Shipbuilding News

ABS has published Guidance Notes on Yacht Design and released new Yacht Structure Assessment software, both geared toward streamlining and simplifying the yacht design and plan approval processes.The Guidance helps support innovation by simplifying the plan approval process for designs that fall outside the arrangements covered by statutory conventions. The software further streamlines the design and approval process, providing a fast and efficient check of structures and material.“ABS recognizes yacht designers are always innovating…

Singapore's commodity trading company Trafigura Group has named the first of its 35 crude oil and product tankers being built in South Korea and China.The naming ceremony took place at Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries’ shipyard in Jeolanam-do, in the southwest of South Korea yesterday (September 20) in the presence of Singapore’s Senior Minister of State for Transport and Health, Dr Lam Pin Min. Dr Lam’s wife, Dr Jeanette Chen, became godmother to the first vessel to be named, the Mt Marlin Singapore…

Two of Iskes Towage’s vessels, the Damen ASD Tugs 3212 Mars and Mercurius, have been officially named at a ceremony held at IJmuiden Port, Amsterdam.The naming formed part of an event held to mark the 50th anniversary of the founding of Iskes Towage & Salvage, which was formed by Ben Iskes, the father of current owner Jim Iskes, in 1968.The Mars was named by Elisabeth Post, Deputy for Transport and Traffic for the Province of North Holland, and the Mercurius by Miss Annick Vergouwen…

The world’s first liquefied natural gas (LNG) dual-fueled handysize bulk carrier, M/V Haaga, was delivered from Chinese shipbuilder from Jinling Shipyard in Nanjing to Finnish shipowner ESL Shipping, in August.The first-of-its-kind vessel features innovative solutions from Finnish hybrid solutions company WE Tech, including Economical Operations and Boost Mode with the direct drive permanent magnet shaft generator, that help minimize energy consumption and emissions to reduce the ship's environmental footprint.The Economical Operations…

Earlier this summer Maritime Reporter & Engineering News ventured to Ålesund/Sunnmøre area of western Norway visiting local manufacturers and suppliers serving the global maritime industry and featuring a series of business and technology presentations by leading sector companies including Inmarsat, VARD Group, Ulstein Group, Brunvoll, Ulmatec, Jets, ABB Marine & Ports, Fostech AS and Rolls-Royce Marine. Tom Mulligan reports on new business developments and technology innovations…

C-Job Naval Architects based in the Netherlands announced it has joined the Ammonia Energy Association, strengthening its commitment to research ammonia as a renewable fuel for the maritime industry.With the International Maritime Organization announcing its plans to reduce and eventually fully eliminate ship emissions, it is of the utmost importance that the global maritime industry looks into renewable fuels. C-Job said it has identified Hydrogen Based Renewables (HBR) as the best solution and sees ammonia (NH3) as a high potential.Niels de Vries…

MAN Energy Solutions said it has won the contract to supply propulsion systems for seven new 109-meter factory trawlers for the Russian Fishery Company (RFC).The series’ lead vessel will be built by Tersan shipyard in Yalova, Turkey for scheduled delivery in July 2020. The following six identical vessels will be constructed in Russia.The configuration of the newbuilding’s propulsion system features a MAN 14V32/44CR main engine (delivering 8,120 kW), a MAN Alpha VBS 1260 propeller…

Offshore and subsea construction company Hydra said it has entered into the saturation diving market in anticipation of an offshore oil and gas sector rebound.Trevor Davis, president and CEO of the Texas-based company, said Hydra has converted its flagship vessel Subsea Responder and acquired a modular 200msw/12-man saturation diving system to prepare for new projects as the oil and gas industry experiences an upturn.“The oil and gas industry is showing signs of a bounce back [after] reaching a five-year low,” Davis said.

Miller Boat Line has ordered a new drive-on, drive-off passenger/vehicle ferry for delivery from Superior, Wis. builder Fraser Shipyards in fall 2019. The new ferry will be delivered from Lake Superior to Lake Erie and her new home port of Put-in-Bay, Ohio.The 140-foot-long, 38.5-foot-wide newbuild will be able to accommodate 26 standard sized vehicles or 600 passengers and will join Miller’s present fleet of four passenger/vehicle ferries, which operate between the peninsula of Catawba to Put-in-Bay (South Bass Island) and to Middle Bass Island…

A new multipurpose 45-meter patrol ship will be used by the Estonian Police and Border Guard Service for a wide range of operations, including firefighting, anti-smuggling and search and rescue missions, but its main use will be in combating pollution threats.The new vessel, Raju, is the largest patrol vessel ever built by Estonia’s Baltic Workboats, and is the first in the firm’s emerging range of battery hybrid patrol ships.From 2021 the Baltic Sea will become an Emission Control Area (ECA)…

In a recent interview with Peter Keller, Executive Vice President, TOTE, Maritime Reporter & Engineering News discussed lessons learned after three years of experience running two containerships – Isla Bella and Perla del Caribe – on LNG, the world’s first containerships with LNG fueled engines. Built in San Diego at NASSCO, powered by MAN ME-GI dual fuel engines and classed by ABS, Keller discusses ‘lessons learned’ today"When you're dealing with natural gas the safety culture is important. It's cryogenic, you don't want to spill it.

The Kwispaa LNG Project achieved a significant milestone in its development this week as Kwispaa LNG signed a contract with Hyundai Heavy Industries for the Front-End Engineering and Design (FEED) of two At-Shore LNG hulls.This follows the recent Invitation to Tender to shortlisted EPC (engineering, procurement, and construction) contractors for the FEED work on the At-Shore LNG topsides, marine facilities, pre-treatment, and balance of onshore plant facilities. EPC contractor tenderers include Black & Veatch / Samsung Heavy Industries / PCL Industrial Management Inc.…

ABS has granted Approval in Principle (AIP) for the LNG Jumbo, a new 175,000 CBM liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier design from Chinese shipbuilder Jiangnan Shipyard (Group) Co.The efficient, environmentally friendly design features the GTT MK III Flex Cargo Containment System developed in cooperation with ship designer MARIC.The LNG Jumbo design specifies a WINGD X-DF low-pressure, low-speed two-stroke dual-fuel main engine propulsion system promising enhanced propulsion efficiency and reduced fuel consumption, combined with additional energy saving devices.

