Shipbuilding News

As is tradition, Detyens Shipyards hosts an annual Thanksgiving feast at the shipyard for its workers, the occasion used to also distribute the annual performance bonus checks for every employee. Per Maritime Reporter & Engineering News’ recent interview with D. Loy Stewart, Jr., owner of Detyens Shipyards, this year’s bonus pool provided each worker with the equivalent of approximately six weeks of pay.https://www.marinelink.com/news/shipyard-report-detyens-shipyards-444167

SBM Offshore signed a contract Wednesday for a second hull in its planned series of Fast4Ward floating production, storage and offloading units (FPSO) with Chinese shipyard Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding and Offshore Co., Ltd. (SWS).The order, which coincides with a keel laying ceremony for SBM's first Fast4Ward hull at the Shanghai shipyard, has been made before any engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract for the second hull. The Dutch company cited "continuing…

A new ice-breaking liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker of the Arc7 class has begun sea trials by South Korea's Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (DSME) around the island of Geoje, Refinitiv Eikon data shows.The Nikolay Zubkov, formerly known as Hull DSME 2429, exited DSME's port on Geoje on Tuesday and has zig-zagged across the Korea Strait, the data showed. Ship trials for previous Arc7 carriers now in operation have lasted several months.The Arc7 tankers, for Novatek's Yamal LNG facility in northern Russia, are able to cross the Northern Sea Route eastwards to Asia during the summer and westwards to Europe throughout the year…

GTT received an order from the South Korean shipyard Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (DSME) for the tank design of two new 173,400 cu. m. LNG carriers (LNGC). These units will be built on behalf of a European ship-owner. The tanks will be fitted with the NO96 GW technology and the vessels' delivery is expected by end of 2020.

Humphree makes inroads in North American markets with vessel stabilization technology.If you haven’t yet heard of Humphree – the Sweden-based supplier of vessel stabilization systems – then, more than likely, that’s about to change. The firm’s penetration into the North American commercial and leisure marine market has seen its equipment on several vessels, including high-profile deployments like the new Seastreak high-speed commuting ferry.Founded in 2002 by a team of hydrodynamic and marine engineers…

Albwardy Damen celebrated its tenth anniversary on November 15th by officially opening its new ship repair facility at Dubai Maritime City (DMC). Over 100 guests from both the regional maritime industry and the Dubai government joined the Albwardy Damen management team at their new DMC workshop and Dubai HQ for the opening ceremony, followed by lunch on board the famous Queen Elizabeth II (QE2) ocean liner. Albwardy Damen is a joint venture between Albwardy Marine Engineering and the Damen Shipyards Group…

Optimarin signed a contract to supply seven of its USCG-approved Optimarin Ballast Systems (OBS) to Fednav, Canada's largest ocean-going dry-bulk shipowning and chartering group. Five of the units will be fitted on existing vessels within the 63-strong Fednav fleet, with two deliveries set for newbuilds. The order comes on top of agreements for five units made last year, signaling a growing relationship between the two market leaders.With recent orders for multiple systems from Höegh Autoliners…

Moose Boats delivered a M2-38 Catamaran CBRN, Dive and Fire Rescue vessel to San Francisco Fire Department.A pair of Cummins QSB6.7 425hp turbo diesel propulsion engines with Hamilton HJ292 water-jets will power the M2-38 aluminum catamaran. Serving primarily as a dive and rescue boat, the M2 is outfitted with an integrated dive/recovery platform and a bow ladder for beach rescues.Due to the Moose Boat’s Homeland Security role, it is also equipped with a Hale fire pump flowing in excess of 1…

Norwegian minister of petroleum and energy Kjell-Børge Freiberg cut the first sheet for the topside of the Johan Castberg floating production, storage and offloading unit (FPSO) at Kværner's yard at Stord on Wednesday as part of a large scale  project triggering ripple effects throughout Norway.The topside will be installed on the 200-meter long FPSO vessel that will be producing on the Johan-Castberg field for 30 years from the planned production start in 2022.The field development concept includes a FPSO vessel and extensive subsea development…

The liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier orders received by South Korean shipbuilders have more than tripled from last year.According to Reuters, the three South Korean yards - Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME), Hyundai Heavy Industries and Samsung Heavy Industries - have won the more than 50 orders for ships carrying LNG, with a total value of $9 billion.According to Clarkson, a shipbuilding research company in the U.K. on Nov. 20, LNG carrier orders from January to October this year totaled 43 units or 6.8 million cubic meters…

Scandium International Mining announced that it has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Austal, to test scandium-containing aluminum alloys in marine applications.Austal is an Australian-based global shipbuilding company that specializes in the design, construction and support of both defense and commercial vessels. Austal is the world’s largest aluminum shipbuilder and Australia’s largest defense exporter.The LOI calls for the Company to contribute various aluminum alloy samples containing scandium…

International technology Group Andritz has received orders from two renowned shipping companies to supply SeaSOx desulfurization systems for exhaust gas cleaning, thus confirming Andritz’s know-how in exhaust cleaning technologies.Installation of both SeaSOx systems is scheduled for March 2019, said a press release from the Austrian plant engineering group.Andritz claims that it is the only company worldwide offering wet scrubber as well as dry scrubber solutions for the shipping industry – under the tradename SeaSOx.In line with the requirements of the shipping industry…

Construction of Ponant's new polar exploration vessel Le Commandant Charcot has begun  with the traditional steel cutting ceremony at Vard's shipyard in Tulcea, Romania.Delivery of the new flagship, the most ambitious ever designed both in terms of travel experience and respect for the environment, is scheduled for 2021.The vessel will bear the name of a great French explorer: Le Commandant Charcot. An explorer by vocation with a true passion for sailing, Jean-Baptiste Charcot…

