ClassNK Grants AIP for Offshore Wind Vessel Conversion
Classification society ClassNK announced it has issued an approval in principle (AIP) for the conversion plan of the medium-sized self-elevating platform (SEP) vessel for the installation of large wind turbine generator (WTG) on a semi-sub floater in port jointly developed by TOA Corporation (TOA), NIHON SHIPYARD CO.,LTD. (NSY), and Japan Marine United Corporation (JMU).This project involves a semi-sub floater developed by JMU…
What Happens if Russia Abandons UN-backed Grain Corridor?
The Kremlin has said the outlook is "not so great" for extending beyond May 18 a deal that allows the safe wartime export of grain from some Ukrainian Black Sea ports, raising concerns over what happens next with the U.N.-backed sea corridor.The deal has helped to tackle a global food crisis that U.N. officials said had been worsened by the most deadly war in Europe since World War Two.Reached in July last year…
Tanker Captain Medevaced in the Gulf of Mexico
An ailing tanker captain was medevaced from his vessel in the Gulf of Mexico, 218 miles offshore Alabama, the U.S. Coast Guard said.The Coast Guard said its watchstanders at Sector Mobile received a call at 12:17 p.m. on Wednesday via VHF-FM channel 16 from the crew aboard the U.S.-flagged Overseas Anacortes stating the vessel's 69-year-old master was experiencing heart attack-like symptoms.Watchstanders…
Wight Shipyard Launches Hybrid Ferry for Uber Boat by Thames Clippers
British aluminum shipbuilder Wight Shipyard has launched Earth Clipper, the first in a series of series of two new Clipper-class hybrid passenger vessels for Uber Boat by Thames Clippers.One of the key features of the new ferry is its hybrid propulsion system, which combines electric and diesel engines to reduce emissions and minimize our environmental impact making it one of the most eco-friendly…
Russia Conducts Surprise Inspection of Its Pacific Naval Fleet
Russia will conduct missile launches and torpedo tests as part of a surprise inspection of its Pacific naval fleet, Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Friday.The drills come amid heightened tension in the Asia-Pacific region, as the United States and South Korea conduct joint air exercises following an intercontinental ballistic missile test by North Korea."The main objective of this inspection…
Baltic Dry Index Logs Worst Week in Two Months
The Baltic Exchange's main sea freight index, tracking rates for ships carrying dry bulk commodities, fell on Friday to mark it worst week since mid-February as demand waned across all vessel segments.The overall index, which factors in rates for capesize, panamax and supramax shipping vessels, fell 28 points, or 1.9%, to 1,435.The index was down 8% for the week — its biggest weekly percentage fall since Feb. 17.The capesize index shed 38 points, or 2%, to 1,850.
Northern Lights Carbon Storage Project Advances as Construction of Specialized Ships Kicks Off
Construction of two ships for the Northern Lights carbon storage project in Norway started Thursday with a keel laying ceremony at the Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co. (DSIC) yard in Dalian, China.Keel laying is a ceremonial recognition of the shipbuilding start in the construction dock at the shipyard. First steel for the ships was cut in November 2022."The keel laying is a major milestone in building the world’s first large-scale LCO2 transport ships.
Japanese Leaders Collaborate on Ammonia-Fueled Gas Carrier
ClassNK issued an Approval in Principle (AiP) for an ammonia-fueled gas carrier which has been jointly developed by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Tsuneishi Shipbuilding and Mitsui E&S Shipbuilding.Ammonia is expected to be used as a ship fuel for decarbonization since it does not emit CO2 when combusted. While still in development, some project that it will be the dominate 'alternative fuel' starting in the mid-2030s.In the meantime…
Belov Engenharia Shipyard Delivers 'E-Pushboat' HB Poraque
Belov Engenharia Shipyard, located in Salvador, Brazil, delivered the first Robert Allan Ltd. designed RApide 2000-E pushboat – HB Poraque. It is the first of two battery/diesel electric vessels for Hidrovias do Brasil S.A. HB Poraque is a battery electric shallow draft pushboat, with a second vessel, HB Enguia, due for delivery in May 2023. The vessels will provide terminal assistance in the Amazon…
World's Largest FSRU Arrives in Hong Kong
The world's largest floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) has arrived in Hong Kong to serve the city's first liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminal, said CLP Power Hong Kong Ltd and Hong Kong Electric Co. Ltd.The FSRU arrived on April 13 and will set sail after checks and port clearance procedures to the offshore Hong Kong LNG terminal next week for final commissioning of the project…
Cyclone Ilsa Hits Australia's Northwest, Misses Iron Ore Export Hub
A tropical cyclone smashed into Australia's northwest coast as a category 5 storm, setting new wind speed records, but has largely spared populated regions including the world's largest iron ore export hub at Port Hedland, authorities said on Friday. Cyclone Ilsa made landfall early Friday morning with the highest intensity rating on a 1-to 5 scale and then moved inland as emergency crews urged several remote communities along the storm's path to seek shelter and remain indoors."Port Hedland ...