Surveillance & Maritime News for July 2024

Aiming to establish minimum requirements for the cyber-resilience of newbuild vessels and their connected systems, IACS unified requirements (URs) E26 and E27 provide a new benchmark for shipping’s response to its growing exposure to cyber-attacks. Officially in force from 1 July 2024 and broadly welcomed by industry, the new URs represent another step forward in strengthening Maritime's resilience to the evolving cyber threat. However, according to a thought-provoking discussion recently...

Watson Farley & Williams (WFW) advised GEFO Shipping Group (GEFO) on its order of two additional climate-friendly chemical tankers from the Chinese shipyard Nantong Xiangyu (Xiangyu). Delivery is scheduled for late 2026 or early 2027 with options for two further vessels also agreed. Fuel-saving design The current order complements a previous one for ten stainless steel tankers with a fuel-saving design placed in January 2024 on which WFW also advised GEFO. Both transactions are part of a...

Technology group - Wärtsilä has signed a 16-year Lifecycle Agreement with Seapeak Maritime (Glasgow) Ltd, one of the largest independent owner-operators of liquefied gas vessels. The contract covers ten LNG Carriers and is an extension of an earlier Wärtsilä Lifecycle Agreement for these vessels. The new order was booked by Wärtsilä in Q1 2024. The global demand for LNG is rising, and is expected to continue to rise over the coming years, which is driving a need fo...

The Naval Support Integrated Global Network (NSIGN) Programme has been established to deliver the future of in-service support to Royal Navy warships and submarines, along with maintenance and operation of the three Naval Bases. NSIGN will be a framework of contracts that will support all legacy, new-to-service and future platform types including modular solutions.  NSIGN is now in the concept phase and within this, the Ships Engineering Project has stood up ready to continue with market e...

Watson Farley & Williams ('WFW') is strengthening its Middle East ship finance practice with the relocation of Assets & Structured Finance Partner, Emily Widdrington from London to Dubai as of 1 August 2024. Emily has over 12 years of experience advising and acting for banks and ship owners on loan and security documentation. Her experience ranges from advising on high-value ECA-backed financings to loan agreements involving sustainability-linked margin adjustments. New LNG-powered cru...

ABS awarded approval in principle (AIP) to two new developments from Jiangnan Shipyard: a new insulation system and a modern design for an ultra-large ethane carrier (ULEC). The ULEC design is first equipped with the next-generation BrilliancE® II Type-B cargo containment system, a modern cryogenic liquefied gas containment system designed to optimise ship performance. The second AIP was awarded for Jiangnan’s patented insulation system, PnFCOMBi, which can be used for type B tan...

ClassNK has released the latest "ClassNK Technical Journal”, which has been published for contributing to the advancement of technology and society through the outcome of R&D and technical activities. Safe EV transportation The latest issue, “ClassNK Technical Journal No.9 2024 (I)” features entitled “Initiatives for Vehicle Carrier Fires”, which introduces the guidance for the safe transportation of EVs and fire-extinguishing technology for vehicle carrie...

ClassNK has carried out third-party verification for self-aggregated social data of Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. and its group companies, and issued an assurance statement. In an era where proactive corporate actions are required to realise a sustainable society, disclosure of non-financial information, such as environmental data and social data is increasing in importance as a corporate ESG performance indicator. Disclosure of ESG information ClassNK is providing support towards the realisatio...

Maritime UK’s Chair Robin Mortimer and Chief Executive Chris Shirling-Rooke met with the new Maritime Minister, Mike Kane MP and the Department for Transport team at Great Minster House in Westminster. Following the Minister’s recent appointment, the meeting provided an excellent opportunity for Maritime UK to discuss key priorities for the industry and raise the importance of focusing on growth and prosperity throughout the sector and in their coastal communities. Thriving marit...

ClassNK has released ‘Guidelines for Cyber resilience of ships’. The guidelines expound new IACS Unified Requirements (UR) to support the consideration of measures to ensure the cyber security of ships. IACS has established UR E26 for ships and UR E27 for on-board systems and equipment as URs setting minimum requirements for cyber resilience, which is the capability to reduce the occurrence and mitigate the effects of cyber incidents due to cyber-attacks or other threats. The URs ha...

