Shipbuilding News

ABS is supporting the LH2CRAFT project, an ambitious research initiative funded by the European Union with the goal of revolutionizing liquid hydrogen (LH2) storage on commercial vessels.Administered by Hydrus Engineering S.A. and Technische Universitat Dresden, the research consortium is comprised of 14 members from nine countries. ABS will review the LH2 containment, handling and distribution systems as part of the process which works toward approval in principle.The consortium is working to design a membrane-type containment system capable of storing LH2 at -253 °C at a scale up to 200…

Auramarine has won an order from Meyer Turku shipyard for a methanol fuel supply system and associated equipment for the luxury Mein Schiff 7 cruise vessel owned by TUI Cruises.Auramarine’s equipment deliveries began in 2023 and continued over the spring of 2024. Sea trials were conducted in May 2024, and the vessel is scheduled for delivery over the summer this year. The methanol-ready newbuild is the first of its kind in the maritime industry and aligns with TUI Cruises’ sustainability strategy of offering the first climate-neutral cruises by 2030.

GEA is supporting the shipping industry on this path to sustainability with new products to reduce emissions of NOx, SOx, particulate matter and soot, and new biofuel separators and solutions for the treatment of process water in exhaust gas recirculation (EGR).GEA biofuel separatorBy using biofuels such as hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) and fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) as an alternative for diesel engines, greenhouse gas and sulphur emissions can be reduced. However, effective fuel treatment is essential to ensure peak performance and avoid costly engine wear.

A bipartisan, bicameral group is emerging in Congress as the thought leaders for future maritime policy. On January 30, 2024, Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Representative Mike Waltz (R-FL-6) led a letter to President Biden, joined by 17 other members of Congress, urging the White House to embrace a “bold and clear vision” for the future of U.S. sea power. Among other recommendations – including establishing an interagency maritime policy coordinator – the Congressional group urged President Biden to issue a Presidential Determination to establish “commercial…

Swiss marine power company WinGD, Swedish marine technology leader Alfa Laval and the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) will work with Korean shipbuilder K Shipbuilding (KSB) on the development of an ammonia-fueled MR tanker design.Two agreement follows the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed in April. The design will feature a 6X52DF‑A engine from WinGD.WinGD will work with KSB to deliver fuel gas system specifications suitable for the vessel application and the selected engine, while Alfa Laval will deliver the detailed documentation for the final fuel gas system design.

American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has issued an approval in principle (AiP) for a 50K DWT ammonia-powered tanker design from HD Hyundai Mipo.The vessel will feature an ammonia engine designed by WinGD and manufactured by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries – Engine & Machinery Division (HHI-EMD).Also, it will boast ammonia fuel supply system designed by HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (KSOE) and an ammonia boiler designed by Kangrim Heavy Industries.ABS completed design reviews…

Mitsubishi Shipbuilding has received an order from Imabari Shipbuilding for two LNG fuel gas supply systems (FGSS) for high-pressure dual-fuel marine engines.The units are for two LNG-fueled bulk carriers to be built by Imabari Shipbuilding which will be continuously delivered with LNG fuel tanks from summer 2025.The FGSSs ordered feature a modular, optimized cargo space layout that provides exceptional space-saving and maintenance access and a proprietary control system that can be customized according to customer needs…

With the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard FY 2025 budget requests offering uninspiring news for traditional shipbuilders, industry observers might be forgiven for checking out and dismissing 2024 as just another dull year in the frustrating business of government shipbuilding.But with an election season underway and an increasingly disorderly sea, the year may end up being far more exciting for industry than most U.S. shipbuilders expect.In fact, it might even be time to prepare for a “Remember the Maine” moment.

Technology group Wärtsilä has secured a deal to supply engines, fuel gas supply system and thrusters for two new Ropax ferries being built for French operator La Méridionale, a subsidiary of CMA CGM.The vessels, which have been specifically designed to minimize emissions, are to be built at the China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Weihai), and will operate between Marseille and Corsica.For each ship, Wärtsilä will supply two 12-cylinder, one 10-cylinder and one 8-cylinder Wärtsilä 31DF engines.The two ferries will benefit from Wärtsilä’s NextDF technology…

Damen Shipyards has partnered up with Atal Solutions and other parties to retrofit four bulk carriers for Bam Shipping with fuel-saving and emission reduction technologies.The industry partners will integrate eight different proven technologies, which will result in bulk carriers consuming at least 20% less fuel and reducing up to 99% greenhouse gases (GHG).The increased efficiency paves the way for these and other existing vessels to sail in compliance with recent regulations such as the Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) and Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII).Additionally…

Capital Gas, Erma First and Babcock have signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to install a carbon capture and storage (CCS) system, CARBON FIT, on board four new liquefied carbon dioxide (LCO2) carriers.Due for delivery by South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Mipo Dockyard in 2026, the 22,000 cbm LCO2 carriers will join the Capital Gas managed fleet as the largest of their kind ever built.The Erma First CARBON FIT system holds Approval in Principle (AiP) from both Lloyd’s Register and…

Palfinger Marine, an Austrian manufacturer of hydraulic lifting, loading, and handling systems for marine applications, has been contracted to supply a major equipment package for a new cable laying vessel, under construction at Vard for Prysmian.Following the previous orders to equip cable laying vessels Leonardo da Vinci and Monna Lisa, Palfinger Marine will provide deck equipment and lifesaving appliances (LSA) for another upcoming cable laying vessel built by Vard for Prysmian.Because the vessel is the evolution of Prysmian’s previous cable layers…

Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) has received an approval in principle (AiP) from Lloyd’s Register for the design of its ammonia fuel cell-powered very large ammonia carrier (VLAC).Ammonia fuel cell-powered VLAC, developed by SHI with the US-based fuel cell system developer Amogy, is an emission-free and eco-friendly vessel, which does not produce any sulfur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), or carbon dioxide (CO2) with both of its main engines for propulsion and power generation…

DNV and Artemis Technologies signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the development, certification, and operation of electric foiling vessels. The signing took place at the Posidonia trade fair.Electric vessels have been trialled in many countries, demonstrating significant benefits, including reduced emissions to air, quieter operation, and regulatory compliance. Now, companies are adding an additional element - the use of hydrofoils – which promise even greater levels of efficiency and passenger comfort.

