Rising costs

Wärtsilä Water & Waste has strengthened its strategic partnership with Fornovo Gas SpA, becoming Fornovo’s authorised Service Partner for the United Kingdom and Ireland. This enhanced collaboration empowers Wärtsilä to provide comprehensive support services, including genuine spare parts supply, commissioning, and specialised maintenance for Fornovo Gas compressors throughout the region. Encompasses compressor systems As the UK and Ireland service partner for Fornovo Gas, Wärtsilä Water & Waste supports their world-pioneering compression technology, which has set industry standards for over 50 years. The partnership encompasses Fornovo Gas's comprehensive range of bio-gas, bio-methane and compressed natural gas (CNG) reciprocating compressor systems, including dispenser systems – equipment that is vital for the re-fuelling and operation of gas-fuelled vehicles used across the road haulage, public transportation, manufacturing, agricultural and personal vehicle transport sectors, supporting the transition to cleaner fuel alternatives. Innovation and technological advancement Wärtsilä works with Fornovo Gas to ensure their commitment to innovation and technological advancement The partnership is also supported by Wärtsilä Water and Waste's team of five factory-trained engineers, who have recently completed additional intensive OEM training at Fornovo's headquarters in Italy. Wärtsilä Water and Waste works closely with Fornovo Gas to ensure their commitment to innovation and continuous technological advancement is matched by exceptional service delivery. “This enhanced partnership with Fornovo Gas marks a significant milestone in our commitment to serving the alternative fuel sector across the UK and Ireland,” says Cathy Stephenson, Managing Director, Wärtsilä Water & Waste. Gas compression systems Stephenson added: “By investing in our engineering capabilities and securing exclusive service partner status, we are ensuring our customers have access to the highest quality support for their critical gas compression systems." "Our growing team of factory-trained engineers, combined with guaranteed access to genuine spare parts, positions us to deliver exceptional service that maximises equipment reliability and performance.” Greenhouse gas emissions Since 2022, Fornovo Gas has been a Benefit Corporation, a choice that commits the company to pursue ambitious environmental, social and governance sustainability goals and one that echoes Wärtsilä Water & Waste’s core values. Wärtsilä Water & Waste’s solutions are designed to help the shipping industry to minimise greenhouse gas emissions and meet global sustainability targets.

Pioneering wind-propulsion technology provider Anemoi Marine Technologies Ltd. (“Anemoi”) and U-Ming Marine Transport Ltd.’s (“U-Ming”) have signed an agreement to install four Rotor Sails on one of U-Ming’s 325,000 DWT Very Large Ore Carriers (VLOC). The installation work is expected to be completed at the end of 2025, with fuel and emission savings of approximately 10-12% anticipated on deep-sea routes between China and Brazil, South Africa, and Australia. Anemoi’s deployment system The vessel will be retrofitted with four of Anemoi’s 35 m tall, 5 m in diameter, cylindrical sails The vessel will be retrofitted with four of Anemoi’s 35 m tall, 5 m in diameter, cylindrical sails. The Rotor Sails will also be installed with Anemoi’s bespoke folding deployment system, whereby the sails can be folded from vertical to mitigate the impact on air draught and cargo handling operations. Claes Horndahl, Commercial Director at Anemoi said, “Anemoi is delighted to partner with U-Ming to supply our market-pioneering foldable Rotor Sails for Grand Pioneer." Decarbonisation strategy Horndahl added: "With significant fuel and emissions savings forecasted, this latest investment will further enhance the international recognition of U-Ming’s steadfast dedication to sustainability and Anemoi’s position as a pioneering provider of critical vessel decarbonisation technology.” Mr. CK Ong, President of U-Ming said: "Congratulations to the teams at Anemoi and U-Ming on this significant partnership. These state-of-the-art rotor sails will play a key role in our decarbonisation strategy and will complement our portfolio of existing emission reducing technologies, including a fleet of LNG dual-fuel vessels." Installation of Anemoi Rotor Sails The retrofit of four folding Rotor Sails aboard a 388,000 dwt Valemax ore carrier in May 2024 Ong added: "In addition, we will continue to research other emission-lowering pathways such as carbon capture systems and retrofitting conventional vessels to Methanol dual-fuel. We look forward to continuing working with like-minded partners, like Anemoi, to help us reach our target of net zero." This latest announcement follows the successful installation of Anemoi Rotor Sails on various vessels, including four Anemoi Rotor Sails with Rail Deployment Systems aboard an 82,000 dwt Kamsarmax bulk carrier in June 2023, and the retrofit of four folding Rotor Sails aboard a 388,000 dwt Valemax ore carrier in May 2024. Net-zero technologies Rotor Sails, also known as ‘Flettner Rotors’, are vertical cylinders that harness the renewable power of the wind to provide additional forward thrust and improve the energy efficiency of the vessel, along with significant cuts to harmful emissions. Rotor Sails are proving a popular choice amongst ship owners seeking net-zero technologies to enhance the energy efficiency of their vessels and aid their ships in meeting critical international emission reduction targets, including the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) and EEDI/EEXI.

Complex shipbuilding projects demand efficient system integration and commissioning from suppliers to meet tight construction schedules. Vard Electro has demonstrated its proven competence in this area with a debut delivery for the Ulstein Verft shipyard of integrated SeaQ Communication solutions for two advanced newbuild CSOVs now delivered by the Norwegian yard for Olympic. Diverse SeaQ systems “The ability to see the bigger picture of such a system delivery is essential to overcome potential obstacles in the integration process and ensure efficient execution of a newbuilding project,” says Vard Electro’s Project Manager Fredrik Løken. “As such, we have benefitted from being part of the Vard shipbuilding group as this has given us broad experience and strong expertise in the installation and integration of diverse SeaQ systems delivered for scores of newbuilding projects. This means we understand the challenges as both a product supplier and system installer so we can provide a seamless implementation.” Sustainability factor Ground-breaking newbuilds are the first CSOVs to employ Ulstein’s TWIN X-STERN® solution The initial delivery for Ulstein on the two construction service operation vessels (CSOVs), Olympic Boreas and Olympic Notos, to be deployed in the offshore energy sector has proven a prestigious project for Vard Electro that underpins its sustainability goal, while also launching a successful collaboration between yard and supplier. The ground-breaking newbuilds are the first CSOVs to employ Ulstein’s TWIN X-STERN® solution with four main propellers fore and aft to optimise the use of thruster power in dynamic positioning. SeaQ Communication package This, together with hybrid diesel-electric propulsion, battery storage and smart energy management, has resulted in a reduction in fuel consumption of close to 50%, according to Olympic. The green profile of these vessels is supported by the SeaQ Communication package of robust information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure geared to enhancing safety and operational efficiency, as well as the comfort of crews during prolonged stints at sea. Tailored communication system Vard Electro has supplied a state-of-the-art ICT package for each vessel comprising communication Vard Electro has supplied a state-of-the-art ICT package for each vessel comprising communication, safety and crew welfare systems, including CCTV for security and navigation, internal voice communication system (VCS), public address and general alarm system (PAGA) and IPTV entertainment system, along with IT racks, networking and integration services. Løken points out that CCTV is vital for precise navigation, such as in port or between wind turbines, while emergency situations necessitate effective communications, both between crew members and over the PAGA system, to ensure the safety of personnel. Modular SeaQ Communication Furthermore, IPTV contributes to a comfortable environment for crew during leisure time to ensure they can rest properly between shifts. The modular SeaQ Communication solutions are scalable and flexible so could be tailored to specific client and class requirements for the Olympic vessels, having been previously delivered by Vard Electro for more than 100 units, including several CSOVs, according to Løken. Support from design to operation Vard Electro’s comprehensive knowledge of the entire scope of a newbuild, as well as relevant class standards and regulations, meant it was able to provide valuable input and assistance to Ulstein in the design and engineering phases to support system integration. Vard Electro’s true aftermarket unit assists shipowners in the active phase of a vessel During construction and commissioning, its in-house electrical installation team could prioritise tasks, make necessary adaptations and effectively work around challenges, as well as co-ordinate with sub-suppliers for timely procurement of equipment. Furthermore, Vard Electro’s dedicated aftermarket division assists shipowners in the operational phase of a vessel by providing additional components for system upgrades, while service engineers involved in commissioning also perform ongoing maintenance to ensure continuity of expertise and support. Expanding deliveries to external yards “This initial collaboration with Ulstein has given us the opportunity to demonstrate Vard Electro is a trusted and reliable supplier able to deliver high-quality systems with efficient integration and commissioning that are vital to successful project execution throughout the newbuilding cycle. It has also contributed to strengthening the Norwegian maritime cluster,” Løken says. Vard Electro now aims to build on its positive relationship with Ulstein, as it also seeks to expand the scope of deliveries to external yards with broader integrations of the SeaQ suite of systems, covering power, bridge & navigation, control, communication and remote operations.

