[By Everllence formerly MAN Energy Solutions]

The former MAN Energy Solutions is now operating under a new name and has become ‘Everllence’. The new brand identity applies worldwide and marks a significant milestone in the company’s strategic development.

CEO Uwe Lauber symbolically unveiled the new company nameplate at headquarters in Augsburg, Germany earlier today. Simultaneously, similar ceremonies were also held at the company's other main European locations in Oberhausen, Berlin, Zurich and Copenhagen. 

Lauber said: “Our name change is the logical next-step in the execution of our ‘Moving big things to zero’ strategy, which focuses on decarbonization and efficiency solutions, especially for those sectors of the global economy that have to deal with ‘hard-to-abate’, climate-damaging emissions. Today, we are no longer known in the market for just engines and turbomachinery, but also as a supplier of large heat pumps, carbon capture and storage, as a driver of climate-neutral shipping, and as part of the hydrogen ramp-up. This is what we want to express with our new name, Everllence.” 

Gunnar Kilian, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Everllence and member of the Board of Volkswagen Group, added: “The name Everllence underlines the company's current development into one of the world's leading providers of sustainable decarbonization solutions. At the same time, it underlines the industrial pioneering work that it has repeatedly executed during its 250-year success story. With a clear focus on climate protection and as a driver of industrial value-creation, Everllence will continue to drive forward sustainability and the future viability of mechanical engineering in Germany, as well as the global energy transition.” 

Everllence remains part of the Volkswagen Group, and the company’s product and service portfolio also remains unchanged.

The new name

‘Everllence’ is a combination that merges the two English-language terms ‘ever’ and ‘excellence’, two central attributes of the company's self-image.

‘Ever’ expresses over 250 years of company history where the company has written industrial history for as long as industry has existed, but has always looked to the future – to the new and innovative, to the ‘first-ever’. From the first diesel engine to the first diesel-powered, ocean-going vessel; from the first wind turbine to the first gas engine and the world's largest fluvial heat pump – the company has always been driven by innovative strength, engineering and a pioneering spirit throughout its long history.

The term ‘excellence’ refers – on the one hand – to the company's high technological standards as cutting-edge technology is at the heart of the company's DNA. But beyond the technical aspects, Everllence also stands for ‘excellent’ corporate management at all levels: whether in internal company processes; cooperation with colleagues, partners and customers; leadership culture; or corporate citizenship.

Moving big things to zero

The renaming is not the first in the company's recent history: the former ‘MAN Diesel & Turbo’ became ‘MAN Energy Solutions’ back in 2018. At that time, the company had begun to concentrate its business on technological solutions for reducing climate-damaging emissions in shipping, energy generation and industry as a new business area and strategic focus. 

This new strategy proved successful. True to the motto ‘Moving big things to zero’, Everllence now supports key industries in reducing emissions that are difficult to avoid. The company develops marine and power-plant engines, as well as retrofit solutions that reduce CO2 emissions with climate-neutral fuels. The company's large-scale heat pumps decarbonize the heat supply of cities and industrial plants worldwide, while technologies for carbon capture and storage ensure the safe removal of unavoidable CO2 emissions from industrial processes. As a manufacturer of electrolyzers for the production of green hydrogen, the company is also part of the global hydrogen ramp-up through its subsidiary, ‘Quest One’.
 

 

The Provence Grand Large, located off the Gulf of Fos (Bouches-du-Rhône) in the French Mediterranean has been fully commissioned. The unique floating wind farm is the first in France and across the entire Mediterranean basin and the companies believe it will be a model to advance the next phase of offshore wind energy.

The project has been under discussion since 2011 as they worked to involve all the key stakeholders and develop the pioneering technology. It was selected by the state in 2016 and also received support from the European Union. An independent committee was also established in 2022 to monitor the program and bring together scientific experts.

The resulting Provence Grand Large wind farm is a pilot project with three floating wind turbines installed 17 km (approximately 10.5 miles) off the coast of Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône. It has a capacity of 25 MW. It was developed through a partnership between EDF Renewables, Enbridge, and the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments).

Bernard Fontana, Chairman and CEO of EDF, called it an important project for the country's energy sovereignty. He said the pilot farm is actively participating in France's energy transition while supporting the emergence of a cutting-edge industrial sector with innovative technologies. 

The installation relies on a unique anchoring technology. Built by Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy, the farm's three wind turbines are installed on floats with taut anchor lines inspired by a technology used to stabilize oil platforms. Developed by SBM Offshore and IFP Energies Nouvelles, they report the technology is suitable for deep-sea areas and provides excellent float stability. It however is the first adaptation for offshore wind turbine floats.

Built by Prysmian, the dynamic cables, which adapt to the movements of the floats, transport the electricity produced by the Provence Grand Large wind turbines. Connected to underwater and then onshore cables, they ensure the transmission of the generated electricity to the onshore connection station operated by RTE.

 EDF says the experience from this project will be invaluable in carrying out the construction of its second floating offshore wind farm, Méditerranée Grand Large, for which it was awarded the contract in December 2024. This next project will be developed in partnership with Maple Power. The future Grand Large wind farm in the Mediterranean will be located 25 km (15.5 miles) off the Mediterranean coast with a capacity of approximately 250 MW.

The French government has set a target of a total capacity of 45 GW from offshore wind farms. Its plan aims to commission around 50 offshore wind farms by 2050.

EDF Renewables with Maple Power and its shareholders highlights it developed and commissioned France's first offshore wind farm with a capacity of 480 MW, the Fécamp offshore wind farm, off the coast of Saint Nazaire. They are also building the Calvados offshore wind farm (450 MW) and developing the Dunkirk (600 MW) and Manche Normandie (1 GW) offshore wind farms.
 

The authorities in Thailand are working to address the grounding and sinking of a rickety wooden cargo ship from Myanmar that has hit one of the country’s premier coral reefs. The vessel grounded and partially sunk damaging at least 75 meters (approximately 250 feet) of precious Blue and Deer Coral and has the potential to leak oil into the environment.

The wooden 100-tonne cargo ship named Ayar Linn sank on Sunday, June 1, after grounding on the reef in the Mu Ko Surin National Park in the Surin Islands of the Andaman Sea. Thai officials report it is one of the most famous diving and marine life viewing sites in the world. It is within the National Parks in Thailand.

The vessel stranded off Jak Bay in the northern parts of the province and then sank spilling its cargo onto the reef. It has 7,700 liters of diesel onboard.

 

 

Divers were sent to inspect the region and report a 75-meter trench of damage in the reef with the worst portions being between meters 45 and 75, where the vessel is now stuck. The coral under the vessel has been crushed and a line of coral, especially the tall species, was broken. In addition, the vessel spilled bags of cement as well as significant amounts of cardboard, rags, truck tires, hoses, and other debris that is littered on the reef.

