Prime movers News

Strategic Marine, a pioneering provider of specialised aluminium vessels, is proud to announce the signing of a new contract with Odyssey Group to build a state-of-the-art multi-purpose survey vessel. Incorporating the proven success of new technologies for operational use in Australia. Under the terms of the agreement, Strategic Marine will construct the advanced survey vessel tailored to meet Odyssey Group’s specific operational needs. Recovery of survey equipment The vessel will also...

Econowind has surpassed 100 VentoFoil units sold, marking a major milestone in the shipping industry’s shift towards Wind-Assisted Ship Propulsion. The increasing adoption of the VentoFoil system reflects shipowners’ drive to cut fuel consumption, reduce CO₂ emissions, and comply with tightening global regulations. Since the first two units were installed on MV Ankie in 2018, Econowind has steadily expanded its reach. Today, 32 VentoFoil units are in operation, 33 are currently in p...

Keel Laying of the Seventh Anti-Submarine Warfare ship (ASW SWC) (BY 529, INS Machilipatnam) of the project being built for the Indian Navy was held at Cochin Shipyard Limited by Rear Admiral Upal Kundu, VSM, Chief of Staff, Southern Naval Command on 29 Jan 2025.  Shri Madhu S Nair, Chairman and Managing Director, CSL, Director (Technical) and Director (Operations) of CSL, Executive Directors of CSL, General Manager (Ship Building), Warship Production Superintendent, Kochi, Senior official...

Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., a part of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group, has concluded a contract with the Indonesian Maritime Security Agency (BAKAMLA) for the construction of an offshore patrol vessel (OPV). The vessel will be built at MHI's Shimonoseki Shipyard & Machinery Works in Yamaguchi Prefecture, with completion and delivery scheduled for March 2028. Ability of maritime rescues This project is based on a grant agreement concluded in March 2024 between the Government...

The World Shipping Council welcomes the balance between sustainability and competitiveness struck in the European Commission’s Competitiveness Compass released that will form the basis for the EU’s Clean Industrial Deal.  WSC, however, called on the Commission to recognise that liner shipping is investing in Europe and urged the Commission to support the sector on its path to decarbonise supply chains, fostering open trade and protecting critical sea lanes...

Global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright, working in conjunction with pioneering Spanish law firm Uría Menéndez, has advised Bibby Marine on a financing package with HSBC UK to support the development of its previously announced zero-emission electric Commissioning Service Operation Vessel for servicing offshore wind farms. The multi-million euro financing made available by HSBC UK is backed by Cesce, the Spanish Export Credit Agency. HSBC acted as sole ECA coordinator, mandated lead...

A new design for an ammonia floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) unit that features onboard carbon capture technology for blue ammonia production has received approval in principle (AIP) from ABS. The design comes from MODEC, Inc. (MODEC), in collaboration with Toyo Engineering Corporation (TOYO). ABS completed design reviews based on class and statutory requirements. Emissions of offshore operations It is produced by combining hydrogen, which is derived as a byproduct of carbon...

The long-term environmental impact of the Sounion vessel disaster, both of the vessel and the Red Sea, were at the forefront of the critical salvage operation, noted Ambipar Response, the emergency response division of Ambipar Group, who led the spill response and pollution prevention effort for the stricken 164,000 dwt tanker (IMO: 9312145) in August 2024. After being struck by multiple missiles from Houthi rebels during a routine transit through the Red Sea, Sounion was left stranded and abla...

The Royal Thai Navy aims to purchase two frigates, with a budget for the fiscal year 2026, which will likely receive parliamentary approval. On January 18, at the National Memorial, Admiral Jirapol Wongwit, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Navy, provided an update on the progress of procuring two frigates. He stated that the process is currently in the budgeting phase, which exceeds 1 billion baht and requires Cabinet approval before being forwarded to Parliament for consideration. Safegua...

Pioneering bunker trading firm, Glander International Bunkering, has introduced a tool to help users calculate key data for compliance with FuelEU Maritime, which came into effect on January 1, 2025. FuelEU Maritime aims to reduce carbon emissions in the shipping sector by incentivising the use of alternative fuels and imposing penalties for non-compliance. FuelEU Maritime guidelines With the new Compliance Calculator, Glander International Bunkering helps users understand potential penalties...