Mr. Alvin Tan, Minister of State for the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth & Ministry of Trade and Industry, graced OSEA 2024 in Singapore on Tuesday, November 19. The three-day tradeshow welcomed more than 500 exhibitors and 15,000+ attendees from 100 countries, providing a comprehensive look at solutions and strategies driving the energy transition in the marine and offshore industries. Net-zero emissions by 2050 Tan announced a new SGD USD 100 million support package for marine and offshore engineering firms With the accelerating pace of the energy transition, Mr. Tan emphasised Singapore’s commitment to becoming a greener economy, with a goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, as outlined in the nation's Green Plan. During his speech, Mr. Tan announced a new SGD$100 million support package for marine and offshore engineering companies, aimed at fostering partnership and adopting solutions in growth area, including offshore wind, floating storage, and digitalisation over the next five years. Advantage of adopting solutions As part of the OSEA Gives Back initiative, complimentary conference access was extended to members of the broader community. This initiative is designed to promote inclusivity by providing opportunities for diverse participants to engage with industry pioneers, exchange knowledge, and collaborate on innovative solutions. The conference emphasised the urgent need to accelerate the energy transition and foster global collaboration. Speakers highlighted the competitive advantage of adopting solutions now to meet regulatory targets, while stressing the need for faster adoption of transformative technologies, such as carbon capture and storage (CCS), alternative fuels and digital innovations for automation and efficiency. Low-carbon economy Chan Eng Soon, Chairman for the OSEA Advisory Committee and CEO at TCOMS Singapore Prof. Chan Eng Soon, Chairman for the OSEA Advisory Committee and Chief Executive Officer at Technology Centre for Offshore and Marine Singapore (TCOMS) commented on OSEA being at the forefront of innovation and driving sustainability.  He said: “There is work still to be done; we must embrace the energy transition, collaborate, and learn from each other, because we all play a role in the low-carbon economy.” Offshore energy market Additionally, there were exclusive content sessions ranging from Executive Networking sessions, OSEA academy and country hotspots, specially designed to provide marketing information, innovation and trends. This included highlighting specific offshore energy market and investments potentials, as well as driving connections among decision makers and experts. Initiatives on new fuels Yinson GreenTech unveiling its new electric crew transfer vessel Hydroglyder The industry’s need to decarbonise and change, has brought unprecedented challenges and opportunities to the offshore energy market. This echoed across the exhibition hall, with pioneering companies such as Seatrium discussing and highlighting initiatives on new fuels, CCS, and cleaner offshore production for marine decarbonisation, as well as initiatives showcased by the group pavilions.  Yinson GreenTech unveiling its new electric crew transfer vessel Hydroglyder, which is Singapore’s first fully electric hydrofoil vessel and marks a significant move towards sustainable marine innovation. Future of offshore energy Similarly, TechX@OSEA showcased transformative technologies, including startups shaping the future of offshore energy and driving innovation, collaboration, as well as the adoption of solutions that enhance business capabilities and sustainability. Leedon Nox reinforces its core capabilities as an industrial gas supplier with engineering and consultancy expertise ensuring reliability for customers in offshore operations, while Aramco displayed initiatives that support the future of energy, powering economies that fuel progress worldwide. Global shipbuilding collaboration Ragnar Energy Solutions signed a MOU for the construction of Crew Transfer Vessels Strategic Marine, Mirai Ships Inc., and Ragnar Energy Solutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the construction of Crew Transfer Vessels (CTVs) to support the growing Japanese offshore energy market and advancing global shipbuilding collaboration.  Mr. Sukumar Verma, Managing Director, Informa Markets Singapore, said: “Forging partnerships, collaboration, and community building will play a vital role in the transformation of the offshore energy industry. OSEA reinforces the power and reputation of Singapore as an important pioneer in global offshore energy and as a key maritime hub." Offshore energy community Verma added: "I am proud of how Informa Markets continues to provide an inspiring and informative platform for the offshore energy community with creative thinking to support professional development, individual wellbeing and industry growth. Thank you to all exhibitors, speakers, partners and visitors for your excellent collaboration.” OSEA will return to Singapore in November 2026. Informa Markets will host its next maritime event Sea Asia, in Singapore on March 2025 - marking its 10th edition as the premier international marketplace for the maritime industry.

Mercy Ships has been given a significant boost for upcoming construction work on the medical charity’s latest newbuild hospital ship after being unveiled at a recent conference as this year’s official charity partner by the maritime branch of the Federation of Norwegian Industries, representing hundreds of maritime equipment suppliers, designers and shipyards. Norwegian maritime sector “We are keen to engage with the Norwegian maritime sector to procure the resources and expertise we need to execute this state-of-the-art newbuild project and believe this can also be a prestigious reference to bolster the market reputation of suppliers,” says Martin Aarflot, National Director of Mercy Ships Norway. Aarflot presented the work of Mercy Ships at the annual Verftskonferansen hosted by the federation’s maritime branch in Ålesund earlier this month where he told over 400 delegates: “With wealth comes responsibility. The wining and dining budget of this conference alone would represent a substantial donation.” Timeline for newbuild China’s Guangzhou Shipyard, under a newbuild accord with shipbuilding empire CSSC Holdings Mercy Ships is expanding its fleet with a third hospital ship, in addition to the Global Mercy and Africa Mercy, after securing financial support for the newbuild from the charitable foundation of container shipping giant MSC Group earlier this year. The purpose-built 174.1m vessel, with 7000 square metres of hospital space spanning two decks, will have six operating rooms, a fully equipped laboratory and training facilities, as well as accommodation for 600 crew and guests. It will be constructed at China’s Guangzhou Shipyard International under a newbuild contract with shipbuilding conglomerate CSSC Holdings. Construction work is set to kick off with steel-cutting in December 2025 followed by keel-laying and launch of the hull in the period to November 2026 that will be followed by two years of outfitting prior to scheduled delivery in March 2028, and then a year of equipping hospital facilities, according to a timeline disclosed at the conference. Gaps in the makers’ list “We are still looking to fill gaps in the makers’ list for the newbuild so there remains a lot of potential for Norwegian suppliers to participate in this project. If you want to be part of this new adventure with us, now is the opportunity,” Aarflot told the conference. He says: “Gaining this coveted status as the federation’s chosen charity partner for maritime clearly has great significance for us in terms of recognition and valuable support for our work from the globally renowned Norwegian maritime industry - and we think this is a win-win deal.” Mercy Ships’ humanitarian work Aarflot explains it can serve as a door-opener for Norwegian participation in Mercy Ships’ humanitarian  Aarflot explains it can serve as a door-opener for increased Norwegian participation in Mercy Ships’ humanitarian work in African countries where the charity has to date performed over 117,000 transformative surgeries while training over 54,000 medical professionals to strengthen local healthcare services, impacting the lives of almost three million people, since being founded in 1978. He says more people are dying due to lack of surgery than from war, hunger, malaria and other diseases combined, accounting for some 46,000 deaths daily. Support from suppliers As well as procuring equipment and services, Mercy Ships is looking to boost recruitment for a wide range of voluntary positions onboard its vessels - from seafarers and technicians to catering staff, as well as medical personnel. The industry federation’s Head of Maritime Stål Heggelund says: “Mercy Ships represents a great humanitarian cause that is worthy of our support. By pulling together with the combined expertise and resources of the Norwegian maritime sector, we can make a big difference to our world while supporting the key UN Sustainable Development Goals of Health & Wellbeing and Quality Education.” Engagement of Mercy Ships Norwegian ballast water treatment specialist Optimarin is very positive about the engagement of Mercy Ships as a charity partner by the federation and is certain its view is echoed by other suppliers in the country’s maritime sector. “We are excited at the prospect of being able to contribute to the expansion of Mercy Ships’ important humanitarian work through the latest newbuilding project,” says Optimarin’s EVP Sales & Marketing Tore Andersen. “This also provides a great opportunity for the wider maritime sector to demonstrate its high level of technological competence by delivering innovative top-notch equipment and efficient services that can enhance the capabilities of this new state-of-the-art hospital ship. Norwegian suppliers can be proud of contributing to such a project.”

Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) and the Technology Innovation Hub (TIH) Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati have successfully completed India’s first training and certification program in deep diving and underwater welding, underscoring a pioneering milestone in the country’s efforts to build a skilled workforce for underwater asset maintenance. Following the agreement between IRS and TIH IIT Guwahati in 2023, the training was held at the Neel Diving Academy, Kochi, where trainers from both IRS and TIH IIT Guwahati jointly conducted the theoretical and practical sessions. Series of technical evaluations Participants underwent rigid underwater welding drills, which included a series of technical evaluations Participants underwent rigorous underwater welding exercises, which included a series of technical evaluations. Their work samples were subsequently tested, and upon meeting stringent quality and safety standards, the participants were awarded certificates recognising their proficiency in underwater welding. “This course is a pioneering effort to equip our workforce with underwater wet welding capabilities along with deep water diving, which will be instrumental in supporting India’s critical oil, gas, and shipping infrastructure,” said Dr Asokendu Samanta, Divisional Head of R&D at IRS. Advancing specialised maritime skills Chair Professor, Technology Innovation and Development Foundation, IIT Guwahati: Prof. N R Mandal added: “The program's success marks a critical step forward for IRS and TIH IIT Guwahati, both in advancing specialised maritime skills and enhancing India’s capabilities in underwater asset maintenance.” IIT Guwahati Director Prof. Devendra Jalihal said, “This is an important and first-of-its-kind skill development program in India that combines academic rigour with practical expertise. We are delighted to partner with IRS to foster capabilities essential for the nation’s maritime and energy sectors.”  This initiative aligns with the vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India), providing India’s oil and gas and shipping sectors with vital underwater wet welding expertise.

Demand for ammonia is being transformed by the energy transition. Until recently used as an input for fertiliser and chemical products, new markets for green and blue ammonia are emerging, replacing fossil energy in power generation, steel production and marine fuel. Today some 200m tonnes per annum of ammonia is produced worldwide with 20m tpa transported in LPG carriers. The scale of the emerging and potential demand will see these figures rise; how quickly this can be achieved will determine its take-up as a shipping fuel. New or evolving technology The interest in ammonia stems both from its ‘zero emissions’ when used as fuel and because its production isn’t dependent on biogenic carbon sources. As the global economy transitions away from fossil-based fuels, biogenic carbon – from captured CO2, electrolysis and even waste sources – will be subject to increasing competition from other consumers. Shipyards around the world are considering the advantages that operating on ammonia may provide Accordingly, owners, operators, designers, and shipyards around the world are considering the advantages that operating on ammonia may provide. However, when considering any new or evolving technology, it is important to have a clear understanding of not only the benefits, but the challenges that may be involved. Challenges of ammonia bunkering Biogenic carbon will increasingly replace fossil-based carbon in many of the products in use today in industry and consumer goods. Competition from the energy and aviation sectors will inevitably lead to increased prices but production capacity will need to come from industrial sources rather than biomass harvested for this purpose. ABS has produced a Technical and Operational Advisory on Ammonia Bunkering in response to the need for better understanding by members of the maritime industry. It is intended to provide guidance on the technical and operational challenges of ammonia bunkering, both from the bunker vessel’s perspective (or land-side source) and from the receiving vessel’s perspective. Managing emissions Particular attention needs to be paid to the potential presence of ammonia slip, N2O or NOx emissions The carbon emissions from the combustion of ammonia are associated with and dependent on the type and amount of pilot fuel used. The use of biofuel as pilot fuel may further reduce the emissions. In addition, the emissions of sulphur dioxide, heavy metals, hydrocarbons, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) drop to zero (or near zero, depending on the pilot fuel used); and particulate matters (PM) are also substantially reduced compared to conventional fossil fuels. However, particular attention needs to be paid to the potential presence of ammonia slip, N2O or NOx emissions, due to the imperfect combustion of ammonia and the use of pilot fuels. These emissions will need to be kept as low as possible by further adjustment and development of the engine technology or using an on-board exhaust gas treatment technology. Currently, hydrogen for ammonia production is typically produced by means of steam methane reforming (SMR) or autothermal reforming (ATR) of natural gas (grey ammonia). If the CO2 emissions from the process of converting natural gas are captured and stored, the ammonia is typically referred to as ‘blue’. Production of blue ammonia Moreover, the production of blue ammonia retains a dependency on fossil fuels. Therefore, ‘green ammonia’, which is produced from hydrogen made from renewable energy sources (green hydrogen), is generally considered to be the end-solution for decarbonisation which leads to a sustainable fuel cycle, while blue ammonia is seen to have an intermediate role. The potential well-to-wake GHG emissions of green ammonia are estimated to be around 91% lower than for grey ammonia, and 85% lower than HFO and MGO. The grey ammonia production network is already well established and global, ensuring easier accessibility across major ports worldwide. Infrastructure and regulation Specific requirements for ammonia bunkering are under discussion by all marine stakeholders This will help green ammonia become readily available for bunkering and distribution once sufficient production and infrastructure are in place. On the other hand, when compared with liquid hydrogen or LNG which can be stored at temperatures of −253°C and −162°C, respectively, liquid ammonia can be stored and transported at −33°C near atmospheric pressure, which allows for easier adaptation of existing fuel infrastructure on ships and at ports. While specific requirements for ammonia bunkering are under discussion by all marine stakeholders, the requirements for shipping ammonia as cargo, including loading and unloading operations, have been established in the marine industry and are covered by the IMO International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk (IGC Code) and incorporated in the ABS Rules for Building and Classing Marine Vessels Part 5C Chapter 8 “Vessels Intended to Carry Liquefied Gases in Bulk”.  For the use of ammonia as bunker fuel, all segments of the marine industry (including IMO, Class Societies, Port Authorities, and industry agencies) are working to develop requirements and procedures specific to ammonia bunkering operations. Refer to the section “Regulatory Organisation” of this Advisory for the current activities of each marine industry segment.  Bunkering Options Ship-to-ship bunkering is the most popular mode for transferring fuel to ocean-going vessels There are three main methods of bunkering ammonia to ships. Truck-to-ship is the process of transferring ammonia from trucks or truck trailers to a receiving vessel using ammonia as fuel. Typically, the tanks on the truck are pressurised and store ammonia at ambient temperature. To increase bunker capacity and transfer rates, a manifold may be used to connect several trucks simultaneously to supply the receiving vessel. Truck-to-ship transfer operations may provide greater operational flexibility, but at the same time could induce operational restrictions and limitations by the local Authority. Ship-to-ship bunkering is the most popular mode for transferring fuel to ocean-going vessels, such as container ships, tankers, and bulk carriers, which require large fuel capacities and greater quantities of fuel to be bunkered. Terminal-to-ship bunkering transfers ammonia from an ammonia storage terminal pipeline connected to receiving vessels via a hose assembly or loading arm. Ammonia Safety Ammonia is toxic and reacts violently and explosively with oxidising gases such as chlorine, bromine, acids, and other halogens. When ammonia is inhaled, swallowed or absorbed via skin contact, it reacts with water in the body, producing ammonium hydroxide. Due to these toxicity issues, ammonia is classified as a hazardous substance, with the level and time of exposure being controlled by several national standards.  The level of competency needed for each task depends on the role and duties of the individual A combination of both training and operational experience is key to developing the required competencies for ammonia bunkering operations. The level of competency needed for each task depends on the role and responsibilities of the individual. Therefore, the training may vary from person to person. Seafarers on board ships using ammonia fuel should have completed training to attain the abilities that are appropriate to the capacity to be filled, and duties and responsibilities to be taken up. The master, officers, ratings and other personnel on ships using ammonia fuel should be trained and qualified in accordance with regulation V/3 of the STCW Convention and section A-V/3 of the STCW Code, taking into account the specific hazards of ammonia used as fuel. Ship-specific training  Ship-specific training is to be reviewed and approved by governing regulatory authorities. The IGF Code provides detailed training requirements for ships that use gases or other low-flashpoint fuels. Ships under the jurisdiction of flag administrations signatory to SOLAS should ensure that seafarers should have the specified certificates of proficiency and the administration shall approve courses and issue endorsements indicating completion of the qualification. All crew must be provided with and be made aware of the emergency procedures and must be trained in any roles and responsibilities they may have. Training, drills and exercises to prepare crews for emergencies are to be provided. Lessons learned from past operations should be incorporated to improve emergency procedures. Procedures should cover all scenarios specific to the ship, type of incident, equipment, and associated areas.