South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) has received Approval in Principle (AiP) from Lloyd's Register (LR) for a very large gas carrier (VLGC) design capable of using liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as fuel.LPG presents advantages over marine diesel oil (MDO) and heavy fuel oil (HFO) when a VLGC is able to utilize the LPG cargo on board as a fuel. However, safety issues need to be thoroughly examined particularly in relation to potential leaks of LPG in a confined space and the implications for ventilation.

The U.S. Navy awarded a contract modification to shipbuilder Austal USA to build two additional Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ships, LCS 32 and 34, its 16th and 17th vessels in the class. The specific value of each contract is under the congressional cost cap of $584 million per ship.“To be awarded these contracts in such a highly competitive environment is a great honor,” said Austal USA president, Craig Perciavalle. “This is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our talented employees and dedicated supplier network…

France's BIO-UV Group has successfully installed and commissioned its Bio-Sea ballast water treatment system (BWTS) in CMA CGM's new flagship, the 400 m long, 20,600 TEU CMA CGM Antoine De Saint Exupéry.The vessel, one of the largest containerships to be built by Hanjin Heavy Industries' yard in the Philippines, and the largest to fly the French flag, was christened in Le Havre earlier this month by the Minister of Economy and Finance, Bruno Le Maire, and the Minister in charge of Transport…

Major overhaul of the towing and supply vessel "Nercha" belonging to the Caspian Sea Oil Fleet of the “Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping” CJSC has been accomplished at the “Bibiheybat” Ship Repair Yard.During the repair works the ship's main and auxiliary engines, pumps and pipeline systems were repaired. Moreover, the cabins of the crew, sanitary junctions and dining rooms have been renewed.At the same time, by lifting ship to the dock, the works on the adjustment of propulsion-steering complex…

YM Wellbeing, a new 14,000 TEU full-container vessel built by Imabari Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., was named at a ceremony held on 18th September, 2018.Yang Ming Marine Transport Corp. (Yang Ming) Chairman Bronson Hsieh and his wife Chen Hui-Li were both invited to the naming ceremony; Mrs. Hsieh took on the role as the Lady Sponsor to officiate the naming of the new ship at Imabari Hiroshima Shipyard.YM Wellbeing, constructed by Imabari Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., is the first of five 14,000 TEU full-container vessels Yang Ming chartered from Shoei Kisen Kaisha, Ltd..

San Francisco Bay Area ferry operator Water Emergency Transportation Authority (WETA) is expanding its fleet with new vessels in order to meet large ridership increases. By 2035, WETA expects to add a total of 44 new vessels to meet anticipated demand, which is expected to increase by as much as 900 percent.As part of its larger fleet expansion strategy, WETA currently has three new ferries on order at the Dakota Creek Industries shipyard in Anacortes, Wash. that are due to enter service next year.

Kenyan islanders have built a boat made entirely of recycled plastic collected during clean-ups of the ocean to highlight the growing menace of plastic waste that ends up in the sea.Last year, the Kenyan government imposed the world’s toughest law against plastic bags, with offenders - including producers, retailers, and ordinary Kenyans - risking imprisonment for up to four years or fines of $40,000, in a bid to reduce plastic pollution.Many bags drift into the ocean, strangling turtles, suffocating seabirds and filling the stomachs of dolphins and whales.The construction of the boat has been

GTT has signed a Technical Assistance and License Agreement (TALA) with South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Mipo Dockyard (HMD) targeting the outfitting of gas carriers, in particular small and middle scale (up to 50,000 m3) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) fuel tanks for merchant ships.Hyundai Mipo obtained its license after completing a qualification process that began in April 2018, including the construction of a Mark III Flex mockup and an audit lead by GTT.The shipyard is now the third among the Hyundai group to be licensed by GTT. The two other construction sites, Hyundai Heavy Industries and Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries, have been…

September 18, 2018 marks 10 years in business for Naval Group in India. From its 2008 start as DCNS India with just 10 employees, Naval Group has grown to have a team of over 50 professionals in the country that specialize in engineering, supply chain and project management while building a sound industrial ecosystem. The team supports the Indian defense industry and Indian Navy under the nation's “Make in India” self-reliance objectives.Naval Group entered India as a 100 percent owned subsidiary of the group with the goal of ensuring its long-lasting presence in the country…

On August 24, 2018, the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93) faced a problem that didn’t have a quick solution: A bolt from a hangar bay door roller assembly was stressed to the point of breaking, rendering the door unable to perform its basic task of opening and closing. In order for Chung-Hoon to get this one bolt, they would need to order a whole new roller assembly, which would take time Chung-Hoon didn’t have.Underway as part of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 3, Chung-Hoon was in close proximity to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C.

SENER signed a contract with the owner Rimorchiatori Riuniti Panfido & C.s.r.l for delivering the basic engineering and technical assistance in the construction of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) SBBT unit, which will operate in Italy and the Adriatic. Panfido is one of the most important tug and barge owners in Europe, with 130 years of experience in marine services. This project is co-funded by the European Union through the Poseidon MED II program.The SBBT unit’s design is a combination of a LNG fueled tractor tug (powered unit) and a LNG bunkering non-propelled pontoon of 4,000 cu.

TMC Compressors of the Seas (TMC) has signed a contract to supply an environmentally friendly Smart Air marine compressed air system to the world’s first HFO-fuelled (heavy fuel oil) TIR III compliant ethylene carriers.TMC will provide the Smart Air compressors to Hyundai Mipo Dockyard, which is responsible for building the two new 21,000 cbm ethylene carriers to Norwegian LPG and petrochemical shipping company Solvang ASA (Solvang).In a separate contract, TMC will provide 2 x N2 (nitrogen) feed air compressors to each of the two vessels’ on-board N2 system.

