[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.”

[By: Louis Dreyfus Armateurs]

Louis Dreyfus Armateurs (LDA), a leading shipowner, operator, and logistics provider, is pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Technip Energies, a global technology and engineering powerhouse. This partnership aims to develop the ammonia cracking component of LDA’s innovative FRESH solution, a ship-based processing and storage facility for low-carbon ammonia and hydrogen.

This 170-meter-long vessel features a substantial storage capacity of 45,000 cbm for imported ammonia and can convert it into hydrogen using an innovative cracking plant integrated on the vessel deck. FRESH will be stationed at port during production and regularly supplied by ammonia carrier vessels. Its cracking plant converts ammonia into gaseous hydrogen (50,000 tonnes hydrogen production annual capacity at 99.9+% purity, with above 90% of energy efficiency). The hydrogen is then compressed and offloaded to shore to continuously and on demand supply industries and heavy mobility. The vessel can be seamlessly relocated according to hydrogen demand.

Technip Energies will integrate its proprietary high-energy efficiency ammonia cracking technology on FRESH. LDA will oversee the hull design and construction and will manage the vessel operations for the FRESH solution.

Mathieu Muzeau, Transport & Logistics Managing Director at LDA, stated: “This partnership with Technip Energies marks a significant milestone in our journey to operate a floating low-carbon hydrogen terminal. By integrating their ammonia cracking technology, we are taking a crucial step in developing a reliable and efficient solution while ensuring very low GHG and NOx emissions.”

The MoU was signed in April 2025, marking the beginning of a promising collaboration between LDA and Technip Energies.

[By: Birdon]

The U.S. Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory (MCWL) selected maritime engineering leader Birdon to design and build two prototype vessels to demonstrate emerging concepts under the Marine Corps’ Force Modernization objectives.  The resultant Birdon Ancillary Surface Craft (ASC), marks a critical step forward in delivering next-generation landing craft solutions to inform future capabilities, tactics, and procedures.

MCWL and Birdon collaborated to balance requirements, operational capabilities, cost, and producibility.  The team focused on advanced design concepts to improve production automation, requiring fewer hours to build each craft.  The collaboration resulted in moving from concept to an affordable, production friendly design, ready for construction in less than 12 months.  The incorporation of automated production features allows for the rapid scaling of output to meet future demands.

Birdon CEO Jamie Bruce said Birdon’s ASC design was selected for its superior capabilities and ability to be customized for the unique challenges of the U.S. Marine Corps operating environments. “Our naval architects and marine engineers designed this craft from the ground up, integrating cutting-edge sonar and fuel systems to enhance operational success,” he added.

The ASC is designed to carry up to 40 embarked troops and 54 tons of cargo, with exceptional maneuverability, stability, and long-range ocean transit capability. To ensure safe landings on uncharted beaches, Birdon worked with a specialist sonar company to develop and integrate an advanced forward-looking sonar system, allowing operators to detect obstacles and assess beach gradients well ahead of the vessel. The vessel is designed to beach and de-beach in gradients significantly shallower than existing landing craft can support, providing enhanced, safe amphibious operations capability.

Birdon’s ASC design also features a cutting-edge fuel delivery and transfer system that allows for efficient vessel-to-vessel or vessel-to-land fuel transfer, supporting extended operational range and flexibility in challenging environments.

Birdon has partnered with C&C Marine and Repair (C&C) to build two vessels at their Belle Chasse, LA facilities. Construction on the first vessel is set to begin in the summer of 2025, with delivery scheduled one year later, demonstrating Birdon’s commitment to expediting capability to the warfighter, and a collaborative approach in defense and maritime manufacturing.

Tony Ardito, Birdon President said the partnership offers other strategic advantages, stating, “C&C’s capabilities and proximity to Birdon’s New Orleans operations make them the ideal partner for this project. Their ability to scale production gives us the flexibility to meet future demands.”

This collaboration with the U.S. Marine Corps underscores Birdon’s position as a trusted partner to the U.S. Department of Defense. With five U.S.-based facilities and a focus on strengthening the local shipbuilding industrial base, Birdon continues to deliver innovative and reliable maritime solutions that enhance U.S. defense capabilities.

The United Kingdom is reliving the memories of World War II’s bravest evacuation mission with a flotilla of 66 “little ships” that sailed to Dunkirk in France for the commemoration of the 85th anniversary of Operation Dynamo. The Royal Navy escorted the original ships that took part in the daring 1940 rescue mission along with other pleasure crafts that celebrated the anniversary event.