Metal Shark continues to build on its successful business platform, announcing that it  has partnered with the Bahamas National Trust (BNT) to support the preservation of the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, home to the second-largest coral barrier reef in the western hemisphere spanning 176 square miles in the Exumas region of the Bahamas.The partnership entails Metal Shark supporting the park’s full-time staff and volunteers by providing boats, technical assistance, and funding to support research…

Watson Farley & Williams advised HSBC Bank, HSBC Bank Middle East Limited HSBC Corporate Trustee Company  and a syndicate of banks including Mashreqbank, HSBC Bank Middle East Limited and Bank of Communications Ltd in connection with three Sinosure-backed loan facilities totalling approximately US$123m to UAE-based Zakher Marine International Inc (ZMI), to finance the construction and acquisition of three new high-spec jack-up barges.The delivery of the final two barges in September 2018 completed a structured financing and delivery process which saw Mashreqbank joining the project in 2017.

The French-flag cruise line Ponant is testing the Solid Sail concept on its vessel Le Ponant. Tests are being conducted with maritime construction company Chantiers de l’Atlantique as part of the sailing cruise-vessel project Silenseas, launched two years ago.Two patents have been filed—in 2009 and 2017—for the new type of sail, made of fibreglass, carbon and epoxy-resin panels in a carbon-slat frame. This new technology will significantly reduce energy consumption tied to propulsion…

111 years of success by designWhen Georg Abeking and Henry Rasmussen from Denmark established their boat and yacht yard 111 years ago, it is likely that neither of them suspected at that time that their small shipyard, headquartered in Lemwerder next to Bremen, would one day evolve into a world-renowned company known for building first class vessels.Today the company, which has been transferred into a European Company (Societas Europaea, SE), is a company that designs and manufactures, among other things. Included in this mix are some of the world’s most luxurious yachts.

The advent of U.S. offshore wind also brings the need for the quality and quantity of built-for-purpose vessels needed to sustain its momentum.As the long-awaited advent of offshore wind finally arrives on this side of the big pond, one question which continues to dominate the conversation is where (and when) the fit-for-purpose tonnage necessary for this great leap forward will come from. Just as important, stakeholders need to have confidence in the availability of proven vessel concepts…

Master Marine announced that it has delivered the Entech Designs 67’ x 28’ M/V Rick Pemberton to Waterfront Services.The boat is powered by a pair of Laborde Products, Inc. S6R2-Y3MPTAW Mitsubishi 803 HP tier III diesel marine engines to be operated at 1400 RPM coupled to Twin Disc MG 5321, 5:1 gears, E300 electronic controls with RW Fernstrum, Inc. keel coolers. Laborde Products, Inc. also provided electrical power with (2) Two Northern Lights M65C13.2S 65KW Tier III electronic controlled generators with RW Fernstrum, Inc. keel coolers. A pair of Sound Propeller Services, Inc.

MAN Energy Solutions won the order to supply the engine for a new dredger in southern China. The MAN 9L48/60CR unit will power the newbuilding vessel currently under construction at Dongguan Xiandai Shipbuilding Co. for sister company, Dongguan Rundong Shipping Co., Ltd., which will produce sand for the local construction industry.The four-stroke 9L48/60CR engine is rated at 9,720 kW @ 514 rpm and features MAN Energy Solutions’ exhaust-gas turbocharging and two-stage charge-air cooling. It is designed for heavy-duty operation – even with fuel qualities down to HFO-700 cSt / 50°C.

Rimorchiatori Spezzini, a subsidiary of the Scafi Group, contracted Damen Shipyards Group for two new Damen ASD Tugs 2411. The order comes as part of Scafi’s plans to expand its fleet in response to the newly assigned harbor towage concession in the port of Safi, Morocco. The two new ASD Tugs will be based in the Port of La Spezia, an important maritime hub for commercial markets in North Italy, Austria, Switzerland and Germany. (Read more about the Port of La Spezia in the latest…

The global marine and offshore vessel management and support services provider V.Group said that its V.Ships Leisure unit has been awarded a contract by Antarctica21 for the technical management of the expedition vessel, Magellan Explorer.The 100-guest Magellan Explorer is currently under construction at Asenav in Chile and due to be delivered in October 2019, the ship management company company said.The vessel, which is being built to the new polar code and is uniquely customised for fly-cruises in Antarctica…

Norway-based shipowner Klaveness Combination Carriers (KCC) has declared an option for the construction of a sixth combination carrier, CLEANBU, with Jiangsu New Yangzi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd in China.The delivery date is scheduled for fourth quarter 2020. The construction of the five sister vessels is progressing in line with schedule and the first vessel will be delivered in December 2018/January 2019.Following the declaration, the KCC fleet will grow to 15 vessels by the end of 2020.

In a world driven by the dollar sign, D. Loy Stewart, Jr., owner and president of Detyens Shipyards missed the memo. Make no mistake, Stewart is steadfast to deliver on-time, excellent service to Detyens’ broad array of ship repair clients, from government to commercial, both foreign and domestic. He understands that a ship in his yard is not making its owner – his client –  money, and he is laser focused on keeping his clients happy, returning ships to service on time, on budget. But Stewart is driven by a calling larger than profit margin, building a successful U.S.

Griffon Hoverwork will launch  its new 995ED model at  Exponaval in Valparaiso, Chile.“Griffon is hugely excited to unveil the highly innovative 995ED which is specially designed for search and rescue, coastguard and surveying work complementing Griffon’s range of marine grade aluminium hovercraft,” said sales and marketing director Nick MacLeod-Ash. “The 995ED, at eight meters (m) length and 30 knots speed at full ‘all up weight’, is the first hovercraft to achieve certification…

SENER released a new FORAN version: V80R3.0. According to the company, FORAN new release brings a major improvement in the overall system, unifying the CAD model exchange system. Complete support has been added for the import and export of STEP, IGES, IFC, BREP and STL CAD files. In addition, imported elements will be transformed into FORAN native objects, which will improve performance, consistency and memory allocation.Many modules have implemented interface shortcuts, as well as changes that allow the use of different commands simultaneously, improving considerably user experience.

