Yara Marine Technology - Experts & Thought Leaders

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 vessels The installations, onboard RINA-classed Finnlines RoPax vessels Finnstar, Finnmaid and Finnlady support Finnlines’ commitment to decarbonise their fleet and reduce the environmental impact on shore-side communities. The installations, onboard RINA-classed Finnlines RoPax vessels Finnstar, Finnmaid and Finnlady Thomas Doepel, Finnlines Deputy CEO Finnlines, said, “Finnlines has a long history of meeting strategic environmental aims by consistently setting short-term goals to reach excellent long-term results. We are proud to have partnered with Manta Marine Technologies on this pioneering initiative, and we are confident that shore power will play a crucial role in reducing our environmental footprint and GHG emissions.” Vessels for shore power Ina Reksten, Manta Marine Technologies CEO, said, “Shore power is a valuable tool for shipowners looking to improve the environmental credentials of their vessels and I’m thrilled that our customer Finnlines have had such a positive experience with our team. We look forward to more ship owners boosting their green credentials through the use of our turnkey shore power solution as well as other products in Manta Marine’s portfolio.” Manta Marine Technologies’ skilled shore power team worked closely with Finnlines to minimise vessel downtime and ensure that the new equipment was installed as seamlessly as possible. The former worked to prepare the vessels for shore power, while Finnlines — in collaboration with the port authorities — developed a cable management system for the quayside. Initial power transfer trial took MMT team ensured that the detailed plan was met simultaneously and performed FATs The first phase of the installations took place in the spring of 2023 and involved some preparatory work being performed while the vessels were sailing, as well as when the vessels were alongside. The MMT team ensured that the detailed design was completed simultaneously and performed FATs.  The initial power transfer trial took place onboard the Finnmaid at the Port of Helsinki in December 2023 and has demonstrated that the system performs exactly as expected. Retrofit installations “The installation took 10 months from start to completion on the first vessel, but this is due to specific long-lead items back in 2022,” explains Carl Fredrik Erikson, responsible for Manta Marine Technologies’ Shore Power Project Management, adding that installation times will be reduced due to shorter delivery time now. “That said, they could also become longer if the whole market decides to invest at the same time,” he continues, pointing out that a number of operators are considering retrofit installations for their fleets. Class-approved and well-functioning shore power system Carl Fredrik Erikson adds, “Our class-approved and well-functioning shore power system is relatively unique for complex high-voltage shore power retrofits. We believe that our engineering approach aligns very well with the needs of the existing global fleet.”  This successful project was followed by the successful commissioning of the Finnlady in the beginning of 2024, followed closely by the Finnstar.

Major technological innovator, Yara Marine Technologies (YMT) has been acquired by Geneva-based Okapi Supply Trading Advisory SA (formerly Sarl) to expand its maritime solutions portfolio. With a shared commitment to advancing sustainable solutions for the maritime industry, this new relationship sets the stage for the green solutions provider to accelerate the reach and impact of its industry-renowned decarbonisation technologies, supported by Okapi’s resources and drive. Green technology solutions There is a genuine need for trusted, robust, and well-tested green technology solutions The acquisition comes at a pivotal moment for shipping, as the industry faces increasing emissions regulations and financial impetus to meet the 2030, 2040, and 2050 emissions goals set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). There is a genuine need for trusted, robust, and well-tested green technology solutions that are supported by resilient manufacturing and supply chains that match scale with rapidly increased market demand necessitating greater financial and organisational investment in new and existing technologies that enable this process. Decarbonisation with operational excellence Yara Marine Technologies’ Dr. Thomas Koniordos said, “This acquisition is the next step, and we eagerly anticipate the opportunities that lie ahead with Mohamed and the team at Okapi." He adds, "Together, we will continue accelerating our industry’s transition to net zero through greater development and deployment of our cutting-edge decarbonisation technologies, reducing the environmental impact of maritime operations and improving operational excellence across our global fleet." Addressing emission challenges Okapi Supply Trading Advisory SA CEO, Mohamed J. Ndao said, “I’m pleased to welcome Yara Marine Technologies