The flotilla of the Little Ships of Dunkirk which included a diverse fleet of historic vessels departed Ramsgate Royal harbor crossing the English Channel to Dunkirk where they will re-enact the heroic Operation Dynamo voyage that occurred between May 26 to June 4, 1940, days described by historians as Britain’s show of heroism at her darkest hour.

Over the 10-day period in 1940, about 850 private boats of all shapes and sizes sailed from United Kingdom shores through heavy enemy fire on a rescue mission to save Allied troops stranded on the beaches and harbor at Dunkirk as the Nazis swept through France. While the hope was that the ships would help rescue at least 40,000 soldiers, they achieved an incredible feat rescuing more than 338,000 soldiers. The operation saw more than 250 ships lost at Dunkirk.

Historical accounts by the Association of Dunkirk Little Ships highlights that for every seven soldiers who escaped through Dunkirk, one man was left behind as a prisoner of war. The majority of the prisoners were sent on forced marches into Germany and Poland where they were brutally treated including beatings, starvation, and murder. The rescue operation by the “little ships” is credited for turning a military disaster into a story of heroism, which served to raise the morale of the British soldiers during WWII.

While the official name of the evacuation mission was Operation Dynamo, the historic event is today better known as the “Miracle of Dunkirk,” a name coined by wartime Prime Minister Winston Churchill. On the 85th anniversary of the mission, the UK is witnessing the largest gathering of the small ships, fishing vessels, yachts, and pleasure cruisers accompanying the original 66 “little ships” to Dunkirk to commemorate the historic event. This marks the first time the “little ships” are recreating the historic journey since 2015.

 

 

 

The iconic ships were escorted across the English Channel by seven Royal Navy P2000 patrol boats. The Archer class vessels are attached to the Coastal Forces Squadron and are primarily designed for training and inshore patrol tasks. Organizers called this year's event the largest gathering of small ships, fishing vessels, yachts, and private pleasure crafts since Operation Dynamo in May-June 1940.

Commemoration of the 1940 events was, however, darkened by the death of the last surviving and known naval Dunkirk veteran. Duncan McInnes, who was a telegraphist and served on Admiralty S-class destroyer HMS Saladin, died at the age of 105 last week in Australia.

“This will be the first time when we’ve gone over when there are no veterans,” said Ian Gilbert, Honorary Vice Admiral, Association of Dunkirk Little Ships. “The little ships are the veterans because the living link has now gone and we have to keep these boats alive to keep the memory alive.”

The Association of Dunkirk Little Ships, which was established in 1966, is determined to preserve the memory and identity of the brave vessels by honoring their legacy. It does this by maintaining a present-day fleet and upholding the "Spirit of Dunkirk." Every five years, the association commemorates the events of May 1940 by retracing the original route taken by many of the heroic little ships.
 

A Norwegian LNG tanker, Iberica Knutsen, briefly grounded on Thursday morning May 22, outside the German port of Murkan, but while the vessel quickly recovered environmentalists and other activists have locked on to the event to criticize Germany’s LNG import terminals. Germany moved quickly after Russia attacked Ukraine to establish FSRU terminals so that it could begin gas imports from the United States and elsewhere.

The vessel which was built in 2006 and operated by Knutsen Group was inbound from the U.S.’s Sabine Pass loaded with natural gas. It has a capacity of 138,000 cubic meters and is a standard-size vessel at 909 feet (277 meters) and an operating draft of 37 feet (11.4 meters).

A local resident told a German reporter he was making his morning coffee shortly after 6:00 am on Thursday and looking out the window he noticed “that the tanker was in a place where it shouldn’t be and that it was moving strangely,” reports Berliner Zeitung. “I immediately suspected it was stuck.”

The resident said he watched over the next hour as three tugs worked to free the LNG tanker. The German water police (Wasserschutzpolizei) were also on the scene. After about an hour, the tugs escorted the vessel into the nearby anchorage. The water police report the vessel has been ordered to remain there while they investigate. It cannot move until a survey is completed of the hull.

While, overall, it was a minor incident it sparked new calls for Germany to end its imports of LNG. Critics argue the terminals were rushed in response to the efforts to stop Russian imports. In the case of the terminal at Murkan, it is near the popular German resort area of Rügen Island. It was the only privately developed terminal set up by Deutsche ReGas.

