Maritime Industry News

Maine Maritime Cadets win Crowley Scholarships

Cadets Anna LaDue and Odegaard Fields from Maine Maritime Academy have been awarded the Thomas B. Crowley Sr. Memorial Scholarship. These students were selected based on their performance during the cadet training periods aboard Crowley-operated or -managed ships and their intent to pursue maritime careers.LaDue, a junior from Canterbury, New Hampshire, is studying marine transportation operations, with a minor in sail training. She has served as the Assistant Officer in Charge…

Al Seer Marine Expands Fleet with Two New Tankers

Abu Dhabi's Al Seer Marine, a subsidiary of International Holding Company (IHC), has taken delivery of two new Medium Range (MR) tankers, M.T. Saiph and her sister ship from K Shipbuilding Korea.Each vessel is equipped with an Exhaust Gas Cleaning System (EGCS) and engineered to accommodate alternative fuels such as Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), ammonia, and methanol.With a deadweight of 49,757 MT each, the two modern vessels are IMO II/III oil and chemical tankers carefully engineered…

The U.S. Navy’s New Navigation Plan: Anticipating the Impact on Uncrewed Surface Systems

In September 2024, the U.S. Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Lisa Franchetti, issued her Chief of Naval Operations Navigation Plan for America’s Warfighting Navy. Admiral Franchetti describes this Navigation Plan as the strategic guidance to the U.S. Navy.This Navigation Plan embodies “Project 33” in recognition of the fact that Admiral Franchetti is the 33rd Chief of Naval Operations. Project 33 articulates two overarching objectives: An imperative to be ready for the possibility of war with the People’s Republic of China by 2027…

MISNA Announces Leadership Transition

Stephen Lyman named President and Captain Steve White transitions to Chairman.The Maritime Information Services of North America (MISNA), a leading association providing information, communications, and services to promote safe, secure, efficient and environmentally sound maritime operations, is proud to announce the appointment of Stephen Lyman, Executive Director of the Maritime Association of the Port of NY & NJ, as its new President. Lyman will succeed Captain Steve White…

SHIPS for America Act rolled out on the Hill

The bipartisan, bicameral bill will fuel U.S. economy, strengthen national security by responding to China’s threat over the oceans. Currently, the number of U.S.-flagged vessels in international commerce is 80; China has 5,500.Today, Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Senator Todd Young (R-IN), Representative John Garamendi (D-CA-8), and Representative Trent Kelly (R-MS-1) introduced the Shipbuilding and Harbor Infrastructure for Prosperity and Security (SHIPS) for America Act, comprehensive legislation to revitalize the United States shipbuilding and commercial maritime industries.

Wärtsilä to power world’s largest methanol-ready cement carrier

Technology group Wärtsilä’s focus on supporting the marine industry’s efforts to decarbonize operations continues to drive concrete steps forward.The latest order is to supply a complete propulsion package for a 38,000 DWT methanol-ready cement carrier vessel. When built, this will be the world’s largest vessel of its type, and the first with a methanol-ready notation. The order has been placed by NovaAlgoma, a joint venture between the Italian Swiss-based, Nova Marine Group and the Canadian Algoma Central Corporation.

Windward Offshore Lines Up Key Suppliers for New CSOV Fleet

With four commissioning service operation vessels (CSOVs) currently under construction, German shipowner Windward Offshore has formed strategic partnerships with major industry suppliers such as Ampelmann, MAN Energy Solutions, and others, to ensure safe and high-quality delivery of the vessels.The CSOVS, two being built in Norway and two in Vietnam, are part of the contracts Windward Offshore signed with Vard for the design and construction of two hybrid CSOVs, which was later expanded to four vessels.The first vessel is scheduled for delivery in the second half of 2025…

Damen delivers 2nd OPV 2600 to Pakistan Navy

Collaboration between the two parties advances with MoU.Damen Shipyards Group has delivered the second in a series of two Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV) 2600 to the Pakistan Navy. The vessel, named PNS Yamama, follows the delivery of the PNS Hunain in summer 2024. This latest delivery marks a milestone moment in a long-term relationship beginning with Damen’s earlier construction of the two Yarmook Class vessels, based on the Damen OPV 1900, in 2020. The handover ceremony for the…

Furetank Appoints First Female Chief Engineer

When the newbuilt tanker vessel Fure Vyl leaves the shipyard, Ailene Barrios heads the technical department on board. She is one of very few Filipino women in the business who have advanced to be a Chief Engineer.Furetank hopes that more will follow.Barrios started working with Furetank 16 years ago after finishing her studies and has been continuously promoted as she has obtained her licenses.“Furetank has always supported me to do my best. Being promoted has come with some fear every time, but I have overcome it, being excited and always up for the challenge.

Anemoi names Clare Urmston as new CEO

Anemoi Marine Technologies has today announced that Clare Urmston has been appointed as the company’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO).After holding a number of executive and non-executive positions within the manufacturing, healthcare and fast-moving consumer goods sectors, Clare Urmston joined Anemoi in March 2020 as its Chief Financial Officer and, in May 2024, became Chief Operating Officer as part of the company’s growth into Asia.She replaces Kim Diederichsen who is stepping…

USACE taps Gatehouse Maritime for AIS Tech

Gatehouse Maritime, a provider of  AIS (Automatic Identification System) network monitoring and maritime domain awareness software, announced the award of a new contract from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.The contract, initially set for one year, includes an option for a four-year extension, underscoring the long-term strategic importance of the partnership.Under the newly awarded contract, the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) will use Gatehouse Maritime's industry-leading AIS Network Monitoring system to enhance their management of U.S. national waterways.

