Operational Capabilities News

SAAM closed 2025 with record financial performance, underscoring the continued strength of its harbor towage business across the Americas while positioning the company for further international expansion. For a company that has spent the past several years reshaping its business model and sharpening its strategic focus, the results signal both operational momentum and growing scale in the global tug market.The Chile-based maritime services provider reported net income of $80.4 million for 2025, while EBITDA reached $216.9 million, representing a 15% increase compared to the previous year.

Italy’s Fincantieri and Spain’s Navantia have signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly coordinate and execute the European Patrol Corvette (EPC) program, strengthening industrial cooperation under one of Europe’s most ambitious defense initiatives.The two shipbuilders plan to create a joint venture to manage and execute the program. The vehicle will be open to participation from other project partners, with incorporation subject to the finalization of transaction documents…

The U.S. Coast Guard is accelerating long-term investments in cutters, aviation assets and autonomous systems following what service leaders described as a historic infusion of funding from Congress in 2025, according to testimony before the Senate Commerce Committee.During the hearing, Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) pressed Admiral Kevin Lunday, Commandant of the United States Coast Guard, on how the service is translating recent budget increases into operational capability, particularly in the Indo-Pacific.Adm.

Fincantieri has launched Italian Navy’s newly built hydro-oceanographic ship (N.I.O.M.) Quirinale at its integrated shipyard in Riva Trigoso, marking a milestone in Italy’s maritime research and monitoring capabilities.The vessel, designated N.I.O.M. Quirinale, has been designed to support scientific mapping and monitoring activities and will operate in support of the Italian Navy Hydrographic Institute, the state authority responsible for producing official national nautical documentation.Measuring approximately 110 meters in length with a displacement of around 6…

Fincantieri, via its subsidiary WASS Submarine Systems, has secured a contract from the Indian Navy to supply Black Shark Advanced (BSA) heavyweight torpedoes for six Scorpène-class submarines in service with the fleet.The contract, valued at more than $235 million, is the largest ever awarded in WASS’s history and coincides with the company’s 150th anniversary. Deliveries are scheduled between 2028 and 2030, with production to be carried out at WASS’s facility in Livorno, Italy’s…

Fincantieri’s underwater systems subsidiary WASS has secured its largest contract to date, winning an order from the Indian Navy to supply Black Shark Advanced (BSA) heavyweight torpedoes for the service’s Scorpène-class submarine fleet.“This agreement represents a strategically important step for Fincantieri in India,” said Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and General Manager of Fincantieri, noting the country’s growing role as a global naval hub and a key player in maritime security.The contract…

Liebherr marks half a century of BOS crane excellence. Since 1975, BOS cranes have been trusted by operators worldwide, known for their robust design and marine adaptability. The latest generation continues this legacy, now featuring an electric variant to meet evolving offshore demands.In 1975, Liebherr delivered its first BOS crane, the B10 / 17 EX, for installation on the Floating Production, Storage and Offloading Unit Princess Aweni. Since then, the BOS series has undergone continuous development…

Towage company SAAM posted net income of US$64 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, 48% more than the same period last year.EBITDA reached $158 million (+15%) and revenue totaled $463 million (+8%).The third quarter figures were particularly positive compared to the previous year, with profit of $24 million (+97%), revenue of $161 million (+12%) and EBITDA of $58 million (+23%)."We had record earnings this quarter, thanks to increased activity and a better mix of services, combined with greater operational efficiencies in our two business areas: towage and air logistics.

Marilyn Hubalde still remembers the first time she heard the thunderous chop of military helicopters swooping over this northernmost outpost of the Philippines, less than 90 miles from Taiwan. It was April 2023, when Filipino and American troops descended on the cluster of 10 emerald green islands of Batanes province for amphibious warfare drills.“We were terrified,” the 65-year-old Hubalde recalled. “We thought China might attack when they learned there were military exercises in Batanes.” Hubalde’s helper…

Sanmar has delivered two new azimuth tractor tugs to global operator Svitzer. Both will operate in Bahrain.Known as DELIÇAY XVI and DELIÇAY XVII while under construction in Türkiye, the tugs have been renamed SVITZER MANAMA and SVITZER AWAL by their new owner.Both tugs are based on the TRAktor-Z 2500SX design from Canadian naval architect Robert Allan Ltd and have an overall length of 25.3m, molded beam of 12m, least molded depth of 4.45m, and extreme draft of approximately 6.55m.Each tug is capable of achieving a minimum of 80 tons of bollard pull and has a free-running speed of 12.5 knots.

Zeabuz announced the launch of its defense and security autonomy platform, unveiled together with Damen Shipyards Group during the Damen Maritime Festival.As part of this launch, Zeabuz has integrated its autonomy system on the ZeaFalcon, a 7-meter Damen HDPE Uncrewed Surface Vessel optimized for defense and security applications. The system comprises a full suite of operational capabilities including autonomous navigation, collision avoidance, remote command and control, autodocking, and connectivity-denied operations.