“Today's incident demonstrates that there is an urgent need to catch up on Rügen. We have long been pointing out the safety risks associated with LNG delivery and the operation of the terminal,” said Sascha Müller-Kraenner, Federal Managing Director of DUH (German Environmental Aid). “We demand an immediate halt to further deliveries and an independent review of the safety concepts at this site."

Critics argue the terminal is underutilized and not necessary, especially because of its location. They point to data that said it was operating at just five percent of capacity. Deutsche ReGas has said part of the problem was unfair competition from the state-sponsored terminals. The company cut back on the operations ending the charter of an FSRU terminal.

Germany however needs the import capabilities to replace gas imports from Russia, which previously came in via pipelines. The country was able to stockpile gas, especially imported from the U.S. to meet its strong demands during the winter heating season. It has promised to end Russian imports but that makes the FSRU terminals an even more important part of the energy supply.
 

[By: SRC Group]

SRC Group's Methanol Superstorage solution has won The Royal Institution of Naval Architects Maritime Innovation Award 2025, recognising its contribution the adoption of methanol as a mainstream marine fuel.

Every year, a panel of RINA judges considers initiatives from academia as well as industry before giving the prestigious award to the innovation considered the most significant in terms of advancing maritime vessel design, construction, and operations.

Aligning with International Maritime Organization targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions over the coming decades and achieve Net Zero by or around 2050, a ship fuelled by green methanol could reduce carbon emissions by up to 95%. However, methanol has significantly lower volumetric energy content than HFO. Owners working with the fuel either need to bunker more frequently or factor in around 2.5 times the fuel storage capacity to produce equivalent energy.

Methanol Superstorage is a unique, space-efficient methanol storage solution that will allow existing ships and newbuilds to play a full role in energy transition.

Conventionally, the tanks used to store low flash-point fuels on ships feature internal and external walls that are separated by cofferdams spanning a minimum of 600mm. Methanol Superstorage meets the storage challenge by replacing this with Sandwich Plate System (SPS) technology, where 25mm thick tank walls are comprised of internal and external steel surfaces connected by an elastomer core.

Already approved in principle by Lloyd’s Register and RINA (Registro Italiano Navale), Methanol Superstorage boosts tank capacity on average by  around 85% with minimal impact on the GA.

Speaking at RINA ’s Annual Dinner, at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms, Covent Garden, London on 22 May, Hannes Lilp, CEO and Chair, SRC Group, said: “The SRC team is truly honoured to accept RINA’s Maritime Innovation Award, which considers developments in hydrodynamics and propulsion, structures and materials from across academia and industry.“

“Given that our focus in growing SRC over the last 25 years has been on the complex ship project work we do day to day, it is especially rewarding to be recognised for the engineering innovation that has gone into developing Methanol Superstorage.”

DNV’s latest Alternative Fuels Insight (AFI) figures show that ships using methanol accounted for 24 of the 49 orders placed for alternative fuel solution in April 2025. In March, DNV said that 60 methanol-fuelled ships were already in operation, with a further 340 on order.

SRC has already undertaken detailed studies covering the use of the Methanol Superstorage solution on board cruise ships, container ships, ferries, tugs, offshore support vessels and yachts.

 

The Panama Maritime Authority (PMA) is taking further actions to crack down on suspicious tankers by establishing new rules for ship-to-ship oil transfers for vessels in its registry. It is the latest in a series of steps responding to international pressure to stop the notorious technique used by vessels trying to hide transactions of Russian and Iranian oil.

“This new regulation reinforces Panama’s role as a flag state committed to maritime safety, operational transparency, and the prevention of fraudulent use of its registry, in full alignment with IMO regulations and the MARPOL Convention,” explained DGMM Acting Director, Engineer Rina Berrocal. “This is not just about safeguarding the reputation of the Panamanian registry,” she warned, “but about ensuring that our vessels are not used as platforms for illicit activities that undermine global trade and harm the environment.”

Under a resolution published this month, the PMA introduced rules it says are designed to create stricter controls and mandatory traceability for offshore STS transfers of hydrocarbons. Effective immediately, all Panama-flagged vessels with a gross tonnage of 150 or more must notify the flag state at least 48 hours in advance of any planned STS operation, providing detailed technical, logistical, and operational information.

“This initiative addresses the growing use of opaque vessels to circumvent international sanctions, transport undeclared crude, or evade environmental safety regulations—practices commonly associated with what is known as the shadow or dark fleet,” said Berrocal.

