Propulsion Technology News

Under the agreement, Steerprop will be able to order tailored simulator training from Aboa Mare for its customers. The training programs are designed to support the safe and efficient operation of vessels fitted with Steerprop propulsion equipment across a range of operating conditions and vessel types.The services consist of simulator-based courses organized together with Aboa Mare, focusing on vessel handling, maneuvering and operational decision-making using propulsion systems supplied by Steerprop.

GT Wings has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Zunsion Technology in China to establish a strategic manufacturing partnership for its AirWing Jet Sail wind propulsion system.The agreement creates a framework for industrial scale production of AirWing units in China, combining GT Wings’ wind propulsion technology expertise with Zunsion’s automation manufacturing capabilities.The MoU establishes the foundation for a long-term industrial collaboration aimed at accelerating…

Lloyd’s Register (LR) has signed a new contract with long-standing partner Echo Marine Group to support the delivery of Western Australia’s first fully electric passenger ferries - marking a major milestone for sustainable public transport in Australia.The project, which is a part of the Perth Transport Authority’s (PTA) METRONET Swan River Ferry Service Expansion programme, will see the design and construction of five new battery-electric ferries for operation on Perth’s Swan River.

Kongsberg Maritime has announced the launch of its new Kamewa S-4L waterjet series with a major contract to supply propulsion systems for Gotlandsbolaget’s next-generation high-speed ferry, Horizon X.The multi-fuel vessel, currently under construction at Austal, is hydrogen-ready and represents a significant step toward sustainable high-speed ferry operations.Horizon X will operate on the busy Gotland–mainland Sweden route, connecting Visby with Nynäshamn and Oskarshamn. This route demands high speed…

Meyer Turku has unveiled a net-zero cruise ship concept design named AVATAR.The project achieved its set emissions reduction target: the vessel’s lifecycle carbon footprint was successfully reduced by more than 90 percent compared to the baseline defined by the IMO.Developing a net zero vessel concept was one of the key objectives of NEcOLEAP, Meyer Turku’s four‑year research and development program co‑funded by Business Finland. The outcome has also been critically reviewed by a third party.“AVATAR has provided a solid foundation for our development work.

Chemical tanker operator Chemship has placed a repeat order with Dutch wind propulsion specialist Econowind for the installation of VentoFoils on two additional vessels, expanding its use of wind-assisted ship propulsion technology.Chemship said Chemical Contender and Chemical Fighter will each be fitted with four 16-meter ATEX-proof VentoFoils in the second half of 2026, as part of efforts to reduce fuel consumption and emissions across its fleet.The decision follows the installation of four 16-meter VentoFoils on Chemical Challenger in early 2024…

The Marshall Islands Flag State Administration and Bureau Veritas have formally approved SOLAS equivalency proposals submitted by Union Maritime and BAR Technologies for two MR2 tankers under construction at Wuhu Shipyard, China. The vessels will be equipped with BAR Technologies' WindWings advanced wind propulsion systems designed to reduce fuel use and emissions.The approvals cover detailed equivalency proposals addressing bridge visibility, navigation-light placement and radar line-of-sight, critical compliance factors affected by the installation of wing sails.

American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has granted approval in principle (AiP) for VesselWise, a next-generation autonomous technology for optimizing propulsion to improve fuel efficiency and enhance operational stability.The technology was developed by HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE), HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) and HD Hyundai Marine Solution (HD HMS) for LNG carriers.HD Hyundai Group says VesselWise aims to optimize the performance of critical machinery, including air lubrication systems, wind propulsion technology, generator engines and more.

Windward Offshore has taken delivery of its first Commissioning Service Operation Vessel (CSOV), Windward Athens, built by Norwegian shipbuilder Vard.The vessel represents a major milestone on Windward Offshore’s growth path and marks the company’s entry into operations with its dedicated CSOV fleet.The Windward Athens is designed to support installation, commissioning, and maintenance activities in offshore wind farms.Measuring 87.5 meters in length with a 19.5-meter beam, she offers accommodation for up to 120 people and is equipped with the latest technology for safe…

U-Ming Marine Transport Corporation has completed the installation of four Rotor Sails on its very large ore carrier (VLOC) vessel Grand Pioneer, becoming the first Taiwanese shipowner to adopt the wind-assisted propulsion technology.The sails, supplied by U.K.-based Anemoi Marine Technologies, were installed on a 325,000 deadweight tonne (DWT) vessel at COSCO Zhoushan Shipyard in September during a scheduled dry-docking.The plug-and-play process saw the four 35-meter tall, five-meter diameter sails lifted onto the vessel and fixed in 1.5 days…

“Shipping and the IMO are on different trajectories. There is no clear pathway for green fuel availability and scalability and infrastructure support. LNG and biofuels are mission critical to any success and should not be overlooked, over penalized or discarded in the Net Zero regulation. Quite frankly, achieving net zero for shipping by 2050 looks like a wildcard," said ABS Chairman and CEO Christopher J. Wiernicki at the launch of the 2025 ABS Sustainability Outlook, Beyond the Horizon: Vision Meets Reality.“The industry needs a framework but we need one that marries ambition with reality…

International digital shipbuilder Incat Crowther has been selected by Port Houston in the United States to design a new, hybrid electric, tour vessel for the port’s Houston Ship Channel tours.Incat Crowther will partner with Louisiana-based shipbuilder Breaux Brothers on the project, meaning the new vessel will be both designed and constructed in the United States.The new 22-metre vessel will replace the near 70-year old M/V Sam Houston, which has been servicing the tourism route since the port began offering tours in 1958.The vessel…

