Shipbuilding News

A pair of 9,300 DWT self-discharging bulk carriers being built for Norway’s Aasen Shipping at the Royal Bodewes shipyard in the Netherlands will be the first of their kind to be fitted with a hybrid propulsion solution.Wärtsilä said it secured an order in December 2019 to provide the complete system design and full equipment scope for two newbuilds.Torbørn Torkelsen, CEO at Aasen Shipping, said, “We approached Wärtsilä because of their capabilities in delivering hybrid propulsion systems.”When contacted to determine whether a hybrid installation would be beneficial for these new ships…

SGTM has awarded Austal Limited a $10.7 million contract to build a 41-meter, high-speed catamara.The new vessel is based on Austal Australia designed vessel, with customer defined design modifications to be undertaken in Vietnam before construction commences there by March, 2020 with delivery approximately one year later.Austal Chief Executive Officer David Singleton said the new contract was welcome as Austal continued to build on its investment in facilities and people in the company’s new Vietnam shipyard.

Norwegian shipbuilder Ulstein has floated out the hull of a wind farm support vessel it is building for Bernard Schulte.The service operation vessel (SOV), yard number 315 at Ulstein Verft, was floated out from the yard’s dock hall on Sunday afternoon.The hybrid vessel has now been positioned in the outer dock for further outfitting and testing."The painting of the vessel’s exterior was completed prior to the float-out. The commissioning stage of the project is ongoing, the switchboards have been powered up and main engines started.

Italian Shipbuilding Company Fincantieri has officially launched the "Emilio Bianchi" frigate, the tenth and last FREMM (Multi Mission European Frigates) vessel at the integrated shipyard of Riva Trigoso (Genoa).The ship has been launched with the combat system and platform equipment already installed onboard and fully integrated. She will now be moved to the Fincantieri‘s shipyard in Muggiano (La Spezia) where, within next June, sea trials will start to test her performances.The ship will be delivered to the Italian Navy in March 2020…

From racing scows on the inland lakes of Minnesota to graduating from the United States Merchant Marine Academy to taking the helm of Glosten, Morgan Fanberg has led a ‘maritime life.’ We caught up with Fanberg in his Seattle office to discuss the path ahead for one of the U.S.’ most progressive and respected naval architecture and marine engineering firms.Morgan Fanberg has always been a ‘maritime guy,’ but his early maritime aspirations centered on racing sailboats. “I went to St.

US shipbuilder Metal Shark said it has delivered a new 36-foot welded-aluminum patrol boat to the Policia Municipal de San Juan (San Juan Police Department).The new patrol boat is a 36 Fearless stepped-bottom center console vessel built at Metal Shark’s Jeanerette, La. production facility and custom-configured to meet the specialized requirements of its newest Puerto Rican customer. The high performance craft has been equipped with triple 300 HP Suzuki outboard engines and reaches a top speed in excess of 50 knots, the builder said.

Governors 1, a 400-passenger ferry built by Blount Boats delivered in 2019, provides service between Lower Manhattan and Governors Island, a park-like respite .5 nm away from the bustle of New York City.The 132' x 40' Governors 1 has dual 800 hp engines, so maintaining optimal air pressure and temperature is critical for peak performance and efficiency. Adequate airflow is also essential for crew comfort and safety.Specified by naval architecture and marine engineering services firm Glosten…

Dutch shipbuilding conglomerate Damen has developed a new concept vessel, the Offshore Support Vessel (OSV) 9020, featuring a stable platform with lots of accommodation, good station-keeping capability, low carbon emissions and flexibility to add mission-specific tools.“We were approached by several different operators at the same time, all looking for slightly different offshore capabilities, but similar enough that their requirements could be met with a conceptual standard platform…

A ceremony at Sanmar's Altinova shipyard on January 11, 2020 celebrated the commissioning of the 200th tug built by Sanmar to a Robert Allan Ltd. design -- an achievememt reached in just over 25 years' time.The milestone tug, the Boğaçay XXXVIII, is the latest evolution of the RAmparts 2400-SX design, incorporating the newly developed CAT Advanced Variable DriveTM (AVDTM) hydro-mechanical hybrid propulsion system. At the time of writing the tug is joining Sanmar's towage fleet in Izmit Bay…

Qatar's Ministry of Defense has signed an agreement with Italian shipbuilding group Fincantieri evaluate and study new technologies and capabilities, possibly leading to a future acquisition of new vessels in 2020.Fincantier said it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Barzan Holding, a company wholly owned by the Qatari Ministry of Defense and responsible for empowering the military capabilities of the national armed force in the state, in Doha, on Friday.The programs indicated in the MOU include…

Wärtsilä announced on Friday that it will supply the main equipment for three liquefied natural gas (LNG) fueled short-sea Ro-Lo (roll-on, lift-off) vessels to be operated by Finland based Bore Ltd., an affiliate of the Dutch Spliethoff Group.The ships have been ordered and are being built at the WuHu Shipyard in China. The order with Wärtsilä was placed in December.Wärtsilä said it has worked in close collaboration with both the owner and the naval architect to develop a vessel optimized integrated LNG system.

