Surveillance & Maritime News for May 2024

Watson Farley & Williams (WFW) is pleased to announce that it has promoted eight lawyers to counsel. They are: Nerina Erasmus – Corporate Nerina’s practice focuses on domestic and cross-border M&A, joint ventures, and private equity transactions, with particular expertise in the energy and infrastructure sectors. She is dual-qualified in England & Wales and South Africa. Valentina Keys - Environment, Health & Safety She also specialises in providing stand-alone...

Tokyu Land Corporation and SolarDuck B.V., in collaboration with Kyocera Communication Systems Corporation, have completed the installation of Japan's first offshore floating solar photovoltaic (OFPV) power plant on the sea surface, under the Tokyo Bay eSG Project (the Project), an initiative of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's Policy Planning Bureau.  This project is a demonstration project by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government that aims to realise the world's most advanced energy gener...

ABS has issued a New Technology Qualification (NTQ) for an innovative ammonia-to-electrical power system from Amogy. The Amogy ammonia-to-electrical power system splits, or 'cracks', liquid ammonia into its base elements of hydrogen and nitrogen, funneling the hydrogen into a fuel cell generating high-performance power. Sustainable, clean energy solution  The technology represents a sustainable, clean energy solution tailored for industries, such as maritime shipping and power generation...

The Fuel EU Maritime Regulation (FEMREG) looms large as shipping companies must decide their fuel compliance strategy and submit their monitoring plans before September. Slow steaming will not be enough to make ‘shipping companies’ compliant and WFW explains why. WFW discusses the basics and offers our expert steer on how best to prepare rather than react.  Background FEMREG’s overarching purpose is to accelerate the use of renewable and low-carbon fuels in shipping. It...

Accelleron has renewed its service agreement with the world’s biggest engine builder - HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Engine & Machinery Division (HHI-EMD) and its lifecycle service company - HD Hyundai Marine Solution (HMS). The agreement, continuing a collaboration that started in 2024, will ensure that owners of engines built by HHI-EMD and vessels or power plants serviced by HMS can benefit from Accelleron’s turbocharger service expertise, spare parts, lifecycle upgrades, and e...

The ABS-classed Liza Unity continues to collect industry firsts by receiving the first REMOTE-CON notation for an FPSO from ABS. The REMOTE-CON notation demonstrates the vessel’s alignment with remote-control functions and signifies that the design and construction of the offshore asset are assessed against and adhere to the ABS Requirements for Autonomous and Remote Control Functions.  Liza Unity The Liza Unity is the second FPSO to be built for ExxonMobil Guyana’s Stabroek...

ABS and Seatrium have enhanced their long-running partnership on cutting-edge marine and technology projects with the signing of a three-year Technology Collaboration Agreement (TCA) at the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC). State-of-the-art projects Entitled 'Accelerating Decarbonisation and Energy Transition', the agreement is the foundation for further collaboration on a succession of state-of-the-art projects under four broad themes: decarbonisation, electrification, new energies, and d...

The Hempel Foundation, in agreement with the Hempel A/S Board of Directors, has agreed to invite CVC Funds to become a minority investor in Hempel A/S to help accelerate Hempel’s ambitious long-term organic and inorganic growth strategy. The partnership with CVC will support the acceleration of Hempel’s organic growth plan, bringing complementary competencies and resources to support Hempel’s growth and value creation plans. In addition, Hempel will benefit from CVC Fund&rsquo...

The construction of the new Rodman 80 for Fred. Olsen Express continues its course and yesterday was successfully launched at the Rodman Polyships facilities, thus concluding the final phase of installations and assembly of the main equipment. The event brought together members of the Shipping Company’s management, such as the General Manager of Fred. Olsen S.A., Andrés Marín; the Fleet Manager, Juan Ignacio Liaño; the Head of the Technical Department, Iván Fer...

Vessel lifecycle management provider ACEL Group of Norway enlisted Finnish power electronics specialist The Switch, a BEMAC Group company, to supply its robust single drives as part of an extensive midlife upgrade of the multipurpose offshore vessel Island Frontier (built-in 2003).  Vessel upgrade The upgrade prepares the ship for another 20 years of demanding operations amid an increasing appetite for retrofits versus new builds. ACEL Group subsidiary Haf Power Solutions (HPS)’s c...

