The world's first all-electric, zero-emissions passenger vessel conducted an emergency evacuation of hundreds of passengers on Tuesday after smoke was spotted coming from a battery compartment. No one was injured, and the operator believes that it has identified the fault. 

On Tuesday afternoon, the all-electric tour boat Future of the Fjords was under way on the Aurlandsfjord, near Onstad, Norway. At about 1533 hours, the crew notified the regional emergency response center that there was smoke coming from a battery room. As a precautionary measure, the crew returned to the pier and began evacuating all 300 passengers on board. The vessel was emptied out by 1600, according to NRK, with no injuries reported.

The local fire department responded to the scene and treated it as a high-priority incident, given the risk of serious escalation if a lithium-ion battery bank were to catch on fire. Battery fires produce noxious smoke and high heat, and they are difficult to extinguish. A firefighting team entered the compartment and determined that the situation was under control, and they ventilated the space to clear out smoke. 

“The potential in such incidents is dramatic,” fire team leader Tor Mikkel Tokvam told state radio outlet NRK. “When something like this happens, we take it very seriously.”

On Wednesday, the vessel's operator told local outlet Firda that the problem had been identified: a capacitor in an electrical panel had shorted out and overheated, producing smoke without starting a substantial fire. 

Future of the Fjords is a 2018-built, carbon fiber-hulled tour vessel with a capacity of 400 passengers. It was the first all-electric passenger vessel ever delivered. On a full charge, it is capable of speeds of up to 16 knots for up to 2.5 hours. It recharges with shore power in as little as 20 minutes (with a specialized docking system).

Top image: Future of the Fjords (Saertex / CC BY SA 4.0)

[By: Inmarsat Maritime]

Inmarsat Maritime, a Viasat company, has signed an agreement with Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) to upgrade its fleet from Fleet Xpress (FX) service to Inmarsat’s NexusWave. This fleet-wide transition to NexusWave will allow MOL to benefit from Inmarsat’s fully managed bonded connectivity service and accelerate the digitalisation strategy of the leading Japanese shipping company. Local Inmarsat partner JSAT MOBILE Communications will be responsible for implementing and supporting the upgrades on board, covering a fleet that includes liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers, oil tankers, and car carriers.

In response to evolving operational and crew connectivity needs, MOL is seeking multi-layered satellite communications services that support the transformation of its vessels into floating offices and homes. By combining multiple network underlays in one bonded connection, Inmarsat NexusWave delivers the speeds, reliability, unlimited data, and global coverage to support this objective, with enterprise-grade cyber-security, round-the-clock technical support, and fully transparent costs ensuring complete peace of mind.

Junichi Yoshiyama, Chief Digital & Information Officer, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd., said: “Our digitalised and connected ships are becoming floating operations centres and homes for our crew, and Inmarsat’s NexusWave will help keep them connected to high-speed internet and support our onboard digitalisation strategy.”

Ben Palmer, President, Inmarsat Maritime, said: “We are proud to continue our partnership with MOL and to deliver NexusWave as an accelerator of maritime digitalisation and, by extension, an enabler of the floating office and floating home. Forward-thinking operators like MOL are drawn to the solution for its performance, robust capabilities, and the confidence that comes from working with a reliable maritime connectivity partner.”

Katsuaki Koike, CEO of JSAT MOBILE Communications, added: “MOL, JSAT, and Inmarsat have been long-term partners, and this collaboration further underscores our commitment to providing cutting-edge connectivity solutions. We are dedicated to supporting MOL’s digital transformation journey and look forward to ensuring seamless and reliable installations across MOL vessels.”

In recent real-world tests, NexusWave achieved download speeds of up to 330–340 Mbps, upload speeds of up to 70–80 Mbps, with average network availability exceeding 99.9%. As part of Inmarsat’s commitment to continuous improvement, the forthcoming integration of the next-generation ultra-high capacity, high-speed ViaSat-3 Ka-band network promises to increase NexusWave’s aggregated connectivity speeds even further.

 

Brazilian regulators have approved MSC's planned takeover of Wilson Sons, paving the way for the sale's closing. 

Last October, MSC announced plans to buy a 56-percent stake in Wilson Sons from Ocean Wilson Holdings, which had been rumored to be considering a sale since at least 2023. At least one other firm considered placing a bid, but MSC ultimately secured a deal at a price of $760 million. Once the purchase is completed, MSC will launch a public tender offer for the remaining shares in the company, bringing the total transaction value to about $1.35 billion. 

Wilson Sons has been in business in Brazil's ports and towage industry for more than 180 years, and has interests spanning the full breadth of the nation's maritime sector. It has Brazil's largest tugboat fleet, nearly two dozen offshore vessels, two offshore-industry terminals, a container terminal JV, two shipyards, a freight logistics division and a shipping agency, among other assets. The purchase would dovetail with MSC's acquisition of Brazilian coastwise carrier Log-In Logistica in 2021, giving it a foothold in Brazil's cabotage trade. 

It is one of a string of acquisitions that the Aponte family - owners of MSC and Terminal Investment Limited (TIL) - is looking to add to its global ports portfolio. On Thursday, Hong Kong-based ports giant CK Hutchison confirmed that TIL is leading a consortium to buy out Hutchison's global container terminal network, amounting to more than 40 terminals. The transaction is said to be worth about $23 billion - assuming that Hutchison can overcome opposition from Chinese regulators. 

[By Port Everglades]

Everglades Company Terminal, Inc., (ECT) has signed a new 10-year Marine Terminal Lease and Operating Agreement with Broward County, underscoring the Port Everglades' position as South Florida's port of choice and a leading driver of economic growth in Broward County and the state.

