Regulations - News

The UK government announces its support for measures designed to protect the world’s ocean and improve the conservation of marine biodiversity. Ahead of International Seabed Authority (ISA) negotiations and a month ahead of COP28, the UK government has announced its support for a moratorium on the granting of exploitation licences for deep sea mining projects – which involve the extraction of minerals such as precious metals, copper and cobalt – by the ISA. Sufficient scienti...

OMT, the market pioneer in fuel injection for the two-stroke engine sector, has strengthened its ability to support shipping’s decarbonisation following the acquisition of the company in its entirety by Accelleron, completed on July 20, 2023. OMT will continue to operate its global business independently as a stand-alone unit, retaining all employees, the company structure and the brand name. Together, Accelleron and OMT will advance the energy transition in shipping. Both companies remai...

Accelleron has supported a turbocharger overhaul on the hospital ship - MV Africa Mercy, operated by the non-governmental organisation - Mercy Ships. The support, in the form of discounted labour, will enable the vessel to continue its mission of delivering free medical care and training to people without access to safe surgery, including in some of the world’s most vulnerable developing economies. The 43-year-old vessel, which houses five operating rooms and a recovery ward for more than...

The transportation of hydrogen, a key fuel of the energy transition in maritime, is another step closer to supporting projected market demands thanks to newly published industry-pioneering requirements from ABS. The ABS Requirements for Liquefied Hydrogen Carriers address safety and technical standards for vessels carrying liquefied hydrogen, expanding on the corresponding IMO Resolution MSC.420(97) that was adopted in November 2016. ABS publication provides further support on criteria T...

Technology group - Wärtsilä has introduced a new ultra-low emissions version of its already efficient Wärtsilä 31DF engine. Whilst operating on LNG, this new version can further reduce methane emissions on a 50 percent load point by up to 56 percent and nitrogen oxide (NOx) by up to 86 percent. On a weighted average, this new technology can reduce methane emissions by 41 percent more than the standard Wärtsilä 31DF engine, which has already the lowest emission leve...

ABS shines a light on the maritime industry’s complex regulatory environment in a major new report summarising the latest global regulatory developments and guidelines, as well as their impact on the maritime industry. From reductions in the carbon intensity of shipping to the use of future fuels and autonomous ship capabilities, the IMO and regional regulators continue to pursue unified regulatory consensus to improve safety, efficiency and technological leadership in the maritime indust...

Classification society - DNV has entered into a Joint Development Project (JDP) with AL Group and its Singapore company - Asiatic Lloyd Maritime LLP to explore the feasibility of carbon capture and storage (CCS) on board AL’s 7,100TEU containership and Kamsarmax bulk carrier newbuildings. Techno-economic study of CCS Under the JDP, DNV will cooperate with AL on a techno-economic study of CCS on board the vessels using DNVs FuelPath to assess the economic potential of the different fuel a...

Classification society DNV acting as third party has issued a statement of qualified technology to SBM Offshore for its carbon capture plant or CO2 capture solution for FPSOs developed in partnership with MHI. The statement verifies that the designated technology is feasible for the intended application and that the technical claims are adequately substantiated. The statement is valid until 15 September 2027. This represents another milestone for SBM Offshore and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (M...

The Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) Machinery Health Monitoring System (SMHMS) has received the ABS SMART (MHM) Tier 2 approval in principle (AIP) for machinery health monitoring. The system will be integrated into SHI’s proprietary SVESSEL Smart Platform as a condition-based monitoring/maintenance module. SMHMS can support main engines, generators, compressors, pumps and fan bearings with the initial application potentially installed on a liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier. Adoptio...

Wallem Group, a pioneering global maritime partner, is proud to have welcomed two dual-fuel vessels, Angleviken and Askviken, into management in the last few months. The two LR2 tankers, delivered by Guangzhou Shipyard International, demonstrate Wallem’s commitment to building its expertise in managing and operating the vessels of the future and being a partner to clients who drive decarbonisation in the maritime industry. Wallem is also preparing to take delivery of multiple newly built...

