Prime movers News

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...

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...

ClassNK granted its ‘AFVC(FD)(EV)’ notation to ‘POSITIVE CHALLENGER’, a car carrier operated by EASTERN CAR LINER, LTD. and managed by ECL Shipmanagement Limited, for vessels equipped with additional firefighting measures for transporting electric vehicles (EVs).  Shipping companies are implementing various measures to address EV fires, which raise concerns due to difficulties in extinguishing and the risk of re-ignition. Characteristics of EV fires To support th...

RightShip, the digital maritime platform providing expertise in safety, sustainability, and social responsibility practices announced a change in its vessel inspection age trigger. Vessel inspection In response to evolving market conditions and continuing safety risks in the Dry Bulk and General Cargo sectors, RightShip will implement a phased approach to require inspections of vessels at an earlier age. This change reflects the organisation’s continued commitment to improving safety st...

Maritime UK Week 2024 wrapped up with great success, showcasing the incredible advancements in the maritime sector and engaging thousands across the UK. Held from 7th to 11th October, this dynamic week featured a number of standout events, bringing together industry leaders, professionals, and the public to celebrate the maritime sector’s vital role. With a focus on cutting-edge innovation, sustainability, and exciting career opportunities, the week was a fantastic opportunity to explore...

The Port of Poole proudly welcomed MS Hamburg, a cruise ship operated by Plantours Kreutzfahren, on her maiden call on Wednesday, 9th October 2024. A commemorative plaque exchange ceremony took place between Poole Harbour Commissioners’ Harbour Master, Harry Gregory and the Captain of the cruise ship, Captain Igor Gaber, celebrating this special occasion. Maiden call of MS Hamburg vessel The MS Hamburg, a 144-metre-long cruise vessel, arrived at Poole after calling at London The MS Ham...

In the wake of the devastation caused by Hurricane Milton and Hurricane Helene, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH) has announced a total contribution of $80,000 to the American Red Cross to help those in affected communities. In addition to the $30,000 it previously donated to the Red Cross to support Hurricane Helene relief efforts, it will match up to $50,000 more in public donations toward Hurricane Milton relief efforts. This contribution aims to provide immediate relief to the comm...

Eleven European entities specialising in turbomachinery, new fuels and combustion, energy conversion systems, gas turbines, bearing systems, heat recovery, digital twins, shipbuilding, and project consulting have united in the European project MARPOWER (an acronym for Efficient zero-emissions gas turbine POWER system for MARitime transport). CO2 emissions Their goal is to replace fossil fuels in the maritime sector, reduce emissions, and marine pollution, and ultimately help combat the de...

Connectivity, quality, safety and infrastructures. These are the strengths of the Port Authority of Valencia (PAV) in the international fruit and vegetable fair ‘Fruit Attraction’, which is being held at the IFEMA exhibition centre in Madrid from 8 to 10 October. Located in the stand of Puertos del Estado, Valenciaport has attended this event with a sales team led by Cristina Rodríguez, head of containers. Thus, during these three days, the PAV is highlighting its excellent i...

Now they’ve cut steel on HMS Formidable, the third of five Inspiration Class frigates they’re building for the Royal Navy at their Rosyth facility in Scotland, marking the official start of the ship’s build programme. Coming only 20 months after the steel cut ceremony for the second ship, HMS Active, this highlights the rapid progress being made on the Type 31 programme and the important sovereign defence capability being delivered at the world-class facility. Nearing structu...

Serco PLC has joined the UN Global Compact, the provider of services to governments internationally announced today. The Compact is an initiative where companies align their strategies and operations with ten principles related to human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption, and take actions that advance society and deliver the UN’s sustainability goals. Greater environmental responsibility The move aligns with Serco’s purpose - to impact a better future for People, Plac...

Oceania Cruises, the world’s renowned culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, has unveiled details of its new culinary venue, the Crêperie, debuting on Allura™, its newest ship launching in July 2025. The Crêperie, located next to Baristas, the line's signature coffee bar, will offer a selection of tempting French crêpes, Bruxelles waffles and bubble waffles, alongside Italian ice cream sundaes, from mid-morning throughout the afternoon. The Crêperie...