Global transportation networks are becoming increasingly interconnected, with digital systems playing a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of ports and supply chains. However, this reliance on technology can also create vulnerabilities, as demonstrated by the recent ransomware attack on Nagoya Port. As Japan's busiest shipping hub, the port's operations were brought to a standstill for two days, highlighting the potential for significant disruption to national economies and supply chains.  Transportation sector  The attack began with the port's legacy computer system, which handles shipping containers, being knocked offline. This forced the port to halt the handling of shipping containers that arrived at the terminal, effectively disrupting the flow of goods. The incident was a stark reminder of the risks associated with the convergence of information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) in ports and other critical infrastructures.  This is not an isolated incident, but part of a broader trend of escalating cyber threats targeting critical infrastructure. The transportation sector must respond by bolstering its defences, enhancing its cyber resilience, and proactively countering these threats. The safety and efficiency of our transportation infrastructure, and by extension our global economy, depend on it.  Rising threat to port security and supply chains  XIoT, from sensors on shipping containers to automatic cranes, are vital to trendy port functions OT, once isolated from networked systems, is now increasingly interconnected. This integration has expanded the attack surface for threat actors. A single breach in a port's OT systems can cause significant disruption, halting the movement of containers and impacting the flow of goods. This is not a hypothetical scenario, but a reality that has been demonstrated in recent cyberattacks on major ports.  Adding another layer of complexity is the extended Internet of Things (XIoT), an umbrella term for all cyber-physical systems. XIoT devices, from sensors on shipping containers to automated cranes, are now integral to modern port operations. These devices are delivering safer, more efficient automated vehicles, facilitating geo-fencing for improved logistics, and providing vehicle health data for predictive maintenance. XIoT ecosystem  However, the XIoT ecosystem also presents new cybersecurity risks. Each connected device is a potential entry point for cybercriminals, and the interconnected nature of these devices means that an attack on one, which can move laterally and can have a ripple effect throughout the system.  The threat landscape is evolving, with cybercriminals becoming more sophisticated and their attacks more damaging with a business continuity focus. The growing interconnectivity between OT and XIoT in port operations and supply chains is also presenting these threat actors with a greater attack surface. Many older OT systems were never designed to be connected in this way and are unlikely to be equipped to deal with modern cyber threats. Furthermore, the increasing digitisation of ports and supply chains has led to a surge in the volume of data being generated and processed. This data, if not properly secured, can be a goldmine for cybercriminals. The potential for data breaches adds another dimension to the cybersecurity challenges facing the transportation sector.  Role of cyber resilience in protecting service availability  Cyber resilience refers to organisation's ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from threats As the threats to port security and supply chains become increasingly complex, the concept of cyber resilience takes on a new level of importance. Cyber resilience refers to an organisation's ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from cyber threats. It goes beyond traditional cybersecurity measures, focusing not just on preventing attacks, but also on minimising the impact of attacks that do occur and ensuring a quick recovery.  In the context of port operations and supply chains, cyber resilience is crucial. The interconnected nature of these systems means that a cyberattack can have far-reaching effects, disrupting operations not just at the targeted port, but also at other ports and throughout the supply chain. A resilient system is one that can withstand such an attack and quickly restore normal operations. Port operations and supply chains The growing reliance on OT and the XIoT in port operations and supply chains presents unique challenges for cyber resilience. OT systems control physical processes and are often critical to safety and service availability. A breach in an OT system can have immediate and potentially catastrophic physical consequences. Similarly, XIoT devices are often embedded in critical infrastructure and can be difficult to patch or update, making them vulnerable to attacks.  Building cyber resilience in these systems requires a multi-faceted approach. It involves implementing robust security measures, such as strong access controls and network segmentation, to prevent attacks. It also involves continuous monitoring and detection to identify and respond to threats as they occur. But perhaps most importantly, it involves planning and preparation for the inevitable breaches that will occur, ensuring that when they do, the impact is minimised, and normal operations can be quickly restored.  Building resilience across port security and supply chains   In the face of cyber threats, the transport sector must adopt a complete method of cybersecurity In the face of escalating cyber threats, the transportation sector must adopt a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity. This involves not just implementing robust security measures, but also fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness and compliance throughout the organisation.  A key component of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy is strong access controls. This involves ensuring that only authorised individuals have access to sensitive data and systems. It also involves implementing multi-factor authentication and regularly reviewing and updating access permissions. Strong access controls can prevent unauthorised access to systems and data, reducing the risk of both internal and external threats. Network segmentation Network segmentation is another crucial measure. By dividing a network into separate segments, organisations can limit the spread of a cyberattack within their network. This can prevent an attack on one part of the network from affecting the entire system. Network segmentation also makes it easier to monitor and control the flow of data within the network, further enhancing security.  Regular vulnerability assessments and patch management are also essential. Vulnerability assessments involve identifying and evaluating potential security weaknesses in the system, while patch management involves regularly updating and patching software to fix these vulnerabilities. These measures can help organisations stay ahead of cybercriminals and reduce the risk of exploitation.  EU’s NIS2 Directive EU’s NIS2 Directive came into effect, and member states have until October 2024 to put it into law The transportation sector must also be prepared for greater legislative responsibility in the near future. The EU’s NIS2 Directive recently came into effect, and member states have until October 2024 to put it into law. The Directive aims to increase the overall level of cyber preparedness by mandating capabilities such as Computer Security Incident Response Teams (CSIRTs). Transport is among the sectors labelled as essential by the bill, meaning it will face a high level of scrutiny. Getting to grips with the complexities of XIoT and OT integration will be essential for organisations to achieve compliance and avoid fines. Global transportation infrastructure Finally, organisations must prepare for the inevitable breaches that will occur. This involves developing an incident response plan that outlines the steps to be taken in the event of a breach. It also involves regularly testing and updating this plan to ensure its effectiveness. A well-prepared organisation can respond quickly and effectively to a breach, minimising its impact and ensuring a quick recovery.  In conclusion, mastering transportation cybersecurity requires a comprehensive, proactive approach. It involves implementing robust technical measures, fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness, and preparing for the inevitable breaches that will occur. By taking these steps, organisations can enhance their cyber resilience, protect their critical operations, and ensure the security of our global transportation infrastructure.