DEME's new fallpipe vessel—the world's largest—was officially named Yellowstone by Her Royal Highness Princess Astrid, Princess of Belgium, during a ceremony in Zeebrugge on Tuesday.Originally a bulk carrier, the ship was converted at Pax Ocean Shipyards in Singapore for rock placement work in the offshore energy industry. The DP2 vessel has a payload capacity of 37,000 tonnes and features a central vertical fallpipe that is capable of operating in water depths of 600-700 meters…

Alabama Shipyard has been awarded a pair of ship repair contracts from the U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Command (MSC) that are worth nearly $40 million altogether. The Mobile, Ala. shipyard was awarded a $30,085,225 firm-fixed-price contract for a 156-calendar day shipyard availability for the regular overhaul and dry dock availability of MSC’s hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20). This deal includes options which, if exercised, would increase the cumulative value to $30,900,268. Work will begin August 1, 2024, and is expected to be completed by January 3, 2025.

Pacific Northwest shipbuilder Vigor on Tuesday announced it has begun low rate initial production (LRIP) on the Maneuver Support Vehicle (Light) (MSV(L)) vessel at its facility in Vancouver, Wash.The new generation 117-foot U.S. Army landing craft, which replaces the Vietnam-era Landing Craft Mechanized 8 (LCM-8), is designed to support Army Mariners and their payload in even the most difficult environments due to its state-of-the-art maneuverability and stability.Vigor was originally awarded the contract in 2017 and secured the Vancouver, Wash.

Guangzhou Shipyard International's (GSI) plan to build the world's largest ammonia carrier vessel has taken a step forward.The Chinese shipbuilder has signed a joint development project (JDP) agreement with classification society Lloyd’s Register (LR) for the design of very large ammonia carrier (VLAC) with a carrying capacity of 100,000 cubic meters (cbm)—larger than a series of 93,000-cbm VLACs currently being built at Hanwha Ocean's Geoje shipyard in South Korea for Greek shipping…

Singaporean shipbuilder Strategic Marine has delivered two offshore wind Crew Transfer Vessels (CTVs) to UK-based Mainprize Offshore.The two 27-meter vessels are part of the UK-based CTV owner and operator’s ongoing fleet expansion and will add to its current fleet of 11 vessels.Scheduled for operations in European waters from July 2024 onwards, both vessels will be carrying out crew transfers in Europe.The vessels feature Supa-SWATH hull design for enhanced seakeeping with reduced…

Two-thirds of European green shipping fuel projects are at risk, a new Transport & Environment (T&E) study shows.T&E’s mapping of green hydrogen projects across Europe shows that nearly 4% of European shipping could run on green e-fuels by 2030. But fuel suppliers appear to be reluctant to commit financially to projects without more guarantees that there will be demand for these fuels in the near future. This means the vast majority of projects may never come online in this decade…

DNV has released its May figures from the Alternative Fuels Insight (AFI) platform, and according to the latest figures, 33 new orders for alternative fueled vessels were placed in May 2024. Methanol continues to be the biggest driver, accounting for 23 of these vessels. Ten of these are from the container segment, along with five bulk carriers, and four car carriers.LNG continues to lag behind methanol, with eight new orders registered in May, while two new orders for ammonia…

According to the latest ABS research, geopolitical instability, scalability of fuel production and retrofits to existing vessels are key factors impacting the shipping industry’s journey to net zero by 2050.The sixth in an annual series, the 2024 Outlook, Beyond the Horizon, Carbon Neutral Fuel Pathways and Transformational Technologies, features an update of ABS’ long-term energy forecast.“The 2024 outlook delivers unprecedented visibility into the ‘ecosystem’ of shipping underscoring…

Commercial rigid inflatable boat builder Fluid Watercraft announced it has hired former marine patrol agent Blake Young as the newest member of its team, taking on government sales management for the U.S. Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions.Having served as a police officer, deputy sheriff and maritime law enforcement agent developing a wealth of criminal justice experience, Young started his career as one of the youngest North Carolina Criminal Justice Academy candidates to earn his state law enforcement certification.

A. P. Møller-Mærsk's newly developed design for an ammonia-fuelled 3,500 TEU container vessel has earned approval in principle (AIP) from classification societies Lloyd’s Register (LR) and the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS).Led by the Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping, the design project also involved MAN Energy Solutions, Deltamarin, Eltronic FuelTech.“To unlock the potential of sustainable ammonia as an alternative, low-emissions marine fuel, we must…

South Korea's first domestically built geophysical exploration research vessel was commissioned during a ceremony at Pohang Yeongilman Port on May 31.The 92-meter Tamhae 3 is a fully state-funded research vessel owned by the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources (KIGAM). The KRW 181 billion (US$132 million) newbuild replaces its 1996-built predecessor, Tamhae 2, for geophysical explorations in domestic and foreign waters, starting with Korea’s continental shelves…

The German government wants to buy two further frigates provided parliament approves the deal, Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said on Monday, as part of a policy shift to bolster its defences after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.Speaking in the Baltic port of Wolgast at a keel-laying ceremony for the first of four F126 frigates already ordered, he said he had reached a deal with the finance ministry to present parliament with a draft budget for two additional ships.The…

Norwegian shipbuilder Vard has secured a new contract for the design and construction of a stern trawler for Havbryn, part of fishing boat company Strand Rederiet.The vessel will be of Vard 8 02 trawler design, outfitted for semi-pelagic and bottom-trawling operations with gentle handling to meet the latest demands for fish health management, efficiency, and environmentally friendly operations.The new vessel will have a length of 80,4 meters and a beam of 16,7 meters. The hull is ice strengthened according to Ice-1A.

