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SOCSEA24, the 4th Society and the Sea Conference is taking a significant step forward in championing gender equality within the maritime industry. Female representation The conference organisers – National Maritime and the University of Greenwich – have announced that women in maritime leadership roles will make up 41.2% of the speakers and 50% of the moderators at 2024's SOCSEA event. This marks a significant 9% increase in female representation compared to the conference’s...

Vessel performance monitoring is a systematic approach to managing various aspects of a vessel to ensure optimal output and productivity. This process includes monitoring the engine's RPM, fuel consumption per nautical mile, speed, and emissions levels. Using digital tools and information technologies in vessel performance monitoring allows for real-time identification of the ship's onboard status, providing valuable support for continuous improvement and proactive management decision-making....

A collaboration between BERG Propulsion, shipping and logistics group CMA CGM and ship owner Reederei Rambow has proved pivotal in significant efficiency gains for an 868 TEU container vessel, with the 2007-built ship rejuvenated as one of the top performers in its class. In an innovative retrofit project requested by charterer CMA CGM, BERG worked with Rambow on a comprehensive package of efficiency optimisation measures onboard Henneke Rambow to match current and anticipated requirements. Re...

Inmarsat Maritime, a Viasat company, has announced that global container liner shipping group Hapag-Lloyd is among the first to trial NexusWave, the fully managed service that delivers an unparalleled global service orchestrated by bringing together a multi-orbit, multi-band set of connectivity networks as a single network solution.  The trials align with the Hamburg-headquartered shipping group’s requirement for a robust connectivity solution that is capable of meeting increasing co...

ABS is expanding its footprint in Western Australia, establishing a physical presence in Port Hedland, a key trading zone for dry bulk minerals in the Eastern Hemisphere. The new site joins other ABS locations in Perth, Cairns, Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne. Port Hedland Port Hedland, the world’s largest iron ore export port, is located in northwest Australia's Pilbara region. The area is making substantial investments to support the energy transition to meet net-zero emissions goals....

ClassNK published estimated leak frequencies of ammonia fuel from onboard components for ammonia-fuelled ships, usable for risk assessment. The estimated leak frequencies were added as an appendix of 'Part C of Guidelines for Ships Using Alternative Fuels (Edition 3.0)'. Ammonia for ships Ammonia, which does not emit CO2 when burned, is expected to be utilised as an alternative fuel for ships, and various studies and developments are currently underway toward the practical application of ammo...

ClassNK granted its ‘AFVC (Additional Fire-Fighting measures for Vehicle Carrier)’ notations to ‘CERULEAN ACE,’ an LNG-fuelled car carrier operated by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. and managed by MOL Ship Management Co., Ltd., for vessels equipped with additional firefighting measures for transporting electric vehicles (EVs). It is the first vessel in the ClassNK registry to receive the ‘AFVC’ notations, and it marks the world's first case of a shipping company's...

Two new critical incident helicopters, that will conduct lifesaving aeromedical evacuations, will be operational across the Torres Strait within a matter of months, after successfully arriving in Queensland, Australia. Leonardo AW139 helicopters Babcock officially handed over the Leonardo AW139 helicopters to Queensland Health in Cairns, where they are being custom-fitted with specialist medical equipment before heading to the Torres Strait. The new aircraft can fly faster and further than...

The Northern Lighthouse Board welcomed Mike Kane MP to the organisation’s Orkney Base in Kirkwall and Hoy High Lighthouse on the Isle of Graemsay, on Wednesday 28 August 2024.  In addition to a briefing on NLB’s work to protect lives, property, and the environment through the provision of maritime aids to navigation, the Minister met NLB Technicians and visited Hoy High lighthouse. Sustainability Mike Kane MP said, “Lighthouses stand as beacons of safety throughout th...

In October 2023, Port Oostende had the pleasure of naming Patrick Degryse as the first "Port Personality of the Year". This award honours individuals who have made outstanding contributions to Port Oostende. In 2024, Port Oostende is proud to award this prestigious recognition to not just one, but three exceptional individuals from Japanese companies, whose innovative efforts and unwavering dedication have greatly enhanced the port's operations and solidified the bond between Japan and Oost...