Ports around the UK continuously command media attention, and most recently, the ongoing disruption to supply chains globally has had a great impact on the day-to-day running of our ports. One example is Felixstowe, the UK’s largest container port, which has been forced to turn away ships from Asia because of a lack of capacity. The severe lack of HGV drivers is adding to the problem too. It has been reported that the amount of time goods spend inside Felixstowe port, known in the industry as ‘dwell time’, has doubled since last year from 4.5 days to 9. High-gain strategy There are plans in play to increase the number of ports in the country in the coming years. This was unveiled in the March 2021 Budget, where according to Chancellor Rishi Sunak, sites including Liverpool and Hull are becoming special economic zones, expected to ‘exemplify the future economy.’ Maritime freight cargo theft continues to be a low-risk, high-gain strategy for organised crime gangs Despite more than 90% of the world’s goods being shipped by sea, maritime freight cargo theft continues to be a low-risk, high-gain strategy for organised crime gangs. Reported thefts are on the rise, with criminals responding and changing their behaviour to adapt to COVID lockdown measures. More recently, ‘hook up’ thefts, whereby perpetrators steal entire loaded trailers from premises have been taking place, underlining the need for physical barriers to protect goods and assets. Harsh coastal environment There’s an urgent need to ensure the perimeter security selected to protect these ports from opportunistic criminals is robust enough to deter attack, and also withstand the inevitable wear and tear that the exposure to the harsh coastal environment will cause. Safety and security issues need to be carefully managed to protect property, cargo, and lives at sites where shipping delays are commonplace. While there are measures in place to ensure security at ports, more needs to be done to provide adequate levels, to keep pace with upcoming growth plans. Specifying robust security measures for maritime sites can be challenging - keep reading for our key considerations. Perimeter security projects The best suppliers will advise on what’s needed to meet certain standards As with all perimeter security projects, the process should begin with a thorough assessment of the site. This will flag important considerations including the choice of aesthetic and will help decipher the best suited security barriers for the site. Make a conscious effort to ensure you’re meeting the safety and sustainability compliance requirements. The best suppliers will advise on what’s needed to meet certain standards, so if in doubt, ask the experts. Next, consider the lifetime value of the specified products. Opting for durable and high quality materials will guarantee longevity, and help mitigate budgetary cost pressures later down the line. For ports and coastal environments, marine coatings are worth investigating. These will have been specifically designed to provide a long lasting, tough coating for exterior applications. Typical airborne pollutants In addition to being more durable in adverse weather conditions and salt spray, the marine coat is also resistant to stress cracking, detergents, and typical airborne pollutants. These properties ensure excellent adhesion to the metal substrate without the need for a separate primer. Whatever the application, marine coat has undergone long-term field tests to prove that it can provide: A long life with superior corrosion and abrasion protection. Excellent grip, feel, and electrical insulation. Resistance to chipping and attack from light, pollutants, chemicals, and vandals. An attractive, environmentally friendly finish. It is also worth doing your research and looking into more innovative products on the market. Tamper-proof panel connectors with fixings on the secure side of the fence provide a simple solution for securing mesh panels to posts that is often overlooked. Piezoelectric sensor cable PIDS are a discreet security measure and are ideal when used as part of an integrated security strategy One project we worked on recently in this industry was for Tilbury, here a fence-mounted Perimeter Intrusion Detection System (PIDS) was specified and consisted of a piezoelectric sensor cable. This is attached to the fence, and detects attempts to cut, climb, or vandalise the system, sending audible signals and vibrations to a seismic analyser. It has exceeded the required standards for tests by UK Home Office and other Government tests for reliability, false alarms, and detection, and is approved for use on CNI and HM Prison sites. The Jaktronic PIDS can be installed on most types of security fencing, including chain link, welded mesh, and vertical bar railings, to provide early warning of any intrusion attempt. The system also has no topographical limitations. PIDS are a discreet security measure and are ideal when used as part of an integrated security strategy as a highly reliable form of detection. Combining perimeter fencing Investing in the longevity of the chosen security fencing will also save money on costly repairs and deterioration in the long term. Ongoing maintenance of fencing and gates must be regular and thorough, particularly in maritime environments. Ongoing maintenance of fencing and gates must be regular and thorough We often refer to an integrated approach to security, and combining perimeter fencing with additional surveillance and alarm technology where required will help achieve this. Systems combining security fencing with CCTV cameras, and anti-intrusion detection alarms and monitors are recommended to provide a secure holistic perimeter security solution. Robust security measures Perimeter fencing will only ever enhance a security strategy, and when specified correctly, alongside electronic security systems, it will create a robust level of physical protection, making the site far less appealing to intruders. Consulting with manufacturers will aid a full understanding of the available solutions. We advise investing time in making use of suppliers’ website information, product videos, NBS Source, and expert advice. With valuable and essential goods passing through our ports daily, robust security measures must be installed. This will help to ensure the facilities continue to run smoothly and reduce delays.

