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Researchers Identify Wreck of Revolutionary War-Era British Frigate

 

The wooden sailing vessel uncovered on the shores of the Orkney Islands last year has been identified as a Royal Navy frigate that played a small role in the American Revolutionary War. 

The wreck was discovered on a sandy beach at the northeast end of Sanday, one of the northernmost islands in the Orkneys. Shifting wind and wave patterns removed the sand that had covered the remains of the ship for centuries. Local residents  helped drag the surviving timbers off the sand with tractors, and professional archaeologists went about the task of preserving and examining the recovered wreckage. 

Hundreds of wrecks have gone down around the storm-wracked Orkneys, and it took time to narrow down just which ship this one might be. Wessex Archaeology was given the task of the analysis. Based on the tree rings in the wood, the team determined that the ship was built in the mid-1700s. By process of elimination, the team narrowed it down to the HMS Hind, a sixth-rate Royal Navy frigate built in 1749. 

Hind departed England for North America in 1758 during the Seven Years' War, and participated in the siege of French forces at Louisburg, Nova Scotia that summer. She continued throughout the campaign to remove French influence in the region, including the successful capture of Quebec the following year. During the Revolutionary War, she served as a convoy escort for British ships, the researchers found. After returning to the British Isles, she was converted to a transport ship, then sold into private hands in 1784. 

Renamed Earl of Chatham, the former frigate became a whaler in the North Atlantic trade, one of more than 100 whaling ships based out of London - a primary hub for the whale oil and whalebone trade in the late 1700s. The former frigate only lasted a year as a whaler: it wrecked in foul weather off of Sanday in 1785. Luckily, all crewmembers survived the ordeal. 

For now, the wooden wreckage has been placed in freshwater tanks at the Sanday Heritage Centre while the project sponsors consider a permanent solution, according to ABC. The National Heritage Memorial Fund (NHMF) and Historic Environment Scotland provided funding for the project.

RV Nautilus Finds Ship's Bell of Lost WWII Destroyer USS De Haven

 

The privately-run research vessel Nautilus has found the ship's bell of the lost frigate USS De Haven, the latest in a series of discoveries in a survey of "Iron Bottom Sound," a channel in the Solomon Islands that saw heavy combat during World War II. 

USS De Haven (DD-469, often spelled DeHaven) was a Fletcher-class destroyer, a successful vessel design that was built by the dozen during the war. Commissioned in September 1942, De Haven immediately departed for the Solomon Islands campaign, which was already in full swing. She escorted a convoy of troopships to Guadalcanal, then patrolled the archipelago to interdict Japanese forces for the next several months. The famous and costly naval engagements off Guadalcanal and Savo Island were long over by that point, but Japanese air forces still posed a serious threat.

On February 1, 1943, De Haven was escorting a small group of landing craft and a seaplane tender to a new beachhead on Guadalcanal. As she returned to base with two of the landing craft, nine Japanese planes approached, and six turned to attack her. De Haven was hit by three bombs, killing the commanding officer and sending the ship to the bottom just off Savo Island. 167 crewmembers lost their lives in the sinking. 

De Haven's wreck was discovered by Dr. Robert Ballard in 1992, and the RV Nautilus returned to the site in July to re-survey the vessel. With assistance from live-stream video viewers, the team found the ship's bell, one of the most iconic elements of any shipwreck. The bell was dislodged from its mount and was resting atop a torpedo mount amidships. Signs of deterioration and marine life colonization suggest that the timing of the find was lucky: some areas of the wreck have become heavily encrusted, and one of the other torpedo mounts has tilted due to deck collapse since the last survey. 

The team also conducted the first ever wreck exploration of USS Walke, a Sims-class destroyer that went down off Savo Island during the Second Naval Battle of Guadalcanal (Nov. 15, 1942). Walke fired off about 300 five-inch rounds at three Japanese warships in the pitched nighttime battle; she was hit by a torpedo in return, then by multiple rounds of shells. As she went down, her depth charges detonated, killing survivors in the water. The ROV exploration shows the ferocity of the fight: the bridge had been blown off and was found separately, and only about half of the length of the hull could be identified as a single structure. Both the bow and stern were missing.

Oman's Sail Training Ship Wins Top Honors

 

The Royal Navy of Oman’s sail training vessel Shabab Oman II has won ‘Best Ship’ title at the Tall Ships Races 2025 in Aberdeen, Scotland, following on from a Best Ship win in the crew category at the prestigious 2025 Le Havre Sailing Festival in France three weeks ago.

The Shahab Oman II (A4LB, IMO: 9667215) is currently on a training cruise, calling on a number of ports in Europe, crewed by Royal Navy of Oman cadets under training. The vessel is an 87 meter fully rigged three-master, with 29,000 sq. ft. aloft. In most years she conducts a long-range five-month training cruise from Oman sailing through the Red Sea, Mediterranean and the Atlantic. In any tall ships meet, she is normally the visitor from furthest afield, and by the time they return home the 30 cadets aboard have undergone a career-foundational experience.

Oman, under both the previous Sultan and Sultan Haitham, has invested heavily in reviving Oman’s long maritime history. Over several centuries during which Oman maintained outposts from Gwadar (now in Pakistan), through trading stations such as Bandar Abbas in Iran, and down the East African coast, Omani sailors and ships were the binding thread which kept the far-flung Omani empire together. This era came to an abrupt end in 1964, when the Omani Sultanate in Zanzibar was overthrown in a coup and most Omanis returned to the homeland.

Besides maintaining a strong navy to keep open international rights of navigation through the Straits of Hormuz, where the International Traffic Separation Scheme is channeled largely through Omani waters, the government also set up Oman Sail in 2008. Oman Sail trains future generations of Omani sailors, training hundreds of schoolchildren every year, but also hosts international sailing events and world championships for various racing classes.

