Shipbuilding News

VT Halter Marine said it has been awarded a contract option for the U.S. Navy’s fourth Auxiliary Personnel Lighter–Small (APL(S)) 67 Class berthing and messing barge. The contract award is $39,906,609 for a firm, fixed-price option for the detail design and construction of the vessel.The Pascagoula, Miss. shipbuilder has been up and running throughout the COVID-19 outbreak and is currently constructing the first three APLs. In September 2018, the company received the initial contract to design and build two units, with options for four additional units.

China Merchants Energy Shipping Co Ltd  says it inked a deal to order four ships worth up to $118.7 million.It has also agreed to sell three ships worth $15 million to Sinopec Fuel Oil Singapore and Sinopec Fuel Oil Sri Lanka.

Two new dive support vessels (DSV) operated by Belov Engenharia Ltda. have completed class commissioning and are currently performing client acceptance testing for Petrobras.Built at Belov's own fabrication facility in Salvador, the newbuilds Belov Amaralina and Belov Humaitá are of Robert Allan Ltd.'s RAlly 4000’s Class design, fitted with Dynamic Positioning System (DP2), four diesel generators, three water jet propulsors and triple bow thrusters for redundancy. The propulsion system is diesel-electric to improve efficiency when operating in lower power DP modes.

Patterson Manufacturing‘s new davit cranes are designed from the ground up for improved safety, ease of use, durability and reliability. What more could you ask?Patterson Manufacturing has supplied equipment into the marine market for more than 160 years, consistently expanding its lines of winches, rigging and fittings to meet evolving demands along the way, and even engineering custom products when the job requires. Now the Pittsburgh-based manufacturer is adding a new line of davit cranes to the mix.The new cranes…

All American Marine, Inc. (AAM) won a contract by SWITCH Maritime (SW/TCH) to complete the aluminum construction and outfitting of a 70-foot 84-passenger zero-emissions, hydrogen-powered, electric drive that will operate in the California Bay Area (referred to as the ‘Water-Go-Round’ project).Prior to transfer to AAM, the project had begun at Bay Ship & Yacht shipyard in Alameda, Calif. where the aluminum hull and superstructure had been started. Bronson Lamb, AAM Marketing Manager…

SCHOTTEL said it has secured several orders to provide propulsion systems for U.S. Navy vessels. This additional order of five Workboat Docking vessels and two YTL tugs – all of which are to be built at the Modutech Marine Inc. yard in Tacoma, Wash. Construction of the lead tug is to commence in 2020.The main propulsion for each Workboat Docking vessel consists of a SCHOTTEL SRP 150 azimuthing unit with fixed pitch propellers with a diameter of 1.05 m and an input power of 335 kW. These are driven by diesel engines.

A worker at the Bath Iron Works shipyard has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, the comany said.The individual was last at work on March 13, and other employees who have been in close contact with the worker will self quarintine at home for 14 days.As a defense shipbuilder, Bath Iron Works has been designated “Critical Infrastructure Industry” and will remain operational by mandate of the President and U.S. Navy.The Bath, Maine shipyard said it is working directly with…

Master Marine, Inc. has delivered a second towboat for Osage Marine Services, Inc. The newly built M/V Frank Mellor, like its sister ship, is a 67’ x 28’ vessel designed by Entech Designs, LLC. All USCG certificates for their Sub M compliance have been obtained.The towboat is powered by a pair of Laborde Products, S6R2-Y3MPTAW Mitsubishi 803 HP Tier III diesel marine engines to be operated at 1,400 RPM coupled to Twin Disc 5321 gears. Laborde Products, Inc. is also providing electrical power with two Northern Lights M65C13.2S 65KW Tier III electronic controlled generators with RW Fernstrum…

A double-ended ro-pax ferry Nairana has been launched for service to Bruny Island in Tasmania. The Incat Crowther 44 design vessel was commissioned by Sealink Travel Group and built by Richardson Devine Marine in Hobart.According to Incat Crowther, Nairana will bring improvements in both transit and turn-around times. The vessel combines a robust aluminum structure, double-ended functionality and a catamaran platform with a generous beam offering fuel savings compared to a monohull.The ferry is configured to carry 36 cars and 192 passengers.

Incat Tasmania and Seaworld Express Ferry announced an order for a new generation fast ferry, a 76-m high speed wave piercing catamaran ferry to accommodate up to 700 passengers and 79 cars when it enters service on the new route between Jindo and Jeju early 2022.Seaworld Express Ferry was selected as operator for the route, and its chairman Hyuk Young Lee said “We were most impressed with Incat Tasmania’s modern shipyard facilities, the advanced passenger safety systems incorporated into the Incat Tasmania design…

As COVID-19 coverage dominates the world’s news cycle, it’s a pleasure to report on a new ship delivery, Swire Shipping’s first 2400TEU newbuild vessel, MV Changsha. The vessel was built at CSSC Huangpu Wenchong Shipbuilding Co. Ltd., in China, and will be deployed on Swire Shipping’s South East Asia to Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands service.MV Changsha is part of a wider order book of eight feeder container vessels (four 2,400 TEU vessels and four 2,750 TEU vessels) scheduled for delivery in 2020…

Dubai-based P&O Maritime Logistics (POML) said it recently secured a contract to build two vessels to support Ok Tedi Mining Limited’s (OTML) growing export requirements.The vessels, designed by Wärtsilä Ship Design, will be 5,400 DWT bulk and container carriers built at Fujian Mawei Shipbuilding Limited in China, and once completed, will operate in Papua New Guinea (PNG) principally between Kiunga in the Western Province and Port Moresby. There is an option for a third vessel to the same design.The 90-meter-long, 5,400 DWT ships will have a nominal container capacity of 229 units.

Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) announced changes to its leadership team at its Newport News Shipbuilding division, effective March 13.Julia Jones was promoted to vice president of manufacturing and facilities, where she is responsible for all manufacturing and facilities operations. She has served as the acting vice president since January. Jones has more than 22 years of shipbuilding experience, including positions of increasing responsibility in operations, planning, manufacturing, nuclear support and corporate strategic planning.

