Thrusters News

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...

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...

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...

Chinese yard, Guangzhou Shipbuilding International (GSI), has received an order for 4 × MAN B&W 8S60ME-GI engines in connection with the building of 4 × 10,800 CEU Pure Car and Truck Carriers (PCTCs) for South Korean shipping owner, HMM Co. Ltd.. CSIC Diesel Engine Co. Ltd (CSE) will build the Mk10.5 dual-fuel -GI (-Gas Injection) engines in China, which will feature Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) emissions-reduction technology for Tier III NOx compliance. MAN B&W 8S60ME-G...

With an important new product introduction, technology group Wärtsilä offers operators of offshore vessels, ferries and tugs notable improved operational performance and greater efficiency. The company’s new high-performance thruster and propulsion control solution package utilises a combination of Wärtsilä’s WST-E embedded electric steerable thruster and WST-R retractable thrusters, together with an updated remote propulsion control system featuring an enhanced...

Nor-Shipping has announced that the main theme for its 60th-anniversary exhibition and activity programme will be FUTURE-PROOF. Taking place in Oslo and Lillestrøm, Norway, 2-6 June 2025, Nor-Shipping is now working with key stakeholders to tailor content and deliver opportunities that support decision-makers as they face a rapidly evolving industry landscape. Organisers have also confirmed that the exhibition space is already 85% sold out for what promises to be 'both a memorable a...

While most American ports have decarbonisation plans in place, a new report shows there are significant challenges to advancing emission-reduction projects, including financial constraints, low technology readiness and physical space limitations. Those are some of the key takeaways from a new joint publication between ABS and the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA), Port Decarbonisation Survey: Trends and Lessons Learned. Technological breakthroughs The report is based on fee...

Thordon Bearings, the pioneer in water-lubricated bearings, secured a new order for a rudder bearing that was fitted to a 77.1 m (253 ft) research ship that frequently operates in ecologically sensitive marine environments. The order underscores the value of Thordon’s grease-free bearing and seal solutions in helping to keep oceans and seas clean. The 38-year-old Ocean Endeavour, operated by the UK’s Gardline, a multi-disciplinary marine survey company that operates a fleet of 13...

MAN Energy Solutions has received an order for 3 × MAN 6L21/31DF-M (Dual Fuel-Methanol) GenSets capable of running on methanol in connection with the construction of a 7,990 dwt IMO Type II chemical bunker tanker. MAN 21/31DF-M GenSets The dual-fuel engines will form part of a diesel-electric propulsion system on board the vessel with electrical motors driving twin fixed-pitch propellers via gearboxes; an onboard battery-storage system will optimise the use of the dual-fuelled generators...

Coastal Workboats, a renowned name in the maritime industry for its commitment to sustainability, will collaborate with EST-Floattech, a pioneering provider of energy storage solutions for the maritime sector. EST-Floattech will be providing the battery system for the purpose-built Electric-Landing Utility Vessel (E-LUV) to be built at Coastal Workboats' new yard Stornoway and the Shore-based Power Supply System (SPSS). The collaboration with Coastal Workboats Scotland marks a significant step...

ClassNK has verified the methane slip reduction effect of the methane slip reduction system, jointly developed by Hitachi Zosen Corporation, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) and Yanmar Power Technology Co., Ltd. (Yanmar PT), and issued a Statement of Fact (SOF). A concept of the methane oxidation catalyst system was designed by Hitachi Zosen and Yanmar PT as part of a project that was adopted by Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) as 'Development of...

YSA Design has unveiled a concept for a new type of sail-powered catamaran cruise ship, whose flexibility, sustainability and sea-focused attractions can satisfy guest appetites to experience sensitive and hard-to-reach waters at close quarters. Codenamed Seabreeze, the design includes a host of features to attract premium-end cruise guests, while combining the sustainability of sail and a 4m draft, in a 104.5m length ship with access to shallow waters. Dual hulls counteract listing under sail...

Imabari Shipbuilding will install an MAN B&W 7S60ME-Ammonia engine with SCR in connection with the construction of a 200,000 dwt class bulk carrier for a joint venture between K Line, NS United and Itochu Corporation. The business represents one of the first projects for MAN Energy Solutions’ ammonia-powered engine that is currently under development in Denmark. MITSUI E&S will build the engine in Japan. MAN B&W 7S60ME-Ammonia engine installation Brian Østergaard S&os...

Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co, Ltd., a part of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group, has acquired Approval in Principle (AiP) from the Japanese classification society - ClassNK for an ammonia fuel supply system (AFSS) for the ‘X-DF-A’, a large, low-speed 2-stroke ammonia-fuelled engine under development by WinGD, a Swiss designer and licensor of large marine engines. The AiP presentation ceremony took place at ‘Sea Japan 2024’ international maritime exhibition and confer...

Bia Energy Operating Company announced significant project updates for its low-carbon methanol production facility at the 4,000-acre Port of Caddo-Bossier industrial multimodal facility in northwest Louisiana.  The facility is designed to be able to reduce carbon emissions by over 92% compared to traditional methanol production by capturing CO2 and utilising hydrogen as both fuel and feedstock. The Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) study and major permits are complete for the 74-acre, $1...