Global Maritime Safety Enhanced by Iridium Certus GMDSS

Iridium Communications Inc. announced the service launch of Iridium Certus GMDSS, a generational advancement in maritime satellite communication safety services.Iridium Certus GMDSS, the only truly global GMDSS service available, features distress alert, safety voice, and Maritime Safety Information (MSI); includes additional regulated services like Long Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) and Ship Security Alert System (SSAS), and provides the fastest weather-resilient broadband service available for conducting ships' business when other systems are blocked or unavailable.

Damen Adds Lloyd’s Register to Colombia’s New Frigate Delivery Team

Damen Naval has signed contract with classification society Lloyd’s Register for the delivery of Plataforma Estratégica de Superficie (PES) frigate for Colombia, which will be built by Colombian shipbuilder COTECMAR.Following a successful design study contract with COTECMAR, Damen Naval signed a contract for the delivery of engineering, technical support and the shipbuilding materials and equipment for the first frigate in August 2024.Lloyd’s Register has been involved with the project since the end of 2022…

Maritime Vessel Decarbonization and the Human Element

The maritime industry is at a pivotal moment in its decarbonisation journey. Over the past decade, the sector has transitioned from focusing solely on air pollutants like sulphur oxides to adopting comprehensive strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This evolution presents both significant challenges and transformative opportunities for stakeholders across the globe.When the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) and Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP) were introduced in 2013, they did more than establish new global benchmarks.

Kongsberg Digital Banks 'Major' Simulator Contract in South Africa

Kongsberg Digital announced a significant agreement with Transnet SOC Ltd (Transnet) to deliver state-of-the-art simulator technology to the Transnet Academy in Durban, South Africa.Transnet plays a role in the South African economy by providing infrastructure and fostering economic growth through port operations. Scheduled for delivery in June 2025, the suite of Kongsberg simulators will support Transnet’s mission to enhance trade facilitation, sustainability, and economic growth by boosting training capacity and staying ahead of industry demand.

AET, SMF ink MoU to Strengthen Maritime Talent

AET, owner and operator of maritime transportation assets and specialised services and a member of the MISC Group, and the Singapore Maritime Foundation (SMF) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly develop Singapore’s maritime talent pool.Under the MoU, AET will sponsor four scholarships and two internships per year from 2025 to 2027, continuing its support for the AET-MaritimeONE partnership. The scholarships and internships will be managed by SMF, with both parties jointly selecting the candidates.

Converse Joins Greensea IQ EverClean Growth Team

Greensea IQ appointed Brooks Converse as Director of Business Development, focused on driving the growth and adoption of EverClean, the company’s flagship in-water hull cleaning solution, while building stronger partnerships within the maritime industry.Converse holds a Master of Science in International Transportation Management from the State University of New York Maritime College, and his understanding of port operations equips him to effectively address the challenges and…

How Digital Tech Aims to Make Commercial Vessels Safer, Cleaner, More Efficient

The maritime industry is witnessing a technological revolution that is fundamentally changing how ships operate, improving safe and efficient performance and reducing emissions, all to meet increasingly restrictive environmental standards. Adopting cutting-edge digital technologies enables ship owners and operators to optimize fleets, boost safe and efficient performance and reduce emissions while satisfying ever-developing environmentally beneficial requirements. Digitalization lies here and on the horizon of commercial vessel operations…

MPA and MISC Partner Up for Maritime Ops Digitalization

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and Malaysia’s MISC have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration in innovation, research and development (R&D) and test-bedding activities, to advance digital transformation in the maritime industry.As part of the three-year arrangement, both parties will focus on integrating sustainable digital technologies into marine operations, enhance processes through data-sharing initiatives and cybersecurity…

Bergen Engines Adds ioCurrents’ Marine Data Platform to Its Offer

Seattle-based maritime data analytics company ioCurrents has signed a strategic agreement with engine supplier Bergen Engine, expanding the reach of its MarineInsight data analytics platform.The partnership will enable Bergen Engines to offer ioCurrents’ MarineInsight platform as a value-added solution to customers in new builds, repowers, and overhauls, leveraging real-time data analytics to optimize vessel performance.By combining Bergen Engines’ expertise in designing and delivering high-performance medium speed engines and power systems with ioCurrents’ data analytics…

Has U.S. Shipbuilding Reached an ‘Atlas Shrugged’ Moment?

Each year, as we prepare for the largest U.S. based maritime industry conference in New Orleans, we tend to look back on the state of the industry and initiatives that were announced from the conference that took place the year before. 2023 provided us with plenty to talk about. In September of 2023, while the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the global shipbuilding industry were fixated on “emissions” and alternative fuels, U.S. Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro held the opening meeting of the Government Shipbuilders Council.

Seaspan Promotes Pechie, Penner to Leadership Roles

Effective January 1, 2025, Jordan Pechie has been appointed President of Seaspan Marine Transportation, succeeding Derek Ollmann, who assumes a new role as Chief Executive Officer of Transportation with The Washington Companies, following the planned retirement of Frank Butzelaar, the former Chief Operating Officer. “Both Derek Ollmann and Jordan Pechie have demonstrated exceptional leadership in transforming and re-imagining the business at Seaspan Marine. We have full confidence…

Snake Island Port inks 45-Year Concession with NPA

Nigerdock has completed an agreement with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) for the commencement and expansion of Snake Island Port, an 85-hectare, multipurpose port facility comprising three terminals located within Snake Island Integrated Free Zone. The approval for the project was granted in 2023 by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), which has oversight on the implementation of major infrastructure projects across the country. The concession is for a period of 45 years with an optional extension.Nigerdock Chairman and CEO…