Everett Ship Repair (ESR) is a relatively new name in the U.S. ship repair business. Established in October 2019, the Pacific Northwest shipyard is owned by Ice Cap Holdings, LLC, which is also the parent company to another shipyard not too far away: Nichols Brothers Boat Builders (NBBB).Both ESR and NBBB are headed up by CEO Gavin Higgins, who is responsible for the development of new business opportunities and cultivation of new business relationships, including working with industry groups…

A decline in the rate of infections in China provides yards with the opportunity to reorganize their delivery schedules to address an approaching output slump, says Maritime Strategies International (MSI)The welcome news of declining rates of coronavirus infections in China, together with steps already in place and still to come in terms of government intervention, provide the barest glimmer of good news in the dry bulk market.But the impact on dry bulk shipping has gone much further than demand…

India's Cochin Shipyard Ltd. (CSL) said it has suspended shipbuilding and repair operations amid the coronavirus pandemic. It said "essential services' would continue.Seven people have died and more than 400 have tested positive for COVID-19 in India, according to the health ministry, with more than 80 cities and districts placed under lockdown.The full statement from the shipbuilder is below: In pursuance of the instructions of instructions of Govt of India dated 22 March 22…

As of April 1, Marc van Heyningen will become the new Chief Operations Officer (COO) of Damen Shipyards Group. This completes the Executive Board of the leading Dutch maritime solutions provider.Marc is a MSc in Civil Structural Engineering at Delft University and has spent the vast majority of his career working for Fluor Corporation in various general and operations management positions in, for example, The Netherlands, The UK, India and the USA. His last role was Vice President of Operations based in Fluor Company Headquarters in Dallas…

Crowley Maritime Corp said Friday its marine services group has entered into a bareboat charter with Brusco Tug and Barge for an all new RApport-design tractor tug to serve Pacific Northwest and California ports, performing ship assist and harbor escort work.The vessel, which Crowley will rename Hercules after delivery next week, was designed by Robert Allan Ltd., and constructed by Diversified Marine in Portland, Ore., for Brusco. The 82-foot, 6,000-horsepower tug is powered by twin Caterpillar 3516E (2240kw@1,800rpm) U.S. EPA Tier IV-compliant engines.

Elliott Bay Design Group is a well-known, long tenured Seattle-based naval architecture and marine engineering firm.We checked in with John Waterhouse, Chief Concept Engineer at EBDG, for insights on some of the design elements on the new Staten Island Ferries.Elliott Bay Design Group (EBDG) served as the design lead on the new “Ollis” class of Staten Island Ferries. “We started with them at the end 2014 to make a preliminary design investigation,” said John Waterhouse, Chief Concept Engineer at EBDG.

The third ship in SunStone Ships' INFINITY series was launched on Monday at the CMHI Haimen shipyard in China.Ocean Victory, though a sister vessels to the first vessel in the INFINITY series, Greg Mortimer, the latest newbuild differs from in several ways, reflecting the flexibility of the design series, according to Ulstein Design & Solutions, who is providing the design and equipment package to this project. Ocean Victory is the second exploration cruise vessel built at the yard to feature the ULSTEIN X-BOW…

German propulsion manufacturer SCHOTTEL said it has been selected to equip a newly built harbor tugboat for the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (SLSDC) with medium-sized azimuth thrusters. The vessel is under construction at the U.S. shipyard Washburn & Doughty in Maine. The HT-60, the smallest in the harbor tug series developed by the Seattle-based naval architecture firm Glosten, is scheduled for delivery in 2021.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 U.S.

It takes a thick skin to live in New York City, let alone to run its Staten Island Ferry service. James C. DeSimone, Deputy Commissioner, Ferry Division, New York City Department of Transportation, has been charged with running the ferry service for the last 16 years. We met with him for his insights on the challenges of keeping the iconic ferry running safely and efficiently.Jim DeSimone has led a maritime life, with his time equally split between the private and public sectors. His maritime affiliation is literally in his blood, as his father Guy J.

Shortly after the delivery of a ProZero 8m Full Cabin to Havkar Drift AS in Norway, another Norwegian fishfarmer has also purchased a vessel from Tuco Marine's ProZero workboat series.The new ProZero 8m Full Cabin is equipped for, and will be used as, a fast and flexible workboat for fish farming and passenger transport. The boat has been delivered to Egil Kristoffersen after successful sea-trials at the ProZero yard, Tuco Marine in Faaborg, Denmark.According to the builder, the boat has been designed and optimized to serve as a platform for passenger transport…

German shipbuilder Flensburger Schiffbau-Gesellschaft (FSG) announced Wednesday it has suspended operations, following the recommendations of the German government to prevent the further spread of COVID-19.Alex Gregg-Smith, Managing Director of Flensburger Schiffbau-Gesellschaft, said, "We are taking these measures to provide the best possible protection for the people working at our shipyard. It is our aim to restart once the acute coronavirus threat has ended and to get operations back up and running again as quickly as possible.