into the Okapi family. Their wide portfolio of innovative solutions showcases a variety of approaches and stackable alternatives that can serve as immediate options when addressing our industry’s emissions challenges." Mohamed J. Ndao adds, "This aligns closely with our ambition to offer our customers easier pathways towards greening their operations. This union is an exciting new chapter, and I look forward to working together to create positive change for the marine environment and the maritime industry." Strategic divestment Yara Marine Technologies has been a valuable part of Yara for 10 years" Congratulating Okapi on its acquisition, Magnus Ankarstrand, EVP of Yara Corporate Development said, “We are happy to have found a new owner that has a strong interest in developing the company further." Magnus Ankarstrand adds, "Yara Marine Technologies has been a valuable part of Yara for 10 years. However, as Yara’s strategy is to focus its investments on the core business of sustainable food solutions and clean ammonia, a divestment of Yara Marine Technologies was a natural step.” Green portfolio The past few years have seen YMT establish a reputation as a market major in green technologies, with a portfolio of products seen across a variety of ship types. Dr. Koniordos said, “We owe a debt of gratitude to Yara International for their invaluable support and partnership through our journey to this point. Their support and contributions have been instrumental in helping us innovate and progress our portfolio of decarbonisation solutions.” Vessel optimisation technologies The acquisition sets the stage for YMT’s launch of updated and new vessel optimisation technologies for the existing and future global fleet. These will join their established portfolio of vessel optimisation technologies, such as propulsion optimisation system FuelOpt; state-of-the-art performance management and reporting system Fleet Analytics; cloud-based AI-powered ship operation support system RoutePilot AI; and shore power installations for vessels.  Wind-assisted propulsion Additionally, YMT’s FuelOpt system also supports wind-assisted propulsion that optimises power and records fuel performance on vessels with sails, rotors, kites, and wings. Customers with previously acquired products from YMT will continue to be expertly supported by lifecycle services, ensuring a continued experience of quality performance from previously delivered products and future maritime technologies.

Asia Pacific Maritime (APM), the largest meeting place in Southeast Asia for the global maritime value chain, will return for its 18th installment in Singapore from 13 to 15 March 2024 at the Marina Bay Sands.  The premier exhibition and conference is expected to bring together more than 14,000 shipowners, shipyards, ship management, and technical procurers to meet over 1,400 solutions providers.  Solutions and services “For the past few months, we have been reconnecting with industry players globally to learn about their latest solutions, services, and technologies that will drive the maritime sector over the next decade,” said Yeow Hui Leng, Group Project Director, RX, the organiser of APM. "Through APM, we are excited to be connecting these global brands with the Asian audience and bringing their offerings here to further support collaboration and growth. We look forward to cultivating a space for conversations and discussions that will future-proof the maritime sector.”  Decarbonisation efforts Maritime faces significant pressure to be more sustainable and innovative in this increasingly challenging world As an industry essential for the world’s economic development, maritime faces significant pressure to be more sustainable and innovative in this increasingly challenging world. According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the maritime sector, which carries around 80% of the global merchandise trade currently, urgently needs to decarbonise, and these decarbonisation efforts need to come together with technological innovation, sound multilateral regulation, and economic growth to face rising costs, especially among the most vulnerable economies. Future of vessels, solutions for tomorrow  With the theme “Future of Vessels, Solutions for Tomorrow”, APM 2024 aims to be the platform for knowledge exchange and information sharing. The conference and exhibition will focus on highlighting smarter solutions to achieve net-zero objectives, drive cybersecurity, improve satellite communication mobility, and embrace digitalisation. Joining at the exhibition front will be innovative solutions including drones, batteries, electric marine engines and propulsion, sustainable paints and coatings, and tech solution companies, just to name a few. Maritime drones Flyability will also head a session at the APM conference to address the use of drones to enhance inspection Maritime drones are increasingly used for inspection in environments that are tough to navigate, such as engine rooms and ports, as they can help improve safety while keeping operational costs low. At APM 2024, attendees will be able to explore Flyability’s ELIOS 3, the world’s first collision-tolerant drone equipped with a LiDAR sensor for indoor 3 mapping. Flyability has pioneered confined space inspection drones that enable professionals to improve safety, reduce downtime, and cut costs for their internal inspections. Flyability will also head a session at the APM conference to address the use of drones to enhance inspection and surveillance for port operations.  