The Broward County Board of County Commissioners recently approved the long-term agreement granting Everglades Terminal Company, a subsidiary of Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), a new lease on a 39.18-acre terminal in the port's Southport cargo area that is operated by Port Everglades Terminal, LLC. The agreement runs through December 31, 2034, with two optional five-year extensions.

This agreement replaces a previous lease held since 2004 by MSC.

"This agreement with ECT and the continuity provided by its terminal operator Port Everglades Terminal, LLC, further strengthens our position as a vital global gateway for trade," said Joseph Morris, CEO and Port Director of Port Everglades.

According to economic analysts at Martin Associates, ECT's operations under the new lease are expected to generate more than $161 million in business service revenue each year within the region, continue to support 425 direct jobs and contribute approximately $10.5 million in state and local taxes in its first year, based on 85,000 container moves. These numbers are expected to grow substantially over the life of the agreement.

"As a stevedoring and terminal services company, we are committed to providing the superior services for our shipping customers and the local community that relies on the goods that move through our terminal," said Rick Blackmore, CEO of Port Everglades Terminal, LLC.

The new agreement also transfers permanent leasehold improvements made by Port Everglades Terminal to Port Everglades, including an office building, Rubber-Tired Gantry pads, refrigerated racks for 450 stacked reefers, and an inspection dock that has shore power infrastructure for 116 refrigerated shipping containers.
 

 

The first multi-purpose corvette built for the Finnish Navy as part of the Squadron 2020 project was launched at the Rauma shipyard in Finland on Wednesday, May 21. The company is highlighting it as a significant milestone in the project to build four of the most capable vessels designed to operate year-round in all weather conditions in the Baltic.

“The building of these corvettes will advance the shipbuilding industry and technological know-how in Finland,” said Mika Nieminen, CEO of Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC). “We have increased the capacity of Rauma shipyard purposefully while strategically implementing significant investments in the shipyard area. Rauma shipyard is now in peak condition.”

The company notes that significant investments have been made in the Rauma shipyard throughout the 2020s to strengthen the shipyard’s shipbuilding infrastructure and independent production capacity. A new closed multi-purpose hall was completed for the construction of the multi-purpose corvettes to ensure good working conditions, while additional investments have been made in steel production, a launching barge, and heavy transfer ramps. The indoor hall was required for security during the construction.

 

The hull for the first vessel was completed in February 2025 (Rama)

 

Work began at the end of October 2023 on the first of the vessels which the yard says will have no counterparts worldwide. Pohjanmaa-class corvettes will be equipped with advanced monitoring capacities for air, surface, and underwater surveillance and will be capable of laying navy mines, performing defense actions against surface vessels, submarines, and various airborne targets, and conducting maritime operations. 

The design of the corvettes pays particular attention to shock resistance, noise levels, and stealth technology, highlights RMC. The vessels measure 117 meters in length and will have a crew of 70. They will have a speed of 26 knots.

The keel for the first of the vessels, a block weighing 56 tonnes, was laid in April 2024. Construction began on the second corvette in October 2024 while the hull of the first vessel was completed in February. Keel laying for the second vessel took place on May 8.

 

 

The technical part of the launch process was initiated at the beginning of May when the multi-purpose corvette was moved along the heavy transport ramp to the launching barge and transferred to the harbor. In the harbor, the ship was launched with the help of the barge and then towed to the shipyard’s dry dock for further work, including the mast installation. 

“The newly launched vessel is a strong indication of the close and goal-oriented co-operation between the Finnish Government, the Finnish Defence Forces, the Finnish Defence Forces Logistics Institute, the Finnish Navy, Rauma Marine Constructions, Saab and all our industrial partners”, states Timo Ståhlhammar, Project Director of RMC’s Squadron Project.

RMC reports the Squadron 2020 project is proceeding on schedule. The building pace will accelerate as work on the second and subsequent multi-purpose corvettes progresses. The project is scheduled to be completed in 2029.
 

[By: NAPA]

ClassNK and NAPA, on behalf of all participating organizations, have today announced the successful completion of Phase 3 pilot trials of the cross-industry Digital Twin Project. 

Results from the pilot trials confirmed the feasibility of the platform’s core business scenarios, validating the applications of shared digital twins to enhance collaboration across the maritime value chain between shipowners, shipbuilders, and broader maritime stakeholders. 

The trials demonstrated clear benefits in operational efficiency, cost reduction, and digital value creation, while also identifying areas for further improvement – such as data management and security, contract structures, and business model clarity, including platform fees and value assessment.

The Digital Twin Project is aimed at creating a secure data-sharing platform between shipyards and shipowners to advance the use of digital twins throughout a ship’s lifecycle, contributing to improved operational efficiency and safety. The platform will allow the 3D models created during the ship’s design stage to be shared in a secure, access-controlled digital environment, with the stakeholders involved. The aim is to tackle the hurdles around sharing sensitive design and operational data.  

Breaking down these data silos enables shipyards to make greater use of ships’ operational data to improve future designs, while other projects will support shipowners and charterers in assessing their fleet’s environmental performance and potential emissions reductions and cost savings. Modeling, meanwhile, will provide a data-driven picture of the future impact of deploying new technologies, such as weather routing, wind propulsion, or batteries, on the vessel’s safety, operations and cargo capacity. It will also be used to validate the performance of new systems once installed on board.  

The cross-industry Project includes Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK), NYK Group company MTI Co. Ltd. (MTI), Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL), Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE), Marubeni Corporation (Marubeni) and Marubeni Group company MMSL Japan Ltd., Imabari Shipbuilding Co. Ltd., Japan Marine United Corporation, Mitsui E&S Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., Sumitomo Heavy Industries Marine & Engineering Co., Ltd., Kyokuyo Shipyard Corporation, Usuki Shipyard Co., Ltd., ClassNK and NAPA.

