Prime movers News

A new era of offshore operations has begun with the successful delivery of REACH REMOTE 1, a 24-metre unmanned surface vessel (USV) designed by Kongsberg Maritime. This ground-breaking achievement marks a significant milestone through collaboration between Kongsberg Maritime, REACH SUBSEA ASA, Massterly, and Trosvik Maritime. Intensive sea trials Designed to revolutionise offshore operations, the REACH REMOTE 1 is packed with cutting-edge KONGSBERG technology. Its delivery foll...

The Maritime Standard announces that the Ship Finance and Trade Conference 2025 will take place on Tuesday, 18th February 2025, at the Taj Exotica Resort, The Palm, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). This prestigious event will gather global leaders, financial experts, and key stakeholders from the maritime industry to discuss innovative financial strategies and sustainable solutions that will shape the future of ship finance and trade. ‘Financing Green Shipping Solutions’ The the...

International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) Publications is proud to announce the release of the sixth edition of the ICS Guide to Helicopter/Ship Operations, an essential resource that has been setting the standard for safe and efficient helicopter/ship interactions for almost 50 years. Recognised as the go-to reference for shipping companies and crew, the Guide has been meticulously updated with input from pioneering experts in both the maritime and aviation sectors, including the Civil Aviation...

Technology group Wärtsilä will supply its EnergoFlow solution and Fixed Pitch Propellers (FPP) for three Pure Car/Truck Carrier (PCTC) vessels owned by Sallaum Lines – an international RoRo cargo operator. The combination of these upgrade solutions will notably improve the propulsion efficiency of these existing vessels, in turn reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The order was booked by Wärtsilä in Q4 2024. 2050 Net-zero goals To meet th...

DNV has launched a new family of class notations, Autonomous and Remotely Operated Ships (AROS), providing a framework for how autoremote vessels can achieve equivalent or higher safety compared to conventional vessels. Autonomous shipping, ranging from remote control operations to fully unmanned vessels, marks a major advancement in the maritime industry. Regulatory frameworks While these progress hold great promise, regulatory frameworks are still being developed These solutions can delive...

Lloyd’s List Intelligence, a pioneering maritime data, insights and analytics provider, announces the acquisition of Infospectrum, an independent provider of counterparty risk appraisal reports & data, due diligence research and KYC intelligence.  This acquisition expands Lloyd’s List Intelligence’s ability to deliver market-pioneering analysis and risk management intelligence solutions. The integration of Infospectrum’s comprehensive counterparty risk appr...

KR (Korean Register) has awarded the world's first Approval in Principle (AIP) to HD KSOE for its breakthrough vacuum-insulated large-scale liquid hydrogen tank system, marking a significant advancement in clean energy transportation technology. The AIP follows the successful completion of validation tests, demonstrating the system’s feasibility and innovative design. The transition to a hydrogen-based society demands advanced technologies for the large-scale transportation and storage of...

The Northern Lighthouse Board’s new vessel, POLE STAR, currently under construction at GONDAN Shipbuilders, Castropol, Asturias, Spain, was launched on 14 January 2025. The vessel successfully left the slipway and entered the Ria del Eo before being towed to a berth at the shipyard. Safety service to mariners Phil Day, Director of Operations with the Northern Lighthouse Board (NLB), said: "This is a momentous occasion for the shipyard and for NLB. To see the vessel successfully launch i...

Lloyd’s List Intelligence, a globally renowned maritime data, insights and analytics provider, announces the acquisition of Infospectrum, an independent provider of counterparty risk appraisal reports & data, due diligence research and KYC intelligence.  This acquisition expands Lloyd’s List Intelligence’s ability to deliver market-renowned analysis and risk management intelligence solutions. The integration of Infospectrum’s comprehensive counterparty risk appr...

Gibdock has announced the launch of Gibdock Yachting as a dedicated division focusing on a key area of business growth for the Gibraltar ship repair and maintenance yard. Gibdock Yachting will build on Gibdock’s long-standing expertise in maintaining and refitting superyachts. It will also work in a strategic partnership with BWA Yachting - the world’s largest superyacht agency and yachting services provider – to communicate the yard’s reputation for high quality and on...