More than 75 chief executives of Chinese shipping and shipbuilding companies attended the annual ABS Greater China National Committee to learn more about the future of maritime technologies, sustainability services, market trends, and regulations. ABS is the classification pioneer in the Greater China order book, securing the number one position for new contracts. Committee members heard from ABS President and COO John McDonald, who provided a business report, including how the ABS fleet had gr...

Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) and classification society - DNV have inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at KORMARINE, committing to establishing SHI's state-of-the-art Remote Operation Centre (ROC) for real-time monitoring and control of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS). SHI and DNV sign MoU The MoU will underpin DNV and Samsung Heavy Industries’ collaboration to drive innovation and redefine the future of marine transportation. The joint venture seeks to develop a Remote...

ABS is joining Mencast Marine (MMPL), the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), and the National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Cluster (NAMIC) on a project to manufacture and class a 3D-printed propeller. The collaborative project builds upon a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by ABS and MMPL that is focused on additive manufacturing (AM), also known as 3D printing, for critical maritime components. WAAM techniques ABS is committed to supporting these inn...

Associated British Ports (ABP) Southampton have embarked on a project with Hampshire based environmental monitoring specialists OceanWise, to provide a solution for current monitoring on the South Bramble navigation buoy. ABP, who have been a customer of OceanWise for nearly 10 years, needed to collect current monitoring data at the South Bramble buoy to provide additional data to pilots on their Portable Pilot Units (PPUs). This data, which will sit alongside the range of other environmental...

An eye-catching new headquarters building in Southampton Docks has a familiar look to it-it is built entirely out of converted shipping containers more often seen on ships crossing the world’s oceans.  The new 3,500 square foot, two-storey depot terminal office for Solent Stevedores has been constructed by Southampton-based Willbox from 11 steel containers professionally converted to office use and then welded together. Construction of the new building The new building is designed...

Ahead of COP28, a new report gives industries a roadmap to save 11% of global emissions by 2030 while saving $437 billion along the way. The report, named ‘The Case for Industrial Energy Efficiency’ published by the Energy Efficiency Movement (EEM), outlines ten key actions that does not require new technologies or policy decisions, but promise to save emissions. The Case for Industrial Energy Efficiency in short: 10 mature, scalable energy efficiency key actions can deliver 4 g...

When Royal IHC, a pioneering Dutch supplier of vessels, equipment, and services for the maritime industry, sought to decarbonise its range of Beaver® cutter suction dredger (CSD) ships, it turned to WEG. Royal IHC’s step toward a more sustainable future was to develop an all-new fleet of electrically powered Beaver CSD vessels. But to power them, it needed a high-performance electric motor that suited the Beaver’s technical specifications. Royal IHC chose WEG’s WGM20...

Technology group - Wärtsilä has signed a strategic partnership agreement for Decarbonisation Modelling with Raízen, a major Brazilian energy company. The agreement focuses on both new building and existing operation upgrade plans. Its aim is to build and implement a fleet-wide decarbonisation plan with a particular interest in the future marine introduction of ethanol as a marine fuel. Wärtsilä brings new sustainable solutions to the market Wärtsilä, under...

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH) (the ‘Company’ or ‘Norwegian’), a renowned global cruise company, which operates Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, has announced its partnership with Global Maritime Forum, a global non-profit organisation committed to shaping the future of global seaborne trade to increase sustainable long-term economic development and human well-being. The new partnership closely aligns with the Company&rsqu...

Republic of Nicaragua’s accession marks major step for 2012 Cape Town Agreement entry into force and improved fishing vessel safety. A crucial milestone has been reached on the path towards global regulation of safety standards for large industrial fishing vessels across the world, and those working onboard. Nicaragua is the 22nd State to become a party to the Agreement, thus fulfilling one of the two required criteria for the entry into force of the 2012 Cape Town Agreement (CTA). Fish...

Ahlsell Norway has entered into an agreement to acquire all shares in Midt-Norsk Rør AS, a supplier of complete sewage systems, primarily to contractors, municipalities and agricultural customers in central Norway. The company, with establishments in Stjørdal, Ringebu and Helgeland, has nine employees and the turnover in 2022 amounted to 50 MNOK. With climate change and increased population growth that places greater demands on infrastructure, there is a strong need for maintenanc...

