How Serious is Russia's Fuel Export Ban and Who Will be Hit?
Russia said on Sept. 21 that it had temporarily banned gasoline and diesel exports to all but four ex-Soviet states in response to domestic shortages, a move that will disrupt global trade that has already had to adjust to Western sanctions on Russian fuel exports.Russia eased some of the restrictions on Sept. 25, saying it would allow the export of bunkering fuel for some vessels and diesel with high sulphur content.
Low Water Hampers Rhine River Shipping in Germany
Low water levels after recent dry weather are preventing cargo vessels from sailing fully loaded on the Rhine river in Germany with surcharges added to the usual freight rates, commodity traders said on Thursday.Low water is hampering shipping on most of the river south of Duisburg and Cologne, including the chokepoint of Kaub, traders said.Some vessels can only transit Kaub about 50% full, depending on ship type…
Japanese Shipping Giant Buys Into Norwegian Floating Wind Firm
Japanese shipping giant Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) has, following a recent private placement, become a shareholder in Odfjell Oceanwind, a Norwegian floating wind technology developer."The transaction generates significant capital which will be used to further strengthening Odfjell Oceanwind’s position as a global leader and frontrunner in floating offshore wind technologies. Odfjell Technology Ltd.
Diverse Resources in Desperate Times
Offshore services vessels are designed for myriad activities in the maritime industry. But as multifunctional assets, they not only offer utilitarian capabilities that are indispensable for commercial diving, subsea construction, mining, and countless other activities, they can simultaneously serve critical crisis response functions in the aftermath of a disaster.Chaos Ready Inc., a new non-profit marine industry initiative…
C2X Advances Green Methanol Production Project in Egypt
C2X has signed a comprehensive framework agreement to accelerate the large scale production of green methanol in Egypt.The agreement relates to projects strategically located close to the Suez Canal and was signed with the General Authority for Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE), the Egyptian New and Renewable Energy Authority, the Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company, and the Sovereign Fund of Egypt for Investment and Development.C2X is aiming to build…
ABS Joins Korean Partners on 3D Printing Project
ABS signed a memorandum of understanding to work with key stakeholders in Korea to develop and demonstrate a 3D printing system for ocean-going vessels.Using a digital library for the design process, the system aims to support rapid maintenance, repair and operations by using 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing (AM), to manufacture parts on a vessel while at sea.ABS joins project partners Ulsan Metropolitan City…
Vessel Recovery Underway in Lahaina Harbor, Maui
State and federal responders with the US Coast Guard Western Maui Wildfire Emergency Support Function #10 Unified Command are conducting vessel recovery and removal operations as part of their efforts to restore Lahaina Harbor and surrounding waterways following the August 8 wildfire.The Unified Command and the primary contractor, Global Diving & Salvage, have begun vessel recovery and removal operations in the vicinity of Lahaina Harbor.
Russia Says IMO Losing Impartiality
The U.N. shipping agency is departing from its impartial role due to "external pressure" and is being used in the interests of "a minor group of beneficiaries", which is impacting the fair treatment of all member countries, Russia said in a submission to the global shipping regulator published this week.The London-based International Maritime Organization (IMO) is responsible for regulating the safety…
New England States Buy Offshore Wind Power as US Industry Struggles
Three U.S. states in New England - Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut - on Wednesday agreed to jointly procure offshore wind power as soaring interest rates and rising equipment and labor costs have made some projects uneconomic.By joining forces, the states hope to counter the pain rippling across the nascent U.S. offshore wind industry, which is expected to play a key part in decarbonizing the power sector and revitalizing domestic manufacturing.Earlier this week…
Britain Says Russia May Target Civilian Shipping with Mines in Black Sea
Russia may use sea mines to target civilian shipping in the Black Sea, including by laying them on the approach to Ukrainian ports, the British government said on Wednesday citing intelligence.Russia pulled out of a deal in July that had allowed Ukraine to safely ship food products out through what is traditionally its main export corridor.Ukraine responded by setting up a temporary "humanitarian corridor" for cargo vessels…
