United Kingdom (UK) News

After winning a 3-year contract for more than 80 vessels to VSAT, Iridium, and VoIP in 2021, Castor Marine’s connectivity contract has been renewed by Jan De Nul Group and includes a roll-out of Starlink to most Jan De Nul Group vessels. The experts in marine construction, civil engineering, and environmental projects have expressed their continued satisfaction with and need for solid vessel connectivity on a global scale.   Hybrid LEO GEO service With the addition of Starlink...

Opening up the world to a new era of global exploration, Oceania Cruises, the world’s renowned culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, welcomes guests on board its newest ship, Vista, for its highly anticipated inaugural 180-day 2026 Around the World voyage. Having set the standard for extraordinary sailings for over a decade with destination-immersive global journeys, Oceania Cruises sets a new bar with unparalleled comfort and convenience, electing Vista to host this year's circu...

Technology group - Wärtsilä has entered into a collaboration agreement with Seattle, USA-based naval architecture and marine engineering firm, Elliott Bay Design Group (EBDG), to further develop EBDG’s Clean Harbour Alternative Mobile Power (CHAMP) Barge design. Featuring Wärtsilä’s methanol engine technology, the collaboration introduces a cost-effective solution to reduce emissions from large vessels in situations where conventional shore power is limited or no...

Fincantieri’s Sestri Ponente (Genoa) shipyard in Italy is scheduled to take delivery of Thordon’s COMPAC open seawater-lubricated propeller shaft bearing system for installation to the second ship in Oceania Cruises’ Allura class, which is scheduled to join the Miami-based company’s fleet in 2025. The twin screw Oceania Allura will feature three COMPAC bearings per shaft to fit propeller shaft diameters of 510mm (20.7in). The same scope was supplied to the 67,000gt first...

As of the 31st of March 2024, all import containers arriving in the port of Rotterdam from Latin America will only be securely and reliably released via the Secure Chain. The new operational approach creates a closed logistics chain that solely comprises familiar, authorised parties. The Secure Chain is part of a broader approach deployed by the public and private sectors to present a united front against drug crime in the port of Rotterdam. Susceptible to potential abuse In the Secure Chain...

Officials dedicated two new Port of Long Beach fireboat stations that are greatly enhancing the Long Beach Fire Department’s waterside and landside emergency response capabilities, better safeguarding visiting ships, cargo and waterfront workers. The facilities – Fireboat Station 15 and Fireboat Station 20 – are the products of a $109 million Port of Long Beach program to preserve business continuity, security and economic interests. Emergency response capabilities “Th...

Global logistics solutions provider Samskip and market pioneering shipyard Cochin Shipyard Ltd. India, have begun the construction phase of their Next Generation zero-emission shortsea container vessel-“The Samskip SeaShuttle”. Performed at Cochin Shipyard in India, representatives from both companies, government and partners enjoyed the pageantry of the official steel cutting ceremony initiating the first phase of construction of the Samskip SeaShuttle. Zero-emission operations T...

Staying in Scotland, The Scottish Parliament members recently toured Ferguson Marine (Port Glasgow) Limited, a shipyard grappling with the twin challenges of delayed ferry projects and the uncertainty of securing future contracts. This visit spotlighted the shipyard’s pivotal role in local industry and the significant hurdles it faces in a competitive global market. The shipyard, nationalised in 2019, is at a crossroads, with its future heavily reliant on The Scottish Government‘s...

Civil engineering contractors are being invited to express interest in working on upgrades at the Hunterston Port and Resource Campus (PARC) construction yard in North Ayrshire. The former coal port is being redeveloped by its owner, Peel Ports Group Clydeport. Much of the site is already under option, including for an undersea energy cable factory. Formal procurement process Peel has already begun local statutory consultation processes, including public consultations, before submitting appli...

In just two weeks, the highly anticipated 18th edition of Asia Pacific Maritime (APM) is set to herald the largest gathering of the global maritime value chain in Southeast Asia. Networking and delegation visits From 13 to 15 March 2024, over 1,400 global brands will be present at the conference and exhibition, spanning 17 pavilions across six expansive halls of Singapore's Marina Bay Sands.   From closed-door networking sessions and delegation visits to product launches and busines...