U.S. President Joe Biden has signed an Executive Order aimed at shoring up the cybersecurity of U.S. ports, a move fuelled by mounting concerns about the vulnerability of this critical infrastructure to cyberattacks. This initiative marks a significant shift in policy, empowering key agencies and outlining concrete actions to bolster defences. By empowering key agencies, establishing clear standards, and fostering collaboration, the initiative aims to strengthen U.S. ports against the evolving threat of cyberattacks, safeguarding the nation's maritime economy and national security. Expanded authority for DHS The core of the Executive Order lies in granting the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Coast Guard expanded authority to address maritime cyber threats. DHS gains the power to directly tackle these challenges, while the Coast Guard receives specific tools: Mandating Action: The Coast Guard can now compel vessels and waterfront facilities to address cyber vulnerabilities that endanger safety. This proactive approach aims to prevent incidents before they occur. Enhanced Visibility: Mandatory reporting of any cyber threats or incidents targeting ports and harbours becomes mandatory. This real-time information sharing allows for swifter response and mitigation efforts. Control and Inspection: The Coast Guard gains the authority to restrict the movement of vessels suspected of posing cyber threats. Additionally, inspections of vessels and facilities deemed risky can be conducted. Mandatory cybersecurity standards Furthermore, the initiative emphasises the importance of collaboration and information sharing Beyond these broad powers, the Executive Order establishes foundational elements for improved cybersecurity. Mandatory cybersecurity standards will be implemented for U.S. ports' networks and systems, ensuring a baseline level of protection across the board. This standardisation aims to eliminate weak links in the chain and prevent attackers from exploiting individual vulnerabilities. Furthermore, the initiative emphasises the importance of collaboration and information sharing. Mandatory reporting of cyber incidents fosters transparency and allows government agencies and private sector partners to work together in mitigating threats. Additionally, the Executive Order encourages increased information sharing among all stakeholders, facilitating a unified response to potential attacks. Risk management strategies To address specific concerns, the Coast Guard will issue a Maritime Security Directive targeting operators of Chinese-manufactured ship-to-shore cranes. This directive outlines risk management strategies to address identified vulnerabilities in these critical pieces of port infrastructure. The long-term success of this initiative hinges on effective implementation. The Executive Order encourages investment in research and development for innovative cybersecurity solutions, recognising the need for continuous improvement and adaptation to evolving threats. Recognising the urgency of cyber threats Some concerns exist regarding the potential burden of yielding with new rules for less port operators The initiative has been met with widespread support from port authorities, industry stakeholders, and cybersecurity experts who recognise the urgency of addressing cyber threats. However, some concerns exist regarding the potential burden of complying with new regulations for smaller port operators. Effective communication, resource allocation, and collaboration between all stakeholders will be crucial in ensuring the successful implementation of this comprehensive plan. “This Executive Order is a positive move that will give the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) additional authority to enhance cybersecurity within the marine transportation system and respond to cyber incidents,” comments Josh Kolleda, practice director, Transport at NCC Group a cybersecurity consulting firm. The more impactful and noteworthy piece is the associated Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) from the USCG on “Cybersecurity in the Marine Transportation System,” adds Kolleda. Portions of the proposed rulemaking look similar to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Security Directive for the rail industry and the Emergency Amendment for the aviation industry. Coordinating with TSA on lessons learned The focus here is on the PRC because nearly 80% of cranes operated at U.S. ports are manufactured The USCG should be coordinating with TSA on lessons learned and incorporating them into additional guidance to stakeholders and processes to review plans and overall compliance, says Kolleda. “At first glance, the NPRM provides a great roadmap to increase cybersecurity posture across the various stakeholders, but it underestimates the cost to private companies in meeting the requirements, particularly in areas such as penetration testing,” says Kolleda. “It is unclear if or how the federal government will provide support for compliance efforts. As this seems to be an unfunded mandate, many private companies will opt for the bare minimum in compliance.” “Cyber espionage and threats have been reported by the Director of National Intelligence from multiple nation-states including China, Russia, and Iran,” adds Paul Kingsbury, principal security consultant & North America Maritime Lead at NCC Group. The focus here is on the People’s Republic of China (PRC) because nearly 80% of cranes operated at U.S. ports are manufactured there, he says. Minimum cyber security requirements “The state-sponsored cyber actors’ goal is to disrupt critical functions by deploying destructive malware resulting in disruption to the U.S. supply chain,” says Kingsbury. “These threat actors do not only originate in China or other nation-states but also include advanced persistent threats (APTs) operated by criminal syndicates seeking financial gain from such disruptions. The threat actors don’t care where the crane was manufactured, but rather seek targets with limited protections and defences. The minimum cyber security requirements outlined within the NPRM should be adopted by all crane operators and all cranes, regardless of where they are manufactured.” Kingsbury adds: “The pioneering risk outlined in the briefing is that these cranes (PRC manufactured) are controlled, serviced, and programmed from remote locations in China. While this is a valid concern and should be assessed, there are certainly instances where PRC-manufactured cranes do not have control systems manufactured in PRC. For example, there are situations in MTS facilities where older cranes have been retrofitted with control systems of EU or Japanese origin.” Monitoring wireless threats “The Biden Administration’s recent Executive Order is a critical step forward in protecting U.S. ports from cyberattacks and securing America’s supply chains,” says Dr. Brett Walkenhorst, CTO at Bastille, a wireless threat intelligence technology company. “To ensure proper defense against malicious actors accessing port-side networks, attention must also be paid to common wireless vulnerabilities. Attacks leveraging Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and IoT protocols may be used to access authorised infrastructure including IT and OT systems. Monitoring such wireless threats is an important element in a comprehensive approach to upgrading the defences of our nation’s critical infrastructure.”

Backlogged ports, a shortage of shipping containers and not enough workers are among the factors contributing to supply chain disruptions that have led to shortages of various goods and are likely to impact availability of merchandise, during the upcoming holiday season. Demand is growing rapidly as the impacts of the COVID-19 global pandemic have diminished. However, lingering consequences of the pandemic are continuing to impact the container shipping market. With each element in the system tightly intertwined, any changes tend to ripple with additional repercussions. Slow circulatory movement of containers A direct upshot of the COVID-19 pandemic was to slow the circulatory movement of containers globally. To increase productivity and save time, some vessels began making their return journeys empty, in effect leaving more empty containers at the delivery destination and fewer at the source of shipments. The varied timing of the pandemic in Asia and the West compounded the problem At one point, Asian containers could not be sent back to Asia, because of COVID-19 restrictions in place. The varied timing of the pandemic in Asia and the West compounded the problem. With empty containers stacking up in the West and a shortage in the East, slower circulation of containers and higher demand have led to sharp increases in costs. Millions of TEU dry container units added A lack of new equipment is not the problem. Last year, the industry added about 2.8 million twenty-foot equivalent (TEU) units of dry containers, in line with the 10-year average. Congestion at ports has been going on for months and still continues. Recently, in the San Pedro Bay region, near the Port of Long Beach, in California, there were 144 ships, including 85 ships that were waiting to unload. In Savannah, Georgia, more than 20 container ships were waiting to dock. Ports in the US states of New Jersey, New York and Texas have also seen record backlogs. Majority of influential global ports face backlogs According to one report, 77% of the most influential ports in the world reported above-average wait times this year. The turn-around time for a container in ports has nearly doubled in 2021, in comparison to 2019. A worker shortage at the ports is aggravating the problem and container ships now carry about 30% more goods, which require more labour to unload. Ports are also doing the additional work with fewer people. There is also reduced labour productivity at warehouses and marine terminals. Investment in workforce training to counter bottlenecks Some port bosses expect the bottlenecks to last through the summer of 2022. To address the problem, some ports are investing in workforce training and scheduling night-time appointments to pick up goods. Although a lot of attention is focused on the ports, they are just one element in the troubled supply chain. Even if the ports could increase their capacity, downstream processes would also have to increase their labour force, to accommodate the higher volume. Difficult to absorb impact of global supply chain disruptions In the best of times, the global supply chain operates like a well-oiled machine In the best of times, the global supply chain operates like a well-oiled machine, despite its complexity and the inter-relatedness of various stakeholders. However, the sheer size of the system makes it difficult to absorb the impact of any disruptions. Turning the system around takes time, and a burgeoning global demand for goods, in the aftermath of a global pandemic, makes recovery even more difficult. The Biden Administration in the U.S. has established a Supply Chain Disruptions Task Force, to monitor and address short-term supply issues. This task force is convening meetings of stakeholders in industries with urgent supply-chain problems, such as construction and semiconductors, to identify the immediate bottlenecks, as well as potential solutions. Role of global supply chain more critical now There have been supply chain disruption and staff shortages in several countries, including the United Kingdom (UK), Germany and New Zealand, according to business surveys. As the economy recovered and demand increased, businesses have not yet been able to bring inventories fully back to pre-pandemic levels, causing inventory-to-sales ratios to fall. The role of the global supply chain has never been more critical.

