United States of America (USA) News

Watson Farley & Williams advised EDT Shipmanagement Ltd. on a US$24m sale and leaseback financing transaction in connection with a 91-loa multipurpose platform supply vessel Peridot (built 2005). The vessel, initially purchased by EDT from the Israeli government, was sold to the financing lessor and then subsequently leased back from them under a five-year fixed rate bareboat charter with purchase options exercisable at certain points during the lease period. WFW Athens Maritime team The...

MAN Cryo has been contracted by Torghatten Nord A/S, the Norwegian ferry company, to work on a project encompassing the design and engineering of two hydrogen-powered newbuild RoPax ferries. The project stems from a Norwegian government initiative for major vessels operating on the challenging mainland-Lofoten Islands crossing to become emission-free. Part of MAN Energy Solutions and a pioneering expert within engineering solutions for cryogenic equipment for the storage, distribution, and...

Peel Ports Clydeport has signalled its intention to invest up to £150 million in the redevelopment of the Hunterston marine yard in Ayrshire, as it prepares the site to support the UK’s offshore wind sector. Hunterston PARC is being prepared for occupancy as it seeks to attract major offshore wind projects, amid growing demand for the offshore wind supply chain on the UK’s west coast. Redevelopment of the site A formal planning application for the redevelopment of the site h...

Mark Jackson, CEO of the Baltic Exchange, has been appointed Deputy Chair of the London International Shipping Week 2025 (LISW25) Steering Group. He will support LISW25 Steering Group Chair John Hulmes in overseeing the running of the 2025 event. International shipping knowledge Welcoming Mark’s appointment, John Hulmes said he would bring a wealth of international shipping knowledge and expertise to the role. He stated, "Mark’s international credentials are unquestioned and...

Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) is pleased to announce its successful collaboration with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) on the pioneering technology demonstration of an Autonomous Navigation system with dual navigation capabilities on MDL the tug MT Andaman. IRS team led by Mr. R. Srinivas, VP & HOD Electrical & Control System, conducted a thorough review of the autonomy concept, system documentation, software quality documentation, and a detailed risk assessment by IRS Guide...

Technology group - Wärtsilä has signed two Lifecycle Agreements covering two ferries owned by Japanese operator - Shin Nihonkai Ferry Co., Ltd (SNF). The vessels are each powered by four Wärtsilä 31 engines. The agreements are designed to provide optimal operational support in ensuring reliable and efficient performance for the ferries, that serve the busy Yokosuka and Shinmoji route. The order was booked by Wärtsilä in April 2024. Sustainable transport As ferrie...

The first U.S.-flagged Jones Act offshore wind farm service operation vessel (SOV) was christened and launched in a ceremony at the Port of New Orleans. The ABS-classed ECO Edison was engineered and constructed by Edison Chouest Offshore (ECO) for long-term charter to service offshore wind farms in the northeast United States. EPA Tier 4 emission standards ECO will operate the 80-metre-long vessel, which is capable of housing 70 passengers/wind turbine technicians. The SOV operates...

Metis is launching a completely revised version of its analytics platform, whose additional information layers, advanced filtering, and intuitive navigation also come with a new ‘look and feel’, which enhances user experience and helps clients better manage their ship and fleet performance.  New KPIs Fresh developments cover additional fleet- and vessel-level summary dashboards, as well as key performance indicators (KPIs) that provide improved overviews in specific domains o...

Marflet Marine (Marflet), one of Spain’s longest-standing private shipping companies, has signed a contract with bound4blue for the installation of four 22 m eSAILs® on the 49999 DWT oil and chemical tanker Santiago I. Agreed as part of Marflet’s ongoing decarbonisation strategy, the installation will enable Santiago I to dramatically reduce conventional fuel use, optimising operating costs and cutting GHG emissions. Autonomous efficiency The contract makes Marflet the first S...

X-Press Feeders, the world's largest independent common carrier, along with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore and PSA Singapore has achieved a historic milestone towards sustainable shipping with the arrival in Singapore and successful refuelling of X-Press Feeders’ first dual-fuel vessel. This vessel, the first to dock and refuel with green methanol in the Port of Singapore, underlines the nation's commitment to supporting the transition to renewable fuels in the global mariti...

