Marine Equipment News

Navigation authorities will attempt to install a temporary lock system on the river Mosel in west Germany this weekend to enable the river, an important route for grains and rapeseed shipments to and from Germany and France, to reopen to cargo shipping.The river was closed to inland waterways shipping this week after an accident damaged a lock at Mueden south of Koblenz with repairs likely to last until late March.However, German navigation agency WSA said on Friday that it is preparing a temporary lock system which will be tested over the weekend.

BB ELECTRA, the first fully electric powered tugboat to operate in Europe, has been extremely busy since arriving in Norway on April 8, 2024, to start working for environmentally-friendly operator Buksér og Berging.Built by Sanmar Shipyards in Turkiye to the exclusive to Sanmar ElectRA 2200SX design from Canadian naval architects Robert Allan Ltd, this game-changing tug has already completed 81 towage operations during 835 running hours.Part of a project unveiled in 2021, a total of seven ElectRA Series tugs are now in operation in Europe and North America…

Anemoi Marine Technologies has today announced that Clare Urmston has been appointed as the company’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).After holding a number of executive and non-executive positions within the manufacturing, healthcare and fast-moving consumer goods sectors, Clare Urmston joined Anemoi in March 2020 as its Chief Financial Officer and, in May 2024, became Chief Operating Officer as part of the company’s growth into Asia.She replaces Kim Diederichsen who is stepping…

In a ceremony in Rauma, Finland, Damen Shipyards Group and Kongsberg Maritime have celebrated the delivery of the 1500th Kongsberg azimuth thruster to Damen, in a relationship spanning more than 40 years.This latest delivery continues the supply of azimuth thrusters for Damen’s wide range of tug designs, operating for its customers in ports across the world. Thruster number 1500 is one of a pair which will be installed on a Damen ASD Tug 2813, currently under construction at Damen Song Cam Shipyard in Vietnam.Speaking at the event…

BlueBox Systems, developers of intelligent freight tracking solutions, has further developed its BlueBoxCargo tracking platform.The new features include the tracking of CO₂ emissions for sea freight, simplified shipment registration for smaller customers and extended analysis options that further optimize decision-making for customers. This includes, for example, a new routing function for air freight customers. The enhancements give customers access to even more precise and comprehensive…

Gatehouse Maritime, a provider of  AIS (Automatic Identification System) network monitoring and maritime domain awareness software, announced the award of a new contract from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.The contract, initially set for one year, includes an option for a four-year extension, underscoring the long-term strategic importance of the partnership.Under the newly awarded contract, the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) will use Gatehouse Maritime's industry-leading AIS Network Monitoring system to enhance their management of U.S. national waterways.

Force Control Industries introduces a new line of Build America, Buy America Act (BABAA) compliant thruster brakes under the brand name: HYDRASTOP.These spring-set, electrohydraulic thruster-released brakes are now available for 6-13” drums only with plans to develop larger drum sizes and a complete disc brake series. Thruster brakes statically hold and/or dynamically stop a load: they are ideal for industrial applications like cranes, movable bridges, conveyors, marine deck equipment, and more.

Trelleborg Marine & Infrastructure, a provider of engineered polymer and technology solutions for the marine, infrastructure, and energy industries, has signed and finalized an agreement to acquire Mampaey Offshore Industries. The acquisition will significantly enhance Trelleborg's capabilities in the vessel berthing sector and expand its offerings for the marine industry. Mampaey, based in Dordrecht, Netherlands, has over 120 years of experience delivering advanced solutions for the marine industry.

Iridium Communications Inc. announced the service launch of Iridium Certus GMDSS, a generational advancement in maritime satellite communication safety services.Iridium Certus GMDSS, the only truly global GMDSS service available, features distress alert, safety voice, and Maritime Safety Information (MSI); includes additional regulated services like Long Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) and Ship Security Alert System (SSAS), and provides the fastest weather-resilient broadband service available for conducting ships' business when other systems are blocked or unavailable.

How propane offers unmatched reliability and resiliency when severe weather strikesPorts are critical hubs for global trade and shipping logistics, and they can’t afford to slow down due to extreme weather events. Especially in the Northern U.S., winter storms bring extreme freezing temperatures that can quickly create issues for any diesel or electric engines powering port equipment. Meanwhile, ports along the Gulf Coast and Atlantic Coast must be prepared for hurricanes every year that can knock out the power grid and slow down operations for days…

Techcross, a leading ballast water management system (BWMS) manufacturer in Korea, said it has become the first in the industry to obtain Cyber Resilience Certification from the Korean Register (KR), a certification that evaluates ability to respond to cyber threats during design, operation, and recovery process based on the UR E27 regulations established by the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS). With the growing adoption of digital technologies into ships, the risks of cyber threats and attacks have increased significantly.

Hycamite TCD Technologies, MOLEA, a subsidiary of Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, and MOL PLUS have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) promoting the application of methane-splitting for onboard power generation.With Hycamite’s technology, LNG-fueled ships can convert methane into hydrogen as they sail, and the solid carbon produced can be offloaded at the port of destination. If bioLNG is used, the solution can create a negative carbon footprint.Earlier this year, Hycamite announced development of a system that…

Schmidt Sciences has named 25 scholars working at the forefront of AI as AI2050 fellows and will award them up to $12 million to advance research that realizes the potential of AI to benefit humanity.The AI2050 program asks researchers to imagine the year 2050 where AI has been hugely beneficial and to pursue projects that help society realize this.The program will fund senior researchers and early career scholars for two years.Previous senior fellows in the first two cohorts include Prof. Kelly Chibale from the University of Cape Town, recently elected to the U.S.

