ENTEK wins $1.3 billion US Loan for EV Battery Plant
The U.S. Department of Energy's loans office said on Friday it has finalized a loan of $1.3 billion to ENTEK Lithium Separators to finance a plant in Indiana for making lithium-ion battery separators used mostly in electric vehicles.WHY IT'S IMPORTANTThe Loan Programs Office is racing to finalize billions of dollars in loans to companies developing cutting-edge technologies expected to help speed an…
As Subsea Comms Cable Security Comes to the Fore, FCC Mulls New Rules
The Federal Communications Commission voted 5-0 to propose new rules governing undersea internet cables in the face of growing security concerns in the wake of two fiber-optic undersea telecommunication cables being severed in the Baltic Sea this week, which is suspected to be sabotage.The FCC eyes new rules to address the national security concerns over the global network of more than 400 subsea cables…
Pyongyang Skirts UN Limits on Russian Oil Imports
North Korea has likely received more than 1 million barrels of oil from Russia over an eight-month period this year in breach of U.N. sanctions, according to an analysis of satellite imagery published on Friday by the British-based Open Source Centre and the BBC.North Korean oil tankers have made more than 40 visits to Russia's Far Eastern port of Vostochny since March, the report on the research group Open Source Centre's website said."Dozens of high-resolution satellite images…
Driving You Nuts: Warning Issued on Biofuel with Cashew Nutshell Blend
Several ships in Singapore and Rotterdam reported operational problems in recent months after using marine fuel blended with cashew nutshell liquid biofuel, fuel testing agency CTI-Maritec said in an advisory on Thursday.Singapore-based CTI-Maritec said it tested samples from the affected ships and found the marine fuel was blended with cashew nutshell liquid that came from undeclared source materials or production processes.The ships had reported operational problems including fuel sludging…
BlastOne wins Irving Paint Hall contract
BlastOne International announced that it has been chosen by Irving Shipbuilding Inc. (ISI) to construct a cutting-edge three bay paint hall as part of the River-class Destroyer (RCD) Infrastructure Project.This initiative is essential for enhancing ISI’s facilities to support the production of RCD vessels in support of Canada's National Shipbuilding Strategy.Under this project, BlastOne will be responsible for designing and building the new paint and blast facility at the Halifax Shipyard.
SCA, Maersk ink Management Training Center pact
The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) and Maersk Training (MT) have entered into a landmark agreement to establish a Centre of Excellence focused on leadership and crisis management training for SCA employees. The agreement was signed at a ceremony attended by senior representatives from both organizations.The contract was formalized by Yasser El Sheshengy, Director of the Communication & Information Systems Department at the Suez Canal Authority…
Oakland Import Volumes Near Pre-Pandemic Level
The Port of Oakland’s container volume registers continued growth in the fourth quarter. Total container volume rose 10% over recorded volumes during the same period in 2023.Loaded imports continue to grow for the 12th straight month. Import volume rose 11.2% in October 2024, compared to October 2023. Port operators processed 81,498 TEUs (twenty-foot containers), versus 73,281 TEUs in 2023.“Overall…
Massport Sees Record Cruise Traffic
The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) today celebrated a record-breaking passenger count at Flynn Cruiseport Boston this year with just over 480,000 passengers, a 29 percent passenger increase over last year.Flynn Cruiseport welcomed a total 167 cruise ships this season –18 more ships and a 12 percent increase over 2023. The Authority also announced a $100 million investment in the Cruiseport…
North Korea Oil Imports from Russia top U.N. Limits
North Korea has likely received more than 1 million barrels of oil from Russia over an eight-month period this year in breach of U.N. sanctions, according to an…
Coast Guard Arctic Planning, Operational Challenges Persist, says GAO
The effects of climate change, technological advancements, and economic opportunities have created competition between the United States and its strategic adversaries in the Arctic region. Both Russia and China have developed Arctic strategies with geopolitical goals contrary to U.S. interests, including the control of resources and sea routes. In recent months, the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard have encountered Russian and Chinese naval vessels near Alaska.The U.S.
On the Bookshelf: Maritime Firefighting
Maritime Firefighting by Captain Emil Muccin, USMS (ret.) and Matthew Bonvento is a comprehensive and modern guide for maritime professionals. It addresses the unique challenges of shipboard firefighting by integrating traditional methods with the latest advancements in equipment and procedures. This book effectively replaces outdated instruction aids by providing up-to-date, actionable knowledge.
CSL-OWL Joint Venture Orders Two Rock Installation Vessels for Offshore Wind
CSL OWL Subsea Rock Installation, a newly formed partnership between the CSL Group and Offshore Wind Logistics (OWL), has ordered two newbuild subsea rock installation vessels tailored for the offshore wind sector.Each vessel will have a cargo capacity of 17,500 metric tonnes and will be equipped with dynamic positioning (DP2).They will be able to operate on marine gas oil (MGO) and/or methanol, providing a pathway to zero emission operations.Purpose-built for optimal flexibility…
Solstad Offshore Nets $60M in New Vessel Contracts
Norwegian offshore vessel owner Solstad Offshore has secured multiple new contracts and contract extensions, whose combined value is $60 million.Solstad secured one new contract, and one contract extension from Petrobras, for work offshore Brazil.Namely, Petrobras awarded an 18-month firm contract for the construction support vessel (CSV) Normand Valiant. The start of the contract is scheduled for…
Hybrid Ferry Vessels Delivered in Hong Kong
Hong Kong & Kowloon Ferry Limited (HKKF) took delivery of two new hybrid ferries, designed by Incat Crowther and built by Hong Kong-based Cheoy Lee Shipyards. The 40-m ferries can transport up to 450 passengers and will service the busy commuter routes between Hong Kong and the islands of Lamma Island, Peng Chau, and Hei Ling Chau. Uniquely, one of the new ferries sports a carbon hull, while all others…
