Inspirit Completes CWind Acquisition
U.K. investment firm Inspirit Capital announced it has completed the carve-out of CWind, a provider of offshore wind support services, from Global Marine Group.CWind completes approximately 60,000 crew transfers annually, utilizing its fleet of crew transfer vessels (CTV), including the world’s first hybrid surface effect ship, CWind Pioneer. The company has operated in support of more than 50 U.K.
Israel Highlights Fragility of New Trade Corridors
A new and deadly chapter of the decades-old Israel-Palestinian conflict is a reality check for an ambitious trade route. The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), championed by Washington last month on the sidelines of the G20 summit in New Delhi and dubbed a Western rival to China’s Belt and Road, had much to prove anyway. The latest conflict presses pause on any grand financial visions…
Amazon Drought Chokes River Traffic, Threatens Exports
A severe drought choking major rivers in the Amazon rainforest has disrupted ship traffic near the region's biggest city and pushed up costs for northern shipping routes, raising risks for corn exports in coming months.The unusual heat and dryness, linked to the mass deaths of fish and river dolphins, has already limited local communities'access to food and drinking water, leading the federal government to set up a humanitarian task force.
Britain to Return Asylum Seekers to Barge Amid Legal Challenge
Britain said on Tuesday it would return asylum seekers to a barge on its southern coast as opponents of the policy argued in court that such housing was unlawful.In an embarrassment for the Conservative government's immigration policy, legionella bacteria was detected in the water system of the Bibby Stockholm barge in August, just days after dozens of asylum seekers had been moved on.Following safety tests, the government has started sending letters to asylum seekers confirming they will be mov
Near Collision, Tense Encounter as Beijing Flexes Muscles in South China Sea
The crew of the Philippine coastguard boat watch anxiously as an imposing Chinese vessel draws near and cuts off its path, coming within a metre of collision in a vast stretch of open water in the South China Sea.The captain of the BRP Sindangan shuts off the engine and activates the reverse throttle. China's coastguard issues a warning via megaphone to leave as the Filipino crew watch closely on a…
Viking Supply Ships Secures Contract Offshore Australia
Offshore anchor handling company Viking Supply Ships announced it has signed a contract for Far Senator (to be named Andreas Viking) for operations offshore Australia.With operations performed by Go Offshore, the vessel will be operated under a time-charter with an unspecified international oil company.The contract length for the fixed period is 412 days, with commencement during first quarter of 2024.
Cargo Shipping to Lose EU Antitrust Exemption from 2024
Cargo shipping companies will from next year no longer enjoy a decades-long exemption from EU rules against anti-competitive agreements because this derogation does not boost competition any more, EU antitrust regulators said on Tuesday.First adopted in 2009, the Consortia Block Exemption Regulation (CBER) allows liner shipping operators with a combined market share below 30% to team up to provide joint cargo transport services as long as they do not fix prices or share markets between themselve
Schottel Building New Logistics Center in Dörth, Germany
Maritime propulsion specialist Schottel said Tuesday it is expanding its thruster factory in Dörth, Germany, to include a logistics center with a capacity of around 4,000 square meters.A contract for the expansion has now been signed with general contractor Goldbeck from Koblenz.The new building will be annexed to the existing facility and will provide 2,634 square meters of industrial floor space and 1,326 square meters of offices.
