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Watson Farley & Williams advised Danaos Corporation on a US$450m post-delivery senior secured term loan facility to finance eight newbuild vessels under construction in the Daehan, Dalian and Qingdao shipyards to be delivered in 2024-2025. The lending syndicate comprised four major shipping banks. The newbuilding vessels will be the most efficient in Danaos’ fleet as they are built in accordance with the latest IMO requirements in relation to Tier III emission standards and Energ...

Imoto Lines and Marindows, as a first step in transforming the future of domestic maritime shipping, will build the next generation of zero-emission domestic container ships capable of hybrid operation using Japan's first exchangeable container batteries, alongside onboard batteries, and generators, and conduct demonstration experiments on the Kobe-Hiroshima service. This project is a challenge towards a sustainable future for domestic maritime shipping, aimed at fundamentally solving the three...

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...

Watson Farley & Williams (WFW) has advised MSC Cruises (MSC) on the financing for two new LNG-powered cruise ships from French shipbuilder - Chantiers de l’Atlantique. The vessels, World Class 3 and World Class 4 are expected to be delivered in 2026 and 2027 respectively. The financing was provided by a syndicate of lenders led by Banco Santander with ECA support from Bpifrance Export Assurance. Environmental technology In line with MSC’s commitment to investing in future envi...

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...

The Energy Transition at Sea is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for shipping and governments around the world to revitalise national maritime strategies and build the infrastructure and assets needed to achieve net zero. That’s the view of ABS Chairman and Chief Executive - Christopher J. Wiernicki, who is highlighting how maritime decarbonisation is a powerful driver for national maritime strategy, national security, and job creation. Decarbonisation Christopher J. Wiernicki said, &...

ClassNK has commenced joint research with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) to establish an evaluation method for the compatibility of ship materials with liquefied oxygen (LOX). The aim is to contribute to suppressing fire accidents on ships handling liquefied hydrogen, where LOX could be generated, and to reasonable material selection. Liquefied hydrogen carriers To construct a supply chain for hydrogen, which is expected to be a clean energy source in a decarbonised society, th...

Watson Farley & Williams (“WFW”) has advised Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank (“CACIB”) as an agent, SACE S.p.A and a syndicate of nine banks on pre and post-delivery loan facilities granted to Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH) for the acquisition of four cruise vessels currently under construction at Italian shipyard - Fincantieri S.p.A. The loan facilities are backed by the Italian export credit agency - SACE S.p.A.  Decarbonisati...

Hapag-Lloyd and three other partners have joined the Rotterdam-Singapore Green and Digital Shipping Corridor, furthering strengthening its efforts to accelerate digitalisation and decarbonisation of one of the world’s foremost shipping routes. The Green and Digital Shipping Corridor was started by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore and Port of Rotterdam Authority in August 2022 to accelerate decarbonisation and digitalisation on the one of the world’s foremost shipping rou...

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...

Babcock and Roshel, a manufacturer of armoured special purpose vehicles, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to collaboratively explore opportunities to support the Canadian Armed Forces. For over 16 years, Babcock has been proud to play a critical role supporting Canada’s safety and security. With a focus on mission critical assets, Babcock is trusted to support members of the Canadian Armed Forces from coast-to-coast. As Babcock expands its operations in Canada, it continue...

Optimarin AS, a major Norwegian supplier of ballast water treatment systems (BWTS) for the maritime industry, has agreed to acquire the Hyde Marine UV business from the Italian multinational - Industrie De Nora S.p.A. Trademarks and assets acquired Under the transaction, Optimarin will purchase technologies, trademarks, and selected assets about the design, sale, and aftermarket of systems using UV technology for ballast water treatment and disinfection, promoted under the Hyde Marine® and...

VIKING Life-Saving Equipment has signed a strategic agreement with HeliService USA, ensuring that the helicopter service provider has a single and continuous source of fully certified personal protective equipment to uphold offshore wind industry safety standards along the U.S. East Coast. Building on enduring relations between the companies, the agreement includes personal protective equipment (PPE) for the aircrews and service technicians who support turbine installation and maintenance. ETS...

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...

In 2023, Ahlsell continued to develop its sustainability work in line with the company’s long-term strategy and vision of contributing to a more sustainable society. Ahlsell has joined the Science Based Target Initiative (SBTi), made the carbon footprint of its own brand products visible, expanded its sustainable offering and taken more steps towards circular initiatives to accelerate the green development of society. Ahlsell joins the Science Based Target Initiative (SBTi) Approval of...