JA Moody, a maritime supplier of fluid control valves, actuators, strainers, parts and services to the United States Navy and Commercial Marine industry, today announced a strategic partnership and investment from New Heritage Capital ("Heritage"), a Boston-based private equity firm specializing in founder-owned businesses.The investment was structured using Heritage's Private IPO solution, which preserves operational control for JA Moody's management while providing capital for accelerated growth.

DP World is trialing an innovative carbon reduction program at its UK logistics hubs, London Gateway and Southampton, aimed at helping cargo importers cut their emissions.Starting on 1 January 2025 for an initial six-month trial, the Carbon Inset Program will reward importers with 50kg CO₂e of carbon credits for every loaded import container they move through DP World’s UK terminals. These independently certified credits, issued quarterly, will showcase participating companies’ efforts to reduce the indirect (Scope 3) emissions in their supply chains.Unlike traditional carbon offset credits…

Austal Philippines has delivered a 32-meter catamaran to Rottnest Fast Ferries, less than twelve months after commencing construction in Balamban, Cebu.The vessel, named ‘Ocean Master’, designed by Incat Crowther, was officially accepted by representatives from Rottnest Fast Ferries following the successful completion of sea trials in November 2024.President of Austal Asia, Wayne Murray said the delivery was yet another demonstration of the proven capability of the Austal Philippines shipyard to construct world-class vessels of high-level designs…

Crowley has been recognized as a Top Company for Women to Work For in Transportation by Women in Trucking Association’s official magazine, Redefining the Road, for the fourth consecutive year.This recognition underscores Crowley’s sustained commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace that empowers team members by offering competitive compensation and benefits and emphasizing professional development and career advancement opportunities. Through its employee-led business resource groups like Women Empowered…

Danfoss Drives’ Hannes Leichtfried has been elected to serve on the National Electrical Manufacturers Association’s (NEMA) Board of Governors.NEMA announced the election of three new board members and three new officers on November 13, following its 2024 Annual Meeting. Leichtfried, an industry veteran and current vice president of sales and marketing for Danfoss Drives in North America, brings nearly 30 years of experience in electrification to the position. He will serve a three-year term alongside executives from companies such as Cisco Systems…

Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS) has strengthened its collaboration with bound4blue by contracting three 22-meter high eSAIL suction sails. The fully autonomous Wind Assisted Propulsion System (WAPS) will be installed on a newbuild MR Tanker from New Times Shipbuilding in Jiangsu Province, China in late 2025. This agreement follows EPS’s first project with bound4blue earlier this year, which involved retrofitting three eSAILs on Pacific Sentinel, a 50,000dwt vessel, in February.

Tugdock and Sarens have secured funding from Crown Estate’s Supply Chain Accelerator for a joint project to develop a heavy lift operations and maintenance (O&M) hub at ABP’s port of Port Talbot in Wales to support floating wind projects in the region.With key support from major industry players such as ABP and RWE, and other partnerships, the vision for the facility is to provide support for heavy lift equipment used in floating offshore wind projects in the Celtic Sea.Port Talbot's strategic location near the Celtic Sea makes it an optimal hub for supporting floating offshore wind projects…

TraPac Oakland, a container terminal operator in California, has selected Liebherr for the supply of two ship-to-shore (STS) cranes, marking the company’s first shipment to United States’ West Coast.The cranes boast a 66-meter (216-foot) outreach, a 53-meter (173.83-foot) lift height, and a span of 30.48 meters (100 feet).With a lifting capacity of 66 long tonnes in twin-lift mode, they have been designed for high-capacity handling, making them suitable for servicing the world’s…

Kongsberg Digital announced a significant agreement with Transnet SOC Ltd (Transnet) to deliver state-of-the-art simulator technology to the Transnet Academy in Durban, South Africa.Transnet plays a role in the South African economy by providing infrastructure and fostering economic growth through port operations. Scheduled for delivery in June 2025, the suite of Kongsberg simulators will support Transnet’s mission to enhance trade facilitation, sustainability, and economic growth by boosting training capacity and staying ahead of industry demand.

Successful engine-retrofit of Very Large Container Vessel ‘Maersk Halifax’ to dual-fuel ME-LGIM unit. MAN Energy Solutions has announced the successful retrofit of the main engine of the ‘Maersk Halifax’ to a dual-fuel MAN B&W ME-LGIM unit. MAN PrimeServ, MAN Energy Solutions’ after-sales division, carried out the work, the first such project globally involving a VLCV (Very Large Container Vessel).The 15,000 teu vessel entered service in 2017 and was originally powered by an MAN B&W 8G95ME-C9.5 prime mover.

Iberdrola has received a production license from the Portuguese Directorate-General for Energy and Geology of Portugal (DGEG), taking another step towards the construction of the largest wind farm in Portugal.Located in the districts of Vila Real and Braga, in northern Portugal, with a total investment of around €350 million, this project reinforces Iberdrola's commitment to environmental goals, being the first to combine wind and hydro energy. This implies sharing of the connection point and the evacuation line of electricity produced…

AME will its partnership with Fluke Reliability and PRUFTECHNIK Group, enhancing its focus of providing technology solutions for maritime and industrial mechanical applications. As the official sales representative for Florida, Georgia, North, and South Carolina, AME is ready to provide reliable support and expertise to machinery operators at every level.PRUFTECHNIK, a provider of precision alignment and condition monitoring technology, and FLUKE, known for their diagnostic tools, perfectly align with AME’s extensive knowledge and experience in condition-based maintenance and alignment.

Thordon Bearings has delivered COMPAC water-lubricated propeller shaft and SXL rudder bearings to replace oil- and grease- lubricated bearings onboard McKeil Marine’s bulk carrier Northern Venture as part of a major refurbishment project.Established in 1956, Canada-based McKeil Marine provides marine transportation along the St. Lawrence Seaway, the East Coast, and Canadian Arctic with its diversified fleet of tugs, barges, workboats and vessels, including bunkers, cement carriers, and tankers.The shipowner acquired the 155m (508.5ft), 19,651dwt Northern Venture in 2022.

