Thrusters News

“Nuclear energy has moved beyond a wildcard option and into the mainstream of potential solutions for a more sustainable maritime industry. Nuclear energy is not just about the potential for a reactor to operate on a ship. With advanced nuclear technology, the potential is so much more.” That was the message from ABS Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Christopher J. Wiernicki, who welcomed nuclear energy experts, government representatives, academia, and senior maritime industry p...

Accelleron has signed a strategic partnership with METIS Cyberspace Technology that will expand the number of marine installations and power generation facilities that can use data analytics to improve turbocharger operation and maintenance. METIS develops data-collecting hardware and IoT solutions that can be easily deployed in vessels and facilities to achieve automated, real-time data availability. Under the cooperation, METIS will provide onboard and cloud-based data infrastructure to Accel...

ClassNK has released "Guidelines for Fuel Cell Power Systems On Board Ships (Second Edition)", which cover safety provisions related to the design of ships powered by fuel cells as well as fuel cell power systems themselves, coming in anticipation of the growing adoption of fuel cells in maritime transport. Fuel cells are power systems that use electrical energy obtained from the chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. Notably, they do not emit CO2 during electricity generation, position...

MacGregor, part of Cargotec, has been chosen to deliver RoRo equipment for two of the world's first methanol-fuelled Pure Car and Truck Carriers (PCTC) for China Merchant Energy Shipping to be built at China Merchants Heavy Industry (Jiangsu) Co., Ltd. in China. The order was booked into Cargotec’s 2023 third-quarter orders. The vessels are to be delivered to the owner between the third and fourth quarter of 2025. MacGregor's scope of supply MacGregor's scope of supply is to design and...

Crowley and ABS, a pioneering provider in maritime classification and advisory services, have entered an agreement to jointly explore how to advance the use of augmented and virtual reality technologies for vessels and other marine environments. The ABS partnership agreement builds on Crowley’s new service network using augmented reality on select vessels. The crew wears goggle technology to provide real-time visuals of ship equipment to remote technicians to collaborate on soluti...

ABS and Asiatic Lloyd Maritime LLP, a member of the AL Group, have signed a joint development project (JDP) to study the feasibility of converting the fuel system of an ultramax bulk carrier, from conventional diesel to methanol.  The study is focused on a series of up to eight ABS Classed ultramax bulk carriers ordered for construction in the New Hantong Shipyard, China, for AL Group. Author's quote “Converting vessel propulsion systems to take advantage of the decarbonisation pot...

ABS awarded approval in principle (AIP) to Samsung Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. (SHI) for its cyber resilience systems design. As technologies have expanded, automation systems have become more complex and integrated, and autonomous functions are being introduced, the probabilities of cyber-related incidents have increased. ABS found that the SHI system meets cyber resilience requirements established in the ABS Rules for Building & Classing Marine Vessels and IACS UR E26 C...

Pioneering provider of secure maritime data communications software, GTMaritime, has received certification to the ISO/IEC 27001 international standard for information security management systems (ISMS).  Defining requirements for an ISMS, ISO/IEC 27001 establishes a holistic approach to information security that encompasses people, policies and technology. Compliance with the standard is evidence that an organisation has created a comprehensive system to asses and manage information secur...

Nexans Marine Operations AS and Ulstein Verft entered into a contract for the construction of a large DP3 cable-laying vessel. The vessel, an ST-297 CLV design by Skipsteknisk, is an updated version of the Nexans Aurora, delivered in 2021. “We awarded the contract for a new vessel to Ulstein after an extensive tendering process, where Ulstein’s track record, including the delivery of Nexans Aurora, was important factors in deciding on the shipyard Ulstein Verft yet ag...

Siemens Smart Infrastructure has released key insights into the divisive nature of the infrastructure transition in a new report, titled “Siemens Infrastructure Transition Monitor 2023: The Great Divide on The Path to Net Zero.” Data from the report reveals that there is limited alignment on priorities and how best to progress towards a decarbonised and resource-efficient world. Whilst more than half of people surveyed believe the infrastructure transition is accelerating in their r...

