Benin News

Electrification plays an important role in addressing the environmental challenges facing the maritime sector, and electric propulsion is the key component in this transition. Energy-efficient propulsion, which encompasses both efficient drivetrain and less weight, will contribute to meeting environmental challenges, while providing unwavering reliability for the operators. Cleaner propulsion solutions Ease of integration and maintenance helps streamline system design and installation, cruci...

Anemoi Marine Technologies, a pioneer in wind propulsion solutions, is proud to announce the official opening of its new Rotor Sail production facility in China.  This landmark development significantly enhances Anemoi’s manufacturing capabilities and underscores its commitment to accelerating the maritime industry’s transition to zero emissions. Access to port infrastructure Rotor Sails can be transported efficiently and installed directly at nearby major shipyards Strategi...

The hull of the state-of-the-art DP3 cable-laying vessel - Nexans Electra arrived at Ulstein Verft on 5 July 2025. This marks the commencement of the outfitting and completion phase of the vessel. Upon completion in 2026, she will feature a split turntable on deck capable of holding up to 10,000 tonnes of cable, an under-deck turntable with a 3,500-tonne cable capacity, and a fibre optic tank with a 450-tonne capacity. Ulstein Verft and Nexans Ulstein Verft will also install the main par...

A team of scientists and explorers aboard Exploration Vessel Nautilus located and imaged the lost bow of USS New Orleans (CA 32) for the first time, July 7, 2025. The bow was found at a depth of approximately 675 metres in Iron Bottom Sound near Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands. The discovery was made using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to investigate a seafloor target first identified during mapping operations by the University of New Hampshire’s uncrewed surface vess...

With a new compact and versatile ship engine room pump design, Svanehøj aims to optimise onboard liquid handling. Because of its lower weight, fewer components, and just a single wear part, the new NCM pump will enhance efficiency, simplify system integration, and reduce operational complexity. For decades, Svanehøj has designed and manufactured a broad portfolio of engine room pumps for the marine, naval, and offshore sectors, continuing the legacy of the Hamworthy Pumps brand. N...

Dutch maritime solar innovator - Wattlab has delivered a solar energy system for HGK Shipping’s inland shipping cargo vessel - Blue Marlin.  Representing a major technical milestone and step forward for sustainable inland shipping, the vessel’s 192 solar panels will provide power to both the onboard and propulsion systems, making the Blue Marlin the first inland shipping vessel in the world capable of hybrid sailing with solar power. Broad maritime experience HGK Shipping is...

ABB has signed a 15-year service agreement with Royal Caribbean Group, a vacation industry pioneer with a global fleet of 67 ships across its five brands travelling to all seven continents, deepening the long-standing partnership to support the company’s ship performance goals. Covering 33 existing ships, the comprehensive agreement includes preventive maintenance and digital solutions to support and optimise propulsion operations, improve vessel safety, maximise fleet availability, and e...

Kongsberg Maritime has been awarded a significant contract by Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) to supply integrated technology packages for nine new Dynamic Positioning (DP) Shuttle Tankers. The vessels are being constructed for Greek shipowner Tsakos Group and will be a bare-boat charter by Brazilian energy logistics company Transpetro, supporting offshore operations in Brazil’s pre-salt oil fields. Dynamic offshore conditions Each of the nine vessels will be equipped with a comprehensiv...

ABS has developed advanced simulation modelling of thermal runaway in lithium-ion battery fires, in a critical step forward in tackling one of maritime’s biggest emergent safety risks. The cutting-edge model, which has now been validated with Texas A&M University research, replicates the thermal runaway profile at the battery cell level, unlocking detailed insight into the total heat released and guiding the appropriate firefighting response. It is the latest development in ABS&r...

NAVTOR is continuing its ambitious global growth with the launch of NAVTOR Middle East, the company’s 13th dedicated regional office. Following less than a month after the creation of NAVTOR Türkiye, the new Dubai centre will help local shipping companies take advantage of the latest smart shipping solutions, delivering greater efficiencies, safety, sustainability, and business and operational performance. Amitabh Sankranti, the pioneer of NAVTOR’s breakthrough Digital Logbook...