Baleària has begun retrofitting its Nápoles ferry to be powered by liquified natural gas (LNG)The ferry arrived at the  Gibdock shipyards for modification of the engines, and to install an LNG tank with the work expected to be completed by February 15.Thus, the two engines currently on the ship (MAN9L48/60) will become 9L51/60DF versions which are dual-fuel liquefied natural gas and diesel engines produced by the company MAN Energy Solutions. With this change in fuel, the ferry Nápoles is expected to reduce its CO2 emissions by 9…

As shipowners globally explore new means to cut emissions and stay competitive, Norway's Hurtigruten has a potential solutione: Dead fish and other organic waste as fuel for its 17-vessel fleet of green cruise ships.Courtesy of its Norwegian heritage, Hurtigruten is already one of the world’s largest expedition cruise line, heavily invested in green technology to better serve the pristine aquatic environments where it conducts its business.As the maritime world looks to the IMO mandate to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2050…

One of the world's largest semi-submersible crane and pipelaying vessels has arrived in the Netherlands for an extensive six-month upgrade.The Saipem 7000 is in Damen Verolme Rotterdam (DVR) for a dynamic positioning system overhaul to meet the new closed ring DP3 configuration and ABS EHS-P notation. Under DP3 EHS-P notation, the vessel will achieve an exceptional level of redundancy with four independent redundancy groups systems.The project will include the upgrade and modification of the vessel’s power system for load sharing…

Cosco Shipping Specialized Carriers To Build Up To Nine Multi-Purpose Wood-Pulcarriers.The Cosco Board of Directors announced that the firm ingtends to build as many as nin multi-purpose wood-pulcarriers. The pricetag for each will be approximately 232.6 Million YUAN ($33.50 million.Reporting by the Reuters Hong Kong newsroom.

The South Korean shipbuilding major Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) has posted a net loss in the third quarter from a year earlier due to one-off losses.According to a stock exchange announcement by the world’s second-largest shipbuilder by orders, the net loss reached 323.9 billion won (US$285.1 million) in the three months ending Sept. 30 from a net profit of 74.9 billion won during the same period last year.DSME's operating profit in the third quarter fell 9.6…

UK has issued  version 2 of the Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) UK Code of Practice, giving greater guidance on skills, training and vessel registration. The UK Maritime Autonomous Systems Regulatory Working Group (MASRWG) published the first code of practice to global industry-wide acclaim in November 2017.Whilst not a legal text, the Code has been used by manufacturers, service providers, and others as part of their day-to-day work. Many manufacturers have reported…

The near-shore and inland workboat fleet is at the leading edge for autonomous vessel developmentWhile the advent of autonomous workboats are not exactly mainstream, you better believe that in the not-too-distant future they will be a reality on waterways in and around the U.S. Today there remain more questions than answers, particularly on the legal, logistics and insurance side of the coin. But the technology is evolving at record pace, providing many in the industry with mixed emotions. Excitement. Controversy. Curiosity. Skepticism.

The Fjords will add another all electric passenger vessel to its fleet Legacy of The Fjords which is now under construction at Brødrene Aa. While the operator is certainly not new to the innovative, zero emission ferry market, this 400-passenger, carbon fiber catamaran is unique in that it marks the company’s move into a new operating area: Oslo.Currently The Fjords operates 11 vessels serving Western Norway’s fjords area, Vision of the Fjords and Future of the Fjords serving as the flagships, sailing daily between Flåm and Gudvangen.

South African Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) builder Gemini Marine has announced Berthon as its sole UK & Ireland dealer for its range of military, rescue, commercial and leisure RIBs.Gemini Marine designs and manufactures comprehensive range of cabin and open RIBs for many of the world’s military, rescue and commercial operators, as well as supplying RIBs into the leisure, expedition and adventure sectors. "As one of the UK’s established marine sales and service brands, Berthon will give Gemini customers the highest quality product and the most reliable after-sales care and in-service support.

Damen Shipyards Group is celebrating the success of Multraship and its innovation arm Novatug in winning the Maritime KVNR Shipping award 2018.

Austal USA delivered the Expeditionary Fast Transport ship USNS Burlington (EPF 10) to the U.S. Navy during a ceremony onboard the ship at the company’s headquarters in Mobile, Ala., Nov. 15. This is the fourth ship Austal has delivered to the Navy this year.The EPF program provides the Navy with a high-speed intra-theater transport capability. The 338-foot long Burlington is an aluminum catamaran capable of transporting 600 tons, 1,200 nautical miles at an average speed of 35 knots…

Ocean Network Express Pte. Ltd. (“ONE”) is has announced that ONE Columbia, with a carrying capacity of 14,000 TEU, has been successfully delivered at Kure Shipyard of Japan Marine United Corporation. The sublet owner is Nippon Yusen Kaisha. This is ONE’s 4th newly built 14,000TEU magenta containership delivered this year, after ONE Stork (delivery date on 12th June 2018), ONE Minato (26th July 2018), and ONE Aquila (7th September 2018). Currently, 3 more vessels in ONE’s order book are in the construction process and expected delivery is in 2019.ONE Columbia…

PaxOcean’s Zhoushan Shipyard has delivered a 26,000m3 floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) Karunia Dewata to Indonesia-based Jaya Samudra Karunia (JSK). The FSRU is the largest to be built in China and will be capable of regasifying around 50 million standard cubic feet per day.The project marks a milestone for China's growing gas shipping industry and will help increase the development of Indonesia’s gas supply chain, where the unit will be based. The unit is also the first FSRU that PaxOcean has built.

