest pilotage services in the U.S.

A trade group representing the aluminum industry called on Tuesday for a ban on U.S. exports of used beverage cans to China to support American production of cars, fighter jets, tanks and satellites.The Aluminum Association said the United States consumes between 5 million to 6 million metric tons of aluminum scrap annually while exporting more than 2 million tons. The group called for an immediate ban on used beverage container exports outside of North America on national security grounds, saying much of U.S.

Technology group Wärtsilä has made its carbon capture solution (CCS) commercially available to the global maritime industry, aimed at accelerating the decarbonization of shipping.According to Wärtsilä’s tests, the new ‘Wärtsilä Carbon capture solution’ is proven to reduce vessel CO2 emissions by up to 70%, providing ship owners with an immediate solution to meet increasingly stringent environmental regulations.The ability to capture CO2 from ship exhaust systems will have a major impact on the industry’s efforts to reduce GHG emissions…

A nuclear-propelled containership designed by HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) received approval in principle from ABS.The design for a 15k TEU vessel uses a propulsion system comprised of a molten salt reactor (MSR) for heat and a supercritical carbon dioxide (SCO2) system for power generation. Unlike conventional ships, nuclear-powered vessels do not require engine exhaust systems or fuel tanks. HD KSOE has optimized the space previously occupied by large engine room equipment to accommodate additional containers, enhancing economic efficiency.

Novielli Boats maintains a distinguished position in the global RIB boat (Rigid Inflatable Boat) market, thanks to advanced engineering principles, attention to structural integrity, and a keen focus on operator experience. With a production schedule that has accelerated in recent years, the brand’s flagship models have become the choice of both commercial outfits and recreational enthusiasts seeking reliability and refined power on open water. The growing demand for vessels that embody functional aesthetics…

The Government of Bermuda’s Marine and Port Services has taken delivery of the 700-passenger ferry Bermudian after a major refit at Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding. Engineering and project management were jointly handled by the Somerset, Mass. shipyard and Propulsion Data Services, and class oversight by Lloyd’s Register.Among the myriad items to be removed, repaired or replaced, the hull received repairs as required by class and repainted, with a goal of extending the life of the 37-year-old vessel an additional 15 years…

Somerset, Mass. shipyard Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding, Duclos Corporation, announced it has delivered the first of the Boston Pilots’ two Chesapeake-class pilot boats undergoing a comprehensive refit.“The vessels are well used and well maintained. Only minor structural repairs were necessary so definitely worthy of refitting,” said Peter Duclos, the shipyard’s co-president.Along with installing new shafts and Brunton propellers, the 53’ all-aluminum pilot boat’s twin 600 hp Lugger L6140AL2 engines were replaced with a pair of Volvo Penta D-16 diesel engines…

Cracks in a muffler and the substantial use of combustible materials in accommodation spaces led to a fire aboard a towing vessel last year on the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway near Freeport, Texas, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said Thursday.On June 25, 2022, the four-person crew aboard the towing vessel Mary Dupre departed Port Comfort, Texas, for Houston, pushing a single barge loaded with bio-diesel fuel. The following day, a fire broke out, leading to a total loss of the vessel, which was estimated at $1 million.

The Tampa Bay pilot association has taken delivery of Tampa, a newly refitted Chesapeake Class pilot boat built by Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding in 2003, when the Somerset, Mass. shipyard introduced the class of mid-size, high-speed launches. In 2015, the Tampa pilots also took delivery of the shipyard’s first Chesapeake Class MKII, which incorporates the performance benefits of Volvo Penta’s IPS 2 pod system. “After 19 years of hard work, the vessel was showing some wear and tear but she still had a lot of life left so it was definitely worth re-investing in…

The Government of Bermuda’s Marine and Port Services has chosen Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding, Duclos Corporation, to undertake a major refit of the 700-passenger ferry Bermudian. Built in 1988, the 118’ steel vessel completed the 635-mile crossing of the North Atlantic, arriving at the Somerset, Mass. shipyard, this week. With engineering and project management by Gladding-Hearn and Propulsion Data Services, and Class oversight by Lloyd’s Register, the refit is scheduled for completion in mid-2023.Among the myriad items to be removed…

U.K.-based NR Marine Services has placed an order with compatriot shipbuilder Divers Marine for a new new crew transfer vessel (CTV) to service the offshore wind industry. This newbuild, to be named NR Predator, will be a first of class Diverse Marine 27-meter CTV featuring a traditional catamaran hull form that has been CFD tested and optimized to provide class-leading seakeeping coupled with reduced fuel consumption and emissions, the builder said.This vessel is being built as "hybrid ready" with an insulated generator space ready to receive generators and batteries.