The two classification societies American Bureau Of Shipping (ABS) and Lloyd’s Register (LR) have issued an approval in principle (AiP) for a new ship design of an ammonia-fueled 3500 TEU container vessel.A cross-industry taskforce including A. P. Moller-Maersk, MAN Energy Solutions, Deltamarin, Eltronic FuelTech, ABS and LR led by the Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping is behind the new design.The vessels is 212 meters long, with a breadth of 35 meters. Its ammonia tank capacity is 4300 m3.When awarding an AiP…

Danish subsea cable and services firm NKT has named its second cable laying vessel (CLV) NKT Eleonora, which has been designed to run on methanol.NKT Eleonora, meaning shining light, will boost the company’s offshore cable laying capacity and will be amongst the world’s first cable laying vessels designed to run on methanol.Equipped with three turntables, NKT Eleonora will offer a power cable-laying capacity of 23,000 tonnes and host a range of subsea tooling for precise installation…

As May comes to an end, increasing vessel prices on the back of a firming demand from Alang recyclers has now seen local steel plate prices climb nearly $45/ton, reports cash buyer GMS.“Notwithstanding, an all too familiar lack of decent quality tonnage available to global recyclers to sink their teeth into, remains blisteringly omnipresent as the industry ventures into the traditionally quieter monsoon months and freight sectors appear to be performing firmly once again, depriving recycling destinations of meaningful tonnage yet again…

Seatrium and M1 have jointly signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to accelerate digital connectivity to aid yard operations.The partnership is an integral part of Seatrium’s Digital Strategy which aims to establish a Smart Yard equipped with future-proof ultra-high-speed connectivity that supports the Group’s One Seatrium Delivery Model.This partnership aims to explore the potential of 5G connectivity in yards for digitalisation and integrated yard operations. By enhancing 5G within Seatrium’s yards in Singapore…

ClassNK has released the Guidelines for Ships Using Alternative Fuels (Edition 3.0). In addition to safety requirements for ships using methanol, ethanol, LPG, and ammonia as fuel, this edition newly adds requirements related to hydrogen-fueled ships, providing guidance for the design of alternative-fueled ships.The guidelines describe safety requirements for alternative-fueled ships including requirements for installation, controls, safety devices, etc., thus aiming to minimize the risks to ships…

Vigor has completed a Post-Shakedown Availability (PSA) on USNS John Lewis (T-AO 205) at Swan Island. The first-in-class Military Sealift Command vessel will head into active service following the eight-month availability, as the namesake of the John Lewis-class fleet replenishment oilers.Beginning last fall, the PSA included systems improvements and post-delivery upgrades to improve the vessel’s operability. It is a typical availability during which any needed changes can be made and issues arising during initial sea trials can be addressed.

The U.S. Navy reports it has taken delivery of the latest Ship to Shore Connector (SSC), Landing Craft, Air Cushion (LCAC) 109 from Textron Systems.The May 29 delivery of LCAC 109 comes after completion of acceptance trials conducted by the Navy’s Board of Inspection and Survey, which tested the readiness and capability of the craft to effectively meet its requirements.“This new craft will provide the Navy and Marine Corps team with unparalleled capability in amphibious warfare, ensuring we remain agile and responsive to emerging threats and global challenges,” said Capt.

Deliveries will begin in 2028 if all goes well. Delays and escalating costs have bedeviled the procurement process up until now.Washington State Ferries on Thursday published an invitation to bid on building five new hybrid-electric ferries, an overdue achievement that promises to eventually bring more reliability to cross-Sound ferry service.It’s the first time in more than 50 years that the state will accept bids from shipyards nationwide to construct its vessels. Going out to bid on this contract also represents a major step toward electrification of the WSF fleet.

Austal has secured a $516 million contract to construct the lead ship of the United States Navy's ocean surveillance program, T-AGOS 25, the Australian defence shipbuilder said in an exchange filing on Friday.The contract, announced on May 19, was originally for $113.9 million for a detailed design of the Auxiliary General Ocean Surveillance Ship T-AGOS 25 Class for the United States Navy, with options to design and construct up to seven such ships.On Friday, the United States Navy exercised its option to modify the contract to construct a ship, allowing Austal to buy the materials required to

Rolls-Royce has been selected to supply the world’s first twin MT30-powered hybrid electro-mechanical propulsion arrangement to power Japan’s Aegis System Equipped Vessel (ASEV), a Japanese destroyer program.The OEM says the unique power density of the MT30 GT will ensure ship performance is not compromised and will meet the top ship speed requirements associated with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) destroyers.Other benefits marine gas turbine technology include ultra-low on-board maintenance compared to legacy engines…

Multraship Towage & Salvage has christened its newest tug, Multratug 35, at its home port of Terneuzen, the Netherlands.The vessel is a Damen ASD Tug 3212. Damen and Multraship signed the contract for the vessel – together with a second, identical ASD Tug 3212 – in June last year. Prior to the contract, Damen had already commenced construction on the tugs as part of its practice of building standard vessels for stock. Multraship’s Managing Director, Captain Leendert Muller, said: “Our business has grown to meet additional customer and project requirements…

Damen Shipyards has delivered the third fast crew supplier (FCS) hybrid vessel to Purus, designed to provide low emission crew transfer services to the offshore wind sector.The vessels are fitted with 190 kW battery arrays that enable them to sail zero emissions while in harbor and when loitering at offshore wind farms.In addition to their hybrid capabilities, the FCS 2710 Hybrids are IMO Tier III compliant, with significantly reduced NOX and SOX emissions. With this performance…

