Marlink Upgrades Simon Møkster Shipping’s Network
Marlink has completed a fleet-wide upgrade of its hybrid network solution for long-time client Simon Møkster Shipping.The upgrade to Marlink’s Sealink Nextgen solution, which includes the Starlink LEO service, enables the company to use standard office software applications including MS-TEAMS as its default collaboration platform and primary voice channel.Simon Møkster Shipping sought a hybrid solution that would optimize its operations around high throughput connectivity and managed networks…
Authorities Identify Sixth Bridge Collapse Victim
Unified Command salvage teams have located the sixth victim of the Baltimore bridge collapse.Maryland State Police investigators along with officers from the Maryland Transportation Authority Police and the FBI responded to the scene and recovered the body of a sixth construction worker. The victim is identified as José Mynor López, 37, of Baltimore, Maryland.“With heavy hearts, today marks a significant…
Oil that Spilled from Barge in Tobago Might Be from Venezuela
A barge that capsized in February and caused a large oil spill near Tobago that also affected neighboring Caribbean islands might have picked up the fuel from Venezuela, Trinidad and Tobago's energy minister Stuart Young said on Monday."The vessels were on the way to Guyana," the minister said of a barge being towed by a tug boat while revealing the results of his government's investigation on the incident.The spill…
Adversarial Seas: AI and the Evolving Cyber Threat in Maritime
The maritime transportation system, the lifeblood of global trade, is undergoing a digital revolution. Automation and artificial intelligence (AI) are transforming how ships operate and cargo moves. However, this increased reliance on technology creates a double-edged sword: while AI offers powerful tools for cybersecurity, it also presents new vulnerabilities to exploit. This article explores the…
Grady Hurley Elected President of Maritime Law Association of the US
Grady Hurley, a partner and co-leader of the maritime litigation, arbitration, and dispute resolution team at Jones Walker LLP, has been elected president of the Maritime Law Association of the United States (MLA) during the organization’s general meeting held in New York City on May 3, 2024.Hurley is the fourth president elected from New Orleans during the MLA’s 125-year history. He most recently…
Liza Unity is First FPSO to Earn ABS REMOTE-CON Notation
The ABS-classed Liza Unity has received the first REMOTE-CON notation for an floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) from ABS. The notation demonstrates the vessel’s alignment with remote-control functions and signifies that the design and construction of the offshore asset are assessed against and adhere to the ABS Requirements for Autonomous and Remote Control Functions.The Liza Unity is…
Bollinger Names Andy Naquin Sales VP
Bollinger Shipyards announced it has promoted Andrew “Andy” Naquin to lead its sales team as the company's new Vice President of Sales.“Since joining Bollinger, Andy has been an invaluable addition to our team,” said Ben Bordelon, President and CEO of Bollinger Shipyards. “His deep experience and breadth of relationships in the maritime industry are second to none, and I know he’ll continue to deliver…
Royal Caribbean Recruiting Thousands to Meet Surging Demand
Cruise operator Royal Caribbean Group is in discussions with new and existing markets around the world to recruit thousands of workers to staff its ships and private destinations to keep up with record cruise demand.The number of people taking cruises hit a record in 2023, and with the surge in demand and larger vessels, labor needs are growing. Tourism boards and port operators from around the world…
Baltic Dry Index Scales to Six-week High
The Baltic Exchange's dry bulk sea freight index extended its rally on Tuesday to hit its highest in more than six weeks, supported by a jump in the large vessel segment.The overall index, which factors in rates for capesize, panamax and supramax shipping vessels, added 207 points, or 11.03%, to 2,083, touching its highest level since March 25."The dry bulk market has continued to outperform expectations...