Seaspan Shipyards said its operations remain up and running as the Canadian shipbuilder continues to closely watch the fast-developing COVID-19 situation.Seaspan, which operates shipyards in Vancouver and Victoria on Canada's west coast, noted it is following the guidance and direction of public health and government authorities, and added that it has not received a recommendation or directive to shut down operations in B.C. It said no Seaspan employee has tested positive for COVID-19 to date."As COVID-19 developments continue to unfold…

Damen Marine Components has won an order to supply three sets of steering and rudder systems for three dual-fueled trailing suction hopper dredgers (TSHDs) currently being built at Keppel Offshore & Marine’s shipyard in Singapore for Van Oord.The vessels will be 138-meters in length and have a hopper capacity of 10,500 cubic meters. They will represent the very latest in sustainable, energy-efficient dredging and are due for delivery in 2021. The third will be handed over the…

Inspecting fuel and ballast tanks. Sand-blasting old paint coatings and applying new ones. Removing corrosion on ships, submarines, aircraft and other vehicles.These are some of the unpleasant jobs in naval shipyards and maintenance facilities that could be made safer by pairing human workers with robots. Experts say this could improve the speed and efficiency with which the U.S. Navy sustains its assets—and expand the career paths of current workers (and create new jobs) by teaching them to operate…

Shipbuilder China Merchants Heavy Industry (Jiangsu) is building a new cruise vessel for owner Changjiang Cruise Overseas Travel.The CSC-designed vessel is intended for operation on the Yangtze River, the largest river in China, and is scheduled to enter service in September 2021.The 150-meter-long long and 23-meter-wide vessel will reach an operating cruise speed of 14 knots. It will accommodate 600 guests served by 150 international crew members.German propulsion manufacturer SCHOTTEL said it has been awarded a contract to provide azimuth thrusters for the newbuild…

The U.S. Navy's future guided-missile destroyer USS Delbert D. Black (DDG 119) completed acceptance trials on March 12, returning to Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII), Ingalls Shipbuilding Division after spending two days at sea in the Gulf of Mexico.During acceptance trials, the ship's crew performed a series of demonstrations for review by the U.S. Navy's Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV). These demonstrations are used to validate the quality of construction and compliance with Navy specifications and requirements prior to delivery of the ship to the U.S.

European Union antitrust regulators have suspended their investigation into Fincantieri's bid for France's Chantiers de l'Atlantique while waiting for the Italian shipyard to provide requested data.The European Commission's website shows it halted the probe on March 13. Prior to that, it had been scheduled to rule on the case by April 17."This procedure in merger investigations is activated if the parties fail to provide, in a timely fashion, important information that the Commission has requested from them…

Navimag Ferries’ newest vessel, Esperanza, has been delivered.The 150-meter-long vessel can carry up to 274 passengers and has 1,800 vehicle lane meters. It will operate exclusively in Chile, sailing between Puerto Montt and Puerto Natales, and providing a transportation link with Chile's south, in addition to ferry cruising in the Patagonian fjords.The newbuild's propulsion system includes two Wärtsilä 20 main engines, two Wärtsilä controlled pitch propellers (CPP) and two Wärtsilä gearboxes.

Contracts for the design of the Main Storage Batteries Stages 1 and 2 for the Attack Class submarines have been awarded. PMB Defence, based in Adelaide and Sunlight, based in Greece have been contracted to provide design, prototyping and qualification activities for the Main Storage Batteries. Both organizations will provide shipbuilder Naval Group with the data necessary to select one as the preferred MSB design for the Attack Class program in 2022.The Main Storage Batteries are responsible for supplying power to the propulsion system of the submarine and to other equipment on-board the ship.

Chinese steel futures hit their highest in nearly two months on Monday on signs of a recovery in demand, and as policymakers worldwide rolled out more stimulus measures to cushion global economies reeling from the coronavirus pandemic.The U.S. Federal Reserve cut interest rates by 100 basis points on Sunday, in line with a global policy effort to stave off a steep economic downturn as increasing lockdowns and travel bans hit businesses across the globe.The central bank of China on Friday cut the cash that banks must hold as reserves for the second time this year…

Damen Shipyards Group has signed a contract with Forth Ports Limited for an ASD Tug 2312. The new vessel will operate as part of the Forth Estuary Towage operation, conducting towage work at various Forth Ports locations as well as providing towage services to other external customers in Scotland.Forth Ports has a range of existing operations in the Forth and Tay Estuaries that will benefit from the acquisition of this new vessel, however, the new vessel will also provide opportunities to service new emerging markets such as decommissioning and offshore wind.

Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri announced it has suspended production activities at its in-country sites from March 16 to March 29 due to the coronavirus pandemic.Fincantieri's full statement is below: Following the Coronavirus emergency and in order to apply the measures that the Italian Government has gradually determined, Fincantieri has promptly carried out a series of actions aimed at preventing and countering the chance of infections in its shipyards.In line with this, Fincantieri considers its key priorities - once again - the protection of its personnel and subcontractors…

The azimuth tugs SAAM Huasteca and SAAM Valparaíso, both owned by SAAM Towage, reached the ports of Veracruz and Colón, respectively, and will soon complete the process of registering and being licensed to operate.SAAM Huasteca is designed to perform escort functions, as required for large container ships to best enter the recently inaugurated northern area at the port of Veracruz, Mexico. It was built in Vietnam at the DAMEN SONGCAM shipyard, part of  the Dutch Damen Shipyards Group…

Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding, Duclos Corporation announced Friday it has secured an order to build a fourth Chesapeake Class launch  for the Association of Maryland Pilots, scheduled for delivery in December 2020.Since the Chesapeake Class pilot boat was introduced by the Somerset, Mass., shipyard in 2003, 21 have been delivered to 11 pilot associations throughout the U.S.With a deep-V hull designed by Ray Hunt Design, the new all-aluminum launch measures 52.6’ overall, with a 16.8’ beam and a 4.8’ draft.

Tersan Shipyard in Turkey has signed a contract to build a new 108-meter freezer stern trawler for one of Russia's leading fishing companies. OKEANRYBFLOT's new trawler is slated for delivery in mid-2022 and will be the sister vessel to newbuild no. 1096 planned to be launched in June this year.The ST-191L design from Skipsteknisk is a 108- by 20-meter factory trawler, with accommodation for up to 150 persons on board. The vessel will be equipped with two main engines, each 4,060 kW, driving one CP propeller.

Italian shipyard Fincantieri has not offered any concessions to head off EU antitrust concerns about its planned bid for France's Chantiers de l'Atlantique, giving regulators no choice but to block the deal, people familiar with the matter said on Friday.A veto by European Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager would deal a serious blow to Italy's bid to create a European industrial champion in shipbuilding to better compete with Asian rivals.Fincantieri declined to comment.