Oman’s merchant navy is also growing fast. Asyad Shipping, the state-owned shipping line, is adding 33 vessels to its mixed fleet, which already comprises more than 90 owned and operated vessels. Asyad is seeking to capture as much in-country value as possible by maximizing the haul of Oman’s oil and gas exports, and is gearing up to export hydrogen derivatives when development of the five mega new energy projects currently underway in the south of the country move into the production phase. It also operates regional container line services.

Oman is an active member of the International Maritime Organization, and its mediation expertise is often leveraged by other member countries to help resolve disputes and to secure the release of detained sailors. It led on the release of all 25 members of the crew of the car carrier Galaxy Leader, detained for 14 months in Hodeidah after the seizure of the ship by the Houthis in November 2023. The freed crewmembers came from Bulgaria, the Philippines, Mexico, Romania and Ukraine, and were repatriated through Oman.

Wind-Assisted Propulsion Expands to LR2s with Landmark Dual-Fuel Order


In what is believed to be the first application of wind-assisted propulsion combined with a dual-fuel tanker, the UK’s Bar Technologies reports it has confirmed what it calls a landmark order for its WindWing technology to be installed on two new LR2 dual-fuel tankers to be built in China. It follows the recent first installation of its technology on a conventional newbuild LR2 tanker, and the company says it further demonstrates the move of wind-assisted propulsion into the mainstream.

“Fitting WindWings to tankers of this type breaks new ground for wind propulsion,” says John Cooper, CEO of BAR Technologies. “It proves the technology can scale and slot alongside dual-fuel systems as a serious, practical tool for decarbonizing even the most energy-intensive vessel types. Wind is no longer an experiment or a future option; it’s a proven fuel source that’s ready to deliver real impact today.” 

Flagged under the Marshall Islands and classed by Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore, the vessels to be named Suzuka and Long Beach for Union Maritime (UML) will each be equipped with two 37.5-meter (123-foot) WindWings. The vessels, which will be 250-meter (820-foot) long tankers, are being designed by China’s SDARI and constructed by Xiamen Shipbuilding Industry (XSI). Steel cutting is scheduled for November 2025, with delivery in Q1 2027.

The two 37.5-meter WindWings units the company projects will deliver an average of three tonnes of daily fuel savings, translating to annual CO? reductions of around 2300 tonnes per tanker.

The company also says that this LR2 deployment is particularly significant as this class of tankers is widely used for transporting refined petroleum and chemicals globally. Integrating wind propulsion into such a high-utilisation vessel class, Bar Tech believes signals a step change, moving WindWings and wind-assisted propulsion from innovation to infrastructure.

Union Maritime took delivery in June of the new Brands Hatch, a 114,000 dwt Aframax tanker was the first to be fitted with wind-assisted propulsion. Bar Technologies reports that the vessel's early performance exceeds expectations.

These newbuilds are expected to enter service ahead of the IMO’s 2030 emissions reduction targets, offering early compliance benefits and long-term operational efficiencies.
 

Top Russian University Offers a Program in Sanctions Evasion

 

In a busy week in the world of sanctions - with President Trump threatening 100% tariffs on those evading US sanctions on Russia, the European Union announcing an agreement on its 18th round of anti-Russian sanctions, and the UK launching a further 137 listings of dark fleet entities - Moscow’s Higher School of Economics is offering a new academic program.

The School, one of Moscow’s most respected academic institutions, is offering a new two-year program in sanctions circumvention, equipping students with the skills to "identify and assess the risks of sanctions and other measures imposed by supervisory authorities on companies." The dissident website T-invariant identified another three courses at the School with similar areas of focus, with varying length and cost. 

The two-year program is offering 20 seats reserved for Russian citizens and two for international students, with annual tuition of about $6,000.

“Universities are reacting to short-term demand,” Andrey Yakovlev, a former HSE vice rector, told T-invariant. “That doesn't mean this is a stable, long-term direction."

Professor Igor Lipsits from the School told the Moscow Times that the initiative was part of a broader Kremlin program to build long-term resilience under international isolation. “Everyone is seeing how Iran has lived under sanctions for 40 years. We may spend a long time living in this kind of a hostile environment, with all kinds of restrictions, and with increasing regulations over Russia’s business presence abroad. The Russian economy will need to adapt to life under sanctions for a generation," he said. 

Independent Driller Discovers Poland's Biggest Offshore Oil Reservoir

 

An independent Canadian E&P firm has discovered what it believes to be the largest offshore oil find in the nation's history. Though modest by global standards, it sets a new bar for oil and gas prospects in the Baltic.

According to Norwegian-owned, Calgary-headquartered driller Central European Petroleum (CEP), a new well near Wolin Island uncovered a reservoir with up to 22 million tonnes of oil (about 160 million barrels) and five billion cubic meters of natural gas. This is among the largest conventional oil discoveries in Europe in years. Across the rest of CEP's 600-square-kilometer concession area, it estimates that it has rights to another 11 million tonnes of oil and another 22 billion cubic meters of natural gas. CEP owns 100 percent of the Wolin lease area concession and has held the license since 2017. 

The new well appears to contain enough oil to double Poland's reserves. Poland produces about three percent of its own oil, and 20 percent of its own natural gas, according to the IEA; the new find would make a minor contribution to energy self-sufficiency, but if it were replicated in other areas of the underexplored Polish EEZ, it could make a significant difference, Poland's chief national geologist Prof. Krzysztof Galos told TVP. 

"It is also a positive investment signal that there could be more of these deposits, that it pays to look for raw materials in our basin, so who knows if there won't be more news on this from other investors," energy analyst Wojciech Jakóbik told Euronews. "This is further evidence that we have a change in Europe. Tough security is making us look again more favorably at gas and oil extraction."

Poland's foreign minister added that the discovery may even be a sign of divine favor, as it follows a string of other good news for Poland. In a social media post, minister Radoslaw Sikorski suggested that the successful drilling results mean that "God probably really loves the [coalition] government."

Grimaldi Names First of 10 Giant, Ammonia-Ready Car Carriers


Grimaldi Group is marking a major expansion of its car carrier operations along with the launch of what the company is calling “a true technological gem.” During a naming ceremony on July 21 at China Merchants Heavy Industry’s shipyard in Jiangsu, the company highlighted the technological features of the innovative vessel, which was designed in partnership with the naval architecture firm Knud E. Hansen.