Sanmar ends 2024 strong with the launch of the first fully electric tugboat to operate in Latin America.Ordered by SAAM Towage, the new tug is based on the exclusive-to-Sanmar ElectRA 2500SX design from naval architects Robert Allan Ltd, and is the eighth fully electric tug Sanmar has built.The tug built for SAAM Towage measures 25.4 x 12.86m with a draft of 5.55m, and with a installed battery capacity 3,616 kWh can achieve a bollard pull ahead of at least 70 tonnes and a speed…

ShoreLink delivered its Shore Power Cable Management System at the Port of La Spezia, marking the connection of cruise vessels to shore power and significantly reducing emissions while ships are docked.Following a successful Factory Acceptance Test (FAT), ShoreLink's Cruise Cable Management System has recently arrived in La Spezia and is currently in storage, ready to be deployed. In cooperation with MONT-ELE, ShoreLink’s solution will enable cleaner port operations and support…

The first jacket foundation for the substation of the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) project has departed from the Danish Port of Esbjerg and is on its way to the United States to be installed at the country’s largest offshore wind farm.The first of three offshore jacket foundations, standing 60-meter-tall and weighing approximately 2,445.6 tonnes, has been shipped from the production site at the Port of Esbjerg where it was manufactured.The jacket foundation will serve…

This week at MarineLink…An Australian Prime Minister once famously (infamously) said: “Life wasn’t meant to be easy.”He could have been talking about the maze of IMO and EU regulations relating to new fuels, especially the concept of well-to-wake emissions.It’s not enough to have a clean-burning engine or even an onboard carbon capture system. Well-to-take emissions, upstream and out of the control of ship operators, will have to be factored in.This week, MarineLink reported that a CMA-CGM vessel bunkered bio-LNG in Rotterdam…

Six new electric tugboats, including the groundbreaking Volta 1, have arrived in the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, with t e Volta 1, Europe’s first fully electric RSD tugboat, serving as the poster child for the port’s ambition to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.The electric tugboat Volta 1 is a European first. With a bollard pull of 70 tons and powerful batteries that can fully recharge in just two hours via a 1.5 MW charging station, this tugboat is completely emission-free. In addition to the Volta 1, five diesel-powered tugboats also arrived in Antwerp today.

On December 4th, Tug Malta held a naming ceremony for its latest vessel, a Damen RSD Tug 2513, in Malta. During a celebration attended by the Prime Minister of Malta Robert Abela, the vessel was named Med Aldebaran.With more than 80 tonnes of bollard pull at its disposal, the new vessel will add significant strength to the company’s operations in Malta’s Port of Marsaxlokk. The RSD Tug 2513 is a compact, maneuverable vessel combining elements of ASD and tractor tugs to deliver an ‘always bow first’ approach to towage.

HII announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire substantially all of the assets of W International SC, LLC and Vivid Empire SC, LLC (collectively “W International”), a South Carolina-based complex metal fabricator specializing in the manufacture of shipbuilding structures, modules and assemblies.Upon completion of the transaction, the manufacturing facility in Goose Creek, South Carolina, will operate within HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division.

HullWiper has signed a lease agreement with Unidive Subsea to bring its eco-friendly Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) hull cleaning technology to PSA terminals, Seatrium Yards and Singapore’s inner anchorages.Plans are also in place to expand services to FPSOs, FSOs and semi-submersibles under contracts with regional oil and gas companies.Unidive Subsea provides diving and ROV services, supporting leading oil and drilling companies in Singapore.In partnership with HullWiper, the…

Marking a groundbreaking milestone in sustainable transport, the Sogestran Group launched the ZULU 06, France's first hydrogen-powered river vessel, on the Seine in Paris today.Valérie Bouillon-Delporte, Executive Director of the Clean Hydrogen Partnership, was the vessel’s godmother: “The successful integration of fuel cells into the riverboat ZULU 06, soon to operate commercially in the heart of Paris, marks a significant technical and regulatory milestone. Building on the momentum of the FLAGSHIPS project…

Rising costs of building and equipping new U.S. liquefied natural gas plants will reduce the competitiveness of U.S. gas exports, LNG analysts at Poten & Partners predicted on Tuesday.The Biden administration's export permitting pause likely will keep global LNG prices higher for longer, and benefit existing exporters, Poten said at its Global LNG Outlook conference.Jason Feer, Poten's business intelligence chief, also said that for the firms proposing new export plants along the U.S.

At the Sanmar shipyard, located in Tuzla Bay, Istanbul, Latin American's first electric tug was launched.The vessel is scheduled to arrive in Chile per the service agreement signed in January this year between Empresa Nacional del Petróleo (Enap) and SAAM. This advance reaffirms both companies’ commitment to the energy transition, since the tug's electric propulsion structure does not emit greenhouse gases and reduces environmental and underwater noise.After this first launch stage…

German container line operator Hapag-Lloyd has implemented Shipshave’s In Transit Cleaning of Hull (ITCH) solution for proactive fouling removal on two of its container ships, achieving significant fuel savings and emissions reduction results.In order to independently verify the benefit of proactive fouling removal, Shipshave in cooperation with Hapag-Lloyd commissioned DNV to analyse operational performance data from two Hapag-Lloyd container ships equipped with the ITCH solution.The vessels are of 8…

Marlink is supporting digital transformation for Thoresen Shipping with the migration of its fleet to the Sealink NextGen solution.Thoresen Shipping FactsThoresen Shipping is a global dry bulk shipping operator headquartered in Thailand with a presence in Dubai, London and Singapore. Dating to 1904, Thoresen Shipping owns a modern fleet of 24 Supramax and Ultramax bulk carriers.Marlink will deploy a complete hybrid network comprising guaranteed throughput by blending VSAT with Starlink LEO and additional backup services.

