Saipem Launches Drilling Training Center with Full-Scale Simulator
Saipem has launched a new Drilling Training Centre featuring a full-scale simulator designed to provide immersive, hands-on training for drilling personnel.The center is accredited by the International Well Control Forum, a global body for well control competency certification, enabling it to deliver internationally recognized training and certification for personnel working on drilling rigs.At the core of the facility is a full-scale simulator that reproduces real operational drilling scenarios, combining theoretical instruction with practical training.
HOS, Saronic Link Up to Trial Autonomous Vessels Offshore
When we interviewed Saronic Co-Founder and CEO Dino Mavrookas late last year, he insisted that Saronic's mission was to deliver commercially viable autonomous vessels first, and in turn parlay that into a ready package for defense. That vision comes to fruition as Saronic announced a partnership with Hornbeck Offshore Services, Inc. (HOS), to accelerate innovation and deployment of autonomous platforms, advanced software, and maritime solutions to the markets HOS serves. Specifically…
Ecomer Merges with Enag, Becomes Francbord
Francbord, a new Breton industrial group resulting from the evolution of the Ecomer group, announced its merger with the SME Enag, strengthening the group's position as a supplier of technological solutions dedicated to the maritime sector and industry.This operation was made possible thanks to a new fundraising initiative by the maritime sector decarbonization fund managed by Bpifrance, Unexo, a subsidiary of Crédit Agricole, Go Capital, and the Mer Invest fund, a subsidiary…
Aker Solutions Cuts Costs, Adjusts Workforce Numbers
Following several years of record-high workload, Aker Solutions forsees activity levels decreasing in 2026 compared to 2025. To adapt to the market situation and prepare for the future, Aker Solutions will reduce capacity and headcount in certain areas.“We still see many opportunities both in Norway and internationally, but the anticipated activity level means we must take action now to ensure the company’s robustness and sound financial management,” says Kjetel Digre, Chief Executive Officer at Aker Solutions.
Dutra Group Reshuffles Top Management
The Dutra Group, a California-based heavy civil marine contractor, has made a series of senior executive promotions across its core operations and newly acquired subsidiary, as it strengthens management capacity to support long-term growth.Bryan O’Sullivan has been appointed chief operating officer of the Dutra Group. An 18-year company veteran, O’Sullivan previously served as vice president of marine construction and will now oversee multiple divisions including dredging, marine construction and environmental restoration, reporting to President and Chief Executive Officer Harry K.
Wind Power LAB Names New Chief
Wind Power LAB (WPL), a Danish specialist in blade inspection and wind turbine consulting services, has appointed Lene Hellstern as its new Chief Executive Officer.Hellstern brings over 24 years of experience in the global onshore and offshore wind industry, with a background in developing wind farms, managing technical teams, and shaping O&M strategies.She is known for her expertise in wind resource assessment, site suitability, and root cause analysis of operational challenges.WPL is a division of GEV Group…
See You in Court: Orsted Challenges Halt on $5B Offshore Wind Project
On Friday, January 2, 2026, Orsted said it was challenging the U.S. government's suspension of the lease for its Revolution Wind joint venture and would seek a court injunction against the decision to halt its $5 billion offshore wind project.The Trump administration suspended leases on December 22 for five large offshore wind projects that are under construction off the U.S. East Coast over what it called national security concerns, sending shares of offshore wind companies…
Svitzer Reshuffles Leadership in Americas and Europe
Towage services provider Svitzer has announced leadership changes across its Americas and European operations, starting from 2026, as part of a planned management transition.Arjen Van Dijk, who has served as managing director of Svitzer’s Americas business for the past six years, will move to lead the company’s European operations. During his tenure in the Americas, Svitzer expanded its footprint across the region and now operates in 13 countries with more than 100 vessels.Daniel Reedtz Cohen will succeed Van Dijk as managing director of Svitzer Americas.
Woodside's Meg O’Neill to Serve as Next CEO of BP
The bp Board has appointed Meg O’Neill as bp’s next CEO effective April 1, 2026.Murray Auchincloss is stepping down from his position as CEO and director of the Board, effective December 18. Carol Howle, current executive vice president, supply, trading & shipping of bp, will serve as interim CEO.O'Neill is the first CEO to be appointed by BP from outside of the company and the first female to lead any of the top five oil companies in the world. The company began a major shift in strategy earlier this year.
Senegal to Nationalize Kosmos-Run Yakaar-Teranga Gas Project
Senegal plans to nationalise the Yakaar-Teranga gas project, operated by Kosmos Energy and estimated to be one of the world's largest discoveries in recent years, with a view to meeting domestic gas needs, its energy minister said.Kosmos Energy, which has a 90% stake, became the operator of the Yakaar-Teranga gas field in 2023 after BP decided to exit. Kosmos' licence for the field runs out in July 2026, a company spokesperson said when asked about the minister's comments.Kosmos shares fell on Wednesday in New York, hitting a five-year low.
OEUK Warns of Major Job Losses Without Urgent Windfall Tax Reform
Thousands of U.K. jobs and billions in future tax revenue are at risk unless the government reforms the Energy Profits Levy (EPL), industry group Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) said ahead of the Autumn Statement.OEUK said statistical modelling shows that revising the 78% levy in 2026 instead of waiting for its scheduled expiry in 2030 would increase total tax receipts from £32.9 billion ($43.2 billion) to $63.9 billion (£48.6 billion) over the next decade, driven by higher employment…
Havila Shipping Banks Q3 Profit as Fleet Use Climbs
Havila Shipping delivered a stronger third quarter in 2025, reporting improved profit before tax and maintaining high fleet utilization despite softer day rates and several vessels undergoing planned maintenance.According to the company’s quarterly report, freight revenues reached NOK 149.3 million in Q3 2025, up NOK 8.5 million from the same period last year but down sequentially from Q2. Utilization remained robust at 95.3%, although two vessels were temporarily out of service for scheduled yard work.