Incat Crowther signed a design contract with Cape Town based shipbuilder Veecraft Marine for the supply of a 20m monohull workboat for the South African National Defense Force, tasked to transport personnel and equipment and support training activities in coastal areas up to 10 miles off the coast under inclement weather conditions often experienced in the area. The vessel is designed in accordance with BV requirements and in compliance with flag state rules as defined by South…

Belle Chasse, La. based shipbuilder C&C Marine and Repair has delivered the third vessel in a series of four new towboats for Marquette Transportation Company.Delivery of the new vessel, a 6,600-horsepower, 160’ x 50’ triple-screw z-drive towboat named m/v Jerry Jarrett, comes four months after delivery of the series’ second towboat, m/v Chris Reeves, and seven months after the first, m/v Cindy L. Erickson.Following delivery of the second vessel, Marquette exercised an option for a fourth towboat…

Royston Diesel Power’s enginei EFMS (electronic fuel management system) has been specified for a range of new specialist maritime security vessels and multi-role crew boats. Sixteen enginei units supplied to Penguin International Limited, the Singapore-based designer and operator of aluminum workboats.Penguin is building several of its flagship Flex Fighter range of high-speed armored security vessels for antipiracy operations off the coast of Nigeria. New Flex-42X multi-role…

Singapore’s first liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunker barge scheduled to begin construction in January 2019. The 7,500 cubic meter capacity barge will be owned and operated by a joint venture between Shell and Keppel Offshore & Marine, FueLNG Pte Ltd, who selected ABS to class the vessel.To help spur the project, Singapore’s Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) recently granted up to $3 million to FueLNG Pte Ltd to build the barge. The vessel will be based in the Port of Singapore and will supply LNG fuel to large oceangoing vessels throughout the region.“This project is an important milestone for the region and is a key component of Singapore’s strategy to become the world’s largest bunkering port,” said ABS Vice President Global Gas Solutions, Patrick Janssens.

Bureau Veritas has formally issued GTT with an approval in principle (AiP) for the development of a new liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargo containment system (CCS) evolution of the NO96 range. This CCS, named NO96 Flex, benefits from the NO96 proven technology as well as the use of an efficient foam panel insulation.The AiP was delivered at Gastech 2018 in Barcelona on Monday.The NO96 Flex CCS insulating panels are mechanically anchored to the inner hull, and the double metallic…

The U.S. Navy has awarded General Dynamics Electric Boat a $480.6 million contract modification to continue the development of the lead Columbia-class submarine, the nation’s next-generation sea-based strategic deterrent. Electric Boat is a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD).The modification includes funding for advance procurement, advance construction and long lead time material for Columbia (SSBN 826). Construction of the lead ship of the class is scheduled to begin in the fall of 2020. The Navy plans to build a fleet of 12 new SSBNs.Initially awarded in September 2017, the overall contract has a potential value of $6.1 billion.

Wärtsilä will provide an integrated cargo handling and fuel gas system for two new liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carriers for Belgium-based owner Exmar. The 80,000m³ very large gas carriers are being built at HHIC-Philippines (Hanjin Heavy Industries & Construction Philippines) in Subic Bay, and will be the first vessels capable of running on LPG, according to Wärtsilä, who secured the order in July 2018.Wärtsilä, which offers ‘LPG as fuel’ as a fully integrated part of the cargo handling system…

Keppel Offshore & Marine’s shipbuilding arm Keppel Singmarine has delivered its second dual-fuel tug capable of running on liquefied natural gas (LNG). The new vessel, named named Maju Loyalty, was built for Maju Maritime (which is merged operationally with Keppel Smit Towage).Abu Bakar, managing director, gas and specialized vessels, of Keppel O&M, said, "Leveraging our newbuild experience and capabilities in LNG, we were able to ensure the smooth execution and timely delivery of this project. This is the second dual-fuel tug built by Keppel O&M, and furthers our track record in the design and construction of cost and energy efficient LNG-fueled vessels.

American manufacturer of marine vessels Gulf Island Fabrication has signed a contract for the expansion and delivery of one 245-guest riverboat with American Countess.The new paddle wheeler will be built using the existing hull of the Kanesville Queen, a former gaming vessel built in 1995. Revenue backlog and man-hours associated with this project will be reported in connection with the Company’s announcement of financial results for the quarter ending September 30, 2018.“We continue…

Canada’s lead Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel, the future HMCS Harry DeWolf, was launched at Halifax Shipyard on Saturday, marking a significant milestone for the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS) and the revitalization of the Royal Canadian Navy’s combatant fleet.At 103 meters and 6,615 metric tons, the future HMCS Harry DeWolf is the largest Royal Canadian Navy ship built in Canada in 50 years. The ship was transitioned from the builder's land level facility to a submersible barge on Friday…

A pair of steel-cutting ceremonies held a week apart at separate Chinese shipyards initiated the construction of new workboats for Tianjin Port.Following the successful completion in 2015 of concurrent construction programs involving five vessels of three different designs, Canadian naval architecture firm Robert Allan Ltd. said it began developing two more designs, working closely with the towing branch of Tianjin Port.On August 23, the steel-cutting ceremony for the first of two ASD 40/35 pilot/tugboats was held at Jiangsu Zhenjiang Shipyard in China.

Shipbuilder Vigor has selected Marine Jet Power (MJP) as the propulsion provider for the U.S. Army’s new Maneuver Support Vessel (Light), MSV(L) vessels.Vigor was awarded the 10-year, $979,390,000 MSV(L) contract in 2017 to construct a new generation of landing craft to replace the existing LCM-8 Mike boats.The new vessels will feature triple drive MJP 750 DRB waterjets, constructed from duplex stainless steel and offering the latest advancements in MJP’s proprietary mixed flow technology. The propulsion package has been optimized to fit the needs of the U.S.

