Crews - News

Daphne Technology’s innovative SlipPure™ system has been awarded Approval in Principle (AiP) from Lloyd's Register (“LR”) for its Plasma-Catalytic technology, with LR witnessed results confirming its performance. This recognition marks a significant milestone in the fight against methane slips in the maritime and land-based oil and gas industries. The advanced SlipPure™ system, which previously received AiP for its plasma-only configuration, now runs its full Plasm...

Watson Farley & Williams (“WFW”) advised Hamburg Commercial Bank AG (“HCOB”) on its acquisition of NIBC Bank N.V.’s (“NIBC”) entire shipping portfolio comprising €992m of performing shipping loans. NIBC’s shipping experts will join HCOB to form its first representative office in the Netherlands. The portfolio was acquired through a multi-stage competitive bidding process and is the first major acquisition of its kind for HCOB. Banking pr...

Manta Marine Technologies (MMT) has unlocked further fuel and emissions savings from its popular FuelOpt™ system with the addition of the trim optimisation advisory system - TrimSense™. Available as a simple added feature to existing FuelOpt™ installations, TrimSense™ has the potential to deliver fuel savings of 1-4%. TrimSense™ also comes with the additional benefit of no commercial downtime during installations. The system integrates easily and assists with...

The Panama Canal celebrated the eighth anniversary of its expansion program by announcing an increase to its draft and daily transits, all while continuing to manage the impact of climate variability and the challenge of securing water for the future. Through an Advisory to Shipping, the Panama Canal announced that the maximum authorised draft was raised today from 46 to 47 feet (14.33 metres), and will increase to 48 feet (14.063 metres) on July 11. Additionally, a new booking slot for the Neo...

The ABB-powered all-electric tug eWolf has been christened this week at the Port of San Diego, California, marking a new chapter in vessel electrification in the United States. Owned and operated by Crowley, eWolf features an end-to-end electric propulsion system from ABB including a 6.2-megawatt-hour energy storage system (ESS). This allows the vessel to achieve 70 short tons of bollard pull with zero emissions and complete a full day of work on a single charge. Given electricity is cheaper t...

260 registered participants and 115 institutions from 41 different countries. These are the main figures of the IAME 2024 Annual Conference whose inauguration was held at the Port Authority of Valencia this morning.  The Conference was inaugurated by Francesc Sánchez, president of the Valenciaport Foundation; Antonio Torregrosa, director of the Valenciaport Foundation; Rosa María Donat, vice-rector of Innovation and Transfer of the University of València; Enrique Belda...

A delegation of European representatives of the Environment visited this morning the Port of Valencia. Led by Patrick Child, deputy director general of Environment of the European Union (EU), the group of ten officials -from six different EU nationalities-, three representatives of the City of València, and Maider Etxebarria, mayor of Vitoria, have toured the site in order to see the environmental projects that Valenciaport has underway. Along with Child, have visited the Port of Val&e...

HMM, Korea's largest and the world's eighth-largest container carrier, has announced a strategic partnership with CargoX, a pioneering provider of electronic trade document solutions. This collaboration introduces electronic bill of lading (eBL) features on the HMM digital service platform. Through this partnership, HMM customers will benefit from the advanced functionalities of the CargoX Platform, which will be integrated into HMM's digital services. This integration aims to modernise and str...

MAN CEON, the digital platform of MAN Energy Solutions, received the ABS Cyber Security Product Design Assessment (PDA) certificate. MAN CEON connects machinery to Amazon Web Services (AWS), the Amazon-based cloud storage platform. The data transmitted is used to provide up-to-date information including the efficiency of components and systems, availability of those systems and real-time monitoring from shore. ABS CyberSafety® Program The PDA is part of the ABS CyberSafety® Program th...

Inmarsat Maritime, a Viasat company, has launched a white paper urging maritime organisations to strengthen their cyber defences - as the industry continues to adopt connected technologies for digitalisation, decarbonisation, and crew welfare. The whitepaper explores the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS)’ new unified requirements (URs) for cyber security. Compiled in collaboration with pioneering classification society and IACS member ClassNK, IACS Unified Requi...

