Surveillance & Maritime News for April 2024

With the publication of ABS Methanol Bunkering: Technical and Operational Advisory, ABS is expanding its industry-renowned suite of guidance on methanol as a marine fuel.  A key component of the methanol value chain and the overall scalability of the fuel will be the ability to bunker methanol, either by truck-to-ship, ship-to-ship or land storage tank/terminal-to-ship. The new advisory provides the maritime industry with insight into the challenges of bunkering methanol and strategie...

Iceland is an important market for Brunvoll, which has been represented on the island for many years. Brunvoll has until now been represented in Iceland by Velar and Skip in Reykjavik. For strategic reasons, Brunvoll and Velar and Skip have agreed to end this collaboration. "Brunvoll has had a good collaboration with Velar and Skip for many years. It is, therefore, a bit melancholic, but still the right decision for both parties to now end the formal collaboration. We wish Velar and Skip good...

EST-Floattech is proud to announce that KOTUG International B.V., the pioneer international towage and maritime company, has chosen EST-Floattech’s containerised energy storage solution with Octopus Series for the E-Pusher 1 (Type M). On board the world’s first fully electric pusher boat is a container with the battery system of EST-Floattech, supporting the vessels every energy need. The E-pusher Type M is an innovative, emission-free pusher that transports cargo on the inland wat...

Peel Ports Group, the UK’s second largest port operator, has announced its Queen Elizabeth II Dock at Eastham will utilise energy from hydropower. It’s the latest move to drive forward Peel Ports’ ambition to become net-zero across its network and operations by 2040. Archimedean screw generator The port operator has partnered with Czech renewable energy specialist Hydropol to install a state-of-the-art twin Archimedean screw generator, at the site’s 30-foot lock. Conn...

Brunvoll has been contracted to deliver the propulsion, manoeuvring, and autonomy systems for two hydrogen-powered ferries for Torghatten Nord AS. Innovative ship design The ferries will operate the harsh route to and from Lofoten in Norway, more specifically the Bodø-Verøy-Røst-Moskenes route.  The ferries are of a new and innovative ship design with hydrogen fuel cells in mind, and the designer is The Norwegian Ship Design Company AS. Both ferries included in the c...

Wärtsilä Gas Solutions, part of the technology group - Wärtsilä has been contracted to supply the cargo handling and fuel gas supply systems for three new 98k Very Large Ethane Gas Carrier (VLEC) vessels. The ships are being built at the HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) yard in Korea for Oceania-based ship owners. The order was booked by Wärtsilä in Q1, 2024. The selection of the Wärtsilä solutions follows a similar recent order from HHI for three n...

ABS and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) are to collaborate on clean energy development in the maritime domain and decarbonisation of maritime operations, after signing a new memorandum of understanding (MOU). The agreement between the DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) and ABS is designed to leverage the experience and capabilities from both organisations to support emissions reduction initiatives that benefit the maritime industry. Clean energy initiatives...

Ahlsell Norge AS has entered into an agreement to purchase all shares in Verktøy-Maskin AS. The acquisition represents an additional contribution to Ahlsell’s growth within the industrial segment.   Verktøy-Maskin has nine employees and a turnover of approximately 42 million in 2023. Logistic capabilities Since 1976, Verktøy-Maskin has been a trustworthy supplier to the industrial sector around Mandal in Norway where they are located. The company offers a wi...

The maritime industry, represented by the organisations behind this letter, is grateful for the recognition that the UN Security Council and they personally have placed on the shipping industry and the importance of free movement as set out in international law. They also thank and applaud IMO Secretary-General - Arsenio Dominguez for all the hard work raising the profile of shipping and seafarers. However, the incident this weekend, when the vessel MSC Aries was seized by Iranian forces a...

Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global is the world’s largest seafood trade event. Buyers, suppliers, media, and other seafood professionals from 150 countries visit the exposition. Attendees come to meet with existing suppliers, source new products and network with other industry professionals. It is the global place where the seafood industry meets. Diversified’s living affinities Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global is brought to by Diversified Communications, e...