The Tampa Bay pilot association has returned its first Chesapeake Class pilot boat to Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding. Tampa was built in 2003 when the shipyard introduced the class of mid-size, high-speed launches. In 2015, the Tampa pilots took delivery of the shipyard’s first Chesapeake Class MKII, which incorporates the performance benefits of Volvo Penta’s IPS 2 pod system. With more than 50,000 operating hours, the 53’ all-aluminum pilot boat will be repowered and undergo repairs after a thorough inspection by the shipyard’s quality control department.

I recently built a 35 foot Solar Hybrid Electric Wheelchair Accessible Catamaran for my wife who became wheelchair bound a few years ago. (In typing this sentence, I just realized that this vessel can be referred to as a SHEWAC)It is only a 35 foot recreational vessel, but it contains all the propulsion pieces that are found in any other modern hybrid propelled vessel.I have operated the vessel for one summer and have learned a lot of things that I had not considered when I first conceived her.Fortunately…

Babcock Team 31 announced the second round of supply chain contract awards to support the UK Royal Navy’s Type 31 general purpose frigate program.Rolls-Royce is now a major supplier to the program with its brand MTU, delivering the main engines and diesel Generators for the frigates, which will be manufactured in Germany. Renk, will provide the main reduction gearboxes, and MAN Energy Solutions will supply the propellers and propeller shaft lines.In addition, Blunox are contracted to supply the SCR exhaust environmental equipment to reduce emissions from the main engines and diesel generators.

Vetus Maxwell is showcasing its expanded BOW PRO thruster range at the International Workboat Show.The addition of two larger BOW PRO Boosted thruster models has strengthened Vetus Maxwell’s range of control, maneuvering and Dynamic Positioning solutions available for ferries, excursion vessels, pilot boats, search and recovery, and law enforcement boats through the award-winning BOW PRO series. Suitable for vessels up to about 70ft, the new BOWB180 and BOWB210 Boosted thrusters…

Associated British Ports (ABP) announced new customers for the Port of Immingham this week as the port welcomed the first vessel in a new contract with customers Top Blue and The Fuel Trading Company.The new deal is expected to bring an extra 30,000 tonnes per year through the Port of Immingham – the largest Port by tonnage in the UK. The cargo being delivered is Prilled Urea which is a key part of the mixture for the AdBlue market.AdBlue is a fluid which is put into vehicle exhaust systems, helping to reduce emissions produced by diesel engines. With car manufacturers having to follow to strict emissions targets, AdBlue is vital to make sure diesel cars are kinder to the environment.The Humber provides an ideal location and efficient links to the product’s final destination…

Part I: Enhancing Engines & Fuels"Wood Mackenzie forecasts a 25 percent increase in price for lower sulfur content fuel based on a SOx scrubber adoption rate of about two percent, but some scenarios could cause LSFO prices to spike by as much as 60 percent."Around 80 percent of global trade is carried by sea. With more than 125,000 commercial and naval vessels operating around the world, ship-engine emissions are projected to rise by 250 percent by 2050 unless controls are imposed.

UK headquartered exhaust systems designer and developer Halyard has been selected by US based inboard driveline technology engineering and manufacturing company Seatorque Control Systems as its exclusive distributor for the European and Scandinavian markets.Seatorque is a developer of propulsion systems including its acclaimed BOSS Bolt-On Shaft System. This unique enclosed system is an oil-filled, self-contained shaft and thrust bearing assembly that reduces friction, underbody drag…

A new research vessel for the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) has completed sea trials and is transiting to its home port in Virginia.The new vessel, the R/V Virginia, will support the institution’s fisheries research projects and greatly expand VIMS’ capability to perform general oceanographic research in the Chesapeake Bay as well as mid-Atlantic coastal waters. Interest in the new research vessel is already growing rapidly as next season is almost fully booked with science cruises.The 93-foot vessel was built by Meridien Maritime Reparation.

Imagine a settlement over falsifying emission levels in another transportation sector dropping money onto your deck. Who knew? But it’s true. The $2.9 billion settlement fund Volkswagen agreed to capitalize for distribution across all 50 states, tribal lands and Puerto Rico, as a result of “dieselgate,” its criminal dodging of required auto emission levels, presents an unparalleled opportunity to maritime companies that want to move their noxious diesel engines up a couple of EPA notches, and stick someone else with close to half the bill or more.