Maritime Cluster News

Finnish shipbuilder Meyer Turku has launched a five-year research and development program aimed at supporting the maritime industry through environmental, digital and geopolitical changes.The MERiON program, co-funded by Business Finland, will run from 2026 to 2030 and focus on developing future-ready cruise ships and floating infrastructure.The initiative builds on the company’s previous NEcOLEAP program and is part of a broader effort to strengthen Finland’s shipbuilding sector through increased research…

The Hong Kong Shipowners Association (HKSOA) welcomes the national plan and the central government work report delivered at the opening session of the National People’s Congress, which underlined, once again, the importance of consolidating Hong Kong’s status as an international financial, shipping and trade centre.Hong Kong’s economic success has its origins in shipping and trade which as promoted Hong Kong’s growth as a global financial hub and a “super-connector” between the East and the West.

Amidst a more complex and uncertain operating environment, Singapore’s MPA is charting the long-term direction for Maritime Singapore. This includes developing strategies to seize growth opportunities and strengthen Singapore’s position as a key node in global trade, while continuing to drive innovation, accelerate technology adoption, and develop a future-ready workforce.MPA is developing the Maritime Singapore Master Plan, an industry-wide blueprint to guide the sector’s longer-term development.

At a general meeting of Kongsberg Gruppen on Thursday afternoon, the separation of Kongsberg Maritime was formally approved by the shareholders. The plan is to list the maritime company on the Oslo Stock Exchange on April 23.Kongsberg Gruppen ASA, as we know it today, will continue as two companies. The business areas Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace and Kongsberg Discovery will form the new KONGSBERG, while the business area Kongsberg Maritime will be spun off as its own company…

Kongsberg Maritime is participating in the prequalification phase of the competition for the Royal Norwegian Navy’s new standardized vessels (P1118). The Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency has announced a national competition for vessel design and concept development covering up to 28 standardized vessels for the Royal Norwegian Navy.“We are participating in the competition with our full product portfolio, including ship design and integrated system solutions for advanced vessels.

A new generation of hybrid vessels is demonstrating significant gains in both fuel economy and operational output. For Olympic Subsea’s owner and CEO Stig Remøy, it proves that technology-led efficiency is the fastest path to decarbonization—and a powerful business case.When Stig Remøy began pivoting Olympic Subsea toward subsea and renewables a decade ago, the move was met with some internal skepticism. “Naturally, there were internal discussions — some believed oil and gas was the future,” he recalled.

Green Yard Kleven and the Brazilian shipowner Oceanica have signed a contract to convert the vessel Oceanicasub XVII from an Anchor Handling Tug Supply (AHTS) vessel to a ship capable of performing Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV) operations.Oceanicasub XVII will be equipped with mezzanine decks for ROV equipment, extended crew capacity, and areas for charterers. At the same time, the ship will undergo a general upgrade and class re-approval.The UT712L anchor handler vessel was originally delivered from Green Yard Kleven as B313 back in 2007 under the name Rem Balder.

Norwegian shipbuilder Vard, part of Fincantieri Group, has secured Lloyd’s Register’s Approval in Principle (AiP) of the methanol fueling system for two offshore wind Commissioning Service Operation Vessels (CSOVs) being built for North Star.With the AiP, the two ships will be amongst the first prepared for conversion to green fuels in the wind market.The CSOVs are of VARD 422 design and are tailor-made for the UK’s infrastructure support vessel operator North Star, with new methanol ready hybrid-propulsion solutions.VARD 4 22 is Vard’s first methanol ready project…

Anne-Marie Mountifield, Chair of Maritime UK Solent, said: "Keith's proven track record and commitment to our regional maritime sector will be invaluable to Maritime UK Solent, particularly at this exciting time as we continue to showcase the world-class innovation and pioneering spirit, working collaboratively to support the region’s exceptional maritime sector”. Keith has recently retired from Wightlink after nine years as CEO. During this time, he was instrumental in establishing…

The European Community Shipowners’ Association (ECSA) has released a position paper on a European Maritime Industrial Strategy as part of the new Clean Industrial Deal, saying that European shipping is a geopolitical asset for Europe and a cornerstone of the energy, food and supply chain security of the continent.European shipping controls 39.5% of the global tonnage. ECSA says that the European Maritime Industrial Strategy must be a core pillar of the upcoming Clean Industrial Deal…

Royal Caribbean Group on Tuesday announced an agreement with Finnish shipbuilder Meyer Turku for the construction of up to three new Icon Class vessels—the world's largest cruise ships. The deal includes one firm order for scheduled delivery in 2027 plus options for two additional vessels.The U.S.-based cruise giant has been steadily growing its capacity amid continued strong demand across the cruise sector, with a newbuild pipeline that now includes seven new ships on order and two shipyard options.These latest orders are the fourth, fifth and sixth ships in Royal Caribbean's Icon Class.