The Nordic region's most high-profile cruise fleet operator is refitting its ships to make them less polluting, and plans to use a byproduct of rotten fish to help power their new, leaner engines.Norway's Hurtigruten, best known for the ships that ferry tourists along the country's fjords and coastline and up into the Arctic, is investing 7 billion crowns ($826 million) over three years to adapt its 17-strong fleet.Six of its older vessels will be retrofitted to run on a combination of liquefied natural gas (LNG)…

Rear Admiral Mark Buzby is the Maritime Administrator, U.S. Maritime Administration.Rear Adm. Mark H. Buzby was appointed by President Donald Trump and sworn in as Maritime Administrator on August 8, 2017. Prior to his appointment, Buzby served as president of the National Defense Transportation Association, a position he has held since retiring from the U.S. Navy in 2013 with over 34 years of service. A 1979 graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Buzby earned his Bachelor of Science in Nautical Science and U.S. Coast Guard Third Mate License.

The third tug built by Sanmar Shipyards to Robert Allan Ltd.’s new TRAktor 2500-SX design commenced operations on November 1st in London for Svitzer. The tug, named the Svitzer Meridian, is the second TRAktor 2500-SX in Svitzer’s fleet and is the third of this new class of tugs to be delivered by Sanmar to international clients in just over 4 months.Above the waterline, this class of tugs feature a raised half foc’sle to provide an enhanced standard of sea-keeping when working in exposed waters.

Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering said its contract with an European shipowner was amended to build one ship from three ships.The renewed deal is worth 102 billion won ($90.24 million), according to Daewoo's regulatory filing.Reporting By Ju-min Park

Color Line and Ulstein Verft marked the construction start-up on the world's largest plug-in hybrid ship, the 'Color Hybrid'. The hull is placed in the dock hall, and several hundred yard workers are now busy with the ship’s completion before hand-over next summer.'Color Hybrid' is a good example of the interaction in the maritime cluster, said Ulstein Verft. Color Line chose Ulstein Verft for this newbuilding project. Furthermore, the yard has contracted the subsuppliers to this project…

The cruise ship builder Meyer Turku started the production of a 5,286-lower berth cruise ship for Carnival Cruise Line.According to German shipbuilder, the ship will be the first North American-based cruise ship to run on iquefied natural gas (LNG) and will also be the largest Carnival cruise ship ever built with 180,000 gross tonnage (GT).With the first steel cutting the physical form of the ship will start to takeshape. The new Carnival ship will offer a variety never-before…

Classification society ABS and Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) collaborated to develop cyber security requirements for the ABS Cyber Security-Ready (CS-Ready) Notation for marine assets.A release from ABS said that it issued HHI the first-of-its-kind CS-Ready Notation to a large-scale commercial vessel—a VLCC—delivered in November. “As a global leader in marine cyber security, ABS is pleased to work with HHI to ensure the next generation of vessels is better equipped to address increasing levels of cyber risk,” said John Jorgensen, ABS Chief Scientist, Cyber Security.

BIMCO, the largest of the international shipping associations representing shipowners, said that it has revised and updated its two standard ship repair contracts: REPAIRCON, which is for major work at a repair yard; and MINREPCON, which is for minor repair work that can be done by contractors when a ship is in port.Both contracts were approved at BIMCO’s Documentary Committee in Copenhagen on 13 November. Modifications and improvements have been made to the REPAIRCON contract…

Major Investment Engages Fincantieri to Renovate & Lengthen Windstar’s Three Star-Class Ships beginning in Fall 2019. Windstar Cruises today announces the $250 Million Star Plus Initiative, a major investment and expansion for the innovative cruise company. The multi-million dollar, multi-year undertaking will impact and enhance all aspects of the guest experience for the highly awarded small ship cruise line’s three Star Class vessels. “We are thrilled to announce the $250 Million Star Plus Initiative, a significant investment in the future of Windstar Cruises.

Damen Shipyards Group has delivered four new Fast Crew Suppliers (FCS) 2610 to Allianz Middle East Ship Management. The four vessels will undertake work in the ADMA oil field in Abu Dhabi, providing logistics services and safe crew transfer, as part of a five-year contract awarded to ADNOC LS and ADNOC Offshore. The contract will commence as of December 5, 2018. The handover took place between Ahmed T. Khalil, general manager of Allianz, Menno Kuyt, managing director Maritime Craft Services (MCS) and Pascal Slingerland…

SBM Offshore, the Netherlands-based maker of floating oil and gas production facilities, on Thursday said it expected $45 million in impairments in Brazil and the United States.In Brazil, SBM Offshore has decided to temporarily close the Brasa construction yard for "at least the coming two years" resulting in a net book value of zero and an impairment charge of around $20 million, it said in a trading update.Due to slowed activity in the floating production market, SBM Offshore said goodwill related to the acquisition of Houston-based subsidiaries has been impaired in full…

A new utility automates feature extraction from 3D CAD data.Marine propellers can last a long time – it is not uncommon to find a vessel running on its original set of propellers. Sometimes, these propellers even outlive the companies that produced them. For example, some large volume propeller manufacturers have permanently closed their doors and patterns, molds, and design data have been scattered to unknown corners of the globe. It’s fair to say that while the propeller manufacturing industry has seen growth…

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd., Tokyo, (hereafter called “K” Line) has announced the delivery of “SHONAI MARU,” a 100,000 DWT-type special coal carrier at Marugame Shipyard of Imabari Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., Japan on November 15, 2018.SHONAI MARU was jointly developed by Imabari Shipbuilding and “K” Line to maximize transport volume to the discharging port, Chubu Electric Power’s Hekinan Thermal Power Plant, Aichi prefecture in Japan. SHONAI MARU is so-called “Hekinan MAX.”SHONAI…

Russian maritime shipping company Sovcomflot has signed a new USD 149 million credit facility, for up to 10 years, with a consortium of three leading international banks, comprising: ING Bank, KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH, and Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank.Russian shipowner specializing in petroleum and LNG shipping said that the funds will be used towards financing the construction of a new generation 174,000-cubic metres Atlanticmax LNG carrier.The vessel will feature a slow-speed tri-fuel X-DF diesel engine and gas boil-off partial liquefaction system.