The new Grande Shanghai is the first of ten next-generation PCTC (Pure Car & Truck Carrier) vessels the company has on order from China Merchants. The first five will have a capacity of 9,000 units, and the second five will be increased to have a capacity of 9,800 units, making them among the largest vehicle carriers currently in service. (Wallenius Wilhelmsen has vessels on order in China that, when delivered, will have a capacity of 11,500 units.) 

The new ships are a large expansion for Grimaldi, with nearly 20 percent more capacity than its largest car carriers, the Grande Torino class (7,700 CEU). Grimaldi operates nine smaller PCTCs as well as seven of the Grande Torino class. The company has a total fleet of 1530 vessels ranging from Conros to Ro/Pax, Ro/Ro, and ferries.

In addition to being the group’s first vessels to receive the “ammonia-ready” notation from RINA, the new vehicle carriers incorporate other new technologies. Grimaldi reports they are the first PCTC vessels to be fitted with a gate rudder, which features two foil blades positioned on either side of the propeller to improve propulsion efficiency and maneuverability.

“The Grande Shanghai stands out as a true technological gem, combining high cargo capacity and environmental sustainability. Compared to the previous car carrier generation, she reduces fuel consumption per cargo unit transported by 50 percent,” says Grimaldi. 

The ship is 93,145 gross tons with a length of 220 meters (721 feet). She will operate at a speed of 18 knots. She has 14 decks for vehicle transport and is designed to carry both electric and traditional fuel vehicles.

Among the other technologies incorporated into the design are mega lithium batteries with a total power of 5 MWh, 2,500 square meters of solar panels, and cold ironing capabilities to use with shoreside electricity where available. It also has energy optimization systems, silicon-based hull coatings to reduce drag, Air Lubrication for the hull, and an optimized hull design. It is fitted with smart ventilation and air conditioning controls, an electronically controlled engine with exhaust gas cleaning, and a selective catalytic reduction system.

The company points to the vessel as the first of a new generation of more sustainable transports that are innovative and efficient.
 

U.S. Treasury Sanctions UAE-Based Fuel Traders Who Supply Houthi Ports

 

The U.S. Treasury is continuing its crackdown on the petroleum-shipping networks that support Yemen's Houthi rebels. The group has long profited from its oil-marketing agreements with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, but it also earns hundreds of millions of dollars a year in taxes on imported gas and diesel. Treasury's latest action aims to cut off that flow of revenue by targeting a business network with links to the Houthis in both Yemen and the UAE. 

In a statement, the Treasury said that it has sanctioned Yemeni fuel importer Muhammad Al-Sunaydar, manager of UAE-based Arkan Mars Petroleum Company DMCC and Arkan Mars Petroleum FZE. This corporate group has an arrangement with the Houthis to allow importation of oil and gas into northwestern Yemen - including at least $12 million worth of fuel from Iran, Treasury alleged. The department said that Iranian-linked companies have moved payments between Arkan Mars and the Iranian government, an act prohibited by U.S. sanctions on the Iranian nuclear program. 

Arkan Mars and other importers have primarily moved their fuel shipments through the ports of Ras Isa and Hodeidah. Petroleum terminals at both of these ports were badly damaged in U.S. and Israeli attacks earlier this year. 

“These networks of shady businesses underpin the Houthis’ terrorist machine, and Treasury will use all tools at its disposal to disrupt these schemes," said Deputy Treasury Secretary Michael Faulkender in a statement. “The Houthis collaborate with opportunistic businessmen to reap enormous profits from the importation of petroleum products."

The sanctions announcement is the latest in several days affecting trading houses in the UAE. 

On Monday, the government of the UK sanctioned Dubai-based Litasco Middle East DMCC (known as LME Trading DMCC), a company linked to number-two Russian oil exporter Lukoil. Litasco Middle East was by far the biggest buyer of Russian oil priced above the G7 price cap last year, according to investigative reporting outlet The Insider. LME Trading DMCC is listed as an anchor tenant in one of Dubai's most glamorous luxury office tower developments, Uptown Dubai. 

According to the Treasury, Arkan Mars is located in another luxury tower just 400 yards away from Uptown Dubai, the Dome Tower in the Jumeirah Lakes development. Both are within a growing free trade zone that is home to 25,000 international companies.

Historic UK Royal Mail Ship St. Helena to Become Expedition Cruise Ship

 

RMS St. Helena was a quirky little ship that built a loyal following in the traveling public while fulfilling her original mission of transporting cargo and passengers to the remote island of Saint Helena, a British Overseas Territory located nearly in the middle of the South Atlantic. Retired in 2018 as one of the last operating Royal Mail Ships (RMS), and having spent the past few years as a supply ship, she is now set to make a comeback in 2026 into the expedition cruise market.

Terna Nova Expeditions was founded in 2024, and they report they have selected St. Helena because of her unique characteristics. She has an ice-strengthened hull, deep draft, powerful engines, cranes used for cargo handling, and spaces that they say will make her ideal for Antarctica. The company refers to the historic ship as a “rugged, versatile expedition platform” that will be uniquely capable and a character-rich small expedition ship. 

“There’s something special about a ship with history, character, and a renewed sense of purpose. St Helena embodies what Terra Nova is all about … going further with less, and doing it with meaning,” says Greg Carter, Founder of Terra Nova Expeditions.

 

departing Cape Town on another supply run (Neil Fantom photo - CC BY 2.0)

 

St. Helena was built at the Appledore Shipyard in the UK and commissioned in 1990 to provide the vital service to the island located more than 1,100 miles west of Africa. The island had no airport, so the ship was its only consistent connection with the outside world. She is 344 feet (105 meters) in length and approximately 6,800 gross tons. She plods along at 14 knots. Her service was primarily between Cape Town and Saint Helena, and continued to Ascension Island. Lacking port facilities, she was designed to be self-sufficient with cargo cranes and anchored off the islands, lightering cargo to shore. 