ClassNK has granted approval to the basic design drawings of a multi-purpose container carrier developed by Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK Line) utilising 3D models. This milestone marks the world's first ocean-going ship to complete the basic design process, including class approval, solely through 3D drawings from the conceptual design to the basic structural design, during the initial stages of ship construction (as researched by NYK Line and ClassNK as of 28 March 2024). Structure des...

DNV has awarded HD Hyundai Mipo Dockyard an Approval in Principle (AiP) for the design of ammonia dual fuel 45,000 m3 LPG carriers.  The presentation took place at the HD Hyundai Global R&D Centre (GRC) in Seongnam, Korea. HD Hyundai Mipo (HMD), who have developed the basic ship design, provided detailed engine specifications and operational data from global engine maker, WinGD, and reviewed the safety and suitability of the design with DNV. The designs are based around a new 10,000 h...

Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (‘KONGSBERG’) has been awarded a contract from the Norwegian Intelligence Service (NIS) on behalf of the Norwegian government to provide satellite maritime surveillance data to cover Norwegian Areas of Interest. NIS has the overall responsibility for space operations and development in the Norwegian Armed Forces. The data will be utilised by the Norwegian Armed Forces, as well as other Norwegian government institutions involved in maritime security,...

In the extension of the delivery of Seaonics' first electric gangway system to Norwind Hurricane 21st of March 2024, Norwind Offshore has placed an order for a stand-alone ECMC 7t-3D crane for the newbuild 952 - Norwind Helm.  The crane is to be installed in connection with the delivery of the newbuild from Vard Brattvaag end of November 2024 and Norwind Helm will be the first CSOV with two 3D cranes installed. Integrated 3D crane This delivery is in addition to the ECMC Gangway with an...

ClassNK has issued a statement of fact (SOF) for the results of the hull performance analysis and operational profile analysis by Chugoku Marine Paints, Ltd. (CMP) based on actual data of a ship in service. Through its hull data analysis service "CMP-MAP", CMP offers hull performance analysis based on the ISO19030, the standard for evaluating fouling and age-related changes, in combination with their own methodology and operational profile analysis. Data processing and calculations This time,...

Manta Marine Technologies (formerly known as Yara Marine Technologies, YMT) has successfully completed the installation and commissioning of onboard shore power systems for three Finnlines vessels: the Finnlady, the Finnmaid and the Finnstar.  These projects cement Manta Marine Technologies’ reputation as a provider of turnkey shore power solutions, which are likely to see higher take-up by the maritime sector as it transitions to a low and zero-carbon future. Finnlines RoPax vessel...

DNV has presented HD Hyundai with a general approval for ship application (GASA) for a new high-strength composite hybrid support system for independent tanks on liquefied gas carriers.  In a world-first, HD Hyundai’s concept is fabricated with a fusion of carbon fibre-reinforced plastics (CFRP) with a tensile strength ten times greater than steel, significantly enhancing structural stability. Existing support structure The new system offers robust structural supports, enabling ind...

WEG is supplying five 1000kVA, 15kV dry-type transformers to Eskimó Ice Cream industry, a prominent company in the ice cream and popsicle segment in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. The transformers will be used in the substation and are essential to support the increased production capacity, playing a significant role in the customer's electrical infrastructure. Dry-type transformers Dry-type transformers are equipment that use ambient air as a cooling medium Dry-type transformer...

ClassNK has extended its services to support concrete actions by customers towards a smooth transition to shipping zero-emission. With the revision of IMO's GHG emissions reduction targets and the introduction of the EU climate policy package for the shipping sector, regulations towards zero-emission are becoming increasingly stringent. However, the infrastructure for supplying zero-emission fuels is still under development. Shipping industry players need to select and utilise the appropriate...

Wärtsilä Gas Solutions, part of the technology group - Wärtsilä, will supply the Cargo Handling Systems for additional two new very large LPG carrier vessels to be built at the HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Co Ltd. in South Korea. The ships have been contracted by Norwegian ship owner Solvang.  The order follows a similar one placed in 2023 for five vessels being built in the same yard for the same owner. This latest contract was booked by Wärtsilä in Q1, 2024....

ABS has awarded ECOLOG, a mid-stream Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Sequestration (CCUS) service provider, with an industry-first ISM Document of Compliance for the operation of liquified CO2 carriers on behalf of the Bermuda flag administration. ABS audited ECOLOG to verify compliance with the International Safety Management Code. ECOLOG plans to build and own CO2 terminals and a carrier fleet to service the emerging CCUS sector, connecting hard-to-abate emitters with cost-competitive se...

ABS has joined the BlueBARGE Project, a programme funded by the Horizon Europe programme and involving 14 partners from 10 European countries to develop a comprehensive solution for offshore electrical power bunkering. ABS is heading the 36-month, €11 million project and will support the consortium in safety, classification, and regulatory compliance. Cold ironing The BlueBARGE model will look at an offshore supply of electrical power to anchored vessels To limit local pollution and gre...

Bureau Veritas (BV), a global pioneer in testing, inspection, and certification (TIC), has awarded the Dutch-Norwegian renewable energy company SolarDuck the world’s first Prototype Certification for a floating offshore solar technology, as applied in SolarDuck’s 0.5 MW pilot "Merganser". This certification represents a significant step forward in the development of marine renewable energy technologies for offshore applications. Real-world operational environment The Merganser pr...