Hoyer Acquires VMS Group
Hoyer, a global supplier of electric motors and automation solutions, and VMS Group, a marine service provider, have merged to create Hoyer VMS Group, a new company aiming to deliver a unique global offering for power and motion solutions across marine and industrial markets.Fact Box: Hoyer VMS GroupFounded: 2025 (through the merger of Hoyer and VMS Group)Headquarters: Hadsten and Frederikshavn, Denmark; Ningbo, ChinaGlobal Offices & Hubs: Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland…
Saipem Unveils AI-Backed Safety Harness for Workers at Height
Saipem has launched the LiSa Hyper Harness, a smart safety harness equipped with sensors and artificial intelligence designed to enhance worker safety during operations at height.The device monitors how workers connect to fall protection systems and alerts both the operator and a supervisor if the connection is missing or incorrect. The harness emits an acoustic signal, similar to a car seatbelt warning, and automatically sends a notification to a central platform for immediate…
TADEK Celebrates 15th Anniversary with Leadership Restructure
TADEK Ocean Engineering, a UK offshore engineering consultancy delivering front-end advisory, through-project delivery solutions and naval architecture analysis, announced its new look leadership team and strategic new senior appointments as the company prepares for further growth.TADEK integrates advanced hydrodynamic analysis and design with practical project execution, delivering end-to-end solutions from concept and detailed design through to offshore installation and decommissioning in open sea.
McDonald Appointed ABS Chairman, CEO
The ABS Board of Directors has elected John McDonald as the new Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ABS at a board meeting on November 11.In the culmination of a well-planned succession process, McDonald, the serving ABS President and Chief Operating Officer, will take over on January 1, 2026, when present ABS Chairman and CEO Christopher J. Wiernicki retires.“I am honored to lead this remarkable organization," said McDonald in a release announcing the appointment. "I do so…
Tidewater Leverages Digitalization for Vessel Drydocking
Digital Dry-Docking: Tidewater Sees 60% Time Savings Using UniSea’s Maindeck AppTidewater is redefining how vessel dry-dockings are managed, estimating up to a 60% reduction in project time after deploying UniSea’s Maindeck digital platform during the recent yard stay of the Highland Prestige at Dales Marine Services in Aberdeen.According to Chris Tundogan, Assistant Operations Superintendent at Tidewater, the Maindeck app has “revolutionized” the way dry-docking projects are planned and executed…
Stillstrom Introduces New Hires, Technology Advances
Stillstrom by Maersk, a marine technology leader delivering offshore power and charging solutions, has strengthened its leadership team with key senior appointments in Copenhagen and Aberdeen.Nikolaj Stald has joined as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) at the company’s HQ in Copenhagen. Nikolaj brings over 15 years’ offshore wind experience and will lead the commercial strategy to drive adoption of offshore charging as a cost-effective decarbonization pathway. Prior to Stillstrom…
DOF Bags $60m in Project Awards in North America
DOF announce several project awards in the North America region, using vessels already in the region, securing more than 300 days of firm vessel utilization for a combined contract value of more than $60m, with options available.Skandi Skansen will be used for a mooring project in Guyana with expected commencement in October 2025 and an expected duration of approximately six weeks with further options.Skandi Implementer has secured two jobs in Mexico with international oil companies…
Schottel Expands Market Presence with New UK Subsidiary
German propulsion specialist Schottel has established a new subsidiary in the United Kingdom to strengthen its market presence in Britain and Ireland and expand customer support.Schottel UK will primarily focus on newbuild and retrofit sales, aiming to provide on-site support and tailored assistance for designers, builders and owners throughout the specification and procurement process.While Schottel UK will mainly focus on newbuild and retrofit projects, aftersales support in the U.K.
HAV Design Names New Managing Director
Norway-based ship designer HAV Design has appointed Richard Schofield as its new managing director.Schofield has 20 years’ management experience from maritime industries. He has held leadership roles at maritime suppliers Kongsberg Evotec and Vard Electro, at aquaculture industry supplier Optimar, and at ship designer Ulstein Design & Solutions. Schofield started his career at defense industry supplier BAE Systems.He joins HAV Design from a role as head of industrial competitiveness at cross-industrial cluster organization NCE iKuben.
Cadeler Sets Up New Taipei Office as it Targets Asia-Pacific Market
Danish offshore wind installation firm Cadeler has opened new, expanded offices in Taiwan's capital Taipei, underscoring the company’s focus on strengthening client collaboration and long-term growth in the Asia-Pacific region.With the opening of this new office, Cadeler has reinforced its position to pursue and deliver offshore wind projects across the many growing markets in the region, from Taiwan’s well-developed offshore wind sector to emerging hubs such as Vietnam, the Philippines…
NV5 Advances Hydrography in the Great Lakes: Join the August 27 Live Webinar
NV5 has unveiled its latest precision hydrography innovations in the Great Lakes, enabling maritime stakeholders to “Own the Lakebed, Master the Mission." To showcase these breakthrough capabilities, NV5 will host a free, live webinar on Wednesday, August 27 at 1:00 PM CT/ 2:00 PM ET, offering a deep dive into how integrated hydrographic, terrestrial, and lidar data are transforming infrastructure planning and environmental monitoring in the region.From shoreline restoration to subsea cable routing and coastal resilience projects…