The divers were initially attempting to seal the values on the fuel tanks. Efforts were also underway to pump the fuel from the partially submerged vessel. The Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation working with other agencies called for oil booms that could also be strung to contain any fuel leaks.

 

 

They said a full salvage mission can not be carried out at this time because it is monsoon season. The danger of strong waves and winds makes any salvage operation risky. They are working with the other authorities to develop an approach for managing the situation.

The Kuraburi Police Station is also collecting relevant evidence as well as checking the ship’s documents, and entry and exit from the country. They are planning to lodge a complaint against the owner of the vessel and seek compensation.

The authorities are also asking citizens and tourists to avoid approaching the area for safety and to allow the recovery operation to proceed.

 

 

The Department of Homeland Security is reporting that it canceled the order for the eleventh Legend-class national security cutter which was to be named USCG Friedman. Production for the vessel began in 2021 at HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Mississippi, but the project has been dogged by concerns.

Ingalls had a sole source contract as the only builder for the class which began delivering in 2008 and was designed to replace 12 aging 378?foot Hamilton-class high-endurance cutters that have been in service for 40 years. At 418 feet long, the Legend-class NSC has a maximum speed of 28 knots and a range of 12,000 nautical miles. The tenth ship, USCG Calhoun was delivered in October 2023.

Work had begun for number 11 in May 2021. HII reported that the start of fabrication signified the first 100 tons of steel had been cut. USCG said the vessel was due for delivery in 2024 and plans called for it to be homeported in Charleston, South Carolina with four other Legend-class cutters.

“Huntington Ingalls owed us this cutter over a year ago,” said Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. “This project was over time and over budget. Now the money can be redirected to ensuring the Coast Guard remains the finest, most-capable maritime service in the world.”

According to the announcement for Homeland Security, canceling the contract with HII will save the U.S. over $260 million. They have also agreed that the Coast Guard will receive $135 million in parts that will be used to retrofit, upgrade, and maintain the Coast Guard’s existing fleet of 10 Legend-class cutters.

Congress has been highly critical of the USCG’s problems with its shipbuilding projects both for the cutters and the Polar Security Icebreakers. USCG had reported to Congress that there were issues with the project saying that construction of the 11th ship had been halted since at least November 2024 with the ship 15 percent complete. It blamed “material conformance concerns,” and said that the Coast Guard and the shipbuilder were working to resolve the issue.

The Coast Guard has also planned a 12th vessel in the Legand-class. Congress was yet to appropriate funds for the vessel but some long-lead elements were reportedly being ordered. 

Homeland Security highlights canceling the project will save money that can be used as part of the recently announced Force Design 2028 project to overhaul USCG operations and command structure. However, it did not address how the USCG will allocate resources for the two planned vessels which were scheduled as replacements for the older class which is now entirely decommissioned. The USCG had deferred the decommissioning of the last two Hamilton-class cutters, John Midget and Douglas Munro, to 2020 and 2021 while the rest of the class was replaced with the new cutters by 2018.

 

June 5 marked a historic day for the Suez Canal as it is 50 years since it reopened after the Arab-Israeli War of June 1967 closed the canal for eight years. Egypt marked the occasion as it again attempts to rebuild traffic in the canal following the attacks of the Houthis in 2023 and 2024 that chased away most vessels.

Egypt announced its latest efforts in May reporting it would offer large containerships a 15 percent discount on fees. The 90-day promotion was an attempt to lure the major east-west traffic between Asia and Europe into the canal. The Suez Canal Authority also hosted a meeting with representatives of the major carriers reporting that they were receptive to restoring the diverted routes.

The commander of the EU effort to protect ships, Rear Admiral Vasileios Gyparis of the Hellenic Navy who overseas EUNAVFOR Aspides told Reuters traffic is up 60 percent from the low point in August 2024. He reported they are seeing 36 to 37 ships a day up from a low of around 20 a day. However, he admitted to Reuters that it is still below the 72 to 75 a day before the Houthis launched their attacks in late 2023.

Similarly, the Suez Canal has not announced its current daily average. In August 2022, however, it highlighted a new record of 89 vessels making the passage in a single day. It typically averaged over 60 vessels a day.

 

HMS Prince of Wales and its carrier strike group transited the Suez Canal on May 24 (Royal Navy)

The lack of the return is despite the Houthis not having attacked a merchant ship in 2025, although they continue to assert that they will attack any vessel associated with Israel. They suspended all attacks when the Gaza ceasefire went into effect in January but resumed targeting U.S. warships when the U.S. unleashed a barrage at the orders of Donald Trump in March. The U.S. announced a ceasefire in May and despite reports the Houthis were rearming, they have not fired on ships, including there were no reports of attacks as the UK sent the carrier HMS Prince of Wales and her carrier group through the region in recent days.

The Aspides commander told Reuters the operation has “provided close protection to 476 ships, shot down 18 drones, destroyed two remote-controlled boats, and intercepted four ballistic missiles.” Aspides began its patrols in February 2024. As of mid-May, it marked 15 months saying it had supported more than 830 merchant vessels.

 

ITS Andrea Doria providing close protection to merchant ships in the Red Sea (EUNAVFOR Aspidtes)

 

Aspides reports that it continues its close protection operations with the EU extending its mission at least to February 28, 2026. It highlighted at the end of May, a French frigate in the operation escorted both a tanker and a CMA CGM containership. ITS Andrea Doria, an Italian Navy destroyer, took a Linea Messina containership and several CMA CGM vessels through the region also in late May.

CMA CGM, however, told The New York Times in a story appearing today that it was “sending a small number of vessels through the Red Sea.” It said it did not plan to resume transits through the Suez Canal on a large scale in the short term, “unless security conditions allow it.” The New York Times reports tracking sites showed at least five CMA CGM vessels transiting the Red Sea in recent weeks.

Other major carriers have also said they have no short-term plans to resume their normal routes. CEO of AP Moller-Maersk, Vincent Clerc said, The New York Times highlights, that he thought it is still far from the threshold to return to the Red Sea routing.
 

 

MOL Cruises, the leisure operation for Japan’s Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, plans to retire its pioneering cruise ship Nippon Maru in May 2026. While the company has a long heritage in passenger shipping, cruising has been a small part of the Japanese leisure industry with only the Nippon Maru consistently operating in the market with other ships coming and going over her 35-year career. 

Nippon Maru (22,472 gross tons) was built in 1990 by Mitsubishi for MOL to maintain a presence in the cruise business but was only marketed in Japan. It continued the company’s passenger operations which trace back to the 1880s and the founding of the predecessor companies Osaka Shosen and Mitsui Sensen, which operated trans-Pacific passenger services into the 1960s. MOL converted to cruising in 1972 and in response to the rising demand in Japan for leisure cruises decided to buy and then build modern cruise ships.