Iridium Communications Inc. (IRDM), a renowned provider of global voice and data satellite communications, has announced expanded commercial availability of its Satellite Time and Location (STL) service, the leading alternative positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) solution. Driven by increased commercial demand, Iridium partners are now authorised to sell the service in parts of Europe and Asia Pacific, helping to protect locally relied upon GNSS systems, like GPS and Galileo, with a signa...

Ingeteam’s first project for an electrolyser manufacturer’s test bench has been a great success. The project was the first 100% renewable hydrogen production facility to which the Basque technology company supplied capital equipment in mid-2022. Following system commissioning and several months of operation, its success constituted a green light for further projects with the same customer to generate hydrogen for their mobility solutions. Test bench project Such test bench project...

Global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright has advised the lenders, led by Citi, on the financing and subsequent delivery of Royal Caribbean’s latest flagship vessel, “Utopia of the Seas”. The Norton Rose Fulbright team advised on all aspects of the transaction, including the original financing arrangements and, most recently, the delivery of the vessel. The vessel is the latest Royal Caribbean vessel financed under a French ECA-supported receivable purchase financing and post-deli...

Yarden Gross, CEO and Co-founder of maritime technology start-up Orca AI champions the rapid – but responsible – deployment of smart, cost-effective digital tools to tackle climate challenges in the shipping industry. Leveraging machine learning and data insights, AI solutions are a vital front line in reducing fuel consumption and emissions. AI solutions "AI solutions are crucial for squeezing every last drop of efficiency out of the existing fleet amid increasing pressure to dec...

The shipping community is appalled and deeply saddened with the tragic news that, yet another seafarer seems certain to have been killed in a drone boat strike on Wednesday 12 June while on board the MV Tutor in the Red Sea. They utterly condemn these assaults which directly contravene the fundamental principle of freedom of navigation. Thoughts and condolences go to the family and loved ones of the seafarer who tragically lost their life. It is deplorable that innocent seafarer...

Oceania Cruises, the world's pioneering culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, has revealed the next chapter in its culinary story as it highlights new Relaxed Yet Refined dining venues aboard its eight small, luxurious ships. New sushi and Indian cuisine offerings at Terrace Café and a revamped poolside lunch menu at Waves Grill are in the spotlight as the line redefines The Finest Cuisine at Sea. Winning specialty restaurants Frank A. Del Rio, President of Oceania Cruises, co...

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) have emerged as significant priorities within the maritime industry's pursuit of sustainability. However, the industry's genuine commitment to embracing diversity, particularly concerning sexuality and gender, remains a topic of exploration. LGBTQ+: Beyond acronyms The LGBTQ+ community, comprising lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer individuals and many other inclusive identities, has long fought for societal acceptance. Historical taboos, social s...

Norway-based maritime technology business, Shipnet, has collaborated with Source2Sea in an initiative to drive data-based and transparent catalogue ordering within the maritime supply industry. The PunchOut integration allows Shipnet users to access Source2Sea’s marketplace without leaving Shipnet, optimising the ordering processes onboard and the building and maintenance of procurement product data and assortments. Linking procurement systems Linking procurement systems with supplier c...

It is the launch of the International Maritime Cyber Security Organisation (IMCSO), an organisation that aims to raise the standard of cybersecurity risk assessment across the maritime industry. IMCSO The IMCSO has devised a certification programme for security consultants and a professional register, helping shipping organisations to confidently select experienced personnel. Alongside this, the IMCSO will also validate report outputs to ensure consistency with those reports then held on a ce...

Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., a part of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group, has received orders from Toyofuji Shipping Co., Ltd. (Aichi Prefecture) and Fukuju Shipping Co., Ltd. Shizuoka Prefecture) for Japan's first methanol-fueled roll-on/roll-off (RORO) cargo ships. The two ships will be built at the Enoura Plant of MHI's Shimonoseki Shipyard & Machinery Works in Yamaguchi Prefecture, with scheduled completion and delivery by the end of fiscal 2027. The ships will be approximat...

