Surveillance & Maritime News for October 2024

Indian Register of Shipping (IRS), a globally recognised classification society, is proud to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with SeaTech Solutions International (S) Pte Ltd, a Singapore-based maritime engineering and design firm. This MOU highlights a broader international collaboration aimed at advancing sustainable maritime solutions, including the Greentech design and classification of next-generation green tugs and harbour crafts for global operations. Latest e...

Oceania Cruises®, the culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, has revealed its 2026 Collection of Voyages featuring an extraordinary breadth of sailings across Alaska, the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and beyond. The 2026 Collection of Voyages features more than 100 enticing itineraries, plus 35 Grand Voyages, offering the most enjoyable means of extended exploration by sea aboard six of the line's ultra-premium, small ships. Onboard culinary team The thoughtfully planned voyage...

ABS has secured a contract to provide and test a digital twin solution for real-time condition monitoring for a Petrobras floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) unit. The ABS solution will provide a digital twin of the asset, and as part of the project, ABS has selected Akselos S.A. to deploy the Akselos Structural Performance Management software that will be evaluated over the course of a year by monitoring one of the four FPSO units in the Cessão Onerosa oil field. Life ex...

Industry pioneers at the Xeneta Summit 2024, in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, have been told ocean container shipping must harness the power of machine learning to protect supply chains in an increasingly complex and volatile market. In a keynote speech to announce Xeneta’s new in-platform Ocean Market Rate Outlook, Chief Product Officer - Fabio Brocca explained how machine learning will transform the way freight is bought and sold by predicting market movements on the world’s major c...

ClassNK has granted its Innovation Endorsement for Products & Solutions to Ship Energy Efficiency Monitoring System (SEEMS) developed by the Samundra Institute of Maritime Studies. In order to promote the spread and development of innovative technologies, ClassNK has offered Innovation Endorsement for Products & Solutions. Deployment of products ClassNK supports the deployment of products and services through third-party certification for equipment and software technology with innovat...

ClassNK has granted the class notation ‘a-EA (GRS)’ to ‘BRIGHT QUEEN’, the bulk carrier operated by NYK Bulk & Projects Carriers Ltd., certifying the use of green steel. This is the world’s first case of a notation being affixed for using green steel in a vessel. There’s a growing focus on using green steel, which reduces GHG emissions in the manufacturing process, in ships as part of efforts to cut GHG emissions across the entire supply chain. To support...

Wärtsilä Gas Solutions, part of technology group Wärtsilä, has been contracted to supply the cargo handling and fuel gas supply systems for six newbuild medium-sized gas carrier (MGC) vessels, which again strengthens the company's market-pioneering position in this sector. The new vessels are built at the Jiangsu Yangzi-Mitsui (YAMIC) Shipbuilding yard in China for a Japanese shipowner. The order was booked by Wärtsilä in Q3 2024. Wärtsil&...

In partnership, Power2X and Advario are developing a world-scale production and storage hub for sustainable aviation fuel (e-SAF) and synthetic, ultra-low carbon fuels in the port of Rotterdam. The Power2X production facility will have the capacity to produce over 250,000 tonnes/year of e-SAF, a non-fossil, synthetic fuel made from green hydrogen. It will be the largest e-SAF facility announced to-date, making sufficient ultra-low carbon fuel to fully power approximately 7,000 flights between A...

Iridium Communications Inc. a provider of global voice and data satellite communications, announces the Space Development Agency (SDA) has awarded the General Dynamics Mission Systems (GDMS) and Iridium team a $491.6 million contract modification in support of its Ground Management and Integration (GMI) program for the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA). Of this amount, Iridium's share has a value of $239 million over five years. This award follows an initial Operations and Inte...

Swiss marine power company - WinGD has introduced an option for its X-DF-A ammonia-fuelled engines to be delivered capable of running on liquified petroleum gas (LPG). The ‘pre-fit’ solution will be of particular interest to vessels under construction for the anticipated global trade in ammonia, which will also be capable of transporting LPG. LPG’s primary component The engine, designed and optimised for ammonia fuel, will offer reliable and efficient running on LPG Named X...

