Digital transformation - News

Ingeteam’s first renewable hydrogen project in Belgium is a great success

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...

Norton Rose Fulbright advises lenders on ECA-backed financing of Royal Caribbean’s latest “Oasis Class” vessel “Utopia of the Seas”

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...

AI tools key to the 'urgent action' needed to meet IMO climate targets

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...

Port of Aberdeen to become smartest port in the UK with £1m investment

North, a pioneering provider of smart integrated solutions, has been awarded contracts to the value of £1 million by the Port of Aberdeen to improve the safety, connectivity and sustainability of Scotland’s largest berthing port. The contract includes the upgrade and expansion of the port’s CCTV and security systems and the deployment of private 5G, public Wi-Fi and IoT networks to support a range of solutions to improve operations and customer experience. Marine infrastructu...

Shipping industry calls for action following the attack on the MV Tutor and cargo ship Verbena

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 unveils the next chapter in its culinary story: Relaxed yet refined, the finest cuisine at sea redefined

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...

Shore power for tankers has a significant potential to reduce in-port emissions

As part of a CEF Study project co-funded by the European Union, Port of Rotterdam, in collaboration with the municipality of Rotterdam and various partners in the port of Rotterdam, is conducting four feasibility studies for shore power. This takes place at four large terminals in the port of Rotterdam; the ECT (Amazonehaven), APMT2 (Amaliahaven), VOPAK (Vlaardingen) and the Cruise terminal (Wilhelminakade). The studies consist of different parts; detailed technical studies, environmental and s...

Embracing diversity and inclusion: The Maritime industry's journey to accept LGBTQ individuals

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...

Wärtsilä propulsion solutions expected to deliver 5% fuel savings for International Seaways tankers

Technology group - Wärtsilä announced it will supply its EnergoFlow and EnergoProFin propulsion solutions to four medium-range ('MR') tankers in the International Seaways fleet.  The devices will be used to upgrade the ships’ existing Wärtsilä controllable pitch propeller system resulting in an estimated five percent (5%) in fuel savings. These will be the first Ice Class 1A FS vessels to be fitted with the EnergoFlow solution. The order was booked by Wärtsil...

Shipnet and Source2Sea collaborate on PunchOut integration to drive data-based and transparent catalogue ordering in maritime supply

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...

New body IMCSO to elevate standards and streamline provisioning of cybersecurity services in maritime

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...

WFW advises Crédit Mutuel Impact and Atlante Gestion on investment in SO TOWT

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...

Hybrid and over 1.100 kW strong: Rolls-Royce presents new mtu propulsion concepts for military vehicles of the future

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...

ClassNK unveils 2nd edition FAQs for decarbonisation-focused FuelEU maritime

FuelEU Maritime, an EU regulation aimed at promoting the decarbonisation of fuels used on board ships, has entered into force and will apply to all ships above 5,000 gross tonnages calling at EU ports from January 1, 2025. FAQs on the FuelEU maritime In this 'FAQs on the FuelEU Maritime (2nd Edition)', the explanation regarding the responsible entities under the regulation and the necessary regulatory compliance timeline for shipping companies have been added, and the contents have been update...

Dockyard named after Liverpool MP looking to write new chapter of its history

It was destroyed in an explosion during the Blitz, hosted Cunard liners during the 1960s, and was a key link for trade in everything from sugar to second-hand appliances. Now an industrial site on the Mersey docklands is looking for a new occupier to continue the story of the extraordinary site. The rare lot of land at Huskisson Dock, owned by the UK’s second largest port operator, Peel Ports, will serve as an ideal hub for companies working in the distribution, manufacturing, and sp...

STAR capital leads consortium in the acquisition of V.Group

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...

InfinityWEC shows significant improvement in energy output and motion control with moment-based MPC

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...

MacGregor secures crane order for MMA Offshore

MacGregor, part of Cargotec, has received a large order for its 50-tonne active heave compensated (AHC) crane to be installed on board MMA Valour, a versatile and flexible multi-purpose platform supply vessel. The vessel has a proven track record in servicing a broad range of offshore work scopes across the energy and offshore wind sectors. The contract has been booked into Cargotec’s second-quarter 2024 order intake, with crane supply scheduled for the third quarter of 2025. Successful d...