Swiss marine power company WinGD has received an order for 16 X-DF dual-fuel engines for eight liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers, after a late-stage switch by a major ship owner.The order was received relatively late in the newbuilding planning phase as operational and delivery concerns arose around the engines originally selected, according to WinGD.Despite the timing, close collaboration with engine builder, yard and shipowner – which already uses X-DF engines on several…

In its sustainability report, Scandlines committed to ferry operations with zero direct emissions by 2040.In support of this, the ferry company has signed an MoU with Caterpillar Motoren to explore the possibilities of converting the current MaK diesel of the Rostock-Gedser hybrid ferries to run on e-methanol. The use of e-methanol produced from renewable energy sources can reduce CO2 emissions by 95% under ideal circumstances.Scandlines already combines three technologies on the Rostock-Gedser route: traditional diesel operation, battery operation and wind power.

HMNZS Manawanui grounded and sunk off the coast of Samoa as a result of human error, an interim Court of Inquiry report shows.The Royal New Zealand Navy ship grounded on a reef on the southern side of Samoa, on October 5, 2024, while conducting survey operations.Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Garin Golding stood up a Court of Inquiry following the incident. “The direct cause of the grounding has been determined as a series of human errors which meant the ship’s autopilot was not disengaged when it should have been…

As the industry shifts towards alternative fuels in response to environmental regulations and sustainability goals, the safety risks associated with these fuels cannot be overlooked, says the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS). Crankcase explosions, a critical hazard in engine operation, becomes even more concerning in the context of gas and low flashpoint fuels. IACS has therefore published the latest edition of Unified Requirement (UR) M10, which introduces…

Crane specialist Huisman has secured a contract for the delivery of two 250 mt Knuckle Boom Cranes, which will be installed on the Sea1 Offshore’s new offshore energy support vessel.The contract was signed with COSCO (Qidong) Offshore. The cranes will feature Huisman’s proprietary Active Heave Compensation system.The system connects the crane’s electric setup to the vessel’s DC grid, enabling efficient interaction with the vessel’s electrical energy storage system. This integration…

Finnish green tech company Langh Tech has expanded its portfolio of exhaust gas treatment solutions for ships with an onboard carbon capture (OCC) system.A unique feature of the system is the possibility to sell and utilize the sodium carbonate which results at the end of the chemical process.A pilot test of the system on a vessel of sister company Langh Ship demonstrated capture rates of over 80% from the exhaust gas flow coming into the system. Overall CO2 emissions can be reduced by 20-30%…

The Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) will meet for its 109th session at IMO Headquarters in London (in-person with hybrid participation) from 2 to 6 December 2024.The meeting will be chaired by Mrs. Mayte Medina of the United States, supported by Vice-Chair, Capt. Theofilos Mozas of Greece.The MSC deals with all matters related to maritime safety and maritime security which fall within the scope of IMO, including autonomous vessels, safety of alternative fuels and technologies, piracy and armed robbery against ships, cyber security and e-navigation and many others.

Federal regulators on Wednesday gave Cheniere Energy  permission to introduce natural gas into its Corpus Christi expansion project, a document showed.The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) said Cheniere could introduce natural gas to its fuel gas and hot oil systems. The decision follows an October 17 order allowing Cheniere to take liquefied gas from the Stage 3 plant to its refrigerated liquid storage facilities.The decision moves Cheniere Energy one step closer to producing first LNG from its Stage 3 LNG plant.Cheniere is the largest U.S.

While the U.S. Navy’s first Constellation-Class Frigate (FFG 62) is under construction in the United States, Norway is showing serious interest in the guided-missile frigate, as well as bolstering its longstanding strategic partnership with America.Last week Norwegian Minister of Defence, Mr. Bjørn Arild Gram, released a statement confirming that Norway is considering the Constellation-Class Frigate, as well as three other designs from outside the country. Norway is interested in procuring five or six ships…

Wärtsilä Gas Solutions, part of technology group Wärtsilä, will supply the complete cargo handling system for a new fully pressurized LPG Carrier being built for Meghna Fresh LPG, part of the Bangladeshi Meghna Group of Industries.The group is one of the Bangladesh’s largest industrial conglomerates, and in addition to being the owner of the new ship, it also owns the shipyard where the vessel is constructed and is the owner of the energy industries that the vessel will serve.The Wärtsilä scope for the complete cargo handling system covers three main parts - the engineering scope…

Norwegian crane specialist Motus Technology has secured a contract to provide its cranes and handling equipment for National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)’s Class B research vessels.Working in collaboration with Kongsberg Maritime, Motus’ new contract follows the equipment supply deal for NOAA’s Class A vessels in 2021.Motus will provide its CTD (Telescopic Deploy and Retrieval Arm), along with the MMC10 and MMC240 cranes.These systems are designed to operate effectively in tough marine environments…

Norsepower has opened the world’s first dedicated rotor sail factory in Dafeng, China.The new factory, strategically located near key shipping routes and shipyards, will initially have the capacity to produce 50 Norsepower Rotor Sails per year, with plans to scale up to 100 units by the end of 2027.The new factory strengthens the company’s ability to serve the burgeoning €60 billion ($63 billion) wind propulsion market.Earlier this year, Norsepower set another industry milestone…

Fleet performance solutions provider Oceanly warns that the green fuels push may lead to increased global emissions.The challenge with scaling green fuels is the high demand for renewable electricity, with current estimates suggesting that the shipping industry would need a substantial share of the world’s renewable electricity production, which is a target that seems unattainable in the short to medium term.Lerche-Tornoe, General Manager at Oceanly said: “While alternative fuels are part of the future, current infrastructure and energy availability isn’t enough to support a full transition.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has fined Transporte Rodríguez Asfalto, Inc. (TRA) in $80,000 for violations of the Clean Water Act after discharging stormwater pollutants into the Cañas River during construction activities in Aguada, Puerto Rico.“We are holding TRA accountable under the Clean Water Act which is designed to protect waterways like the Cañas River and prevent pollution that threatens public health and the environment,” said EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia.