It's an end of an era for Australia’s Antarctic icebreaker RSV Aurora Australis, which departed Hobart earlier this week for its final voyage after 31 years of service to the Australian Antarctic Program.The ship’s final trip south will be a two-week voyage to resupply sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island and transport expeditioners.“The Aurora Australis has been the backbone of the Australian Antarctic Program for more than three decades, so the vessel has a special place in our history,” said Australian Antarctic Division’s General Manager of Operations, Charlton Clark.“Over its lifetime the icebr

Kuwait Oil Tanker Company (KOTC) said that it received the giant liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker, Umm Ruwaisat, as part of a major fleet overhaul.Accoding to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), KOTC has entered the fourth phase of its fleet overhaul, which entails the delivery of eight carriers, three of which are gas tankers built by South Korean ship building firm Hyundai MIPO.The fourth phase of the fleet development includes the delivery of eight tankers of which three are giant LNG tankers built by Korea’s Hyundai Heavy Industries Co…

Cook Inlet Tug and Barge (CITB) is adding a versatile shallow draft tugboat, the Bristol Wind, to its fleet in mid-April. The uniquely designed tug will join her sister vessel, the Capt. Frank Moody, in support of the construction, and oil and gas industries' remote cargo transportation needs along the Arctic coastline."Drawing just 3.2 feet, the Bristol Wind is uniquely designed to operate efficiently as a coastal tug. She has the unique ability to lighten the draft when water…

Corvus Energy has been selected by Westcon Power & Automation (WPA) to supply the lithium-ion battery-based energy storage system (ESS) for a new hybrid coastal cargo vessel being built for Arriva Shipping at Dayang Offshore Equipment in China.The ship is of MDC 1309 Ecolution design made by Marine Design and Consulting (MDC) in Bergen and defines a whole new standard for this type of ship. Energy efficiency has been taken into account throughout the entire design phase. In addition to the large battery pack and electric propulsion…

Fincantieri risks an EU antitrust veto against its bid for Chantiers de l'Atlantique because of the difficulty of addressing regulators' concerns, people familiar with the matter said, in what would be a setback to Italy's industrial ambitions.Italy sees the deal by Europe's largest shipyard as an opportunity to create a European industrial champion in the shipbuilding industry to stave off competition from Asia and other regions.EU antitrust enforcers however are concerned that…

The global ship repair, conversion and fabrication specialist A&P Group is now using 100% renewable energy across all three of its facilities as it aims to improve its green credentials and meet Government targets.The UK-based A&P Group with three shipyards located in Hebburn, Middlesbrough and Falmouth said it is committed to improving the sustainability of its services and reducing carbon emissions to ensure it meets UK Government’s legal requirement of bringing all greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050.A&P Group’s decision to buy its energy from Haven Power…

Japanese shipbuilder Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) has delivered the bulk carrier Market Cooper to an unnamed shipowner.The 61,000DWT vessel was built jointly by Kawasaki and China COSCO Shipping Corporation at Nantong COSCO KHI Ship Engineering (NACKS) which is located in Nantong City, China.Market Cooper has a flush deck with a forecastle and five holds that are designed for optimum transport of grains, coal, ores and steel products, said the company.Four 30-ton deck cranes…

Dutch shipbuilding major Damen Shipyards Group launched its new 55-meter support yacht named Blue Ocean in its yard at Antalya, Turkey and will soon be ready for delivery.The new vessel is the eighth launch from the 55m YS 5009 (182 ft) range and will be available for delivery in spring 2020.The launch of Blue Ocean highlights the multipurpose role of Yacht Support vessels. She is the first Yacht Support built with a large multipurpose Main Deck hangar, which can be used for submersible and dive operations…

High levels of occupancy during the first two months of 2020 and strong forward bookings are sustaining momentum for Gibdock, following a surge in demand for the Gibraltar repair yard in the last quarter of 2019.One standout project involving significant complexity saw Gibdock undertake extensive repairs to Juvel at the end of 2019, after the Aker Biomarine fishing vessel suffered extensive fire damage off South America. Over several months, the 99.5-meter-long Juvel required retrofitting across four decks…

MAN Energy Solutions has won the order to supply the engines for a newbuild shuttle ferry for Estonian shipping company Tallink Grupp. A diesel-electric plant comprising five MAN 51/60DF dual-fuel main engines – with liquefied natural gas (LNG) as primary fuel – will power the MyStar, which Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC) will construct at its yard in Finland. Delivery to the customer is scheduled for early 2022. Upon entering service, the vessel will serve the Tallinn-Helsinki route.Jyrki Heinimaa…

A real estate development company is looking for a U.S. city to become the new home for one of America's most historic ocean liners.Having reached a deal with the ship’s nonprofit owner last year, RXR Realty has been developing a plan to restore the famed SS United States and this week issued a Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI) seeking a permanent waterfront location where America’s Flagship, once restored, will be able to relive its former glory.At the time of its launch in 1952…

A new liquefied natural gas (LNG) powered survey, wreck-search and research vessel built by German Naval Yards Kiel is currently undergoing installation and finishing works at Fassmer in Berne, Germany prior to being commissioned this spring.Ordered by the German Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH), the new research vessel will be homeported in Hamburg, replacing the previous Atair, which entered operation in 1987.At 75 meters long and roughly 17 meters wide, the new Atair will be the largest research vessel in the BSH fleet.

Armstrong Marine USA announced it is building a 46’ x 15’ planing catamaran, dubbed Liberty National I, at its Port Angeles, Wash. facility for delivery this spring. Liberty National Golf Club selected the Armstrong Marine USA design last year, ordering a vessel to transport passengers between North Cove Marina in New York and the private club’s dock in New Jersey.With a USCG COI for 30 passengers plus two crew, Liberty National I will accommodate the club’s robust membership.

Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) announced Tuesday that Chad N. Boudreaux has been appointed executive vice president and chief legal officer, effective April 1, 2020. Current Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer Kellye Walker recently announced her decision to pursue another opportunity, and she will depart HII on March 31.Boudreaux is currently the corporate vice president for litigation and chief compliance and privacy officer for HII. As executive vice president and chief legal officer, Boudreaux will report to HII President and CEO Mike Petters.

Ferries have pioneered zero-emission technology deployment for good reason. Short routes and regular port visits provide opportunities for shipboard stored energy technology, and it is the commercial case that is turning the tide towards zero emissions where the ferry market is concerned. Supported by shoreside charging infrastructure, a fully charged battery pack can be used to propel a ship along a predictable route at relatively low operating cost and little wear and tear,…

C-Job Naval Architects is set to open an office this spring in Athens, Greece. C-Job veteran Nikos Papapanagiotou will take on the role of General Manager and will lead the new office in Athens. He said, "C-Job has seen significant growth over the past few years in both the industry as well as in the demand for our services. To enable us to continue to meet this demand now and in the future, we are opening an office in Athens."C-Jobs has a strong track-record in several industries including ferries, dredging, offshore (wind) and mega yachts.

Konecranes and Chantiers de l’Atlantique, a shipyard in St. Nazaire, France, have signed a contract for the delivery of a Konecranes Goliath gantry crane. It will handle large ship blocks and panels over the dry dock, playing a leading role in ship assembly at the shipyard. The order was booked in the fourth quarter of 2019.The Konecranes Goliath crane will be delivered with the cooperation of both parties. It will be manufactured in Europe by Konecranes in its entirety. The crane assembly on-site and the erection work will be done in cooperation between the shipyard and Konecranes.

The Korean Register has granted approval in principle (AIP) to verify the suitability of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) dual fuel propulsion car carrier developed by Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI). The AIP covers two pure car and truck carrier (PCTC) vessels with a respective capacity of 7,000 car equivalent units (CEU) and 8,100 CEU.Both vessels are equipped with International Maritime Organization (IMO) type C tanks which are independent self-supporting LNG fuel tanks. The two…

Oman Shipping Company (OSC), a member of the ASYAD Group, has announced the acquisition of two modern Ultramax Dry Bulk vessels, SBI Taurus and TR Omaha.The new ships due for delivery in April and May 2020 will join OSC’s fleet of over 50 world-class vessels including LNG Carriers, LPG Carriers, VLCCs, Tankers, VLOCs, Dry Cargo, and Container ships. These ships will be renamed to (JABAL SAMHAN & JABAL AL KAWR) once joined to reflect the greatness of Omani Mountains and its rich…

SAAM Towage said it signed a contract with Turkish shipbuilder UZMAR Shipyards to begin building two new tugs that will provide services for a liquefied natural gas (LNG) project being developed by Energía del Pacífico (EDP) in El Salvador.The new RAstar 3200W azimuth tugs were designed by Canadian firm Robert Allan Ltd. and will be built in Turkey by UZMAR. They will measure 32 meters in beam, have a bollard pull of 75 tons and can reach a maximum speed of 12.5 knots. They will also have superior steering and breaking capacity for escort operations…

Alewijnse reports it has been awarded a contract to perform the complete electrical installation on board what will be the world’s newest and largest offshore diamond recovery vessel. Designated an additional mining vessel (AMV) by its owner De Beers Marine Namibia (Pty) Ltd, the ship will be the seventh member of the fleet of operator Debmarine Namibia.Alewijnse said it is once again working with the Damen Shipyards Group, this time at Damen Shipyard Mangalia in Romania. The first steel was cut for the vessel in May 2019 and now Alewijnse is preparing to start work on board.

Qatari maritime transport and logistics conglomerate Milaha said it has acquired a new floating dry dock as part of ongoing upgrade and modernization work underway at its shipyard facilities.The dock is set to arrive at the group’s Mesaieed Shipyard in the coming months and will be fully operational in the second half of this year to support local government and commercial clients in the maritime and oil and gas sectors.Milaha president and CEO, Abdulrahman Essa Al-Mannai said the dock will be able to accommodate vessels up to 230 meters in length and up to 30,000 metric tons lifting capacity.

The U.S. Navy commissioned its newest Expeditionary Sea Base, USS Hershel “Woody” Williams (ESB 4), during a ceremony Saturday, March 7, in Norfolk, Va.USS Hershel “Woody” Williams is optimized to support a variety of maritime-based missions and designed around four core capabilities: aviation facilities, berthing, equipment staging support, and command and control assets. ESBs can be enhanced to meet special operations force missions through increased communications, aviation and unmanned aircraft system support.Built by General Dynamics NASSCO…

The century-old Amsterdam canal boat Gerarda Johanna looks like a classic with wood paneling, but beneath its floorboards lies a high-tech underbelly: rows of lithium ion batteries, 66 in all, with an electric drive train powering its propeller.The boat is part of a push by Amsterdam’s new Green Party mayor to ban diesel engines from the center’s ancient canals by 2025, helping the city’s efforts to combat climate change.The transition among commercial vessels is well underway…

Dutch shipbuilder Royal Niestern Sander said it has launched a new vessel currently under construction for hydrographic survey firm Geo Plus BV. The newbuild, to be named Geo Ranger, is due to be christened and delivered this summer.The contract for the construction of the hydrographic research vessel Geo Ranger was signed by the builder and Geo Plus in April 2019.After the start of construction in September 2019, the ship was transported in early February from the construction hall to the quay side to prepare for the launch…

A new passenger ferry built by Dongara Marine has been introduced to the public transport system in Perth, Western Australia. MV Tricia  - named after Perth Zoo's popular 62-year-old Asian Elephant - is the third ferry in the Transperth fleet, joining two other low-wash catamarans introduced in 1997 and 2009. Operating across the Swan River between Elizabeth Quay and South Perth, the 23.7-m aluminium catamaran can carry up to 148 passengers and has a loaded top speed in excess of 16 knots.With two ferries each providing departures every 15 minutes in peak periods…

