United States of America (USA) News

The vision and ambitions for this year’s Maritime Week Las Palmas were set out at an official press conference for the event. Speaking at the press conference, Puertos de las Palmas President Beatriz Calzada Ojeda announced that during MWLP a planned fuel spill drill will be carried out in the anchorage area of the port for the first time, while the Deputy Minister of Economy and Internationalisation, Gustavo González de Vega, who is also Vice-President of PROEXCA, highlighted the...

The eighth edition of the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX 2024), held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, and hosted and organised by the Qatar Armed Forces at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC), concluded on March 6th, 2024 with a strong presence from international and local exhibitors and a large number of visitors. The eighth edition, which ran from 4 to 6 March and was held under the theme of &...

Autonomous vessel experts and artificial intelligence (AI) pioneers behind the first full-size unmanned research vessel to conduct scientific experiments whilst autonomously navigating across the Atlantic Ocean have announced their plans to launch the world’s first fully autonomous uncrewed surface vessel (USV) fleet for long term lease or charter. The owners behind the company, Zero USV, a collaboration between the founders of Marine AI and MSubs, aim to have the first vessels fully test...

Bearing AI, the pioneering artificial intelligence solutions provider in the maritime industry, has announced an innovative update to their Fleet Deployment Optimiser (FDO) solution that promises to revolutionise how shipping companies manage their emissions in light of the new European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) regulations. Compliance with EU ETS is an imposing challenge for the maritime sector. With the introduction of this regulation, all ships calling at ports in the European...

IMO Secretary-General conveys condolences and renews the call for collective action to protect seafarers. Casualties reports IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez issued the following statement, “It is deeply saddening to follow the horrific reports of the casualties on the merchant vessel True Confidence, following an attack on the ship southwest of Aden, in Yemen." "I extend my deepest condolences and those of the entire IMO family to the families of those who have lost their...

At an online ceremony on February 27th, 2024, MAN Energy Solutions and China Classification Society (CCS) signed a sub-agreement in line with the Strategic Framework Agreement (SFA) the two parties previously agreed in September 2023 in Beijing. The SFA, on ‘Decarbonisation and Digitalisation in the maritime industry’, is scheduled to last for five years. The new sub-agreement – the third such between the companies – covers MAN Energy Solutions’ new MAN L21/31DF-M...

Seaspan Shipyards, Canada’s long-term shipbuilding partner for the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) and Royal Canadian Navy, has awarded ABB a contract to deliver an integrated propulsion system for the first of the CCG’s new-generation polar class icebreakers. The vessel is expected to be one of the world’s largest and most powerful diesel-electric icebreakers when it enters service in 2030, with ABB supplying vessel systems complying with IACS Polar Class 2 requirements for year-r...

March 1st marked the date when Samskip took the next step in its strategic Baltic Sea development by increasing service capacity and adding the port of Klaipeda to its network. The extended service follows the successful establishment of Samskip’s dedicated Baltic Sea shortsea service in November 2023. Since its kick-off, the Samskip Baltic Sea service has provided market-pioneering scheduling reliability supported by unrivaled customer experience. Samskip’s owned truck fleet As p...

U.S. Flag Ships should be preparing to be fully compliant with SAFER SEAS ACT of 2023 by December 31, 2024 or next drydock.   If the following criteria apply to the vessel(s), Mackay Marine has a vetted, customised solution - the MD5000 Safer Seas Package, to ensure the ships will meet the equipment monitoring & recording requirements to avoid attracting penalties. U.S. Flagged VESSEL CRITERIA: Commercial Oceangoing Non-Passenger Vessel (Excludes Fishing) ≥ 24 m Length (79...

ClassNK has granted its Innovation Endorsement for Products & Solutions to a straight leg course control - called “ACE Function” (ACE: Advanced Control for Ecology), which can be integrated with the autopilot systems, “PR-9000” and “PR-6000” offered by TOKYO KEIKI INC. The company describes that “ACE Function” can automatically create a straight route and implement navigation at the shortest distance, only by setting the ship's current positio...

All operating assets of Druckluft-Technik-Nord GmbH, a compressor distributor in Bald Oldesloe in the Hamburg area, have become part of Atlas Copco Group. Compressed air technology The company has 18 employees and offers sales and service of compressed air technology. “The acquisition will extend our service and sales offering in the region of Hamburg in Germany,” said Vagner Rego, Business Area President Compressor Technique. The purchase price is not disclosed. The acquired busi...

Babcock is creating more than 1,000 new jobs at their large-scale, advanced manufacturing and shipbuilding facility in Rosyth to support the delivery of their world-class programmes and development of the workforce’s capabilities. Underpinning their commitment to further develop the skills required to support customers now and in the future, over the next four years, the new job opportunities will benefit both the UK economy and local communities and include 400 apprenticeships, 350 produ...

RightShip, a major global ESG-focused digital maritime platform, announces its collaboration with LSEG (London Stock Exchange Group), a global financial markets infrastructure and data provider, to augment the risk management framework for governance risks in the maritime industry. The partnership will integrate LSEG’s World-Check into RightShip’s digital maritime platform and vetting workflows. This will allow end-users, including charterers, financial institutions, traders, port a...

Allied Universal®, the world’s renowned security and facility services company, is proud to announce that its client, the Helen Delich Bently Port of Baltimore has received a top U.S. Coast Guard security assessment for the 15th consecutive year. Security assessment The assessment which included a detailed review of all security protocols and procedures is for the six state-owned, public marine terminals that are managed by the Maryland Port Administration (MPA). The U.S. Coast Guar...

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...