Lung Teh (LT) Shipbuilding Company formally received construction permits for the site at Suao Port, according to Taiwanese government sources.The company will start construction in December and should finish all new facilities on its Suao Port campus in March 2020. LT Shipbuilding operations at Suao Port are expected to create at least 200 new job openings.Taiwan International Ports Corporation (TIPC)’s active recruitment of companies to establish business operations at Suao Port…

GONDAN Shipyard in Figueras, at high tide, has launched a new hybrid-powered icebreaking escort tug designed by Robert Allan Ltd for Port of Luleå (Sweden).This is an important step for GONDAN Shipbuilders in unique compact icebreaker development. Designed by Robert Allan Ltd., the new vessel is a TundRA 3600-H class icebreaker tug which reflects the generations of experience in the design of ice-class vessels by Robert Allan Ltd.The new tug is a RAL TundRA 3600-H class icebreaking design fully customized for the Port of Luleå operational requirements.

Belgium Naval & Robotics has launched an industrial offer anchored in Belgium to respond to a call for tenders issued by the Belgian and Dutch navies for the supply of 12 mine hunters.Belgium Naval & Robotics offers the Belgian Navy a solution whose prime contractor is in Brussels and involves many local players spread throughout the country."This partnership with FSR illustrates our strong relationship with the Belgian Defense Technological and Industrial Base and our desire to build a long-term relationship with the Belgian and Dutch Navies…

Sovcomflot concludes USD 149 million project credit facility for up to 10 years with three leading European banks.Sovcomflot (SCF Group) is pleased to announce that it has signed a new USD 149 million credit facility, for up to 10 years, with a consortium of three leading international banks, comprising: ING Bank N.V.; KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH, and Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank.The funds will be used towards financing the construction of a new generation 174,000-cubic metres Atlanticmax LNG carrier.

As a part of the NYK Group’s medium-term management plan “Staying Ahead 2022 with Digitalization and Green,” a new future concept ship has been designed by incorporating innovative technologies that will result in an emission-free vessel — the “NYK Super Eco Ship 2050.”BackgroundThe NYK Group’s mission of “Bringing value to life” and the company’s basic philosophy of “contributing to the betterment of societies” has inspired the group to positively address the tough issues that challenge our society.In fact…

Langh Tech has secured a large deal in Greece for the delivery of 10 shipset scrubber systems for Bulk Carriers and Product Tankers.Shipping companies Marmaras Navigation and Delta Tankers, owned by Mr. Diamantides, one of the most reputable Greek shipowners, have selected Langh Tech’s systems for their continuing fleet upgrade program.Marmaras and Delta Tankers belong to the first movers among the Greek ship owners, that have selected during early 2018 to entrust scrubber technology…

Damen Shiprepair Curaçao (DSCu), has on November 2, commissioned its large floating C dock. After the final tests had been carried out in the morning, the C Dock was submerged onto the equalized seabed.DSCu Nautical department, with the help of local KTK pilots and tugs subsequently docked the first commercial ship, a 63,400 tonnes deadweight bulkcarrier, thus putting the C dock into service.Lodewijk Franken, DSCu’s managing director commented about the 230 by 45 metres Panamax-class dock: “It is highly rewarding to see the yard’s infrastructure today…

ABB has won its first marine automation system contract for a cruise ferry in China, after the technology package for Chinese-built Viking Line vessel has been extended to include the ABB Ability System 800xA.ABB Ability System 800xA integrates power, propulsion and vessel management systems into one platform, enabling both crew and onshore teams to get a comprehensive overview of all the information needed to operate the vessel in the safest and most efficient manner. Adding marine automation to the technology package will improve project management…

Inauguration of Tycho Brahe and Aurora marks successful completion of a high-profile conversion project with ABB’s technology at its heart.The largest emission-free ferries in the world have been officially welcomed into service after guests boarded Tycho Brahe in Helsingborg, Sweden and Helsingør, Denmark on November 9 for a special inauguration ceremony marking completion of an all-electric conversion.“We are delighted that the entire system is in place to support the emissions-free operations we envisaged from the outset,” said Johan Röstin, CEO, ForSea.

Lloyd’s Register has granted an approval in principle to STX Offshore & Shipbuilding for a 50,000 dwt MR tanker design capable of using LNG as a fuel. This development is the result of close collaboration between STX and LR.STX incorporated an LNG-fuelled propulsion system into their existing conventional MR tanker design with technical assistance and support from LR, ensuring that the design is in compliance with the new IGF code as well as LR’s Gas Fuelled Rules, covering other…

South Korea's Big Three shipbuilders  - Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) and Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) - have hit record low in workforce.According to a report in Business Korea, the total number of employees in South Korea's Big Three shipbuilders has plunged a whopping 27 percent compared to 2011.The “big three” shipbuilders had 36,757 employees on the payroll last year, down 27.04 percent from 50,377 in 2011.The figure decreased to 35…

SunStone Ships continues to break new ground in the specialty/expedtion cruise sector with the announcement of the signing of an agreement to build another two Infiity class vessels in China. According to SunStone President and CEO, Niels-Erik Lund, “Our charterers are anxious to enjoy the advantages of our cutting-edge technology, like the Xbow design, along with the significant operating efficiencies offered by the INFINITY Class. So, we’re moving as quickly as possible to get…