In a step toward advancing the development of floating nuclear power plants (FNPPs), ABS, CORE POWER and Athlos Energy have formed a consortium to evaluate the potential of positioning the platforms to meet the energy demands of islands, ports and coastal communities in the Mediterranean Sea. The group will research how FNPPs can potentially unlock a range of applications, including the establishment of grid-scale electricity to remote locations, the delivery of emission-free energy to ports, a...

As geopolitical tensions reshape global trade routes and maritime operations, Europort 2025 offers a pivotal platform for the international maritime community to come together, share ideas and navigate a rapidly evolving industry. Taking place at Rotterdam Ahoy, the 42nd edition of Europort will spotlight four core themes driving the future of shipping: Energy Transition, Digitalisation, Ship Finance, and Human Capital. The event will feature an inspiring and diverse programme designe...

Turkish shipowner, Susesea, has successfully upgraded the cylinder lubrication strategy across its fleet of six bulk carriers by adopting Chevron’s Taro® Ultra Advanced 40 (TUA 40). Working closely with Chevron Marine Lubricants and its regional distributor, Petrol Ofisi, Susesea has streamlined vessel operations and reduced cylinder oil feed rates by approximately 33 percent, delivering both technical and commercial benefits. MAN Mark 9 engines Susesea’s engineers rotated bet...

The Nautical Institute (Singapore) is proud to announce its annual conference, returning on 17 July 2025 at Furama City Centre, Singapore, under the timely theme “Maritime 4.0 – Embracing Digitalisation, Sustainability & Wellbeing.” With the maritime industry accelerating its digital transformation while navigating the challenges of climate action and crew welfare, this year’s conference will provide an essential platform for collaboration between mari...

ClassNK has granted its Innovation Endorsement for Products & Solutions to ‘CMAXS LC-A’ an engine monitoring system and service, developed by MITSUI E&S Co., Ltd. and Mitsui E&S DU Co., Ltd. In order to promote the spread and development of innovative technologies, ClassNK has offered Innovation Endorsement for Products & Solutions. ClassNK supports the deployment of products and services through third-party certification for equipment and software technology wi...

Advanced technology and marine robotics company Ocean Infinity has successfully launched its innovative NeedleFish Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV) at an official event with the Kuwaiti Coast Guard (KCG). Initiated to be a component of its new national integrated maritime surveillance system being delivered by SRT Marine Systems, the NeedleFish by Ocean Infinity is custom equipped with an array of specialist maritime surveillance sensor systems and leverages the company’s world-pioneering so...

Armacell, a pioneer in flexible foam for the equipment insulation market and a pioneering provider of engineered foams, announces that the halogen-free insulation NH/ArmaFlex Smart C is now approved for use at sea. With this International Maritime Organisation (IMO) certification, Armacell adds another trusted solution to its portfolio for safety-critical marine environments. IMO’s stringent fire safety standards Reduced smoke density improves visibility and helps passengers and c...

Condon Claims Management, one of the world’s renowned claims management advisory firms, has acquired US-based Marine Claims Associates LLC in a move that will strengthen its portfolio and enable it to expand its services and presence in the United States. Strategic milestone The acquisition marks a strategic milestone for Condon Claims Management, which is part of the Thomas Miller Group, as the firm continues to broaden its presence in the US market, enabling it to offer greater claims...

Teledyne Technologies Incorporated announced the acquisition of assets of Maretron, including the brand’s Octoplex, MPower and MConnect product lines from Littelfuse, Inc. The purchase will allow Teledyne’s Raymarine business to deliver deeper integration and automation for boat builders as a one-stop-shop, greatly expand product functionality for consumers, and create new and exciting business opportunities for Raymarine and its partners. Maretron’s award-winning products R...

The ordering of alternative-fuelled vessels is continuing to grow in 2025, despite a slowdown in the overall newbuild market. According to data from DNV’s Alternative Fuels Insight (AFI) platform, new orders for alternative-fuelled vessels reached 19.8 million gross tonnes (GT) in the first six months of 2025, exceeding the 2024 figure by 78%. This marks a significant shift in capital allocation, as shipowners increasingly prioritise future-ready assets in response to regulatory pressure...

