Prime movers News

The European Commission published a call for proposals under the “Connecting Europe Facility” (“CEF”) transport funding programme to support the deployment of alternative fuels supply infrastructure and contribute to decarbonisation along Europe’s most important transport network (the “TEN-T network”). The programme is closely tied to the new regulatory framework for the transport sector in the EU’s “Fit for 55” package, which sets ambi...

ABB has been selected by the Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) to supply a comprehensive grid-to-propeller solution for the new double-ended, hybrid-electric ferry that will provide essential services between the town of Lincolnville and the island community of Islesboro in the United States.  Due to replacing an existing diesel-powered ferry, the new vessel will demonstrate the preference of publicly funded organisations in the US for the high reliability and lower emissions a...

Vestdavit is reaping the benefits of its strategic location in the Netherlands with its Dutch subsidiary boosting revenue by 50% last year as the regional business grows on the back of increasing aftersales and davit commissioning work on newbuilds. And the ball keeps rolling for Vestdavit BV, led by regional Managing Director Magnar Bøyum, as turnover has already risen by 25% in the first quarter of this year, mirroring a similar trend for the overall group that has recorded hu...

Watson Farley & Williams (WFW) has advised UniCredit S.p.A. (“UniCredit”) on a loan granted to Augusta S.r.l. (“Rimorchiatori Augusta”) to pay for the purchase of the Italian-flagged tugboat Ortigia which recently joined their fleet. Rimorchiatori Augusta is owned by Rimorchiatori Mediterranei, the world’s renowned port towage operator. Built in Turkey and currently registered in Catania, Sicily, the Ortigia has a maximum speed of around 12 knots and a towing c...

International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) Publications announces the launch of the fifth edition of ‘Shipping and the Environment: A Guide to Environmental Compliance’. This latest edition offers comprehensive updates and expanded insights into the intricate relationship between shipping operations and environmental protection. The fifth edition is a definitive guide, providing a holistic introduction to companies and crew members navigating this complex subject matter. Recognising th...

Global law firm - Norton Rose Fulbright has advised Citibank, N.A. (Citibank), as Coordinator, BNP Paribas, KfW, and Alpha Bank on a $450 million syndicated facility for Danaos Corporation (Danaos). Financial aid The facility will assist with the financing of eight newly built container vessels built by the Daehan, Dalian, and Qingdao shipyards. These container vessels meet the latest IMO requirements for emissions and energy-efficient design, making them Danaos’ most sustainable vessels...

Kongsberg Discovery is pleased to announce that the first production system of their revolutionary long-range Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) HUGIN Endurance has completed factory acceptance testing. Sea trials Sea trials for the first production unit began in September 2023, and over the last months, the Kongsberg Discovery Uncrewed Platforms team has put HUGIN Endurance through its paces, verifying and refining all system capabilities. Sea trials culminated in March 2024 with a successf...

ClassNK has released a new tool, ‘WACDAS (WAve Climate Data Aggregation for Ships)’, for calculating the route correction factors essential for ensuring the safety of container lashing and support container stacking optimisation. Responding to rapid increases in the size of container ships and advances in lashing technology, ClassNK released ‘Guidelines for Container Stowage and Securing Arrangements (Edition 3.0)’ last year to enhance the safety and efficiency of marine...

With around 250 ships taking part, the Hamburg Port Anniversary offers guests a spectacular water programme, all carried out while port operations continue on the Elbe. The unique tugboat ballet, exciting demonstrations, and the magisterial entry and exit parades will make for some wondrous moments, when majestic tall ships and other impressive vessels pass right in front of the eyes of visitors. Guests can experience the top-class programme right up close. Dancing powerhouses When real power...

Ceremonies and celebrations were recently held in Vancouver harbour for a pair of ElectRA 2300-SX battery electric tugs designed by Robert Allan Ltd. and built by Türkiye’s Sanmar Shipyards.  Both tugs are owned and operated by SAAM Towage Canada and represent major milestones in the Port of Vancouver’s goal of becoming the world’s most sustainable, as well as SAAM Towage’s leadership in the drive to the decarbonisation of harbour operations. Neptune terminals...

Technology group - Wärtsilä will supply a range of solutions aimed at minimising the carbon footprint of six new Pure Car Truck Carrier (PCTC) vessels being built for Dubai-based Sallaum Lines DMCC. Part of the order was booked by Wärtsilä in 2023 and the remainder in Q1 2024. The Wärtsilä solutions were selected following a very stringent evaluation process, with sustainability and minimal environmental impact being a prime consideration. Wärtsilä to su...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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, &...

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...