She was retired in 2018 after the island’s first airport was commissioned, and the historic ship cheated the scrappers, finding a repurposing. She was briefly used as a vessel-based armory in the Gulf of Oman and later sold to the car racing group Extreme E, which used her as a transport for materials and cars. The company extensively renovated the ship in 2022, retrofitting her engines, updating her systems, and refurbishing her cabins and public spaces.

“The RMS St Helena is a true gem for those who love real adventure on a budget with a touch of nostalgia,” says General Manager Andrea Bagi. “She’s a ship with stories in her soul – and a cool, modern edge. A spectacular renovation has brought her to life with modern and stylish cabins and inviting spaces throughout.” 

 

St. Helena will be repurposed to become an expedition cruise ship (Terra Nova Explorations)

 

Terra Nova plans to offer 10-day cruises starting in December 2026 from Ushuaia, Argentina, crossing the Drake Passage to cruise the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula. Capacity will be limited to just 98 passengers in 51 cabins. The ship will have 81 crew and staff and will retain her UK registry. They highlight a blending of traditional seafaring heritage with a contemporary expedition experience.

The ship will carry 12 Zodiacs for landings and close-up experiences. Among the unique adventures Terra Nova reports it will offer, 40 guests per trip will have the opportunity to spend an overnight camping on the Antarctic continent. Passengers will also have opportunities for kayaking, taking the “polar plunge,” snowshoeing, and trekking. The company will also offer trips on the world’s first sail/cruise expedition boat, the Icebird, a sailing yacht with space for six passengers.
 

Top picture by Burgh House (public domain photo from 2009)

Master of Burned-Out Ferry Barcelona V Named as a Suspect

 

The master of the Indonesian ferry Barcelona V has been named as a suspect in connection with the fire that burned through the vessel last weekend. 

On Sunday afternoon, a major fire broke out aboard Barcelona V off the coast of Talisei Island, forcing the passengers and crew to abandon ship into the water.

The captain, named only as "IB," is under investigation because of passenger manifest irregularities and possible non-compliance with emergency procedures during the fire and evacuation, according to local media. 

"We are still investigating the possible involvement of other crew members. Evidence collection is currently ongoing. We are continuing to work to ensure this case is completed and submitted to the courts as soon as possible," North Sulawesi Regional Police Senior Commissioner Eko Wimpiyanto told local media. 

Video from the scene shows passengers engaging in apparent self-directed evacuation into the water, without use of the vessel's liferafts. At least one passenger told local outlet Kompas that there were not enough lifejackets on board the vessel, and that passengers panicked. The survivors stayed afloat in the water for hours while awaiting rescue.  

Two people remain missing, and a search is still under way off the coast of the island of Talisei. 

The questions about the vessel's manifest stem from differing passenger counts. Only 280 personnel, including 16 crewmembers, were listed on the official manifest. SAR agency Basarnas recorded the rescue of 575 people from the water, plus three fatalities and two missing for 580 personnel in total. Excess unregistered passengers are a recurring theme in Southeast Asian ferry casualties, notably in the sinking of the Philippine ferry Dona Paz - the deadliest peacetime maritime accident in history. 

Transportation Minister Dudy Purwagandhi has asked the police to investigate the details of the Barcelona V's manifest. 13 agencies are involved in the post-accident inquiry, according to Indonesia's Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal and Security Affairs. 

"This is no small incident. It's a stark warning for all of us to improve. All parties, from the central government to the regional governments, from regulators to operators, must be of one mind: Maritime safety is paramount," said ministry spokesman Frenky Riupassa in a statement. 
 

Competition Grows for U.S. MRO Jobs as Third Korean Group Targets Work


Competition continues to grow among the shipyards as the U.S. moves to expand its use of foreign shipyards for the maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) contracts. Viewed as a lucrative market, Korea’s mid-sized builder HJ Heavy Industries reports it plans to enter the competition after forming an “MRO Cluster Council,” to realize opportunities in the sector.

HJ Heavy Industries notes it has been building and repairing vessels for the maritime defense industry since 1974, completing work on over 1,200 ships. It estimates the value of the market for U.S. Navy-related MRO at $14.5 billion, with additional opportunities elsewhere internationally.

The shipyard has established a cluster including local shipbuilding and equipment companies to promote the MRO opportunities. It has brought together 10 companies from the region around Busan and Gyeongnam, which it says represent key elements of the work. It includes block manufacturing, various steel structures, ship parts, piping, and electrical equipment suppliers. 

The company notes that more vendors are seeking to enter the space as subcontractors and suppliers. It plans to compete for contracts and can also support the other major shipyards in executing contracts. It expects that if it is successful in completing a U.S. Navy Ship Maintenance and Repair Agreement (MRSA), it will be able to accelerate its entry into the overseas markets in general.

HD Hyundai Heavy Industries was the first to successfully achieve certification for the program in 2024, but was quickly followed by Hanwha Ocean. Korea’s Chosun Business reports Hyundai’s docks were occupied in 2024, so it first began competing in 2025, but so far has not won contracts, likely due to higher pricing. The outlet says the projects are smaller in scale and do not require high levels of technology, making them more price sensitive than other work.

Hanwha Ocean has succeeded quickly in the space, winning two contracts in the second half of 2024, and recently a third project, which is expected to start in the coming weeks. Chosun Business reports the U.S. has only bid a total of four projects, with Hanwha Ocean winning three and the fourth going to ST Engineering in Singapore. HD Hyundai reportedly bid for and lost two projects in 2025. Japanese yards are also said to be bidding for the contracts.

Korea looks to leverage its deep expertise in shipbuilding and reports it is well-positioned to help the Trump administration meet its goals to expand the U.S. Navy and improve the execution of repairs and overhauls. The Korean yards also expect to increase business as the USTR moves forward with its plans to impose fees on Chinese-built ships in an effort to break China’s dominance in global shipbuilding.