The state-of-the-art 'Olympic Boreas' CSOV has been delivered to Olympic by Ulstein Verft on 25.07.2024. The vessel is the first of two sister vessels, based on the ULSTEIN SX222 design by Ulstein Design & Solutions AS. 'Olympic Boreas' CSOV Olympic Boreas has been designed with the TWIN X-STERN solution and comes with a unique hybrid power integration. Further, she has a large gangway system installed, high-capacity, delicately furnished accommodation, including offices, lounges, day roo...

The International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX), North America’s premier technical trade event for the recreational marine industry, announced its expanded pavilions and trade routes focusing on start-ups, industry education, as well as cutting-edge technologies and processes. Registration is open for 2024's show, set to take place at the Tampa Convention Center, from October 1 - 3, 2024. Start-Up pavilion In partnership with Yachting Ventures, IBEX will introduce...

Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) is pleased to announce leadership appointments to further strengthen its management team. At a recent meeting, the Board of Directors approved the appointment of Mr. P.K. Mishra as Managing Director and Mr. T.K. Sahu as Joint Managing Director, effective August 1, 2024. Mr. P.K. Mishra Mr. P.K. Mishra has been with the organisation for 26 years and previously served as Joint Managing Director. He brings with him a wealth of experience and a dee...

ABS and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) are working together to develop a model-based additive manufacturing (AM) qualification framework for the maritime industry to reduce lead time and cost for AM part approvals. Model-based approach Traditional manufacturing processes rely on physical tests for verification and validation of their mechanical performance, including test coupons, specimens, and prototype components. Additive manufacturing, while also currently dependent...

ABS has released guidance focused on ammonia bunkering, the first such advisory for the industry. The ABS Ammonia Bunkering: Technical and Operational Advisory considers the aspects of bunkering ammonia as a fuel, providing the maritime industry with a better understanding of the challenges involved and how best to address them. Ammonia as a fuel Due to its greenhouse gas emissions reduction potential, ammonia is widely considered a major alternative fuel candidate. However, given its to...

Technology group Wärtsilä will supply a hybrid-electric propulsion system for an 11,000 dwt Limestone Carrier. The vessel was contracted by Montreal-based CSL Group (“CSL”) with CCCC Shanghai Equipment Engineering and Jingjiang Nanyang Shipbuilding. The order with Wärtsilä was booked in Q1 2024. The order reflects CSL’s focus on reducing its emissions profile via a comprehensive decarbonisation strategy. Wärtsilä has been closely involved in devel...

ABS awarded approval in principle (AIP) to CLS Wind for its innovative wind turbine assembly system.  The patented elevator-style assembly system promises easier, safer and faster wind turbine and nacelle installation and maintenance, without the use of large cranes and heavy-lift barges or vessels. ABS completed design reviews based on class and statutory requirements. “This is an exciting milestone for CLS Wind and domestic renewable energy production. ABS is committed to supportin...

American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and the United States Coast Guard Research and Development Centre (USCG-RDC) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that opens the door to collaborative research and development on top-of-mind technologies impacting the maritime industry. ABS and the USCG-RDC each have robust portfolios of maritime innovation projects that will benefit from cooperative efforts in areas of mutual interest. Fuels in the maritime domain Activity under the MOU can include dev...

Thordon Bearings’ brake cups are being supplied to Hydro-Québec, the largest hydropower company in Canada, as part of a decade-long turbine brake system overhaul program. The Burlington-based bearing and seal specialist is providing the brake cups to its Canadian distributor RMH Industries, an integrated company specialising in mechanical and hydraulic repair and machining of oversized parts. RMH Industries has been manufacturing and repairing brake blocks for Hydro-Québec s...

Seanergy Maritime, a prominent pure-play Capesize shipowner that is publicly listed in the US and provides marine dry bulk transportation services, has chosen to integrate Orca AI's cutting-edge automated computer-vision situational awareness platform into its operations. AI's advanced technology The project demonstrates Seanergy's commitment to advancing safety and efficiency in maritime navigation. Athens-based Seanergy currently owns a modern fleet of 18 dry bulk vessels Athens-based Sean...