If the ocean were a national economy, it would be the seventh largest in the world. Contributions of the oceans to energy production, transport and sustainable food production are essential to the global economy. In the global ‘blue economy,’ environmental protection and economic growth are intrinsically linked, especially in the maritime industry. The European Union has detailed a realistic agenda for the blue economy to play a major role to achieve the objectives of the European Green Deal, seeking to replace unchecked expansion with clean, climate-proof and sustainable activities that tread lightly on the marine environment. Preserving marine ecosystems “A sustainable blue economy will create tangible opportunities for new jobs and businesses,” says a European Commission report. “They will be created by work to mitigate the impacts on oceans and coasts to build a resilient economic model based on innovation, a circular economy and a respectful attitude to the ocean.” Businesses that use or generate renewable resources, preserve marine ecosystems, reduce pollution and increase resilience to climate change will be incentivised, while others will need to reduce their environmental footprint. A sustainable blue economy offers many solutions to achieve European Green Deal objectives A sustainable blue economy offers many solutions to achieve European Green Deal objectives. Many of the current activities need to reduce their carbon footprint, while new, carbon-neutral activities need to take centre stage. The blue economy can contribute to carbon neutrality by developing offshore renewable energy and by greening maritime transport and ports. Greenhouse gas emissions The European Green Deal calls for a 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from all modes of transport, and this includes maritime transport. The world’s sea lanes are a key link to the global trading system. Though it generates comparatively fewer emissions than transport by road or air, maritime transport generates both carbon and other polluting emissions due to the volumes and a heavy reliance on fossil fuels. To support the decarbonisation and depollution of energy production, maritime transport and ports, the European Commission will create a Blue Forum for users of the sea to coordinate a dialogue among offshore operators, stakeholders and scientists engaged in fisheries, aquaculture, shipping, tourism, renewable energy and other activities. It will develop synergies between their activities and reconcile competing uses of the sea. Greening port services The blue economy can help alleviate pressure on the climate and on natural resources for food production It will also pursue the objective of zero-emission ports, including through its work with the sustainable ports sub-group of the European Ports Forum, to discuss with relevant stakeholders and share and promote best practices and bottom-up initiatives in greening port services. Biodiversity conservation and protection should be considered as foundational principles of maritime economic activity. By using marine resources better and by choosing alternative sources of food and feed, the blue economy can help alleviate pressure on the climate and on natural resources for food production. Better knowledge of the ocean and its ecosystems, together with free access to data, will enable industry, public authorities and civil society to make informed decisions. Sharing marine data Through common standards and open access principles, the European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet) collates the measurements of hundreds of institutions to make the EU a model of best practice in sharing marine data and ocean observations. The Copernicus marine environment service provides satellite data and forecasting services in the EU sea basins and in the world. Since 2018, the blue economy report has mapped the blue economy in the EU Work is ongoing to improve the digitalisation of the ocean, the resolution and usability of the data and to transform this data into knowledge and tools for the benefit of a range of stakeholders. Socio-economic data are important inputs for policymakers and for businesses, who have to make snap decisions in a rapidly evolving environment, especially in times of crisis. Since 2018, the blue economy report has mapped the blue economy in the EU. Marine biological resources A user-friendly blue economy indicators tool tracks economic progress. The European Market Observatory for Fisheries and Aquaculture and the Blue Bioeconomy Report have collected, curated and disseminated data on the fishery and aquaculture markets and on innovative uses of marine biological resources. The commission proposes a maritime policy for this decade that will make the transition envisioned in the European Green Deal a reality in the ocean economy. The Commission will work with the European Parliament, the Council and other EU Institutions, where appropriate. It will reach out to all maritime stakeholders to engage with them in shaping a sustainable blue economy in a fair and equitable way.

Bennett Marine, a Division of Yamaha Marine Systems Company, needed a solution that integrated solar energy generation and mechanical upgrades to optimise both sustainability and working environment outcomes. However, adding the cooling capacity needed by a large warehouse, and the employees working there, during the long Floridian summers could significantly increase the utility load on the building. Solution Bennett Marine’s management approached its outsourced service provider, ABM. Having successfully completed two lighting upgrades on site, and acting as the current janitorial service provider, ABM took Bennet Marine’s request to its Infrastructure Solutions team. ABM’s Infrastructure Solutions designed an energy-efficient HVAC system supported by a rooftop solar PV array that offset utility costs with renewable energy, leading to a net 58% reduction in total utility usage for the building. ABM also assisted in securing tax credits and energy incentives for the project, as well as a new roof for the facility with additional building envelope improvements. Finding a better solution for the client ABM provides a consultative approach to help clients achieve sustainability goals, enable capital improvements" “Service experts across our company worked together to solve a need and deliver the sustainability solution Bennett Marine needed,” said Mark Hawkinson, President of ABM Technical Solutions. He adds, “ABM provides a consultative approach to help clients achieve sustainability goals, enable capital improvements, improve indoor air quality, address waste and inefficiency, and create a positive impact for communities.” In addition to the new roof, net energy offset, and improved cooling, ABM was able to assist the project in receiving an estimated $226,000 in tax credits and $224,000 in Energy Incentives through the Federal MACRS (Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System). Benefits ABM’s Infrastructure Solutions enable businesses to invest in critical infrastructure needs and achieve sustainability, security, and resilience goals. A custom energy program drives costs out of operating budgets and redirects savings to critical needs, helping fund improvements. Highlights of the project for the Deerfield, Florida, warehouse include: Projected energy cost savings in the first year of $12,701 Replacement of ageing roof and speed roll doors to reduce energy loss Solar panel installation is capable of offsetting 66% of the building’s utility use

At Scheveningen Harbour in the coastal city of The Hague in the Netherlands, an AI-based video security system from Bosch Building Technologies is now ensuring that every single ship or boat entering or leaving the harbour is logged. The customised solution developed by Bosch together with its partner BrainCreators automatically registers and classifies shipping traffic. Intelligent security solution Until now, employees at the port control centre had to keep an eye on shipping traffic around the clock from the window of the control centre and manually record the 80 or so vessels that pass through the port every day. The city council of The Hague to quickly find a tailor-made solution for the port of Scheveningen  The reason for the investment in the intelligent security solution was the fear that criminals would seek alternative routes via smaller ports such as Scheveningen, now that large Dutch or Belgian ports such as Rotterdam and Antwerp have been more secure against smuggled goods for some time. This was reason enough for the city council of The Hague to quickly find a tailor-made solution for the port of Scheveningen. Challenging task in Scheveningen Special conditions require individual solutions Most boats and ships entering the port of Scheveningen are not required to register and, unlike purely commercial ports such as Rotterdam, the port cannot simply be closed off. In addition to cargo ships, there are also fishing boats and private sailing yachts at anchor, with small dinghies and rowing boats cruising between them. Keeping track of the movement of goods in particular is therefore a challenging task in Scheveningen, where the video security system with intelligent video analysis installed by Bosch provides welcome support. Author's quote The requirements for this project were very specific because the shipping traffic not only had to be filmed" "The requirements for this project were very specific because the shipping traffic not only had to be filmed, but also registered and classified. The solution also had to provide information about the speed of travel," says Niels van Doorn, Senior Manager Solutions & Portfolio at Bosch Building Technologies in the Netherlands. "Standard software can't do that. Together with our partner, we have therefore developed an AI that can identify and classify ships of all kinds–from passenger ships and freighters to sailing yachts and inflatable boats." This data aids in identifying suspicious shipping movements. Flexidome IP starlight 8000i cameras No sooner said than done – and in the shortest possible time Development, planning and implementation only took around 12 months. Two intelligent video cameras at the mouth of the harbour now record the traffic. The specially developed AI classifies the ship types and registers them in a file. Due to the difficult lighting conditions in the port, the Flexidome IP starlight 8000i cameras from Bosch were chosen. They deliver detailed images even in challenging weather and lighting conditions and enable the staff in the control centre to see every detail, even in very bright or dark image sections. Ships that are not seen in real-time by the personnel on duty appear as still images on the screen All boat identifiers are recorded, documented, stored and automatically provided with additional information on date and time, direction of travel and speed around the clock using AI. The streams from the cameras are fed directly into a video management system. Ships that are not seen in real-time by the personnel on duty appear as still images on the screen. By analysing all the data, peak times, ship types, trends and deviations from the norm are determined. New video documentation "The dashboard gives staff an overview of all activities in the port. The software protects the privacy of the people recorded by making their faces unrecognisable. The new video documentation now provides solid evidence and helps to identify suspicious and unusual situations more quickly and effectively," says Ferry Ditewig, Business Development Manager at Bosch Building Technologies in the Netherlands. The video solution is also well equipped for future challenges and can be flexibly expanded as required: for example, additional information from external sources could be integrated, such as meteorological data, tides or the automatic identification system (AIS) for exchanging ship data.

