United Kingdom (UK) News

Ahlsell Norway has entered into an agreement to acquire all shares in Midt-Norsk Rør AS, a supplier of complete sewage systems, primarily to contractors, municipalities and agricultural customers in central Norway. The company, with establishments in Stjørdal, Ringebu and Helgeland, has nine employees and the turnover in 2022 amounted to 50 MNOK. With climate change and increased population growth that places greater demands on infrastructure, there is a strong need for maintenanc...

Wilhelmsen Port Services has achieved sole ownership of Sweden's Gothenburg Ship Agency AB, solidifying its presence in Sweden and further enhancing its global services. This strategic move follows its acquisition of Vopak Agencies, marking a significant step in expanding its offerings and commitment to serving customers in Sweden and the Baltic Sea region. As part of its acquisition of Rotterdam-headquartered Vopak Agencies in December last year, Wilhelmsen Port Services inherited a 50% stake...

Maritime industry pioneers came together at the annual ABS Japan National Committee Meeting to discuss the latest developments in technology, sustainability, regulations, and market trends in the shipping industry. ABS President and COO John McDonald provided an update on ABS’ industry-pioneering safety performance and how ABS has secured the number one position in global order book share with a fleet that has grown to 285 million gross tons with more than 11,400 assets. Collaboration is...

Inmarsat Maritime, a Viasat business, has won the 2023 International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF) Award for Innovation and Technology in Maritime Search and Rescue after a highly respected judging panel led by former IMRF Chair Michael Vlasto selected its entry from a shortlist of 10 individuals and organisations. Acknowledging “volunteer and professional search-and-rescue (SAR) personnel from around the world”, the prestigious award highlights “those who have shown excel...

ClassNK has issued an Approval in Principle (AiP) for a parcel layout concept for a hydrogen-fueled multi-purpose vessel developed by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd., MOL Drybulk Ltd., Onomichi Dockyard Co., Ltd., Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd., and Japan Engine Corporation. This is the world’s first AiP certification for a ship equipped with a large low-speed two-stroke hydrogen-fueled engine as the main propulsion engine. Growth and building of the vessel According to the companies, demon...

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and President of Wilhelmsen, Carl Schou, believes there are great opportunities for ship managers ahead. In an interview with Naftemporiki, one of Greece business news publication, Carl Schou discusses the significant challenges faced by the maritime industry today. Question: What exactly is the role and responsibilities of a third-party management company when taking over a shipowner's fleet? Carl Schou answered, “When a third-party management company t...

MAN Energy Solutions and Energy Dome, an LDES solution provider based in Milan (Italy), have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a non-exclusive collaboration. Both companies are committed to exploring the potential of integrating their individual technologies and competencies to further optimise Energy Dome’s CO2 Battery Technology, a pioneering long-duration energy storage system addressing the increased need for energy storage solutions worldwide. Long-duration energy...

NIBCO Inc. expands its line of carbon steel fittings to bring more press options for plumbing and mechanical carbon steel pipe applications and fuel and gas carbon steel pipe applications. The BenchPress and BenchPressG fittings are designed for efficiency, with easy, clean, and fast installation, for a wider range of applications. The line features a patented fitting design that creates consistent joints, is flame-free and environmentally friendly. BenchPressG fittings “This expansion...

Effective January 1, 2024, IT will be represented in Atlas Copco’s Group Management. Marcus Hvied, who is General Manager IT Services and Head of Group IT (Information Technology) is appointed Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer and becomes a member of the management team. Marcus Hvied joined the Group in 2018 and has since then successfully led the Group common IT organisation. “Digital transformation and cyber security have become increasingly important for the Group,...

Nexans Marine Operations AS has returned to Ulstein Verft AS to build a new and updated version of the DP3 cable laying vessel MS “Nexans Aurora”. The new vessel will share the same comprehensive propulsion and manoeuvring package from Brunvoll. Brunvoll’s delivery for the new cable-laying vessel will share the same specifications as the previous delivery, consisting of three azimuth propulsion units, two tunnel thrusters, and a retractable azimuth thruster. All the thrus...