Watson Farley & Williams (WFW) has advised the Blue Ocean maritime strategy managed by EnTrust Global (EnTrust) on its acquisition of Norwegian alternative investment fund manager - Offshore Merchant Partners (OMP) from HitecVision. EnTrust EnTrust is a major global alternative asset management firm. Co-founded in 1997 by Chairman and CEO - Gregg S. Hymowitz, EnTrust offers a diverse range of alternative investment opportunities across strategies, including private debt and real asset...

Classification society - DNV announced at OTC Houston that its new rules and standards for the offshore industry will be published in July, after receiving industry feedback. The new DNV rules cover several segments, including underwater systems and installations, offshore units, diving systems, structural design, and drilling systems. The DNV rules and standards undergo an extensive external hearing process, before their publication and entry into force.    Rules and standardised pr...

ClassNK has released the report – ‘ClassNK Alternative Fuels Insight’, which summarises the characteristics and latest trends of alternative fuels to support their customers’ future fuel selection. Amidst the pressing need for society-wide reduction of GHG emissions, regulations aimed at further promoting GHG emission reductions in international shipping are being introduced. This heralds the arrival of an era where GHG emissions from ships will incur costs. Adoption of...

NorthStandard announces the departure of James Bean, a senior executive team member, following his decision to accept a role as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of The London P&I Club. NorthStandard will not be replacing him as one of two Chiefs of geographical sectors. Steve Cockburn who currently shares the position with James, will assume sole responsibility. Jeremy's comments “It is with mixed feelings that we share this news,” said Jeremy Grose, Co-Managing Director of North...

Ricardo is working to support clients in the maritime sector, developing innovations and exploring new hydrogen activities to help decarbonise the industry.    Ricardo, a global strategic, environmental, and engineering consulting company, is expanding its capabilities in the global maritime sector, supporting clients with the design, development, and testing of large-scale propulsion systems, including multi-stack fuel cell technology.   Hydrogen test facility In Jan...

The London P&I Club has announced that Ian Gooch will be stepping down during the year from the role of Chief Executive Officer after 15 years as CEO and 21 years as a Director of A. Bilbrough & Co., the Company that manages The London P&I Club.  Subject to regulatory approval, Ian Gooch will be succeeded by James Bean, from NorthStandard P&I Club. NorthStandard’s senior leadership A qualified Solicitor, James Bean has worked within the marine insurance industry sin...

ABS awarded approval in principle (AIP) to two critical autonomous functions on a proposed offshore platform in the latest phase of its pioneering collaboration with HD Hyundai Group. The artificial intelligence-based Autonomous Machinery Health Management Function (HiCBM) and the Autonomous Safety Management Function (HiCAMS) both received AIP from ABS at the Offshore Technology Conference in Houston. Latest stage in ABS and HD group The certificates are just the latest stage in ABS and HD H...

South African Nouum Engineering, a provider of diesel engine services for marine, power, locomotive, and generators globally, and Mauritius-based ship repair and conversion yard - Taylor Smith Shipyard have signed a cooperation agreement, expanding both companies’ commercial and operational scopes.  Engineering work Willy van Niekerk, General Manager of TSS is very pleased, stating “This cooperation provides Taylor Smith Shipyard with the opportunity to accept more and signifi...

BG Freight Line has unveiled its greenest ships yet with four new vessels that will help its customers significantly reduce their carbon emissions. State-of-the-art scrubber The new ships will use a state-of-the-art scrubber to catch CO2 and sulphur particles, as well as have increased cargo capacity which will result in a lower carbon footprint per container. They are also equipped to handle biomethanol, allowing them to be powered by this sustainable fuel source as it becomes increasingly...

NAVTOR is calling on hydrographic offices and other industry stakeholders to help urgently “bridge the divide” between vessels and management teams with the widescale roll-out of onshore ENCs. Without a joined-up, global approach to the issue, the Norwegian maritime technology company says important development areas such as autonomous shipping, route planning, optimisation, and effective emergency response measures could be held back. NAVTOR’s Paul Elgar describes the current...