Wilhelmsen Port Services has achieved sole ownership of Sweden's Gothenburg Ship Agency AB, solidifying its presence in Sweden and further enhancing its global services. This strategic move follows its acquisition of Vopak Agencies, marking a significant step in expanding its offerings and commitment to serving customers in Sweden and the Baltic Sea region. As part of its acquisition of Rotterdam-headquartered Vopak Agencies in December last year, Wilhelmsen Port Services inherited a 50% stake...

Maritime industry pioneers came together at the annual ABS Japan National Committee Meeting to discuss the latest developments in technology, sustainability, regulations, and market trends in the shipping industry. ABS President and COO John McDonald provided an update on ABS’ industry-pioneering safety performance and how ABS has secured the number one position in global order book share with a fleet that has grown to 285 million gross tons with more than 11,400 assets. Collaboration is...

ClassNK has issued an Approval in Principle (AiP) for a parcel layout concept for a hydrogen-fueled multi-purpose vessel developed by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd., MOL Drybulk Ltd., Onomichi Dockyard Co., Ltd., Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd., and Japan Engine Corporation. This is the world’s first AiP certification for a ship equipped with a large low-speed two-stroke hydrogen-fueled engine as the main propulsion engine. Growth and building of the vessel According to the companies, demon...

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and President of Wilhelmsen, Carl Schou, believes there are great opportunities for ship managers ahead. In an interview with Naftemporiki, one of Greece business news publication, Carl Schou discusses the significant challenges faced by the maritime industry today. Question: What exactly is the role and responsibilities of a third-party management company when taking over a shipowner's fleet? Carl Schou answered, “When a third-party management company t...

NIBCO Inc. expands its line of carbon steel fittings to bring more press options for plumbing and mechanical carbon steel pipe applications and fuel and gas carbon steel pipe applications. The BenchPress and BenchPressG fittings are designed for efficiency, with easy, clean, and fast installation, for a wider range of applications. The line features a patented fitting design that creates consistent joints, is flame-free and environmentally friendly. BenchPressG fittings “This expansion...

Nexans Marine Operations AS has returned to Ulstein Verft AS to build a new and updated version of the DP3 cable laying vessel MS “Nexans Aurora”. The new vessel will share the same comprehensive propulsion and manoeuvring package from Brunvoll. Brunvoll’s delivery for the new cable-laying vessel will share the same specifications as the previous delivery, consisting of three azimuth propulsion units, two tunnel thrusters, and a retractable azimuth thruster. All the thrus...

ClassNK has released a white paper 'Pathway to Zero-Emission in International Shipping – Understanding the 2023 IMO GHG Strategy'. In July 2023, the IMO adopted the ‘2023 IMO Strategy on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships’, which includes goals such as achieving net-zero GHG emissions by or around 2050. While the strategy sets numerical targets for reducing GHG emissions as well as indicative checkpoints, the maritime industry has not yet reached a common understanding of w...

VARD, one of the major global designers and shipbuilders of specialised vessels, has ordered 4 × MAN 12V175D-MEM GenSets in connection with the building of a new purpose-built, cable-laying vessel (CLV) for NCT Offshore, the Danish subsea specialist. The GenSets will form part of the vessel’s diesel-electric DP2 propulsion system, which also includes a hybrid battery package. VARD orders 4 × MAN 12V175D-MEM GenSets This exciting project is just the latest in the rapidly-grow...

Sunbeam Fishing Limited’s newest trawler has a broad range of Brunvoll products incorporated into its design. In addition to the main propulsion and tunnel thruster, Sunbeam Fishery has opted for the retractable azimuth combi thruster and the BruCon control system. The vessel is designed by Salt Ship Design and will be built at Myklebust Shipyard. Sunbeam trawler In a nod to their enduring trust in Brunvoll, Scottish Sunbeam Fishing Limited has once again opted for the expertise and rel...