Italian shipowner Fratelli Cosulich has inaugurated its new IMO2 chemical bunker tanker, Marta Cosulich, in the Bay of Singapore.Marta Cosulich vessel, with its 8.7000 m3, is the first ship in Fratelli Cosulich’s fleet ready to carry methanol.Fratelli Cosulich Bunkers Singapore started its physical supply business in 2005, which was a major milestone in the company’s global bunkering operations.Since, the company has expanded and modernized its local fleet, now comprising five bunker tankers…

Seaspan’s Vancouver Shipyards has presented its progress towards completing the functional design on the first heavy Polar Icebreaker in Canada in over 60 years at CANSEC, Canada’s leading defense and security tradeshow.The functional design of the vessel is now more than 70% complete, and 3D modelling of the vessel is well advanced, setting the stage for Seaspan to cut steel on the flagship of the Canadian Coast Guard’s icebreaking fleet before the end of the year.With Canada’s current largest Icebreaker, the CCGS Louis S.

A pair of U.S. boatbuilders have been awarded contracts to deliver up to seventy-three 40-Foot Patrol Boats (40 PB) for the U.S. Navy's Naval Expeditionary Combat Command.The indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contracts were awarded to Louisiana-based Metal Shark and Oregon-based ReconCraft, and the maximum cumulative dollar value for both deals combined is $290 million over a seven-year period.Designed by Metal Shark’s in-house engineering team specifically for the Navy, the 40 PB has been built by Metal Shark since award of the 40 PB Flight 1 contract in 2017.

MAN Cryo has been contracted by Torghatten Nord A/S, the Norwegian ferry company, to work on a project encompassing the design and engineering of two hydrogen-powered newbuild RoPax ferries. The project stems from a Norwegian government initiative for major vessels operating on the challenging mainland-Lofoten Islands crossing to become emission-free.MAN Cryo will provide the detail design for bunkering systems, hydrogen piping and vent masts for the vessels. Additionally, MAN Cryo will act as system integrator for the hydrogen process plant…

Brittany Ferries announced it is working with Wärtsilä and Incat to explore design and technical requirements for a 137-meter zero-emissions ferry.“This is an important project as we look at different ways to reach net zero by 2050,” said Christophe Mathieu, CEO of Brittany Ferries. “All-electric power is a potential solution, best suited to shorter ferry routes. At this stage we don’t know what is feasible, and upon which route, but what we can say is that trusted partners will help us scope it out. Upon completion of the project we can move quickly.

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) and its company MOL Drybulk have announced plans to install wind propulsion systems, including Wind Challenger, on a total of seven newbuilding bulk carriers and multi-purpose vessels.The vessels will be operated by MOL Drybulk. With the latest commitment, MOL Group will have a total of nine Wind Challenger-equipped vessels, bringing the total number of vessels equipped with wind propulsion systems to 11.Among the seven vessels to be equipped with wind propulsion systems…

The Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping has released a report providing a techno-economic assessment of fuel cell applications for onboard auxiliary power for deepsea vessels.The reportindicates that it appears unrealistic to assume that fuel cells will compete with or entirely replace onboard internal combustion engines in the near future, even as fuel cells reach a high technological maturity level. This is due to the high initial costs currently associated…

The first of 12 new hybrid high-speed ferries designed by Incat Crowther for Italian ferry operator Liberty Lines have completed sea trials and will soon begin servicing Liberty Lines’ routes between Sicily and nearby islands.Named Vittorio Morace and HSC Cristina M, the new 38-metre hybrid propulsion vessels can operate at speeds of up to 30 knots when carrying a full load, with a sprint speed of 33 knots.They were built by Astilleros Armon in Spain and are equipped with an integrated…

Seatrium has secured a contract from Petrobras, acting as operator of Atapu and Sepia consortiums, for the newbuild supply of FPSO platforms P-84 and P-85.With the contracts valued at approximately S$11 billion, these high throughput FPSOs will be deployed in the Atapu and Sépia fields, located in the eastern part of the Santos Basin, approximately 200 kilometers offshore of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.The P-84 and P-85 platforms are part of Petrobras' new generation of FPSO platforms, characterized by a high production capacity that prioritize sustainable practices with innovative technologies.

As the summer / monsoon months creep closer, ship recycling markets in Turkey and the Indian sub-continent have been firming over recent weeks, reports cash buyer GMS.“Pakistan, though still relatively firm, feels sluggishly satiated of late having taken in a healthy collection of vessels / LDT (for this market’s size).” Despite having bested last year’s recycling volumes with another three fresh arrivals this week, it continues to endure a rather glum outlook as its demand and…

The U.S. Department of Defense announced that Fincantieri Marinette Marine was awarded a contract valued at more than $1 billion to build the fifth and sixth Constellation-class Frigates for the U.S. Navy. FMM received the contract for the lead ship of the Constellation-Class in April 2020, and the Navy has since exercised five options for follow-on vessels. This two-ship option, for FFG 66 and FFG 67, is valued at $1,044,529,113, the Pentagon said.Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro announced this week that FFG-66 will be named USS Hamilton.

North Star has secured a contract with Siemens Gamesa to build a hybrid service operations vessel (SOV) bound for long-term charter at the East Anglia THREE offshore wind farm in UK.Cochin Shipyard has been confirmed to build the SOV of VARD 4 19 design for North Star’s growing fleet.The high specification vessel will accommodate up to 60 of its client’s wind technicians as they support maintenance operations across all 95 wind turbines at the East Anglia Hub development. To ensure safe crew transfers…

Proman Stena Bulk, the joint venture between Stena Bulk and Proman, christened Stena Prosperous today during a ceremony at the Marina Bay Cruise Center in Singapore. After the ceremony, the 49,900 DWT IMOIIMeMAX vessel will be bunkered with a 20/80 green/conventional methanol blend, which delivers CO2e savings of 31% compared to the same voyage operated on Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO), while making additional particulate matter (PM), sulphur oxides (SOx), and nitrogen oxides (NOx) savings.

Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri will expand its cooperation with Saudi Arabia through its new unit Fincantieri Arabia, the group said on Wednesday.The Saudi unit will support the kingdom's Vision 2030 development agenda in the cruise, defense and offshore sectors, Fincantieri said in a press release, released on the margins of an industrial conference.State-controlled Fincantieri has extended its presence in the Middle East in recent years.

A next generation feeder ship design developed by Technolog for Seaspan Corporation has been awarded approval in principle (AIP) from Lloyd's Register (LR), the classification society announced.The innovative vessel, measuring 198 meters long, is designed to be efficiently converted from liquefied natural gas (LNG) to ammonia fuel during its lifetime, trading efficiently in today’s market and being ready for tomorrow’s. The unique design is therefore prepared for future advancements in feeder vessel technology as power and propulsion systems continue to rapidly evolve.Andy McKeran…

Sweden-based Echandia reports it has won its largest order to date, with a deal to supply battery systems to a Northern European ferry operator.The contract with an undisclosed customer involves converting two RoPax ferries to pure electric propulsion. It is Echandia's largest both in terms of value and system size. Delivery is planned for the second half of 2025, Echandia said.According to Echandia, its battery systems are designed to meet the customer's requirement for a 10-year lifespan…

Eastern Shipbuilding Group (ESG) won a contract to build a new auto and passenger ferry for the Fisher Island Community Association, Inc. (FICA) in Florida. The vessel will be built at ESG’s Allanton and Port St. Joe facilities and is expected for delivery in Spring 2026.“Eastern Shipbuilding Group (ESG) delivered the vehicle passenger ferry HERON to the Fisher Island Community Association, Inc. (FICA) over 20 years ago, and we understand that she has been the most reliable ferry in their fleet.

Danish offshore wind installation firm Cadeler has placed a $400 million order to COSCO Heavy Industries for the construction of its third A-class wind farm installation vessel, capable of transporting and installing seven complete 15 MW turbine sets per one loading.This will be the 11th vessel in Cadeler’s fleet, ordered ready to meet the growing offshore wind market demand.The third A-class vessel – Wind Apex – will feature the hybrid design, enabling it to convert from being…

AAL Shipping has added an additional two ships to its order of six 32,000dwt heavy lift Super B-Class vessels.The order was signed by AAL and Schoeller Holdings’ Founder & Chairman, Heinrich Schoeller, at the recent naming ceremony of AAL Limassol at the CSSC Huangpu Wenchong Shipbuilding Company in the Chinese province of Guangdong.The two additional vessels, to be named the AAL Newcastle and AAL Mumbai will each feature an increased maximum heavy lift capability of 800 tonnes…

Finnish shipping company Langh Ship earlier this month reported that the final vessel in its multipurpose newbuilding series was named during a ceremony in Ningbo, China, and has begun its journey toward Europe through Singapore Strait and around Africa.The vessel, Sofia, built at the Wuhu Shipyard, is purposely built to carry the stainless steel coils that Outokumpu produces in Finland. The liner service is established between Outokumpu factories in Tornio, Finland and Terneuzen in the Netherlands.

Damen Shipyards and SAFEEN Group, part of AD Ports Group, have signed an agreement for the lease and purchase of an all-electric Damen RSD-E Tug 2513.The RSD-E Tug 2513 will be the first fully electric tug to operate in the Middle East, according to Damen.The tug, which is 25 metres in length with bollard pull of 70 tonnes, is capable of manoeuvring even the largest vessels and can undertake two or more assignments before being recharged, which takes two hours.Following the successful launch of the class in August 2022 in the Port of Auckland…

Thordon Bearings won a contract to convert the rubber tailshaft bearings across an entire fleet of Panama-operating tugs, pilot vessels, and workboats to water-lubricated polymer bearings.The agreement with the unnamed operator follows the retrofitting of Thordon’s SXL tailshaft bearings to 12 of its twin-screw tugs last year during scheduled dry dockings.The remaining 32 vessels will now be converted in batches at planned maintenance intervals over the next four years.For the first batch of retrofit conversions…

Australia’s NSW Government has put the first of seven new Parramatta Class ferries designed by Incat Crowther into service.The fleet of new ferries, which will service the busy Parramatta River commuter route, are being constructed in Tasmania, Australia by Richardson Devine Marine.Watch the latest video from Incat Crowther and Zero Emission FerriesA second vessel has begun sea trials and three more are already under construction, with the full fleet expected to enter passenger…

Seatrium has won a Favoured Customer Contract (FCC) with Hyundai LNG Shipping, marking its first long-term strategic partnership agreement with a leading Korean LNG company for the repairs and upgrades of its LNG carriers.The contract includes the refit of a series of LNG carriers over the next two years, with responsibilities in joint planning, information and experience sharing with Hyundai LNG Shipping.The first LNG retrofit under the FCC agreement scheduled for repairs in…

HydroComp has announced the 2024 development of new technical features and workflow improvements for its NavCad® system.Release Build 2024.0 brings an updated prediction model for the partial load efficiency of PMAC (permanent magnet AC) motors. It also introduces a new scripting function to support its continuing development of oblique flow corrected KTKQ prediction (File.ExportFullKTKQ) for its Premium Edition.An interface theme update has also been finalized. “Modifying the…