The Nippon Maru remained very popular in part because she offered cruises around the Japanese islands reaching smaller ports not accessible to larger cruise ships. She offered a focus on cultural enrichment and traditional Japanese culture.

“With full hearts and deep gratitude, we bid a bittersweet farewell to Nippon Maru, which has served us well for over 35 years,” said Tsunemichi Mukai, President of Mitsui Ocean Cruises, a new brand launched in 2024 to carry on the company’s cruise operations. “Though a difficult decision, it is time to retire her for operational and economic reasons. We're excited to carry on her legacy of fine hospitality aboard our new luxury ships, Mitsui Ocean Fuji and our recently announced second ship, where many of our cherished crew will continue to serve.”

The ship, which will be officially retired on May 10, 2026, in Yokohama, has since traveled 2,877,642 nautical miles or approximately 133 times around the earth. She operated over 2,000 cruises, hosting more than 600,000 passengers, and visiting over 400 ports in and out of Japan. In addition to her domestic cruises, she operated longer voyages including nine world cruises.

MOL reports the legacy of Nippon Maru and her contribution to the Japanese cruise industry will be honored during her final season between February and May 2026, with several cruises and events, featuring special commemorative gifts and menus.

 

Nippon Maru (right) is being replaced with Mitsui Ocean Fuji (left) and a sister ship also acquired from Carnival Corporation' Seabourn (MOL)

 

The company is continuing with its plan to diversify the commercial shipping operation expanding passenger service both with cruises and ferries. In late 2022, the company revealed plans to build two 35,000 gross ton cruise ships and while it continues to study construction options, it acquired the Seabourn Odyssey (32,500 gross tons) from Carnival Corporation’s Seabourn Cruise Line and relaunched it at the end of 2024 as the Mitsui Ocean Fuji. In March 2025, it was revealed that they had made a strong cash offer and agreed to acquire a sister ship, Seabourn Sojourn (32,500 gross tons), also from Carnival Corporation for delivery in May 2026. The new cruise line is marketing the acquired ships and is expanding marketing into the international market as it seeks to develop Japan’s role in the cruise industry.

MOL’s expansion into the international market comes as the Japanese cruise market is growing. NYK recently took delivery on a newly-built cruise ship named Asuka III from Meyer Werft in Germany. The ship enters service in July. 

Japan’s Ryobi Holdings, a diversified company that includes operations in transportation and tourism, also announced plans at the end of 2023 to enter the cruise market. It ordered a luxury, yacht cruise ship to be built in Portugal for delivery in 2027.
 

A former master in the U.S. merchant marine has been arraigned on charges that he sexually assaulted a cadet from the U.S. Merchant Marie Academy assigned to the bulker he was commanding in 2019. Lawyers for the victim are hailing it as a watershed moment in U.S. justice highlighting that it is the first time in more than a generation that criminal charges have been brought in this type of assault at sea.

The case came to light in 2022 as part of a larger scandal in which female cadets at the service academy spoke up about the culture at sea and the school and the assaults they had experienced. The first two cadets, then known as Midshipmen X and Y, settled complaints out of court with the shipping line while it prompted a broader investigation into the academy’s Sea Year when cadets are assigned to working ships as well as the environment on a campus in Kings Point, New York.

The case of Captain John Merrone was first exposed by CNN in October 2022 which reported that two cadets were alleging that he had drugged and assaulted them in his stateroom. According to a Coast Guard administrative complaint obtained by CNN, the two cadets were called to the captain's stateroom, and he offered them both a drink. They told the Coast Guard that they became incapacitated, at which point the master allegedly raped one and attempted to assault the other.

The U.S. Department of Justice arraigned Merrone today, June 5, 2025, on five counts related to sexual assault, drugging the victims to become incapacitated, and assaulting them while they were incapacitated. He voluntarily surrendered to the FBI in South Carolina where he lives and was brought to Brooklyn, New York for the arraignment. 

“This is a watershed moment for the maritime industry,” said attorney Ryan Melogy, founder of Justice4Mariners, who represents the victims. “We have not seen the DOJ bring criminal charges for a sexual assault at sea aboard a U.S.-flag cargo vessel in more than a generation. This is a huge, historic turning point for maritime safety.”

Court papers revealed the assaults happened in 2019 aboard the U.S. flagged bulker Liberty Glory, operated by Liberty Maritime of New York. 

Merrone voluntarily surrendered his license in October 2022 after the case became public and it was reported that the U.S. Coast Guard was pursuing an administrative action against the master. Media reports at the time said he was being accused of both sexual assault and violating company policies on the use of alcohol. By surrendering the license, he was able to stop the USCG action and reports said the union also expelled him.

It came out in the media reports that Merrone had also been accused in 2011 of sexually assaulting a woman in Florida. A jury convicted Merrone of false imprisonment and two counts of simple battery, but an appeals court reversed the conviction in 2013. Merrone retained his license and continued to sail. It was unclear if the case had been disclosed to either the USCG or his employer.

“This case is about more than one captain — it’s about a broken system consisting of U.S. government agencies, maritime labor unions, and commercial shipping companies that have worked cooperatively for decades to protect known sexual predators and silence their victims,” added Melogy.

While Merrone is the first in years to be arraigned in federal court on criminal sexual assault charges, other seafarers have also faced charges in the broader scandal which also led to reforms in the Sea Year program and at USMMA. In 2023, an electrician who had been accused of sexually harassing Midshipman Y also voluntarily surrendered his license before the USCG could convene its action against him.
 

 

CMA CGM is moving ahead with its investment deal in Algeria. It comes as the French carrier is building its logistics and terminal operations including in the Mediterranean where it recently announcement that it would modernize Syria’s Latakia port and has a long-standing agreement to redevelop the port of Beirut. 

The ocean carrier’s CEO Rodolphe Saadé met on June 2 with the Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. They discussed two discussed upcoming port projects by the shipping giant. The meeting was initially scheduled in April but a diplomatic dispute between Algeria and France led to the delay. Algeria’s ties with its former colonizer, France, have been lukewarm over the years. However, the relationship deteriorated in April leading to expulsion of diplomats from both sides. 

CMA CGM appears keen to overcome these difficulties and move forward with its projects in Algeria. “We can be an ally of Algeria in developing infrastructure and making Algerian ports true regional hubs. I strongly believe in the potential of this country,” Saadé told the local media.

With CMA CGM scaling its footprint in the Mediterranean region, Algerian port sector presents a good opportunity for this ambition. Algeria is increasingly diversifying its economy to cut reliance on oil and gas exports. Central to this shift is a revamp of the port sector to cater for the rising container shipping traffic.