ClassNK has granted its Innovation Endorsement for Products & Solutions to ‘D-VESSELKEEPER: EEM and PHM' developed by WinKong Marine Engineering Co., Ltd. ClassNK-registered vessels equipped with the product can be given the 'DSS' notations (EE+Sn, MM), which indicate ships with advanced digital technology. Innovative functions In order to promote the spread and development of innovative technologies, ClassNK has offered Innovation Endorsement for Products & Solutions. ...

SEAONICS has signed a record-breaking contract covering the delivery of five Electric Controlled Motion Compensated ECMC Gangways and five ECMC 3D Cranes for an international customer to a series of walk-to-work offshore newbuilds under construction at global shipbuilder VARD's yard in Vietnam. The advanced equipment will enable the vessels to provide comprehensive maintenance, supply and operational services to offshore oil-and-gas installations.  Benefits of the DC grid and battery solu...

Penta-Ocean Construction, a prominent Japanese general contractor, has commissioned Ulstein Design & Solutions B.V. to design its new heavy lift vessel for offshore wind foundation installation. The customised ULSTEIN HX118 design will feature a 5,000-ton Huisman main crane and the ULSTEIN U-STERN™, which enables installation of increasingly larger monopile foundations. Ulstein's successful track Following feasibility and concept studies in 2023, Penta-Ocean Construction selected Ul...

Swiss marine power company - WinGD has seen key parameters in line with expectations during early testing of its new X-DF-A ammonia-fuelled engine design. A 52-bore single-cylinder version of the X-DF-A engine is running at the company’s Engine Research and Innovation Centre (ERIC) in Winterthur, with final validation to be completed in time for the first engine deliveries in June 2025. Ammonia combustion system Single-cylinder testing will allow rapid validation of the ammonia combusti...

DNV has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with HD Hyundai Mipo (HMD) and HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (KSOE). The collaboration focuses on developing standards for testing electric-powered vessels through the use of digital twin-based criteria and procedures, to enhance ship safety and efficiency. Hardware-in-the-loop (HiL) testing This collaborative project aims to resolve issues related to the integration of highly complex vessel systems for electric propulsion....

Teledyne Marine is pleased to announce the integration of ClearSignal™, the world’s renowned biofouling protection coating, into its SeaBat and BlueView sonar equipment. This enhancement is a welcome addition for customers who want durable, low-maintenance marine instrumentation. Why ClearSignal™? ClearSignal™ is a nonstick, inert, and nontoxic coating specially developed to combat the biofouling of marine instruments. The coating reduces the amount of biofouling...

In a landmark deal, Ulstein Design & Solutions AS has secured its largest aftermarket design contract to date for the cable-laying vessel Orient Adventurer. The contract, awarded by Dong Fang Offshore (DFO), involves both basic design and engineering provided by several of the companies in Ulstein. Planning and installation "We have worked with Ulstein before and find the people very professional. Ulstein knows the vessel well, and it's an insurance to know that everything will work when...

NorthStandard has launched a new H&M and P&I product for smaller commercial vessels, typically up to 10,000 gross tonnes. The new offering will also include War, Loss of Hire and other ancillary Hull covers and will be serviced by NorthStandard’s Sunderland Marine and Coastal & Inland teams together. The new product is available across the global marine insurer’s network worldwide, with momentum expected to build around NorthStandard’s established regional strength...

MAN Energy Solutions will deliver a 50 MWel methanation reactor for the Ren-Gas Tampere e-methane plant. The equipment delivery will consist of a catalytic methanation reactor designed and manufactured at MAN Energy Solutions Deggendorf, Germany.   Ren-Gas, the pioneering green hydrogen and e-methane project developer in Finland, has announced the selection of MAN Energy Solution as one of the key technology providers for the Tampere Power-to-Gas project. MAN’s advanced techn...

Vestdavit has achieved a new sales record for the third successive year as its order intake hit an all-time high of Nkr380m in 2024, fuelled by increased davit orders from its core naval market, as well as the offshore energy sector. New sales record "It has been another fantastic year," says Vestdavit’s Sales and Business Development Director - Tarjei Isaksen. Tarjei Isaksen adds, "The significant orders boost was achieved despite a transition in our Sales & Marketing department th...