 

Greenland's government has issued a new mining lease to a French-Danish consortium for extracting anorthosite, a silicate mineral used for making aluminum and fiberglass. The license covers provisions for shipping, and the area includes a stretch of waterfront that could be used for industrial access at the ultra-remote mine site. 

The new lease grants permission for development to Greenland Anorthosite Mining AS, a consortium led by French mining firm Jean Boulle Group. Other participants include  state investment funds from Greenland and Denmark; Greenland's public pension fund; and the Danish bank Arbejdernes Landsbank. 

The site (63 18 N / 50 07 W) is located south of the capital of Nuuk on Greenland's rugged west coast, inland from the village of Qeqertarsuatsiat. According to the partners, the resource is uniquely large and of "particularly excellent quality" for making E-glass - the high-tensile silicate glass used for fiberglass reinforcement. High-grade anorthosite is a less carbon-intensive feedstock for E-glass than traditional sources, the firm says; it can also be used as an alternative to bauxite for aluminum production.

The site is at the end of a long fjord, and it includes a small stretch of waterfront. The lease agreement anticipates shipping access: it specifies that any vessels used to serve the project (for development or for export) must meet appropriate Polar Code provisions; must carry a properly-licensed local pilot; and must carry insurance from a P&I Group member. 

When developed, the lease area will be the second active anorthosite mine in Greenland. Under the lease terms, the partnership has to begin resource exploitation by the end of 2028 or seek an extension. If all terms are met, the lease will last for 30 years. 

The lease agreement with a European consortium comes at a time of high tension with the White House over Greenland's mining rights and its continued existence as a sovereign territory. However, this particular application has been in the works with local support since at least 2020, long before the recent tensions began. Greenland Mineral Resources Minister Naaja Nathanielsen told media that despite the well-publicized American interest in the island's minerals, American mining companies have yet to commit to any investment deals - at least, not with the currently-available lease terms. Local rules require up-front investments in development, and it is not as easy in Greenland to acquire a lease and hold it for future use, Aalborg University associate professor Jesper Willaing Zeuthen told Newsweek. 

[By: International Maritime Organization]

Maritime entrepreneur recognised for her work to advance gender equality and empower women in the industry. Netherlands shipowner and entrepreneur Ms. Karin Orsel was presented with the International Maritime Organization’s Gender Equality Award by Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez on Friday, 16 May.

The winner of the Award is selected each year by a high-level panel and endorsed by the IMO Council, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to advancing gender equality in the maritime sector.   

Receiving her award at a ceremony in London, ahead of the International Day for Women in Maritime (18 May), Ms. Orsel called for stronger support networks for women, especially those just entering the industry:

“I am passionate about people in this industry and about mentorship and trying to pass it forward. I really hope that every one of you will do the same and think about how was it to be starting in this industry, who supported you and what you can do for someone else.”

Ms. Orsel began her career in shipping at just 18, and by 23 she had co-founded MF Shipping Group. The group  began with six vessels and now counts over 55, employing more than 1,000 crew and 80 office staff.

As CEO for over 20 years, she has focused on building a more inclusive workplace, by recruiting diverse talent, mentoring new entrants and backing initiatives to broaden women’s access to the sector.

While women have remained a minority in the industry, Ms. Orsel highlighted new potential opportunities to come with the drive to decarbonize shipping. IMO’s commitment to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 is expected to trigger a shift to innovative technologies and new alternative fuels which will require re-training and reforming the maritime workforce.

“The energy transition will give us the opportunity because we need new skills set in our industry and who will fill that better than the people in this audience,” she told a packed auditorium at IMO headquarters.

Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez applauded her as a role model for women and young people in the industry:

“[Karin Orsel] is changing the face of the maritime sector, one ship and one person at a time. Throughout her 30-year career, she has not only broken many glass ceilings, she has then enthusiastically opened the door for others to follow in her footsteps.”

Ms. Orsel currently serves as President of the European Community Shipowners' Association (ECSA) and Chair of the International Seafarers' Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN), and on the boards of several major industry bodies, including the International Chamber of Shipping, INTERTANKO, and the Royal Association of Netherlands Shipowners. She was formerly President of the Women's International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA International) and its Netherlands chapter.

[By: Fiincantieri]

On the occasion of the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA), currently ongoing, Fincantieri and Enra Energy Solutions (EES) signed a Technical Collaboration Agreement to support the Royal Malaysian Navy’s “15 to 5” strategic fleet renewal program. The signing took place in the presence of the Malaysian Minister of Defence, H.E. Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin, and the Italian Undersecretary of State to the Ministry of Defence, Hon. Matteo Perego di Cremnago, and wasformalized by Biagio Mazzotta, Chairman of Fincantieri, and Ikhlas Zainal, Chief Executive Officer of Enra Energy Solutions.

The initiative marks a key step in enhancing Malaysia’s naval capabilities while fostering significant national industrial participation. The agreement paves the way for a partnership focused on delivering and supporting next-generation naval vessels, including Multi Role Support Ships and Littoral Mission Ships batch 3. These platforms are designed to improve operational readiness and resilience amid an evolving regional security landscape.

Fincantieri, one of the world’s leading shipbuilding groups and a reference partner for the Italian and US navies, brings extensive expertise in high-tech naval platforms. The Group plays a pivotal role in international defence cooperation initiatives, contributing to programs across multiple allied nations. EES is a prominent Malaysian company with a proven track record in maintenance, repair, and logistical support services. Through this collaboration, EES will play a vital role in strengthening the local ecosystem of maritime defence solutions.