The Nigerian arm of Samsung Heavy Industries is in talks to resolve a court action launched by an industrial zone in the west African country where the company has been building a floating oil platform for Total, Samsung Heavy said on Friday."We are in discussions to iron out any misunderstanding or issues raised between the parties," a Samsung spokesperson said in a statement sent to Reuters on Friday."We are yet to come to the resolution or conclusion but we hope to resolve…

The expedition cruise sector has been one of the fastest growing parts of the passenger vessel market, driven by a growing group of wealthy clientele willing and able to take the time and pay the money for an exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime journey to some of the world's most remote and exotic locales.Linblad Expeditions has been a clear leader in the sector, and recently its latest vessel --  M/V National Geographic Venture -- was launched at Nichols Brothers Boat Builders (NBBB).Nearly…

Solid-State Welding Processes Being Developed for NASA Manufacturing Programs Could Significantly Reduce Workboat Fabrication CostsWhether it is for a tug boat, cargo vessel, or an offshore supply ship, much of the workboat fabrication industry is located along the Southern Coast of the U.S. But a visit to any one of the workboat facilities in that area (or any other in the country) would reveal antiquated and archaic fabrication processes used seventy years ago. The workboat manufacturing process is very expensive, labor intensive, and has not really changed since World War II.

On September 13, 2018, a Damen-built tug for Kotug Smit Towage was named ‘Southampton’ at a ceremony in the Port of Zeebrugge.Kotug Smit Towage has taken four newly-built Damen tugs into service for its European harbour towage activities, in 2017 and 2018. One of this quartet, the ‘Southampton’ is currently operating in the Port of Zeebrugge.‘Southampton’ is an ASD Tug 2913 and has a bollard pull in excess of 80 tonnes. The naming ceremony of the tug ‘Southampton’ was performed by Lady Sponsor Mrs. Ariane Labargue, the spouse of Mr. Rik Goetinck, Vice President of the Port of Zeebrugge (MBZ).

The offshore converter platform, BorWin gamma, has now safely set sail from Dubai and begun its journey to  its offshore site in the German part of the North Sea.Through the Gulf of Oman, the 18,000 ton ‘topside’ will pass into the Red Sea before going through the Suez Canal onto the Mediterranean and past Gibraltar. The journey then moves through the Bay of Biscay, to the English Channel and into the North Sea where it will be integrated with the ‘jacket’ nearly 130 kilometres off the German coast.Along with BorWin3…

China’s Cosco Shipping Technology (CS Tech) has teamed up with Japan’s Furuno Electric and Heisei Trading to form a joint venture in the maritime navigation and communications market.The Shanghai based Cosco Shipping Furuno Navigation Technology will provide equipment, systems and related services for domestic and international shipping fleets as well as inland waterways vessels. The consortium will also examine future research possibilities concerning safer, more secure and efficient ship operation.Yukio Furuno…

Norway's Havyard Ship Technology said it has secured orders to build up to three vessels for a foreign customer in the offshore renewable energy sector.The contract includes two firm vessel orders for delivery to the unnamed customer in Q3 2020 and Q1 2021, plus an option for a third sister vessel.The vessel design was developed by Havyard Design & Solutions.

Companies, lenders, and their auditors worldwide need vessel appraisals that can be relied upon when put into legal documents. As the offshore energy support markets awaken, this is more important now, than ever.While a great deal of shipping finance is done at a 10,000' level, with bond deals and equity swaps, the value of the assets found on ground level are still very important. There are taxation issues, insured value, public reporting, and allocation of purchase price, where the value of individual vessels is important.

Wärtsilä inked an agreement to supply propulsion control system and advanced alarm and control system, the Nacos PCS/MCS Platinum, for Maersk Tankers’ six 110 DWT LR2 newbuildings being built at the Dalian Shipbuilding yard in China. The first ship is expected in 2020, with the balance of the six delivered over two years. The Wärtsilä Nacos Platinum automation package is a fully integrated system designed to optimize main engine propulsion efficiency to deliver fuel savings and lower operational costs. The energy saving features include power management, and logic for cargo overview and remote control. The updated system features fewer parts than earlier versions as well as console mounting possibility.

Russia’s natural gas producer and the operator of the giant Yamal LNG export project Novatek, has signed an agreement of intent with Russian state nuclear firm Rosatom to establish a joint venture (JV).The JV plans to establish a long-term partnership to jointly develop, finance and implement a project to create a liquefied natural gas (LNG)-fuelled icebreaker fleet.

Damen Shipyards Group has carried out tank testing of its 70-metre Fast Crew Supplier (FCS) 7011. The tests were carried out at the Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) with a 2.8-metre long model.Intended for long distance crew transfer operations, the Damen FCS 7011 will offer the offshore oil & gas industry a safe and cost-effective alternative to helicopter flights.In developing the FCS 7011, on-board comfort has been one of Damen’s central design parameters. Consequently…

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) announced that a naming ceremony for a new icebreaking liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier, which was jointly ordered by MOL and China COSCO Shipping Corporation, was held at Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) on September 11.The newbuild was named the Vladimir Vize by Irina Ershova of PAO Novatek, the major shareholder in the Yamal LNG project. The name was chosen in honor of the Russian Arctic explorer and oceanologist.The Vladimir Vize is the sister vessel of the Vladimir Rusanov…

Austal Limited has delivered a 30-meter high-speed aluminum catamaran for VS Grand Ferries of the Philippines. The vessel was designed by Incat Crowther and built at Austal’s shipyard in Balamban, Cebu.The new vessel, named MV Seacat, provides capacity for 300 passengers at speeds up to 25 knots. The new ferry is first locally operated vessel to be built to achieve Pioneer status, an enhanced safety standard rating in the Philippines, with the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA).Austal said it secured the A$5.5millon contract to build the vessel in August 2017…

Oskari Kosonen has been named managing director of Turku Repair Yard, a Finnish ship repair arm of the Estonia-based BLRT Grupp.Kosonen joined Turku Repair Yard in November 2007. Before that, he held positions at a design and engineering company as well as at a shipyard, where he mainly managed naval projects. Kososnen graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering from Turku University of Applied Sciences.

Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited, proposes to open on September 24, 2018, an initial public offering of equity shares of Face Value of Rs. 10 each (“Equity Shares”) for cash at a Price per Equity Share (including a Share Premium) (“Offer”) comprising a offer for sale 29,210,760 Equity Shares by the Promoter, The President of India, acting through the Ministry of Defense, Government of India (“The Selling Shareholder”).The offer includes a reservation of up to 572,760 equity shares for subscription by eligible employees (as defined herein) (“Employee Reservation Portion”).