Gibdock Shipyard and Armada Technologies Ltd. are pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore the integration of Armada's proprietary air lubrication system, the Passive Air Lubrication System (PALS), into vessels serviced by Gibdock. This agreement marks a significant step towards enhancing energy efficiency and reducing harmful emissions in the maritime industry. Innovative PALS System The collaboration aims to leverage the strengths of both organisati...

Global law firm - Norton Rose Fulbright has advised ABN AMRO and National Australia Bank (NAB) on their arrangement of acquisition financing for Celsius Shipping (Celsius) and Basalt Infrastructure Partners (Basalt) to acquire two LNG carriers. Celsius and Basalt formed a new joint venture for the acquisition of the two state-of-the-art vessels – the Celsius Copenhagen and Celsius Carolina – which were built in Korea and operate using the latest, most fuel-efficient propulsion techn...

Watson Farley & Williams is pleased to announce the publication of the third edition of The Law of Ship Mortgages, written by Partner Charles Buss, recently retired Partner - David Osborne and Knowledge Counsel - Joanne Champkins. Described as the definitive text on English ship finance law, the first edition was published in 2001 and has been well-received ever since. Impact on shipping This third edition was written with the ever-increasing sanctions and their impact on shipping and shi...

Swiss marine power company - WinGD has introduced an option for its X-DF-A ammonia-fuelled engines to be delivered capable of running on liquified petroleum gas (LPG).  The ‘pre-fit’ solution will be of particular interest to vessels under construction for the anticipated global trade in ammonia, which will also be capable of transporting LPG. X-DF-P Named X-DF-P for the propane that is LPG’s primary component, the solution will be released to enable first engine delive...

NS United Kaiun Kaisha, Ltd. and Vale International SA have reached an agreement to install rotor sails (H:35 m x D:5 m x 5 unites) manufactured by Anemoi Marine Technologies Ltd. on 400,000 dwt-type VLOC, NSU TUBARAO (the Ship), which has been engaged in a long-term transportation contract between NSU and Vale since its delivery in September 2020. The installation of the rotor sails on the ship is scheduled for around September 2025. Greenhouse gas emissions NSU has been actively working to...

WEG and Eletrobras were present at CIGRE Paris 2024, where Engineer - Mateus Alexandrino, from the Transmission Department of the Vice-Presidency of Engineering and Expansion of Eletrobras, made a presentation about the reliability of protection, automation and control systems (PACS) associated with redundancy and system condition monitoring. WEG and Eletrobras partnership The work between WEG and Eletrobras addresses the modernisation process of the Itajaí substation, located in southe...

The Panama Canal was emphasised as a key player in global trade during the New York Maritime Forum (NYMF). The Canal Administrator, Ricaurte Vásquez Morales, presented the achievements reached in fiscal year 2024 (FY-2024), which has optimised the reliability and sustainability of this maritime route. In his speech, Ricaurte Vásquez Morales shared official data for FY-2024, highlighting some of the operational accomplishments of the Panama Canal during a year of particular attenti...

The American Gear Manufacturers Association (AGMA) is a non-profit trade association that represents the gear industry and seeks to promote the interests of manufacturers and suppliers of related equipment. The association offers its members a community for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and the development of new technologies. Increasing operational efficiency AGMA provides a platform for the development of technical standards, education, research, and advocacy Additionally, it promote...

They were proud to attend an event on Sunday 13 October to mark the commencement of rail services at Belfast Grand Central Station after playing a major role in the construction of the new rail infrastructure at the world-class transport hub. Now Ireland’s largest state-of-the-art integrated station for train, coach and bus travel all under one roof, the new station provides enhanced local and international connectivity across Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and beyond, transforming...

Poole Harbour Commissioners were proud to bid farewell to Pip Hare on Monday 14 October at 11:00 as she set sail for France in preparation for the prestigious Vendée Globe 2024. As one of the most challenging and renowned events in the sailing world, the Vendée Globe will see Pip take on a monumental solo journey, circling the globe without stops, assistance, or crew. Unpredictable conditions The race, which starts on 10 November 2024 from Les Sables-d’Olonne, France,...

