First Korean-built Geophysical Exploration Vessel Commissioned
South Korea's first domestically built geophysical exploration research vessel was commissioned during a ceremony at Pohang Yeongilman Port on May 31.The 92-meter Tamhae 3 is a fully state-funded research vessel owned by the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources (KIGAM). The KRW 181 billion (US$132 million) newbuild replaces its 1996-built predecessor, Tamhae 2, for geophysical explorations in domestic and foreign waters…
Parts of River Rhine Closed to Shipping Due to High Waters
Parts of the river Rhine in southern Germany were closed to cargo shipping on Monday after heavy rains raised water levels, navigation authorities said.Rhine river shipping stopped around Maxau and Mannheim in south Germany, the German inland waterways navigation agency WSA said.The high levels of water leave vessels insufficient overhead space to sail under bridges, and prevents vessels sailing to Switzerland.Shipping on northern sections of the river is operating normally, including the import
Germany Aims to Order Two More Frigates
The German government wants to buy two further frigates provided parliament approves the deal, Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said on Monday, as part of a policy shift to bolster its defences after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.Speaking in the Baltic port of Wolgast at a keel-laying ceremony for the first of four F126 frigates already ordered, he said he had reached a deal with the finance…
Vard to Build New Stern Trawler for Havbryn
Norwegian shipbuilder Vard has secured a new contract for the design and construction of a stern trawler for Havbryn, part of fishing boat company Strand Rederiet.The vessel will be of Vard 8 02 trawler design, outfitted for semi-pelagic and bottom-trawling operations with gentle handling to meet the latest demands for fish health management, efficiency, and environmentally friendly operations.The new vessel will have a length of 80,4 meters and a beam of 16,7 meters.
ABS and Lloyd’s Register Greenlight 3500 TEU Ammonia Container Ship Design
The two classification societies American Bureau Of Shipping (ABS) and Lloyd’s Register (LR) have issued an approval in principle (AiP) for a new ship design of an ammonia-fueled 3500 TEU container vessel.A cross-industry taskforce including A. P. Moller-Maersk, MAN Energy Solutions, Deltamarin, Eltronic FuelTech, ABS and LR led by the Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping is behind the new design.The vessels is 212 meters long, with a breadth of 35 meters.
Reach Subsea Extends Charter for IMR Vessel Havila Subsea
Norwegian subsea services firm Reach Subsea has entered the agreement with vessel owner Havila Shipping to extend the charter for inspection, maintenance and repair (IMR) vessel Havila Subsea.The contract extension is for a firm period of three years, until the end of 2027, with tow one year options.“In a rising market, maintaining strong operational control over core assets is crucial. We are witnessing ongoing positive market trends…
NKT Names New Methanol-Powered Cable Laying Vessel
Danish subsea cable and services firm NKT has named its second cable laying vessel (CLV) NKT Eleonora, which has been designed to run on methanol.NKT Eleonora, meaning shining light, will boost the company’s offshore cable laying capacity and will be amongst the world’s first cable laying vessels designed to run on methanol.Equipped with three turntables, NKT Eleonora will offer a power cable-laying capacity of 23…
GMS: Firming Demand for Alang Recyclers
As May comes to an end, increasing vessel prices on the back of a firming demand from Alang recyclers has now seen local steel plate prices climb nearly $45/ton, reports cash buyer GMS.“Notwithstanding, an all too familiar lack of decent quality tonnage available to global recyclers to sink their teeth into, remains blisteringly omnipresent as the industry ventures into the traditionally quieter monsoon months and freight sectors appear to be performing firmly once again…
Seatrium and M1 Partner on 5G Connectivity
Seatrium and M1 have jointly signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to accelerate digital connectivity to aid yard operations.The partnership is an integral part of Seatrium’s Digital Strategy which aims to establish a Smart Yard equipped with future-proof ultra-high-speed connectivity that supports the Group’s One Seatrium Delivery Model.This partnership aims to explore the potential of 5G connectivity in yards for digitalisation and integrated yard operations.