Nichols Brothers Boat Builders (NBBB) was contracted by Lindblad Expeditions in December 2015, to construct two (2) new 100 guest passenger cruise vessels for exploratory cruising in Alaska; Baja, California; Pacific Northwest; Costa Rica & Panama, and Belize. Both vessels have joined the Lindblad Expeditions fleet.The first vessel, National Geographic Quest, was delivered in July 2017 and has voyaged to Alaska, Costa Rica and Panama. The National Geographic Venture was delivered on November 1…

The Beloe More recently joined its sister vessel Severnaya Dvina in the Port of Sabetta, northern Russia. The 2,000 m3 hopper dredger was delivered from stock to FSUE ROSMORPORT. The customized hopper dredger will perform maintenance duties and execute capital dredging in the newly created harbor.The Beloe More - meaning ‘White Sea’ in Russian - is not the first vessel Damen has delivered to ROSMORPORT. As Vadim Akimov, Damen Sales Director, explains : “ROSMORPORT is the Russian enterprise responsible for the accessibility of all major Russian sea ports.

The floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) unit Aoka Mizu's planned stop in Algeciras, Spain will be extended for additional repair work, said U.K. based Hurricane Energy.The FPSO, which will be used at Hurricane's Early Production System development of the Lancaster field west of Shetland, is in Algeciras for planned personnel changes, bunkering and other commissioning activities. The stopover will be extended to repair an auxiliary system associated with power generation…

Australia's chief cyber security chief said on Tuesday an investigation into the hacking of defense contractor Austal Ltd could take years, rejecting a local media report that his agency had concluded the attack originated from Iran.Austal said earlier this month hackers had breached its defenses to gain access to ship designs and that some staff email addresses and mobile phone numbers were accessed.The attack triggered an investigation by the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC), the country's top cyber security unit.

Japan has launched a complaint at the World Trade Organization to contest allegedly illegal financial support given by South Korea to commercial shipbuilders, according to a WTO filing published on Tuesday."The measures in question relate to the development, production, marketing, and/or sale or purchase of commercial vessels, including vessels designed to carry crude oil, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and shipping containers," Japan's complaint said.(Reuters, Reporting by Tom Miles; editing by Stephanie Nebehay)

The Coopérative de transport maritime et aérien’s (CTMA) procurement effort to purchase a ferry to replace the CTMA Vacancier and the CTMA Voyageur has been thrown into question by a court proceeding which alleges that the former government’s support for the acquisition was tainted with serious procedural irregularities and must be suspended and, ultimately, declared invalid.Last May, the outgoing Liberal government announced that financial support would be granted to CTMA for the acquisition of a new ship.

Nordic marine technology company Kongsberg Maritime has selected Swiss battery maker  Leclanché, one of the world’s leading storage solutions companies, as its battery partner and supplier of customised marine energy storage solutions.The partnership contributes to Kongsberg's new generation of hybrid power solutions, which are set to deliver game-changing efficiencies and reduce the environmental impact of transportation with cutting-edge autonomous and crewed vessel newbuilds.Leclanché’s batteries will be an integral part of Kongsberg’s hybrid solutions.

The University of the South Pacific (USP) and The China Navigation Company (CNCo), parent of Swire Shipping and Swire Bulk, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to conduct feasibility studies for the design costs and plan for new generation ships for the Pacific region which is committed to low carbon sea transport.Under the MOU signed on 10 November 2018, Project Cerulean aims to eventually develop a new class of small cargo freighter, which, once proven to be commercially viable to operate…

Taiwanese container carrier Wan Hai Lines confirmed an order of 20 container vessels with Japan Marine United Corporation (JMU) and Guangzhou Wenchong Shipyard (GWS) and China Shipbuilding Trading Company (CSTC).During the contract signing ceremony that was held at Wan Hai Lines’ Taipei headquarter on 12th November 2018, the Taiwan's shipping company said that the new order was part of its fleet improvement plan.The contract includes eight 3036Teu container vessels with JMU and twelve 2038Teu container vessels with GWS /CSTC…

Taiwanese ocean shipping company Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation  said that its 3rd quarter net loss after tax for Q3 was USD 30 million, a reduction of 76.16% compared to last quarter, and USD 220 million for the nine-month period.However, in Q3 2018, Yang Ming posted consolidated revenues of USD $1.3 billion, a growth of 15.2% compared to the second quarter of the year.According to a press statement Yang Ming, one of the main reasons for the loss was an “unfavourable supply-demand balance”…

A pair or 105-ft., 150-passenger high speed aluminum ferries built by Metal Shark have completed construction and are ready to enter service for the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA). The first boat was completed earlier this year and delivered to New Orleans in July. The second vessel is 100% complete at Metal Shark’s Franklin, La., shipyard where it passed U.S. Coast Guard inspections at the beginning of October and is ready for delivery to New Orleans at RTA’s discretion.The new passenger ferries…

Will your vessel be honored as a “Great Workboat of 2018” in the December 2018 edition of Marine News?Every year, Marine News profiles the most outstanding vessels built in shipyards in North America, recognizing builders, owners and designers as leaders in their field. This edition — the much anticipated end-of-the-year edition — generates much excitement, as your work is profiled and delivered to the largest audited b2b maritime industry audience in this genre.The only way to…

Austal celebrated the christening of Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) the future USNS Puerto Rico (EPF 11) with a ceremony at its shipbuilding facility this morning. Puerto Rico is the eleventh of 12 EPFs that Austal has under contract with the U.S. Navy with a combined value of over $1.9 billion.Nine Spearhead-class EPFs have been delivered and are serving as an affordable solution to fulfilling the Military Sealift Command’s requirements worldwide. The future USNS Burlington is scheduled for delivery to the Navy later this month and two more EPFs…

On November 10, Royal IHC successfully launched the Spartacus, a 44,180kW self-propelled cutter suction dredger (CSD) designed and built for DEME. The ceremony took place at IHC's shipyard in Krimpen aan den IJssel, The Netherlands. It was performed by Mrs Fabienne Ackermans, the spouse of Mr Luc Bertrand (chairman of the Board of Directors of Ackermans & van Haaren, owner of DEME).Spartacus is reportedly the world’s largest CSD and the first to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). The four main engines can run on LNG, marine diesel oil (MDO) and heavy fuel oil (HFO).