Cochin Shipyard Limited bagged another prestigious international order from its existing UK-based offshore renewable operator, North Star Shipping for the construction of hybrid Service Operation Vessels (‘SOVs’) to be deployed for a contract with Siemens Gamesa to be deployed at the Scottish Power Renewables East Anglia THREE offshore windfarm located off the Suffolk coast. The shipbuilding contract also has the option to contract two more such vessels. North Star earlier in the...

Valenciaport has participated in the III International Forum on Marine Litter and Circular Economy – MARLICE 2024, held in the Veles e Vents building in the city of València, from 22 to 24 May 2024. Specifically, the participation of the Port Authority of Valencia (PAV) has focused on the session ‘Tourism and marine litter: strategies for a positive impact’. In it, the need to train and raise awareness among employees of tourism companies – shipping and hotel comp...

Validation of voyage emissions data and contractual arrangements for allocation of EU ETS costs remain key challenges for Greek shipowners as they face an estimated total €335m bill in 2024, potentially rising to €1bn once the regulation is fully implemented, according to OceanScore. GHG emissions Some 2135 vessels owned or operated by around 400 Greek shipping companies are presently racking up liabilities under the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) that will require them to surr...

Cruise and Passenger Services is thrilled to welcome back Cunard’s majestic Queen Anne, who returned from her maiden voyage on May 10th. After setting sail again, Queen Anne returns to Southampton on May 24th, marking the beginning of an exciting series of visits, with a total of 20 visits planned for this year. Queen Anne’s return to Southampton is not just a significant event for Cunard and its guests, but also for the entire port community. Their dedicated Cruise and Passenger Se...

The Department of Defence announces that Fincantieri's US subsidiary, Fincantieri Marinette Marine (FMM), has been awarded a contract worth over 1 billion US dollars to build the fifth and sixth Constellation-class frigates for the US Navy.  The contract for the lead frigate and 9 options, signed in 2020, has a cumulative value of 5.5 billion US dollars, including post-delivery availability support and crew training. FREMM frigate platform Fincantieri secured this high-profile tender, di...

Lockton Companies, the world’s largest privately held, independent insurance brokerage, has announced the appointment of Oliver Hutchings as COO of Marine, Transportation, and Logistics. Oliver Hutchings, who was previously Global MD of Marine & Aviation at Charles Taylor Adjusting, has over fifteen years experience of in managing specialist marine liability claims. Oliver Hutchings appointed as COO He takes the helm from Justin Pinches, who covered the position for an interim perio...

Foreship has recruited Jonny Berglund as its Business Development Director, in a new role to focus the Helsinki-based group’s efforts in growing its presence in commercial shipping. With a career-long commitment to maritime, including seagoing experience as an officer, Berglund has a formidable sales and business development record in technical areas which include ship energy, propulsion systems and performance monitoring. He has held senior roles at one of the world’s largest marin...

Technology group Wärtsilä will supply the electrical systems needed to convert two Scandlines ferries to a plug-in hybrid solution. The ferries operate on the Puttgarden, Germany – Rödby, Denmark route, and the conversion represents a key element in Scandlines’ target to achieve emission-free operations on the route by 2030. The company’s overall vision is to realise zero emissions on all operations by 2040. The order with Wärtsilä will be booked in Q...

Leading marine insurance specialist Lockton Marine has partnered with London International Shipping Week 2025 (LISW25) to showcase its global expertise. Lockton Marine, part of Lockton, the world’s largest independent brokerage, has become the official LISW25 Marine Insurance Partner, bringing its deep sector knowledge and entrepreneurial spirit to the week-long international London event. Numerous LISW25 debates Alistair Rivers (pictured), Head of Lockton Marine, commented: “Lo...

EST-Floattech, a provider of high-performance energy storage solutions, announces its collaboration with Wight Shipyard Co. They will install the Octopus Series battery systems on two vessels, the 'Mars Clipper' and Cross River Ferry, for Thames Clippers.  Octopus Series Wight Shipyard, the UK’s aluminium shipbuilder, has selected EST-Floattech's Octopus Series for its exceptional energy efficiency and reliability. The decision underscores Wight Shipyards' commitment to sustainable...