To improve and enhance its presence in East Coast South America, Pacific International Lines (PIL) is pleased to introduce two revamped weekly direct services, connecting key ports in China, and Singapore, with Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay. Known as East Coast Service 1 (ES1) and East Coast Service 2 (ES2), they are an enhancement of PIL’s existing Sino-South America Service (SSA) and South America Service 2 (SA2). ES1 and ES2 ES1 will commence on 10 May 2024 from Shanghai and wil...

As the 2024 MYBA Charter Show approaches, set to take place from Monday, April 22nd to Thursday, April 25th at Marina Molo Vecchio in Genoa, U-Boat Worx wanted to bring attention to an exciting development. The 37-metre M/Y OURWAY, which is currently available for charter through Fraser, will be participating in the show. U-Boat Worx is pleased to announce that to serve future charter guests even more, it features a state-of-the-art NEMO submarine. Explorer Yacht This Explore...

Watson Farley & Williams advised Danaos Corporation on a US$450m post-delivery senior secured term loan facility to finance eight newbuild vessels under construction in the Daehan, Dalian and Qingdao shipyards to be delivered in 2024-2025. The lending syndicate comprised four major shipping banks. The newbuilding vessels will be the most efficient in Danaos’ fleet as they are built in accordance with the latest IMO requirements in relation to Tier III emission standards and Energ...

Imoto Lines and Marindows, as a first step in transforming the future of domestic maritime shipping, will build the next generation of zero-emission domestic container ships capable of hybrid operation using Japan's first exchangeable container batteries, alongside onboard batteries, and generators, and conduct demonstration experiments on the Kobe-Hiroshima service. This project is a challenge towards a sustainable future for domestic maritime shipping, aimed at fundamentally solving the three...

Classification society DNV presented Australian green technology, energy, and metals company Fortescue with class and statutory certificates for its dual-fuelled ammonia-powered vessel ‘Green Pioneer’ at a ceremony held during Singapore Maritime Week. This marked the culmination of a project that began in 2021 when DNV was engaged by Fortescue to work on the feasibility study and 'Fuel ready (Ammonia)' notation for the vessel’s conversion.    Technology Qualificatio...

Strong global growth in all areas, industry-pioneering sustainability projects, development of a diverse talent pipeline and pioneering advances in digital and condition-based technologies were highlighted for members from around the world at the 162nd ABS Annual Members Meeting. Members heard that continued focus on industry fundamentals had propelled the ABS fleet to 289 million gross tons and strengthened its number one position in global new order share at 24.2 percent, holding pioneer...

The World Shipping Council (WSC) is calling on the EU to design policy frameworks that facilitate the essential role of shipping in a globally connected economy and to forge the path to net-zero shipping by 2050 in partnership with industry. 2024-2029 legislative term Outlining its recommendations for the 2024-2029 legislative term, the WSC urges the EU to: Work to secure effective global greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction regulations and implement the Green Deal to ensure that...

Pacific International Lines (PIL) has joined the non-profit organisation, Digital Container Shipping Association (DCSA), to drive standardisation and digital innovation in the container shipping industry. Digitalisation standards DCSA’s founding members consist of 9 of the 10 largest container shipping companies worldwide and represent approximately 70% of global container trade. The association was founded to accelerate digitalisation by streamlining and harmonising data standards,...

In 2023, CO2 emissions in the port decreased by 2.2 Mton (10%) compared to 2022. Emissions are one third lower than in 2016, the peak year in terms of CO2 emissions in the port. In 2023, CO2 emission levels (20.3 Mton) dipped under those of reference year 1990 (20.6 Mton) for the first time. The decrease was caused mainly by the two coal-fired power stations on the Maasvlakte. In 2023, these plants emitted a total of over 2 Mton (38%) less CO2 than in 2022. Emissions from the three gas-fired po...

Watson Farley & Williams (WFW) has advised MSC Cruises (MSC) on the financing for two new LNG-powered cruise ships from French shipbuilder - Chantiers de l’Atlantique. The vessels, World Class 3 and World Class 4 are expected to be delivered in 2026 and 2027 respectively. The financing was provided by a syndicate of lenders led by Banco Santander with ECA support from Bpifrance Export Assurance. Environmental technology In line with MSC’s commitment to investing in future envi...