The Danish yard Karstensens Skibsværft is set build and design two new vessels for trawl and purse seine fishing ordered by two Icelandic ship-owning companies. Rolls-Royce Commercial Marine has been selected to deliver an extensive package of ship equipment to both ships.The two fishing vessels of 88 meters will be outfitted with engines, propulsion, steering gear, rudders and winches together with connected control systems from Rolls-Royce. The equipment will be delivered from four of the company’s eight production facilities in the Nordic countries…

Danish shipping company TORM has established a joint venture with scrubber manufacturer ME Production and Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI).The joint venture, ME Production China, will manufacture and install scrubbers in China and deliver them to a range of maritime industry customers for both newbuildings and retrofitted vessels, said a press release from the carriers of refined oil products. TORM holds an ownership stake of 27.5% in the new joint venture. GSI is part of…

Swedish HH Ferries Group has inaugurated the two ferries Aurora and Tycho Brahe as the world’s largest battery-powered passenger ferries on the route between Helsingborg, Sweden and Helsingör, Denmark.A press release from the owner of the ferry route which is marketed under the trademark Scandlines Helsingborg-Helsingör quoted Johan Röstin, CEO as saying: “Today’s official inauguration marks a milestone for HH Ferries Group’s green strategy. The ambitious project reduces the company’s total emissions of CO2…

The ocean-going petroleum barge company Bouchard Transportation said that ATB tug M/V Evening Breeze was launched at US-based medium-sized ships builder VT Halter Marine's Pascagoula shipyard.The launch of the M/V Evening Breeze marks a milestone achievement in Bouchard’s most recent expansion efforts; with the launch of sister ATB tug M/V Evening Stroll not far behind.Bouchard’s Safety First philosophy remains at the forefront of their operation, and is powerfully supported through VT Halter Marine…

Singapore's Keppel Offshore & Marine said its wholly-owned subsidiary Keppel Shipyard has secured a contract worth about S$30 million (US$21.8 million) for the modification and upgrading of a production barge for SJ Production Barge Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of compatriot upstream oil and gas company KrisEnergy.Keppel Shipyard's scope of work includes installation of a power generation module, electrical house, new accommodation units and other refurbishment works. The work is expected to conclude around the third quarter of 2019.Chor How Jat, Managing Director (Conversions & Repairs) of Keppel O&M and Managing Director of Keppel Shipyard…

The 5th Annual Ferry Safety and Technology conference will be held in Bangkok Thailand on February 20‐22, 2019. The conference is designed to showcase the best practical technologies to improve safety particularly‐ but not solely, for the developing world.The conference is co‐hosted by the Worldwide Ferry Safety Association (WFSA) and the famed Chao Phraya River Boat Co. The conference features good news on multiple fronts: new high‐quality ferry systems; new development of inland waterways making them safe for ferries in India and Bangladesh (in a presentation by the World Bank)…

Master Marine, Inc. has signed Six (6) towboats and has laid the keels for the first two vessels. All Six (6) vessels will be 67’ x 28’ Entech Designs, LLC Sub. M compliant towboats. The first two will be working for Osage Marine Services, Inc., St. Louis, MO. with the rest operating in the lower Mississippi River system for an undisclosed customer. We are very happy to be teaming up with these companies to provide them and their customers the latest towboats and equipment available along with meeting Subchapter M requirements. The first two vessels will be delivered and placed into service, by the summer of 2019 with the additional Four (4) vessels to follow in close succession.Each boat will be powered by a pair of Laborde Products…

Companies with workers repairing and refurbishing ship components utilizing sand blasting have become the subject of a new U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard.All employers and employees in the maritime industry need to be aware of the new requirements as OSHA continues efforts to protect workers from the hazards of exposure to breathable silica dust. The new application of the "Respirable Crystalline Silica" standards requires…

Keppel Corporation, through its subsidiary unit, has secured a production barge upgrade contract. total value of the deal is said to be S$30M.When completed in or around Q3 2019, the production barge will be capable of processing up to 30,000 barrels of fluid per day.source: Reuters.

Foss Maritime of Seattle has entered into contract with Nichols Brothers Boat Builders (NBBB) of Freeland, Wash. for the construction of four new 90-ton bollard pull tractor tugs, with an option for six additional tugs to follow. The contract marks the first between Foss Maritime and Nichols Brothers Boat Builders.Foss has selected a design by Jensen Maritime Consultants of Seattle. The 100’ x 40’ Z-Drive tractor tugs will be built to United States Coast Guard Subchapter “M” regulatory standards, with ABS loadline certification, and UWILD notation.

The sole prime contractor for the entire mid-life refit of the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier, Naval Group, said it has returned the vessel to the French Navy. The vessel will now start ramping up its systems before returning to its operational cycle.Designed and built by Naval Group and entering service in 2001, the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier, further to its modernization, has now entered the technological era of the 21st century. This mid-life refit included unprecedented renovations and a density of work that gave the project a level of complexity unseen until now.

Construction of a new Oregon State University (OSU) bound research ship that will advance the science of coastal environments, and support research on topics such as ocean acidification, hypoxia, and sea level rise, officially began today at Gulf Island Shipyards in Louisiana.Officials from OSU the National Science Foundation (NSF) and Gulf Island Shipyards LLC gathered at the shipyard in Houma, La. for the keel-laying ceremony, marking the start of fabrication of the state-of-the art ship.