As battery technology evolves at speed, so too do developments on maritime's increasing use of the energy packs for hybrid and pure electric applications. Today, Fleetzero, a developer and manufacturer of modular propulsion platforms for hybrid and electric ships, selected Glosten to design what is expected to be the world’s longest-range hybrid electric vessel. Glosten has been working with Fleetzero on the retrofit of a Lightering Support Vessel owned and operated by AET. This…

bound4blue has underlined the business case for adopting eSAIL wind propulsion technology, with today’s release of BVS assessed operational fuel savings on the Louis Dreyfus Armateurs (LDA) owned Ville de Bordeaux Ro-Ro.The vessel, chartered by Airbus, had three 22-meter bound4blue suction sail units installed in 2024. BVS assessed the savings over a year, showing an average daily fuel saving of 1.7 metric tons, with peak savings of as much as 5.4 metric tons per day.These savings…

Danish shipping group A.P. Moller - Maersk has named the first vessel in a series of 17,480 TEU vessels equipped with dual-fuel methanol propulsion, which will operate under the name of Berlin Mærsk.The naming event took place on June 18, at Hyundai Heavy Industries’ (HHI) yard in Ulsan, South Korea.Berlin Mærsk is the 14th dual-fuel newbuild entering the Maersk fleet, and it will be followed by additional five sister vessels in this new class of container ships.All six vessels in the series are being built by HHI with delivery in 2025.

Skarv Shipping Solutions, a joint venture between Peak Group and Grieg Edge, has increased its order for ‘zero carbon project carriers’ from Shandong Huanghai Shipbuilding to five ships, extending its commitment to a Berg Propulsion package that optimizes vessel efficiency regardless of power source.Skarv specified inline ammonia-ready engines for the initial four 7,000 dwt ships, with the first ship due delivery in the fourth quarter of 2025, followed by three more through 2026.

Finnøy Gear & Propeller has signed a contract to deliver complete propulsion systems for a new series of eight cargo vessels being built for the Norwegian shipping company Wilson ASA. The vessels will be constructed at Udupi Cochin Shipyard Ltd. in India and are based on a design from the Dutch company Conoship International. The project marks an important collaboration between Norwegian maritime technology, European ship design, and Asian shipbuilding resources.Finnøy's delivery includes a "twin in – single out" 2G42-60F gearbox system…

Wärtsilä will supply the electric propulsion system for three fully battery-electric, high-speed ferries that will operate in the San Francisco Bay area, the first full-electric high-speed ferries to operate and be built in the USA. The order with Wärtsilä has been placed by the shipyard All American Marine (AAM), on behalf of San Francisco Bay Ferry, California’s largest public ferry operator. The order was booked by Wärtsilä in Q1 2025.The three zero-emission vessels will be the first delivered as a part of San Francisco Bay Ferry’s Rapid Electric Emission Free (REEF) Ferry Program…

Union Maritime, a UK shipowner, has launched its first wind-assisted vessel, Buran, fitted with Norsepower Rotor Sails™ designed to harness wind energy and enhance fuel efficiency.Its launch marks a major milestone as the company seeks to expand its fleet with 34 wind-assisted ships, including six chemical tankers equipped with Norsepower Rotor Sails™. Once complete, Union Maritime will operate the largest fleet using this technology globally, with the rotor sails expected to generate up to 10% of each vessel’s annual energy needs from wind.

bound4blue and Odfjell have partnered to complete the first installation of a wind propulsion system for the chemical tanker specialist, with four of bound4blue’s eSAILs retrofitted on the 49’k dwt Bow OlympusThe 22-meter-tall suction sails will help the advanced vessel achieve significant fuel savings, unlocking commercial, environmental and regulatory advantage. A tailored two-step installation process was deployed to accommodate the vessel’s schedule, with the installation completed in just two days.Firstly…

Caudwell Marine, a marine manufacturing business owned by John Caudwell, is poised for its official diesel outboard launch in 2025. In step, the company announced the move to a new dedicated manufacturing facility and corporate head quarters in February 2025.This relocation combines Caudwell Marine's outboard production line and functional headquarters into one facility marking an exciting milestone in the business’s growth and vision for the future. The new location situated in Coventry and conveniently close to major road, rail and air transport hubs, offers significant advantages.

Kongsberg Maritime has been hired as the lead integrator for hybrid and propulsion upgrade of the Norwegian Coastal Administration's (NCA) hybrid vessel OV Bøkfjord.The project will include installation of Kongsberg Maritime's electric Rim-Drive azimuth thrusters, together with an upgrade of hybrid capacity.The NCA is a national agency under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries, responsible for coastal management, maritime safety, and emergency preparedness against acute pollution.The OV Bøkfjord was its first hybrid vessel…

Anemoi Marine Technologies completed the installation of five Rotor Sails onboard the 400,000 dwt Very Large Ore Carrier (VLOC), Sohar Max, making it the largest vessel to receive wind propulsion technology to date. Sohar Max is a first generation Valemax, built in 2012 in China’s Rongsheng shipyard, and is a project that  showcased collaboration between Brazilian mining giant Vale S.A., Omani shipowner Asyad and UK-based Rotor Sail provider Anemoi.The five 35 m tall, 5 m diameter Rotor Sails were retrofitted onboard Sohar Max at the COSCO Zhoushan shipyard in China, in October 2024.