Ships are required to provide details on the other ship involved in the transfer including its IMO number and flag. They must also declare where and how the transfer will be performed and confirm that it has a plan in accordance with the MARPOL convention.

Last year, the PMA took steps to clean its registry and make the process of removing violators simpler. As the largest registry by the number of ships, Panama also had the greatest number of ships identified by watchdog groups as involved in the oil trade for Iran and Russia. Registry officials said they were making an effort to purge their ranks of suspect vessels and also have worked with other leading registries to identify vessels attempting to flag hop to avoid detection.

 

After a troubled career spanning a quarter of a century, New Zealand’s workhorse RoRo ferry Aratere is set to retire in August. Operator KiwiRail is reporting that after being a familiar part of the Cook Strait crossing for 25 years, the ferry will be removed from service at the end of August, a decision necessitated by plans to carry out extensive infrastructure redevelopment in Picton. However, it will reduce the company’s capacity for possibly four years until new ferries can be introduced.

Having entered service in 1999, Aratere has been Interislander’s only rail-enabled ferry making 24 crossings on the Cook Strait route per week. The 184-meter (604-foot) ferry has a capacity of?600 passengers, 30 trucks or 230 cars, and 28 rail cars.

Originally, the ferry was built at a 150-meter (492-foot) length but underwent a NZ$52 million refit at the Sembawang shipyard in Singapore in 2011. The refit, which involved cutting the vessel in half to insert a new 30-meter (98-foot) midsection resulted in her capacity being increased from 360 to 600 passengers. Her gross tonnage increased from 12,595 tonnes to 17,816 tonnes.

Despite being synonymous with Cook Strait crossing for years, Aratere has had a troubled career characterized by several technical problems, engine failures, and a grounding in June last year. Over the years, the ferry has experienced at least eight major incidents, including a breakdown due to engine failure during its delivery run from its Spanish shipbuilder to New Zealand. Due to her troubled history, speculations have been rife that the ferry is jinxed, resulting in the nickname “El Lemon.”

The most frightening incident occurred on June 21 last year when Aratere grounded while departing Picton ostensibly because the crew did not know how to turn off the vessel’s autopilot when they realized she was heading towards the shore. The previous month, the vessel had received a new steering control system to work with the autopilot and integrated bridge navigation system. Investigators termed the grounding as a serious incident, but none of the 47 passengers and crew aboard were injured.

KiwiRail has now confirmed that Aratere will retire no later than August 30 to make way for infrastructure redevelopments in Picton in readiness for two new ferries that are expected to arrive in 2029. Apart from its troubled history, one of the other key factors in the ferry’s retirement is that she requires specific loading and unloading infrastructure, meaning she cannot use the other wharf in Picton. Building a temporary berth for her has been deemed too expensive and risks delaying the necessary infrastructure works. The government has previously stated that it would cost NZ$120 million to keep Aratere in service.

Demolition of Aratere’s wharf is expected to begin as soon as October this year, and no later than March next year to facilitate the construction of new infrastructure for the two new rail-enabled ferries planned by the New Zealand government. The replacement project however has been fraught with problems and cancelations causing controversy in New Zealand. The decision to acquire the new, identical ships was made after KiwiRail did an international search and failed to identify suitable second-hand ships to buy or lease. The company said it could not find vessels that would meet modern safety and environmental standards and the demands of the run.

The retirement of Aratere means that until the new ferries arrive in 2029, KiwiRail will be operating only two ferries on the Cook Strait route, Kaitaki and Kaiarahi. In late June, Kaiarahi is set to go to dry dock in Singapore for major works before returning to New Zealand in mid to late August. Although Aratere is currently Interislander’s only rail-enabled ferry, the operator will be able to carry rail freight on the other two ferries using a road bridging process.

KiwiRail has warned that the retirement of Aratere is bound to lead to job losses but is yet to determine the exact numbers. “Interislander’s transition from a three to two-ship fleet has a number of implications for the company and for our customers. The first impact is on our dedicated team and a formal consultation will begin with them,” said Duncan Roy, Interislander Executive General Manager.
 

 

Russia’s tanker operator PAO Sovcomflot is citing the impact of the Western sanctions on the company’s results. It reported a significant drop in revenues and a loss for the first quarter of 2025 along with recording a non-cash impairment related to the fleet.

The U.S., UK, and EU have all stepped up their efforts targeting the shadow tanker fleet and Russia’s income from the oil and gas sectors. In announcing its financial results the company cited the impact and warned investors that the board of directors would be taking into account “significant changes in the external business conditions that have a direct impact on the current financial performance of the company” as it considers dividends. They said future decisions would be guided by the principle of capital adequacy.