Ship Engine Failure Halts Bosphorus Vessel Traffic
Traffic was suspended in Turkey's Bosphorus on Tuesday after a bulk carrier had an engine failure at the southern end of the straits that run through Istanbul, shipping agent Tribeca said.It said that the Liberian-flagged bulk carrier Alexis suffered the engine failure at 5 a.m. (0200 GMT) and that vessels were sent to the area for a likely salvage operation.(Reuters - Reporting by Daren Butler; Editing by Jonathan Spicer)
Cambodia to Cut Shipping Through Vietnam by 70% With New China-funded Canal
Cambodia plans to cut shipping through Vietnamese ports by 70% as a result of a $1.7 billion China-funded upgrade of a canal connecting the Mekong River basin to the Cambodian coast, the country's deputy prime minister told Reuters.Sun Chanthol downplayed environmental concerns about the Funan Techo canal slated to break ground later this year, and dismissed speculation that it could be used to allow upriver access for Chinese warships as "baseless".The project…
DNV to Publish New Offshore Rules and Standards in July
Classification society DNV said it is set to publish its new set of rules and standards for the offshore industry.The new rules, which cover several segments, including underwater systems and installations, offshore units, diving systems, structural design, and drilling systems, will be published in July and enter into force on January 1, 2025. They have been developed with extensive industry feedback…
Bean Tapped to Succeed Ian Gooch as London P&I Club CEO
The London P&I Club said that Ian Gooch will be stepping down during the year from the role of CEO after 15 years as CEO and 21 years as a Director of A.Bilbrough & Co., the company that manages The London P&I Club.Subject to regulatory approval, Ian Gooch will be succeeded by James Bean, from NorthStandard P&I Club.A qualified Solicitor, Bean has worked within the marine insurance industry since 2005 and was appointed to the NorthStandard’s senior leadership team in February 2023.
Ripple and Marine Learning Systems Merge
Maritime software brands Ripple and Marine Learning Systems are joining forces, coming together under a single brand focused on crew training and marine operations.The firms, both acquired by technology holding company Bleecker Street Group in 2023, have merged to become Ripple Operations.Post-merger, the new entity will provide human capital management, crew operations, training, learning and development solutions to maritime operators…
FMD to Supply Retrofit Kits for US Navy Warship Engine Upgrades
Fairbanks Morse Defense announced it has received a purchase order from Ingalls Shipbuilding, a division of America's largest shipbuilder, HII, to deliver an FM PC2.5 STC common rail technology retrofit kit, which will upgrade existing PC2.5 STC engines currently installed on the U.S. Navy's U.S. Navy San Antonio-class landing platform dock (LPD) ships.According to FMD, its common rail fuel injection technology maximizes performance through enhanced fuel efficiency and reduced carbon emissions.
Finnlines Adopts Graphene-based Hard Foul Release Hull Coating
Finnlines has turned to a innovative graphene-based hard foul release hull coating to reduce fuel consumption and emissions across its ro-ro and ro-pax fleets.After starting with its first vessel in 2022, the Finnish shipping company has already applied GIT Coatings' XGIT-FUEL low-friction hull coating to four vessels as part of a recently signed fleet agreement, reducing fuel consumption and emissions by around 7% compared to previously used coating.Over the past decade…
Valaris Jack-up Using AI for Man Overboard Detection
A Valaris jack-up drilling rig is using an AI-enabled intelligent detection and tracking solution to provide automated person overboard detection and alerts, marking the first time the cutting-edge technology has been deployed in the offshore oil and gas sector.Zelim's ZOE software was installed on board the Valaris Stavanger in February after the Edinburgh-based technology company worked with the drilling contractor to customize the solution for the specific requirements of jack-up vessels.
Last of Six New Tugs Delivered to Svitzer in Brazil
Marine towage provider Svitzer announced it has taken delivery of the final tug in a series of six built for its operations in Brazil.Built by Brazilian shipyard Rio Maguari, the new vessel Svitzer Babitonga is an Azimuth Stern Drive (ASD) tugboat from the 2300 Rampart Series, designed by Robert Allan Ltd. These sister vessels boast a top speed of 13 knots, an overall length of 23.2 meters, and a bollard pull of 70 tonnes.
German Warships Head to Indo-Pacific Amid China-Taiwan Tensions
Germany sent two warships to the Indo-Pacific region on Tuesday in a bid to strengthen its military presence in the region amid rising tensions between China and Taiwan and over the disputed South China Sea.Those tensions were putting pressure on the freedom of navigation and free passage on trade routes, Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said at the northern German navy base in Wilhelmshaven.Some 40% of Europe's foreign trade flows through the South China Sea."Looking the other way…
Sapura Energy Lands $1.8B Petrobras Deal for Six Pipelaying Vessels and Subsea Services
Malaysia-based offshore services firm Sapura Energy has through its joint venture companies secured $1.8 billion worth of contracts with Brazil’s state-owned energy giant Petrobras for the provision of subsea services and six pipe-laying support vessels (PLSVs).Sapura Energy has through the joint ventures owned by Seabras Sapura Holding and Seabras Sapura Participações, in collaboration with Paratus Energy Services…