The Executive Control Board of the National Shipbuilding Research Program (NSRP) selected 13 panel projects for award as part of the program's mission to reduce costs and expand capability for U.S. shipbuilding and ship repair. These new projects, valued at over $2.55M in government funding, were among those proposed in response to the Panel Project Solicitation issued in June 2024. Abbreviated descriptions follow; prime contractors are listed first and noted in bold text:Laser…

New MPV brings increased versatility to workboat sector.Damen Shipyards Group and Herman Sr. have signed a letter of intent (LOI) for the construction of a new Multi-Purpose Vessel (MPV) 4916. The LOI was signed during the Offshore Energy exhibition in Amsterdam on 26 November by Jeroen van Woerkum on behalf of Damen and Chris and Erwin van Dodewaard of behalf of Herman Sr.Next level versatilityThe MPV 4916 will be the first in a series of vessels combining the qualities of the…

PSA Singapore (PSA) and Evergreen Marine Corporation (EMC) have established a joint venture in Singapore, aiming to enhance operational excellence and achieve greater synergies in container operations.The joint venture terminal is expected to commence operations by the end of 2024. This strategic partnership will offer long-term terminal capacity assurance to EMC’s fast expanding global vessel fleet in PSA Singapore.PSA and EMC will continue to deepen their collaboration to enhance operational efficiency, drive digital innovation, and advance sustainability efforts.

Azolla, a decarbonization solution provider for the maritime industry, announces the launch of its upgraded CASPER platform.Designed to empower shipowners and fleet operators, CASPER now features advanced capabilities to streamline compliance with the upcoming Fuel EU Maritime (FEUM) regulation, which takes effect on January 1, 2025.A Platform Evolving with the IndustryInitially developed to help shipowners manage emissions and comply with the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU-ETS), CASPER has evolved into a holistic emissions management solution. The latest updates enable seamless FEUM compliance, consolidating all regulatory needs into one comprehensive platform.“Fuel EU Maritime marks a significant milestone in the maritime industry’s transition to sustainability…

PPG announced its 50th order for the electrostatic application of marine fouling control coatings, to be carried out on the VLCC SIDR, a 336-m oil tanker operated by Bahri Ship Management at the Asyad Drydock Company shipyard in Oman, using PPG NEXEON 810 antifouling coating on the hull.PPG introduced electrostatic coating application to the shipping industry just over a year ago, and the technique is designed to provide an increased transfer efficiency compared to airless spraying…

Xiamen Minhua Shipping has specified a Steelpaint corrosion protection system for a trio of newbuild multi-purpose cargo ships building at Fujian Shipbuilding’s yards in China. The order marks the Germany-based coatings specialist’s first newbuilding contract with a Chinese shipowner.The first vessel in the series, the 12,000dwt Min Hua 9 delivered from the Fujian Hengsheng shipyard in June, is now operating with a Stelpant-PU-Zinc universal primer protecting steel cargo holds…

Today, the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (GLS) completed the formal transfer of the Robinson Bay tugboat to the Great Lakes Maritime Academy during a ceremony at Snell Lock.This celebrated vessel, originally built in 1958, will now serve as a training platform for the Academy’s maritime students, fostering the education of future mariners. At the ceremony, GLS Administrator Adam Tindall-Schlicht, Great Lakes Maritime Academy Superintendent Jerry Achenbach, and U.S. Coast Guard Rear Admiral Jon Hickey made remarks.

Locally supported, high-quality navigation systems for demanding vessels.In accordance with the regulations of the Chinese Classification Society, Anschütz is supplying a comprehensive Integrated Bridge System (IBS) for two newly built heavy-lift crane vessels at Jingjiang Nanyang Shipbuilding Co. Ltd in China.The IBS is equipped with five Synapsis NX multifunctional workstations for Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS), (chart) radar and conning applications, as well as a NautoPilot 5000 NX autopilot, X- and S-band radars and a Standard 22 NX triple-gyro compass system.

American Cruise Lines announced that American Legend sets sail today, along its first cruise.The newest small ship in the country, is sailing American’s 8-Day Florida Gulf Coast & Keys itinerary, roundtrip from St. Petersburg Florida. The fully domestic cruise visits: St. Petersburg, FL; Marco Island, FL; Key West, FL; Punta Gorda, FL; and offers an optional pre-cruise hotel stay in Tampa, Florida. The cruise explores the Sunshine State’s Gulf Coast, offering many shoreside excursions…

A key consideration in planning for the future of offshore wind is designing and delivering the maritime assets that are 'future-proof', able to scale with the growing size of offshore wind pieces and components.A collaboration between Concordia Damen, Amasus, deugro Danmark, Siemens Gamesa, and DEKC Maritime aims to do exactly that, in the development and construction of two new and advanced Offshore Wind RoRo vessels: Rotra Futura and Rotra Horizon. These vessels, of which the first one launched yesterday at Jiangsu Zhenjiang Shipyard…

Port authorities in Singapore and Rotterdam said they have not received reports of vessels experiencing problems related to the use of cashew nutshell liquid biofuel - an issue highlighted by fuel testing agency CTI-Maritec last week.Several ships using the two ports reported operational problems in recent months after using marine fuel blended with cashew nutshell liquid, the Singapore-based agency said on Thursday, adding that the cashew nutshell liquid had come from undeclared source materials or production processes.The operational problems included fuel sludging…

Subsea Global Solutions reports that authorities in Singapore have granted approval of its hull cleaning services for vessels, allowing underwater cleaning to take place while vessels are engaged in cargo work at the terminal. The approved cleaning procedure requires the use of a Cleaning Remotely Operated Vehicle (C-ROV) equipped with an integrated filtration plant, designed to capture and reclaim materials, ensuring compliance with Singapore’s stringent environmental regulations.