Norway-based maritime technology business, Shipnet, has strengthened its senior leadership team with the appointments of a new Finance Director and HR Director. Paula Summers, who joins as HR Director, boasts over 15 years’ experience within HR roles partnering with business pioneers in the retail, manufacturing and nuclear energy sectors. This includes Ethel Austin, Glen Dimplex Consumer Appliances (including brands like Stoves, Belling, Morphy Richards and Roberts Radios) and Caven...

The United States Maritime Administration’s (MARAD) Office of Environment and Innovation has selected ABS to establish and maintain the U.S. Center for Maritime Innovation (Center) under a five-year cooperative agreement. Decarbonisation and digitalisation Authorised by the U.S. Congress, the U.S. Center for Maritime Innovation is intended to support the adoption of clean energy on U.S. vessels through a wide-ranging program of research and development and training support. ABS Chairman...

WEG, a pioneer in industrial solutions, recently completed the overhaul and recovery of a vertical mill gearbox at Cimento Tupi in Minas Gerais, Brazil. The service was carried out at WEG's plant in Sertãozinho, São Paulo. The gearbox, weighing more than 60 tons, drives Cimento Tupi's main mill, which has a nominal capacity of 300 tons per hour of flour. This critical equipment operates 24/7, making regular maintenance essential for continuous and safe operation. Electrical and m...

The Panama Canal’s 2024-2025 cruise season began on October 7, 2024, with the northbound passage of the passenger vessel Brilliance of the Seas, which is navigating a 15-day itinerary between Los Angeles and New Orleans. This repositioning transit marks the start of more than 225 transits through the Panama Canal expected for this season. According to Albano G. Aguilar, Specialist in Market Analysis and Forecasting at the Office of Corporate Affairs, “An increase in transits is expe...

Robert Allan Ltd. is pleased to announce that the RAmparts 2300 tug SN Cariri was successfully delivered to Sulnorte Serviços Maritimos in August 2024. The RAmparts 2300 series tug was recently completed at Estaleiro Rio Maguari (ERM) in Belém, Brazil. As the seventh RAmparts 2300 built by ERM in recent months, it showcases the success of their tug construction program based on Robert Allan Ltd.’s designs. This design also marks an important milestone for both Robert Allan...

Vard, a Norwegian subsidiary of the Fincantieri Group and one of the major global designers and shipbuilders of specialised vessels, has signed a new contract for the design and construction of one tailor-made Commissioning Service Operation Vessel (CSOV) for Navigare Capital Partners. This contract, established in close collaboration with Norwind Offshore, is a continuation of Vard’s long-standing relationship with the two parties and represents the first option to be exercised from the...

Eco Wave Power Global AB, a publicly traded onshore wave energy technology company announces that it signed an agreement for the sale of the first wave energy generation unit with I-Ke International Ocean Energy Co., a subsidiary of Lian Tat Company, a maritime engineering company, with the purpose of bringing Eco Wave Power’s wave energy technology to Taiwan. According to the terms of the agreement, I-Ke will be providing the full financing for the 100KW pilot project, by buying a turnke...

Bronze bearings in the stern roller of the Anchor Handling Tug Supply (AHTS) Vessel ES Kestrel have been replaced with grease-free SXL bearings from Thordon Bearings while the vessel remained afloat and operational. The replacement was undertaken in May 2024 by Thordon’s Dubai-based distributor Ocean Power International (OPI) for the AHTS owner Echo Cargo & Shipping of U.A.E. While typically checked during routine drydocking, the vessel’s stern roller was experiencing turning is...

Fugro acquires VSTEP’s NAUTIS simulator to advance the training of remote operators for their uncrewed surface vessels, further solidifying VSTEP’s position as a pioneer known for its unparalleled customisation and flexibility. Fugro, a pioneer in Geo-data, has partnered with VSTEP to enhance the training capabilities for their remote operators. The acquisition of VSTEP’s NAUTIS Simulator allows Fugro to train personnel on their uncrewed surface vessels (USV) using a fully cus...

Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) held a commemorative event of its Golden Jubilee celebrations at Visakhapatnam, on 3rd October 2024. The event was attended by a distinguished group of senior maritime professionals and stakeholders from the East Coast of India, with large attendance from the Indian Navy, the Indian Coast Guard, shipyards, and shipowners, including representatives from Kolkata, Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, Hyderabad and Chennai. This was the second celebratory event in IRS&rs...