The container ship MSC MARIE transited through the Panama Canal marking a milestone by becoming the largest capacity Neopanamax to cross the interoceanic route. MSC MARIE With a length of 366 metres (1,200 feet) and a width of 51 metres (167.4 feet), the MSC MARIE boasts a maximum capacity of 17,640 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units), setting a new record. This achievement surpasses the previous record held by the EVER MAX vessel, which made the transit at a capacity of 17,312 TEUs du...

Brunvoll has signed a contract with Aas Mek Verksted for the delivery of a propulsion, manoeuvring, and positioning system for Njord Aquashipping’s new live fish carriers. The delivery is for two vessels, with one additional vessel as an option. Brunvoll’s delivery for each of the two vessels consists of: Two ducted azimuth propulsion thrusters, a tunnel thruster, Brunvoll’s Propulsion and Thruster Control system (BruCon PTC), and Brunvoll’s Dynamic Positioning system wi...

Wärtsilä Water & Waste, part of the technology group - Wärtsilä, announces a new partnership with DHL Supply Chain, which will see DHL manage the business's warehouse and logistical operations for spare parts. The partnership will further optimise Wärtsilä Water & Waste’s supply chain and build operational capabilities in preparation for the sale of the Water & Waste business line from the corporation. Strategic goals The transition aligns with...

Reaching shipping’s 2030 decarbonisation goal of 20% emission reductions, set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), will not happen without significant energy savings, according to DNV's latest Maritime Forecast to 2050. The report stresses that, until carbon-neutral fuels become viable, prioritising the development and use of technologies that reduce energy consumption is crucial for lowering shipping’s emissions. 2030 decarbonisation goals IMO’s 2030 decarbonis...

Swiss marine power company - WinGD has received its hundredth order for Variable Compression Ratio (VCR) technology, which further optimises combustion for X-DF dual-fuel engines depending on the fuel used and engine load.  The innovative solution was launched in June 2023 and has already become a favoured option for dual-fuel engine orders, especially in the LNG carrier segment. LNG carrier segment The milestone order came via a series of four LNG carriers to be built for a Middle Easte...

After detailed studies and deep technical discussions, Brunvoll is ready for major propulsion upgrades for two of Utkilen AS’s ice-classed vessels. Thorough work by Brunvoll’s hydrodynamicists and service professionals has resulted in a streamlined retrofit design. Utkilen’s investment will enable a larger saving in fuel and emissions through the vessel’s remaining lifetime. Substantial upgrades The two vessels, Golfstraum and Rystraum, will receive substantial upgrade...

OrbitMI, a global provider of maritime intelligence and analytics solutions, is pleased to announce the appointment of Tobias Constien as its new Director of Product Management, effective April 2024. Tobias Constien brings experience in maritime technology, with a robust background in digital transformation, product strategy, and innovation within the sector. Digitalisation and sustainability Tobias Constien joined OrbitMI from zero44, where he played a role in advancing digital initiatives a...

Delkia has led the Encompass group of nine companies, many small-medium sized enterprises, in a major contract win from the Ministry of Defence to supply technical and post-design services to marine systems support globally for the Royal Navy Surface Fleet. Framework arrangement The support contract is a framework arrangement and activities likely to be delivered as part of this include design revisions, reverse engineering, interoperability studies equipment trials, etc. In addition, the grou...

Asyad Group has given its support for the inaugural Oman Maritime, Ports, and Energy Forum as its Strategic Partner.  Asyad Group is Oman’s global integrated logistics provider with an expansive portfolio that includes three deep ports, two free sones, an economic zone, and a dry port, providing unparalleled multimodal logistics solutions, actively operating in key trade hubs including China and the US.  Oman Maritime, Ports, and Energy Forum The Oman Maritime, Ports, and Ener...

ABS Wavesight, the ABS-affiliated software-as-a-service company, announced the launch of the latest module of Nautical Systems (NS)-Web, the highly anticipated web-based version of its flagship NS platform. During the opening session of the 24th Annual Nautical Systems User Conference, Staci Satterwhite, ABS Wavesight CEO, was on hand to make the announcement and was joined by Gregg Pelowski, Director for Total Force Management with the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command (MSC), to discu...