In light of the evolving regulatory landscape for ammonia as a maritime fuel, and the recent finalization of the IMO’s draft interim guidelines on ammonia, the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) has withdrawn Unified Requirement UR H1, “Control of Ammonia Releases in Ammonia Fuelled Vessels.”The news comes ahead of its scheduled implementation date of January 1, 2025. IACS says the decision stems from the differences between its safety parameters and those outlined in the IMO Interim Guidelines.

The U.S. Department of Energy's loans office said on Friday it has finalized a loan of $1.3 billion to ENTEK Lithium Separators to finance a plant in Indiana for making lithium-ion battery separators used mostly in electric vehicles.WHY IT'S IMPORTANTThe Loan Programs Office is racing to finalize billions of dollars in loans to companies developing cutting-edge technologies expected to help speed an energy transition and curb climate change.The loan was offered conditionally in July through the LPO's Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program…

Several ships in Singapore and Rotterdam reported operational problems in recent months after using marine fuel blended with cashew nutshell liquid biofuel, fuel testing agency CTI-Maritec said in an advisory on Thursday.Singapore-based CTI-Maritec said it tested samples from the affected ships and found the marine fuel was blended with cashew nutshell liquid that came from undeclared source materials or production processes.The ships had reported operational problems including fuel sludging…

This week at MarineLink…The IMO 2020 Sulfur Cap essentially ushered in a new type of fuel - VLSFO. With it came the engine problems caused by off-spec or incompatible fuels as producers grappled with the requirement for providing a sulfur content not exceeding 0.05%. As pointed out in Lloyd’s Register’s 2024 Fuel Quality Report, persistent issues involving cat fines, stability, sulfur content and flash point continue, and isolated incidents of chemical contamination are still occurring.If new…

Skiers in Tahoe will soon reach the slopes faster, as Candela and FlyTahoe announce the introduction of the first U.S.-based Candela P-12, a groundbreaking foiling electric ferry, on Lake Tahoe.• The world's first electric, hydrofoiling ferry will reduce travel times for Tahoe locals and visitors, providing a much-needed north-south connection across the lake, while also helping to cut emissions.• The Candela P-12 is the fastest electric vessel in the world with the longest range…

Seakeeper, a developer of marine motion control systems, has equipped Galveston-Texas City Pilots’ Gladding-Hearn 73 vessel with its Seakeeper 35 system, ensuring its safe and stable operations.Galveston-Texas City Pilots have been guiding vessels safely to their berths or out to sea since the late 1800s, exercising independent judgment to protect the property, lives, environment and the economic well-being of the Ports of Galveston County.With the latest integration of Seakeeper 35 motion control system aboard the Gladding-Hearn 73 vessel…

WinGD won additional orders for its ammonia-fuelled X-DF-A engine design in the growing ammonia carrier market. The engines, to be built at Yuchai Marine Power Co, will be delivered for a total of seven 25,000 cu. m. and 41,000 cu. m. LPG/ammonia carriers ordered by Tianjin Southwest Shipping. The vessels will deploy 5- and 6-cylinder versions of the 52-bore X-DF-A engines and are scheduled to enter service from Q3 2026.The orders will be built by Huangpu Wenchong Shipbuilding, a shipyard with strong experience in the construction of small- and medium-sized gas carriers.

Strategic Marine, Mirai Ships, and Ragnar Energy Solutions have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a framework for exclusive newbuild collaborations, aiming to deliver vessels tailored for Japanese offshore markets.The MoU sets out the terms for exclusive collaboration on the design and construction of Crew Transfer Vessels (CTVs), a predominant asset utilized during the operational and maintenance phase of offshore wind farm operations, together with supporting…

MSE International has won funding from TRIG 2024 to lead a new project, PRIMET; Port Recharging Infrastructure for Maritime Energy Transition.The project will accelerate the roll-out of port and harbor infrastructure needed to support the rapid expansion in vessel recharging and shore-powering facilities which are essential to realize the government’s Clean Maritime Plan. PRIMET will develop outline solutions for supplying energy to shore power/recharging facilities in three ports/harbors using in-port flow batteries to reduce the peak grid load and optimize utilization of in-port renewable energy, thereby strengthening the case for investment.

Thordon Bearings has completed the delivery and installation of propeller shaft and rudder bearings to a series of environmentally advanced high-speed ferries under construction for Italian operator Liberty Lines.San Sebastian-based Echetalde, Thordon’s authorized distributor in Spain, delivered 18 seawater-lubricated COMPAC propeller shaft bearings and nine grease-free SXL rudder bearings to Spain’s Astilleros Armon for installation to nine hybrid ferries scheduled for delivery…

While in New Orleans, Maritime Reporter TV visited with Elliott Bay Design Group (EBDG) and Diversified Marine to discuss the Electrified Truckable Tug.Hitting tightening maritime emission targets will require innovation and collaboration across the sector, the type of teaming recently announced between Elliott Bay Design Group and Diversified Marine with the introduction of the electrical truckable tug.“This is a great collaboration with Diversified Marine; they had a tug design and they came to us to electrify it,” said Steve Carlson, Principal in Charge, EBDG.