AROYA Cruises, the first Arabian cruise line, proudly set sail on its Mediterranean season maiden voyage on 28th June, marking a major milestone in its journey to deliver ‘Remarkably Arabian’ experiences to some of the world’s most iconic cruising destinations. Departing from Galataport Istanbul, AROYA’s Mediterranean homeport, the flagship vessel has embarked on a seven-night journey through the Eastern Mediterranean. The inaugural sailing will call in Athens, Souda Ba...

Inmarsat Maritime, a Viasat company, has announced that orders for NexusWave have exceeded 1,000 vessels. Following months of rigorous development and testing, the service has gained incredible momentum in its first six months on the market with global customers adopting NexusWave for their fleets. This milestone underscores the global shipping industry’s strong appetite for a fully managed, high-speed, bonded connectivity service that combines the power of multiple networks with the...

Under Zero-Emission Accelerating Ship Finance (‘the Program’), which is jointly operated by Development Bank of Japan Inc. (DBJ) and ClassNK, ClassNK evaluated the LPG dual-fuel LPG/ammonia carrier, ‘CRYSTAL ODYSSEY’ (IMO 9997177), which is owned by Kumiai Navigation (Pte) Ltd (Kumiai Navigation). DBJ provided financing to Kumiai Navigation. In the shipping industry, where environmental regulations are becoming stricter as the industry moves towards decarbonisation, Clas...

MacGregor has secured an order from Hapag-Lloyd for its fully automatic twistlocks (ACV-1) “Hippo”, designed to improve cargo handling efficiency. Twistlocks are used to secure containers on ships, ensuring stability and safety during transport. This order will support Hapag-Lloyd’s A19-series ships, which include six 19,900 TEU vessels: Al Nefud, Al Dahna Express, Barzan, Al Muraykh, Al Zubara, and Tihama. The order was booked in the first quarter 2025. The first set of Hipp...

In a major step towards more efficient offshore operations, Samsung Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. (SHI) and ABB have signed an agreement to equip a fleet of shuttle tankers with ABB’s Onboard DC Grid™ power system platform. Engineered to optimise fuel efficiency, reduce emissions and enable a flexible integration of energy sources, the technology will be the heart of the integrated power system specified for nine newbuild vessels. Fleet of new vessels The fleet of new vessels will be...

Avikus, HD Hyundai’s specialised Autonomous Navigation Technology subsidiary, announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Emerson to integrate its NEUBOAT CONTROL Autonomous System with Emerson’s Aventics marine controllers. According to the terms of the MOU, Avikus will use Emerson’s open protocol for its Aventics marine controllers to integrate with its NEUBOAT CONTROL system to provide safety and convenience features such as collision avoidance, ad...

ClassNK has issued an approval in principle (AiP) for a LCO2/Methanol Carrier jointly developed by Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. The certification confirms the feasibility of the vessel, which is being developed for commercialisation, from regulatory and safety perspectives. It marks the world’s first issuance of an AiP for a LCO2/Methanol Carrier. Advanced decarbonisation initiatives Upon confirming compliance with the prescribed requirements, ClassNK...

Peninsula, the world’s prominent independent marine energy supplier, is proud to announce the expansion of its U.S. Gulf Coast operations to include the offshore market, with a primary focus on the Galveston Offshore Lightering Area (GOLA). This strategic move reinforces Peninsula’s commitment to delivering high-quality, flexible, and sustainable marine fuel solutions to a growing customer base across the Americas. Supply & Operations will be managed by Peninsula’s experi...

Maritime digitalisation, decarbonisation and autonomy were the dominant themes at this month's Nor-shipping conference, where mariners from around the world gathered to discuss the industry's future. But beneath these headline topics, a fundamental shift in maritime navigation is quietly underway. S-100, the next generation of maritime data standards, will transform today's static navigation systems into dynamic, real-time communication networks that revolutionise everything from autonomous nav...

A new cybersecurity solution from Hanwha Ocean to protect critical infrastructure and operations on board floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) units received approval in principle (AIP) from ABS. Hanwha Ocean, in conjunction with SIGA Data Security, developed an Operational Technology (OT) cybersecurity solution that is specifically designed to protect critical OT systems from cyber threats, enhancing the overall cyber resilience on FPSO units. ABS completed design reviews based on...