Diesel Electric News

Wärtsilä has introduced a new methane slip reduction solution for its Wärtsilä 50DF dual-fuel engine. The new technology, which converts Wärtsilä 50DF dual-fuel (DF) engines to spark gas operation, enables a more optimized combustion process, thereby improving efficiency and lowering methane emissions.Whilst operating on LNG, the conversion is designed to reduce methane emissions up to 75% more than the standard Wärtsilä 50DF engine.The spark gas conversion minimizes methane emissions…

Eastern Shipbuilding Group (ESG) has officially begun construction on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' (USACE) new medium class hopper dredger with a ceremonial steel-cutting event.The vessel is being built at ESG's Allanton and Port St. Joe facilities and is scheduled for delivery in 2027.ESG is collaborating with Royal IHC on the design.USACE's new hopper dredger will be able to load up to 15% more efficiently, reducing fuel consumption and environmental impact, with an ECO Control Package that includes high-end controls for trail speed…

Shell Eastern Trading, a subsidiary of Shell plc, has completed the previously announced acquisition of 100% of the shares in Pavilion Energy.Pavilion Energy, headquartered in Singapore, operates a global LNG trading business with contracted supply volume of approximately 6.5 million tonnes per annum (mtpa). The acquisition includes Pavilion Energy’s portfolio of LNG offtake and supply contracts, regasification capacity and LNG bunkering business.This acquisition helps to deliver on Shell’s ambition to solidify its leading position in LNG by growing sales by 4-5% per year through to 2030.

Hong Kong-based ferry operator Sun Ferry has taken delivery of Xin Ming Zhu 30 a new 35-meter diesel-electric ferry.The new vessel, designed by Incat Crowther and constructed by Guangzhou-based shipbuilder AFAI Southern Shipyard, is the third vessel to join a fleet of seven new vessels designed by Incat Crowther for the mass transit operator.The vessel will serve inter-island commuter and tourism operations across Hong Kong, connecting Peng Chau, Mui Wo, Chi Ma Wan and Cheung…

The Switch, a provider of power electronics for the marine industry, has signed a multi-million-dollar contract with Vard Electro to deliver equipment for five diesel-electric hybrid walk-to-work vessels.The Switch will supply its DC-Hub technology to multiple vessels on order at Vard Electro, a subsidiary of Vard, a Fincantieri company.With a total of 15 DC-Hubs to be delivered, the project showcases the increasing demand for flexible and future-proof power distribution systems.The five diesel-electric hybrid walk-to-work vessels of the VARD 3 32 design will provide maintenance…

The hull for Bernhard Schulte (BS) Offshore’s new Commissioning Service Operation Vessel (CSOV) has arrived at Ulstein Verft’s shipyard, marking the start of new phase in the shipbuilding process.The vessel is designed by Ulstein Design & Solutions for ‘walk-to-work’ (W2W) operations, where personnel walks via a motion-compensated gangway from the ship to a wind turbine.While the hull has been under construction at the CRIST yard in Poland, closely monitored by a site team from Ulstein Verft…

Briggs Marine has taken delivery of new maintenance support vessel, MV Forth Constructor, built by Freire Shipyard in Spain. The 40-meter DP2 vessel, designed to Briggs’ specification by Cintranaval in conjunction with Freire Shipyard, will strengthen the company's offering for contracts with U.K. Government and Port and Harbour Authorities, as well as providing services to the offshore wind and wider renewables sector.The primary role of the Forth Constructor will be the servicing of heavy moorings and navigation marks…

EST-Floattech was contracted by Electric Marine Support (EMS), a Dutch system integrator, to participate in projects for Rhenus and its fleet enhancement initiative. Rhenus PartnerShip, the shipping branch of the company, invested in sustainable inland waterway transportation with three new inland shipping combo vessels, Mannheim I+II, Wörth I+II and Ludwigshafen.Mannheim I+II and  Wörth I+II will sail with a hybrid propulsion systems: one diesel-electric vessel and one fuel-cell system inland waterway vessel.

Cummins received Approval in Principle (AIP) from DNV for its methanol-ready QSK60 IMO II and IMO III engines, available in power ratings from 2000 to 2700 hp (1491 - 2013 kW). The approval validates Cummins' retrofittable methanol dual-fuel solution for the global marine market.Cummins plans to launch the retrofit kits post-2028 to align with market demand and infrastructure readiness. Designed for diesel-electric systems, these kits can be integrated with battery technology…

V.Ships, part of V.Group, will partner up with REV Ocean to provide a suite of ship management services for the REV Ocean vessel, deemed the world’s largest and most advanced research and expedition ship.Currently at Vard Søviknes in Norway, the vessel will be equipped to conduct research across the entire marine ecosystem, using advanced technology systems.Scientists and other experts will use it for research expeditions, seeking to solve issues related to the impact of CO2 emissions…

Norwegian shortsea shipping service provider Lighthouse Ship Management has achieved 33% reduction in fuel costs for one managed general cargo vessel coasters following the installation of a Berg propulsion retrofit package.The Torangsvåg-based fleet manager evaluated Berg’s options for optimizing energy use on board Terneskjaer, an 81m length 2,900 dwt general cargo ship owned by Bio Feeder.The project sought to cut fuel costs and emissions while adding a new competitive edge to a vessel built in 2008.Following a consultative process…

