United States of America (USA) News

MacGregor, part of Cargotec, has launched a new free-of-charge digital Carbon Calculator to help container shipping companies estimate the carbon dioxide emissions they can eliminate by upgrading their onboard container cargo system with MacGregor Cargo Boost. Cargo Boost solution By maximising container-carrying capacity on board existing ships, the Cargo Boost solution has been shown to increase average cargo system utilisation from conventional rates of 80% to 90%, or even 100%. Across a 1...

3t, the UK-based global pioneer in safety-critical training, had the honour of hosting senior officials from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) at its state-of-the-art training centre in Dyce, Aberdeen. The visit centered on strategic discussions about upskilling the maritime workforce to meet the evolving demands of traditional energy sectors and the emerging marine renewables industry.  Maritime safety and workforce As part of the MCA’s global remit to support maritime...

In a significant step towards establishing eco-friendly maritime practices, South Korea successfully conducted its first Simultaneous Operations (SIMOPs) of ship-to-ship methanol bunkering at Busan New Port on 4th October. This groundbreaking achievement marks a crucial advancement in the nation's commitment to developing a sustainable ship fuel supply chain. Key highlights First-ever SIMOPs methanol bunkering in South Korea. 11-hour operation supplying approximately 3,000 tons of methanol...

DNV has awarded an Approval in Principle (AiP) to HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) for its 15K TEU ammonia dual-fuelled container vessel design. This milestone follows the successful completion of a joint development project aimed at addressing the challenges associated with using ammonia as a marine fuel. Ammonia as a marine fuel The project focused on developing cutting-edge designs to enhance safety, including an optimised ammonia tank design, advanced fire safety systems, enhanced amm...

ClassNK has issued an Approval in Principle (AiP) for the Autonomous Navigation Assistance System - ‘SAS’ developed by Samsung Heavy Industries, Co., Ltd. Samsung Autonomous Navigation Assistance System (SAS) is a partially Autonomous Navigation System (ANS) including the functions of situational awareness through sensor fusion and electronic navigational chart information, collision and grounding risk assessment, and collision and grounding avoidance. Design, installation, and mai...

The Baltic Exchange has launched a Know-Your-Customer (KYC) platform to give the maritime sector greater access to company data to support informed decision-making and meet increased regulatory obligations. KYC platform KYC is a regulatory requirement in the banking and financial services sectors to ensure businesses do their due diligence on customers to prevent fraud, money laundering, and terrorism financing. With shipping a vital part of global commerce, the need to manage the risk of fra...

Rolls-Royce is developing new and advanced concepts to show navies how they can meet the growing challenges of undersea national defence. These include a significantly more powerful mtu submarine charging unit and mtu NautIQ automation systems for underwater ship control. Both will be unveiled by Rolls-Royce Power Systems at the Euronaval naval exhibition taking place from 4 to 7 November in Paris, France, underlining Rolls-Royce's role as a solutions provider in this special area...

An arbitration dispute highlighted in the latest Claims Review by the International Transport Intermediaries Club (ITIC) has concluded with a shipbroker settling a $380,000 claim. Accused of breach of contract and negligence for not disclosing critical navigation restrictions to charterers, the case underscores the paramount importance of transparent communication and due diligence in the shipbroking industry. The incident The incident began when a shipbroker arranged a charter party (CP) agr...

The Brun Bear Foundation, a registered charity established by Edwin Lampert, executive editor of Riviera Maritime Media, is pleased to announce the launch of “Mealtimes With My Maritime Friends.” This unique cookbook celebrates the global maritime community while raising funds for important causes. Featuring 60 inspiring recipes from around the world, contributed by prominent figures in the maritime industry, this book offers a taste of maritime culture alongside the personal storie...

SRT Marine Systems plc (SRT), a global provider of maritime domain awareness systems and technologies for security, safety, and environmental protection, is pleased to announce that it has agreed a substantial investment and short-term finance bridge support package from existing shareholder Ocean Infinity (OI), worth approximately £31 million.   Finance support package This new financing allows SRT to immediately satisfy the need for the substantial performance bond required under...