Notable exhibitors Other notable exhibitors amongst the 1,400 pioneering brands on the floor include Wartsila, MTU, Niigata, Engtek, Reintjes, Schaller Automation, Yanmar, Daihatsu Diesel, Nakashima, Schottel, Bergen Engines, Yara Marine, Marlink, Speedcast, OTESAT_MARITEL, Hostmost, Jotron, KVH, Furuno, Tero Marine, Danaos, Jason Electronics, Codar, Can Traders, Alphatron, Nabtesco, Thuraya, Asia Satellite Telecommunications, Bachmann Electronic, Navtor, Auto-Maskin, VINSSEN, Vertidrive NL, Durapower, EST-Floattech, Hanla IMS, Panasia, Shinwoo, GEA, Lindenberg-Anlagen, Zollern GmbH, Flender, Thordon Bearings, Roxtec, Sauer Compressors, Fincantieri Italy, DESMI, Den-Jet, Damen Shipyard, Nippon Paint, Jotun, Chugoko Marine Paint and many more. Chil-Han Lee, the founder, and CEO of VINSSEN Co., Ltd., a pioneering provider of Hydrogen Fuel Cells, lithium-ion batteries, and propulsion systems, said, “VINSSEN has delivered several maritime decarbonisation projects involving Hydrogen Fuel Cell technology and full battery electric propulsion system." Six conference themes Our study of hydrogen as a maritime fuel was made possible thanks to the industry partnerships" "Our study of hydrogen as a maritime fuel was made possible thanks to the industry partnerships we have established in Singapore. This is why platforms like APM 2024 are important as they allow opportunities for collaboration and mutual learning to drive the industry forward.” The conference, sponsored by DNV, will feature more than 80 speakers to deliver dialogues across six conference themes spread out across three days – Sustainability, Innovation and Digitalisation, Manpower & Training, Maritime Cyber Security, Port & Terminals, and Insurance.  Main and innovation stage Parallel tracks will run concurrently at two separate stages on the show floor to enable a more comprehensive sharing of knowledge focusing on topics of interest. The Main Stage will see some of the world’s top industry experts and pioneers sharing first-hand insights into how to drive businesses forward. On the other hand, the Innovation Stage will feature business pioneers and other industry specialists showcasing successful case studies, pioneering innovations, and inspiring visions to help companies overcome challenges in business growth.   Speakers Some of the C-suite speakers confirmed to date include: Jayendu Krishna, Director-Deputy Head, Maritime Advisors, Drewry  Jan-Erik Rasanen, CTO, Foreship Daejin Lee, Global Head of Research, Fertistream Simon Grainge, CEO, International Seafarers' Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) Punit Oza, Founder of Maritime NXT/ International Vice President of Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers Panos Theodossopoulos, CEO, METIS Cyberspace Technology S.A. Ho Chaw Sing, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Cluster (NAMIC) Kenlip Ong, CEO, Pelagus 3D Budi Cahyono, Vice President Director, PT. Jakarta International Container Terminal Tarun Mehrotra, Chief Strategy Officer, RightShip Jan-Paul de Wilde, Head of Decarbonisation, Energy Transition & Innovation, RINA Singapore Rahul Kapoor, Vice-President, Global Head of Shipping Analytics & Research, S&P Global Commodity Insights John Rowley, CEO, Wallem Nakul Malhotra, Vice President, Emerging Opportunities Portfolio – Maritime Services, Wilhelmsen Marine cyber resilience How do we balance the conflict between business demands for technology innovations, such as AI" Richard Wagner, Regional Director Asia, CyberOwl, who will share about the latest technological innovations for marine cyber resilience at the conference, commented, “The maritime industry has transformed greatly over the last few years. We now see pioneering technologies reshaping the industry, but there are also challenges that these opportunities bring." "How do we balance the conflict between business demands for technology innovations, such as AI and the drive towards autonomous operations, with cyber risk management in the face of rising costs for cyber compromise? I look forward to discussing these topics at APM 2024.” APM 2024 roadshow The APM 2024 roadshow has begun with a series of events for the local maritime communities across Southeast Asia to offer early insights into the key topics that will be discussed at the event in Singapore. Upcoming roadshows include 17 January 2024 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and 22 February 2024 in Batam, Indonesia. All registered professionals for APM 2024 will be granted free access to both the exhibition and conference floors.