CMA CGM has shown interest in modernizing the ports of Oran and Djen Djen. This will help in decongesting the Port of Algiers, which is currently experiencing delay challenges with vessel waiting times exceeding seven days. 

In Oran, CMA CGM reportedly wants to lease the container terminal through its subsidiary, CMA Terminals. The goal is to expend the terminal to have a capacity of handling over one million TEUs annually. According to local media reports, a technical team from CMA Terminals has almost finalizing an investment plan for Oran port, likely to be made public by end of this year.

To improve its intra-med connections, CMA CGM is also considering a feeder shipping line between Marseille and Oran, reducing the transit time to less than 48 hours. The service will be operated by its subsidiary La Méridionale, which was acquired in 2023.

 

Top photo by Habib Kaki -- CC BY 3.0

 

The U.S. government released the official data for trade numbers, imports, and exports, for April confirming what port officials said that volumes were plunging due to the tariffs but it also created a record decline in the U.S. trade deficit. The data came as Donald Trump spoke with China’s leader Xi Jinping and later told reporters both sides were going on the terms of a trade deal.

Trump launched the trade war and tariffs to close the U.S. trade deficit and the numbers for April show the first effects. The U.S. trade deficit was down by half to $61.6 billion, the lowest in 19 months. The good trade deficit was down by more than 46 percent to $87.4 billion. 

Analysts highlighted that shippers had rushed to move goods, especially imports into the U.S. in the first quarter to get ahead of the tariffs, a point that was confirmed by major ports which reported strong volumes. However, in April and May ports such as Los Angeles reported volumes were dropping quickly reaching a level 30 percent below 2024 levels.

The U.S. government data confirmed this with imports off more than 16 percent in April and specifically goods off nearly 20 percent. The data showed a $3.5 billion decline in the imports of household goods including cellphones and other electronics. Industrial supplies and materials were also off dramatically ($23 billion) as well as growing declines in vehicles, parts, and engines. 

A positive note for ports and the economy is that good exports grew to a record $190 billion in April. This included industrial supplies, materials, finished metals, and crude oil.

Speaking with reports in the Oval Office later on Thursday, Trump said he had a good call with China’s leader about trade and that both sides were reviewing the terms of an agreement. He said “We have a deal,” but that is being interpreted to mean the agreement which delayed the tariffs of talks as China in its official readout said more talks would follow. Trump said reciprocal invitations had been extended and that he and Xi Jinping would be visiting each other in the future.

All of this came as Alphaliner reported today that volumes through the Panama Canal were at all-time highs in the first five months of the year. Its analysis shows that containership traffic set a record with over 1,200 crossings in both directions of the canal. It said this is up 10 percent year-over-year and four percent over the previous best in 2022. Alphaliner said the increase was driven by smaller, Neo Sub-Panamax vessels (7,500 to 10,000 TEU).

Analysts have speculated without the announcement of a formal trade deal between the U.S. and China shippers would rush volumes into the United States during the previously announced 90-day pause. Carriers were reported to already be repositioning vessels to meet demand from China. This comes after the U.S. ports said that they were seeing the first large numbers of blanked sailings for May and June since the early days of the pandemic in 2020.
 

 

After abandoning the car carrier Morning Midas in the mid-Pacific, efforts are continuing to monitor the position of the vessel while salvage experts rush to the scene. A team from Resolve Marine is expected to take nearly four days to reach the burning ship which is approximately 300 miles southwest of Adak in the Aleutians.

The managers of the vessel, Zodiac Maritime, reported that smoke was discovered on one of the car decks of the vessel around 1400 local time on June 3. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, there are a total of 3,048 vehicles on board including 70 fully electric and 681 hybrid, partially electric vehicles. Zodiac says the smoke was initially seen emanating from a deck carrying electric vehicles.

Due to the intensity of the fire, and with concern for crew safety, Zodiac reports the decision was made to abandon the ship. The 22 crew went into one of the lifeboats and were picked up by the containership Cosco Hellas which had diverted to the scene.

“We are proud of the diligent efforts of our crew in responding to the fire onboard,” said a spokesperson for Zodiac Maritime. “They immediately activated the vessel’s well-drilled emergency firefighting protocols and deployed the onboard fire suppression systems, all of which were fully operational.”

Recent pictures from the U.S. Coast Guard which has been overflying the scene show smoke emanating from the vessel. Zodiac notes that no pollution has been seen and the Morning Midas remains afloat but is still on fire.

Resolve Marine has been appointed and their first tug carrying a team of salvage specialists and specialized equipment is already traveling to the vessel. However, Zodiac says they will not reach the vessel until approximately June 9.

Until the salvage team can reach the vessel, Zodiac reports it can monitor the vessel via the onboard satellite-connected systems. However, this only allows for tracking the vessel’s location, with limited ability to monitor other onboard conditions.

Once the salvage team reaches the vessel, it will assess its condition and provide necessary support. An additional fire-fighting tug, capable of ocean towage, is being arranged to provide further support.

The vessel had called at multiple ports in China with the local media confirming it is operating under charter for SAIC Anji Logistics. Bloomberg says it has several brands of cars aboard including models from Chery Automobile Co. and Great Wall Motor Co.  The vessel was heading to Lázaro Cárdenas, Mexico.

 

After several years of relative stability in the global oil market, notwithstanding the war in Ukraine and attacks on shipping in the Red Sea, recent weeks have seen some shifting in the market. Brent crude was selling at $82 per barrel on January 15, and has since drifted downwards to below $65 per barrel on June 5, accelerating in recent weeks the steady downward trend in pricing seen over the last two years.

The oil market tends to be cyclical, with producers attracted into the market boosting production when prices peak, with high-cost producers then reducing activity as surplus inventory depresses the market. But behind the recent fall in prices are some factors, of particular relevance to the shipping market.

After a period of curbing output to maintain prices, both OPEC and OPEC+ are now unwinding production cuts. A leading voice for this change in direction has been Saudi Arabia, which has lost market share which it now seeks to recapture before the transition to renewable energy sources begins to reduce overall demand. 

A reduction in price will hurt the finance ministries of those states particularly in the Gulf which are heavily dependent on oil revenues. But it will help the traditional producers recapture market share from high-cost fracking producers in America. It will also prove attractive to purchasers of heavily discounted Russian and Iranian crude, who since January have been facing sanctions that are wider in scope and which are being enforced with renewed vigor. Teapot refiners in China’s Shandong Province, as well as some Indian purchasers are becoming increasingly wary of taking Russian and Iranian crude off dark fleet shipping, or which has obviously been transshipped off Malaysia and elsewhere.

This trend can now be seen in estimates of Iranian oil exports to China, where refiners took advantage of still-low prices at the beginning of the year to stock up, but who are now facing tougher sanctions.