On 11th April 2024, Maritime UK was delighted to support the launch of the Northern Ireland Maritime & Offshore Cluster Network (NIMO). The launch event, which was attended by Maritime UK’s patron, Her Royal Highness (HRH) The Princess Royal, marked a momentous occasion for not only NIMO, but for the whole maritime industry across the United Kingdom (UK). Patron of Maritime UK, Her Royal Highness, spoke to over one hundred industry professionals, including representatives of port oper...

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...

ERMA FIRST, a major sustainable maritime solutions provider, has signed an exclusive sales distribution and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) partnership agreement covering ballast water treatment systems (BWTS) with Yixing PACT Environmental Technology (PACT). A majority-owned subsidiary of Hong Kong-based water treatment equipment provider Euro Tech Holdings Co Ltd, PACT is an engineering company specialising in water and wastewater treatment systems as well as BWTS. Ballast water treatm...

His Royal Highness Crown Prince Haakon of Norway has agreed to become a Goodwill Ambassador for Statsraad Lehmkuhl's next major expedition, the One Ocean Expedition 2025-2026. The One Ocean Expedition is a voyage around the world by the Norwegian tall ship Statsraad Lehmkuhl. KONGSBERG, one of the main partners, supports the trip and will equip the ship with state-of-the-art technology from Kongsberg Discovery, transforming it into a floating training vessel. A royal with a passion for the oce...

Wilhelmsen Port Services joins hands with AD Ports Group and Inveco LLC in a strategic partnership, as AD Ports Group takes over 60% ownership of the Tbilisi Dry Port in Georgia. This marks a significant step towards bolstering connectivity between Asia and Europe. Together, they aim to enhance logistics infrastructure along the route from the Caspian Sea to the Black Sea by leveraging the state-of-the-art facilities of the Tbilisi Dry Port. Pivotal logistics hub Set to become operational in...

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...

ClassNK has granted its Innovation Endorsements for Products & Solutions to an internet payment facility – ‘V.Pay’, an AI maritime camera surveillance solution – ‘V.Sight’, and a wearable AR smart-glass solution ‘V.Sion’, developed by iO3 Pte Ltd. ClassNK verified functions of ‘V.Pay’ ClassNK has verified the functions of ‘V.Pay’, 1. Crew internet payment facility with user-friendly portal, 2. Flexible Wi-Fi plans, 3....

Singapore has retained its title as the pioneering maritime city in the world, followed by Rotterdam and London, according to the 2024 Leading Maritime Cities (LMC) report from DNV and Menon Economics. The city-state, with its large owned and managed vessel fleets, strategic geographic advantages, pro-business policies, and its position as a pioneer in the maritime energy transition, is expected to hold this position for the next five years, the analysis determines. Policy measures, initiative...

Amogy, a provider of mature, scalable, and efficient ammonia-to-power solutions, on the Opening Day of Singapore Maritime Week 2024 has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and other collaborators to develop a Maritime Energy Training Facility (METF) to train maritime professionals in operating ships powered by alternative fuel systems. The LOI to establish the METF was signed by the MPA and 22 partners, including international organisations, e...

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...

DNV’s independent cloud platform, Veracity announces the launch of its new Solution Partner programme, where maritime solution providers integrate their applications and services with the platform. Shipowners and managers can easily connect their verified emissions data from the platform with partnering software applications and services, such as EUA settlement and trading solutions. Solution Partner programme The Solution Partner programme is an expansion of the Veracity Integrated Par...

The Maritime Technologies Forum (MTF) has released a new report exploring the safety considerations for establishing green corridors, providing a detailed safety checklist to help guide ship owner and port authority decisions. The MTF’s study facilitates information sharing by creating a 24-point safety checklist spotlighting vessel and port, collaborative and technical considerations in the planning and assessment of green corridors. Study recommendations Based on the findings of the s...

ClassNK has awarded an approval in principle (AiP) for a methanol fuel supply system developed by Mitsui E&S Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. Methanol is considered one of the promising alternative fuels for decarbonisation, and a significant reduction in GHG emissions on a lifecycle basis is expected by using green methanol, such as sustainable biomass-derived bio methanol and e-methanol synthesised from CO2 and renewable energy-derived hydrogen. Safe use of methanol On the other hand, methanol po...

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...