Subsea demand drives growth at Express Engineering

Global demand in subsea markets for oil and gas continues to help drive growth at manufacturing, assembly and testing specialist Express Engineering, which is investing in capital equipment and its workforce. The international business, based in Gateshead in the North of England, has been enjoying buoyant growth during the last 12-18 months – growing its workforce while building a record pipeline of new work. With buoyant oil and gas prices and optimistic five-year forecasts from ene...

New ABS notation enables vessel operators to carry an additional tier of containers

ABS has published a new notation that enables containership operators to load an additional tier of containers on deck with reduced risk of loss due to parametric rolling. CLP-V(PARR) combines the ABS Computer Lashing Program notation with mandatory Parametric Roll guidance to allow operators to optimise stowage and lashing of containers without loss of safety margin. Flexible loading configurations “Optimising container loading is key to efficient vessel operations but also has a found...

Vestdavit training ensures boat handling on US Navy ship is in safe hands

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 secures Louis Dreyfus Armateurs propulsion package for wind-assisted Airbus ro-ro vessels

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...

Alphatron Marine announces leadership changes in Germany

Mr. Arno Nommensen has been appointed as the new Managing Director as of June 11. With over 24 years of experience, Arno is a highly motivated and focused sales and business development expert in the maritime industry. “After more than two decades of cooperation with Alphatron Marine from my previous position as a supplier, I feel very much honoured and proud to step into my new role as Managing Director of Alphatron Marine Germany. Together with the entire team, we will further build t...

Milaha enhances crew training and operational excellence with NAUTIS simulator

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 signs contract with Ventus Marine for four 27m crew transfer vessels for Asia and Europe

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...

Hefring Marine and Loodswezen forge strategic partnership to navigate the Dutch seas

Hefring Marine has announced a new partnership with Loodswezen, aiming to improve the safety and efficiency of the Dutch pilotage associations operations by installing the Intelligent Marine Assistance System (IMAS) on its latest pilot tenders. Loodswezen, also known as the Dutch Pilots' Corporation, is responsible for ensuring the safe and efficient navigation of vessels through Dutch waters. This includes providing pilotage services for ships entering and leaving ports, navigating through riv...

WEG W30 smart EC motors provide greater efficiency and sustainability at Granja Ueyama

Focused on egg production since 1947, Granja Ueyama is constantly looking for innovative and efficient solutions to improve the company's operations. Located in the city of Bastos, São Paulo State, the farm counted on WEG Elétrica Luand to implement this energy efficiency project. Air moved by efficiency  The W30 Smart EC, chosen to consolidate the partnership between Granja Ueyama and WEG, stands out as a key part of modernising the exhaust system in poultry faciliti...

Inmarsat launches NexusWave maritime comms network service

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...

Accelleron signs long-term service agreement with Grandi Navi Veloci covering more than 100 turbochargers

Accelleron has signed a Turbo LifecycleCare service agreement with Grandi Navi Veloci (GNV), an Italian shipping company specialising in coastal navigation and passenger transport in the Mediterranean.  The five-year agreement covers the maintenance and servicing of more than 100 turbochargers across GNV's fleet of 28 ships. Accelleron offers comprehensive support Accelleron will provide comprehensive support, including spare parts and labor readiness, focused on maintaining turbocharger...

CO2next project for fluid CO2 storage and handling enters FEED phase

Co2next, the open-access terminal project for temporary storage and handling of liquid CO2 in the Maasvlakte area in Rotterdam, is entering the FEED (Front-End Engineering Design) phase. Shell and TotalEnergies have joined this collaboration, which was fronted by Gasunie and Vopak up to this point. The terminal will house liquid CO2, which is supplied by vessels and will be connected to empty North Sea gas fields through the future Aramis pipeline. As a result, the terminal will become par...

vfd