Russia is pushing back the commissioning of its planned 120 megawatt (MW) icebreakers, according to media reports.First Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Denis Manturov said the lead nuclear-powered icebreaker of Project 10510 Leader series, Rossiya, is scheduled to be comissioned in 2030, three years later than originally planned, Russian newspaper Kommersant reported. Construction has been underway at the Zvezda shipbuilding complex in the Russian Far East since 2020…

EDGE and Fincantieri have formalized the launch of a joint venture dubbed MAESTRAL, a JV created in the shipbuilding sector based in Abu Dhabi. The JV is aiming to capture global opportunities in the design and manufacturing of naval vessels. EDGE holds a 51% stake in the JV, with pre-emptive rights for non-NATO orders along with a number of strategic orders placed by selected NATO member countries, with a commercial pipeline of orders estimated to be worth around $32.6 billion.The…

Following on from last week’s unexpected shock via the intentional depreciation in the value of the Bangladeshi Taka, it has been an altogether quieter week of sales and activity in the country, says cash buyer GMS.Domestic ship recyclers are evaluating the potential costs and implications of further depreciations, given that the Taka slipped further into BDT 117 territory against the U.S. Dollar this week. “As Bangladesh’s outflow of foreign currency reserves increases once again…

Austal USA celebrated the christening of the company’s 19th Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) today – the future USS Pierre (LCS 38). Ship sponsor Larissa Thune Hargens executed the ceremonial bottle break over the bow of Pierre.Hargens, a native of South Dakota, graduated from Bethel University, in Saint Paul, Minn., with a bachelor’s degree in political science and history. Since graduating, Hargens has held several positions with the University of Sioux Falls in South Dakota and currently owns her own LLC, Red Writer, where she does freelance marketing and social media.

The Arab Shipbuilding and Repair Yard Company (ASRY) launched “Itqan”, an internal initiative focused on employee-led development and innovation. The campaign will encompass several development-focused projects, based on a strategy of open communication and an exchange of ideas and suggestions between the executive management and all ASRY employees. This collaborative approach aims to spark innovation within the workplace, strengthen teamwork, and encourage employees to gain skills that align with current labor market needs.

A launching ceremony of the Logistic Support Ship (LSS) Atlante took place at Fincantieri's shipyard in Castellammare di Stabia.Atlante will be delivered in 2025 and is the second unit of this type built for the Navy. The first, Vulcano, was delivered by Fincantieri in 2021.The ships designed to provide logistical support to multiplel national naval components. The LSS ships are designed to be flexible and multi-use, part of the Navy fleet renewal plan, commissioned to the Temporary Business Grouping (RTI) made up of Fincantieri and Leonardo…

Electramar, the first in a series of 12 plug-in hybrid vessels being built by Chowgule and Company shipyard in India for ESL Shipping's subsidiary AtoB@C Shipping, was christened in the city center of Helsinki on May 15.The vessel’s godmother is Paula Ojala, Chartering Manager at the global steel company SSAB, a long-term client of both AtoB@C Shipping and ESL Shipping.“The cooperation between SSAB, ESL Shipping and AtoB@C Shipping has a rich, decades old history and I am deeply honored and humbled to be the godmother of this remarkable…

Mobile, Ala. shipbuilder Silver Ships announced it has delivered the first four coastal fast response boats (CFRB) under a contract award worth $6.12 million from the Naval Sea Systems Command.The vessels were designed and constructed as a part of the U.S. Navy Foreign Military Sale (FMS) program and will benefit the NATO Navy, while the other three boats support a Central American Navy upon delivery.The seven custom-designed military CRFBs feature specialized communication and navigation equipment. These durable, 46-foot deep-vee hull vessels feature a cabin and WING collar system.

Uncle Sam wants you — to choose a career in welding. The chronic shortage of qualified welders has been well documented. The American Welding Society (AWS) even created a website — www.weldingworkforcedata.com — so that industry and the media could share accurate data. Currently, the U.S. needs 330,000 new welding professionals by 2028.While some may shrug at the shortage of welders in the offshore, marine and civil fabrication industries, the need for welders to shore up the U.S.

Turkish shipbuilder Med Marine announced it has delivered the MED-A2565 class Robert Allan Ramparts 2500-W design tugboat for Arrendadora Continental, S.A.The newly built tugboat, named Monterrico by its owner, has been delivered to Guatemala and started her duty in supporting Arrendadora Continental’s marine operations. The vessel will support Arrendadora Continental in their horbour operations, working off a forward winch for ship handling, towing, pushing, mooring, firefighting…

NAV Engineering (NAV), a subsidiary of Newport Shipping established in 2023, unveiled its latest Crew Transfer Vessel (CTV) design, HybriNav35.At 35.4m long, HybriNav35 is designed to cater for increased endurance of up to two weeks, where crew will be able to sleep onboard the vessel. This design specification will enable the vessel to support infield transfers and transits between sites 24/7 in O&M and Construction on far-offshore locations.The design shares some similarities with the previous HybriNav26 in that both vessel designs have a unique hull design…

Offshore installation services company Jan De Nul has ordered another XL cable laying vessel (CLV), identical to the Fleeming Jenkin, which boasts ‘unrivalled cable-carrying capacity’.Like the Fleeming Jenkin, the vessel will be 215 meters long and can transport 28,000 tonnes of cables.This will make them the largest capacity cable-laying vessels in the world, according to Jan De Nul.Thanks to cutting-edge technology on both vessels, designed by Jan De Nul Group's own specialists, they can lay cables in both shallow and ultra-deep waters up to 3,000 meters.

Austal USA, a U.S. shipbuilding subsidiary of Australia's Austal Group, announced it has named Mark Santamaria as its new chief financial officer (CFO).“Mark’s extensive background in government and commercial contracting environments is a valuable asset to Austal USA,” stated Austal USA president Michelle Kruger. “We are excited to have him on our senior leadership team and look forward to benefiting from his financial management experience.”Santamaria has served as CFO for several major defense contractors throughout his lengthy career.