The lead ship of Höegh Autoliners' Aurora class, Höegh Aurora, was delivered at a naming ceremony at China Merchants Heavy Industry’s (CMHI) shipyard in Jiangsu, China, on Tuesday.The newbuild is the first of 12 Aurora Class vessels being built by CMHI. Featuring 14 decks—including five liftable decks—the ship can carry up to 9,100 CEU, making it the world's largest pure car and truck carrier (PCTC) vessel. With enhanced decks and ramps, the vessel is designed to carry electric vehicles on all decks…

OceanScore has opened a new office in Singapore that will enable it to better serve regional clients as the company sees rising Asian demand for its digital solutions geared towards efficient regulatory compliance with the EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime.The new locale in the Lion City marks the latest expansion by the Hamburg-based maritime technology firm, which also has offices in Poland and Madeira, Portugal.The office was formally opened on 30 July at a high-profile event attended by honorary guest Kenneth Lim…

German propulsion specialist SCHOTTEL and the Polish company Bota Technik have signed a cooperation agreement in the areas of after sales service and new sales with effect from January 1, 2025. On this date, Bota will take over the new sales business in Poland from SCHOTTEL’s long-standing agent P.H.U. Afra, while it is mutually expected that Bota's after sales service for SCHOTTEL products will start earlier. Bota Technik provides technical service and support for marine propulsion systems, from engines to gearboxes, shafts and propellers.

Corvus Energy has been selected by HAF Power Solutions (HPS) to supply Energy Storage Systems (ESS) for the Energy Subsea Construction Vessel (ESCV) to be built for shipowner REM Offshore.The new ESCV is of ST-245 design and will be the first vessel to perform heavy construction work in both offshore wind and the subsea market with net zero emissions. The vessel will be equipped with dual-fuel methanol engines and a 1.7MW battery system. The batteries will be used for spinning…

The Singapore government has recounted the achievements of Maritime Singapore to date to highlight the nation’s successes as a maritime hub in 2023:Total business spending by key maritime companies overseen by MPA exceeded S$4.8 billion, up from S$4.3 billion in 2022. Twenty-five maritime companies established or expanded their operations in Singapore last year. These included maritime services companies and companies setting up sustainability desks in Singapore as part of their…

Developer of maritime battery systems EST-Floattech has received an investment of 4 million euros from Energy Transition Fund Rotterdam and existing shareholders Rotterdam Port Fund, PDENH, Ponooc, and Yard Energy.Energy Transition Fund Rotterdam is investing 3 million euros, the fund's first investment in maritime battery systems. The existing shareholders are jointly investing 1 million euros.The announcement was made by Chantal Zeegers, the Alderman for Climate, Building, and Housing in Rotterdam.

It is sad and worrying that the Frigast committee now proposes to scrap the Danish International Ship Register (DIS) scheme, says Danske Rederier (Danish Shipowners). The organization therefore makes a clear call to the government not to implement the proposal, as it will have major negative consequences for Danish shipping.The so-called Frigast committee published its recommendations for changes to the existing business support schemes this week. Among other things, the committee…

Finnish companies have designed about 80 percent of the world’s icebreakers, and about 60 percent of them have been built by Finnish shipyards.Finland is home to a strong and vibrant maritime cluster, with a mix of large, medium and small shipyards, as well as a deep pool of marine engineering expertise and a broad network of vessel equipment suppliers.As one of the world’s northernmost countries, Finland is also home to a fleet of icebreakers that keep imports and exports flowing through its harbors, even during the coldest winter months.

Finnish shipbuilder Meyer Turku on Monday delivered the world's largest cruise ship, the 248,655 GT Icon of the Seas, to U.S.-based Royal Caribbean International.The 365-meter-long cruise ship has 20 decks (including 18 guest decks) and surpasses the previous world's largest, Royal Caribbean's Oasis-class Allure of the Seas. With 2,805 staterooms, Icon is able to carry 5,610 passengers at double occupancy, or up to 7,600 passengers if every cabin is maxed out—another cruise industry record.

Satellite communications solutions firm Marlink has signed a strategic agreement with NORMA Cyber to strengthen the cybersecurity intelligence and resilience of its maritime customer base.The Norwegian Maritime Cyber Resilience Centre (NORMA Cyber) is a joint venture between risk insurance provider Den Norske Krigsforsikring for Skib (DNK) and the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association. NORMA Cyber provides centralized cybersecurity services to Norwegian shipowners and other entities and aims to be the leading hub for operational cyber security efforts within the national maritime sector.

Corvus Energy this week celebrated the grand opening of its new battery factory in Bellingham, Wash., amid growing demand for energy storage systems in the U.S. marine industry.Located in Fairhaven at the Port of Bellingham, the new battery plant produced its first Orca battery module in November 2022 and has already delivered several orders.“We have seen a significant uptake in opportunities for maritime batteries from the U.S. market,” said Geir Bjørkeli, CEO of Corvus Energy.

AD Ports Group's subsidiary SAFEEN has acquired a support vessel to boost the company's subsea service capabilities.Built in 2014, the vessel, previously known as the Nordic Prince, will operate under the name ‘SAFEEN Surveyor’ and will undergo an extensive conversion prior to starting operations, including the installation of an integrated dive system to support pipeline repair and maintenance."The vessel has a successful track record in projects in the Middle East, where it has provided a range of support services including subsea inspection…