Carnival Cruise Line's next flagship was floated out at Meyer Turku Shipyard in Finland, the builder announced on Friday.The 180,000-gross-ton, 5,200-passenger cruise ship Mardi Gras will be the largest in the Carnival fleet upon delivery in October 2020.Ben Clement, Carnival’s senior vice president of newbuilds, says the the “one-of-a-kind” ship is a “game-changer”.Meyer Turku CEO, Jan Meyer, agrees. “I believe Mardi Gras will be a truly special ship,” Meyer says. “She will be…

U.S.-flag lakers idled for the winter season will undergo more than $97 million in maintenance and modernization work at multiple Great Lakes shipyards before returning to service in March. The $97 million figure is an increase from $70 million in 2019, according to the Lake Carriers' Association (LCA).After working around the clock for 10 months hauling cargo over more than 70,000 miles per vessel, the ships and their crews are given a brief rest to recoup before the Soo Locks reopen and the next season starts in March…

Danish product tanker company TORM announced on Thursday it has entered into a deal to purchase a pair of LR2 tankers from Chinese state-owned builder Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI) for expected delivery in the fourth quarter of 2021.TORM, which currently has 29 GSI vessels in its fleet, said the newbuilds will be constructed "to optimize trading and fuel- efficiency" and will be equipped with scrubbers. The vessels will also be prepared for a potential later dual-fuel…

MAN Energy Solutions said it has secured a contract to supply the main propulsion engines for two new 41-meter patrol vessels for the Royal Thai Navy. Each vessel will be powered by two MAN 16V175D-MM, IMO Tier II engines, each rated at 2,960 kWm at 1,900 rpm.Marsun Shipyard in Thailand will construct the newbuildings with delivery scheduled for August 2020.The Royal Thai Navy already operates MAN Energy Solutions engines on its Krabi-class offshore patrol vessels; a second such…

Australian-based global ship building company Austal Limited announced that it has been awarded a A$15.5 million (US$10.7 million) contract for a 41 meter, high-speed catamaran.According to a press release, the vessel will provide production continuity to Austal Vietnam as it completes the fabrication of a 94 meter ferry for a customer in Trinidad and Tobago. The contract will become effective when the required down payment is received, which is expected in the next few days.The new vessel is based on an existing and proven Austal Australia designed vessel…

Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) announced Brandi Smith has been named program director of the Newport News Columbia-class submarine program.Smith will be responsible for leading the company’s construction activities for the U.S. Navy’s new class of ballistic-missile submarines, as well as maintaining strong relationships with General Dynamics Electric Boat and Navy customers. She will report to Jason Ward, Newport News vice president for Columbia-class submarine construction.Smith began her career at Newport News in 2002 as an engineer in the carrier overhaul program.

MAN Energy Solutions’ marine liquefied natural gas (LNG) fuel-gas-system manufacturer MAN Cryo has inked a deal to supply the LNG fuel-gas supply systems for two icebreaking roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) newbuilds being built at Yantai Raffles shipyard in China for Swedish shipping line Wallenius SOL. MAN Energy Solutions will also supply a pair of 9L28/32DF dual-fuel auxiliary engines to each vessel.Upon construction, the 242-meter vessels will be the largest to ever to meet Finnish/Swedish ice class 1A Super standard…

The global LNG bunkering supplier Probunkers has agreed terms with Hyundai Mipo Dockyard (HMD) for the construction of two firm units of 7,600 m3 LNG Bunker Vessels, signing a Letter of Intent (LOI) with the South Korean leading yard.The signing of this LOI comes as the product of a long optimization process during which probunkers’ technical team reviewed more than thirty (30) ship design proposals to serve the purpose of the project involving prestigious organizations such as the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS)…

The hull of 78-meter AMELS Full Custom yacht arrived from Damen Shipyards Galati on the Danube river in Romania.When completed in 2021, the yacht will be the largest AMELS to date.Currently 13 yachts are at the busy Vlissingen hub of the Damen Shipyards Group’s yachting division, including both the Vlissingen City yard and the Vlissingen East yard.The AMELS Full Custom yacht joins four AMELS Limited Editions yachts, two DAMEN SeaXplorers and five refits.In total we currently have 26 yacht projects underway at both our new build and hull building facilities.

SCHOTTEL said it secured an order to provide propulsion units for four 81-meter hybrid-electric road ferries ordered by Canadian operator BC Ferries from Damen Shipyards Galati in Romania.Captain Jamie Marshall, Vice President, Business Development and Innovation at BC Ferries, said, “We’ve had positive experiences with SCHOTTEL azimuth thrusters in our Salish Class ferries, and opted for the German manufacturer for our Island Class as well. The propulsion system is efficient…

Today, Sunshine Pride, an NYK-operated coal carrier for Joban Joint Power Co. Ltd., was delivered by Japanese builder Tsuneishi Shipbuilding Co.

Norwegian shipyard Ulstein Verft has contracted the compatriot supplier of marine coolers for all types of vessels, Hydroniq Coolers, to deliver the seawater cooling system to the cable laying vessel (CLV) Nexans Aurora.The Pleat coolers will provide cooling of the vessel’s main engine and auxiliary systems through the use of seawater. Hydroniq Coolers has not disclosed the value of the contract.The patented Pleat is a module-based titanium cooler for seawater to freshwater, with design pressure 6 bars and design temperature of 0-95°C.“Users of the Pleat benefits from long service intervals…

Geneva-based global cruise line MSC Cruises has signed a contract with the French shipbuilder Chantiers de l’Atlantique to build the third and fourth liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered MSC World Class ships.The two parties announced that a firm contract has been signed for the construction of two additional MSC World Class ships worth over 2 billion euros scheduled for delivery in 2025 and 2027.In 2017, Chantiers de l’Atlantique (previously STX France) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with MSC Cruises for the construction of two cruise ships.

Italian shipbuilding company has been awarded an order worth almost 100 million euros (about 111 million U.S. dollars) to provide high-profile equipment as part of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project to build a nuclear fusion reactor.The ITER Project is a multinational collaboration aimed at building an experimental hydrogen fusion reactor, first of its kind, and acknowledged as one of the most ambitious initiatives in the world in the field of sustainable energy.A temporary consortium has been established for the execution of these activities.

Croatian DIV Group is set to buy Kleven Verft, a Norwegian shipbuilding company specializing in the construction of offshore and cruise vessels.DIV, which owns the Brodosplit shipyard in Split Croatia, has signed an agreement to buy the Norwegian company based in Ulsteinvik, with the deal is expected to be executed in the next few weeks, Kleven said Monday.Kjetil Bollestad, CEO at Kleven, said he was happy the company was getting "a new and solid owner of the yard.""Through a difficult period, we have managed to deliver fantastic ships, as well as exploit the high competence at the shipyard.