Rodman Polyships S.A.U., a Rodman Group shipyard specialised in the building of all types of GRP (Glass Fibre Reinforced Polyester) boats, has delivered a new professional boat to the Maritime Service of the Spanish Civil Guard. She is the new Rodman 66, a monohull, cabin type construction, with an aluminium hull and deck and a superstructure in glass fibre reinforced polyester (GRP) using hybrid multi-axial materials of aramid and E-glass and other synthetic and mineral fibres. New Rodman 66...

“There is a significant amount of work to be done between now and 2050 if we hope to hit net zero on carbon emissions. But our research shows it can be done and maps out a pathway for the industry to get there. It connects the macro industry calculus for net zero by 2050 with the micro calculus reality of what is required at the ship level,” said Christopher J. Wiernicki. Keynote address That was the message for the industry from ABS Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Christopher...

BrainCreators, an innovative pioneer in AI and digital inspection solutions, is excited to announce the availability of its maritime surveillance system, SEAGULL, for use in the United Kingdom. SEAGULL is an advanced SaaS solution specifically designed for continuous and automated vessel monitoring for ports, harbours, coasts, bridges, locks and waterways. To mark this expansion, BrainCreators will be part of the Dutch Trade Mission at the prestigious London International Shipping Wee...

ABS joined a pioneering joint industry project (JIP) to collaborate on the development of a detailed design of a 40K cbm liquified carbon dioxide (LCO2) carrier that meets Class and statutory requirements with Ecolog Services Ltd. (ECOLOG), Hanwha Ocean Co., Ltd. and Babcock International Liquid Gas Equipment (LGE). The ultimate design will maximise energy integration and minimise greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions while being cargo versatile and capable of offshore offloading, as in the direct inj...

ABS is launching a global ABS Electrification Centre to support maritime decarbonisation projects. Comprised of ABS engineers and technical specialists, the centre will support a range of cutting-edge electrification projects for shipowners, shipyards and other stakeholders across the Asia Pacific region and around the world. The centre will also provide support for the electrification of harbour and coastal craft aligned to the initiatives from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore...

At Gastech 2023, ABS signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to review an innovative new design from HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) for a dual-fuel, very large ammonia carrier (VLAC) for Eastern Pacific Shipping Pte. Ltd. (EPS). ABS joins project partners EPS, HHI and HHI Engine & Machinery Division, MAN Energy Solutions and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore. Demand for gas reduction Fueled by ammonia and liquified natural gas (LNG), the 88K/93K cbm vessel design is expec...

Faced with tough competition for greener fuels from other sectors, new 2030 maritime emission targets hang in the balance. According to the latest edition of DNV‘s Maritime Forecast to 2050, the shipping industry will find it challenging to secure enough supply of carbon-neutral fuels. The report emphasises the need to consider all alternative approaches to reducing emissions and to take action now to secure future success. Carbon emission reductions Maritime sector needs to access a st...

At Gastech 2023, DNV granted a design verification report (DVR) for the AI-based autonomous navigation system "HiNAS Control". This system was a joint project between Avikus, a navigation specialist, and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries. Following the evaluation, the Liberian International Ship and Corporate Registry (LISCR) has also given an Approval in Principle (AiP) for this system. HiNAS Control system The "HiNAS Control" system employs artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality (AR)...

Globally renowned classification society - DNV has granted an Approval in Principle (AiP) certificate to Hudong-Zhonghua’s new design of a 271,000 cbm LNG carrier, making it the largest vessel of its kind in the world. Innovative concept On the inaugural day of Gastech 2023, held in Singapore, DNV’s global Business Director of Gas Carriers & FSRU, Martin Cartwright, presented the AiP certificate to Song Wei, Chief Technical Officer of Hudong Zhonghua Shipbuilding Company Limite...

A two-stage freshwater generator will soon join the Alfa Laval AQUA Blue family. Compared to the single-stage AQUA Blue E1, the two-stage AQUA Blue E2 produces twice as much fresh water for a certain amount of waste heat – or the same amount of fresh water using around half the waste heat. Thanks to Alfa Laval’s AQUA plate technology, both models are far more efficient than competing systems. Matchless efficiency in two stages Alfa Laval’s AQUA plate technology cut the seawa...