Japanese shipbuilder Mitsubishi Shipbuilding, a part of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Group, has concluded an agreement with the Republic of the Philippines to construct two multi-role response vessels (MRRVs).The vessels will be built at Shimonoseki Shipyard & Machinery Works for completion and delivery in 2022.The MRRVs on order are vessels with length overall of approximately 94 meters. They also have a maximum speed of not less than 24 knots, and an endurance of not less than 4…

Belgian tanker owner Euronav said Friday it has entered into an agreement to acquire a resale very large crude carrier (VLCC) for $93 million.The modern eco-tanker is currently under construction at the Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) shipyard in South Korea and is due for delivery early in the first quarter of 2021, Euronav said.The vessel is identical to a trio of sister ships Euronav acquired last month slated for delivery early in the fourth quarter of 2020 and in January and February 2021 respectively.

Shipbuilder Bath Iron Works (BIW) has officially started construction of the future USS Louis H. Wilson Jr. (DDG 126), the U.S. Navy announced. The new warship will be the first Arleigh Burke-class destroyer built in the Flight III configuration at BIW.The milestone was marked by a ceremony on Tuesday at General Dynamics BIW's structural fabrication facility in Brunswick, Maine.Flight III destroyers will have improved capability and capacity to perform Anti-Air Warfare and Ballistic Missile Defense in support of the Integrated Air and Missile Defense mission.

Finnish shipbuilder Meyer Turku Oy said it has signed a strategic partnership agreement with the University of Turku, with the objective to develop and strengthen education and research in engineering.The partnership agreement increases student projects, theses, as well as teaching events, expert lectures and workshops between the university and shipyard. The employment opportunities offered by Meyer Turku in marine industry will become more visible on campus. This collaboration…

A consortium formed by Germany’s Thyssenkrupp AG and Brazilian planemaker Embraer SA signed a deal on Thursday to deliver four frigates to Brazil’s navy between 2025 and 2028, the companies said in a statement.The contract signed in Rio de Janeiro is part of Brazil’s drive to modernize its navy so it can patrol off-shore resources in the Atlantic, such as Brazil’s vast pre-salt oil reserves.The companies did not disclose the price tag. The Brazilian navy website said the four-ship program will cost about $2 billion.Last year…

SCHOTTEL has won a contract from Ada Shipyard in Turkey to supply propulsion units for two double-ended Ro-Pax ferries. As part of the deal, the German propulsion manufacturer will provide a total of four SCHOTTEL Rudder EcoPellers (SRE) for the LMG 60 DE design vessels ordered recently by Norwegian ferry operator Norled.The ferries’ main propulsion consists of two SCHOTTEL EcoPellers type SRE 270 (810 kW each) with 1.85 m diameter fixed pitch propellers (one at each end of the ferry). Each of the azimuth thrusters is driven by two bio-diesel engines through a twin-in-single-out gearbox.

A large passenger vessel has become the industry’s first to achieve system compliance under classification society DNV GL’s framework for integrated cybersecurity.Today's vessels are increasingly fitted with integrated automation systems and digital solutions. And as vessels’ systems gorw more connected than ever before, new security threats areise, driving the need for closer and earlier collaboration on cybersecurity between all key stakeholders in the newbuilding process.ABB…

Global ship repair and maintenance services market is expected to grow from USD 18.89 Billion in 2018 to USD 39.93 Billion by 2026 at a CAGR of 7.04% during the forecast period from 2019-2026.According to report published by Fior Markets, the key contributing factors for the market growth are increase in the demand for new ships and activities, shortening of supply chains in ship repair and maintenance services, increased seaborne trade against the backdrop of recent economic boom…

When designing and constructing a new blast and paint facility at its yard in Belle Chasse, La., C&C Marine and Repair set out to create a safe, efficient and environmentally friendly worksite that would deliver a high-quality product.Fifteen months and 131 barges later, C&C Marine has nearly doubled its capacity as the facility and its robotic blasting technology continually meet and exceed expectations, says Tony Cibilich, president and owner of C&C Marine and Repair, who sees a long list of benefits for customers…

Wärtsilä said it booked an order in January to provide an integrated system consisting of the liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant, dual-fuel engines and electrical propulsion system for the latest addition to Vancouver, Canada based BC Ferries’ series of Salish Class vessels.Three similar ferries, all operating on Wärtsilä engines fueled by LNG, have already been delivered. As with the previous three ferries, Remontowa Shipbuilding (RSB), located in Gdansk, Poland, will also build this latest ship.The Wärtsilä scope of supply includes three Wärtsilä 20DF dual-fuel engines…

PaxOcean, Singapore-based builder focused on offshore rigs, semi-submersibles and specialized offshore vessels, has signed a contract with Japanese general contractor Penta-Ocean Construction to construct a self-elevating platform (SEP) for use in the offshore wind sector in Japan.Scheduled for completion in Q3 2022, the SEP is of a GustoMSC design, equipped with four tubular legs and four azimuth thrusters.According to a press release from the subsidiary of Kuok Singapore Limited…

Dutch shipbuilding major Damen Shipyards Group said that it has signed a contract with London construction services provider S. Walsh & Sons (Walsh) for a CS2010 pusher tug from Concordia Damen.The pusher will be available for quick delivery in summer this year as a result of Concordia Damen’s practice of building stock hulls, the shipbuilder said.The CS 2010 will join the growing Walsh marine fleet operating on the River Thames in the UK – including the Damen Multi Cat 1908 delivered in 2019.

Seattle-based Foss Maritime christened the new 90-ton tugboat Jamie Ann on February 29.The first of four new ASD-90 tugs under construction at Nichols Brothers Boat Builders in Freeland, Wash., the newbuild will be followed by sister vessels Sarah Averick, Leisa Florence and Rachael Allen, all scheduled to be delivered this year for service within the Saltchuk Marine family of companies.Jamie Ann’s upgrades include two MTU Tier 4 engines producing 6,866 horsepower which meet the EPA’s highest standards.