ABS released its latest report into the potential of advanced nuclear technology for maritime applications, with a study of a small modular reactor on a standard liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier. Feasibility and safety The transformational impact of a high-temperature, gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) on the design, operation, and emissions of a 145,000 m3 LNG carrier design was modeled by ABS and Herbert Engineering Corporation (HEC). The study is designed to help the industry better understand...

With its many peninsulas and bays, coves, and small headlands, the UK coastline is a complex stretch of land to monitor and patrol. Traditional coastal surveillance methods utilising patrol aircraft and vessels are very expensive and non-persistent. However, big data and machine learning (ML) are providing a solution, lowering the cost of these tasks and transforming the way the coastal maritime activity is monitored, analysed, and responded to by agencies and governments. AI-powered maritime...

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) and Inmarsat Maritime, a Viasat company, are pleased to announce that “K” LINE will conduct a trial of Inmarsat Maritime's new bonded network service NexusWave on “K” LINE's fleet. NexusWave seamlessly integrates multiple high-speed networks in real-time to enable high-speed, always-on ship-to-shore communications, thereby enhancing digitalisation of ship operation and environmental response, as well as the welfare of se...

Maritime communications came a long way before they could deliver the first Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS). Still, it is fair to say that their forward march has only accelerated in the two-and-a-half decades since. Today, shipping companies rely on satellite connectivity to protect their vessels and people and enable the digitalisation, decarbonisation, and crew-welfare initiatives on which its successes rely.  Low-Earth orbit (LEO) networks Against this background, t...

INTERCARGO, the International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners, has announced significant changes to its leadership following its Annual General Meeting. The new appointments will take effect from 1 January 2025. In recognition of their distinguished service, Mr. Dimitrios Fafalios has been appointed Honourary Chairman following six years as Chairman. Mr Fafalios, President of Fafalios Shipping S.A., has led INTERCARGO through significant developments in the shipping sector since 2019, havin...

Fincantieri is pleased to announce that it has signed contracts with Viking for the construction of two new cruise ships, based on the successful features of the previous vessels, which Fincantieri has already built for this shipowner in its Italian yards. The units will be delivered in 2030. Fincantieri and Viking have also reached an agreement for four additional ships in option with deliveries scheduled for 2031 and 2032. Latest environmental rules Fincantieri and Viking for...

ship.energy Limited is excited to announce that it is ready for the Marine Energy Transition Forum 2024 (#METF24)! Taking place on 22 October at the iconic Port House in Antwerp, this highly anticipated event will bring together renowned voices from the maritime industry for dynamic and thought-provoking discussions on the future of marine fuels and ship technology.  #METF24 At #METF24, delegates will explore how critical factors, such as vessel type, operating routes, and profiles...

ship.energy is proud to present ARACON 2024, the globally renowned event for the Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp (ARA) bunkering and maritime industries, which will take place on 24-25 October 2024 in the dynamic city of Rotterdam. As the pre-eminent conference in the ARA region, ARACON 2024 will bring together top decision-makers, marine fuel suppliers, shipowners, operators, and key stakeholders to explore the latest developments in bunkering, decarbonisation, and maritime regulations. With a r...

Important decision by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs in Berlin and the Federal Network Agency in Bonn: the Hamburg Hydrogen Industry Network ‘HH-WIN’ will become part of the nationwide, almost 10,000-kilometre-long hydrogen core network. This means that Hamburg's industry will be able to benefit from a standardised hydrogen network fee in the future.For Hamburger Energienetze GmbH, which is implementing HH-WIN in the port area of Hamburg, this step will provide financial...

Wilhelmsen Ships Service and Yinson GreenTech have signed an agreement to build a charging infrastructure for Hydromover, Singapore’s first fully electric cargo vessel, at Wilhelmsen's Pandan Loop facility in Singapore. This project aligns with ongoing efforts by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the Singapore Maritime Institute (SMI), aiming to promote the electrification of harbour craft as part of broader industry shifts towards lower-emission solutions. Lower-emi...