Amogy and GreenHarvest Target First Ammonia-to-Power Deployment in Taiwan

[By: Amogy]

Amogy, a provider of scalable and efficient ammonia-to-power solutions, today announced a landmark partnership with GreenHarvest, a Taiwan-based renewable energy firm, to deploy the first-ever ammonia-to-power system in Taiwan. This strategic collaboration marks a significant milestone in Asia’s clean energy transition, bringing Amogy’s advanced ammonia cracking technology to one of the world’s most vital digital infrastructure and semiconductor hubs. 

Under the partnership, Amogy will provide the ammonia-to-power system while GreenHarvest will lead local integration as the power generation and distribution partner. The pilot system is scheduled for installation between late 2026 and early 2027 at a selected large industrial electricity consumer facility in Taiwan, with the potential to scale across the island’s high-tech and manufacturing sectors. 

“We are proud to bring our ammonia-powered technology to Taiwan with a forward-looking partner like GreenHarvest,” said Seonghoon Woo, CEO at Amogy. “This project not only represents the first deployment of our technology in Taiwan, but also a critical step toward decarbonizing industrial energy use in one of the world’s most important digital infrastructure economies.” 

Amogy’s system utilizes advanced catalyst materials to convert ammonia into hydrogen on-site. The hydrogen is then funneled into a hydrogen engine, generating high performance power with zero carbon emissions. The system is modular, efficient, and uniquely suited to hard-to-abate industrial operations that demand both reliability and scalability. 

This project with GreenHarvest builds on Amogy’s growing footprint in Asia, following the company’s expansion into South Korea earlier this year to support regional commercialization and collaboration. 

As Taiwan seeks to meet ambitious decarbonization goals under its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), the partnership offers an innovative pathway for reducing Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions in eco-conscious manufacturing sectors. The collaboration also aligns with Taiwan’s developing carbon trading framework, providing industrial electricity users with a future-proof energy solution that can reduce operational carbon footprints while supporting compliance with evolving regulatory policies. 

KH Chen, Chairman of GreenHarvest, commented: “GreenHarvest has long been committed to rooftop solar development, providing industrial electricity users with a reliable and user-friendly source of green power. At the same time, we are actively deploying next-generation green electricity technologies. Through our 2024 collaboration with H2U in Australia on a green hydrogen project and this deployment of Amogy’s ammonia-to-power energy solution at customer sites, it further reinforces our confidence and momentum in ammonia-based energy applications.” 

The project builds on GreenHarvest’s extensive renewable energy experience, including large-scale rooftop solar installations and its international green hydrogen ventures. By combining GreenHarvest’s market leadership in Taiwan’s energy transition with Amogy’s cutting-edge technology, the partnership opens a new chapter in Asia’s clean industrial power landscape. 

Report: Tanker Turns Away from Indian Refinery as Sanctions Create Pressure


Media reports are highlighting the likely first impact from the European Union’s move last Friday (July 18) to further expand the sanctions on the Russian energy industry. President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen had commented that the goal was to continue to increase the pressure on Russia, and now both Bloomberg and Reuters are reporting that at least one tanker has turned away from an Indian refinery included on the new sanctions list.

India’s Nayara Energy was included in the listing by the EU due to the 49 percent investment stake held by Russia’s Rosneft. The EU reported it was targeting both Russian and international companies managing shadow fleet vessels, traders of Russian crude oil, as well as a major customer of the shadow fleet, a refinery in India with Rosneft as its main shareholder.

The Marshall Islands-flagged crude oil tanker Talara (73,371 dwt) is reported to have been under charter to BP and inbound to India’s Vadinar port. It is believed, according to Reuters, that it was to load a cargo of ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel on July 21 to be transported to Africa. Both Reuters and Bloomberg are confirming the tanker made an about-face and left the port without loading the cargo. Reuters says the tanker was placed back on the charter market, available for pickups in India or the Middle East.

It is likely the first sign of a “bite” from the sanctions, with Reuters highlighting, however, that several other tankers are scheduled to arrive at the Nayara Energy terminal. It points out that the company, in a statement, called the sanctions “unjust and unilateral.” Bloomberg reports Rosneft called the EU sanctions “unjustified and illegal.”

The EU, however, is highlighting that its actions are having an impact, but they can also be reversed when the ships abide by the restriction. It says as part of the 18th package that “the EU has accepted to remove three vessels from its list of sanctioned vessels following firm commitments that these LNG tankers will no longer engage in the transport of Russian energy to the Russian Yamal and Arctic 2 projects for which they had originally been commissioned.”

The EU in May listed three tankers operated by Japan’s Mitsui O.S.K. Lines. The vessels, North Light, North Moon, and North Ocean, are state-of-the-art carriers completed in late 2024 for the trade. MOL said when the vessels were listed that it was assessing the impact while promising to comply with applicable laws, regulations, and rules.

The Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Andriy Yermak, announced yesterday, however, that the Bahamas is also following the lead of the European Union and imposing restrictions on its ship registry. 

"The Bahamas are officially depriving the Russian tanker fleet of its flag," Yermak announced on Telegram. “This is a blow not only to the sanction circumvention schemes, but also to the entire Russian economy, which is based on shadow oil and gas flows. The Russian Federation tried to hide its presence in world waters under foreign flags, fictitious owners. But even these loopholes are being closed.”

It is unclear how many tankers were in the Bahamas registry from the shadow fleet. United Against a Nuclear Iran (UANI) listed the Bahamas at the bottom of its ranking of flags for Iranian shadow fleet tankers, and the Bahamas has rarely, if ever, been mentioned for the Russian shadow fleet. Still, it is seen as another step in the efforts to increase pressure on sanction evasion efforts.
 

KR Representative LEE Jungkun Elected Chair of IACS Safety Panel

[By: Korean Register]

KR (Korean Register) is pleased to announce that LEE Jungkun, General Manager of KR’s Convention & Legislation Service Team, has been elected as the next Chair of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) Safety Panel, with a three-year term running from January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2028. The appointment was confirmed at the 91st IACS Council Meeting held in Beijing, China. 