Watson Farley & Williams ('WFW') advised Euromont Shipping Company S.p.A. ('Euromont'), as seller, and Navigazione Montanari S.p.A. ('Navigazione Montanari'), as bareboat charterer, on the sale and leaseback of oil chemical tankers - 'Valleblu' and 'Valturchese' to two Japanese leasing companies. The Valleblu, originally under the International Ship Registry held with the Port Authority of Trieste, is currently registered by new owner - Kimura Shoji/Kt Neo Marine under the Panama Ship Regis...

Watson Farley & Williams (WFW) advised the Eurazeo Sustainable Maritime Infrastructure ('ESMI') fund on a sale and lease back transaction to be entered into with Mainport Shipping Ltd ('Mainport') for the pre- and post-delivery lease financing of the hybrid survey and ROV support vessel - 'Geo Master'. The vessel is currently under construction at Neptune Construction B.V., a shipyard in the Netherlands. Supporting the growing European offshore wind market, the vessel is scheduled for deliv...

Castor Marine is excited to announce that Navarino has acquired 100% of the shares of Castor Marine B.V. This milestone marks an exciting new chapter for both organisations, as they come together to better serve their customers with comprehensive, innovative solutions and a shared commitment to excellence.  Both Navarino and Castor Marine are thriving businesses with strong growth trajectories. Each serves a complementary set of customers, with whom they have co-created tailor-made technol...

According to the latest data from DNV’s Alternative Fuels Insights (AFI) platform the maritime industry’s exceptional newbuilding year 2024 drove a significant rise in orders for alternative-fuelled vessels. A total of 515 such ships were ordered, representing a 38% year-on-year increase compared to 2023, underscoring the industry's growing commitment to decarbonisation. Demands for sustainable practices The growth in alternative-fuelled vessel orders has been heavily driven by th...

Strikes at ports on the US East Coast and Gulf Coast, which would have caused an economic and supply chain crisis, have been called off – with ocean container freight rate growth now expected to slow or fall. The strikes were set to begin on 15 January and would have forced the closure of ports from Maine to Texas. This has now been averted after a tentative agreement over a new six-year master contract was reached between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), which re...

Figures across the dry bulk shipping sector have joined in paying tribute to Dimitri Fafalios, who concluded his chairmanship of the International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO) on 31 December 2024, after six years of distinguished leadership. Fafalios's pivotal role Industry pioneers have praised Mr. Fafalios's pivotal role in strengthening international shipping standards during a period of unprecedented change, noting his success in expanding INTERCARGO's influence, while...

Inmarsat Maritime, a Viasat company, supported by Maritime London, have established SEA-CARE as a new working group of stakeholders from industry, regulators, and the UK government whose goal is to scrutinise maritime safety and how pooling information can improve it. The new working group establishes Maritime London as an impartial broker to ensure that the right organisations are represented in SEA-CARE discussions between Inmarsat and industry stakeholders. Jos Standerwick, Chief Executive,...

Kongsberg Discovery has reached an agreement to acquire Naxys Technologies AS. The Bergen-based company is a world pioneer in technology for underwater environmental monitoring, with a specialism in recognising the sound of oil and gas leaks. The oceans are crucial for solving global challenges related to climate, food and security. CEO Geir Håøy of KONGSBERG points out that Naxys fits well into the company's technology portfolio. Advanced sensor and underwater robotics The ratio...

Watson Farley & Williams (“WFW”) advised Viking Ocean Cruises (“Viking”) on the delivery of the ocean ship - 'Viking Vela' from Fincantieri's Ancona shipyard, Italy. The 'Viking Vela', the 11th ship delivered to Viking by the Fincantieri Group, is built according to the latest navigation and safety regulations. It is also equipped with high-efficiency engines and systems that minimise the pollution of exhaust gases and that meet the strictest environmental requiremen...

Vigor announced Mark Norris has joined the company as Vice President of Marine Fabrication. Norris will oversee one of the pioneering and most innovative marine vessel fabricators in the U.S., which is currently in production on the Maneuver Support Vehicle (Light), or MSVL, the U.S. Army’s new generation landing craft. He will be responsible for growing and maintaining an experienced, skilled team, while leading Vigor’s defence and commercial marine fabrication projects....