 

Iranian crude exports to China from Kpler and Vortexa estimates (CJRC)

Since President Trump issued National Security Presidential Memorandum 2 on February 4, the U.S. Treasury has issued three rounds of sanctions, in the latest listing the refiner Hebei Xinhai Chemical Group, the Shandong Jingang Port company, three ship managing agents, and adding Corona Fun and Viola to at least ten other shadow fleet vessels sanctioned since January. The U.S. Treasury is now also sanctioning long-standing shadow fleet ship captains, Indian nationals Ketan Agarwal and Lincoln Francisco Viegas being designated in the latest sanctions round.

The limited effectiveness of sanctions against determined entrepreneurs is apparent however in a review of activity in the well-established crude oil transshipment box in international waters off the Malaysian coast. The number of static vessels in the area seems to be even higher now than in April, when Bloomberg estimated, using satellite imagery, that there had been a significant increase from the 20 daily trans-shipments which it considered were occurring daily in 2024. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent may have had this in mind when he commented recently that “the United States remains resolved to intensify pressure on all elements of Iran’s oil supply chain.”

 

June 5, 2025 (Left) - Oil transshipment activity off Malaysia - April 13, 2025 (right) - source: Vesselfinder.com/CJRC

    
Lower pricing and improved sanctions enforcement will pressure Iran and Russia in particular, who already are in competition with each other to sell their discounted crude and may need to fight each other with further discounting. In the changed environment, many who previously bought from Iran and Russia will be looking for supply elsewhere, with the narrowed price differential no longer justifying the risk of breeching sanctions. For the global maritime community, looming over the whole market however is a much larger disruptive event; the European Union plans to prohibit all new oil and gas contracts and existing short-term spot contracts with Russian suppliers by the end of 2025, and then to ban all remaining imports by the end of 2027. 
 

 

The Australian Border Force (ABF) remains steadfast in its determination to tackle illegal fishing in the country’s sovereign waters. In the latest enforcement effort, it destroyed three additional vessels and arrested 27 foreigners.

The newest crackdown occurred in a span of two days mid-last month in the country’s northern waters. In the first case on May 13, 2025, officers spotted an Indonesian vessel that was just about to embark on illegal fishing near Cartier Island. Upon boarding the vessel, which had a crew of five, the officers found a variety of fishing equipment. Both the vessel and equipment were destroyed.

The following day, another Indonesian vessel near Ashmore Reef was detected and apprehended. Onboard were 12 crew members, six reef fish, 65 kilograms of salt used to preserve catch, and a variety of fishing equipment. While the fishing equipment and salt were seized and the catch returned to the ocean, the vessel was disposed of at sea in accordance with Australian law.

On the same day, another Indonesian vessel was spotted near Scott Reef leading to the arrest of nine crewmembers, destruction of the vessel, and seizure of 150 kilograms of salt and fishing equipment.

 

One of the boats seized and destroyed in Australia (ABF)

 

The seizures and vessel disposals at sea in May were the latest as ABF intensifies its fight against illegal fishing in Australia’s waters mainly in the remote regions of Western Australia and the Northern Territory, are being frequented by Indonesian fishers.   

In April, the ABF destroyed two Indonesian vessels and arrested 14 crews who were transferred to Darwin to face charges. Since July 1, last year, a total of 143 Indonesian fishers have been prosecuted in Darwin for illegal fishing.

“Australia does not tolerate illegal foreign fishing in its waters and those who are caught offending will face prosecution,” said Rear Admiral Brett Sonter, ABF Commander Maritime Border Command. “My message to those trying to exploit Australia's maritime domain is clear: We are actively patrolling these waters, and you will be caught.”

Australia asserts that illegal fishing has become a huge menace that is causing severe impacts on the country’s marine ecosystems and natural resources while also posing significant biosecurity and economic risks. The country is attributing the recent surge in illegal fishing to social and economic pressures facing Indonesia.

Apart from destroying the vessels, authorities are trying to deal with the problem by slapping the offenders with hefty fines and jail time.
 

The Swedish Coast Guard reports that the salvage operation to refloat the grounded bulker Ali Aykin was completed overnight between Wednesday, June 4 and Thursday, June 5. The vessel had been aground with the danger of an oil spill within sight of the Øresund Bridge since May 25 when it deviated from the shipping channel.

The 93-meter (305-bulker) which is owned by Turkish interested and sails under the flag of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines was outbound from Poland with a cargo of scrap metal when it left the fairway and grounded on the soft bottom of sand and stone near Klagshamn. The authorities highlight the investigation is still ongoing but have served notice and are detaining one crewmember on suspicion of gross negligence in maritime traffic. They also reported a crewmember was being investigated for drunkenness.

The Coast Guard feared an oil leak from the 69,000 liters of fuel oil aboard after a breach was discovered in one of the vessel’s ballast tanks. They reported the tank had flooded complicating salvage efforts. On June 3, the salvage company hired by the owners began offloading a portion of the cargo to an adjacent barge.

The vessel was refloated late on Wednesday night with the Coast Guard standing by in case of an oil spill or pollution. Three Coast Guard vessels supervised the operation while tugs worked to free the ship and accompanied it to port. It sailed under its own power reaching Malmö early Thursday where it was docked. The vessel will undergo a further inspection while prosecutors proceed with the investigation regarding the actions of the crew.

To the north also along the Øresund fairway another bulker, Meshka grounded on May 30 also after deviating out of the shipping lane. This bulker remains aground with 938,000 liters of fuel and lubricating oil aboard and the Coast Guard monitoring for pollution. A salvage company is working on a plan which must be approved by the Swedish authorities.

Sweden continues to investigate the circumstances of the second vessel’s grounding. The Coast Guard reports notice was also filed with one crewmember for gross negligence in navigation but unlike the crew of Ali Aykin the crew was tested for alcohol and there was no indication that it was involved in the grounding. The traffic control authority had warned the vessel it was out of the lane shortly before it grounded.
 

[By: Kongsberg Maritime]

Kongsberg Maritime has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with India’s Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) during the Nor-Shipping 2025 event in Oslo, initiating a collaborative effort to explore the design of India’s first indigenous polar research vessel.

The agreement marks a significant milestone in India’s ambitions to strengthen its polar research capabilities and scientific presence in the Arctic and Antarctic regions. While still in the exploratory phase, the MoU reflects the strategic importance of polar science and the increasing global demand for advanced, sustainable research platforms.

Kongsberg Maritime brings decades of ship design expertise, including the successful delivery of complex polar research vessels for nations such as the United Kingdom and Norway. The company takes an integrated approach to vessel design, combining advanced propulsion, automation, and mission-critical systems tailored for operations in extreme polar environments and heavy ice conditions.

“This collaboration reflects the trust placed in Kongsberg Maritime’s capabilities and our long-standing commitment to supporting scientific exploration in the world’s most challenging environments,” said Annette Holte, Country Manager - India, Kongsberg Maritime.