NSSLGlobal, a global pioneer in satellite communications and IT solutions, and renowned ship management company - Hermann Lohmann Bereederungen (HLB) have agreed to extend their existing partnership.  HLB continues its digitalisation journey enjoying the operational and economic benefits that SMART technology brings, it will continue to leverage NSSLGlobal’s powerful SMART@SEA intelligent IT management solution, world-class VSAT IP@SEA network and FusionIP service on 15 vessels. NSS...

A significant step towards the realisation of sustainable shipping and a zero-emission future has been taken, as the Finnish major energy efficiency solution provider - WE Tech Solutions (WE Tech) joined forces with one of the largest Japanese general trading companies - Mitsui & Co., Ltd (Mitsui). In landmark agreements, WE Tech further strengthens its position as a global energy efficiency solution major by calling in Mitsui’s strategic investment leading it to be a significant mino...

Brunvoll has secured a contract with Fitjar Mekaniske Verksted AS for the delivery of a propulsion and maneouvering package for the stun and bleed vessel. FSV’s new vessel is designed in corporation between Sirius Design & Integration and Fitjar Mekaniske Verksted AS, which also are building the vessel. Stun and bleed vessel The 50-metre-long stun and bleed vessel will be fitted with a twin-screw configuration, featuring controllable pitch shaft lines propellers, and reduction...

ClassNK has issued an Approval in Principle (AiP) for an ammonia fuel supply system for an oil tanker and container ship developed by Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI).Ammonia is expected to be used as a ship fuel for decarbonisation since it does not emit CO2 when combusted. Meanwhile, adequate safety measures are imperative as it has been pointed out that ammonia is toxic to humans and corrosive to materials. Zero-emission ships ClassNK accepted out a review of an ideational design of the p...

ClassNK has issued an Approval in Principle (AiP) for a cargo containment system (CCS) and cargo handling system (CHS) for a liquefied hydrogen carrier developed by GTT. Hydrogen is expected to be used as a source of clean energy for decarbonisation since it does not emit CO2 when combusted. The technological development for maritime hydrogen transportation is progressing actively with the aim of establishing a hydrogen supply chain.  Review of CCS and CHS ClassNK carried out the design...

Algoma Central Corporation (Algoma) has ordered two, methanol-ready, 37,000-DWT, ice-class product tanker vessels to be built to ABS Class. This CAN$127m investment followed an order for two, new, 72,250-DWT, methanol-ready, Kamsarmax-based ocean belt self-unloading vessels that will also be built to ABS Class from Algoma. Algoma’s decarbonisation efforts The new product tankers will be entered on long-term time charters under the Canadian flag, trading primarily from Saint John, New Bru...

ESVAGT and HAV Design have selected Brunvoll as the supplier of a propulsion and manoeuvring system for another Service Operations Vessel (SOV). The delivery will be a repeat of the contracted vessel from 2022, known as 'The world's first green fuel SOV'.  Both vessels are built by Cemre Shipyard and will enter into a 10-year charter for Ørsted at their U.K East Coast Hub. Propulsion and manoeuvring system The delivery from Brunvoll consists of a complete propulsion and manoeuvrin...

The first LNG carrier in a series currently under construction by Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) in Korea has completed gas trials. Originally ordered in Quarter 2 (Q2) 2021 and scheduled for delivery in July 2023, the ship is powered by MAN B&W ME-GA dual-fuel engines capable of running on fuel oil and LNG, and comes with Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) for emission reduction. ‘ME-GA opti’ – new control feature MAN Energy Solutions has always played a leading role in de...

MAN Energy Solutions has announced the successful first running of a test engine on ammonia at its Research Centre Copenhagen (RCC). The company reports that the successful combustion was performed on a MAN B&W two-stroke 4T50ME-X type and produced positive results with particularly promising data regarding pilot-oil amount and combustion stability. First ammonia engine test completed Gunnar Stiesch, the Chief Technical Officer, MAN Energy Solutions, said: “This marks a major milest...

Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., a Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group company based in Yokohama, has received orders from Imabari Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. for 12 units of its Fuel Gas Supply System (FGSS), a liquefied natural gas (LNG) fuel gas supply system for high-pressure dual-fuel marine engines. The equipment for 9 LNG-fuelled car carriers and 3 LNG-fuelled bulk carriers to be built by Imabari Shipbuilding Group will be continuously delivered from spring 2024. Fuel Gas Supply System...