Japanese maritime experts have announced the successful completion of the early phases of a cross-industry project aimed at creating a secure data-sharing framework between shipyards and ship owners to advance the use of digital twins throughout a ship’s lifecycle. The project, which aims to enable the use of a vessel’s unique design data to optimise efficiency and safety at sea, as well as the sharing of operational data to inform new designs, brings together ship owners - NYK Grou...

Thordon Bearings has secured a significant contract to convert the rubber tailshaft bearings across an entire fleet of Panama-operating tugs, pilot vessels, and workboats to water-lubricated polymer bearings. The agreement with the unnamed operator follows the successful retrofitting of Thordon’s SXL tailshaft bearings to twelve of its twin-screw tugs last year during scheduled dry dockings. The remaining 32 vessels will now be converted in batches at planned maintenance intervals over th...

Hefring Marine announced an investment of €2.2 million led by Faber Ventures with participation by Innoport VC, Two Ravens, MD-One, Riverstone Ventures, Idlewild Management LLC, and Sukna Holdings.  Hefring Marine is an Icelandic deep-tech company that specialises in intelligent maritime solutions, with a mission to empower vessel operators and managers to enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability.  An AI-driven on-board system The company’s main product, IMAS, is an...

One of the world’s major exhibitions and conferences for maritime electrification, decarbonisation, and GHG reduction solutions will once again dock in Amsterdam this June. Electric & Hybrid Marine Expo Europe will feature 200+ exhibitors under one roof, PLUS a full three-day conference programme with 40+ expert speakers!  Hosting industry pioneers Taking place at the Amsterdam RAI in the Netherlands, on June 18, 19 & 20, the event will host over 200 exhibitors, in...

Oceania Cruises, the culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, announces its newest ship Allura will enter service one week earlier than scheduled. Due to join the fleet in summer 2025, her inaugural sailing will now depart Trieste, Italy, on July 18, 2025, cruising six days to Athens, Greece, calling at gems in the Eastern Mediterranean including Rijeka, Croatia; Ravenna, Italy; Dubrovnik, Croatia; and Kotor, Montenegro. The line is also opening for sale a one-of-a-kind four day voyage s...

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., “Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings”, “Norwegian”, “NCLH” or the “Company”) will hold its Investor Day at the New York Stock Exchange where it will discuss its new comprehensive “Charting the Course” strategy, which includes a refreshed vision; strategic initiatives centred around four pillars encompassing people, product, growth platform and performance; and three-year financial and sustainability...

International maritime law firm - Campbell Johnston Clark (CJC) has added a senior member to its team in Singapore, following the appointment of Chua Aik Hui as Director. Joining the maritime law firm’s transactional team at the partner level, Aik Hui specialises in advising multinational financial institutions, sponsors, owners, and lessors on asset financing in the maritime and offshore oil and gas sectors. Extensive industry experience  Aik Hui also has significant experience in...

A new logistics and freight yard beside Southampton Container Terminal is predicted to give a significant extra competitive edge to cargo and haulage operations in the port.  The new yard and operation has been created in a deal between Southampton Container Terminal operator - DP World and Williams Shipping, one of Southampton’s oldest and most established maritime and logistics businesses. Cargo expansion The yard is twice the size of the existing Williams Shipping yard, which is...

AV Dawson, owner and operator of Port of Middlesbrough, has signed a long-term partnership with Italian offshore cable manufacturer, Prysmian.  The Italian firm, which has been a tenant at Port of Middlesbrough for several years, has signed a 10-year agreement, cementing a long-term partnership, in preparation for its future growth. Part of the new partnership deal Prysmian, which is a world pioneer in the manufacture and installation of subsea and offshore wind cables, first starte...

Inmarsat Maritime, a Viasat company, has launched NexusWave, a fully managed connectivity service underpinned by a ‘bonded’ multi-dimensional network, offering high-speed connectivity, unlimited data, global coverage, and ‘secure by design’ infrastructure. NexusWave Delivered by a single provider, NexusWave is a fully managed service that seamlessly integrates multiple high-speed networks in real-time – Global Xpress (GX) Ka-band, low-Earth orbit (LEO) services, a...