This partnership underlines Fincantieri’s broader commitment to developing long-term industrial cooperation with national players in strategic regions. It aims to integrate local capabilities into advanced defence programmes, generating added value through the transfer of technology, know-how, and industrial skills.

Biagio Mazzotta, Chairman of Fincantieri, commented: "Southeast Asia represents a key geography for the future of the maritime defence industry. Our collaboration with Enra Energy Solutions in Malaysia is a concrete step in building a robust industrial partnership that combines global experience with local excellence. We are proud to contribute to the Royal Malaysian Navy’s strategic vision and to support the development of a resilient local defence ecosystem."

[By: ClassNK]

ClassNK has granted its Innovation Endorsement for Products & Solutions to the biofouling control service ‘FALCONs’ developed by MITSUI E&S Co., Ltd.

In order to promote the spread and development of innovative technologies, ClassNK has offered Innovation Endorsement for Products & Solutions. ClassNK supports the deployment of products and services through third-party certification for equipment and software technology with innovative functions. The detailed information is available on the following page of ClassNK website: https://www.classnk.or.jp/hp/en/activities/techservices/dgd2030/iea/index.html

• Product name:
  FALCONs
• Scope of Certification:
  1. Quantification of fuel saving and CO₂ reduction specifically by hull cleaning
  2. Patternization of differences in fuel reduction effects of cleaning variations
  3. Tracking and predicting the progress of biofouling through AI-powered quantitative evaluation
  4. Propulsion Performance Analysis using only engine data and operational data without external disturbances

Detailed information on each product and solution is available on the following page.
https://www.mes.co.jp/business/research/falcons.html

[By: MAN Energy Solutions]

Danish State initiative, the EUDP (Energy Technology Development and Demonstration Programme), has announced the ‘NH3 Spark – FutureFlex’ project. It aims to develop a dual-fuel, four-stroke GenSet capable of operating purely on ammonia without the need for a pilot fuel, a first for a commercial, industrial engine.

The project brings together a consortium led by MAN Energy Solutions’ Holeby site along with the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) and Skovgaard Energy, the Danish renewable-energy player. Comprising four phases, the first – ammonia testing on a single-cylinder MAN GenSet – will take place at DTU Construct’s engine laboratory and is scheduled to commence during Q3 2025. This will be followed by full-scale testing under powerplant conditions at Skovgaard Energy's green-ammonia production facility.

Jarl Klüssmann, NH3 Spark Project Manager, said: "We support the energy transition and are always happy to work with like-minded industry partners. This project brings together a unique constellation of collaborators with different competencies and I am confident we will deliver practicable results that the market will be able to capitalise upon."

For the purposes of the project, MAN Energy Solutions will take an innovative approach to the dual-fuel concept by developing a small-bore engine where simplicity, price and retrofit suitability are paramount, and which are particularly relevant for the more than 20,000 MAN GenSet engines currently in operation that were designed at the Holeby location. The concept's suitability for use with other, low-emission fuels will also be evaluated during the project, hence the ‘FutureFlex’ modifier.

Warley Thomsen – Senior R&D Specialist, MAN Energy Solutions – said: “This project has the potential to create a new niche for the well-proven oil-fuelled engine where units can be quickly retrofitted or installed onboard new ships or in power plants. It aims to provide an attractive retrofit solution for existing engines with fuel-flexibility as a priority. The concept will be capable of operating purely on ammonia but also on conventional biofuel oils to accommodate shipowners and the environment, regardless of which future-fuels ultimately prevail.”

The Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping, DFDS – the international shipping and logistics company – and Hafnia – the leading tanker owner – have all declared support for the project and will contribute input. A classification society will also join the project at a later stage.

 

China’s shipping industry continues to expand the car carrier sector as its export car market continues to grow. In one week, China has put the world’s largest car carrier, with a capacity for 9,500 units, into service and now has launched the world’s first methanol dual-fuel car carrier.

The Anji Ansheg departed Lianyungang, China on May 15 and with that became the largest car carrier yet placed into service. The vessel built for the state-owned SAIC Motors is the latest step for the company which is already the largest vehicle exporter from China.

The company which started exporting cars in 2001 skyrocketed to the leadership position by focusing on mid-range vehicles and now the growing market for EVs. In 2023 it reported exporting 1.21 million units, the third year in a row above 1 million units per year and bringing its export total to more than 5.5 million units. For eight consecutive years, SAIC has been the largest car exporter in China focusing on SUVs, sedans, MPVs, and pickup trucks in the international market.

To break through what the Chinese media refers to as a bottleneck of export capacity, SAIC launched SAIC Anji Logistics and started building its fleet of car carriers. With the introduction of the Anji Ansheng last week, the company reports it now has a total of 35 ships. This includes 15 ships in international trade, which will be increased to 22 in 2026, as well as nine ships in the domestic trade and 11 ships for river transport. The overseas ships are used to export cars primarily to Western Europe, Mexico, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. The new ship currently bound for Bristol in the UK.

The new ship was built by China Merchants and is 228 meters (748 feet) in length. While it was built ready to use methanol as its primary fuel source, the honor of the first car carrier that will use methanol is going to the CM Hong Kong which was launched on May 21. The new vessel, also built by China Merchants Industry Group, is slightly smaller at 220 meters (721 feet) with a capacity for 9,300 cars. It will be operated by China Merchants Shipping as the first of two methanol-fueled vehicle (PCTC) carriers.

China Merchants highlights that Anji Ansheng employs energy-saving technologies and intelligent low-carbon systems. The CM Hong Kong, which is expected to be delivered in the second half of 2025, however, was outfitted with a complete methanol power plant. The main engine as well as the auxiliary engine and boiler are all designed to use methanol. 