Norwegian shipbuilder Aas Mekaniske Verksted has awarded pump and liquid handling specialist PG Flow Solutions a contract to deliver pump systems to a wellboat the shipyard is building for Brønnbåt Nord AS.The wellboat to Brønnbåt Nord Lofoten is newbuild number 207 from Aas Mekaniske Verksted. During the past year, the shipyard awarded similar contracts to PG Flow Solutions for newbuilds 204, 205 and 206 too.“2019 was a very good wellboat year for us, largely because Aas Mek has been very successful in this segment.

Japanese shipbuilding major Tsuneishi Shipbuilding delivered the 500th newbuilding in long running bulker range the Tsuneishi Economical Standard Ship (TESS).The TESS64 Aeroline bulker Sarita was delivered to Ugland Shipping by Tsuneshi Heavy Industries (Cebu) in November last year marked the 500th vessel of a TEES design to be delivered."As indicated by its name “TESS”, the TESS series features fuel consumption performance with excellent economy, and high versatility that is easy to use.

Japanese shipbuilder Kawasaki Heavy Industries  (KHI) has delivered the bulk carrier FJ Viola, with a capacity of 61,000 DWT, for F.J.Lines Inc. at the Dalian Cosco KHI Ship Engineering Co., Ltd. (DACKS).DACKS is located in Dalian City, China and operated jointly with China Cosco Shipping Corporation Limited.According to a press release from KHI, The vessel has a flush deck with a forecastle and five holds that are designed for optimum transport of grains, coal, ores and steel…

Japan's Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) has delivered the Phoenix Gaia, an 82,200 m3 capacity liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carrier, for Phoenix Tankers Pte. Ltd.According to a press note from the shipbuilder, Phoenix Gaia is the 60th LPG carrier and the 11th vessel of the same type to be built by the company.This vessel adopts Kawasaki's indegenously developed bow shape called SEA-Arrow, which significantly improves propulsion performance by minimizing bow wave resistance.The release said that the main engine powering the vessel is an energy-efficient…

North Vancouver shipbuilder Seaspan Shipyards on Thursday held a keel laying ceremony for the Royal Canadian Navy’s future joint support ship HMCS Protecteur.Scheduled for 2023 delivery, the newbuild is the first of two joint support ships to be constructed by Seaspan as part Canada's National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS). With a length of 173.7 meters and a breath of 24 meters, the vessel will be the largest naval ship by length ever built in Canada.“Today’s keel-laying ceremony represents another milestone in our commitment to provide modern…

Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc. has delivered the first of two 80’ 5,100 HP Z-Drive tugs for Bisso Offshore, LLC, a division of E.N. Bisso & Son, Inc.The M/V C.D. White, handed over on January 8, 2020, is a RAL RApport 2400 Z-drive ship-handling tug design provided by Robert Allan Ltd.The vessel has completed its bollard pull testing witnessed by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and received its USCG Subchapter M Certificate of Inspection (COI).C.D. White and sister vessel M/V A.

The maritime software, services and data analysis provider NAPA has announced the signing of a new contract with the northernmost year-round ferry, Wasaline, for its newbuilding Aurora Botnia.When it launches in 2021 the Aurora Botnia will be the world’s first LNG/LBG battery ship with pods under the vehicle deck, as well as the world’s most environmentally friendly RoPax vessel.Under the agreement, NAPA will provide Wasaline with its industry benchmark software applications, NAPA Emergency Computer…

Chinese cruise shipbuilding company CMHI Haimen yard carried out the keel laying ceremony for the 'Ocean Explorer'. This is the fourth ULSTEIN X-BOW design in the INFINITY class of expedition cruise vessels that the U.S. based shipowner SunStone Ships has contracted to CMHI.The 'Ocean Explorer' is based on the ULSTEIN CX103 design featuring the X-BOW® by Ulstein Design & Solutions.The INFINITY Class vessels are 104,4 m long and 18,4 m wide. They have a passenger capacity of 264…

Dutch shipbuilder Damen Shipyards Group and Australian-based Gentium Solutions have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Industry of Bangladesh, seeking to establish and develop shipbuilding and ship repair industry in Bangladesh."The aim is to build ships in Bangladesh, for Bangladesh, with a long-term view of serving export markets. The partners in the MoU will undertake a number of tasks in this direction," said a press release from the Netherlands…

Lake Geneva General Navigation Company (CGN), a Swiss company operating ships on Lake Geneva connecting towns in both France and Switzerland, has awarded the contract to build two new passenger ferries to Shiptec AG.According to a press release from the Switzerland-based shipbuilder, the order for the two passenger ferries amounts to a total of CHF 57 million (USD 59 million).The new passenger ferries with a capacity of 700 people each will connect Evian-les-Bains to Lausanne from early 2022 and the link between Thonon-les- To serve Bains and Lausanne.

The joint venture between Fincantieri and Naval Group, held its first board meeting for Naviris. Through Naviris, Fincantieri and Naval Group are pooling their strengths to develop a new strategic capability and respond in an innovative way to the needs of their customers.The two companies have established that Naviris is a 50/50 joint venture. With the head office located in Genoa with a subsidiary in Ollioules, the Naviris team will focus on bi-national and export projects.

Nor-Shipping has appointed Sidsel Norvik to the new role of Commercial Director. Norvik joins following a stint as CEO of Energy Show Norway, two decades as Commercial Director for Upstream, and 10 years with Recharge, a news platform for renewable energy. Norvik will now be charged with working on exhibition sales and spearheading Nor-Shipping’s ground-breaking Blue Economy Hall, promoting the ‘Blue Talks’ and showcasing firms and ideas that accelerate innovation, competency and sustainable business opportunities.Nor-Shipping 2021 takes place at the 22,500 sq.