The Safety Panel is one of IACS’s seven technical panels and plays a crucial role in developing, revising, and interpreting key international maritime safety regulations. Working closely with major regulatory bodies such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the European Union (EU), the panel addresses critical safety issues under IMO conventions. 

LEE graduated from Korea Maritime & Ocean University and joined KR in 2000. He has represented KR on the Safety Panel since 2016, contributing to the panel’s work for nearly a decade. Recognized as an expert in maritime safety, he possesses extensive knowledge and practical experience with major safety instruments, including the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), and has actively participated in technical discussions at both IACS and IMO. 

His election as Chair, with strong support from the twelve IACS member societies, underscores the high regard for his expertise and leadership within the international maritime community.

Israeli Cruise Ship Forced to Skip Greek Port Call Due to Protestors


The Israeli-owned cruise ship Crown Iris was met by protestors during its midday port call on the Greek island of Syros. The ship is on a cruise from Israel with reports of 1,600 passengers aboard, including 300 to 400 children, prompting the cruise line to first delay and then cancel the port call, and protests from Israeli officials.

The cruise ship Crown Iris (40,876 gross tons) is registered in Panama and operates cruises from Haifa. Built in 1992 and lengthened in 1999 when she was owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, the ship was acquired by the Israeli company Mano Maritime in 2018 from Louis Group and its Celestyal Cruises.

According to the media reports from Israel and Greece, the ship arrived at Syros for a six-hour port call on Tuesday, July 22, and it was quickly met by a small group of protestors. The videos show a small group, although media reports say they numbered 200 to 300 people. They were blocking one of the main roads and could be seen displaying a Palestinian flag. Some reports said they also placed flyers along the walkway from the ship.

 

 

Some passengers went ashore but were reported to have water thrown at them. Mano Cruises brought everyone back aboard, and its onboard security was monitoring the situation. They were suggesting passengers remain indoors, but some can be seen on deck waving the Israeli flag.

Mano reported it was in touch with the local authorities, but passengers said it took a least two hours for the police to arrive. The cruise line initially said it thought the protestors would dissipate and that it would extend the port call. As a precaution, it decided to keep all the passengers onboard and later directed the cruise ship to depart and proceed to its next stop at Limassol, Cyprus.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said he had spoken with his Greek counterpart to request intervention. The Israeli Embassy in Greece also said it was monitoring the situation while highlighting it would likely be detrimental to future Israeli tourism in Greece. Reports said over 600,000 Israeli tourists visited Greece in 2024.

It is the latest in a series of antisemitic incidents in Greece, according to the media reports. There are also reports that last week, dockworkers in Piraeus refused to service a cargo ship bound for Israel. 

Report: COSCO Seeks “Powerful Role” in Talks for Hutchison Terminal Sale


Chinese officials are reportedly seeking a key role for COSCO as part of the talks to resolve the concerns over the proposed sale of CK Hutchison’s terminal operations in Panama and 41 global ports. Bloomberg reports China has set a new condition to give COSCO the ability to block unfavorable decisions as part of the talks designed to gain Chinese support for the deal, which was first announced in March and is still pending approval.

According to unnamed sources, Bloomberg reports COSCO “is asking to have veto rights or equivalent powers in the entity,” that would be formed by BlackRock and MSC’s Terminal Investments Ltd. The sources told Bloomberg, “COSCO has argued such rights are necessary to block any decisions that are potentially harmful to China’s interests.”

Chinese officials have repeatedly accused the United States of orchestrating the deal as part of Donald Trump’s assertions that China controls the Panama Canal. They have frequently linked the deal to efforts by the U.S. to interfere with China’s international trade.

These latest developments come just days before the exclusive negotiation period between CK Hutchison and the group formed by BlackRock and TiL is due to expire. The lockup was for 145 days and, as such, should be over, unless extended, on July 27. 

Bloomberg has previously reported that the end of the lockup would clear the way for resetting the terms of the two deals. It is now reporting that while the talks are continuing, BlackRock and TiL agreed that COSCO “should have full information access to the operation.” Bloomberg speculates the terms of a new three-way deal could be settled by the end of September.

The original deal announced in March called for BlackRock to lead the acquisition of the two terminals in Panama, located at each end of the Panama Canal. It was seen as a face-saving move for Trump, who has said the U.S. would regain dominance over the Panama Canal. The companies would acquire Hutchison’s 90 percent interest in the Panamanian company, with the country continuing to hold its 10 percent ownership stake.

MSC’s TiL would be the lead investor along with BlackRock in the other global terminal operations. CK Hutchison would retain its terminals in China and Hong Kong.

Chinese officials have said the deal is under review while publicly asserting it would harm Chinese interests. They accused Hong Kong billionaire Li Ka-shing of being disloyal and acting against the state in the proposed sale. Bloomberg has reported that China told state-owned firms to hold off on any new business deals with the Li family until the ports sale is resolved.

News that China was seeking a role for the state-owned COSCO in the deal was first reported in June as a possible face-saving step. COSCO is a logical company to lead the Chinese portion, as its COSCO Shipping Ports as of December 31, 2024, operated and managed 375 berths at 39 ports globally, of which 226 were for containers, with an annual handling capacity of approximately 124 million TEU.
 

Everllence Cuts Emissions from Own Production by 63%

[By: Everllence]

Everllence has made its corporate responsibility transparent with the publication of its sustainability report for financial year 2024. The report shows concrete progress, including a 63 percent reduction in CO2 emissions from its own global production, compared to 2018.

At the heart of the report is Everllence’s revised sustainability strategy, built on three core pillars: “Decarbonization is our business” encompasses the company’s solutions that help customers reduce emissions in energy-intensive sectors such as shipping, energy, and industry. “Nature” stands for responsible resource use, emission reductions at production sites, and the protection of biodiversity. The third pillar, “People and Society”, brings together initiatives for good working conditions, diversity, and social responsibility.

This strategic realignment is based on a double materiality analysis, incorporating external perspectives and additional topics and data to enhance transparency in reporting.