 

CM Hong Kong launched this week is the first methanol dual-fuel car carrier (China Merchants)

 

The new ships follow the SAIC’s January 2024 introduction of the then largest Chinese dual-fuel vehicle carrier, SAIC Ajin Sincerity (18,200 dwt), which is powered by LNG. The vessel which is 200 meters (656 feet) in length has a capacity for 7,600 units. 

The Chinese car companies are competing to expand their car carrier business. Rival BYD put its first car carrier BYD Explorer No. 1 into service in 2024 with a capacity of 5,000 units which is also LNG fueled. Last month, BYD put its newest vessel BYD Shenzhen (25,376 dwt) into service with a capacity of 9,200 units only to be eclipsed by SAIC’s new ship. Chinese officials pointed to these vessels as a demonstration of the strong demand for their car market.

The title of the largest car carrier however will move back to Europe in 2027. Hoegh in 2024 introduced the 9,100-unit Hoegh Aurora (25,563 dwt) but last year Norway’s Wallenius Wilhelmsen reported it would be upsizing eight of its new class of ships on order to be built in China. The eight ships in its new Shaper class will each have a capacity of 11,300 units. Hoegh, however, will be the fuel pioneer having received EU funding to make its newest vessel ammonia dual-fuel car carriers. It expects to take delivery on the first ammonia-fueled Aurora class vessel in 2027.
 

Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Splendor (113,300 gross tons) homeported in Sydney, Australia has taken aboard some unusual passengers in the form of three dogs rescued along with their human companions from a disabled sailboat in the South Pacific. All are doing well and the dogs, which have turned into sailors, are getting some extra attention while aboard the cruise.

The cruise ship departed Sydney on May 19 for an 8-night trip to Vanuatu and New Caledonia with a reported 3,300 passengers aboard. Overnight it received instructions from the Maritime Rescue Coordination Center in Noumea about a distress call.

 

All the survivors aboard the Carnival Splendor

 

Four sailors from Australia, Germany, and Italy issued the distress call around midnight on Wednesday, May 21, reporting that their vessel, a catamaran, was disabled in heavy seas. They said that the mast of the vessel had broken and that its motor was also disabled. The boat was off the coast of New Caledonia.

Carnival reports its cruise ship immediately headed toward the location of the disabled boat. It was able to reach the vessel five hours later and completed the rescue.

The two couples and their three dogs were safely transferred to the Carnival Splendor. They are reported to be in good condition and receiving food, water, and medical assistance. They are also being given a cabin to rest after their ordeal.

 

Three special "passengers" are getting a little extra attention on the Carnival Splendor

 

The reports said the catamaran had departed on May 14. The four people were intending to circle Australia and then travel to Fiji. They said the dogs were becoming seasoned sailors. One couple was living aboard the catamaran with the three dogs and intended to sail around the world. 

A spokesperson for Carnival told the Australian media that it was always a priority to respond to emergencies and they were glad the ship was in the right place at the right time to help. They were happy to welcome the people and their dogs aboard.

The cruise ship resumed its trip and the four survivors (and their dogs) are getting a short cruise. On Friday, the Carnival Splendor is stopping at an uninhabited island that the cruise line calls Mystery Island (Inyeug Island) in Vanuatu. The ship will then continue to Noumea on Saturday, where they expect to disembark the people and their dogs.
 

[By: Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore]

Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (BV), a global leader in testing, inspection, and certification, has confirmed the validity of the emissions reduction methodology of the Blue Visby Solution, a multilateral platform developed by the Blue Visby Consortium, which aims to cut emissions from shipping by around 15% through coordinated, sector-wide behavioral change.

The Blue Visby Solution tackles one of the industry’s most persistent carbon inefficiencies – the practice of “sail fast then wait,” – where ships rush to port only to spend hours or days idling at anchorage. Instead, participating vessels receive optimized arrival times calculated by the Blue Visby Solution algorithm, enabling them to slow steam, reduce fuel consumption, and minimize congestion. This approach does not rely on new fuels or hardware, but rather on a systemic optimization of the ocean passage, contractual refinements and a methodology for sharing the financial consequences, making it an actionable decarbonization strategy that is available today.

In support of the development of the Blue Visby Solution, BV has conducted an independent technical review of the Blue Visby methodology used to estimate its effect on fuel and emissions. This involved assessing the robustness of the approach used to quantify savings by comparing actual voyage data – including AIS-derived routes and speed profiles – with optimized scenarios generated by the Blue Visby Solution algorithm.

In addition, BV assessed the practicability of the methodology in relation to data acquisition and reliability, the completeness of the methodology by reference to all significant factors and also the neutrality of outcome, by reference to the financial interests of the parties concerned.

BV also evaluated the reliability of the digital twin simulations underpinning Blue Visby’s modelling framework. The assessment confirmed that the simulations accurately reflect real-world voyage behaviors and optimization effects, supporting the credibility of projected emission avoidance. Through this work, BV is helping ensure the solution is technically sound and verifiable for regulators, shipowners, charterers, and other industry stakeholders.

As part of the ongoing work, the Blue Visby Solution team and BV will continue to analyze simulation results, validate assumptions, and jointly consolidate findings based on a representative sample of anonymized voyages, employing arrival time optimization as a practical and impactful decarbonization strategy. This process aims to provide the industry with transparent, verifiable data supporting the system’s impact.

By validating the methodology and confirming the robustness of the simulations, BV is helping pave the way for innovative digital practices to be integrated into mainstream compliance and emissions reporting.