ONE SEA has appointed Capt Eero Lehtovaara as its new Chairman. Lehtovaara, a Master Mariner and Associate Fellow of the Nautical Institute, is Head of Regulatory & Public Affairs at ABB Marine & Ports.He brings a wealth of experience to the expanding ONE SEA alliance where he has been a Board member for two years, as well as Vice Chairman. His past experience at sea provides a unique understanding of the challenges set by new regulations, human resource management and technological developments…

Germany has awarded Dutch shipyard Damen a contract to construct at least four new multi-role warships worth nearly 6 billion euros ($6.7 billion) in an alliance with its Bremen-based partner Luerssen, the armed forces and budget lawmakers said on Tuesday.The ship tender is one of Germany's biggest arms projects, along with a contract for the MEADS missile defence system and the new Franco-German fighter jet (FCAS), underlining Berlin's efforts to increase its military capabilities.The first warship is expected to be delivered in 2027…

Norway-based provider of shortsea RoRo transportation United European Car Carriers (UECC)  held a steel cutting ceremony for its first newbuild pure car truck carrier (PCTC) on order with China Ship Building Trading and Jiangnan Shipyard Group.Representatives from UECC, NYK, Japan Marine Science, MUFG Bank, DNV-GL, SDARI, CSSC and CSTC gathered at the Jiangnan Shipyard in in Shanghai on the 8th of January 2020 to witness and celebrate the steel cutting ceremony for UECC’s first Battery Hybrid LNG Powered PCTC.Earlier…

Dubai-based ship owner and operator Tomini Shipping has boosted its shipping fleet with the delivery and naming of three ultramax carriers.Three vessels named Tomini Entity (63,500 DWT), Tomini Felicity (63,300 DWT) and Tomini Tenacity (63,601 DWT) were delivered on 7 January 2020.According to the company statement, the naming ceremony was held at the COSCO Shipping Ltd, Hudong Shipyard, Shanghai, China. Shoaib Seedat, Head of New Buildings and Pradeep Bajpai, Head of Fleet Management attended from Tomini Shipping together with representatives of the builder and seller…

South Korean logistics major Hyundai Merchant Marine (HMM) will introduce the largest container vessels of the world in April. These mega-ships will be deployed on the company’s Asia-Europe services.According to BusinessKorea HMM will put into operation a total of 12 24,000-TEU super large vessels, one per week, staring this April, the Busan New Port Terminal said on Jan. 12.The boxships are under construction at Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) and Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME).HMM will start its services as an official member of “The Alliance…

The Netherlands-based Wijnne Barends Chartering, an affiliate of the Dutch Spliethoff Group, has ordered four new next-generation short-sea cargo vessels from the WuHu Shipyard in China.The newbuilds will feature liquefied natural gas (LNG) propulsion and storage systems provided by Wärtsilä, making the vessels among the first of their type to be powered by LNG fuel.Because of space restrictions on short-sea cargo ships, Wärtsilä developed a customized solution in close cooperation…

The first steel sheet of the electrical substation for the offshore wind farm (OWF) of Saint-Nazaire (west of France) was cut at Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire.Ordered in August 2019 by Parc du Banc de Guérande, held jointly by EDF Renouvelables and Enbridge Inc, the substation will leave the shipyard in the summer of 2021, to be connected  with the wind farm in 2022. The substation will collect and transform the electricity produced by wind turbines and transfer it to the shore network…

The Greek oceangoing vessel operator Capital Ship Management Corp. (CSMC) took successful delivery of the newbuilding vessel M/T ‘Aitolos’.The 115,000 dwt, eco-type crude oil tanker is built by Daehan Shipbuilding Co., Ltd, S.Korea, said a press note from the ship management services provider.M/T ‘Aitolos’ is the first of two sister ships to be delivered in 2020.Capital Group currently operates a fleet of 78 vessels including 48 tankers (10 VLCCs, 4 Suezmaxes, 7 Aframaxes, 26 MR/Handy product tankers and 1 small tanker)…

South Korea shipbuilder Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) may receive an order from Russia’s largest independent gas producer Novatek for 10 additional ice-breaking LNG carriers worth US$3Bn.A report by Business Korea said Novatek has asked the Russian Government to approve its plan to place an order at an “overseas shipyard”.If the Russian government approves the scheme, the number of LNG carriers to be used for Russia’s Arctic LNG project will increase to 25, including the 15 units that will be built by Zvezda…

Odfjell SE,  a company specializing in worldwide seaborne transportation and storage of chemicals and other speciality bulk liquids, said that it took the delivery of Bow Odyssey - the third of its series of four newbuilt, 49,000 dwt chemical tankers.The Hudong class vessel was built by Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding Co.Ltd Shanghai China.The so-called Hudong series consists of four sister vessels, all with the same high-end technology and advanced features that in 2019 earned the first vessel…

The provider of towage services Boluda Towage Europe said that it's tugboat ‘Union Koala’ was officially certified for compliance with the IMO Tier III standards. The converted tug returned to service during a ceremony at the ABC Tower in Zeebrugge, Belgium."Boluda Towage Europe has passed a new milestone: it is the first towage company in Europe to convert an existing tugboat, complying with the IMO Tier III standards. The company embarked on this project together with supplier…

Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. held a christening and launch ceremony for the second of two passenger/cargo ferries currently under construction for Hankyu Ferry Co, Ltd.The new vessel, named Yamato, is being constructed at the Shimonoseki Shipyard & Machinery Works yard in Japan's Yamaguchi Prefecture and is scheduled to be delivered in June 2020 after rigging work is completed.Together with Settsu, which was christened and launched last August, Yamato will serve on the operator's Shinmoji-Kobe route.Yamato…

The Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (SLSDC) has placed an order for a newbuild ASD (Z-drive) harbor tug to be delivered by Washburn & Doughty Associates, Inc. of East Boothbay, Maine.Craig Middlebrook, Deputy Administrator of the SLSDC, said, “This new vessel will be used to carry out a variety of construction and maintenance duties for the US portion of the St. Lawrence Seaway, including routine maintenance of lock gates, maintenance and positioning of aids to navigation…