Wärtsilä Gas Solutions, part of the technology group - Wärtsilä, will supply cargo handling and fuel supply systems for three new large-sized ethane gas carrier (VLEC) vessels. The ships are being built at the HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) yard in Korea for owner Purus. The order, which was booked by Wärtsilä in Q1 2024, further strengthens Wärtsilä’s market-pioneering position in this sector. Wärtsilä cargo handling and fuel supply s...

Ahlsell Norge AS has entered into an agreement to purchase all shares in Alf I Larsen AS, with the purpose of strengthening Ahlsell’s position within the industrial segment in Norway. Alf I. Larsen has 44 employees and sales in 2023 amounted to 164 MNOK. For over 75 years, Alf I. Larsen has been a safe and reliable supplier in the areas of metalworking, workshop equipment, workshop fittings, transmissions and machinery. They are also a major distributor of ball and roller bearings. Best...

The Energy Transition at Sea is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for shipping and governments around the world to revitalise national maritime strategies and build the infrastructure and assets needed to achieve net zero. That’s the view of ABS Chairman and Chief Executive - Christopher J. Wiernicki, who is highlighting how maritime decarbonisation is a powerful driver for national maritime strategy, national security, and job creation. Decarbonisation Christopher J. Wiernicki said, &...

ClassNK has commenced joint research with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) to establish an evaluation method for the compatibility of ship materials with liquefied oxygen (LOX). The aim is to contribute to suppressing fire accidents on ships handling liquefied hydrogen, where LOX could be generated, and to reasonable material selection. Liquefied hydrogen carriers To construct a supply chain for hydrogen, which is expected to be a clean energy source in a decarbonised society, th...

Watson Farley & Williams (“WFW”) has advised Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank (“CACIB”) as an agent, SACE S.p.A and a syndicate of nine banks on pre and post-delivery loan facilities granted to Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH) for the acquisition of four cruise vessels currently under construction at Italian shipyard - Fincantieri S.p.A. The loan facilities are backed by the Italian export credit agency - SACE S.p.A.  Decarbonisati...

The World Shipping Council (WSC), the united voice of liner shipping, is happy to announce that the WSC Board has appointed Joe Kramek as its new President & CEO, to succeed John Butler upon his retirement at the end of July. Joe Kramek brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role, from both the maritime sector and government service. Before stepping into the position of President & CEO, Joe Kramek served as the WSC's Director of U.S. Government Relations. His professiona...

Hapag-Lloyd and three other partners have joined the Rotterdam-Singapore Green and Digital Shipping Corridor, furthering strengthening its efforts to accelerate digitalisation and decarbonisation of one of the world’s foremost shipping routes. The Green and Digital Shipping Corridor was started by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore and Port of Rotterdam Authority in August 2022 to accelerate decarbonisation and digitalisation on the one of the world’s foremost shipping rou...

On February 27th, 2024, the world’s first Voith propelled tractor tug with LNG dual fuel propulsion was successfully launched by Uzmar Shipyard in Istanbul, Turkey. Named the Sultanhani, this is the first of two hulls being built for Turkish tug operator - BOTAS to Robert Allan Ltd.’s TRAktor V3900-DF design. TRAktor V3900-DF A first-of-its-kind design, the TRAktor V3900-DF builds on Robert Allan Ltd.’s extensive experience in designing both - Voith tractor tugs and LNG dual...

Babcock and Roshel, a manufacturer of armoured special purpose vehicles, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to collaboratively explore opportunities to support the Canadian Armed Forces. For over 16 years, Babcock has been proud to play a critical role supporting Canada’s safety and security. With a focus on mission critical assets, Babcock is trusted to support members of the Canadian Armed Forces from coast-to-coast. As Babcock expands its operations in Canada, it continue...

Optimarin AS, a major Norwegian supplier of ballast water treatment systems (BWTS) for the maritime industry, has agreed to acquire the Hyde Marine UV business from the Italian multinational - Industrie De Nora S.p.A. Trademarks and assets acquired Under the transaction, Optimarin will purchase technologies, trademarks, and selected assets about the design, sale, and aftermarket of systems using UV technology for ballast water treatment and disinfection, promoted under the Hyde Marine® and...