As the shipping industry enters a new regulatory era – with the EU ETS expanding and IMO regulations tightening – the Blue Visby Solution represents a pragmatic and forward-looking tool. By reducing fuel use and emissions through better timing, the platform helps shipowners and charterers align commercial performance with environmental responsibility.

Matthieu de Tugny, President of Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore, said: “The Blue Visby Solution combines technology with long-established maritime traditions of cost-sharing, collaboration and mutuality. The collaboration illustrates how industry-wide coordination can unlock efficiencies that benefit all stakeholders. We are proud to contribute our expertise to initiatives that make the decarbonization of shipping both credible and achievable.”

Haris Zografakis, Blue Visby Consortium co-ordinator, said: "Key to the Blue Visby Solution is its neutrality and the integrity in estimating avoided emissions. The technical evaluation and validation from Bureau Veritas is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the teams at Bureau Veritas and Blue Visby and the support of the Blue Visby Consortium.”

The governments of Poland and Estonia continue to highlight the dangers in the Baltic coming from the shadow fleet and asserting their rights to inspect vessels. This comes as Russian officials have stepped up their verbal attacks on the EU’s efforts to reign in the activity of the so-called shadow fleet of tankers supporting Russia’s oil and gas trade.

After revealing that it had used its military to chase away a tanker acting suspiciously in the Baltic, Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk told reporters on Thursday, May 22, “Not everyone realizes how often critical infrastructure facilities lying on the bottom of the Baltic Sea are the target of sabotage or even terrorist activities.” He was speaking during a follow-up meeting to Tuesday’s incident taking place at the Maritime Operations Center in Gdynia.

Tusk said that the shadow tanker acting suspiciously near the power cable connecting Poland and Sweden was “not the first such situation that we have encountered.” He said he was very satisfied that in a very effective, discreet manner, it was possible to discourage the ship from any actions that could have caused damage to the power cable.

However, he also told reporters, “We are still investigating whether any explosives were planted.” Poland reported that the Navy’s survey vessel ORP Heweliusz had been sent to the area after the incident. Tusk said there were currently no alarming signals but the process was proceeding. He also reported that during the meeting they decided to purchase surveillance drones for the Polish Navy.

At the same time, Estonia’s Prime Minister was questioned by the country’s parliament (Riigikogu) about the incident last week when Estonia attempted to inspect another shadow tanker that it suspected was operating without a valid registration. Prime Minister Kristen Michal cited the mandate given to the Estonian Defense Forces, the Police, and the Border Guard, asserting that “Estonia had legal grounds to inspect the vessel.” 

He said the Navy and the other sections of the government would take steps to protect Estonia’s maritime space, including critical infrastructure. ERR news reports he told parliament that “the inspections will continue.”

The Prime Minister said Estonia was ready to board the tanker if it had entered Estonian waters. Instead, the decision had been made to escort the vessel away from Estonian waters. A Russian fighter jet had briefly entered Estonia’s airspace and NATO planes were also observing. Russia however contended at a UN meeting of the Security Council that Estonia was trying to seize the tanker, attempted to board the ship, and tried to ram the tanker when it failed to gain control of the tanker.

Russia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Vassily Nebenzia told the Security Council, “This habit of using NATO naval forces and assets for such illegal actions will do nothing but pave the way to military escalation and creation of serious challenges to maritime security.” He called the efforts “pirates of the Baltic Sea.” He also asserted that NATO and West was blocking the investigation to find the terrorists that damaged the Nord 2 pipeline.

Speaking to the media in Moscow on Wednesday, presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said according to Interfax that Russia would use all means available within the framework of international law to defend its ships in the Baltic Sea. 

"As the latest events related to the attempted pirate attack on one of the tankers have shown, Russia has shown that it is capable of responding quite harshly," Interfax reports Peskov said.

Fueling the tensions are moves by the European Union and the UK expanding the sanctions against shadow fleet tankers. The EU highlighted that it more than doubled the number of sanctioned vessels this week after previously authorizing inspections of documentation and insurance for all ships passing through EU waters even if they were not making a port stop in the EU.
 

 

Despite reports in the Times of London that plans to hand over sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius had been put on hold, the UK’s Prime Minister Kier Starmer signed a formal agreement on the transfer on May 22. A High Court order had temporarily delayed the signing ceremony earlier in the day.

The deal provides for an immediate leaseback of the strategic atoll of Diego Garcia and a surrounding 24-mile buffer zone to the UK, and it permits the continued operation of the joint UK/US base on the island for the next 99 years. The leaseback includes an additional 40-year extension, with a right of first refusal thereafter. 

The UK will also have a veto on what development can occur on the other islands of the Chagos Archipelago, the nearby Marine Protected Area will be maintained, and there will be a ban on any other foreign or military presence across the area previously known as the British Indian Ocean Territory.

"If we did not agree this deal, the legal situation would mean that we would not be able to prevent China or any other nation setting up their own bases on the outer islands or carrying out joint exercises near our base," Prime Minister Starmer told media. "No responsible government could let that happen."

The UK will pay Mauritius an annual rent of £165 million for each of the first three years, £120 million for the next ten years, and then £120 million (adjusted annually for inflation) thereafter.  The UK can withdraw from the agreement by withholding the annual rent, or - an unlikely event - should an attack be launched on Mauritius from Diego Garcia.

Under the agreement, the UK must give preference in support contracts on the Diego Garcia base to suitably-qualified Mauritian firms and workers. The US and UK authorities will have control of access, but a Mauritian official presence will be established on Diego Garcia to exercise the civil jurisdiction it will enjoy over the atoll.

The agreement also requires the UK and US to ‘expeditiously inform’ Mauritius of any attack mounted on a third party directly from Diego Garcia.