Dr. Uwe Lauber – CEO of Everllence –  said: “With our sustainability strategy, we are explicitly taking responsibility for the environment and society, embedding this commitment into our corporate strategy, ‘Moving big things to zero.’ Decarbonizing the global economy is our business. We firmly believe that sustainability and climate protection are key drivers of transformation for German mechanical engineering and the German economy.”

Progress across all three strategic areas
As a leading provider of decarbonization solutions, Everllence supports key industries in reducing hard-to-abate emissions. These products are expected to account for at least half of the company’s revenue by 2030; in 2024, 15 percent of incoming orders were already attributable to green tech. A striking example is the large-scale heat pump in Esbjerg, Denmark, which Everllence has successfully commissioned. It replaces a coal-fired power plant, supplies 25,000 households with climate-neutral district heating, and reduces CO? emissions by 120,000 tons annually.

Everllence also aims to halve its own production-related CO? emissions (Scope 1 and Scope 2) by 2030. This target has already been exceeded: compared to the 2018 baseline, and emissions have been reduced by 63 percent. Overall, the company’s greenhouse-gas footprint improved by 13 percent year-on-year, despite nearly constant energy consumption and production hours. This corresponds to a reduction of 6,147 tons of CO?, achieved through energy efficiency measures, a switch to carbon-neutral energy sources, and expanded capacity for self-generated solar power.

Dr. Johanna Rauchenberger, Vice President Quality, HSE, Sustainability & Product Safety, said: “By far the greatest leverage for climate protection comes from the use of our products and solutions by our customers. A single container ship powered by LNG instead of conventional fuel can reduce its climate-damaging emissions by up to 30 percent. If it runs on an alternative fuel like ammonia, it emits no CO? at all. We track these so-called ‘Scope 4’ emissions and will incorporate them into our future corporate responsibility reporting. We’re also proud to have significantly reduced the CO? emissions generated during the manufacturing of these products in our own facilities — exceeding our targets in this area.”

Dietmar Pinkernell, Head of Sustainability & Product Safety, added: “Staying on track to meet our 2030 reduction targets remains a challenge —especially due to factors like the availability of alternative fuels and our own growth. But we are already in a strong position and will continue to push our initiatives forward with determination.”

A standout initiative from the company’s workplace health management program is “Frauengesundheit erleben” (English: ‘experience women’s health’), which received the Human Resources Excellence Award in 2024. The campaign promotes the well-being of female employees by providing targeted knowledge on gender-specific health challenges through workshops, lectures, and personalized health assessments.

Further information is available in the 2024 Sustainability Report: MAN Energy Solutions Sustainability Report 2024

LNG Carrier to be Jointly Built by Hanwha Geoje and Hanwha Philly

 

[Correction: Initial reports of this order suggested that the vessel would be built at Hanwha Philly. This is incorrect: It will be ordered from the Hanwha Phillly legal entity, then substantially built in Korea by Hanwha Geoje, then sailed to Hanwha Philly for "joint build" production.]

A Hanwha Group subsidiary has purchased a LNG carrier from Hanwha's shipbuilding subsidiaries, and the U.S. Coast Guard certification work will be performed at the conglomerate's American shipyard, the recently-acquired Hanwha Philly. The exact scope of work for Hanwha Philly is still under discussion, a spokesperson for the yard said. 

"This project aligns with the U.S. government's strategy to revitalize its shipbuilding and shipping industries while strengthening energy security," Hanwha Ocean told Yonhap. 

Ryan Lynch, the CEO of Hanwha Shipping, told Bloomberg that the price would be about $250 million - in line with the typical purchase price for a 174,000cbm LNG carrier at a Korean shipyard. 

Korea's Big Three shipbuilders - including Hanwha - are world leaders in LNG carrier construction. Hanwha said that a significant part of the vessel will be built at the Hanwha Geoje plant in Korea, and that "Hanwha Philly Shipyard plans to support certification work to meet U.S. laws and maritime safety standards of the United States Coast Guard (USCG)."

The news follows last month's reports that Hanwha is planning to reflag Korean-made LNG carriers into the U.S.-flag fleet, making use of the Alternative Compliance Program (ACP), the Coast Guard's inspection and certification agreement with certain class societies. 

Reflagged Korean vessels would not be Jones Act-compatible, as they would not be U.S. built. There is a narrow exemption for LNG carriers trading to Puerto Rico, but very few hulls qualify. According to Business Korea, Hanwha is simultaneously watching the U.S. domestic debate over Jones Act reform, which - if acted upon - could allow broader use of less-expensive Korean hulls in U.S. domestic trade. 

Hanwha has been moving fast to expand its position in American shipbuilding with the acquisition and upgrading of Hanwha Philly. It has hired hundreds of new people and has a training pipeline of 170 apprentices; with "smart yard technology," like advanced welding robots, Hanwha thinks it can increase production to 10 ships a year - up from the current rate of 1.5. 

In addition to its commercial shipbuilding ambitions, Hanwha wants to win U.S. Navy contracts, including newbuild auxiliaries. Some of those orders could also go abroad, Hanwha acknowledges.

"U.S. support shipbuilding capability has weakened and fallen behind schedule, so the U.S. is considering placing orders with foreign shipyards if support ships [naval auxiliaries] can be built quickly," Hanwha Philly Shipyard chief Lee Jong-Moo told The Korea Times. 

In the 2010s, Hanwha's predecessor company DSME won a bid to sell four oilers to the UK Royal Fleet Auxiliary for a favorable price; the Korean builder partnered with a British yard to complete the fitting-out process to ensure UK domestic content. 

Australian Man Charged With Smuggling Cocaine Inside Marine Engines

 

Cocaine smugglers often go to exceptional lengths to conceal their goods from customs officers. The drug has been tethered inside sea chests, bolted into machine tools, dissolved and soaked into clothing, packed in banana boxes and tucked into reefer containers, all to reach the most lucrative global markets. A Sydney man now stands accused of attempting to smuggle cocaine into Australia in a uniquely maritime fashion: hidden inside a pair of marine engines.  

