Surveillance & Maritime News for May 2024

ICEX Spain Export and Investment is firmly committed to companies working in the field of logistics and supply chain and, as part of its internationalisation strategy, is organising a ‘Conference on Technological Solutions for Global Value Chains’, with the collaboration of the Port Authority of València (PAV). The conference, which is being held today 30 May in València, is the third in a series of travelling sessions throughout Spain that began last year in Madrid an...

The complex decarbonised systems of the future will require autonomous management systems for viable exploitation. These were among some of the key insights shared with delegates at a one-day Automation Summit, part of Singapore Maritime Week earlier in 2024, which was led by the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), the UK’s national metrology institute, and Lloyd’s Register, the maritime industry consultancy and services provider. Autonomous ship technology Potential efficiency ga...

ABS and representatives from an HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) consortium signed a pioneering joint development agreement (JDP) that paves the way for the onboard manufacture of repair parts. Using a digital library for the design process and 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing (AM), the consortium aims to support rapid maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) on sailing merchant vessels focused on metallic materials. Project partners include ABS; HHI; CScam, 3D print...

A research project that brings together The Cambridge Centre for Advanced Research and Education in Singapore (CARES), Laskaridis Shipping Co. Ltd and Metis will evaluate the real impacts of the fuels offered to solve shipping’s decarbonisation dilemma. The International Maritime Organisation’s strategy for greenhouse gases aims at ships reaching net-zero GHG emissions by around 2050 and ensuring uptake of near-zero GHG fuels by 2030. However, reliable real-world data regarding the...

Inchcape Shipping Services, a global pioneer in port agency and maritime services with over 177 years of maritime experience, introduces OneCape DA, an independent specialist disbursement account management solution designed to navigate the operational complexities of port calls, freeing customers to focus on their strategic priorities. The expert team manages all aspects of disbursement accounts, ensuring clients only pay what is necessary. They understand the maritime industry, its network, a...

The expansion of the SolarDuck office in Tokyo signifies its commitment to the Japanese market and serves the Asia Pacific region to accelerate commercialisation. Building on success with first demonstrator delivered in Tokyo SolarDuck gearing up hiring efforts to support its expansion in the region Kick-off event with stakeholders to mark the next stage of growth for SolarDuck Business development activities The regional office will oversee business development activities over the enti...

Tototheo Maritime, a group of companies at the forefront of maritime satellite communication technologies, proudly announces its strategic rebranding to Tototheo Global. This significant milestone marks Tototheo’s evolution to a pioneer in technology solutions. Tototheo Global is now set to deliver comprehensive, innovative services across multiple sectors, including land, sea, and air, with a strong emphasis on connectivity, IoT, AI-driven analytics, and custom software development. The...

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...