In Rotterdam, the Eco Maestro was christened, the first dual-fuel container vessel to sail on methanol. Rotterdam will be the home port to all fourteen vessels of the Singapore X-Press Feeders. X-press Feeders aims to have these ‘green vessels’ sail mainly on routes in Europe, which means there will be a first network of feeders sailing on green methanol in Europe. The Taiwan container shipping company Evergreen Feeders has signed a contract to that end with the Singapore feeder shi...

Bibby Financial Services (BFS) has bolstered its Marine Finance business with the appointment of an experienced front and back-office team, as it looks to grow its support for the maritime sector. First launching in 2023, BFS Marine Finance provides specialist financing and support to the sector across a wide range of vessel types, including wind farm service vessels, general purpose workboats, passenger vessels and ferries, survey vessels, tugs and barges, coastal ships, charter boats and hire...

Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), the premier shipbuilding and repair company in India, delivered the 15th Electric Hybrid 100 Pax Water Metro Ferry BY 126 to Kochi Water Metro. The occasion was marked by the Delivery Protocol Signing ceremony held at CSL, in the presence of Directors of KMRL and CSL, along with senior officials from KMRL, CSL, DNV, and IRS. Shri. Harikrishnan S, Chief General Manager CSL, and Shri. Shaji P. Jananardhanan, Chief General Manager KMRL, signed the protocol document o...

ABB has been awarded a contract by Washington State Ferries (WSF) to serve as the propulsion single source vendor (PSSV) for its groundbreaking new hybrid electric 160-auto ferries. This project marks a significant milestone in the evolution of sustainable maritime transportation in the US and beyond, with ABB playing a pivotal role in developing and delivering the five newly built vessels. Hybrid electric propulsion systems As PSSV, ABB will supply comprehensive hybrid electric propulsion sy...

National Maritime, in partnership with the University of Greenwich, will host a two-day conference and exhibition exploring sustainable practices and business opportunities in the maritime realm. The 4th Society & the Sea International Conference 2024 will take place on the 9th and 10th of September 2024 in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Maritime Greenwich. The theme of the conference is ‘To be truly blue, we must also think green: developing a sustainable blue economy needs b...

ITOCHU Corporation, ClassNK, Nihon Shipyard Co., Ltd., and Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) regarding a joint study for the design and safety specifications of ammonia-fuelled ships which are under development by ITOCHU and partners. Ammonia is advancing as a viable marine fuel solution for the decarbonisation of the maritime sector. The discussion for a specification of ammonia-fuelled ship with governmental body related to their op...

ABS and the Korea Research Institute of Ships and Ocean Engineering (KRISO) are working together to advance commercial small modular reactor (SMR)-powered ships and floating SMR power generation platforms. Technology and framework ABS will provide an analysis of applicable regulatory guidelines and international standards for the design of SMR-powered ships. KRISO will develop core technologies for SMR-powered ships, including conceptual designs for the vessel and propulsion systems as well a...

A pair of dual fuel (diesel and LNG) RAstar 4200-DF standby vessels have recently entered service with Hongkong Salvage & Towage (HKST). Built by Cheoy Lee Shipyards, LNG Sentinel I and LNG Sentinel II were specifically designed for service at the Hong Kong LNG Terminal Limited (HKLTL) import terminal. Featuring a unique electrical propulsion system with Z-drives that can receive power from both diesel and dual fuel (diesel and LNG) propulsion gensets, these vessels will help maintain a saf...

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel with a 57-year history of breaking boundaries, announces its 2026 spring/summer itineraries to the Caribbean, Bahamas, Bermuda, Alaska, and Canada and New England, as well as a new season of voyages from the Port of Philadelphia (PhilaPort) for the first time in many years. In April 2026, NCL will launch cruises sailing from the SouthPort Marine Terminal Complex in Philadelphia. On April 16, 2026, Norwegian Jewel® will comme...

Peninsula, the global pioneer in marine energy solutions, is pleased to announce the successful LNG bunkering of the car carrier - Thor Highway by their LNG bunker vessel, Levante LNG.  The supply operation was carried out for their customer - “K” LINE in Gibraltar. Thor Highway The Thor Highway, operated by “K” LINE, is a newly built LNG dual-fueled car carrier chartered by the company and was delivered in 2024. The vessel is part of “K” LINE’s...