MAN Energy Solutions launches ‘AmmoniaMot 2’ research project with industry partners and research institutes. Having designed and tested the first two-stroke ammonia engine, MAN Energy Solutions has now announced launching the ‘AmmoniaMot 2’ research project. Initiated by MAN with partners from industry and research institutes, the project aims to develop a four-stroke, medium-speed, dual-fuel test engine that runs on ammonia. Internal-combustion engines Supported by t...

Kongsberg Maritime will supply an extensive range of equipment for a new fleet of 10 platform supply vessels (PSV) being built by Fujian Mawei Shipbuilding in China for Greek shipowner, Capital Offshore. This significant contract win is valued at approximately 800 million MNOK, and includes all propulsion, automation, and energy systems. Oil and gas operations The 10 contracted vessels mark a major investment by Capital Offshore in the PSV market The 10 contracted vessels mark a major invest...

The decision in Verein KlimaSeniorinnen Schweiz and Others v. Switzerland has set a precedent requiring state parties to the European Convention on Human Rights to assess the effectiveness of their legislative regimes to protect individuals who are most vulnerable to the effects of climate change. While this is a finding against states, they are likely to seek to comply with their own obligations under international law by introducing new domestic laws and regulations affecting busine...

Kongsberg Discovery demonstrated the ability of advanced hydroacoustics to illuminate the world beneath the waves with a detailed, efficient, and comprehensive inspection of the historic Lower Harbor Ore Dock at Marquette on Lake Superior. Lower Harbor Ore Dock The iconic structure, a pivotal point for the transportation of iron ore from Michigan mines right across the Great Lakes region, dates back to the late 19th century.  Kongsberg Discovery’s 21st-century multibeam sonar and i...

ABS helped bring together industry and government pioneers for a U.S. Maritime Strategy Workshop to help stakeholders align on key policy and commercial priorities. This was the third in a series of workshops organised to inform a U.S. national maritime strategy and was done in collaboration with the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), the Office of Senator Mark Kelly, and the Office of U.S. Representative Michael Waltz. Challenges and recommendations The U.S. maritime industry faces seve...

ClassNK granted its ‘AFVC (Additional Fire-Fighting measures for Vehicle Carrier)’ notations to ‘TEXAS HIGHWAY’, a car carrier operated by "K" LINE  for vessels equipped with additional firefighting measures for transporting electric vehicles (EVs). AFVC notations Shipping companies are implementing various measures to address EV fires, which raise concerns due to difficulties in extinguishing and the risk of re-ignition. To support these efforts, ClassNK has issu...

Sirius Insight (Sirius) announces the launch of a national strategic partnership with the charity - National Coastwatch Institution (NCI), which will help improve the safety of UK coastal waters. This long-term partnership will deliver operational funding and technology upgrades enabling greater coverage and effect.    Maritime situational awareness Sirius Insight is the UK’s specialist in maritime situational awareness, combining Artificial Intelligence and state-of-the-...

Watson Farley & Williams (WFW) advised Navigazione Montanari S.p.A. (Navigazione Montanari) on acquiring the chemical product tanker, Astella, renamed Valderice. WFW also acted for Intesa Sanpaolo S.p.A. (Intesa Sanpaolo) as a lender on loan, backed by Italy’s ECA SACE's Garanzia Futuro, granted to Navigazione Montanari to recapitalise the funds used for the purchase partially. Valderice The Valderice, built in South Korea in 2011 at the Hyundai Mipo Dockyard Co. Ltd., is currently...

The two men heading Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk into the new Gemini Cooperation joined together on stage at the Xeneta Summit in Amsterdam to reinforce their confidence in the new alliance achieving its ambition of 90% service reliability. The Gemini Cooperation, which comprises the two ocean container shipping giants, will begin operating on 1 February 2025, with a new hub and spoke approach of mainliner and transshipment services designed to increase reliability. 90% service reliability Rolf Hab...

ABS has completed an industry-renowned safety evaluation of ammonia dispersion on board an ammonia-fuelled gas turbine LNG carrier design from Hanwha Ocean. ABS, in collaboration with Hanwha Ocean, conducted computational fluid dynamics simulations that modelled different ammonia release scenarios due to accidental leakages from the engine room, the pipeline and the bunkering stations on deck. The study is one of the most comprehensive in the industry, using multiple ammonia release scenarios....