“We are proud to support India’s vision for a state-of-the-art polar research platform. This initiative aligns strongly with the Government of India’s ‘Make in India’ policy, and we look forward to working closely with GRSE to explore innovative and locally driven design solutions.”

The proposed vessel is to support a wide range of scientific missions, including climate research, oceanography, and polar logistics. It will incorporate Kongsberg Maritime’s integrated technologies to ensure safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible operations in polar regions.

The MoU was signed at Nor-Shipping 2025, where Kongsberg Maritime is showcasing its latest innovations under the theme Technologies for Sustainable Oceans.

[By: Kongsberg Maritime]

Announced today at Nor-Shipping in Oslo, a pioneering partnership between Kongsberg Maritime, Solstad, Østensjø, DeepOcean, and Remota will see the launch of a pilot project to explore the potential for remote Dynamic Positioning (DP) operations in the offshore sector.

The pilot, set to begin later this year aboard the offshore vessel Normand Sentinel, will explore how remote technology can enhance operational flexibility and expand recruitment opportunities within the maritime industry. By enabling DP operations to be conducted from shore, the project aims to attract a wider and more diverse recruitment base.

The shore-based DP operator will work from a Remote Operations Centre (ROC) operated by Remota, supported by advanced connectivity and cybersecurity infrastructure.

This initiative represents a step toward smarter, more sustainable maritime operations. By leveraging cutting-edge remote technology, the project aims to enhance operational flexibility and unlock new efficiencies in offshore operations.

In its first phase, the pilot will involve two vessels: Solstad’s Normand Sentinel and Østensjø’s Edda Freya. Both vessels will maintain full onboard DP teams to ensure safety and provide comparative data. The project will also explore the viability of remote DP2 operations and assess a more flexible model for future operations.

Lisa Edvardsen Haugan, President of Kongsberg Maritime, said: “Together with our experienced, forward-thinking, and innovative partners Solstad, Østensjø, DeepOcean, and Remota, we aim to challenge established norms in the maritime industry through innovative remote technology, collectively addressing future challenges with proven technological solutions.”

Lars Peder Solstad, CEO of Solstad, added: “Together with DeepOcean and Østensjø, we are partnering up with Remota and Kongsberg Maritime to challenge the established by use of remote technology. By combining new technologies with operational experience, we see the opportunity to transfer functions such as DP operations from offshore to onshore.”

Kristian H. Vea, CEO of Østensjø, commented: “True progress starts with the right mindset—and the right partners. This collaboration places us at the forefront of remote offshore operations, reinforcing our commitment to advancing smarter, more sustainable maritime solutions.”

Øyvind Mikaelsen, CEO of DeepOcean, said: “These great partners, aligned in our goals, and combining the best available technologies, will result in supporting DeepOcean’s vision of being the world-leading ocean service provider and staying at the forefront of remote and uncrewed operations, enabling efficiency gains for offshore energy operators.”

Sveinung Soma, CEO of Remota, concluded: “When developing and proving remote DP operations with renowned partners as Østensjø, Solstad, DeepOcean and Kongsberg Maritime, Remota will be in position to offer DP from Remote Operation Centres to the wider DP market. Our customers will benefit from lower operating costs and higher crew utilisation and flexibility.”

The partnership is formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU),

[By: Alfa Laval]

Alfa Laval announces a milestone in maritime decarbonization with an order for the world’s first marine boiler system designed for the safe incineration of ammonia emissions. Confirmed for a fleet of four ammonia dual-fuel vessels, this innovation is part of a joint development project with industry frontrunners and is set for delivery in 2027-2028.

A first-of-its-kind innovation for ammonia-powered ships
As the shipping industry transitions to alternative fuels, ammonia is emerging as a key zero-carbon fuel. However, its safe application onboard requires advanced technologies to manage its unique properties, including toxicity and the need for careful handling of purge gas and other waste gases.

As a frontrunner in enabling ammonia as a marine fuel, Alfa Laval has achieved a significant milestone by securing an order to deliver the world’s first marine boiler system designed to function as an Ammonia Release Mitigation System (ARMS) for the safe incineration of ammonia wastes. The system will be installed on four 45,000 cubic meter (cbm) multi-gas carriers for the global commodities company Trafigura and designed to transport LPG and ammonia.

The advanced boiler system is part of a joint development project involving key industry players, including engine designer WinGD and shipyard HD Hyundai Mipo in South Korea for vessel construction.

“Our efforts with alternative fuels demonstrate that Alfa Laval is not just adapting to the shift toward these fuels, but is actively shaping it through our technological expertise and vast experience in marine equipment,” says Anders Lindmark, Business Unit President Heat & Gas Systems, Alfa Laval. "Following our successful innovations with fuels like LNG and methanol systems, we are proud to once again drive the industry with this pioneering boiler system for incineration of ammonia that combines environmental responsibility with operational efficiency and safety.”

"The landmark project brings together key industry players to advance ammonia as a viable marine fuel. Alfa Laval’s innovative boiler technology, designed to operate as ARMS, tackles one of the critical technical hurdles impeding the wider adoption of ammonia, while prioritizing the safety of the environment and crew,” said Andrea Olivi, Global Head of Shipping, Trafigura. “Trafigura is pleased to be working with companies like Alfa Laval that are developing solutions to decarbonize the maritime industry."

A multi-purpose solution for ammonia-powered vessels
Designed to go beyond conventional steam generation, the system will efficiently incinerate gaseous ammonia and ammonia-nitrogen mixtures produced by ammonia dual-fuel engines, fuel supply systems and other equipment onboard. This multi-functionality allows shipowners to reduce costs and save valuable space by minimizing the need for additional equipment while effectively managing waste and byproducts.

“By extending the functionality of the boiler system to handle ammonia emissions, we are enabling shipowners to achieve substantial savings in both costs and space,” says Stig Person, Head of R&D, Business Unit Heat & Gas Systems, Alfa Laval. "Our system eliminates the need for separate equipment to manage ammonia purge emissions, boil-off gas, and tank emptying operations, streamlining vessel design while enhancing safety.”

“The first commercial deployment of the ammonia-incinerating boiler system will serve as a model for future vessels, demonstrating that ammonia can be used safely while optimizing vessel design and operational efficiency. The space and weight savings achieved through this integrated approach provide tangible benefits for shipyards and ultimately for vessel operators,” says Dong-jin Lee, Head of the Initial Design Division and the Detailed Design Division at HD Hyundai Mipo.

Proven expertise in multi-fuel technology
Alfa Laval has been at the forefront of developing solutions for alternative fuels, leveraging decades of expertise in fuel-handling technology. The company has successfully pioneered combustion systems for LNG and methanol-powered vessels, demonstrating its ability to adapt to the changing energy landscape.