Internacional Marítima is a Brazilian company leader in marine and port support services, with over 35 years in the market and for over five years using WEG paints in its fleet. The vessel - BLG 2, originally destined to launch jack-ups of up to 8000 tonnes and reclassified to support work in ocean navigation, will be receiving a new paint job for restoration and protection in a 9,000 m² area of side, bottom and deck. WEG supplies paint for the vessel - BLG 2 WEG is supplying more than 11,000 litres of paint for painting the ship WEG is supplying more than 11,000 litres of paint for painting the ship. These are high performance paints, which offer resistance and durability. Among the products supplied to Internacional Marítima, WEG have Shop primer from WEGZINC 401 line, the epoxy finishing primer WEGPOXI WET SURFACE 89 PW, paints from WEG TIE COAT line, and the anti-fouling paint W-ECOLOFLEX SPC 200. All of WEG's products are ideal solutions for marine applications. WEG and Internacional Marítima partnership “WEG already has a long partnership with Internacional Marítima and the group’s shipyards were one of the determining factors for choosing WEG paints for this major project,” said Richard Ferraz - Unit Manager INC (Catarinense Naval Industry) of Navegantes, Santa Catarina - Brazil.

Peel Ports is working with a consortium led by the University of Liverpool to bid for the UK’s flagship national Clean Maritime Research Hub. As part of a wider partnership with the University of Liverpool’s School of Management, Peel Ports has committed to participating in workshops, sharing operational port data and insights and allocating staff time to the project. UK SHORE programme The designation is part of the government’s UK SHORE programme, which aims to decarbonise the maritime sector by exploring key challenges and barriers, and encouraging research and development opportunities. The programme is set to provide funding grant schemes for early research projects by UK universities. If successful, the University-led project will receive a total of £7.4m of funds over the course of the next four years. The research hub would make Liverpool the UK centre of excellence for clean maritime research and facilitate further academic and industrial cooperation. Author's quote University-led project will receive a total of £7.4m of funds over the course of the next four years Lewis McIntyre, Managing Director Port Services at Peel Ports said: “Peel Ports has received numerous industry accolades for its efforts in reducing its environmental impact, including this year’s prestigious Clean Maritime Operator award by Maritime UK. This reflects our efforts in decarbonising our port operations as a top priority, and we are delighted to support the University of Liverpool in its efforts to bid for projects of this nature, which align to our own net zero 2040 strategy.” Professor Dongping Song from the University of Liverpool’s Management School said: ”Peel Ports’ support and participation is extremely valuable for the application to establish the hub and for the future research in decarbonising maritime industry and beyond.” Newly created hub The newly created hub will address a number of issues including low and zero-emission fuels for the maritime sector, energy sources, vessel technology and landside infrastructure. The winning bid will be announced before the end of the summer by the awarding and funding bodies: the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and the Department of Transport.

Up to 20% of salaries in shipping, equal to more than $10 billion annually, are paid in cash. It’s an insecure, expensive way to do business, with employers charged as much as 5%-12% of the underlying value to get cash on board.  And it’s just as expensive to manage the complexity of their payroll, with excessive time and costs spent paying salaries across the globe, dealing in cash, and tax reconciliation, plus processing hefty fees and administration costs. As for the Seafarers themselves, they end up paying commissions and bank charges with poor, unpredictable exchange rates, with no certainty of when and how they can change money or how much it will cost them. User-Friendly platform Kadmos - a platform that specialises in powering secure payments to seafarers across the globe - recognised the need to develop a secure salary payments platform that would make paying crew members more efficient and drastically reduce administration and transfer costs. Rapyd enables international payments by combining various payment methods To do this, it needed a payments partner that could navigate the world’s complex and fractured financial infrastructure and operate seamlessly across multiple jurisdictions, integrating multiple payment providers and systems, while also meeting local tax, licensing and regulatory standards. Rapyd, a global fintech company, enables international payments by combining various payment methods, including bank transfers, local debit cards, digital wallets, and even cash into one user-friendly platform.  Cost-effective mobile app Using Rapyd, businesses can efficiently handle payments across different countries, meeting each market's unique needs and requirements and making significant time and cost savings in the process. Kadmos is using Rapyd’s technology and payments network to underpin its new salary payments platform. It allows Kadmos to pay seafarers via a secure, functional, and cost-effective mobile app, giving them access to their money, regardless of whether they’re at sea or in port, through a digital wallet, which can be used to pay bills, send money home and make online purchases. They can also use a Visa debit card to make purchases at ports and withdraw cash. Cross-Border employees There are 180 million migrant workers worldwide travelling and working across the globe Seafarers can track payments and spending on the app, keep the salary in their wallet in stable currencies such as US dollars, euros or British pounds, and save money on transfers and exchange rates. The whole system is protected by European e-money regulations. Paying seafarers may be a uniquely tough problem to crack, but it is clear that there are other parts of the logistics supply chain which could also benefit from adopting a new approach to payments. There are 180 million migrant workers worldwide travelling and working across the globe, and cross-border employees working in industries such as construction, healthcare, and hospitality face all similar challenges when it comes to salary payments. New breed of payments technology David Rosa, General Manager of Wallets, Disburse and FX at Rapyd said: “By providing a secure, user-friendly platform that transcends borders, Rapyd and Kadmos are making a real impact on the lives of seafarers and their families around the world, reducing their financial burdens, and streamlining the entire salary payment process for employers, their workers and their families.” A new breed of payments technology is emerging to provide a much better service to seafarers and many other industries, with the ability to get paid quicker and more efficiently. For Kadmos, powered by Rapyd, it is a ground-breaking solution that has reshaped the organisation’s approach to cross-border payments.

GPS Group, growing storage and logistics provider, announced the successful completion of its LPG storage terminal in Port Klang, Malaysia. With Equinor as an anchor tenant, the terminal began its first commercial operation on 10th May 2022. Fully automated facility Located in Port Klang, Malaysia’s busiest port with more than 10 million teu of throughput, this new infrastructure will enable cost-advantaged shipments of fully laden VLGCs into Malaysia and the region. The fully automated facility will make it possible to re-export pressurised shipments into the region and domestic distribution within Malaysia by truck and cylinders. The terminal is also equipped for direct transfersofr LPG by pipeline to other LPG distribution facilities in the Port. VLGC and pressurised LPG vessels capacity The 135,000 cubic metre terminal began commercial operation in early May of 2022 Equinor has taken the full capacity of the terminal on a long-term basi, and will be able to take advantage of the terminal’s strategic location to increase sales of LPG in Asia. The terminal can accommodate an annual throughput of approximately 1.2 million tons per year, and will be able to handle very large gas carriers (VLGC) and pressurised LPG vessels at its jetty. The 135,000 cubic metre terminal began commercial operation in early May of 2022. VLGC freight economics GPS, an independent storage and logistics company, is the majority shareholder of the project and owns and operates the LPG facility. Eric Arnold, Executive Chairman and CEO of GPS, said, “The completion of the new terminal is a game-changer for LPG shipments into the Region. It is the first time that an independent player has the advantage VLGC freight economics into South East Asia.”  Improving energy infrastructure This terminal will provide a good economy of scale for the import of LPG" “Delivering this asset is another important milestone in the relationship between Equinor and GPS. We’re thrilled that together we have been able to improve the energy infrastructure of our region.” Magne Hovden, President of Equinor Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., said, “We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate GPS on the successful completion of the terminal. This terminal will provide good economy of scale for import of LPG and we look forward to working together with GPS to optimise LPG supply in the region.” Infrastructure GPS’s focus is on developing the infrastructure that suppliers of gas and petroleum like Equinor need to access the global marketplace. This is the latest example of how the technical team, which supports GPS and sister organisation GES, and operational expertise combined with the financial resources of the shareholders to deliver industry-changing projects.