Germany-based Bernhard Schulte Offshore (BS Offshore) and Ulstein Verft have launched a new Commissioning Service Operation Vessel (CSOV), the Yno 320.The launch followed an extensive outfitting phase that included the installation of electrical and mechanical systems, piping, accommodation, and system integration.The Yno 320 was towed from Ulstein Verft’s dock hall to the outer dock on February 20.While stationed in the outer dock, the Ampelmann tower and gangway were installed.Three days later…

MAN Energy Solutions' MAN 7L21/31DF-M (dual fuel-methanol) genset has successfully passed its Type Approval Test in China.The test was carried out in close cooperation with CSSC Marine Power (CMP) – the MAN Energy Solutions licensee – at CMP’s production facility in Zhenjiang and received approval from all major classification societies present at the event.The basis for the new methanol engine concept is the MAN 21/31 Mk II type that is part-load optimized with a world-best specific fuel-oil consumption in the 1–2MW range.

Manson Construction has long been a pillar of the U.S. maritime industry, rooted in a tradition of U.S.-built, U.S.-owned, and U.S.-operated vessels. The company was founded in 1905 by Peter Manson, when he dug up a jar of gold coins [because he didn’t trust the banks] and purchased a winch, a winch that was then put on a barge and that became Manson's first pile driver. With barge-mounted pile driver, Manson Construction  embarked on its journey into marine construction and eventually dredging, a journey which continues today as it has become a dominant player today in the U.S.

Holland Shipyards Group announced the delivery of the Maasvliet, a specialized cable recovery vessel, to Hartel Shipping & Chartering, part of Hudig & Veder Group. Maasvliet, measuring 90.6 meters in length and 13.2 meters in width, is designed to support offshore cable recovery operations efficiently. The vessel will be on long-term charter to Subsea Environmental Services and deployed for vital cable projects over the coming years.Maasvliet is equipped with advanced cable management systems…

UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography issued a request for proposals (RFP) to select a shipyard for the final design and construction of its new 163-ft. Coastal Class Research Vessel (CCRV), reportedly the first oceanographic research ship to primarily operate on renewable fuels.The vessel will feature a dual-powered hydrogen fuel cell and diesel-electric propulsion system, capable of conducting 75% of its missions using only liquid hydrogen. When running on hydrogen…

The ocean sector finds itself in a critical moment, especially as the demand to decarbonize grows. Though long-haul is still the biggest emitter in the maritime industry, the need to decarbonize smaller commercial and coastal vessels, including cruise ships, passenger ferries, platform supply vessels (PSVs), offshore service vessels (OSVs), and research ships, is on the rise. Particularly, passenger ferries are pushing into uncharted waters, increasingly being scrutinized by municipal, state, and federal regulators for their environmental impact.

German shipbuilder ThyssenKrupp and its Indian partner have cleared field trials for building six advanced conventional submarines for the Indian Navy, according to an exchange filing, emerging as the sole contender for the $5 billion project.Their potential rival, Spanish state-held shipbuilder Navantia, which partnered with India's Larsen & Toubro (L&T), could not meet the navy's requirements in trials held in 2024 for testing key technologies, an Indian defence source said.The…

The domestic passenger vessel answers the call for cleaner and more efficient platforms. It is truly an electric time to be a part of this niche industry.In the shadow of a rapidly changing political landscape, the domestic passenger ferry sector is nevertheless seeing an increasing number of newbuild vessel orders. Older fleet vessels, some approaching financial and operational obsolescence – also environmentally undesirable on a waterfront that more than ever demands cleaner carbon signatures – are going the way of the dinosaur.

Generally, government owned vessels, particularly ones engaged in law enforcement, are seemingly last in line when it comes to fuel efficiency. Not so in France, as the Directorate General for Maritime Affairs, Fisheries and Aquaculture (DGAMPA), in late 2024 sealed the deal and commissioned the SOCARENAM-MAURIC consortium to design and build an offshore patrol vessel (OPV) which combines hybrid propulsion and wind sails, among other energy saving/emission reduction enhancements.According to the government agency…

Muddy Water Dredging’s new cutter suction dredge (CSD) Vaneta Marie “represents the future of dredging technology”, according to Bill Wetta, senior vice president, and chief technology officer of DSC Dredge, the Reserve, La. based company that built the dredge, and one of Maritime Reporter & Engineering News' 'Great Ships of 2024.'Christened during a ceremony in New Orleans earlier this year, Vaneta Marie is a fully customized Marlin Class dredge that measures 371 ft. long, making…

Timo Vesala, Account Manager, Americas, at ABB Marine & Ports, is responsible for newbuild sales in the Americas market. Since joining ABB in 2018, he has gathered extensive experience in the marine industry with a focus on electrification and propulsion systems. He holds a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Aalto University, Finland, and has a passion for clean technology and maritime decarbonization. This month, in our annual Power & Propulsion edition, he weighs…

The maritime industry’s elusive quest to achieve so-called ‘zero’ emissions continues. Where it ends is not a one-size-fits-all discussion.The year-end maritime industry discussions tend to move away from global influence and back drift to national and domestic debates. As this happens, a positioning of a relatively small group of American owners and operators prepare for the upcoming business year and markets. The propulsion debate continues to be future fuels based upon sustainability and climate change.