Thai shipbuilder Italthai Marine Limited in July hosted a keel laying ceremony for a new 32-meter tug that it is building for the Royal Thai Navy (RTN).The builder was awarded the construction contract for this second RAmparts 3200 tug earlier this year after delivering the first, Panyi 857, in 2016.Designed by Canadian naval architect and marine engineering firm Robert Allan Ltd., the tugs are built for handling large navy vessels and submarines coming in and out of port, as well as supporting oil recovery operations…

The response to troubles at Thyssenkrupp's plant engineering and shipbuilding division could determine whether interim boss Guido Kerkhoff has a realistic shot at keeping the top job, three people familiar with the matter said.Settling who will succeed Heinrich Hiesinger, who left in July over a strategy clash with leading shareholders, will help to determine whether Thyssenkrupp clings on to its conglomerate structure or seeks ways to simplify its business.The 50-year-old Kerkhoff, who served as finance chief under Hiesinger and was given the top job pending the appointment of a permanent suc

A.P. Moller-Maersk, the world's biggest container shipping group, will add devices to reduce harmful exhaust emissions to some of its ships ahead of new global fuel regulations starting in 2020.To combat air pollution, the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the United Nations' shipping agency, has set global regulations to cap the sulphur content in marine fuels, known as bunkers, at 0.5 percent down from 3.5 percent now.Shipowners could meet the new regulations by installing sulphur-stripping exhaust cleaning systems…

Hapag-Lloyd's 15,000 TEU ship "Al Jmeliyah" was officially christened in Rotterdam. Naming patron is Inge Sijbesma, the wife of Feike Sijbesma, CEO of the corporation DSM – one of Hapag-Lloyd’s biggest customers in the Netherlands.The name “Al Jmeliyah” is Arabic for “the beautiful one.” With its ten sister vessels, the “Al Jmeliyah” numbers among the so-called “Ultra Large Container Vessels” in Hapag-Lloyd’s fleet.However, this was not the first time that Hapag-Lloyd has christened a ship in Rotterdam. The most recent one was the christening of the “Rotterdam Express” in 2000.

Russian oil company Rosneft announced it has ordered two Aframax crude oil tankers to be built at Russia's far eastern Zvezda shipyard for scheduled delivery in 2022.The Russian-flagged vessels will have a deadweight of 114,000 metric tons and a 1A/1B ice class, which makes them able to operate in icy conditions year round, including in sub-Arctic seas and Russian ports of the Baltic region, said Russian shipping company PAO Sovcomflot (SCF Group).According to the documents, Arctic Leasing will place orders for construction of the two Aframax tankers at the shipyard…

Though the tanker market has been a global maritime laggard in 2018, with overcapacity cited as the chief culprit, apparently it could not dissuade PAO Sovcomflot (SCF Group) from inking a deal wih Rosneft, Zvezda Shipbuilding Complex and VEB Group for a pair of Aframax tankers. VEB-Leasing will finance the construction, and Rosneft signed a 20-year time-charter for the pair.The 114,000 dwt ships will be LNG fueled and 1A/1B ice class, able to operate year-round in areas with difficult ice conditions, including sub-Arctic seas and Russian ports of the Baltic regio“We welcome the plans of the Russian shipbuilders, from Zvezda Shipbuilding Complex…

The increasing use of aluminum structures in shipbuilding is based on requirements for lower weight, reduced fuel consumption and higher speeds. Ships and vessels constructed of aluminum are also likely to ensure lower costs for lifecycle maintenance and ownership.Transit specialist Roxtec has extended its range of plastic pipe seals to meet the demand for high quality light-weight aluminum solutions in the marine and offshore sector. The Roxtec Sleev-it penetration seals are now available not only in steel, but also with an aluminum flange – for use in aluminum decks and bulkheads.

A keel laying ceremony for Dream Cruises’ Global-Class flagship was held at MV WERFTEN’s Rostock shipyard today.At 204,000 gross tons and with 2,500 suites and cabins, the new cruise ship designed specifically for the Asian market will be the largest ever to be built in Germany. The first section measuring 22 meters long, 26 meters wide and weighing 410 tons, about half of the full keel, marks the start of construction.Approximately 1,000 shipyard employees, partners and guests attended event.

Mississippi shipbuilder VT Halter Marine, Inc. said it has secured a new contract to build an articulated tug barge (ATB) tug with an option for a second vessel for Bouchard Transportation Co., Inc.Construction of the new vessel, M/V Evening Stroll, begins immediately at the builder’s Pascagoula, Miss. shipyard, with delivery scheduled for December 2019. This vessel will enter into Bouchard’s fleet service in New York, N.Y to transport liquid petroleum products throughout the…

The market for marine exhaust gas cleaning systems, also known as scrubbers, is expected to continue generating momentum in the years ahead amid increasing concern toward maritime pollution and new environmental regulations. The global market share for marine scrubbers is predicted to surpass $8 billion by 2024, according to a report by Global Market Insights.As per the latest International Maritime Organization (IMO) legislation, effective from January 1, 2020, the maximum limit of sulphur in fuel oil used on board ships will be 0.5 percent m/m…

Last week in Hamburg, Germany, SMM 2018 was held, the single biggest and arguably best exhibition on the maritime calendar globally. Maritime Reporter & Engineering News/MarineLink.com had a crew of seven on scene in Hamburg covering multiple, simultaneous conferences and meetings, a full schedule of social events and, of course, the signature four-day exhibition which saw nearly 2,300 exhibitors and more than 50,000 visitors.The Maritime Reporter & Engineering booth in hall A1.410 was also home to the Maritime Reporter TV 'studio'…

GTT said it received an order from the Korean shipyard Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) concerning the tank design of four new liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers which will be built on behalf of the Greek ship-owner Capital Gas Carriers.GTT's Mark III Flex technology has been selected to equip the LNG tanks of these four 174,000 m3 ships. The delivery of these vessels is scheduled between the end of 2020 and mid-2021.