The deal received support from the United States, which has a deep strategic interest in access to Diego Garcia. The base is a key jumping-off point for air operations in the Middle East, and has provided a reliable launch pad for long-range strikes for decades. Its anchorage is also a secure, discreet location for U.S. warships, submarines and sealift vessels to berth and resupply.

"The Trump Administration determined that this agreement secures the long-term, stable, and effective operation of the joint U.S.-UK military facility at Diego Garcia. This is a critical asset for regional and global security.  President Trump expressed his support for this monumental achievement," said U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in a statement.

The deal was roundly criticized by opposition parties in the UK. "Only Keir Starmer's Labour would negotiate a deal where we're paying to give something away," said Tory Party leader Kemi Badenoch, who called the payment agreement a "surrender tax" and a "disgraceful sell-out."

"This is a vital military base. Mauritius is an ally of China," she said. "Other countries may nod along, but behind closed doors, they must think we’ve lost our minds. Labour is turning Britain into a global laughing stock."

 

On Thursday, American shipping celebrated National Maritime Day, a recognition of the industry's past - and thanks to a resurgence of interest among federal policymakers, a hopeful outlook for the industry's future. 

Congress declared National Maritime Day in 1933, and it selected May 22 to commemorate the path-setting voyage of the SS Savannah from the United States to the UK. It was the first steamship crossing of the Atlantic, and it remains a symbol of American maritime ingenuity. 

The day is an annual opportunity to recognize the sector's contributions to the economy and to national defense. American mariners, shipbuilders and operators have kept the nation safe and prosperous "in peace and war" since the days of the Founding Fathers; they have served during the United States' finest hours - not least during the Second World War, when 9,500 American mariners paid with their lives in pursuit of victory. In that era, joining the U.S. merchant marine was an act of bravery: Nazi U-boats and frigid Atlantic waters led to a higher casualty rate among mariners than among servicemembers in any of the armed forces.

On Thursday, seaports around the country held local events in recognition of National Maritime Day. At Port of Galveston, a daylong event (sponsored by Wallenius Wilhelmsen) invited members of the public to come down to the docks to learn about maritime job opportunities and to tour a U.S. Coast Guard cutter, USCGC Hawk. 

In Washington, D.C., the U.S. Department of Transportation held a memorial ceremony to honor mariners past and present. Secretary Sean Duffy launched the event with remarks on restoring American maritime dominance on the global stage.

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We’re live for our National Maritime Day Observance with @SecDuffy, honoring the mariners who keep America’s economy and security moving.

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— U.S. Department of Transportation (@USDOT) May 22, 2025

"Maritime is back, baby!" said Duffy, thanking President Donald Trump for a recent executive order to support American maritime. Duffy noted that China produced 1,800 merchant ships in 2022 - half the tonnage built in the world last year - while U.S. yards built five deep-draft hulls. "We used to be the best. But we've let this industry peter out, taper off, and we've let our adversaries stand up and take the lead," he said. "If you want to be a global superpower, you need to build ships in your country, and you need to be able to sail those ships with your mariners."

The Trump administration and its allies in Congress are moving to provide more support to the industry. The recent executive order directs the creation of a Maritime Action Plan (MAP) to revitalize U.S. maritime industries, and it encourages the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to take action on anticompetitive Chinese shipbuilding policies (as it is actively pursuing). 

It also proposes a new Maritime Security Trust Fund for U.S. shipping, funded by tariffs, fines, fees or other dedicated revenue streams, and it encourages new investment in infrastructure at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. 

The administration also backs a plan to support deep-sea mining, a new industry that could provide a previously-untapped source of critical minerals - a strategically important alternative to imports from China. 

In Congress, the recently reintroduced SHIPS Act calls for 250 U.S.-flagged ships within 10 years through the creation of a Strategic Commercial Fleet program. To drive this expansion of U.S. merchant shipping, the act would require a portion of U.S. imports from China to be moved on U.S.-flagged ships starting in 2030. The bill has high-level support on both sides of the aisle, and is among the most prominent and far-reaching legislative efforts to revive American maritime's fortunes in decades. 

[By: Wallem Group]

Wallem Group, a leading global maritime partner, has published a new whitepaper to ensure ships, ships systems and crews are fully prepared to load, store and use biofuels in everyday vessel operations.

‘Marine Biofuels: Adoption, use, and best practice’ recognises the contribution that biofuels can make to maritime decarbonisation, while also offering comprehensive guidance on the precautions owners and crew need to consider before and during use.

Biofuels have established a market position among owners seeking to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at a time when alternatives such as Renewable Fuel of Biological Origin (RFNBO), zero-carbon hydrogen, ammonia, or e-methanol remain unavailable. Permissible biofuel well-to-wake emissions intensity has been defined by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) as at least 65% of Marine Gas Oil (MGO).

However, with a lower calorific value than fossil fuels, biofuels also present adoption challenges that require close attention from procurement, technical and vessel operating personnel, notes Abhijit Ghosh, Head of Maritime Technology and Innovation, Ship Management, Wallem Group.

The whitepaper examines the regulatory landscape surrounding marine biofuels, but also the specifics of IMO compliance, and the transparency needed to use fuels that  vary batch to batch. It explains how these blends of Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (FAME) and residual or distillate fuels impact storage tanks, fuel systems, machinery, and crew training, also reflecting on the need for additional insurance cover.

Based on experience, Wallem has particular recommendations for owners on the assurances they need from equipment suppliers before introducing biofuels. It also explores the consequences for biofuel users of improper blending, acidity, biodegradation and microbial growth, fouling, waxing and clogging. The publication provides best practice recommendations for testing, materials selection, segregation, temperature control, tank cleaning and fuel line flushing. For long-term biofuel use, Wallem recommends that engines are retrofitted with hardened fuel pumps and corrosion-resistant coatings.