Poole Sea Cadets recently unveiled their ambitious expansion plans at a well-attended public meeting, drawing over a hundred participants, including members of the public, families, local councillors, and MP Vikki Slade. The meeting highlighted the unit’s success in attracting a growing number of recruits but emphasised the need for a new headquarters to accommodate this growth. Proposed new facility The event featured a concert by the unit’s award-winning marching band, which...

SMA is in an exciting phase and is working actively to reduce its climate impact. It is now clear that the Artemis EF-12 Pilot boat will be a part of the pilot boat fleet and is estimated to be in full operation from spring 2026. "This is certainly a game changer when it comes to electric boats in terms of range and energy efficiency. It is one of many steps for us at SMA to reduce the use of fossil fuels in our operations," says Erik Eklund, Director General, SMA. Energy consumption The ener...

ERMA FIRST, a globally renowned sustainable maritime solutions provider, has joined the RightShip Zero Harm Innovation Partners Program, which aims to promote the adoption of solutions targeting a zero-harm maritime industry. Committed to preserving and protecting the marine ecosystem, ERMA FIRST offers an extensive portfolio of future-proof maritime sustainability solutions encompassing alternative maritime power (AMP), carbon capture and storage (CCS), and energy-saving devices (ESDs). Futur...

Watson Farley & Williams (WFW) advised Crédit Mutuel Impact and Bpifrance on an equity investment into French cargo sailing ship developer and operator VELA Sail For Goods (VELA).  Other investors also took part including US-based 11th Hour. The investment will help finance the construction of a trimaran cargo vessel to be built by shipyard Austal Philippines for lease to VELA. Crédit Mutuel Impact and Bpifrance The multi-disciplinary WFW Paris team that advised Cr&eacu...

Vestdavit is boosting sales of its in-demand lightweight aluminium davits to the naval segment with a further order for four PLAR-6501 systems to be delivered to a pair of Evolved Cape-class patrol vessels under construction at shipbuilder - Austal Australia for the Royal Australian Navy. The latest contract brings the number of PLAR davits supplied to the Cape and Evolved Cape-class vessels for the Royal Australian Navy to a total of 20. Boat launch-and-recovery systems “The operationa...

APM Terminals Maasvlakte II (APMT MVII) will equip its terminal with shore power from 2028. This is a significant step in making the port of Rotterdam sustainable. For this purpose, the company has signed an agreement with Rotterdam Shore Power comprising a partnership between the Port of Rotterdam Authority and Eneco. This means that from 2028, sea-going vessels will be supplied with clean energy while staying in the port. Agreement with Rotterdam Shore Years of trial and coalition preceded...

WISTA International AGM and Conference 2024, which took place 9–11 October in Limassol, Cyprus, marked the association’s 50th anniversary with a memorable programme, three new national associations, the announcement of a new Equity Fund, and a broadening of objectives.  Bringing together over 350 delegates from all sectors of maritime, trading, and logistics, the event was notable for being the first WISTA conference attended by a national leader, with Nikos Christodoulides, Pr...

In a significant step towards sustainability and emission-free energy sources on board, Offshore Supply Vessel Coastal Liberty has set sail on the waters of the Wadden Sea. With the clear aim of minimising the environmental impact of its activities and driving forward the energy transition, the shipping company has decided to switch to green hydrogen as its main source of energy. End of February 2024 the refitted OSV received class certification by DNV for its newly installed hydrogen system on...

In celebration of the 108th anniversary of the Institute of Engineering, Décio da Silva, Chairman of the WEG Board of Directors, received the title of Eminent Engineer of the Year 2024 at the award ceremony held yesterday (10th) in São Paulo. The ceremony, organized by the Engineering Institute, celebrated his successful trajectory and contributions to the industrial sector. The event was broadcast live on the Institute’s website and YouTube channel. Largest international p...

Anthony Veder proudly announces the launch of two VentoFoils sails onboard of ethylene carrier, Coral Patula, delivered by Econowind. With this installation, Anthony Veder is the first worldwide to install sails onboard a gas carrier. Later this year sister ship Coral Pearl will be equipped with two similar sails. By retrofitting existing gas carriers, the company unlocks the potential of wind propulsion as a sustainable solution for the maritime industry. Net-zero emitter by 2035 Björn...