Denmark-based product tanker owner and operator TORM has ordered ballast water treatment systems from manufacturer Alfa Laval for 47 of its vessels, including 11 newbuilds.TORM has worked with Alfa Laval’s PureBallast 3 Ex since 2017 and retrofitted its first system in 2018. Having recently ordered PureBallast 3 Ex for newbuild projects in China, TORM will now retrofit the same across its product tanker fleet.“Based on careful evaluation of the solutions on the market and our experience with PureBallast 3 Ex on board…

SeaKing completed extensive upgrade work on three shortsea ferries operated by DFDS Seaways of Denmark.The four-week project took place at Damen Dunkerque Shipyard in France involving MS Dunkerque Seaways, MS Dover Seaways and MS Delft Seaways.SeaKing Electrical managing director Dave Gillam said a 10-man team of engineering specialists were sent to complete the job.“Work consisted of electrical upgrades to improve entertainment reception to 80 cabins and fitting of VDSs (Variable Speed Drives) to car deck vent fans,” he said. “A total of 16 VDSs were fitted on decks 3, 5 and 10 on each ship.

Louisiana based shipbuilding and repair group Bollinger Shipyards, LLC, announced it has promoted Matthew Kuehne to General Manager of Bollinger Quick Repair.Bollinger’s CEO and President, Ben Bordelon, said, “[Kuehne] will be responsible for leading and growing the facility as we continue to service the needs of our current and future customers.”Kuehne joined Bollinger in 2011 and has held the positions of Assistant Estimating/Project Coordinator, Estimating/Project Coordinator, Assistant Operations Manager and Operations Manager.

After six months of construction, shipbuilder MV WERFTEN and Genting Hong Kong, together with companies tied to the project and representatives of the city of Wismar, celebrated a traditional topping-out ceremony at MV WERFTEN's new accommodation facility – the MVW Alter Holzhafen Beherbergungsstätte. Partners and guests of the shipyard will be able to stay in the facility from 2019.MV WERFTEN will be investing just over 10 million euros in the accommodation project, which is designed to host MV WERFTEN's subcontractors…

ST Engineering announced the appointment of Tom Vecchiolla as President & CEO (Designate) of its US Headquarters, VT Systems. He will take over as President & CEO from General (Ret.) John Coburn on 1 December 2018, who will relinquish his CEO position but remain as non-executive Chairman of VT Systems.Gen. Coburn has been at the helm VT Systems for 17 years since it was set up in 2001 to support the Group’s overseas expansion. Today, the US is the Group’s single largest market outside of Singapore…

French shipping group CMA CGM inaugurated its new flagship vessel 20,600 TEU-containership CMA CGM Antoine De Saint Exupery in Le Havre, France.Two French ministers, Bruno Lemaire (Economy) and Elisabeth Borne (Transport) were present for the event.Delivered last January 26 by Philippine shipyard Hanjin Heavy Industries & Construction Philippines of Subic Bay, the vessel is one of the largest container ships in the world. At 400-meters long by 59-meter wide, the vessel has the capacity to carry 20…

German based company, Peter Döhle Schiffahrts-KG signed an Agreement with Erma First S.A., manufacturer of Ballast Water Treatment Systems (BWTS), for the installation of BWTS onboard its vessels.Erma Firstis represented in Germany by MOE Marine & Offshore Equipment, who has handled this prestige project during the last 18 months.After a thorough review of the different Ballast Water Treatment Systems (BWTS), Peter Döhle Schiffahrts-KG has decided to partner with Erma Firstfor the delivery of its approved BWTS on their entire fleet…

Finland’s ESL Shipping, an Aspo Group company, has taken delivery of liquefied natural gas (LNG)-fueled bulker Viikki from the Jinling shipyard in Nanjing, China.Viikki's sister ship Haaga was delivered on August 20. The 160-meter, LNG-fueled vessel of 25,600 dwt emits over 50 percent less carbon dioxide than the previous generation of vessels.Like its sister ship Haaga, Viikki will first head from the shipyard to Japan, from where it will arrive fully laden at the Baltic Sea approximately at the end of October.

Japanese shipbuilder Mitsui E&S Shipbuilding has developed "neo 87BC", an 87,000 DWT Post Panamax bulk carrier of next generation eco ship, and has received an order of 3 units.Mitsui E&S Shipbuilding has developed "neo series" vessels which is a line-up of next generation eco-friendly ships until today. "neo 87BC" is the first "neo series" vessel which complies with IACS Harmonized Common Structural Rules (H-CSR).The main engine is the latest electronic control type which complies…

Rhode Island boatbuilder Blount Boats said it has signed a contract with South Ferry Company to construct a new steel passenger/vehicle ferry for Shelter Island, N.Y.The 101’x 40’ double-ended ferry, to be named Southern Cross, will be built to carry a deck load of 260,000 pounds. The vessel will be a sister ship to two other Blount-built ferries designed by DeJong & LeBet for South Ferry, the Sunrise delivered in 2002 and the Southside delivered in 2009.Main propulsion will be provided by two Caterpillar series C-18 Tier III & IMO II Certified each rated at 470 HP at 1,800 RPM.

Following deliveries of crew transfer boats and other ProZero workboats to Norway, Danish boatbuilder Tuco Marine said it has concluded another delivery of a 15m high-pressure cleaning boat to Norwegian AKVA Marine Services.The workboat is the second 15-meter high pressure cleaning boat that AKVA Marine has taken from Tuco. It was sold in collaboration with Tuco Marine’s local partner on the fish farming market.The 15m ProZero HPC boat is built from composite materials, reducing the structural weight of the vessel and ensuring low maintenance and superior durability.