Japanese shipping giant Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) has held a naming ceremony for an LNG carrier, jointly ordered by MOL and China COSCO Shipping.The naming ceremony for the LNG Merak carrier was held on Wednesday, January 8, at Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding yard, according to MOL.The "LNG Merak" is the second of four newbuilding LNG Carriers for the Yamal LNG Project announced at the end of June, 2017, and the sister vessel of the "LNG Dubhe" which was delivered at the end of last…

HMS Prince of Wales, the second of the U.K.’s Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers, has recently completed a successful sea trial in Scottish waters.The ships are the largest ever built for the Royal Navy and the carriers are powered by GE’s energy-efficient, integrated full-electric propulsion system.As part of the Aircraft Carrier Alliance, GE’s Power Conversion business has provided the HV Distribution system, HV Drives and Propulsion Motors as well as the Electrical Power Control and Management system.GE also supplied the HV Generators to support generating power for the entire carrier.

Adnan Nefesoğlu, RMK MARINE’s CEO, thought a short moment and  replied by reflecting his self-confidence “Yes, we can do”, when the local client came and asked RMK MARINE in early 2016 that: “We have two main engines, procured eight years ago and standing in a depot since then. They have Tier I feature. Can you convert them first to Tier II compliant engines, to be followed with Tier III compliant features, make them fully operable and then can you build two ships around 15.000-16.000 dwt…

ClassNK released its “Guidelines for Automated/Autonomous Operation of ships ~Design development, Installation and Operation of Automated Operation Systems/Remote Operation Systems”.In the field of ships, research and development of technology related to maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS) has been actively carried out with the aim of improving safety by preventing human error and improving working conditions by reducing the work load on crew members, and demonstration experiments…

Finnlines signed an order for two RoPax vessels with China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Weihai), previously known as AVIC Weihai.In 2018, Finnlines ordered three hybrid StoRo ultra large green vessels at Jinling Shipyard, which is also now part of China Merchants Group.The two new "Superstar" 5,100 lm RoPax vessels ordered are expected to be delivered by 2023, informed Grimaldi’s roro and passenger company. They will be larger than the existing Star class vessels and will be Finnlines’ flagships both in terms of size and technology.With a length of about 230 meters…

Aurora Expeditions, the luxury cruise company that offers services to Antarctica and Arctic,  will build a second expedition ship, the Sylvia Earle, scheduled to debut in October 2021.The 126-passenger vessel  named ‘Sylvia Earle’, to honor the renowned marine biologist, oceanographer and explorer.The order comes shortly after the Australia-based company introduced its first new expedition ship in 2019, the Greg Mortimer, named for the Australian mountaineer and Aurora’s founder.The new ship is one of the vessels in owner, SunStone Ships’, INFINITY class.

OSI Maritime Systems (OSI) has entered in to a strategic partnership with PGZ Stocznia Wojenna Shipyard (PGZ SW) (Gdynia, Poland). OSI together with Polish engineers and fitters will design, build, deliver and install two INTS’s for the Polish Navy Kormoran Class Mine Countermeasures Vessel new build program. Kormoran is part of the Polish naval modernization program and will operate in the waters of the Polish exclusive economic zone (EEZ) as well as participate in NATO’s countermeasure group in the Baltic and North Sea.INTS is a fully scalable…

The Hamburg Port Authority (HPA) has chosen SCHOTTEL for two more fire-fighting vessels. Each of the fireboats features two rudderpropellers type SRP 150 L FP (380 kW each) with a propeller diameter of 1.10 m and a transverse thruster type STT 60 FP (100 kW). Each of these is driven by an electric motor. The rudderpropellers type SRP 150 are equipped with SCHOTTEL’s new highly efficient SDC40 nozzle. This thruster configuration achieves a free running speed of 12 knots.The two…

Offshore support vessel operator Sentinel Marine has introduced the newest fleet of emergency response and rescue vessels in the North Sea – and help clean up the offshore environment.All eight ships recently built to order by Sentinel Marine – and the four still under various stages of construction – have Tier 4 compliant engines which reduce emissions of particulate matter and noxious gases to near zero levels.Sentinel Marine chief executive officer Rory Deans said: “Tier 4…

Norwegian shipowner and operator 2020 Bulkers has taken delivery of Bulk Shenzhen, the fifth of eight 208,000 dwt Newcastlemax newbuilds.One further vessel is expected to be delivered in January 2020, and the remaining two vessels are expected to be delivered by May 2020.The vessel will on January 9, 2020, commence a 11-13 month index-linked time charter with ST Shipping, a 100% owned subsidiary of Glencore. The index-linked rate reflects a significant premium to a standard Capesize…

The Association of Maryland Pilots has ordered a new class of pilot boat from Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding, Duclos Corporation. Called the Baltimore Class after the pilots’ base of operations at the Port of Baltimore, the vessel’s delivery is scheduled for April 2021. With a length overall of 48.5’, beam of 15.6’, and draft of 4’, the all-aluminum pilot boat features the Ray Hunt Design deep V hull. It will be powered by twin Volvo Penta D13, EPA Tier 3-compliant diesel engines, each delivering 600 hp at 1,900 rpm with a top speed of 29 knots.

In May 2017, MOL decided to build an LNG-fueled tugboat that would be operated by Nihon Tug-Boat Co., Ltd. It was built by Kanagawa Dockyard Co., Ltd., has dual-fueled engines from Yanmar Co., Ltd., and runs on LNG supplied by Osaka Gas Co., Ltd. The LNG-fueled tugboat, called Ishin, was delivered in February of 2019, and was featured in the December 2019 edition of Maritime Reporter & Engineering News as a Great Ships of 2019.Ishin is Japan’s first tugboat built to conform to the International Code of Safety for Ships Using Gases or Other Low-flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code).