Austal USA Receives Submarine Module Construction Order
Austal USA has received its first order for components supporting construction of a US Navy Columbia-class submarine.The order, from General Dynamics Electric Boat (Electric Boat), is for fabrication of the Command and Control Systems Module (CCSM) for the third ship in the Columbia-class program (SSBN 828).This order represents a significant expansion in the capabilities Austal USA has been providing to the submarine industrial base since February 2023.The purchase order…
PortXL and GTT Partner on Innovation
Maritime accelerator PortXL and containment system specialist GTT have formed a strategic partnership to drive transformative advancements in the maritime industry.The Rotterdam-based maritime start-up accelerator and GTT believe this collaboration sets the stage for an entrepreneurial journey towards transforming the maritime industry through innovation.PortXL has established itself as a maritime industry innovator…
PSV Retrofitted for Hybrid Operation
Skansi Offshore’s platform supply vessel (PSV), Kongsborg, has had a battery hybrid solution installed that is designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fuel consumption.SEAM delivered, and was the system integrator of, its hybrid solution, the e-SEAMatic® BLUE. The 1800kVA/620kWh system was installed in a dedicated pre-built deckhouse, complete with necessary auxiliary systems – significantly…
LNG Jumps Ahead of Methanol Fuel in Latest Vessel Ordering
According to the latest figures from DNV’s AFI platform, 21 LNG alternative fueled vessels were added to the database in August. It was the second strongest month for LNG orders in over a year. September saw continued growth with eight LNG fueled vessels in the orderbook.LNG container vessels represent the larger share of newbuilds in August and September with car carriers and tankers not far behind.
IFAN Appoints New CEO
The Board of Directors of the International Foundation for Aids to Navigation (IFAN) has appointed Catherine Mulvihill as its new CEO.Mulvihill is undergoing a comprehensive management of change process in collaboration with the current CEO, Peter Stanley, and will officially assume full responsibilities as IFAN’s CEO on October 9, 2023.She brings a wealth of experience spanning four decades in the marine industry…
Lake Charles Pilots Orders Launch from Gladding-Hearn
With three Gladding-Hearn pilot boats already in their fleet, the Louisiana-based Lake Charles pilots have ordered another launch from the Somerset, Mass., shipyard.Based on the Cameron Pilot II delivered in 2019, the new all-aluminum pilot boat features the Deep V hull by Ray Hunt Design and has an overall length of 73’, beam of 23’, and draft of 5.3’. It will be powered by twin Cummins QSK38-M1, EPA Tier 4-certified diesel engines…
Glas Ocean Electric Snags DARPA Contract
The United States Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) awarded Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada-based Glas Ocean Electric a contract to develop and demonstrate a low-cost data acquisition system that can be easily installed on a range of vessels including fishing vessels, workboats, ferries and pleasure craft.Glas Ocean Electric’s PerforMarine is a platform that collects vessel and environmental data and then…
Markey Machine Acquires JonRie InterTech
Seattle based deck machinery company Markey Machine announced it has acquired New Jersey headquartered competitor JonRie InterTech.The two companies design, manufacture and provide support for custom-designed winches and other deck equipment systems for the maritime and offshore sectors. According to Markey Machine, the acquisition will allow it to expand its product offerings, strengthen its technical…
Close Call: US Coast Guard Rescues 12 as Bonnie G Ro-Ro Ship Runs Aground
A U.S. Coast Guard boat crew rescued 12 people, Wednesday morning, after they were forced to abandon the Bonnie G vessel that was taking on water and ran aground just south of the airport in St. Thomas.All 12 people aboard the Bonnie G, a 195-foot Vanuatu-flagged “ro-ro” cargo vessel, are safe, and no injuries have been reported to the Coast Guard. Coast Guard watchstanders in Sector San Juan received VHF marine radio communication from the Bonnie G at 3:41 a.m.…
Baltic Index Ticks Down as Panamax Losses Outweigh Capesize Gains
The Baltic Exchange's main sea freight index edged down on Wednesday, as panamax rates hit a three-week low, offsetting a rise in capesize vessel rates.The overall index, which factors in rates for capesize, panamax, and supramax shipping vessels, edged down by 2 points to 1,778.The capesize index added 28 points, or about 1%, to 2,801 - its highest level in more than a year.Average daily earnings for capesize vessels which typically transport 150…