ClassNK has awarded an approval in principle (AiP) for the design of a multi-functional floating offshore windfarm support vessel (MFSV) developed by “K” Line Wind Service, Ltd., a joint venture of Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. and Kawasaki Kinkai Kisen Kaisha, Ltd, together with Japan Marine United Corporation and Nihon Shipyard Co., Ltd. Floating offshore wind turbines The installation of floating offshore wind turbines requires mooring works by vessels, with the whole mooring syst...

ABB has won an order with Portsmouth International Port to supply a shore connection solution for visiting ferries and cruise ships.  Shore power system Part of the UK port’s Sea Change project to design, build, and operate a shore power system across its three busiest berths, the installation will serve two ferry berths, each with five connection points and an additional berth shared by ferries and cruise ships. The order was signed in January 2024, with the system due for install...

From vast shipping containers to ocean-going yachts and uncrewed surface vessels, staying connected is more critical than ever. However, maintaining a robust data connection, on the move, can be a formidable task. Tristan Wood, founder of Livewire Digital, explores the power of hybrid networking and how it can help people and vessels constantly on the move to stay connected in even the most remote waters. Communication challenges Communication on the move can present many challenges, especial...

Ocean Infinity, a world renowned company in robotic and uncrewed vessel technology, has announced its attendance and key speaker slot at the Oceanology International 2024 event, which is taking place at London’s ExCel, from 12 - 14 March, 2024. The biennial event brings together key players in the ocean technology industry, providing a platform for businesses, academics, and government representatives to connect, share insights, and explore the latest innovations shaping the future of the...

Wärtsilä Gas Solutions, part of the technology group - Wärtsilä, introduces a ground-breaking Ammonia Fuel Supply System (AFSS) for ships able to operate with ammonia fuel. The system is available for both liquid and gaseous fuel. Wärtsilä AFSS The Wärtsilä AFSS is an innovative and reliable system that enables the use of ammonia as a marine fuel. In line with shipping’s transition to decarbonised fuels, ammonia is widely seen as one of the most pr...

At a time when rapid advancements in maritime connectivity and shipboard technology are leaving vessel networks increasingly vulnerable to attack, the International Association of Classification Societies’ (IACS) unified requirements (URs) E26 and E27 aim to minimise the frequency and impact of cyber incidents at sea.  Revised E26 and E27 Initially adopted in April 2022, the URs were withdrawn ahead of their planned implementation on 1 January 2024. However, revised versions of E26...

Founded in 1977 as the Earthforce Environmental Society to tackle elephant poaching in Africa, Sea Shepherd moved into marine conservation with the acquisition of its first ship in 1978. Since then, the international non-profit organisation has engaged in a variety of activities focused on protecting ocean wildlife and ending the exploitation and destruction of marine ecosystems. Mobile satellite connectivity Crucial to Sea Shepherd’s mission is reliable, high-speed mobile satellite con...

Integrated planning for handling inland container shipping in the port of Rotterdam has now been used for over a year. Nextlogic continuously optimises the planning together with the participants. This ensures greater peace of mind, higher handling reliability and shorter port waiting times. Shorter port waiting times Terminals can make better use of their quays and cranes through Nextlogic. Barge operators spend less time on their planning and participating vessels spend as much as 20% less...

Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., a part of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group, has finalised the basic design for an ammonia fuel supply system for the X-DF-A engine, an ammonia-fueled large, low-speed two-stroke marine engine currently under development by WinGD, a Swiss designer and licensor of large marine engines. Mitsubishi Shipbuilding will continue to conduct technical studies with WinGD aimed at commercialisation of the system. Undertaking technical studies Mitsubishi Shipbuil...

Poole Harbour Commissioners has been successful in its application to the Local Industrial Decarbonisation Plans Funding Competition, run by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, in collaboration with Innovate UK – UK Research and Innovation. The Local Industrial Decarbonisation Plans (LIDP) competition is providing up to £6 million in grant funding to support dispersed industrial manufacturers not located in the UK’s existing industrial clusters to decarbonise and...

Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), the premier shipbuilding and ship repair company in India, delivered the 13th Electric Hybrid 100 Pax Water Metro Ferry BY 137 to Kochi Water Metro. The occasion was marked by the Delivery Protocol Signing ceremony held at CSL, in the presence of directors of KMRL and CSL, along with senior officials from KMRL, CSL, DNV, and IRS.  Shri. Harikrishnan S, Chief General Manager CSL, and Shri. Shaji P Jananardhanan, Chief General Manager KMRL, signed the protocol...

U.S. President Joe Biden has signed an Executive Order aimed at shoring up the cybersecurity of U.S. ports, a move fuelled by mounting concerns about the vulnerability of this critical infrastructure to cyberattacks. This initiative marks a significant shift in policy, empowering key agencies and outlining concrete actions to bolster defences. By empowering key agencies, establishing clear standards, and fostering collaboration, the initiative aims to strengthen U.S. ports against the evolving...

The European Parliament’s Internal Market Committee (IMCO) adopted its report on the reform of the Union Customs Code (UCC). This core economic legislation determines the efficiency, resilience and competitiveness of the EU’s external border for trade. More than ever getting that right is vital for the EU’s businesses and citizens. Ninety percent of the EU’s external trade relies on shipping, making it vital that the UCC is well adapted to this strategic sector. UCC nee...

Prysmian, the pioneer in the energy transition and digital transformation, launches, in collaboration with Interbrand—a pioneering brand consultancy for nearly 50 years—the group's new brand: a crucial asset that aims to support and amplify Prysmian’s new business strategy. This is a true brand evolution that shapes the Company's direction towards a new era, as part of the strategy “Connect, to Lead,” presented on 5 October 2023 during the Capital Markets Day held...

Danfoss’ new Universal Quick Disconnect (UQD) couplings provide superior performance and reliability for liquid cooling, ensuring peak performance for critical applications. Engineered for the precision cooling requirements of modern data centres, the couplings drive a strong return on investment through robust design, long service life and lower maintenance. Ideal for liquid cooling applications that use smaller hose lines, Danfoss UQD couplings are available in four sizes, as well as va...

Previous suggestions had put the cost of the project at €200m but that has now been increased. The Irish Government has increased the budget for a new naval ship, which will be the largest in the State’s history, to €300m. Last week the Journal reported that the Department of Defence was set to release documents associated with the tender process for the new Multi-Role Vessel (MRV) which will allow the Irish Naval Service respond to large-scale humanitarian crises. Large-scale...

The crucial importance of the maritime industry to the Liverpool City Region was the focus of a full day tour for the Shadow Maritime Minister, Mike Kane MP, when he visited the area on Thursday 15th February 2024. Hosted by Mersey Maritime, alongside some of its key partners, he was given a detailed update by the regional cluster organisation for the industry in the North West before embarking on a visit to Cammell Laird and the Port of Liverpool in the afternoon. During lunch, Mr Kane also v...

ABB has been selected by the Astilleros y Servicios Navales S.A. (ASENAV) shipyard based in Chile to provide a power and propulsion system for Antarctica21’s newbuild boutique expedition ship Magellan Discoverer. Due for delivery in 2026, the vessel is the first hybrid-electric polar cruise ship featuring Azipod® propulsion to be built in the Americas. Accommodating up to 96 passengers and 67 crew members, the vessel will be operating in the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia an...

Developer of maritime battery systems EST-Floattech receives an investment of 4 million euros from the Energy Transition Fund Rotterdam and existing shareholders Rotterdam Port Fund, PDENH, Ponooc, and Yard Energy. This was announced by Chantal Zeegers, the Alderman for Climate, Building, and Housing in Rotterdam. The ‘Energietransitiefonds Rotterdam’ is the investment fund of the municipality of Rotterdam.  Lithium-ion battery systems EST-Floattech develops and produces...

Tasmania is poised to chart a new course in maritime innovation with the arrival of Ocean Infinity, a global pioneer in marine robotics. Thanks to support from the Government of Tasmania, the Australian island state is on the brink of entering a new era in safer, more environmentally sustainable marine operations.   Ocean Infinity, renowned for its groundbreaking ocean exploration and marine robotics solutions, is set to transform maritime operations across sectors including governmen...