At gmec, the global maritime environmental congress (gmec) during SMM in Hamburg, high-profile business and science experts discussed how the global shipping industry can achieve the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) environmental goals while continuing to provide its services at competitive prices.“We are at the beginning of a new chapter in the history of shipping,” said Tian-Bing Huang, Deputy Director - Marine Environment Division at the IMO, in his opening keynote.There is no question that the shipping sector is facing huge challenges…

Ocean Network Express Pte. Ltd. (ONE) announced it has taken delivery of the 14,00 TEU capacity ONE Aquila at Japan Marine United Corporation’s Kure Shipyard in Hiroshima.

The chairman and owner of Damen Shipyards Group met with the Romanian Minister of Economy this week to discuss the future of the shipyard jointly operated by the shipbuilding conglomerate and the Romanian government.The Dutch shipbuilding group became joint venture partners with the Romanian government in July when it acquired Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering's (DSME) share in the Romanian shipyard formerly known as Daewoo Mangalia Heavy Industries. Damen has taken over operational management of the yard…

The first warship to be built in Egypt was launched during a ceremony on September 6, 2018 in Alexandria. The Port-Said Gowind corvette was constructed by Alexandria Shipyard through an industrial cooperation with France’s Naval Group.The new warship will contribute to increase the Egyptian Navy Power alongside the first ever delivered Gowind corvette, El-fateh, which is already already deployed by the Egyptian Navy. The newest corvette is the fifth ship designed by Naval Group to be operated by the Egyptian Navy…

Washington State Ferries has begun a project to transition the largest vessels in its fleet to cleaner hybrid-electric power.The three ferries in the operator's Jumbo Mark II class, the Tacoma, Wenatchee and Puyallup, were built from 1997 to 1999 at Todd Pacific Shipyards in Seattle. Each vessel can carry up to 2,499 passengers and 202 vehicles, making them the largest in the Washington State fleet.The 460 footers are also the fleet's biggest emitter of greenhouse gas emissions.

Dry bulk shipowner Eagle Bulk Shipping announced this week it will purchase up to 37 exhaust gas cleaning systems, also known as scrubbers, from an undisclosed manufacturer as part of its strategy to comply with new regulations that limit ships’ sulphur emissions from 2020.The U.S.-headquartered shipowner said it has placed firm orders for scrubbers to be retrofitted on 19 of its vessels ahead of the January 1, 2020 implementation date of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) 0.5 percent sulphur cap rules.

MAN Energy Solutions says its cruise business is experiencing a record order-intake. In the first eight months of 2018, the company has won orders to supply seven new cruise ships with engines plus exhaust-gas-treatment systems for scheduled delivery from the end of 2019 to 2022.The orders, which are cumulatively valued close to a three-digit million euro figure, total almost 300 MW of installed power for cruise ships ranging in size from 50,000 to approximately 140,000 gross tons…

advanced drive train technology specialist Yaskawa Environmental Energy / The Switch said it has signed a contract to provide 16 DC-Hubs and 32 frequency converters for a innovative new shuttle tanker concept developed by Teekay and Wärtsilä.The four tankers will be built by Samsung Heavy Industries in South Korea, with Yaskawa Environmental Energy / The Switch set to begin deliveries to Wärtsilä in September 2018.The agreement is the biggest marine contract for Finnish-headquartered Yaskawa Environmental Energy / The Switch since entering the segment in 2013.

Container shipping line Hapag-Lloyd is the first company to receive the “DNV GL Excellence Green Star” certificate in recognition of its compliance with the highest standards in ship recycling.Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, CEO of DNV GL – Maritime, presented the certificate to Hapag-Lloyd COO Anthony J. Firmin at the SMM trade fair in Hamburg.“In 2007, Hapag-Lloyd was the world's first container shipping line to be certified with DNV GL’s ‘Excellence – 5 Stars’ award. We are very happy to continue this tradition,” said Firmin.

The 2018 report on the “Leading Maritime Nations of the World” ranks China as the world’s leading maritime nation, placed among the top four on all the maritime pillars in the ranking. China’s position is particularly strong in shipping and ports & logistics.The study conducted by Menon Economics benchmarks the 30 leading maritime nations around the world in four key maritime pillars: shipping, finance and law, maritime technology and ports & logistics, in an attempt to understand the key drivers behind national maritime success.

The $120 million upgrade that Royal Caribbean cruise ship Mariner of the Seas received at the Cadiz Navatia shipyard this past June is reportedly the largest ship modernization ever performed and the biggest construction project carried out in Spain At the time of the dry dock, the ship was the largest “hotel” in the country at the time.ALMACO’s contribution to this major revamp included building 38 new panoramic staterooms inside the new aluminum structure on deck 12 forward.

Royston Diesel Power said its enginei EFMS (electronic fuel management system) has been specified as part of the newbuild program for the first dredging vessel commissioned in 20 years by CEMEX UK Marine.The new £30 million vessel has been designed to extract sand and gravel from depths of up to 55m, including in the challenging conditions experienced in the North Sea. Under construction at Damen Shipyards Galati, in Romania, the 100m long, 7,000 metric ton vessel, CEMEX Go Innovation…

In August 2018, PSA Marine Singapore took delivery of two new 32-meter tugs, PSA Thor and PSA Hulk, built at PaxOcean Engineering Zhuhai Co., Ltd.The evolved RAmparts 3200 ASD hull form has been developed by Robert Allan Ltd. to provide ship assist in the berthing and un-berthing operations in ports/terminals and also coastal towing operations. Tugs of this design are capable of escort service as well. PSA Thor and PSA Hulk feature a uniquely styled deckhouse and wheelhouse developed exclusively for PSA Marine.The two new tugs join to PSA Marine’s existing fleet…

ACO Marine has taken a substantial number of orders from European river cruise operators for the supply and retrofit installation of the company’s advanced wastewater treatment systems.The company, the water treatment division of Germany’s ACO Group, will supply wastewater management solutions based around its Maripur NF advanced sewage treatment plant to 10 river cruise vessels scheduled to drydock this winter.In addition to the Maripur NF units, the turnkey package includes grease separation systems…

Three new liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers capable of plowing through the Arctic ice have completed sea trials in recent weeks and are due to start operations at the Yamal LNG terminal in northern Russia, Reuters shipping data shows.Novatek's Yamal terminal has been ramping up LNG shipments faster than expected after loading its first cargo in December 2017, with two trains now running at capacity and a third being commissioned.As part of the project, the first along northern Russian shores that are trapped by thick ice for most of the year…