The U.S. Navy launched its newest Freedom-variant littoral combat ship (LCS), the future USS Cooperstown (LCS 23), on January 19 and then christened the new warship during a ceremony on February 29, in Marinette, Wis."The christening of the future USS Cooperstown marks an important step toward this great ship's entry into the fleet," said Acting Secretary of the Navy Thomas Modly. “The dedication and skilled work of everyone involved in the building of this ship has ensured that…

San Antonio class amphibious transport dock USS San Antonio (LPD 17) began Sea Trials February 29 following a three-year Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) maintenance availability.During Sea Trials, the San Antonio will undergo multiple training scenarios for each department designed to evaluate the performance of the ship after an extensive maintenance period.The short underway will be the first time the San Antonio has been underway since February of 2017.Captain Brent C. Gaut…

Boat-handling systems supplier Vestdavit announced the acquisition of Tritec Production. The acquisition covers a complete steel fabrication, engineering and construction facility in Redzikowo, Poland, from where Tritec has been supporting Vestdavit as its principal davit assembly partner for more than a decade.“With 65 dedicated employees specializing in steel-structure manufacturing, hydraulic and mechanical assembly, and the factory-acceptance testing required for davits from 1 to 16 tons, Tritec is a worthy addition to our enterprise,” says Vestdavit Managing Director Rolf Andreas Wigand.

Canada's government awarded a $12.1-million contract to East Coast repair yard Shelburne Ship Repair to perform vessel life extension work on the Canadian Coast Guard Ship (CCGS) Edward Cornwallis.The 34-year-old light icebreaker CCGS Edward Cornwallis is a high-endurance multi-tasked vessel launched in 1986 and built by Marine Industries from Tracy, Quebec. The 83-meter-long vessel performs icebreaking and buoy tending operations and is homeported at the Canadian Coast Guard Base in Dartmouth…

French builder Alumarine Shipyard has delivered a new hydrographic survey boat to the Port of La Rochelle.The eight-meter aluminum vessel, dubbed Cassiopée, is powered by a dual electric/diesel propulsion system. The newbuild is designed to transit at 20-25 knots under diesel power between the home port and the acquisition area, then shift to the electric outboards while performing scans of the seafloor.Electric propulsion and hybrid drives manufacturer Torqeedo said it worked closely with the naval architect and shipyard to specify…

The technology group Wärtsilä has been selected to supply the cargo handling system for a new 18,000 cbm LNG bunkering vessel. The ship is being built for Korea Line at Hyundai Mipo Dockyard in Korea. The order was placed in January 2020.The contract scope includes the engineering, design, procurement, and commissioning of the overall cargo handling system, including the cargo tank design. The equipment delivery is scheduled to commence at the end of 2020, and the ship is expected to be delivered in early 2022.

Marine equipment supplier MacGregor said it has received an order from shipbuilder VT Halter Marine to supply deck machinery and cargo handling equipment to the U.S. Coast Guard Polar Security Cutter (PSC) program. The order is booked into Cargotec’s fourth quarter 2019 order intake, with delivery planned to take place in the third quarter of 2021.According to MacGregor, the Scope of supply comprises anchor windlass, mooring winches and capstans, main towing winch, offshore cranes, oceanographic winch, hanger overhead crane and cargo access equipment.

Rimorchiatori Riuniti has has acquired an azimuth tractor tug from Sanmar Shipyards to boost its operations in the port of Genoa, ItalyThe 25-m tug was upgraded, renamed Italia and deployed to provide towage services in Genoa.Sanmar had delivered a RAmparts 2400SX Class ASD Tug to the Genoese group back in 2014 and that tug has been re-named as Turchia which is currently giving towage service in the port of Genoa.Italia is an azimuth tractor tug, TRAktor-Z 2500SX designed by the…

South Korean shipyard giant Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) has won a 361.1 billion won ($314.4 million) deal to build three shuttle tankers in Asia.The shipbuilder disclosed in a regulatory filing that Suezmax shuttle tankers will be delivered to the unnamed Asian shipper by July 2022.A shuttle tanker is a ship designed to transport oil from an offshore oil field to a storage tank and is equipped with a variety of offloading equipment.Samsung Heavy said it is the leading player in the global shuttle tanker market…

On February 19, BC Ferries held a naming ceremony for the first of its two Island Class Ferries at Victoria’s Point Hope Maritime. At the event, the names of the vessels – Island Discovery and Island Aurora – were revealed for the first time. The two ferries, based on Damen’s 81-meter Road Ferry 8117E3 design and built at Damen Shipyards Galati in Romania, will enter service mid-2020, serving the Powell River-Texada Island and Port McNeill-Albert Bay-Sointula routes respectively.The vessels sponsors were selected from the BC Ferries family  and the local communities.

MAN Energy Solutions’ after-sales division MAN PrimeServ announced a new digital addition to its retrofit portfolio to prepare shipowners for developments within the area of marine cyber security.MAN EngineVault aims to revitalize existing engines, machinery, auxiliary systems, instrumentation and control systems that have already operated in the field for multiple years, protecting main-engine networks from online and physical cyber attacks.Set to come as come as standard in newbuilt ME-engines from May 2020…

Russia's Gazprom announced the keel-laying for the country’s first passenger ship to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) was held at the Zelenodolsk shipyard.A Gazprom delegation headed by Vyacheslav Mikhalenko, Member of the Management Committee, Head of Department, took part in the keel-laying ceremony for Chaika LNG, the first passenger ship in Russia to be powered by LNG.The Chaika LNG leisure and sightseeing boat (motor ship) is intended for passenger voyages, including via tourist routes.

