Shipbuilding: Frigate Normandie Floated Out
![French naval frigate FREMM Normandie was floated out February 1 at the Naval Group shipyard in Lorient, France (Photo: Naval Group)](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w100h1500/french-naval-frigate-fremm-normandie-82106.jpg)
French shipbuilder Naval Group said it floated the FREMM multi-mission frigate Normandie on February 1, roughly one year after the start of hull assembly in the building dock on the Lorient site. The eighth FREMM frigate to be built in Lorient and the sixth in a series ordered by OCCAR (Organization for Joint Armament Cooperation) on behalf of the DGA (French Defense Procurement Agency - Direction Générale de l’Armement) for the French Navy…
Migrant Crisis: New EU Sea Mission Launched
The European Union’s border agency Frontex launched a new Mediterranean operation called Themis on Thursday, removing the obligation of the previous mission to bring rescued migrants only to Italy.
Light Well Intervention: TechnipFMC, Island Offshore Partner
![Chairman of the Island Offshore Group, Morten Ulstein, together with the new managing director of Island Offshore Subsea AS, Odd Strømsheim after signing the collaboration agreement (Photo: TechnipFMC)](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w100h1500/chairman-of-the-island-offshore-82103.jpg)
TechnipFMC said it has signed an agreement with the Island Offshore group to acquire a 51 percent stake in Island Offshore’s wholly owned subsidiary, Island Offshore Subsea AS. Island Offshore Subsea AS provides Riserless Light Well Intervention (RLWI) project management and engineering services for plug and abandonment (P&A), riserless coiled tubing and well completion operations. Island Offshore Subsea AS employs approximately 80 staff.
#BTC100 History — May 1917
![Photo Courtesy of Bouchard Transportation Co.](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w100h1500/hoto-courtesy-of-bouchard-transportation-82102.jpg)
Bouchard Transportation Co. began as a “True American Story,” when its founder, Capt. Fred Bouchard, formed the company with an award in the form of a $9,000 check he received from U.S. District Court. The award, which was given to Capt. Fred for personal bravery and rescue efforts during the infamous Black Tom Explosion, was also in part for his ability to salvage the 4,000-ton Brazilian steamer Tijoca Rio and the schooner George E. Elezy, of Bath, Maine.
Retlif Expands Solar Testing Capabilities
![Environmental Chamber with Roof Mounted UV Lamps and Control-Monitoring Equipment(Photo: Retlif Testing Laboratories)](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w100h1500/environmental-chamber-with-roof-mounted-82099.jpg)
Independent testing and strategic compliance organization Retlif Testing Laboratories has inaugurated phase one of an expansion program to offer more solar radiation testing, including both heat and photochemical testing, to military and commercial product manufacturers. The first of two planned dedicated Solar Radiation Test Chamber upgrades has been completed at Retlif’s Harleysville, Pa. testing laboratory, with phase two scheduled for third quarter 2018 at Retlif’s Ronkonkoma, N.Y.
The Baltic Index Fell 10% This Week
![© NS Photography / Adobe Stock](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w100h1500/ns-photography-adobe-stock-82093.png)
The Baltic Exchange's main sea freight index, ended the week over 10 percent lower on Friday, as rates fell across all vessel segments, pushing the index to near 6-month lows. The overall index, which factors in rates for capesize, panamax, supramax and handysize shipping vessels, fell 19 points, or 1.71 percent, at 1,095 points, touching its lowest level since Aug. 10 last year. The capesize index shed 58 points, or 3.8 percent, at 1,470 points. It fell about 17 percent for the week.
Electric & Hybrid Drives Are Gaining Steam on the Waterfront
![Image: Torqeedo](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w100h1500/image-torqeedo-82086.jpg)
Demand for electric mobility is sweeping across the globe, and it’s rapidly gaining traction in the marine industry. The electric mobility revolution is largely being driven by the land transportation sector. Industry statistics predict that electric vehicle sales will surpass combustion engine vehicles within the next 20 years. Many countries in Europe and Asia have already adopted aggressive deadlines to phase out sales of combustion-powered vehicles…
First of Two New Tugs Delivered to Multraship
![Multratug 32 (Photo: Damen)](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w100h1500/multratug-32-photo-damen-82085.jpg)
Towage and salvage specialist Multraship has taken delivery of the first of two new Carrousel Rave Tugs (CRT). The vessel, which was commissioned as Multratug 32 and delivered by Netherlands shipyard Damen Maaskant in Stellendam, will operate under lease to Multraship. The contract for the vessels was agreed between Novatug, an arm of the group to which Multraship also belongs, and Damen’s specialist propulsion subsidiary Van der Velden Barkemeyer GmbH in November 2015.
Brazil Drops 'Railway to the Pacific' Plan
Brazil has shelved a planned railway to ship commodities destined for China through Peru as it was too costly and faced "absurd" engineering challenges, a Brazilian official said.
Washington State, DNV GL Partner on Maritime Sector Growth
![© Bill Perry / Adobe Stock](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w100h1500/bill-perry-adobe-stock-82084.jpg)
DNV GL will support Washington State as it advances its strategy for the sustainable development of the state’s $38 billion maritime industry. In December 2017, Washington State Governor Jay Inslee’s Maritime Innovation Advisory Council launched an effort called “Washington Maritime Blue” to develop a comprehensive strategy for leading the nation in “blue” ocean industry technology and practices. Classification…
Noble Group: Sale of Four Bulkers Falls Through
Crisis-wracked commodity trader Noble Group said on Friday said proposed agreements to sell four dry bulk carrier vessels have fallen through after the buyers failed…
Oil From Sunken Iranian Tanker May Have Reached Japan
Clumps of oil have washed up on the shores of southern Japan and there are fears they may be leaking from an Iranian crude tanker than sank in the world's worst such disaster in decades…
Migrant Boat Capsizes off Libya, Dozens Feared Dead
Most on board boat believed to be Pakistanis;ten bodies so far recovered, three survivors found. An estimated 90 migrants are feared to have drowned off the coast…
Bahri Adds VLCC 'Lawhah' to its Fleet
The National Shipping Company of Saudi Arabia (Bahri) received a very large crude carrier (VLCC) named “Lawhah” on Thursday, the company said. "Continuing its strong start to 2018…
Port of Gothenburg to Start LNG Facility
The Port of Gothenburg has launched the construction of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility in an effort to open up new opportunities for LNG-fuelled ships. "Construction…
Hyundai Samho Heavy Bags USD 200mln Order for LNG Carrier
South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries (HSHI) has won a $ 200 million contract for the construction of a 174,000-cubic-meter LNG vessel for NYK Line, said a report in Yonhap.
Dorian LPG Sells, Leaseback Concorde
The Stamford, Connecticut-based Dorian LPG has reached a sale and bareboat charter arrangement for its 84,000 cbm carrier Concorde. The liquified petroleum gas…
Chemical Tankers Face Challenging Year: Stolt-Nielsen
Chemical tankers are sailing into another challenging year, according to the London based chemical carrier, tank container and terminals group Stolt-Nielsen's Chief Executive Officer, Niels G.
US Navy to Commission Littoral Combat Ship Omaha
The United States Navy will commission its newest Independence-variant littoral combat ship (LCS), the future USS Omaha (LCS 12), during a 10 a.m. PST ceremony Saturday, Feb.
Hyundai Merchant Marine, GS Caltex Ink Crude Oil Deal
South Korean shipping company Hyundai Merchant Marine (HMM) has signed a long-term crude oil shipping contract with compatriot oil refiner GS Caltex. A press release…