Ocean freight container carriers are treading a fine line between risk and reward during new contract negotiations as the market remains gripped by uncertainty in the Red Sea, according to new data on the Xeneta Shipping Index (XSI®). The latest data released by Xeneta, on Thursday, shows the Global XSI® (the average rate of all valid long-term contracts in the market) remained fairly flat in April at 154.3 points, up by just 1.7% from March. However, looking at sub-indices within this...

Optimarin is expanding its position in the market for ballast water treatment systems with a deal to acquire peer player Hyde Marine from De Nora Marine Technologies that will significantly boost its installed base of BWTSs and give Hyde customers access to its global aftersales network. The Norwegian ballast water treatment specialist has entered into a definitive Asset Purchase Agreement with Italy’s De Nora whereby it will acquire Hyde Marine’s UV BWTS technology, produc...

Global law firm - Norton Rose Fulbright has advised Bibby Marine on a shipbuilding contract to deliver the world’s first truly zero-emission, electric Commissioning Service Operation Vessel (eCSOV). The eCSOV, which will be built at Astilleros Gondán’s shipyard in Asturias, Spain, is expected to be delivered in 2026. Designed in collaboration with UK-based ship designers Longitude, it will feature a powerful battery system, complemented by dual-fuel methanol engines for emiss...

Sensor solutions provider - HENSOLDT UK has been selected by Navantia UK to provide key systems to the UK Royal Fleet Auxiliary’s (RFA) three new Fleet Solid Support (FSS) ships. The new vessels will incorporate Quadome Naval 3D Air and Surface Surveillance Radar, Air Traffic Management (ATM) systems, and Kelvin Hughes Integrated Navigation Bridge Systems (INBS). The FSS ships will play a crucial role in supporting the replenishment operations of the Royal Navy's Queen Elizabeth Class air...

The technology group - Wärtsilä’s unique Decarbonisation Services have been chosen to support Tristar Eships, the maritime logistics division of the Dubai-based Tristar Group, in decarbonising its operations. Wärtsilä’s Decarbonisation Services Wärtsilä’s Decarbonisation Services will initially be applied to two tankers in the company’s fleet and is tailored to create a significant reduction in their carbon emissions. “We are committ...

Crowley has named Phil Shook as Senior Vice President and General Manager of Land Transportation Services to lead the company’s newly created business unit. The formal creation of the business unit reflects Crowley’s growth strategy and opportunity in the sectors. Serving as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, Shook will be responsible for commercial business in North America, including all land-based transportation, such as brokerage solutions, intermodal services, trucking and...

Despite an Indiana University study showing a luxury superyacht produces around 7,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide each year, the vessels are exempt from many maritime emissions regulations. While efforts to reduce their environmental impact have progressed in recent years, the industry is still far from sustainable. Mike Torbitt, Managing Director of marine resistor manufacturer - Cressall, explores the progress the yachting industry has made, and what more can be done to improve its environmental...

Anemoi Marine Technologies Ltd – a global major in wind-assisted propulsion technology for commercial vessels – has announced the appointment of Claes Horndahl as their new Commercial Director. With a career spanning more than 20 years supporting gas carriers and tankers, Claes brings a wealth of expertise in maritime consultancy, commercial strategy, and operational efficiency to Anemoi, as the company ramps up production of its award-winning Rotor Sail systems owing to growing dem...

Watson Farley & Williams (WFW) has advised Jiangsu Financial Leasing Co., Ltd. (JSFL) on the US$75 million financing for 10 chemical/oil products tankers and four general cargo vessels owned by the Yildirim Group (Yildirim). The transaction was not a pure sale and leaseback as the closing mechanism was complex as it involved the prepayment of outstanding exposure from a previous transaction, discharging securities promptly, and multiple transfers on the closing date. Structured loan-to-val...

More than 70 managers from 26 Spanish Port Authorities and Puertos del Estado (State Ports) concluded on Friday the conference ‘The culture of control, ethics and integrity in the Spanish Port System’, which Valenciaport hosted on 25 and 26 April, 2024, in the Clock Building. For two days, experts in Internal Control and Auditing debated the best formulas for tackling the challenges of the Spanish Port System from a model of Governance based on control, integrity and ethics. Their o...