As cruise ships become bigger and their passenger capacity increases, innovation spreads throughout the industry through top level safety. HATECKE, a manufacturer of lifeboats for cruise ship newbuildings, has just received from RINA, the classification, certification, inspection, testing and consulting multinational, the Type Approval Certificate for its PEL14 lifeboat, the biggest and most space saving lifeboat ever built. Designed and built by HATECKE at the company’s yard in Drochtersen about 60 km west of Hamburg (Germany)…

Shipbuilder Damen said it has delivered the third and fourth units in a four-vessel contract to leading towage company Smit Lamnalco. All four vessels are Damen’s ASD Tug 3212 class with a bollard pull of 80 metric tons. The order was placed in November 2017 and, with stock boats available, the first two were delivered in June and these latest arrivals in October.The SL Thunggun and SL Irrong have arrived at Darwin in Australia’s Northern Territory and will shortly be heading east to the Weipa bauxite mine on the Cape York Peninsular, Queensland.

German shipbuilder Luerssen has suspended production of coastguard vessels it was building for Saudi Arabia and placed large numbers of staff on short hours, blaming uncertainty over whether Berlin would grant future weapons export licences.After dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi was killed in Saudi Arabia's consulate in Istanbul, Chancellor Angela Merkel said Berlin would authorise no further weapons exports until Riyadh had satisfactorily explained his death.Privately-owned Luerssen was commissioned to build the coastal patrol vessels five years ago…

The hull of the 'Color Hybrid', European cruiseferry line Color Line's next flag ship that will be servicing Sandefjord-Strömstad, has arrived Ulstein Verft for completion.The ship is contracted by Color Line at Ulstein Verft and is scheduled for delivery Q2 2019, said a press release from the largest cruiseferry line operating on routes to and from Norway.The ship presents an increased capacity on the line between Norway and Sweden. The 'Color Hybrid' is the world’s largest plug-in hybrid ship, measuring 160 metres in length, and with a capacity of 2,000 passengers and about 500 cars.

With advances in technology, increased regulatory requirements for training, and an industry that has been committed to improving working conditions, especially those associated with confined space entry and fire prevention, why are we still seeing maritime related fires and explosions that often include serious injury or loss of life? HistoryFollowing the First World War, as cargo vessels, particularly tank ships, were being converted to carry larger cargos, the incident rate of fires and explosions during shipbuilding, repair, and conversion began to rise.

Miami-based  SunStone Ships has declared option number two at CMHI shipyard after signing a long-term charter contract with Victory Cruise Line for the vessel, with a total of three newbuilds now under construction at the Chinese yard.A press release from the manager of passenger ships across the globe said that it  originally placed one firm contract and nine options on Ulstein deliveries of expedition cruise vessel designs and equipment packages back in 2017.All ten vessels are part of SunStone Ships’ series of vessels in the ‘INFINITY-class’.

Damen will present its new vessel leasing fund, which is specifically designed for African shipowners, at the first Damen Fishing Seminar being held in Cape Town, South Africa on November 22.Damen Finance Manager, Francesco Verschuren, who will speak at the Seminar and is a specialist in financing in Africa, comments: “The new fund is particularly interesting for smaller, private fishing vessel owners. We are using our years of experience to support them with their vessel financing based on a leasing agreement.” Damen has delivered more than 1…

Damen Shipyards Group recently held a keel-laying ceremony for the CEMEX Go Innovation at Damen Shipyards Mangalia in Romania. The vessel is the first Damen MAD – the next generation of marine aggregate dredgers. The construction of the new vessel is drawing upon collaboration with multiple companies within the Damen Group, as well was with external partners, working together towards the development of a new standard in marine aggregate dredging.Damen has designed the future-proof vessel for long-lasting durability for operations in North Sea conditions over the coming decades.

Spanish shipbuilder Freire is constructing a new oceanographic research vessel for Belgium. The IMO polar code compliant vessel will be designed to carry out research and survey tasks in the North Sea and its adjacent sea areas, but also in the Mediterranean and more northern areas.The research vessel will cater for the requirements of the Belgian marine scientific community when performing advanced marine research and education at sea – today and in the coming years. This will include research within the fields of geology and sedimentology…

LA based C&C Marine and Repair has announced the opening of their new indoor, climate controlled, Paint and Blast Facility. The 83,350 square foot facility can accommodate barges up to 320’x75’x20’ and will be able to blast and paint a standard 30,000 Barrel Tank Barge or two 10,000 Barrel Tank Barges in 7-10 days. The fully enclosed, climate-controlled facility is unaffected by inclement weather and allows for uninterrupted operation year round. “We modified technology that was being used to blast rail cars and containers and have successfully adapted the process to blast barges…

Bermuda-based shipowner Ship Finance International (SFL) has entered into lease financing agreements totaling $400 million with an Asian-based institution to finance four 14,000 TEU container vessels acquired in May 2018.According to a press release, the vessels are employed under long term time charters to Evergreen Marine Corporation (Taiwan) until 2024, with options to extend the charters by 18 additional months.Each Lease Financing has a term of nearly nine years, with an option to purchase the vessel back after six years, around expiry of the firm period of the charters to Evergreen.

U.S. shipbuilder Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) announced Tuesday that its Newport News Shipbuilding division has been awarded a $197 million modification to a previously awarded contract from General Dynamics Electric Boat to provide long-lead-time material and advance construction activities for the first Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine.The advance procurement funds will be used to purchase major components and commodity material and to begin advance construction on Columbia (SSBN 826). Newport News is a major subcontractor for the construction of the new class of ballistic-missile submarines, which are being designed…