Sovcomflot has previously acknowledged the sanctions, which it calls illegal, and early on after the start of the sanctions regime took steps selling ships and moving management to Dubai and elsewhere. It was also moving ships to registries such as Gabon but later flag hopping. Some returned to the Russian registry.

In today’s financial announcement, the company acknowledged that some vessels are now idled by the sanction. During the first quarter, it took a non-cash impairment charge of $322 million against the value of the fleet.

“During the reporting period, unprecedented sanctions were imposed on the company and its vessels, which created additional commercial and operational difficulties in the operation of the fleet,” the company writes in its results announcement. “The company continues to work systematically to minimize the negative impact of sanctions restrictions on its activities, consistently adhering to high standards of maritime safety and the quality of maritime operations.”

Despite the efforts, the company reported first quarter revenues were down by nearly a third (30 percent) to $278 million versus the previous quarter, or nearly by half versus the first quarter of 2024. Earnings were down 45 percent (EBITDA) versus last quarter driving the company’s bottom line to a loss of $104 million in the first quarter of 2025.

“Despite these events, the company's business model demonstrates high stability due to the portfolio of existing long-term contracts and a diversified fleet structure,” Sovcomflot states in its report. It says the company has sufficient cash liquidity and a balanced capital structure that also allows it to maintain a stable financial position.

Both the UK and EU vowed this month to further increase the pressure on the Russian oil sector in an effort to reduce revenues and support to the Russian economy. The EU noted it doubled the number of tankers it had sanctioned to over 300 vessels while the UK added another 100 to its listing. The UK also said it was in discussion with Western allies about lowering the price cap the G7 imposed on the sale of Russian oil. The EU has pledged to make an effort to end its imports of Russian gas giving countries the tools to break long-standing contracts and dramatically reduce imports by 2027. The EU has pledged to break free of its Russian imports.
 

The Philippine Coast Guard reports that the Department of Transportation has completed a deal to dramatically expand its capabilities with 40 new French-designed fast patrol boats. It is part of a broad effort designed to modernize and expand the capabilities of the Philippines Coast Guard.

President Ferdinand Marco Jr. issued a directive to expand the operations of the Philippine Coast Guard in response to the emerging “complex maritime challenges.” The President cited the growth in maritime traffic, the rise of incidents of illegal activity at sea, and the tensions with China. With international support for the Philippines to increase its security, both France and Japan committed to the expansion of the Coast Guard. France and the Philippines reached an agreement in November 2024 which called for the new patrol boats.

The Coast Guard currently has 13 ocean-going patrol boats. Government officials have said with over 7,600 islands the Coast Guard is currently stretched thin. With international support, they seek to correct this and expand the effectiveness of the Coast Guard.

The contract was signed in Manila on May 22, calling for the construction of 40 fast patrol boats designed by OCEA Group based on the company’s successful FPB 110 MKII design. The vessels will be built of aluminum, 35 meters (115 feet) in length, and approximately 110 tons. The company reports the class operates at maximum speeds between 28 and 35 knots and at a cruising speed of 12 knots, has a 700 nautical mile radius. They are designed to operate with a crew of 17.

OCEA reports the deal is valued at more than €400 million ($454 million). Under the agreement, the company will build the first 20 boats in France while it will also create a joint shipbuilding operation for 20 additional boats to be built in the Philippines. The contract is supported through a government-to-government agreement between France and the Philippines.

The Philippines and OCEA have an established working relationship. The company built four smaller 24-meter (79-foot) patrol boats on its FPB 72 design which started delivery to the Philippines in 2017. They are currently deployed for coastal operations. OCEA established a maintenance office in the Philippines and recently signed a 5-year renewal of the maintenance contract with the Coast Guard.

OCEA also built the 84-meter (275-foot) BRP Gabriela Silang, which when it was delivered in 2019 was the largest and most capable vessel in the Philippine Coast Guard. The company also has a contract with the Philippines for integrated logistic support and maintenance services for the patrol boat.

The Philippine Coast Guard says the new vessels are expected to enhance its maritime presence and rapid response capabilities. They expect the vessels will be used to respond to maritime threats, such as illegal fishing, smuggling, piracy, and maritime terrorism, as well as emergency response and relief during natural disasters and maritime incidents. The new boats will also enhance interoperability with the Philippines’ military, the Bureau of Fisheries, and international partners.