Wärtsilä’s Exhaust Gas Cleaning (EGC) system has been Type Approved by the China Classification Society (CCS). This follows the order for the system from Dalian Shipbuilding Industry for installation onboard the ‘New Treasure’, a new Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC). The ship is being built for Associated Maritime of Hong Kong, part of the China Merchants Energy Shipping group.Full scale testing was carried out after its shipboard installation was completed, and the relevant data was reviewed and reported by Dalian Maritime University, as an independent third party.

Norway-based player in LNG Shipping with a focus on LNG Carriers and FSRUs (Floating Storage Regasification Units) Flex LNG has launched the 173,400m³ Flex Resolute LNG carrier at South Korea's Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (DSME) shipyard.According to LinkedIn post of Flex LNG, the new-building number 2480, to be named Flex Resolute, has been launched on January 5.Flex Resolute is a 173,400 cbm two-stroke vessel fitted with a full re-liquefaction system (MEGI-FRS)…

Japanese shipbuilder Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd. announced that it delivered the bulk carrier Amis Treasure, with a capacity of 61,000 DWT  for Trobrian Wisdom SA.The delivery happened at the Dalian COSCO KHI Ship Engineering Co., Ltd. (DACKS), which is located in Dalian City, China and operated jointly with China COSCO Shipping Corporation Limited (China COSCO Shipping).The vessel has a flush deck with a forecastle and five holds that are designed for optimum transport of grains, coal, ores and steel products.

Japanese classification society ClassNK has released amendments to its Rules and Guidance for the Survey and Construction of Steel Ships on December 27, 2019.Some of the requirements amended are as follows:In response to feedback from damage investigations;- Amendment related to the Welding for Cross-joints subject to High Stress, Towing Winch Emergency Release Systems, and Arrangement, Connection and Protection, etc. of Piping SystemsIn response to industry requests;- Amendment related to the Steels Subject to Special Requirements for Ammonia Carriers…

UK ship repairer SMS Southampton said it has completed a dredger refit in the port of Southampton for Tarmac Marine.Work on the 1997-built City of Chichester was completed in a dedicated, controlled berth alongside at Williams Shipping’s berths in Southampton. SMS took ownership of the site, to include permits-to-work and site security, as well as the program of repair works.The program included the feeder hopper refurbishment (completed in SMS’s nearby workshops), the discharge grab replacement…

South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Mipo Dockyard (HMD), a unit of Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), has confirmed the KRW 110 billion ($100m) newbuilding order for four units of 1,800 TEU container carriers from Taiwanese shipping line Evergreen Marine Corporation.The world's No. 1 shipbuilder specializing in medium-sized ships such as product/chemical tankers, car carriers, LPG & LNG carriers, and asphalt carriers, said that The vessels, each of which will have a length of 172 meters…

South Korean shipbuilder Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co (DSME) is targeting deals worth more than $6.88 billion in 2020, said a report by Yonhap.DSME received an additional order of six container vessels worth 891.8 billion won (US$768 million) from an African client on Dec. 27. DSME will deliver the vessels to their owner by the end of October 2022.The world's second-largest shipbuilder by order backlog won orders worth $6.88 billion to build 39 vessels, achieving 82 percent of its annual order target of $8.37 billion in 2019.The 39 ships includes 10 LNG carriers…

These days, cost-conscious municipalities across the fruited plain, from sea to shining sea, are ordering new waterborne assets to cover their many local responsibilities. When they do, they want ‘more bang for their buck,’ combining multiple missions – and the equipment that makes it all possible – onto one hull. That’s a tall order on the typically compact patrol boat style hulls that tend to be big on performance, but short on space for equipment that can demand a significant physical footprint.

Florida-headquartered international cruise line Carnival Cruise Line announced that the debut of its newest ship, Mardi Gras, will be pushed back until Nov. 14, 2020 after the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland informed the cruise line “that the delivery will be delayed.”With this new schedule, Carnival will now take delivery of the ship in late October and its first revenue sailing will depart from Port Canaveral on Nov. 14, 2020. Consequently, the first eight sailings that were scheduled starting Aug.

Washington-based boat builder Armstrong Marine said it has delivered a new 42’ x 16’ catamaran research vessel, Benthic Cat, to Orca Maritime, Inc. following launch and sea trials in Port Angeles Harbor. The vessel will enter service immediately, beginning with a week-long operation around San Clemente Island.The second IPS-drive catamaran delivered by Armstrong, the 4216-CTC model was selected by Orca Maritime after the builder delivered the same design to UC San Diego’s Scripps…

Australia-listed Global Energy Ventures (GEV) has extended a letter of intent (LOI) with Yantai CIMC Raffles Offshore to build the CNG Optimum 200 ships.The extension is for six months through to 30 June 2020. The LOI is based on a firm order for four 200 MM scf Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) ships with the option for GEV to order up to an additional four ships.The parties have executed the LOI, with the intention of entering a Shipbuilding Engineering, Procurement & Construction (EPC) contract…

Oceanwide Expeditions, the Dutch company specializing in expedition-style voyages to Antarctica and the Arctic, has cut steel on its newbuild, Polar Class 6 expedition ship, the Janssonius at Croatia’s Brodosplit shipyard.The design, size and 174-passenger capacity is the same as its sibling vessel, the Hondius (174 passengers) delivered in 2019, and a nearly identical size and design, the new ship will be equivalent to a 1A super ice-class ship, the line said.Completely on schedule…

South Korean shipbuilders are expected to maintain their status as the world’s top position in new orders this year, although they may fail to meet their annual order targets.South Korean shipbuilders have secured new orders totaling 7.12 million compensated gross tons to build a total of 168 ships through November, accounting for 36 percent of the total deals placed around the globe, said a report in Yonhap.According to the report, the Chinese rivals have bagged 7.08 million CGTs worth of orders for 304 ships in the first 11 months of the year…

Lessons learned on designing, building & operating with methanol as fuel.Generally averse to technological risk, maritime professionals lean on lessons learned, when available, to make future decisions. According to Fredrik Stübner, Director Ship Management, Marinvest, his organization’s experience running ships on methanol can be instructive for others considering emission reductions technologies, and to this end he suggests:1. VESSEL DESIGN“For other shipowners considering methanol as fuel…

When the clock strikes midnight on December 31, 2019, the maritime world enters a bold new era of emission reduction. With its growing fleet of methanol fueled ship and more than 60,000 hours of operating experience under its belt, Waterfront Shipping Company has a five-year headstart.As a general rule, shipowners are remiss to share insights on their operations, lest their competitors catch wind and leverage the same technology and savings. The case of Waterfront Shipping Company Ltd.