HII, America’s largest military shipbuilder and provider of all-domain defense solutions, is celebrating National Apprenticeship Week from Nov. 17-23, honoring the essential role of apprenticeships in workforce development and skills training.National Apprenticeship Week is a nationwide celebration established by the U.S. Department of Labor to showcase and promote high-quality and in-demand career pathway opportunities through registered apprenticeship programs. With apprenticeship programs offered at each of HII’s three divisions…

Advanced boat-handling systems supplied by Vestdavit have been installed on the newbuild CSOV Olympic Notos delivered for Olympic by Norway’s Ulstein Verft, which is raising the bar in terms of sustainability and operational efficiency for such vessels employed in the offshore energy sector.The leading Norwegian supplier provided a total package of five davits for the vessel including two H-9001 davits - one dedicated lifeboat davit and the other a combination of MOB (man overboard) and lifeboat davit.

BRIX Marine has announced the launch of its latest megayacht tender, the 11.8-meter T/T Kismet.This custom Naiad RHIB was designed for the tender garage on the 122-meter Kismet, recently launched by Lürssen. The 11.8-meter joins multiple other tenders in Kismet’s arsenal, and she stands out as a high-performance vessel that delivers a luxury experience from stem to stern. Powered by twin Yanmar 440HP diesel engines paired with Hamilton Jet HJX 27 waterjets, T/T Kismet reaches speeds of nearly 50 knots. Hamilton’s AVX Express system, including MouseBoat control, makes handling easy.

Maritime digital decarbonization services provider VPS has entered a partnership agreement with Veracity, DNV’s independent data platform, to streamline monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) services for offshore vessels.The partnership will enable a transfer of validated and checked operational MRV data from VPS’ Maress system, to the Veracity data platform, where it is connected to the DNV's real-time data verification services.By streamlining data collection, validation and verification…

The International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) has published a new Unified Requirement, UR M85, providing comprehensive technical guidelines for type approval testing of synthetic materials used in aftmost propeller shaft bearings.Recognized as a critical component of a vessel’s propulsion system, these bearings are essential for long-term operational safety and efficiency.The new UR M85 establishes a robust framework for type approval testing to address what it says is a vital gap in maritime standards.

The container ship Maersk Halifax has been converted into a dual-fuel vessel able to operate on methanol. The industry-first retrofit for a large container ship was conducted at the Zhoushan Xinya Shipyard in China over 88 days with completion at the end of October 2024.Maersk Halifax, which is one of 11 vessels in Maersk’s Hong Kong-class, departed anchorage at the yard on 4 November 2024.The vessel has returned to operation and is now servicing our customers on the Trans-Pacific trade.The engine conversion was done by MAN Energy Solutions.

TBS Safety, with Wombat Safety Software this week announced new safety and compliance management technology to industrial and maritime businesses.Through this partnership, TBS Safety will serve as an official reseller of Wombat, delivering a digital solution that complies with OSHA standards and regulations, streamlines safety operations, and ultimately enhances workplace safety. The new software combines to offer a simple to use digital platform where companies can access compliance training…

Crane specialist Liebherr has delivered two ship-to-shore container (STS) cranes to Port Newark Container Terminal (PNCT), boosting its capability to handle the next generation of ultra large container vessels.Designed and manufactured at Liebherr’s Irish facility, the cranes are built to meet the specific demands of PNCT’s operations.The delivery is part of PNCT's ongoing $500 million expansion, aimed at bolstering capacity at one of the busiest ports on the US East Coast.These STS cranes feature an outreach of 226 ft (69 m) and a lift height over rail of 175 ft (53 m)…

There’s plenty to go around for everyone, no matter it comes from.I will admit that attending the 2024 Workboat Show in the Big Easy just ten days after settling into the MarineNews Editor’s chair (for this, the second time around) had my full attention. The event typically evokes the specter of drinking from the proverbial fire hose in routine times, but attending and digesting all it has to offer, right out of the gate, makes the task just little bit edgier. Ultimately, last week’s trade show exuded terrific energy, from exhibitors to attendees alike.

Eco Wave Power has received the final Nationwide Permit (NWP) from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for its wave energy project at AltaSea’s premises at the Port of Los Angeles.The milestone marks a significant step forward in the development of Eco Wave Power’s pioneering wave energy project, which is set to become the first onshore wave energy installation in the United States.The permit, authorizes Eco Wave Power to install eight wave energy floaters on the piles of an existing concrete wharf structure.The system will also include an energy conversion unit…

DNV has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Seatrium to cooperate on strategic activities and projects in the areas of engineering, technology and new product design, with key focus on floating offshore energy solutions.Under the MoU, DNV will provide Seatrium with expert advice on market and regulatory trends, emerging technologies, and best practices for environmental, safety and quality standards, in the maritime and offshore sectors.Both parties will work closely on optimizing existing processes and improving efficiencies across newbuilding…

The CMA CGM Group has announced the winners of its first CMA CGM Startup Awards.The international competition, organized in partnership with BFM Business, La Tribune and ZEBOX, attracted over 400 entries from innovative startups. 60 finalists, including 34 French startups, were selected to present their projects. Among the finalists were five startups supported by ZEBOX, the international innovation gas pedal initiated by Rodolphe Saadé.The solutions presented, focusing on the shipping…

US-based engineering company Advanced Mechanical Enterprises (AME) has renewed its partnership with Fluke Reliability and Pruftechnik Group and is their official sales representative for Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolina under the leadership of Jorge Garcia.Pruftechnik offers precision alignment and condition monitoring technology, and Fluke, known for its diagnostic tools, aligns with AME’s experience in condition-based maintenance and alignment."We're excited to reignite our partnership with Fluke Reliability and Pruftechnik Group," said Rich Merhige, President of AME.