Japan has also committed to expand its support for the Philippine Coast Guard. Previously Japan had provided 12 patrol vessels. It also supported the construction of the current largest vessel in the fleet the BRP Teresa Magbanua (97 meters / 318 feet) which entered service in 2022. Japan will provide five additional vessels to the Philippines between 2027 and 2028.
 

 

Vietnamese officials confirmed that there was a devastating fire at the Song Doc offshore oil platform on Wednesday. The platform is the country’s first decommissioning project. 

An unconfirmed report in the Viet Nam News and appearing in the other local outlets says that one person was killed in the fire. Seven others were being reported as injured, although the official reports did not include mention of a death or injuries. Officials emphasized the fire was brought under control in 30 minutes.

The Song Doc oil platform was an important offshore development for the country discovered in 2006 and brought into production in 2008 by the national company PVEP POC, a subsidiary of Petrovietnam Exploration Production Corporation along with two investment partners. It was a relatively small site producing at its maximum around 28,000 barrels per day.

For the last decade of the operations, PVEP POC was the sole owner after the two investors left the project in 2013. They cited high costs which were said to make the well uneconomical. PVEP POC was assigned to continue the operations and deplete the well, which it reported happened in 2023.

The site officially ceased production in February 2024 with the company reporting it was capped. They submitted a plan for decommissioning and removal of the platform, which was approved by the regulators.

 

 

Work was underway on the decommissioning with the reports saying a subcontractor was conducting a cleaning process at the site when the fire began on Wednesday afternoon. It is unclear how many workers were on the platform. The videos show a fireboat working to control the fire.

The company is reporting there was no pollution and the fire did not affect normal operations and production at the other oil and gas projects in the area. They said there would be an investigation into the cause of the fire.

Song Doc is located approximately 125 miles south of Ca Mau Cape at the southernmost tip of Vietnam. It is in the Gulf of Thailand.

The local police in Norway, the Trøndelag Police District, report that they have arrested the second officer of the feeder ship that grounded on Thursday morning nearly hitting a house along the fjord. The police said that the second officer who was alone on the bridge of the NCL Salten admitted during questioning that he had fallen asleep while navigating the vessel.

The individual is being identified as a Ukrainian citizen in his 30s who was on watch at the time of the incident. He has been charged under Norwegian law with “negligent navigation,” with the police stating that the law requires a ship to be navigated in such a way that there is no danger to life and health, the environment, or material assets.

AIS signals tracking the vessel show that it entered Trondheim fjord normally with unconfirmed information that it was traveling at 16 knots. However, at the appointed spot where the vessel should have made a turn to starboard to enter Orkanger, it proceeded forward grounding after 0500 Thursday morning.

The police report the investigation is proceeding looking at additional issues including whether the vessel was adhering to the work and rest requirements for the crew. The captain of the vessel as part of the standard procedure in the investigation has also been listed as a suspect in the case.

"On Friday, parts of the crew on board were interviewed. The focus of the investigation is to establish the sequence of events and determine how this incident could occur, as well as to assess whether the bridge was manned in accordance with applicable regulations," said Kjetil Bruland Sørensen, the prosecutor in Trøndelag Police District.

The police reported yesterday that they had taken control of documents from the vessel and its log for review. The Norwegian Coastal Administration is also being kept apprised of the investigation while it is also responsible for monitoring the vessel and the salvage efforts.

Efforts to refloat the 443-foot containership were unsuccessful on Thursday with the Norwegian Coastal Authority reporting that geotechnical investigations had been ordered after media reports that there was a landslide along the coastline possibly linked to the grounding. One home was reportedly also ordered evacuated near the area where the ground collapsed to the left of the vessel.

Media reports are quoting the Norwegian Coastal Administration on Friday saying that a survey has also found damage to the vessel’s forecastle and some ballast tanks. They are saying the damage is not too severe that it will make the rescue more difficult but all the factors need to be accounted for in the plan. Also, the damaged tanks are only filled with seawater so there is no immediate threat of pollution but the Administration has a pollution control vessel standing by near the site of the grounding.

The shipping company is responsible for arranging the salvage but the Administration will review the plan. It is noting that it can ask the shipping company for additional measures as necessary to ensure preparedness to prevent pollution or damage.

The Administration expects the planning to require some time and it would then review the information. No timeline has been offered for when the vessel will be refloated.
 

 

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 through a joint venture, two offshore-industry terminals, two container terminals, a shipyard, 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.