ClassNK has released a white paper 'Pathway to Zero-Emission in International Shipping – Understanding the 2023 IMO GHG Strategy'. In July 2023, the IMO adopted the ‘2023 IMO Strategy on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships’, which includes goals such as achieving net-zero GHG emissions by or around 2050. While the strategy sets numerical targets for reducing GHG emissions as well as indicative checkpoints, the maritime industry has not yet reached a common understanding of w...

VARD, one of the major global designers and shipbuilders of specialised vessels, has ordered 4 × MAN 12V175D-MEM GenSets in connection with the building of a new purpose-built, cable-laying vessel (CLV) for NCT Offshore, the Danish subsea specialist. The GenSets will form part of the vessel’s diesel-electric DP2 propulsion system, which also includes a hybrid battery package. VARD orders 4 × MAN 12V175D-MEM GenSets This exciting project is just the latest in the rapidly-grow...

Ingeteam has succeeded in an order to equip what will be the world's largest luxury sailing ships. Specifically, the company will design and manufacture the converters and motors that will propel the two ships that will emulate the famous Orient Express train, enabling more ecological and sustainable navigation via the latest marine technology. The ships belong to Accor Group under the Orient Express brand, and will be built at French shipyard Chantiers de l'Atlantique. Ingeteam will supply a t...

Peel Ports Group is to extend its steel and metals terminal in response to strong growth in customer demand at the Port of Liverpool. The UK’s second largest port operator began construction of the 20,000 square foot extended warehouse at its North 3 Canada Dock in 2023. The group’s investment comes as the Port of Liverpool enjoyed one of its busiest months for steel volumes in September, with more than 75,000 tonnes handled by staff across the port and Birkenhead Docks. Peel Ports...

Swiss marine power company - WinGD will deliver ammonia-fuelled X‑DF‑A engines for a series of two 46,000m3 LPG/ammonia carriers to be built for EXMAR LPG BV, a joint venture of EXMAR and Seapeak, at Hyundai Mipo Dockyard. The two 52-bore X52DF‑A engines will be delivered in Q2 2025 and will be among the first of WinGD’s ammonia-fuelled engines to enter service. The order represents WinGD’s entry into an emerging market for ammonia-fuelled gas carriers. Such vessels have traditional...

Sunbeam Fishing Limited’s newest trawler has a broad range of Brunvoll products incorporated into its design. In addition to the main propulsion and tunnel thruster, Sunbeam Fishery has opted for the retractable azimuth combi thruster and the BruCon control system. The vessel is designed by Salt Ship Design and will be built at Myklebust Shipyard. Sunbeam trawler In a nod to their enduring trust in Brunvoll, Scottish Sunbeam Fishing Limited has once again opted for the expertise and rel...

Renewable energy will be more important to shipping’s climate goals than any other fuel feedstock, according to a survey of 200 maritime decision-makers. The ‘E-Fuels in the Shipping Industry’ survey, conducted by market researcher mo’web and commissioned by Accelleron, identifies the huge potential and some of the key challenges that ship owners and operators face as they deploy alternative fuels to meet industry targets of climate neutrality by 2050. Around 93% of...

METIS Cyberspace Technology has added new functionality to its cloud-based Total Emissions Management solution that allows ship owners and operators to make the best use of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). As well as supporting IMO’s Data Collection System metrics for a ship’s Average Efficiency Ratio and Carbon Intensity Indicator, and EU monitoring reporting and verification, the new capability means that METIS can help owners manage the complexities of carbon allowances. E...

Atlas Copco Group has acquired ACJ, s.r.o., a compressor distributor in Samorin, near Bratislava in western Slovakia. The company has 14 employees and offers sales and service of compressors, dryers, and other compressed air equipment to the general industry. Compressed air equipment “The acquisition will extend our service and sales offering in Slovakia, which is a market where we see a potential for growth,” said Vagner Rego, the Business Area President of Compressor Technique....

The San Pedro Bay ports’ efforts to help seed a robust green hydrogen market to assist in the pursuit of zero-emissions operations got jump-started this week with an announcement from the U.S. Department of Energy that it will award a grant of up to $1.2 billion to a public-private partnership formed to lead California’s bid to create a hydrogen hub. The ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles, which together comprise the nation’s largest seaport complex, are project partners in t...