Esgian Week 22 Report: A Shrinking Pool of Vintage Semisubs
Esgian provides an update on rig sales and the shrinking pool of vintage semisubs in its Week 22 Rig Analytics Market Roundup.Report SummaryContractsNoble Corporation has secured a new well intervention contract with Harbour Energy in UK waters of the North Sea for the 350-ft jackup Noble Resilient.Drilling Activity and DiscoveriesThe recently drilled offshore production well at the Kupe oil and gas…
ClassNK Includes Hydrogen in Third Edition of Guidelines for Ships Using Alternative Fuels
ClassNK has released the Guidelines for Ships Using Alternative Fuels (Edition 3.0). In addition to safety requirements for ships using methanol, ethanol, LPG, and ammonia as fuel, this edition newly adds requirements related to hydrogen-fueled ships, providing guidance for the design of alternative-fueled ships.The guidelines describe safety requirements for alternative-fueled ships including requirements for installation…
Bollard Pull Calculator App Updated
The smart phone “Bollard Pull Calculator” app produced by Captain M. Baykal Yaylali some four years ago has now been updated and expanded in function.The required tug power and number of tugs needed in variable wind and current currents is typically an assessment made by pilots based on their professional experience. However, these assessments can raise questions from lawyers if something goes wrong, says Yaylali.“A pilot has not so much time,” he says.
US Forces Destroy Houthi Drone, Ballistic Missiles
U.S. forces on Saturday destroyed one Iran-backed Houthi uncrewed aerial system in the southern Red Sea and saw two others crash into Red Sea, U.S. Central Command said.The Central Command forces also destroyed two Houthi anti-ship ballistic missiles fired in direction of the USS Gravely, it said. No injuries or damage were reported by U.S., coalition or commercial ships, it said.(Reuters - Reporting by Timothy Gardner; Editing by William Mallard)
China Says Philippine Personnel Pointed Guns at Chinese Coast Guard
Chinese state media said on Sunday that personnel on a Philippine ship pointed guns at China's Coast Guard in disputed waters of the South China Sea last month.At least two personnel on the Philippine vessel near the Second Thomas Shoal were carrying guns on deck, pointing them in the direction of China's Coast Guard, CCTV said in a social media post.An accompanying 29-second video appeared to show…
Shipbuilding 4.0: Using Digital Twins to Enhance Efficiency
Ship and boat builders globally – from the largest to the smallest shipyards – can leverage new digital tools, including digital twins, to improve productivity and reduce costs. In this episode of Maritime Matters: The MarineLink Podcast, we welcome a trio of executives from ABS, Fincantieri and Cadmatic to discuss in granular detail the best steps to start leveraging new technology in ship design and construction.
Vigor Completes Availability on USNS John Lewis
Vigor has completed a Post-Shakedown Availability (PSA) on USNS John Lewis (T-AO 205) at Swan Island. The first-in-class Military Sealift Command vessel will head into active service following the eight-month availability, as the namesake of the John Lewis-class fleet replenishment oilers.Beginning last fall, the PSA included systems improvements and post-delivery upgrades to improve the vessel’s operability.
Twin Disc Finalizes Katsa Acquisition
Power transmission technology company Twin Disc on Friday announced it has finalized its acquisition of Katsa Oy, a Finland-based, designer and manufacturer of gearboxes and power transmission components, completing a €21 million (approximately $23 million) all-cash deal that was first announced in March.“We are excited to welcome Katsa to the Twin Disc family of brands,” stated John H. Batten, President and CEO of Twin Disc.
Textron Delivers LCAC 109 to the US Navy
The U.S. Navy reports it has taken delivery of the latest Ship to Shore Connector (SSC), Landing Craft, Air Cushion (LCAC) 109 from Textron Systems.The May 29 delivery of LCAC 109 comes after completion of acceptance trials conducted by the Navy’s Board of Inspection and Survey, which tested the readiness and capability of the craft to effectively meet its requirements.“This new craft will provide the Navy and Marine Corps team with unparalleled capability in amphibious warfare…
Cleaner Shipping Fuel is Contributing to Ocean Warming, Scientists Say
Shipping fuel regulations introduced in 2020 have led to a substantial cut in sulphur dioxide (SO2) pollution, but may also have made the ocean warmer by reducing cloud cover, according to a modelling study in a paper published late on Thursday.International Maritime Organization (IMO) rules to tackle marine pollution forced shippers to cut their fuel sulphur content to 0.5% from 3.5%, leading to an 80% decline in SO2 emissions…
Washington State Ferries Goes Out to Bid for New Hybrid-electric Vessels
Deliveries will begin in 2028 if all goes well. Delays and escalating costs have bedeviled the procurement process up until now.Washington State Ferries on Thursday published an invitation to bid on building five new hybrid-electric ferries, an overdue achievement that promises to eventually bring more reliability to cross-Sound ferry service.It’s the first time in more than 50 years that the state will accept bids from shipyards nationwide to construct its vessels.