South Korean shipbuilding and offshore contractor Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co., Ltd. (DSME) has secured a 891.8 billion-won (US$771 million) order to build six container ships.According to Yonhap, the world’s second-largest shipbuilder by order backlog will deliver the ships to an unidentified client in Africa by October 2022 under the deal.With the latest deal, Daewoo Shipbuilding has won orders worth $6.88 billion for 39 vessels so far this year, achieving 82 percent of its annual order target of $8.37 billion.The 39 vessels include 10 LNG carriers…

Global miner BHP Group may award contracts worth close to $1bln to companies bidding to build the world’s first fleet of bulk ships fueled by liquefied natural gas (LNG).According to a report from the Sydney Morning Herald, the contracts could be awarded in the next three months after reviewing 17 bids from gas producers, shipbuilders and financial institutions.BHP, the largest charterer of bulk carriers in the world, has revealed it is close to deciding who will win a tender…

Choosing the year’s ‘top stories’ is always a difficult task. Many compelling story threads played out, each dramatically impacting the North American waterfront, and in particular, the workboat sector – each in their own unique way.The Infrastructure Battle ContinuesThe EXECUTIVE SUMMARY H.R. 2396, the “Full Utilization of the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund Act”, will ensure that the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund is used for its intended purpose – maintaining Federally-authorized harbors. The legislation would allow the U.S.

Russian shipbuilder Nevsky Shipyard (NSSZ), a part of United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC), has delivered the replenishment oiler Akademik Pashin to the Russian Navy.The shipbuilding and shiprepair enterprise said that the project was developed by Spetssudoproect, JSC.The construction of the tanker Akademik Pashin is being carried out in accordance with the State Contract for the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation.The ship represents medium-sized sea tanker, steel…

German shipyard Meyer Werft GmbH & Co. KG is all set to to launch three cruise ships in 2020. During the shipyard has handed over three modern cruise ships to international cruise lines. "In the last twelve months alone, we have taken on 395 new employees in Papenburg, thus enlarging our team to more than 3625 people. We continue to recruit new col-leagues in all parts of the shipyard," said Tim Meyer, Managing Director of Meyer Werft.The shipyard has taken on all the 45 trainees who passed their final examinations.

A 40-year-old submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40) has completed sea trials and returned to Guam following extensive boiler repairs and testing.During sea trials, the crew, comprising uniformed Sailors and Military Sealift Command (MSC) civilian mariners, participated in more than three days of events and operations at sea to test the readiness of the ship. The crew participated in abandon ship drills, man overboard drills, engineering exercises, damage control training and countermeasure wash-down testing.“December has been a very busy and productive month for our team,” said Capt.

A Lockheed Martin-led team has secured a multibillion dollar order from the U.S. Navy to build four Multi-Mission Surface Combatants ships for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as part of the U.S.’s Foreign Military Sales program.Fincantieri Marinette Marine (FMM), who has been working with Lockheed Martin, naval architect Gibbs & Cox and more than 800 suppliers in 42 states for the US Navy’s Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) program, said it will build the ships at its Marinette yard in Wisconsin.

Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. signed a contract with Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) to build two LNG-fueled ferries, the first such project in Japan. These vessels will be built at the Shimonoseki Shipyard & Machinery Works, with deliveries scheduled for the end of 2022 to early 2023. Ferry Sunflower Limited based in Oita, will operate the ferries on its Osaka-Beppu route.The ferries will be about 199.9m long and 28.0m wide, with gross tonnage of approximately 17,300 tons. They will have maximum prescribed capacity for 763 passengers…

ARM Reformador project shows economic impact of local shipbuilding.Working in close cooperation, Damen Shipyards Group, the Mexican Navy, subcontractors and suppliers have completed successful sea trials of the Mexican Navy’s POLA-class ARM Reformador. The programme of sea trials was comprehensive, including testing of platform and combat systems in addition to training of Mexican Navy crews. The completion of these sea trials indicate how the project as a whole is progressing…

Niels Aalund was elected President of the International Propeller Club at their 93rd International Convention and Conference. The prominent maritime industry stakeholder will serve a two-year term, commencing from October 17th. Aalund, a well-known maritime subject matter expert and executive, also serves as an Officer and as Senior Vice President of the West Gulf Maritime Association (WGMA). WGMA communicates and coordinates with various governmental entities throughout the West Gulf…

Scrubber and ballast water treatment system refits have helped to maintain brisk business at shipyards globally, as shipowners upgrade ships to meet regulatory mandate. In Singapore, Keppel Offshore & Marine Ltd. reports that it has won 104 scrubber and BWTS retrofit orders worth a combined value of $118 million year-to-date, bringing the total number of retrofit projects secured to date to 108 scrubber and 97 BWTS projects.“Installation of scrubbers and BWTS can be highly complex and there has been strong demand worldwide to meet regulatory deadlines…

Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (KOSE), a manufacturer of oil tankers, cargo and passenger vessels, and warships, and Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Saudi Aramco) plans to set up a joint venture to build engines.According to South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency the JV will break ground for the plant in the King Salman International Complex for Maritime Industries and Services in the kingdom’s eastern coast in September 2020, and the project is set to be completed in May 2022.The Korean company is working to build a shipyard at the complex through a separate JV with Saudi Aramco…

Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. has delivered the first LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) fuel supply system "FGSS (Fuel Gas Supply System)" for dual fuel marine engines. This system will be installed onboard the first LNG fueled pure car carrier (PCC) built in Japan, which is currently under construction at Shin Kurushima Toyohashi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.The FGSS is an LNG fuel gas supply system developed by Mitsubishi Shipbuilding utilizing LNG and vaporized gas handling technology developed through its long experience on the construction of LNG carriers…

TOP Ships has entered into an agreement with a major Chinese financier in relation to financing of up to $60.2 million for its recently acquired vessels.The Greece-based shipping company said that the two newbuilding ultra-high specification scrubber-fitted 50,000 dwt Medium Range (MR) product/chemical tankers currently under construction at Hyundai Mipo Co., Ltd. in South Korea.The delivery is due in February 2020, said the international owner and operator of modern, fuel-efficient…

Stena Line’s "next-generation" ferry Stena Estrid has arrived in Holyhead after completing sea trials and a five-week, 10,000 mile journey from China to the Irish Sea where she will begin service early next year on her inaugural route from Dublin to Holyhead.Designed by Deltamarin and constructed at the China Merchants Jinling Shipbuilding Weihai Shipyard in China, Stena Estrid is the first of Stena RoRo’s nine next-generation E-Flexer Ro-Pax vessels in a series which include five for Stena Line and several additional vessels that will be on long-term charter for other ferry operators.

Boatbuilder Armstrong Marine USA has been selected to construct a custom passenger ferry for the community of Hat Island, Washington.The 49-passenger USCG Subchapter T vessel features a galley, head, Northern Lights 9kW generator, Garmin/NMEA electronics package, and PA system. Vessel completion is slated for Fall, 2020.

Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) has announced that it recently received the Approval in Principle (AiP) for the design of a capesize bulk carrier with type C LNG fuel tank made of POSCO’s high manganese steel and fuel gas supply system from DNV GL and Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry (Liberian Registry).The hand-over ceremony was held at HHI’s Seoul office and attended by senior officials from HHI, POSCO, DNV GL and Liberian Registry, including Jae-eul Kim, Chief Technology Officer(CTO) at HHI…

The Government of Canada announced East Coast shipbuilder Chantier Davie has pre-qualified to become the third strategic partner under the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS), a long-term, multibillion-dollar program to renew the Canadian Coast Guard and Royal Canadian Navy fleets.Back in May, Canada’s Government announced its intention to add a third Canadian shipyard as a partner under the NSS, and on August 2, it launched the competitive process to select the new yard to build six program icebreakers for the Canadian Coast Guard.According to the Government of Canada…

Arnout Damen will take over as CEO of Damen Shipyards Group effective January 1, as the the Dutch shipbuilding conglomerate transitions to a new divisional structure, the group announce on Monday.Arnout Damen succeeds René Berkvens, who has been the CEO of Damen Shipyards Group for more than 13 years."We are extremely indebted to René for his commitment as our company's top executive," said Chairman Kommer Damen. “Under his leadership, Damen has grown into a globally operating, leading player.

The Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) L’Adroit has adopted the Argentinian flag and becomes the A.R.A. BOUCHARD. The first one of the four OPVs ordered by Argentina has been designed and developed by Naval Group on its own resources. Handed over to the Argentinian Navy two months ahead of schedule and after only ten months of upgrade and modernization works. The three others OPVs will be delivered from April 2021 at the pace of one unit every six months.L’Adroit becomes the A.R.A BOUCHARDSince mid-February…

On 19 December the Cabinet of the Netherlands’ Government has submitted a so-called D-letter to the Parliament, to begin the construction of the Combat Support Ship Zr.Ms. Den Helder. The D-letter, part of the Defense Materiel Process (DMP), is the conclusive letter announcing the procurement decision for a large military project. With this new ship, the supply capacity of the Royal Netherlands Navy (RNLN) will once again expand to two ships. The construction of this new, essential…

South Korean shipbuilding giant Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) has secured orders for a total of six liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers from European and Asian shipowners, totaling $1.13 billion.The ships - four LNG carriers for a European client and two others for an Asian shipping company - will be installed with a dual-fuel propulsion system to enhance efficiency and reduce toxic gas emissions.Four of the vessels for the European owner will be built by Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries while the remaining two will be built by Hyundai Heavy Industries.According to Yonhap…

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has attended a ceremony to launch the first tanker built at Baku Shipyard on the order of the Azerbaijan Caspian Sea Shipping Closed Joint-Stock Company (ACSC).The first oil tanker 'Lachin' was built by local specialists on the design of the Odessa Bureau of Marine Engineering. The 7,875-ton tanker is 141 meters long and 16.9 meters wide.The tanker can pass through the Volga-Don canal and has the maximum load capacity. Unlike others…

Greece-based international ship-owning company TOP Ships has acquired two ultra-high specification scrubber-fitted 50,000 dwt Medium Range (MR) product/chemical tankers under construction at Hyundai Mipo Dockyard Co., Ltd. in South Korea.The tanker owner stated in a press release that  it has acquired 100% of the issued and outstanding shares of Santa Catalina Inc. and Santa Monica Inc., which are Marshall Islands companies that have originally entered into new building contracts for the two tankers.The MR tankers are scheduled for delivery during February 2020…

A focused Q&A with M.Sc. Chem. Eng. Anders M. Sørheim, Yara Marine TechnologiesHow important is material quality when selecting a scrubber system?If the intention of a scrubber installation is to operate the scrubber for the lifetime of the vessel, assuming a minimum of 10 years, then the material quality is imperative. A study performed by the American stainless-steel manufacturer ATI titled “Evaluation of Alloys for Marine Exhaust Scrubbers – Effect of Welding and a Crevice” confirmed the importance of correct material choice for scrubbers.