The Board of Directors of Wallem Group today announced that John-Kaare Aune will be stepping aside as Wallem Group’s CEO and after a period of transition will leave in January 2024. Having joined Wallem in 2019 as Managing Director, Shipmanagement, John-Kaare Aune was appointed as Group CEO in January 2021. Nigel Hill, Wallem Group Chairman, said, "On behalf of the Wallem Board, I would like to thank John for his leadership and dedication over the past three years as CEO. We are grateful...

MAN Energy Solutions has announced a partnership with industry leaders and research institutes that will develop engine concepts for hydrogen-fuelled, medium-speed engines in the maritime sector. Dubbed ‘HydroPoLEn’, the project is supported and funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action. It aims to transform propulsion systems within shipping and develop key technologies such as injection, ignition and advanced tribological systems, while part of i...

Elcogen, the European manufacturer of technology that enables delivery of efficient, affordable green hydrogen and emission-free electricity is pleased to announce that Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering Co., Ltd. (“KSOE”), a company incorporated in the Republic of Korea and a member of HD Hyundai Group (“HD Hyundai”) has signed a strategic investment in Elcogen of €45m with closing subject to, amongst other things, Elcogen obtaining the approval of its sh...

Shipping must look beyond its current focus on engine technology and address the widespread disruption introduced by the clean energy transition. That was the keynote message for the industry at SHIPPINGInsight 2023 from Christopher J. Wiernicki, ABS Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Hybrid solutions Christopher J. Wiernicki said, “The real action is far beyond the engine. We have just seen MEPC 80 redraw the compliance performance of most alternative fuels by moving from tank-to-wa...

Dafo Vehicle, a pioneer in safety for vehicles in high-risk industries, has promoted Fredrik Rosén to the position of Business Line Manager for Material Handling. As a key member of Dafo Vehicle since the division’s inception, Rosén has played an integral role in Dafo Vehicle’s success. His transition from Business Manager - Middle East and Africa and Marketing Manager reflects a strategic change in the business to focus and strengthen the support and knowledge in this...

According to the new “Value of Reliability” survey from ABB, over two-thirds of industrial businesses experience unplanned outages at least once a month, costing the typical business close to $125,000 per hour. Despite this, 21 percent of businesses surveyed still rely on run-to-fail maintenance. Managing maintenance The survey, conducted by Sapio Research in July 2023, gathered responses from 3,215 plant maintenance decision-makers globally across the energy generation, plas...

The Port of Greenock welcomes its largest ever container vessel. Scotland’s deepest container terminal has welcomed the largest container vessel ever to berth at the port. The Port of Greenock hosted the 300m long MSC Magnum VII, which has a capacity of 6,750 TEUs (twenty foot equivalent units), on Saturday morning (7 October.) MSC Magnum VII container vessel The 75,000-tonne container vessel arrived via Peel Ports Clydeport’s sister facility at the Port of Liverpool The 75,000-t...

Ship operators can reduce their fuel use and emissions output by using Silverstream Technologies' air lubrication system (ALS) with AkzoNobel’s fouling control coatings, a new white paper has revealed. Marine industry experts from both businesses have collaborated to show that a combination of air lubrication and the right fouling control coatings can reduce hull resistance and increase efficiency to give vessel owners a “clear competitive edge”. Ship’s frictional resis...

M.A.C. Maritime, the German expert in onboard data acquisition and performance monitoring, has signed a collaboration agreement with Accelleron’s Digital Division, the Swiss specialist in digital solutions for vessel performance optimisation. The agreement takes effect immediately. The agreement will enable M.A.C. Maritime to market and distribute Accelleron digital offerings: Tekomar XPERT Marine Engine module, Tekomar XPERT Marine Emissions module, and Tekomar XPERT Marine Hull & Pr...

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH) (together with NCL Corporation Ltd., ‘Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings’, ‘Norwegian’, ‘NCLH’ or the ‘Company;) announced the appointment of José E. Cil to its Board of Directors (the ‘Board’) as a new Independent Director, effective October 6, 2023. With Mr. Cil’s appointment, the Board has expanded from eight to nine members, seven of whom are independent. Mr. Cil will serve as a member...