Greece-based mid-stream carbon capture, utilization and sequestration (CCUS) service provider ECOLOG has teamed up with Finnish naval architecture and marine engineering firm Deltamarin to develop a LCO2 carrier designed for  tendering at shipyards worldwide.The new design is intra-EU, short range, low pressure and shallow draft.During the initial design, various solutions have been carefully studied in order to optimize the vessel for LCO2 transportation, including different configurations of the cargo containment and handling system…

Philly Shipyard has laid the keel for Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation's subsea rock installation vessel, Acadia—the first Jones Act compliant rock placement vessel for the U.S. offshore wind industry.A May 2 keel-laying ceremony saw the vessel's first grand block loaded into the building dock, marking a significant milestone in the shipbuilding process.Great Lakes' CEO, Lasse Petterson, said, “Keel laying, commonly referred to as the birthday of a ship, is a big milestone in the ship construction process…

Donald Trump gave the AUKUS defense pact a "warm reception", during a meeting with former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, the latter said. Morrison, who left office in 2022, met Trump this week at the former president's home in New York for talks that covered AUKUS, China's assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific, and the threat to Taiwan, he said in a post on X."Once again, the former president showed his true appreciation of the value he places on the Australia-US alliance and the shared role of supporting what our friend…

Cerberus Capital Management agreed to lease part of its 350-hectare Philippine shipyard in Subic Bay to HD Korea Shipbuilding and Offshore Engineering, which plans to build a facility there to manufacture offshore wind platforms.The shipyard was run by Hanjin Philippines before it defaulted on loans worth $1.3B in 2019.

The next chief executive of Petrobras, Magda Chambriard, arrives with the résumé and mandate to make Brazil's state-run oil firm what it was under prior Workers Party governments: an engine of job creation and industrial development, said people familiar with the matter.President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva - who used Petrobras to spur domestic shipbuilding and major refinery projects during his earlier 2002-2010 presidency - has tapped the four-decade petroleum industry veteran to reboot that vision…

Babcock International Group (Babcock) was selected by Saab to support the design for the development of the Swedish Navy’s new Luleå-class Surface Combatant.Saab, commissioned by FMV, the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration, will design four ships for the Swedish Navy.Babcock will initially provide engineering support including structural design and auxiliary systems, supporting Saab to complete the basic design phase.

Brunvoll has signed a contract with Myklebust Verft shipyard for the delivery of a thruster package to REM Offshore’s new energy subsea construction vessel (ESCV).The contract is for one vessel with an additional vessel as an option.Brunvoll will deliver a thruster package consisting of two propulsion azimuth thrusters, two retractable azimuth thrusters, and a tunnel thruster.One of the retractable azimuth thrusters is a newly developed and more compact version of Brunvoll’s traditional azimuth combi thrusters…

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) has signed a time charter contract for two liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) dual-fuel very large gas carriers (VLGCs) with a subsidiary of TotalEnergies, CSSA Chartering and Shipping Services (CSSA).MOL made the agreement through its subsidiary MOL Energia.The vessels will be built by Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries in South Korea and are scheduled for delivery in 2026.The overall length of vessels is 230 meters, with brad of 32.25 meters. Their cargo tank capacity is 88…

Laborde Products announced the completion of a repower project for the towboat Ned Merrick, owned by Canal Barge Company. The project featured the replacement of the vessel's previous engines with two Tier 3 S16R engines from Mitsubishi, each delivering 1,675HP at 1,600RPM.The 145-foot-long twin screw retractable towboat was previously powered by two EMD 567 engines. It was built by Southern Shipbuilding Corp., Slidell, La., in 1961.David Lane, Senior VP with Canal Barge Company…

A new feeder fleet of two tugs and two barges dedicated to serving a wind turbine installation vessel (WTIV) from Maersk Supply Service (MSS) has been ordered by Edison Chouest Offshore (ECO) to ABS class.The innovative system is designed to deliver components to the construction site, allowing the WTIV to remain on location, promising faster wind farm installations. The WTIV will also be ABS-classed.Designed to serve the U.S. offshore wind market, the novel articulated tug/barge…

Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc. (ESG) commenced phase two of a itsinfrastructure improvement project at its Nelson Street government shipbuilding facility, a phase which includes the construction of 1,000 linear feet of additional bulkhead and berthing space, installation of associated heavy weather mooring infrastructure, the extension of the launch facility by 120 feet to increase the total launch way length to over 500 feet, and the final dredging of vessel berthing spaces…

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines has named a newbuilding LNG carrier, which will serve China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), the Greenergy Ocean.The Greenergy Ocean is the first vessel to be launched under a long-term charter contract for six newbuilding LNG carriers for CNOOC signed in January 2022.The vessel is 299 meters long, with the breadth of 46.4 meters and draft of 11.5 meters.It features a membrane type tank of 174,000m3.After delivery at the end of May, the vessel will transport LNG procured by the CNOOC Group from all over the world…

Van Oord has launched its new offshore installation vessel Boreas at the Yantai CIMC Raffles Offshore shipyard in China.The Boreas’ dual fuel engine set is able to run on methanol and is purpose-built for the transport and installation of the next generation foundations and turbines at offshore wind farms.The vessel is expected to be commercially available in 2025, according to Van Oord.Upon completion, the Boreas will be the largest vessel of its kind.The vessel measures 175 meters in length and has a crane with a 155-metre-high boom, able to lift over 3,000 tonnes.