The journey with ammonia boiler began in 2021 with internal studies and concept designs, followed by lab-scale combustion tests since 2022. Tests at scale have been initiated since 2024 in Alfa Laval Test & Training Centre in Aalborg, Denmark, paving the way for the commercialization of its ammonia combustion technology. This extensive research and development positions Alfa Laval to address the technical challenges associated with ammonia as a marine fuel, ensuring both safety and operational efficiency.

“The innovative system, a result of extensive research and technological advancements, proves our ability to provide cutting-edge solutions that enable shipowners to transition to ammonia safely,” says David Jung, Business Development Manager, Alfa Laval. “These vessels will be among the first to demonstrate a fully integrated boiler system for ammonia waste incineration, positioning Alfa Laval as the frontrunner in ammonia combustion technology for marine boiler applications.”

[By: Lloyd's Register]

Demand for advanced propeller retrofits and energy saving devices (ESDs) has nearly quadrupled since 2020 as shipping owners and operators look to enhance energy efficiency to meet tightening emissions regulations. 

However, according to The Energy Saving Devices Retrofit Report from Lloyd’s Register (LR), while high-efficiency propellers can deliver fuel savings of between 3-10%, and popular devices such as rudder bulbs can achieve 3.5% reductions, only 1.74% of the global fleet currently features the rudder bulb, the most popular device, from newbuild.  

The orderbook tells a different story, with 8.42% of vessels on order choosing to install ESDs. The proportion of vessels on the orderbook fitted with a particular device is between two and six times higher than for those vessels already in service. 

The report identifies bulk carriers, tankers and container ships as prime candidates for retrofitting, with these vessel segments showing the highest adoption rates due to their substantial fuel consumption profiles. Notably, 16.87% of bulk carriers on order will feature rudder bulbs compared to just 6.74% of the existing fleet. In the container ship segment, rudder bulbs, stator fins, and boss cap fins are each present on at least 10% of vessels (existing fleet and orderbook). 

In total, more than 10,000 vessels in the existing fleet and orderbook feature some form of propulsion energy-saving technology from newbuild. Added to this are at least a further 1,400 vessels that have had ESDs retrofitted since 2020. The number of installations on existing vessels is growing, showing nearly four-fold growth since 2020, with close to 1,500 vessels contracted to be fitted with devices by the end of 2024. 

The report also reveals a trend towards retrofitting newer vessels, with more than one-third of 2024 retrofits performed on ships less than ten years old, compared to just 16% in 2020. By 2024, 12% of retrofits were performed on vessels built less than six years ago, a category that saw no retrofits in 2020. 

Regulatory pressure is identified as the primary catalyst driving this surge in retrofits. The IMO's Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) and GHG strategy, combined with European regulations including the EU Emissions Trading System and FuelEU Maritime, directly link vessel performance to financial penalties. LR's analysis projects that a 20% fuel consumption reduction could save an Aframax tanker operator nearly US$3 million over ten years through reduced exposure to European regulations alone.  

Despite the benefits, the research highlights challenges in retrofit selection and implementation. Many operators struggle with technology selection due to potential interactions between different devices, unverified performance claims, and incomplete understanding of vessel-specific requirements. The report notes that some highly promising technologies fail during full-scale validation despite excellent model test results. 

Biofouling is also identified as a threat to retrofit performance, with marine growth on propeller blades and ESDs potentially negating efficiency gains through increased surface roughness and altered hydrodynamic profiles.  

To address these challenges, LR recommends a five-step approach encompassing comprehensive vessel assessment, hydrodynamic analysis using computational fluid dynamics, careful consideration of technical factors including torsional vibration and underwater radiated noise, robust performance monitoring, and long-term maintenance planning. 

Claudene Sharp-Patel, Global Technical Director at Lloyd's Register, said: "Our research reveals that propeller and ESD retrofits offer ship operators a proven pathway to significant fuel savings, extended regulatory compliance, and meaningful emissions reductions. 

"However, successful propeller and ESD retrofits require far more than simply bolting on additional equipment. They demand sophisticated analysis, careful integration with existing systems, and ongoing performance management. Our role extends throughout the entire retrofit journey, from initial assessment through long-term optimisation." 

The Energy Saving Devices Retrofit Report forms part of LR's Retrofit Research Programme, which combines with LR’s Fuel for Thought series to provide industry-leading insights into adapting existing vessels for cleaner and greener shipping. 

Download the Energy Saving Devices Retrofit Report. 

[By: Jotun]

Jotun, the global leader in marine coatings, has published a new report based on a survey among 1000 ship owners and operators, uncovering trends in biofouling management strategies exploring the impacts of biofouling in shipping. The report reveals that many owners and operators have faced the consequences of inadequate biofouling management through regulatory penalties or refused port access.

The Biofouling in Shipping report, which surveyed 1000 ship owners and operators across 11 countries, reveals that even though the topic on biofouling seemingly has more awareness today than compared to a few years ago, there is still knowledge gaps in the industry.

“How biofouling management plays a key role in the shipping industry’s aim to cut carbon emissions and protect biodiversity has received an increasingly more acceptance amongst port authorities and regulatory stakeholders, as well as ship owners and operators. However, although 79% of respondents considers hull performance a top priority for their company, only 31% believe their company has adequate knowledge of hull performance solutions. This highlights the importance of continuing to increase the awareness and understanding, as the environmental and economic effects are significant,” said Morten Sten Johansen, Global Category Director Hull Performance in Jotun.

The report highlights the hidden costs of the lack of proper biofouling management.

• 41% have faced regulatory penalties due to biofouling related issues
• 38% have been denied port access due to non-compliance issues related to biofouling

“Perhaps even more telling, today half (49%) of those surveyed avoid ports with stringent biofouling regulations, a strategy that becomes increasingly unsustainable as global standards continue to tighten,” said Petter Korslund, Regulatory Affairs Manager Hull Performance in Jotun. “We have arrived at a crossroads where regulations so far have had a regional or local focus,
which can make it difficult for ship owners and operators to navigate in the regulatory landscape. We are now seeing a shift towards a more global framework that we believe, and hope, will make it easier to manage for those who live with day-to-day operations. With that said, it remains and is all more important, to have a good biofouling management plan.”

Beyond regulatory impacts, the research reveals substantial operational consequences. More than half (50.4%) of ship owners report experiencing fuel inefficiencies as a result of biofouling, representing missed opportunities for both cost savings and meaningful progress toward decarbonisation goals. Still, as many as 1 in 5 ship owners and operators are aware that they are not using the most effective antifouling coating for each vessel in their fleet today.