A pair of multifunctional 29-meter catamaran passenger vessels, Acadia Explorer and Schoodic Explorer, have been delivered on the U.S. East Coast.Designed by Incat Crowther and built by Gulf Craft in Franklin, La. for Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co, the USCG Subchapter T certified vessels will be used for whale watching excursions, nature cruises and light house tours in the Acadia National Park and surrounding areas as well for providing tender services to cruise ships which frequent picturesque Bar Harbor…

Classification society American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) granted Approval in Principle (AIP) to Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding’s 174,000m3 GTT MARK III Flex LNG Carrier strengthening their position as China’s premier LNG Shipbuilder.“ABS is pleased to award Hudong-Zhonhua this AIP for their design to help meet the industry’s diversifying LNG shipping requirements, in this growing segment,” said Vassilios Kroustallis,Vice President Europe Regional Business Development, ABS. “ABS continues to review advanced LNG designs…

South Korean shipbuilder Samsun Heavy Industries (SHI) revealed that it has won another 152,700 DWT suezmax-sized shuttle tanker from Singapore's AET.This is another order from the shipowner who ordered a quartet to SHI in May 2018. The price is not disclosed in detail but recorded a slight increase.SHI has been leading the shuttle tanker market since it built Korea's first shuttle tanker back in 1995. SHI including the latest order has won 59 out of 133 ordered globally, dominating the speacialized tanker market with 44% market share.SHI won all 14 shuttle tankers ordered in 2017 and 2018.

Huangpu-Wenchong Shipyard (HPWS) announced that a 2,750 TEU feeder container ship for China Navigation will be the 200th DNV GL classified ship.A press release said that the cooperation between DNV GL and HPWS dates back to 1996 and covers ship types from feeder vessels to larger container ships, to bulk carriers, offshore supply vessels, and many others.“The close relationship and comfortable communication between the two companies has enhanced HPWS’s position in shipbuilding.

Classification society DNV GL has released the first approval of manufacturer (AoM) scheme for additive manufacturing (AM) producers wishing to supply products that comply with the DNV GL rules and standards.Additive manufacturing is a term that covers industrial processes that create three dimensional objects by adding layers of material: It includes such technologies as 3D Printing, Rapid Prototyping (RP), Direct Digital Manufacturing (DDM), layered manufacturing and additive fabrication.“AM is a technology that holds a great deal of promise for the maritime industry…

Höegh LNG Holdings Ltd. said it has received commitment letter for a sale and leaseback financing for another floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) of up to $206 million. FSRU #10 is currently under construction at Samsung Heavy Industries in South Korea, and is scheduled for delivery in the second quarter of 2019.The facility is provided by CCB Financial Leasing Co. Ltd. (CCBFL), a wholly owned subsidiary of China Construction Bank (CCB), and is available to fund 70 percent of the delivered cost of the FSRU…

France-based GTT said it has received a new order notification from a Korean shipyard for the tank design of a new 174,000 m3 liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier, to be built on behalf of a European shipowner.The LNG tanks of the vessel will be equipped with the Mark III Flex containment system developed by GTT. The vessel's delivery is expected during the second half of 2020.

Kongsberg Maritime is showing its new integrated Condition Monitoring solutions portfolio for the first time at SMM 2018 in Hamburg this week.By taking a more complete, holistic approach to condition monitoring, KONGSBERG’s new solutions enable personnel on board and ashore to optimize asset condition and equipment lifecycles by establishing and evaluating local maintenance plans and conducting fleet-wide comparisons and benchmarking, the company said. All data is accessed through user-friendly displays…

Monitoring current data from the driveline as well as the status of core components makes it possible to avoid failures and plan maintenance work effectively. This shortens downtime, lowers operating costs and increases safety on board and at the port, says ZF, who offers detailed status monitoring for marine propulsion systems.As specialist for marine propulsion systems, ZF can help shipyards, shipping lines and fleet operators manage their ships more efficiently and safely with its condition monitoring system (CMS).

Langh Tech said it will deliver SOx scrubber systems for a dozen vessels owned by Danish shipowner Dampskibsselskabet NORDEN A/S, marking the Finnish scrubber manufacturer’s largest deal so far.Langh Tech Oy Ab will supply for retrofit four tankers and eight bulk carriers in the NORDEN- fleet with SOx scrubbers of open loop-type.The tankers have two boilers and a total of six exhaust gas sources are connected to the scrubber. Automation enables the scrubber plant to be operated in two exhaust gas cleaning modes corresponding to 0.1 or 0.5 percent sulphur in the fuel.

At today’s opening press conference of the international maritime trade fair in Hamburg, political and business leaders discussed current challenges facing the shipping industry. The focus of the debate was on the 0.5 percent sulphur limit for ship fuels which will take effect on January 1,  2020, and the industry's goal to cut greenhouse gas emissions from global shipping in half by the year 2050. Roughly 2,300 exhibitors and the extensive conference program accompanying the trade fair will deliver answers to the industry's complex questions. Roughly 50,000 visitors are expected to attend.

Last night at a gala in Hamburg's historic city hall, the SMM 2018 was officially opened in a lavish ceremony headlined by Kitack Lim, Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization. In his speech, Lim touted IMO's landmark work of late in regards to environmental initiatives, while noting that much work still needs to be done. He also singled out initiatives on autonomous shipping, noting that much attention and study is being paid to the emerging trend in terms of technology, legal issue and particularly the cyber security threat.

Spirit Energy will invest in exploration and appraisal West of Shetland for the first time early next year after farming into 50% of Hurricane Energy’s Greater Warwick Area.Spirit Energy will fund a $180 million (£139 million) campaign to drill three wells 100km West of Shetland, to further prove up the potential of an area which holds an estimated 2 billion barrels of oil equivalent (boe) in prospective and contingent resources.The three wells will be drilled in licences operated by Hurricane Energy (“Hurricane”).