The whitepaper also considers crew training gaps and offers recommendations for monitoring, measuring, and checking biofuel use to ensure that personnel, systems, and the ship remain safe.

“The combination of a centralised digital system for real-time tracking and analysis of biofuel consumption and a skilled and well-trained crew can be transformative for enabling the future-ready maritime fleet”, says Ghosh.

To download Wallem’s White Paper ‘Marine Biofuels: Adoption, use, and best practice’ click HERE

[By: ABS]

ABS awarded approval in principle (AIP) to Overseas Shipholding Group, Inc. (OSG), the parent company of Aptamus Carbon Solutions, for its preliminary design of a liquefied carbon dioxide (LCO₂) barge.

The development of the barge design is a core component of the Tampa Regional Intermodal Carbon Hub (T-RICH) project to receive, store and process emissions from Florida industries for transport to regional sequestration sites.

The articulated tug and barge unit (ATB) is a first-of-its-kind to service carbon capture projects in the U.S. The cargo handling system design is based on medium pressure LCO₂ Type-C tanks and is capable of transporting 20,000 mt of cargo. Maximum operating pressure has been determined by track record studies and market trends, and with consideration of loading capacity and holding time.

ABS completed design reviews based on class requirements, specifically including the latest ABS requirements for building and classing liquefied gas tank barges. 

“The safe transportation of CO₂ plays a vital role in the carbon value chain, and ABS is proud to use our expertise as the world’s leading classification society for gas carriers to support this milestone project for U.S. operations,” said Gareth Burton, ABS Senior Vice President, Global Engineering.

“This AiP represents another historic milestone in Aptamus’ journey to lead the development of CO₂ storage and marine transportation in the United States,” said Jeffrey Ross Williams, Aptamus President. This ABS AiP is another big step in our journey to lead the U.S. maritime industry in designing the technology required for success in our nation’s emission reduction goals and in pursuing new and expanding business opportunities in the global energy transition,” said Williams.

“Aptamus is proud to have developed the first known LCO₂ vessel specifically designed for operation in the coastal waters of the United States,” said Kent Merrill, Aptamus Vice President of Marine Projects. “Articulated tugs and barges (ATBs) are popular and effective in the U.S. for the carriage of petroleum products for several reasons, and those advantages hold true for LCO₂ vessels as well. We look forward to the continued detailed development of the design, including designing the tug to utilize green methanol or other green fuels and technologies. We thank ABS for their valued partnership on this project, as well as other engineering contributors like Corban Energy Group and Herbert Engineering Corporation.”

ABS is the world’s premier classification society for gas carriers with more than 50 years of experience, and ABS is leading the maritime industry in comprehensive sustainability solutions. Learn more here.

Citing increasing global demand for offshore wind turbine services including operations and maintenance, and a strong orderbook, Denmark’s Cadeler has agreed to acquire a newly-built Chinese wind turbine installation vessel. It is in addition to two new vessels delivered to the company in 2025 and two more also scheduled for this year.

The company reported yesterday, May 21, that revenues for the first quarter had more than tripled to €65 million ($73 million) and that it has a contract backlog of nearly €2.5 billion ($2.8 billion). CEO Mikkel Gleerup said that the company’s investment in fleet expansion and project execution “are delivering tangible results.”

The company reports it is acquiring the Boqiang 3060, built for Shanghai Boqiang Heavy Industry Group by CIMC Raffles for a purchase price “significantly below the vessel’s estimated replacement cost.” Delivery is expected in the third quarter and the vessel will be renamed Wind Keeper.

“With the installed base of offshore wind turbines growing substantially, there is a greater need than ever before for reliable and flexible O&M support to ensure uptime and maximize energy production,” said Gleerup. “As an installation-capable, service-oriented asset, the Wind Keeper will be a valuable addition to our fleet.”

The vessel had been highlighted as an achievement for China’s offshore industry with new capabilities including the capacity to move and install towers as a single unit. It is unclear why the Chinese, which has a fast-moving installation market, decided to sell the vessel.

Cadeler highlights the vessel has a 2,200-ton Huisman main crane, Kongsberg’s DP2 dynamic positioning system, MAN-supplied engines, and a Siemens propulsion system. It has nearly 400-foot (120-meter) long jack-up legs. The company reports it will make further upgrades to improve the vessel’s operating capacity including the capability of supporting new installations in the 15 MW segment.

The company in March took delivery of its seventh operating vessel, Wind Pace, which along with its sister Wind Peak delivered in August 2024, are the largest vessels in its fleet. Built by COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry (COSCO) shipyard in Qidong, China, they can transport and install up to seven complete 15 MW turbine sets per load or five 20+ MW turbines. They have 5,600 square meters of deck space, a payload capacity of over 17,600 tonnes, and a main crane capable of lifting 2,600 tonnes at 47 meters. Additionally, each vessel can accommodate up to 130 crew members and installation technicians.

Wind Maker was delivered in January built at Hanwha Ocean Shipyard in South Korea. It is the first of two M-class wind installation vessels for the company with Wind Mover scheduled for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2025. They each have 2,600-tonne main cranes designed to install some of the heaviest foundations and wind turbine components and are designed to operate in water depths of up to 65 meters (213 feet).

The company reports it achieved a combined utilization rate of 55.3 percent in Q1 2025, which was in line with the expectations and reflected the scheduled drydocking and planned maintenance work scopes, plus time in transit for the new vessel deliveries. With a strong orderbook and growing global demand, Cadeler cites strong opportunities in the market despite recent reports of market troubles.