United Kingdom (UK) News

Recently founded digital company Nauticworx is proud to announce the official launch of its workboat availability platform, making its debut at the SMM 2024 in Hamburg. Workboat Platform This platform aims to facilitate the way offshore and maritime professionals manage their fleet operations. It provides a seamless – and safe - solution for chartering regional workboats on the spot market in a digital environment that keeps participants anonymous until they choose not to be. In additio...

At the SMM trade fair in Hamburg, DNV awarded Huangpu Wenchong Shipbuilding Company (HPWS) three approval in principle (AiP) certificates for their innovative designs of three new ship types.  Three new designs  An ammonia-fueled 43,000 cbm midsize gas carrier (MGC)  An ammonia-fueled SWAN 3,500 TEU container ship, and  A LNG dual-fueled SWAN 1,300 TEU container ship with ice class. New-generation MGC features New-generation MGC features a wider beam compared to typ...

REACH Subsea’s ground-breaking uncrewed surface vessel, REACH REMOTE 1, has received the Skipsrevven Ship of the Year 2024 award at the SMM exhibition in Hamburg. The 24-metre REACH REMOTE 1 is the first of a pair of uncrewed offshore surface vessels designed and delivered by Kongsberg Maritime to Norwegian company REACH SUBSEA ASA. REACH REMOTE USV design Crammed with state-of-the-art KONGSBERG technology, the vessels will initially carry out underwater survey...

At the SMM trade fair in Hamburg, DNV awarded Hudong Zhonghua Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. with three Approval in Principle (AiP) certificates and a General Approval for Ship Application (GASA) certificate for the design of innovative vessels. Hudong Zhonghua, a subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corporation and one of China’s foremost shipbuilders, received these approvals as part of its efforts to address the shifting dynamics in the global energy market.  AiP certificates The AiP...

With Fuel EU Maritime already impacting shipowners, energy efficiency and fleet-wide pooling is critical to short-term sustainability success according to leading industry figures at the annual ABS Sustainability Summit, which kicked off the SMM Exhibition in Hamburg. In a wide-ranging keynote, Navigator Gas CEO Mads Peter Zacho was positive about the progress of the transition, describing it as a business opportunity and said he welcomes the prospect of a carbon levy. Green shipping He said,...

Iridium Communications Inc. (IRDM) has unveiled Iridium Certus GMDSS, a generational advancement in maritime safety, compliance, and communication. Building on the powerful capabilities of Iridium Certus technology, Iridium Certus GMDSS features distress alert, safety voice and Maritime Safety Information (MSI), while integrating additional regulated services, like Long Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) and Ship Security Alert System (SSAS). Iridium Certus GMDSS The combination of capa...

AkzoNobel’s International® marine coatings brand has announced a series of updates to Intertrac® Vision, a digital forecasting tool designed to enable data-driven decision-making on fouling control coatings for global vessel operators. Intertrac® Vision analyses proprietary International® performance data across 200,000 drydocks and now with the addition of 10,000 vessel operators.  Intertrac® Vision Harnessing the predictive capability of Artificial Intell...

Samskip is proud to announce its partnership in the ground-breaking HyEkoTank project, an initiative supported by the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme.  As part of its ongoing efforts to reach net zero emissions by 2040, Samskip will retrofit its multi-purpose vessel - Samskip Kvitnos with cutting-edge hydrogen fuel cell technology developed by TECO 2030. This collaboration will enable Samskip to take another major step forward in decarbonising its fleet and reducing greenho...

Watson Farley & Williams (WFW) is pleased to announce that maritime disputes expert - Natalie Jackson has joined the firm as a partner in Athens, Greece. She has over 18 years of contentious experience working at UK shipping law firms based in Piraeus, having trained as a solicitor in London. Natalie Jackson Natalie specialises in maritime law and has an emphasis on dispute resolution arising from charter parties, bills of lading, MoA and shipbuilding disputes, salvage, collisions, ground...

Watson Farley & Williams (WFW) is delighted to announce that it has joined the Smart Maritime Network (SMN), an initiative dedicated to supporting and further promoting digital transformation across the shipping and transport sectors. Smart Maritime Network (SMN) SMN’s goal is to provide a platform to promote the benefits of enhanced integration and data sharing among stakeholders within the maritime and transport logistics sectors, informing and educating the industry on technologic...

The second Women in Maritime Survey has been launched to gather important baseline data about women’s participation in the maritime and ocean fields. IMO Secretary-General, Mr. Arsenio Dominguez issued a worldwide call to governments, companies, organisations and academic institutions to take part, stating: "Join me in championing diversity and fostering a barrier-free workplace for all by completing the survey, which will allow for a more targeted use of resources and ensure that w...

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...