Offshore Heavy Transport’s (OHT) new semi-submersible wind farm foundation installation vessel Alfa Lift reached yet another step forward towards delivery, with its first launching last week.The hull was launched into the water for the first time, in order to be shifted to new location where final assembly will take place.With proper planning and joint efforts this milestone has not been affected by the novel coronavirus outbreak as OHT and China Merchants Heavy Industry (CMHI) yard staff have resumed work on site.Alfa Lift…

The US Coast Guard ( USCG ) and Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) christened the future USCGC Stone, the ninth Legend-class national security cutter (NSC), at Ingalls Shipbuilding’s facilities on Saturday, February 29.The ship honors Coast Guard officer Cmdr. Elmer “Archie” Fowler Stone, who made history in 1919 for being one of the two Coast Guard pilots to successfully make the first transatlantic flight in a Navy seaplane. Stone’s great niece, Laura Cavallo, officially christened…

America’s largest military shipbuilding company Huntington Ingalls Industries announced that Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Michael Gilday visited the company’s Ingalls Shipbuilding division.During his visit, Gilday toured the shipyard facility and received an overview of infrastructure improvements as well as an update on shipbuilding programs. Adm. Gilday, who was sworn in as the Nation’s 32nd chief of naval operations in August 2019, also met with crew-members of ships currently under construction or modernization at Ingalls.“Along with Mississippi’s two U.S. Senators, Sen.

Caterpillar Marine has announced the ceremonial launch of Sanmar’s new hydraulic hybrid tug,  BOĞAÇAY XXXVIII (38), completely equipped with a Cat Marine Advanced Variable Drive (AVD). The BOĞAÇAY 38 enters the industry as the world’s first AVD vessel. The ceremony took place in January 2020 at the Sanmar shipyard in Istanbul, Turkey, and the tug is scheduled to soon join the Sanmar towage fleet.BOĞAÇAY XXXVIII  is a Robert Allan Ltd. designed Ramparts 2400SX harbor tug, including an integrated Caterpillar AVD system of 3512 main engines…

Margins are tight for vessels that operate offshore or in coastal waters. Take the global offshore support vessel (OSV) market for example, it looks set to be yet another challenging year which has concerned senior executives preparing for a sixth year of downturn. Many had hoped that 2019 would be the year that marked a turning point in OSV fortunes, but the uptick hasn’t materialized, and there is renewed anxiety about what could potentially be the worst market since the 1980s.It…

Huntington Ingalls Industries’ (HII) Ingalls Shipbuilding division delivered the newest America-class amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7) to the U.S. Navy on Friday. Tripoli will be commissioned later this year before sailing to its homeport of San Diego.Amphibious assault ships project power and maintain presence by serving as the cornerstone of the amphibious ready group or expeditionary strike group. These ships transport elements of the Marine expeditionary unit or Marine expeditionary brigade with a combination of aircraft and landing craft.

British multinational company BAE Systems has secured a contract worth $113.5 million to supply an additional 26 amphibious combat vehicles (ACV) to the US Marine Corps (USMC).The company will supply the ACVs under the low-rate initial production (LRIP) phase of the program. The deal will now bring the total ACV order from the USMC to 116, moving the programme closer to full-rate production.The ACV is a highly mobile, survivable and adaptable platform for conducting rapid ship-to-shore operations and brings enhanced combat power to the battlefield.

Finnish shipbuilding company Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC) and Australian TT-Line Company have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on two fast car and passenger ferries.The Project will have an impact on employment totalling around 3,500 person-years, and the construction work will start at the beginning of 2021, said a press release from the company specialized in constructing car ferries, icebreakers and naval vessels.”We are proud and grateful of the trust TT-Line Company has shown us.

German industrial conglomerate Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TMS) plans to use 3D printers increasingly in manufacturing submarine parts. This offers decisive advantages over conventionally produced components.The corresponding quality and safety approvals have already been granted. Through acquisition of the thyssenkrupp TechCenter Additive Manufacturing (in Mülheim an der Ruhr, North Rhein-Westphalia), the required technology and expertise will now come to the Kiel Fjord. It is planned to complete the transition by June 2020.Dr.

The technical launch of first Doha-class air defense corvette ordered by the Qatari Ministry of Defence within the national naval acquisition program, took place at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Muggiano (La Spezia).The corvette Al Zubarah is named after a ruined and ancient fort located on the north western coast of the Qatar peninsula in the Al Shamal municipality, about 105 km from the Qatari capital of Doha.The vessel, which will be delivered in 2021, is designed consistent with the RINAMIL rules…

German shipyard Flensburger Schiffbau-Gesellschaft (FSG) shipyard will not build TT-Line Company Pty Ltd's new Spirit of Tasmania vessels.The Australian shipping company TT-Line cancelled the order at FSG for the construction of two ferries, said a statement from the shipyard.The cancellation of the orders 778 and 779 for TT-Line is by mutual agreement after constructive and objective discussions between the management and owners of FSG and the management of TT-Line.Alex Gregg-Smith, Managing Director of FSG said, “This decision has been taken with the mutual consent of all parties concerned a

The intergovernmental agreement signed between French and Italian States to establish Naviris, the joint-venture (JV) between the shipbuilders Naval Group and Fincantieri.This agreement makes the long term alliance launched by these two industrial Groups fully operational.The JV, owned equally by the two groups, will manage ambitious projects, including mid-term modernization of the Franco-Italian Horizon frigates, common R&D, export opportunities and the development of a European Patrol Corvette. “We welcome this intergovernmental agreement, which reinforces our joint-venture Naviris.

Bolko, the first of a total of six multi-role tugs built by Remontowa Shipyard in Poland has recently been delivered to the Polish Navy. Further five tugs – Gniewko, Mieszko, Semko, Leszko and Przemko – are scheduled for delivery in the near future. Each of the ASD tugs is equipped with two SCHOTTEL Rudderpropellers type SRP 360 FP. They will be used for military and logistic operations support at sea and in ports.The propulsion system of the Navy tugs consists of two ice-classed SCHOTTEL Rudderpropellers type SRP 360 with 2.0 m fixed pitch propellers.