Technology group - Wärtsilä has signed a contract with Norwegian shipowner - Eidesvik to supply the equipment for the conversion of an offshore platform supply vessel (PSV) to operate with ammonia fuel. The vessel, ‘Viking Energy’, which is on contract to energy major - Equinor, is scheduled for conversion in early 2026 and is expected to start operating on ammonia in the first half of 2026, becoming the world’s first ammonia-fuelled in-service ship.  In additio...

Kongsberg Maritime’s rim-drive azimuth thruster has achieved Silent-E notation from DNV, the first of its kind to receive this prestigious certification.  Installed on the new Commissioning Service Operation Vessel (CSOV) Norwind Hurricane and its sister vessels, the thruster demonstrated exceptional performance in reducing underwater noise pollution during a recent trial. New industry benchmark Kongsberg Maritime is at the fore of developing innovative propulsion keys to handle th...

Brunvoll Mar-El has been selected to deliver a parallel hybrid solution for a new 32-meter search and rescue (SAR) vessel. Construction will happen at GOT Marine AS in Mandal, with completion in 2026. The new build will then be the largest SAR vessel along the coast of Norway. Hybrid system solution The vessel will be operating out of the Northern part of Norway where the weather and seas are among the roughest. The hybrid system solution from Brunvoll Mar-El consists of an Energy Manage...

Kongsberg Maritime has secured a contract from COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry to supply a package of mission-critical technology for its latest Wind Turbine Installation Vessel (WTIV), which is currently under construction for Cadeler, a shipping and construction company operating in the offshore wind industry. This is the fifth Cadeler offshore installation vessel to be built at COSCO’s Qidong yard in China, all equipped with Kongsberg Maritime systems. The value of this latest contract i...

The maritime industry, steeped in tradition, is now riding the wave of digital transformation, with big data playing a pivotal role in driving innovation and efficiency. For maritime professionals, the question isn’t whether to embrace big data, but how to maximise its practical benefits. Whether it’s a ship owner, port operator, or related to supply chain logistics, big data has the potential to streamline operations, enhance safety, reduce costs, and bolster profitability. This a...

In July, NPDL announced some changes to their shipping services for New Caledonia (Noumea) and Vanuatu (Santo and Port Vila). They will now be rolling these changes out indefinitely as outlined below. Their goal is to have improved operational efficiencies and better supply chains for New Caledonia and Vanuatu with the opportunity of improved frequency and transit times for the customers shipping from New Zealand and to the rest of the South Pacific. Recently upgraded network Operationally th...

X-Press Feeders, the world’s largest independent common carrier, announced the launch of its second green methanol-powered route, the Green Baltic X-PRESS (GBX). It is part of Europe’s first scheduled feeder network powered by green methanol. This expansion follows the successful launch of the Green Finland X-PRESS (GFX) in July and marks another significant milestone in the company’s commitment to sustainable shipping. The Green Baltic X-PRESS (GBX) will commen...

ClassNK has classed the ammonia-fueled tugboat ‘Sakigake’ completed by Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK Line) and IHI Power Systems Co., Ltd. as an ammonia-fueled vessel. This is the world's first ammonia-fueled vessel for commercial use (as of August 23, 2024, according to research by NYK). The NYK Group company Shin-Nippon Kaiyosha will employ the vessel in tugboat operations in Tokyo Bay over a three-month demonstration period. Ammonia-fueled engines This vessel was a Green I...

Kongsberg Maritime, a global technology pioneer in maritime solutions, is proud to announce the successful completion of a project to convert the historic 'Kongesjaluppen 1976', a royal barge formerly used by the King of Norway, to fully electric propulsion. The restoration project, undertaken in partnership with the KNM Narvik Foundation and the Naval Museum, has transformed the iconic vessel into a sustainable and environmentally friendly symbol of maritime heritage. The 'Kongesjaluppen 1976'...

Kongsberg Maritime is to begin a trial of Eutelsat OneWeb’s low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite internet service on an autonomous barge operation across the Oslo Fjord. In a collaborative project with the help of Norwegian telecommunications provider Telenor Maritime, a zero-emission, electric barge, owned and operated by grocery distributor ASKO, will be equipped with Eutelsat OneWeb’s latest Kymeta Peregrine u8 flat panel antenna system for the duration of the trial. LEO connectivity...