Hornbeck Offshore Services to Complete Ultra-High-Spec MPSVs After Legal Settlement
U.S.-based offshore vessel operator Hornbeck Offshore Services confirmed Monday it had reached a final settlement agreement with the surety (the “Surety”) for two Multi-Purpose Support Vessels (MPSVs) that had been under construction at Gulf Island Shipyards.Gulf Island Shipyards (GIS) sued Hornbeck Offshore in 2018 over what it said was the wrongful termination of two shipyard construction contracts…
Erma First CCUS Earns LR AIP
Lloyd’s Register (LR) has awarded Approval in Principle (AiP) to ERMA FIRST for its amine absorption-based Carbon Capture & Storage (CCS) system.ERMA FIRST’s CCS system uses absorption technology to mix CO2 (carbon dioxide) flue gases with a proprietary amine solvent, which is then heated to produce a chemical reaction which reverses the absorption and separates the CO2 from the solvent. The CO2 from…
Kongsberg Sensors and Equipment for Germany's New Ocean Research Vessel
Norwegian marine equipment and technology firm Kongsberg will provide scientific sensors and scientific handling equipment for Germany’s new ocean research vessel, the 135-metre Meteor IV. The new 10,000GT vessel will be able to house 35 scientists plus 36 crew. Meteor IV will be built by MeyerFassmer Spezialschiffbau (MFSB) for the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research. The vessel, due for delivery in 2026…
Unmanned Surface Vessel Set to Transform Subsea IMR & Offshore Survey Work
Subsea services company DeepOcean and the Norwegian oil and gas company Aker BP have agreed to "pioneer" the use of an unmanned surface vessel (USV) for subsea inspection, maintenance, and repair (IMR) and survey work.The first USV is planned to be ready for offshore operations from 2025, when it will go on an eight-year charter agreement with DeepOcean from specialist provider USV AS."Aker BP and DeepOcean already cooperate under a frame agreement for subsea IMR and survey work…
ICS Launches CII Data Collection System
The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), the global trade association for shipowners which represents over 80% of the world merchant fleet, today launches its Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) Data Collection System.CII is a rating system developed by the IMO to measure the energy efficiency of ships, above 5,000 gross tonnage and trading internationally, and came into effect on January 1, 2023.
Israel's Ashkelon Port Shut Down
Israel's port of Ashkelon and its oil terminal have been shut in the wake of the conflict between Israel and Islamist group Hamas, shipping and trade sources said on Monday.The port is located just over 10 kilometers (sox miles) from the border with the Gaza Strip.
Maersk’s first 16,200 TEU Methanol-Fueled Ship Launched
The first in a new series of 12 methanol-fueled container ships being built by Hyundai Heavy Industries for Maersk has been launched.The series will be fitted with MAN G95ME-LGIM10.5 EGR-TC engines. Compared to industry-standard vessels, these 350-meter (1,148-foot) 16,000 TEU vessels will be 20% more energy efficient per transported container. The vessels will have a 16,000m3 methanol tank, so they will be able to complete an entire round-trip…
Incat Crowther to Design 60-Meter FSIVs
Incat Crowther has been commissioned by Singaporean shipbuilder Lita Ocean to design three new ABS-Classed monohull fast support intervention vessels (FSIVs) for Zamil Offshore. The new 60-metre FSIVs will assist Zamil Offshore with the efficient and safe transport of cargo, heavy maintenance equipment and personnel for Saudi Aramco’s operations in the Middle East. The vessels will comply with the latest MCVSR requirements from Saudi Aramco…
Ship Recycling Market Surges
After a dire summer that saw over USD 100/LDT wiped off vessel recycling prices in Indian sub-continent ship recycling markets (and even Turkey to an extent), nearly all of the markets have enjoyed an upward resurgence entering the fourth quarter of the year.India has been the primary beneficiary of this recent resurgence with some stunning (container) purchases, some even approaching the USD 600/LDT mark once again, reports cash buyer GMS.
DNV Launches Guidelines for Onboard CCS
DNV has published new guidelines for the safe installation of onboard carbon capture and storage (CCS) system on board ships.Different methods for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions will be necessary to achieve international, regional, and national emissions targets. Post-combustion CCS on board trading ships is expected to be among these future solutions, especially on vessels where the use of…
C&C Reports Record Demand for Barge Repair
Belle Chasse, La. shipyard C&C Marine and Repair said it is seeing record demand for barge repair work as high steel prices place a damper on newbuild activity.The yard, having recently signed a contract to reside over 200 hopper barges for an unnamed customer, said it is currently delivering refurbished hopper barges at a pace of one per week.“With current steel prices, operators are choosing to repair their existing fleet of barges rather than building new…
Wärtsilä to Supply Engines for Orient Express Silenseas Newbuilds
Wärtsilä announced it will supply its recently introduced Wärtsilä 25DF dual-fuel (LNG) engine for two new sail-assisted luxury cruise ships. The vessels are being built at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique (CdA) shipyard in France for Orient Express Silenseas, part of French hospitality group Accor. There is an option for an additional two vessels.The efficient and environmentally friendly Wärtsilä 25DF engine features a two stage turbocharging system…