Vessel Performance Solutions, a subsidiary of Ascenz Marorka, GTT Group’s smart shipping arm, has announced that Harren Group, a family-run shipping conglomerate, has selected VESPER as its performance management platform for 30 vessels of their fleet.VESPER, Vessel Performance Solutions’ advanced performance management platform, enables comprehensive monitoring through data processing and automated reporting.Under the contract, the VESPER platform will be fully deployed across the designated vessels…

The LPMA: Maritime and Aquaculture Professional School of Bastia will on November 15, 2024, inaugurate France's first hydrogen-electric powered fishing training vessel, dubbed Alba, which was designed by a MAURIC-led consortium.Alba vessel has been specifically designed to include fishing training capabilities such as longline and seine techniques.The vessel can accommodate up to 12 students and 2 instructors (crew).With an overall length of 19.95 meters, the maximum length allowed by the LPMA specifications…

NYK Line and MTI have filed a patent application for a technology that monitors the transport of reduced iron on bulk carriers.Reduced iron is attracting attention because it does not require coke in the manufacturing process, a benefit for decarbonization of the industry. The demand for transport by sea is expected to increase, but there is a need for appropriate cargo management on board ships to prevent overheating, fire, and explosion risks during transport, says NYK.The system uses IoT technology to acquire and remotely monitor environmental data (temperature…

Danish maritime digitalization scale-up Danelec and supplier of innovative e-navigation and vessel performance software NAVTOR have teamed up to advance maritime operations digitalization with the integration of high-frequency data collection and digital logbook solutions.The latest collaboration brings together Danelec's high-frequency data collection infrastructure, Danelec Collect, with NAVTOR's enhanced Digital Logbook solution, creating a seamless bridge between real-time…

The UK’s Milford Haven Port Authority (MHPA) has retrofitted Zelim’s SWIFT man-overboard recovery conveyor to a 19-meter pilot vessel as part of a three-month trial to assess the system’s capability in high sea states.The Port of Milford Haven, located in Pembrokeshire in Wales, frequently endures high sea states due to its geographical location and exposure to Atlantic swells.Installation of SWiFT to the 2009-built Picton follows a technology demonstration carried out last year on the River Forth…

Odfjell has initiated a deployment of Syroco’s weather routing platform on two of its vessels, the Bow Olympus and Bow Optima.The two vessels are part of Odfjell’s Hudong-class chemical tankers, flying the Norwegian flag. Both built in 2019, the 183 meter vessels are each equipped with 33 stainless steel tanks and operate primarily on trans-Pacific routes.In early 2025, the Bow Olympus will be fitted with four eSAILs, bound4blue’s suction sails. As an add-on to optimise the sails' effects…

Ocean energy company Global OTEC unveiled the OTEC Power Module concept, a system that employs ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) technology to provide clean power for remote offshore platforms and wells.Designed as an alternative to traditional long subsea tiebacks, the OTEC Power Module could provide clean baseload electricity and flow assurance services without the need for cables and hydraulics, which typically limit reach to 35 km.Building on Global OTEC’s experience…

The California Volkswagen (VW) Zero-Emission Freight and Marine (ZEFM) Program Administrator is preparing to open a statewide solicitation offering up to $25 million to owners of cargo handling equipment, heavy-lift forklifts and marine vessels for zero-emissions projects:• Repowering marine vessels, including ferries, tugboats, and towboats to zero-emission;• Replacing heavy-lift forklifts (with a lift capacity of 8,001 lbs. or greater) with zero-emission alternatives; and• Replacing…

The push towards decarbonization is slowing down rather than speeding up. With ambitious global goals looming ever larger on the horizon, what can we do to re-invigorate collective efforts? And profit from that push? Ahead of next year’s Nor-Shipping, Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, CEO Maritime DNV, says efficiency, timing and people are critical to “getting this show on the road.”Given the subject matter today, Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen seems remarkably optimistic.“I’m a glass half full kind of guy,” he says.

Air lubrication system company Silverstream Technologies has signed an MoU with Yiu Lian Dockyards (Shekou), one of the largest ship repair yards in China and part of China Merchants Group.The partnership aims to drive retrofit installations of the Silverstream® System.Yiu Lian Dockyards (Shekou) operates repair yards in Shekou, Shenzhen. The shipyard accepts all major vessel types but is well known as the leading repair yard in China for LNG carriers.The dockyard has serviced 734 vessels in the past three years from all segments, and so far in 2024 alone, it has dry-docked 28 LNG carriers.

The Erma First Group has completed the acquisition of Ecochlor, broadening its range of ballast water treatment systems (BWTS), future-proof decarbonisation solutions and related services.The acquisition consolidates the company’s status as one of the world’s largest BWTS providers.Ecochlor’s BWTS portfolio comprises a filtration- and ClO2-based system and two versions of the EcoOne™ solution. The first is a filterless system that uses ClO2 alone and consumes just 10–20 kilowatts of power even at very-high flow rates.

Malicious cyber activity in the first six months in the maritime sector increased significantly compared to the previous year, highlighting the importance of introducing proactive security measures to stay ahead of ever evolving tactics of cyber criminals.Marlink recently released the latest global maritime cyber threat report produced by its Security Operations Center (SOC), which registered 23,400 malware detections and 178 ransomware detections in the first half of 2024.Firewall events…

Schottel has been selected by Birdon America to supply components to 27 vessels of the U.S. Coast Guard Waterways Commerce Cutter (WCC) program.For this program, U.S. Coast Guard prime contractor Birdon America is designing the cutters and is expected to construct 16 River Buoy Tenders (WLR) and 11 Inland Construction Tenders (WLIC).The cutters will be built at Birdon’s recently acquired Bayou La Batre shipyard in Alabama. Up to four cutters are expected to be delivered annually over the course of the next eight years…

WindWaves will manufacture, sell and deliver BAR Technologies’ new 20m and 24m WindWings® wing sails in Europe. In February this year the two companies announced a similar deal for the larger 37.5m WindWings.WindWaves will manage the value chain of procurement and construction of 20m and 24m WindWings and their installation at shipyards across Europe. Additionally, WindWaves will manage the servicing of WindWings during their operational life cycle, alongside crew training on…