In October 2024, Australian Border Force officers inspected a consignment arriving in Brisbane from the United States. The shipment consisted of two crated marine engines, with signs of age and previous use. The officers found plastic-wrapped bricks inside the crankcase of each engine, packed between lobes of the crankshaft and covered in grease. Testing confirmed that they contained cocaine, so the AFP officers removed all 140 kilos of the drugs, replaced the bricks with fakes, and then put the shipment back in motion. 

On November 14-15, the crates were moved to a property in Wongawallan, about 25 miles south of Brisbane. According to the Australian Federal Police, a suspect from Sydney traveled to the property on November 15 and - along with a second suspect - retrieved some of the fake bricks from within one of the marine engines.  

The AFP raided multiple properties on November 17 and recovered evidence; the suspect from Sydney has now been charged of attempting to possess a commercial quantity of smuggled cocaine - an offense that carries a penalty of up to life in prison in Australia. 

“Criminals are motivated by greed and are indifferent to the harm their actions cause. This amount of cocaine could have equated to about 700,000 street level deals,” AFP Detective Superintendent Adrian Telfer said. “The AFP and its law enforcement partners are committed to disrupting and dismantling criminal operations which look to bring harm to our people and communities."

It is the second time that a suspect has been charged in connection with this smuggling scheme. In April, prosecutors brought similar charges against a Gold Coast resident who was also allegedly present during the attempt to recover the fake drugs. 

MARAD Announces $8.75 Million in Grants to Revitalize U.S. Shipyards

[By MARAD]

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy today announced the Maritime Administration (MARAD) awarded $8.75 million in grants to revitalize U.S. shipyards and advance America’s maritime dominance. The funding is part of the Small Shipyard Grant program, which supports advanced training, workforce development, and new technologies that strengthen U.S. shipbuilding and repair capabilities.  

“President Trump’s plan to reclaim maritime dominance starts with rebuilding America’s shipyards,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. “This program will help America to build big, beautiful ships again to counter Chinese competition and maintain freedom on the seas.” 

“Unleashing the full power of America's shipyards will boost our economic strength and national security,” said Acting Maritime Administrator Sang Yi. “The Small Shipyard Grant program is revitalizing America’s maritime industry by investing in businesses that spur innovation, improve productivity, and fuel job creation in communities around the country.” 

Since its inception in 2008, the Small Shipyard Grant program has awarded 382 grants totaling $320.5 million to qualified small shipyard facilities. 17 recipients in 12 states were awarded funds as part of this announcement. 

Additional Information:

America’s small shipyards are a strategic asset and are critical to national security and economic vitality. Employing more than 100,000 Americans, these shipyards are fundamental engines of local job growth and have unique capabilities, from custom vessel development to specialized repair services. Through President Trump’s Executive Order on restoring America’s maritime dominance, shipyards are positioned to enhance defense, grow manufacturing, and expand innovation and the maritime workforce. 

Below is a complete list of shipyard grant recipients in Fiscal Year 2025:  

Alabama 

Master Boat Builders of Bayou La Bâtre, AL, will receive $427,596.38 to support the procurement and integration of training equipment and technologies. 

Alaska 

Resolve Marine, Inc., of Dutch Harbor, AK, will receive $447,341.00 to support the purchase of a Caterpillar 980 Wheel Loader. 

California 

Marine Group Boat Works, LLC of Chula Vista, CA, will receive $248,402.50 to support the purchase of a Flow Mach 500 Waterjet Metal Cutting Table.  

Bay Ship & Yacht Co. of Alameda, CA, will receive $388,777.00 to support the purchase of a CNC plasma arc and gas cutting equipment. 

Florida 

Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc., of Panama City, FL, will receive $93,537.75 to support the purchase of a 10-foot plate shear.  

St. Johns Ship Building, Inc., of Palatka, FL, will receive $617,040.00 to support the purchase of a Grove GRT8100 110-ton Rough Terrain Crane.  

Kentucky 

JamesBuilt, LLC of Calvert City, KY, will receive $599,130.00 to support the purchase of a 65-ton rough terrain crane.  

Louisiana 

Breaux’s Bay Craft, Inc., of New Iberia, LA, will receive $817,150.00 to support the purchase of a 200-ton Marine Travelift.  

PAR61 Marine Repair of Port Allen, LA, will receive $723,242.00 to support Travelift infrastructure improvements, three new power distribution panels, a Telehandler, and a Crane Apron. 

Maryland 

Chesapeake Shipbuilding Corp., of Salisbury MD, will receive $817,150.00 to support the purchase of a 160-ton rough terrain mobile crane. 

Pennsylvania  

Heartland Fabrication, LLC of Brownsville, PA, will receive $588,092.00 to support the purchase of a Koike Aronson PlatePro XHD Model 3700 Plasma cutting machine.  

Rhode Island  

J. Goodison Company of North Kingston, RI, will receive $274,596.00 to support the purchase of welding equipment and a press brake. 

Texas 

Conrad Orange Shipyard, Inc., of Orange, TX, will receive $418,200.50 to support the purchase of a CNC plasma cutting system. 

Washington 

Ice Floe, LLC dba Nichols Brothers Boat Builders of Freeland, WA, will receive $357,317.00 to support the purchase of a CNC Router Table, CNC Laser Table, Dust Collector, Dehumidifier, and 15 multi-process welders with wire feeds. 

Snow & Company, Inc. of Seattle, WA, will receive $817,150.00 to support the purchase of a CNC Press Brake with segmented dies and Deburring Machine. 

Lake Union Drydock Company of Seattle, WA, will receive $298,131.64 to support the purchase of a 9-ton Mobile Crane, 4-pack of weld machines, plate cutter, and drydock LED lighting. 

Wisconsin 

Fraser Shipyards, LLC of Superior, WI, will receive $817,146.23 to support the purchase of Link Belt 130-ton Telescopic Boom Rough Terrain Crane
 

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