Pres-Vac Engineering has obtained certification of its high-velocity methanol valves under the IMO 1621 standard.The valves enable greater flexibility in ship design, accommodating long vent-pipes up to 128 meters for DN 65 size, with allowances for even longer pipelines. This development offers shipbuilders and owners unique options in creating more efficient and compliant dual-fuel systems, says Pres-Vac Engineering.The valves, including the PV-ECO and PV-VOC models, incorporate advanced technological features such as improved flow control and minimized gas emissions.

Tianjin Port has held a naming ceremony for its two latest RAmparts 3500 ASD tugs, Jingang Lun 36 and Jingang Lun 37, designed by Robert Allan Ltd.During a six-day extensive sea trial, Jingang Lun 36 and Jingang Lun 37 completed comprehensive self-control auto navigation tests which included automatic searching, approaching, and accompanying a target vessel at sea.The tugs were designed and constructed to comply with all applicable rules and regulations of CCS. This is reportedly…

Royal Caribbean Group’s Silversea has taken delivery of Silver Ray, the second ship in its Nova Class, from shipbuilder Meyer Werft in Germany.The 54,700 GT Silver Ray has capacity for 728 passengers. It joins sister ship, Silver Nova, as one of the most energy efficient ultra-luxury and expedition cruise ships ever built Other notable features of Silversea’s Nova Class include an asymmetrical design and 4,000m2 of exterior glass.“Silver Ray, the second ship in our cutting-edge Nova Class…

British defence minister Grant Shapps said he would order up to six new warships for the Royal Marines, as the government starts to indicate where a recently announced rise in defence spending will be directed.British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced in April that he would lift defence spending to 2.5% of GDP a year by 2030, saying the British arms industry must be on a "war footing" when the world is at its most dangerous since the Cold War.Shapps said on Tuesday that the new vessels, known as Multi Role Support Ships, will be built in Britain and will help strengthen Britain's amphibious

DFDS said it will invest $1.2 billion in six battery electric vessels for operation in the English Channel, to be deployed on the Dunkirk-Dover and Calais-Dover routes to carry passengers and freight between the U.K. and the European Union.The first two electric vessels will be in operation by 2030, while the rest are expected to follow before 2035, the company said.“This is an important step towards decarbonizing cross-Channel transport," said Torben Carlsen, CEO of DFDS.In April…

Today, a 'world first' was unveiled in the Port of Antwerp-Bruges: the Methatug, a tugboat which runs on methanol, part of a 'greening program' for the port's fleet. The project is financed by the European research program Horizon 2020 and is part of the FASTWATER project, which aims to demonstrate the feasibility of methanol as a sustainable fuel for the shipping industry.The 30-m-long tugboat has a traction force of 50 tons and can store 12,000 liters of methanol, enough for two weeks of tug work.

Brunvoll has signed a contract with Vard for the delivery of a comprehensive propulsion and maneuvering system for Cyan Renewables' new Service Operation Vessel (SOV).The vessel will have the first azimuth propulsion thrusters from Brunvoll with an 8-degree tilted propeller and nozzle, for enhanced performance during dynamic positioning operations.The delivery for the new SOV consists of two azimuth propulsion thrusters, two retractable azimuth thrusters, a tunnel thruster, and…

The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) has opted to extend its Sentinel-Class Fast Response Cutters (FRC) build program, exercising a contract option with Bollinger Shipyards for two additional vessels.The move brings the total number of FRCs awarded to Bollinger up to 67 vessels since the program’s inception. To date, the U.S. Coast Guard has commissioned 55 FRCs into operational service.“We’re incredibly proud of our long history supporting the U.S. Coast Guard that now stretches four decades,” said Bollinger Shipyards President and CEO Ben Bordelon.

San Diego shipbuilder General Dynamics NASSCO recently christened USNS Robert E. Simanek (ESB 7), the fifth ship for the U.S. Navy’s Expeditionary Sea Base (ESB) program.The ESB ship class is a highly flexible platform designed to support multiple maritime-based missions. ESB ships are mobile sea-based assets and are a part of the critical access infrastructure that supports the deployment of forces, equipment, supplies, and warfighting capability. These 784-foot ships are configured with a 52…

Maris Fiducia Norway has entered into cooperation agreements with maritime technology company HAV Hydrogen and the hydrogen producer and distributor Norwegian Hydrogen with the objective of developing, building and operating hydrogen-powered dry-bulk vessels in Europe.The vessels are being designed by the Dutch ship designer Ankerbeer. Upon successful completion of the project, the vessels will go on hire through a zero-emission time charter agreement with Schulte & Bruns, establishing a commercial operation for vessels operating on hydrogen fuel…

The first-ever American-built, owned, and crewed offshore wind service operations vessel (SOV) was christened during a ceremony on Saturday in the Port of New Orleans.Edison Chouest Offshore's (ECO) recently completed ECO Edison will play an integral part of the operation and maintenance of Ørsted and Eversource’s South Fork Wind, Revolution Wind and Sunrise Wind projects as the U.S. offshore wind industry continues to ramp up in the U.S. Northeast.Built at ECO in-house shipyards in Louisiana…

Towards the end of the working week, the Bangladeshi Taka crashed by about 6.4% against the U.S. dollar in a couple of days. This depreciation in the Taka will translate into higher L/C costs that should escalate by about 6% - 7% (at least), reports cash buyer GMS.This will further reduce already suffocated margins that have resulted from flatlining steel plate prices, ensuring that upcoming vessel acquisitions will be more expensive for local recyclers, who will lose out to a firming India…

Norwegian shipbuilder Vard has signed a contract with an undisclosed Taiwanese customer for the design and construction of two Commissioning Service Operation Vessels (CSOVs).The customer has appointed VARD to design and construct two CSOVs’ of VARD 4 39 design.This is a new design from VARD, said to be highly versatile all-round platform for sustainable windfarm support operations both as a service vessel for the wind farms and for the building and installation phase.The first vessel will be built…