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. has announced a new leadership structure to execute on its multibillion-dollar fleet expansion for its ultra-premium and luxury cruise brands. Jason Montague has been appointed Chief Luxury Officer for NCLH, effective February 17, 2025, overseeing both Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises, capitalising on his extensive industry expertise and strong track record previously pioneering these brands. This appointment underscores NCLH’s focus on it...

Steel cutting ceremony of the Next Generation Missile Vessels (NGMV) for Indian Navy was held on 16 Dec 2024 at Cochin Shipyard Limited, Kochi. Commodore S Parthiban, Warship Production Superintendent, Warship Overseeing Team (WOT), Kochi, conducted the steel cutting of the first steel plate for Ship No. BY-531. Shri KN Sreejith, Director (Operations), Shri Rajesh Gopalakrishnan, Executive Director (Ship Repairs), Shri S Harikrishnan, Executive Director (Shipbuilding) of CSL, and senior officia...

Adani Ports & SEZ, through its subsidiary, Ocean Sparkle Limited, has placed an order for 8 nos of 70 T Bollard Pull ASD (Azimuthing Stern Drive) Tugs on Udupi Cochin Shipyard Limited, the wholly owned subsidiary of Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) – the pioneering shipyard in India. This is in addition to the 3 nos of the 70 T Bollard Pull Tugs already under construction at Udupi-CSL for Ocean Sparkle Limited, totalling 11 Tug orders on Udupi-CSL. Designs of Robert Allan Limited The 7...

A rescue deal for the Belfast-based shipbuilder, which could be announced as early as on Thursday, 19th Dec 2024, is expected to include job guarantees for its workforce of more than 1,000 people. Sky News has learned that ministers hope to announce that Harland & Wolff (H&W) and its four UK shipyards are being acquired by Navantia, S.A., S.M.E, the Spanish shipbuilder, after months of negotiations. H&W’s assets and sites Navantia’s board is expected to meet to ratif...

Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) concludes 2024 with remarkable achievements across sustainability, innovation, and maritime safety, making its Golden Jubilee year a testament to its legacy and vision. From spearheading decarbonisation projects to reviving India’s maritime heritage, IRS has reinforced its leadership role in the global maritime sector. Step in maritime innovation It classed a next-generation electric ferry, furthering the push for cleaner maritime transport In line wit...

ABS and Akselos have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance engineering and certification processes for floating offshore wind projects. The companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on solutions aimed at optimising design, reducing costs, and improving efficiency for the floating wind sector globally. Akselos' simulation technology The alliance utilises ABS's expertise in offshore credential and type with Akselos' technology The collaborati...

The International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO) marked a transformative year in its 2023-2024 Annual Review, launching major initiatives while reaching record membership levels amid growing industry challenges. Outgoing Chairman Dimitri Fafalios reflected on key developments during 2024, including the August launch of the Dry Bulk Centre of Excellence (DBCE) and its DryBMS portal, demonstrating the sector's dedication to operational excellence. Latest Bulk Carrier Casualty R...

The World Shipping Council (WSC) Board of Directors has elected Soren Toft, CEO of MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, as the new Chair of the World Shipping Council Board. Randy Chen, Vice Chairman of Wan Hai Lines, has been elected Vice Chair. Soren Toft and Randy Chen will serve a two-year term, effective immediately. The new Chair and Vice Chair succeed Rolf Habben Jansen, CEO of Hapag-Lloyd AG, and Jeremy Nixon, CEO of ONE, who have served as Co-Chairs of the WSC Board...

Langstone Harbour, a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), has completed the successful installation of a comprehensive marine environmental monitoring solution provided by OceanWise. Langstone Harbour, located between Portsmouth and Chichester on the southern coast of Hampshire, is renowned for its rich wildlife and is designated as a Special Protection Area (SPA). Managed by the Langstone Harbour Board, it is a hub for a range of activities, including commercial shipping, fis...

Brunvoll has secured another contract with Myklebust Shipyard for the delivery of a comprehensive thruster package. This confirms the option for an additional vessel for REM Offshore, originally announced in May of this year. Like the previous contract, this agreement also includes an option for a third additional vessel. Brunvoll’s thruster package Brunvoll’s thruster package consists of two propulsion azimuth thrusters and a tunnel thruster Brunvoll’s thruster packag...