The Port of Philadelphia - PhilaPort has acquired the Mustin Yard from Norfolk Southern Corporation, deemed as one of the critical assets for the port’s future growth.Located adjacent to PhilaPort’s SouthPort Marine Terminal, the 152-acre Mustin Yard represents the last available land at the nexus of deep water, rail, and highway access.The acquisition of Mustin Yard, which was originally part of the former Philadelphia Navy Yard, will allow PhilaPort to significantly expand its cargo handling capacity…

Offshore vessel operator Astro Offshore, an Adani Group company, has acquired five offshore vessels en bloc, raising its fleet size to 49 ships and strengthening its presence in West Africa.The deal includes four platform supply vessels (PSVs), two of which are diesel-electric, and one high-specification 86-meter multipurpose supply vessel (MPSV) equipped with a 160-tonne crane.With the latest additions, Astro now operates 15 DP2 vessels, including five diesel-electric.The strategic expansion builds on the company’s acquisition of two modern PSVs earlier in September…

Norwegian shipbuilder Vard has signed a contract with Norway-based Sanco Shipping for the conversion of the seismic research vessel Sanco Sailor into a seismic source vessel.Sanco Shipping contracted PGS Apollo, now renamed Sanco Sailor, earlier in 2025, ahead of conversion job at Vard Langsten.Vard’s scope of work includes significant structural modifications, upgrades to existing seismic equipment, and the installation of a DP2 system for the vessel spanning 106.6 meters in length…

The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) has accepted the sixth and final Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel (AOPV), His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Robert Hampton Gray.The AOPVs are ice-capable patrol ships designed to enhance the Canadian Armed Forces’ presence in the Arctic, and to assert and uphold Canadian sovereignty. These versatile ships can operate anywhere in the world, bolstering the RCN’s capability to support international peace and security. In addition to performing operational missions and tasks…

In a major move to accelerate the U.S. Coast Guard’s icebreaking fleet expansion, Bollinger Shipyards, Rauma Shipyards, Seaspan Shipyards, and Aker Arctic announced a partnership to deliver next-generation Arctic Security Cutters (ASCs) under the Coast Guard’s multibillion-dollar icebreaker program.The collaboration combines U.S., Canadian, and Finnish shipbuilding expertise to meet the Coast Guard’s urgent Arctic mission requirements. Backed by nearly $9 billion in funding secured under President Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill”…

Genetec Inc., a leader in enterprise physical security software, announced that the Port of Barcelona has successfully implemented Genetec Security Center, improving the port’s safety, efficiency, and operational capabilities.As one of the Mediterranean’s major logistics hubs, the Port of Barcelona has experienced continuous growth in recent years, leading to new operational and security challenges. In response, the Port Authority launched a modernization initiative focused on transforming the port into a safer…

A new research vessel built for the French oceanographic fleet operated for the National Science Community by the French national Institute of Ocean Sciences (IFREMER) has been launched at the Freire Shipyard celebrated in Vigo, Spain.The oceanographic vessel was named Anita Conti in honor of France's first woman oceanographer, as a tribute to her pioneering legacy in the exploration and study of the sea.Designed to replace the vessel Thalia, the Anita Conti will fully integrate the French Oceanographic Fleet in 2026.

Vard, the Norwegian subsidiary of the Fincantieri Group and one of the major global designers and shipbuilders of specialized vessels, has delivered two of the world's first vessels featuring cyber notation.The ships are the two Commissioning Service Operation Vessels (CSOVs) Grampian Kestrel and Purus Chinook, built respectively for North Star and Purus.In compliance with the new regulations in force from July 1, 2024, the two units feature state-of-the-art solutions that enhance their operational capabilities…

PT Bahtera Bahari Shipyard (PT BBS) has purchased Liebherr’s CBG 500 E. Scheduled for delivery in October 2025, the crane will be installed on a barge currently under construction at their Batam facility. The CBG 500 E features a rope luffing mechanism, a 65-ton safe working load in grab operation, and a 43-meter outreach—making it ideal for high-volumecoal handling. Its all-electric drive system, supported by the Licatronic energy recovery system and supercapacitors, ensures reduced emissions and optimized energy use.

International Container Terminal Services, Inc.’s (ICTSI) Baltic Container Terminal (BCT), Gdynia, acting in coordination with the Port of Gdynia Authority, has completed Phase 1 of a two-phase major upgrade of its Helskie Quay.The project, implemented over 400 meters of quay line, represents an important step in the Port of Gdynia’s goal to accommodate larger vessels. This objective will become a reality this September with the commissioning of 100 meters of the additional 400 meters to be upgraded under Phase 2 works as well as the entry into service of a newly expanded turning basin.

The Department of Homeland Security approved full production of the first U.S. Coast Guard Polar Security Cutter (PSC), April 30, 2025. The Service also received approval for low-rate initial production of the the Waterways Commerce Cutter (WCC). This is a milestone for the Nation, as it brings the Coast Guard closer to renewing and enhancing operational capabilities in both the American heartland and the polar regions.Approval for full production enables the Coast Guard and U.S.

German naval conglomerate Thyssenkrupp and Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri have signed an Industrial Cooperation Agreement as part of a broader strategic partnership to provide the Philippine’s Navy with advanced submarine capabilities solutions.As part of the Horizon III military modernization initiative, the Philippine Navy aims to enhance its archipelagic defense by acquiring cutting-edge weapon systems. In particular, the introduction of submarines would be a game-changer in securing territorial waters…