Kongsberg Maritime has secured a contract to supply advanced propulsion and manoeuvring technology for two new KCR-70 Fast Attack Crafts for the Indonesian Navy. These vessels are currently under construction at the Sefine Shipyard in Türkiye. Equipment package The Kongsberg Maritime equipment package includes an innovative propulsion system that combines twin controllable pitch propeller (CPP) Promas systems for high efficiency at patrol speeds with a single Kamewa waterjet to provide bo...

Hefring Marine, a globally renowned provider of intelligent maritime solutions, is proud to announce the expansion of its collaboration with the Norwegian Society for Sea Rescue (Redningsselskapet). Following a rigorous two-year competitive selection process, Hefring Marine’s IMAS system has been chosen to be equipped on Redningsselskapet’s entire fleet, further strengthening Norway’s search and rescue capabilities. Hefring Marine’s IMAS prototype This agreement marks...

Heerema aimed to enhance the capabilities of the SSCV Thialf by equipping it with the MCGF for monopile installation. Positioned on the port side, the MCGF ensures the monopile remains upright and within the required tolerances during installation from the moving vessel.  Following the successful upgrade of the Aegir, Heerema contracted Ulstein to assist with this conversion as well. Integration tasks and successful cooperation The MCGF is connected to the vessel's...

The ULSTEIN SX216 vessels showcase Ulstein's commitment to innovation and excellence in maritime design. They are specifically tailored to meet the demanding needs of the offshore wind industry.   TWIN X-STERN® design The ULSTEIN TWIN X-STERN® design features two sterns and four main propeller units, two at each end, resulting in excellent operability with either end towards the weather. This design improves fuel efficiency, dynamic positioning capability, manoeuvrabili...

In 2024, Ulstein Verft delivered two new builds, the Construction Service Operation Vessels (CSOV) ‘Olympic Boreas’ and ‘Olympic Notos’. Olympic Boreas was awarded the Maritime Innovation of the Year and nominated for ‘Ship of the Year’.  Several more Ulstein Verft new buildings are in various phases of construction at the CRIST hull yard, including four CSOVs and one cable-laying vessel. Ulstein Verft aftermarket In 2024, 18 vessels stayed at Ulstein...

Technology group Wärtsilä has introduced its new EnviroPac feature for the Wärtsilä 34DF constant-speed engine. The feature is designed to significantly reduce methane emissions while maintaining the engine’s high-power output and compliance with IMO Tier 3 NOx requirements.  The first order for engines with this new feature has been placed by the French shipping company CMA CGM. The engines will be installed in eight new LNG-operated container vessels being built...

The Maritime Technologies Forum (MTF) has released a new report offering key recommendations to consider as the industry looks to adopt onboard carbon capture and storage (OCCS) technology. The report highlights the regulatory and safety considerations for the adoption of onboard carbon capture while also recognising the importance of developing a secure and scalable downstream carbon value chain and increasing carbon capture system cost-effectiveness. Key recommendations Based on the finding...

The Coast Guard Foundation, a non-profit organisation committed to strengthening the Coast Guard community and service by supporting members and families, extends its heartfelt appreciation to its 2024 Anchor Sponsors for their remarkable generosity. Anchor Sponsors make an annual commitment to the Foundation at leadership levels that play an integral role in supporting Coast Guard members and families who serve the nation. Coast Guard Foundation’s mission The Foundation is proud to re...

Indian Register of Shipping (IRS), a pioneering international classification society, is proud of its growing role in advancing India's defence capabilities through its participation in major new construction projects for the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard, thereby taking a major step forward in realising a self-reliant defence manufacturing capability, as envisioned under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Major new construction vessels Recently, ‘steel-cutting’ took plac...

According to DNV’s latest white paper “Biofuels in Shipping”, key biofuels like FAME and HVO have great potential for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and supporting compliance with maritime regulations, but their benefits to the industry could be constrained by limited supply in the future. With biofuel use expected to increase, the paper also highlights the importance of its safe introduction, outlining critical operational and technical considerations. Shipping&rsqu...