Watson Farley & Williams advised Crédit Mutuel Impact and Atlante Gestion on their equity investment in SO TOWT to finance the construction of six new sailing cargo ships for TOWT TransOceanic Wind Transport (“TOWT”), the pioneering French low-carbon shipping company. The six new vessels are being built in Brittany’s Piriou shipyards for delivery in 2027. Once operational they will join the first two vessels of TOWT’s fleet, which are expected to enter commerc...

Rolls-Royce’s Power Systems division is expanding its mtu engine programme for military land vehicles to include a hybrid powerpack for special tactical requirements and a 10-cylinder, over 1.100 kW power output, version of the mtu Series 199 which has been extremely successful with NATO forces. Both concepts will celebrate their premiere at the Eurosatory defence trade fair, which takes place in Paris from 17 to 21 June. Rolls-Royce's strategic initiatives Dr Jörg Stratmann, CEO o...

STAR Capital, a pioneering European investment fund manager, is pleased to announce that the STAR IV Fund has signed an agreement to acquire V.Group, a global provider of mission-critical services to the maritime industry.  STAR will lead a consortium of investors including Ackermans & van Haaren and others to partner with V.Group’s management team. The transaction is subject to regulatory consents and is expected to complete in early autumn 2024. Financial terms have not been di...

Ocean Harvesting is currently developing generation 6 of its wave energy converter InfinityWEC in close collaboration with ball screw manufacturer NSK. A ball screw is a very good actuator providing a high ratio between linear motion and rotation to the generator, high efficiency, low weight and long life. However, ball screws are sensitive to the side forces and bending moments in the PTO caused by the surge motion of the buoy and high speeds that may occur in large waves. This challenge in th...

Crew proficiency in safe boat handling is vital for effective response with mission-critical naval operations - and US Navy personnel have been put through their paces to get up to speed with advanced davits being supplied by Vestdavit Inc. for a series of newly built expeditionary sea base (ESB) ships. Crew and davit operators serving on the newly commissioned USS John L. Canley (ESB-6) recently participated in operational training conducted by Vestdavit at a naval base in San Diego, Californi...

BERG Propulsion has won a contract covering the hybrid propulsion solution that ensure three wind-assisted Louis Dreyfus Armateurs (LDA) ro-ro vessels will maximise efficiency regardless of their mode of operation. Following delivery by China’s Wuchang Shipbuilding from 2026 onwards, the innovative vessels will carry Airbus A320 Family jetliner subassemblies from France (Saint-Nazaire) to the final assembly line in the United States (Mobile, Alabama). The ships have been designed by Delta...

Milaha, one of the largest and most diversified maritime and logistics companies in the Middle East, acquired the NAUTIS simulator to significantly enhance their crew’s ship-handling skills and ensure they are well-prepared for their upcoming duties. The NAUTIS simulator, initially installed at Milaha in 2015, has undergone several upgrades to its TVs and control panels over the years. Testament to Milaha’s dedication The simulator allows for the creation of scenarios...

Strategic Marine, a pioneering aluminium shipbuilder, is pleased to announce the construction of four 27m Z-Bow Crew Transfer Vessels (CTVs) to Ventus Marine in Europe and Taiwan. This milestone project is the result of a collaborative effort with renowned design firm BMT Limited, showcasing the latest advancements in marine engineering and technology. The contract signing signifies Strategic Marine’s commitment to delivering top-quality vessels tailored to meet the needs of the offshore...

Inmarsat Maritime, a Viasat company, has launched NexusWave, a fully managed connectivity service underpinned by a ‘bonded’ multi-dimensional network, offering high-speed connectivity, unlimited data, global coverage, and ‘secure by design’ infrastructure. Delivered by a single provider, NexusWave is a fully managed service that seamlessly integrates multiple high-speed networks in real-time – Global Xpress (GX) Ka-band, LEO services, and as-available coa...

MSC has announced the creation of its new service – Britannia – that will provide increased port connections via a unique corridor from China - Vietnam to Liverpool. The new loop provides access to the port of Vung Tau, creating a direct service to Liverpool and MSC’s hubs in Rotterdam, Antwerp and Hamburg, connecting Scandinavia and Baltic Destinations. This will increase its coverage from China and Vietnam to the UK and Northwest Continent. Other direct services The first...