“Although our findings underscore a growing recognition of the link between effective biofouling management and operational efficiency, there is still room for improvement. Ship owners that proactively seek and embrace a tailored biofouling management plan, including hull performance solutions tailored to trade, will gain a competitive edge within the market, maximising effectiveness while reducing unnecessary costs and environmental impacts,” said Johansen in Jotun, and added: “In an environment where profit margins are increasingly tight, it is more important than ever to minimise hidden costs. With more regulations on the horizon, including a legally binding biofouling framework on biofouling, our survey results are a stark reminder of the cost of being unprepared.”

Jotun’s report was presented during Nor-Shipping as a part of Jotun's ongoing Clean shipping commitment and sets out a roadmap for rethinking biofouling as a strategic priority for the shipping industry, against a backdrop of increased regulations and efficiency obligations.

[By: A.P. Møller - Mærsk A/S]

Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL), a global leader in new energy innovative technologies, and APM Terminals, an independent division within A. P. Moller - Maersk (Maersk), announced a strategic partnership to collaborate in the energy transition of the global logistics industry.

Grant Morrison, head of APM Terminals global asset category management and Akin Li, executive president of CATL overseas car business, signed a cooperation agreement on behalf of both parties. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Guangtong Liu, head of procurement department at APM Terminals Shanghai, Rahul Aiah, head of procurement department at APM Terminals Mumbai, Feng Yu, senior director of CATL commercial solution center and Andy An, business director of CATL overseas commercial application.

“We’re happy to extend our strong partnership with CATL through this strategic agreement, which supports our aim to decarbonise terminal operations with battery-electric container handling equipment,” said Morrison.

“APM Terminals and CATL have been on a journey to accelerate the adoption of battery-electric container handling equipment through the Zero Emission Port Alliance and shared our initial learnings earlier this year. We expect the strategic partnership to further accelerate the development of industry-leading solutions and reduce greenhouse gas emissions at terminals,” said Akin Li, executive president of CATL overseas car business. Combining CATL’s advanced energy technologies with APM Terminals’ global terminal network and supply chain expertise, this partnership aims to create industry-leading solutions for battery-electric container handling to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the industry. CATL will provide high-performance batteries and system-level solutions for APM Terminals’ container handling equipment, such as electric terminal tractors, jointly promoting the electrification of the industry in line with the aim the parties also share via the Zero Emission Port Alliance (ZEPA). Co-founded by APM Terminals and other industry leaders, ZEPA, with members in all parts of the value chain, aims to accelerate the decarbonisation of terminal operations globally.

Looking ahead, the scope of the cooperation between the two parties covers the full lifecycle of the batteries, from the development of advanced battery products to after-sales support and battery recycling. CATL will share best practices and optimisation strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the battery lifecycle, supporting APM Terminals in achieving its Scope 3 decarbonisation aims and helping ports globally to accelerate their decarbonisation efforts.

APM Terminals operates more than 60 terminals globally, with several under development. Together with Maersk, the terminal operator has set an industry-leading ambition to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. APM Terminals aims to reach this by deploying battery-electric equipment powered by renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, while also reducing energy consumption through more efficient operations, shorter dwell times and energy-efficient buildings. With a shared vision to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the industry, APM Terminals and CATL intend to strengthen their collaboration in technology, market development and resource sharing, jointly promoting innovation in the logistics and terminal sector.

[By: AdSP MAS]

The Port of Venice is strengthening its position within international logistics networks and establishing itself as a key intermodal hub for the European automotive industry: Volkswagen has chosen the lagoon port to launch a major new vehicle handling operation that will start in October 2025 with the arrival of the first vessel to Vezzani Terminal. This decision opens up new markets for Venice and further consolidates a sector that has already seen strong growth in recent years.

Automotive traffic at the Port of Venice recorded double-digit growth over the past year, confirming the competitiveness of the port in this sector. Now, with the arrival of a global industry leader, this trend is not only reinforced but also systematized, laying the foundation for stable and long-term expansion.

The project will be managed by the Piedmont-based company Vezzani, which has been granted a 25-year concession by the North Adriatic Sea Port Authority (AdSP MAS) for the former SIRMA dock and its adjacent area in Porto Marghera. The site, previously disused, will undergo a complete redevelopment with an investment of over €5 million and will become a true intermodal hub dedicated to ro-ro (roll-on/roll-off) vehicle traffic.

A Hub Connecting Venice to Europe and the World

The figures behind the initiative speak for themselves:

• Weekly trains to markets in Central and Eastern Europe;
• New maritime routes from the Far East, thanks to Venice’s integration into Volkswagen Group’s international logistics flows;
• Redevelopment of 27 hectares of disused industrial land, connected to a railway junction and repurposed for logistics operations, with positive employment and economic impacts on the region.

The project was approved quickly thanks to its inclusion in the Simplified Logistics Zone (ZLS) and the use of the One-Stop Administrative Desk, confirming Porto Marghera’s attractiveness for innovative, sustainable, high-value-added industrial investments.

AdSP Investments in Intermodality

The Port Authority has supported the growth of the automotive sector with strategic infrastructure investments worth over €60 million, aimed at:

• Increasing internal rail capacity and connections to the national rail network;
• Reducing road-rail traffic interference;
• Improving logistical accessibility to the port’s industrial and terminal areas.

Current projects include:

• A new rail bridge over the West Industrial Canal,
• The expansion of Via dell’Elettricità,
• Upgrades to the Via della Chimica junction, and
• Expansion of Venezia Marghera Scalo station, which will be capable of handling up to 40 trains per day, making the port a benchmark for intermodality in the Northern Adriatic.

In parallel, the development of the new Porto Marghera logistics platform is in an advanced phase. This key infrastructure will manage agri-food and containerized flows and is connected to over 65 km of internal rail network.

“The decision to go with the Venice port supports our ambitions in several ways. It is not only an important step to make vehicle logistics for the Volkswagen Group more flexible and resilient, but it is also a decisive lever to reduce cost and CO2 emissions at the same time”, stated Peter Hörndlein, Head of Vehicle Logistics, Volkswagen Group Logistics.

“Volkswagen’s decision is yet another demonstration of our ability to attract strategic investment. The Port of Venice is becoming a go-to location for global logistics and automotive players,” said Fulvio Lino Di Blasio, President of the North Adriatic Sea Port Authority (AdSP MAS). “This isn’t just about new traffic flows, but about a development platform that firmly connects us to markets in the Far East and Central and Eastern Europe, strengthening our international positioning.”

“This project highlights the urgent need to respond to the increasing demand for space within the port for logistics activities. It is crucial to find new land areas to support the growth of a sector that has become a structural pillar for our port and the entire region. AdSP continues to invest in intermodality, sustainability, and regional attractiveness (also thanks to the ZLS) to provide concrete responses to operators’ needs and generate value for the entire Veneto system.”