Operation and maintenance News

Wallem Group, a major global maritime partner, has published a new whitepaper to ensure ships, ship systems, and crews are fully prepared to load, store, and use biofuels in everyday vessel operations. ‘Marine Biofuels: Adoption, use, and best practice’ recognises the contribution that biofuels can make to maritime decarbonisation, while also offering comprehensive guidance on the precautions owners and crew need to consider before and during use. Biofuels to reduce greenhouse gas...

As a rarity among Norway’s top business pioneers, Morten Fon has spent his entire 36-year career with one company, taking various positions and overseas assignments before being tapped as Jotun’s President and CEO in 2005. Since then, the Norwegian company has experienced almost uninterrupted growth to become one of the fastest growing suppliers in the global paints and coatings industry. “It’s been a remarkable journey,” says Fon. “In addition to a fantasti...

Multraship Towage & Salvage has opened its new head offices at the Middenhavendam location in Terneuzen this afternoon.  Located immediately alongside the Scheldt River, it houses offices, a warehouse, the 24/7 dispatch centre, and a simulator training centre. All with direct access to a private wharf, working area, and berths for part of the family company’s fleet. Opening ceremony “This is a milestone in the ongoing development of Multraship,” says Managing D...

Intellian, the global pioneer of mobile satellite communication antenna systems, is delighted to announce the unveiling of the v100NX, the all-new 1m Ku- to Ka-band convertible maritime VSAT terminal. Intellian’s latest NX series antenna is designed to simplify and streamline the entire VSAT lifecycle, enabling access to multiple global satellite communication services, providing the crucial connectivity required to leverage new efficiency and welfare enhancing digital applications. Inte...

ClassNK has released the ‘Guidelines for Safety Operation for Ammonia-Fueled Vessels’ for considering the introduction of ammonia-fuelled vessels to ensure safe operation on board ammonia-fuelled vessels. By following these guidelines, safe and secure operation can be achieved for those involved in the operation of ammonia-fuelled vessels. The Guidelines give top priority to protecting the safety of seafarers, and cover matters to be kept in mind in daily operations, such as me...

ABS and HD Hyundai Mipo (HMD) have signed a joint development project (JDP) for digital manufacturing-based automation equipment for shipyards. The JDP establishes a collaborative framework focused on leveraging smart technology within HD Hyundai Mipo’s shipyard operations that include artificial intelligence, communication technologies, automation and robotics. ABS will utilise its Guide for Smart Technologies for Shipyards to help HMD identify opportunities for process improvement, foc...

In a significant milestone for the company, Thordon Bearings has seen its RiverTough tailshaft bearing solution surpass 500 installations in the workboat sector. Primarily a retrofit solution but also increasingly specified for newbuilds, RiverTough is designed for coastal and inland waterways, where conditions are typically muddy and abrasive. Thordon shaft sleeves The key has been verified as outlasting rubber bearings by a factor of two or more in the harshest environments The solution, a...

HydroPenTM, the unique VIKING Life-saving Equipment container firefighting solution, has secured a first major order from an Asian shipowner, in a deal that also demonstrates that the technique is highly adaptable for all sizes of container vessels.  Singapore-based PIL, the largest container carrier in Southeast Asia, is committing its entire container ship fleet of around 100 vessels to carrying HydroPen™ systems. Drill and Douse The TT Club estimates that a container fire occur...

​​​​​​​Container firefighting duties across 85 CMA CGM ships have been assigned to the HydroPen™ system supplied exclusively by VIKING Life-Saving Equipment for this large order for the innovative drilling and spraying solution. This contract demonstrates that, within 18 months of launch, the HydroPen system is becoming the preferred fire-fighting solution for the largest container ships at sea. Revolutionary firefighting The HydroPen is attached to a conventional hose as a combined dri...

VIKING Life-Saving Equipment has launched the first Crew Transfer Vessel (CTV) immersion suit in the world designed for women working in offshore wind energy, using guidance on diversity and inclusivity from industry majors - Ørsted, Siemens and Vestas. The VIKING YouSafe™ Cyclone suit joins a growing portfolio of VIKING PPE whose fit and features reflect the safety needs of female seafarers, pilots and technicians in the marine and offshore industries. Equity and inclusivity stra...

Alfa Laval has completed the acquisition of UK-based NRG Marine, a globally renowned provider of ultrasonic anti-fouling technology for marine, oil-and-gas and industrial applications. This strategic move strengthens Alfa Laval’s capabilities toward enhancing energy efficiency and operational performance, while reducing costs and extending asset lifespan. Expanding footprint CII improvement and evolving regulations are accelerating the shift toward future-proof, eco-friendly innovations...

Kongsberg Discovery is gearing up to make a splash at Ocean Business 2025, with high profile product demonstrations, a new digital innovation launch, and a range of domain experts on hand to help stakeholders navigate a future of ocean opportunity. The company, a global pioneer in advanced underwater robotics and sensor technology, will base itself at booth N1/P2 for the duration of the show, taking place 8-10 April at the National Oceanography Centre, Southampton, UK. Multibeam in action Kon...

Technology group Wärtsilä has signed a five-year Lifecycle Agreement with Finland based Viking Line covering the ferry M/S Viking Glory. The vessel has been supported by an earlier Wärtsilä agreement since its launch in 2021, and this renewal further extends and expands the partnership and benefits provided by the agreement. This latest order was booked by Wärtsilä in Q1 2025. Decarbonisation strategy The agreement is designed to minimise unscheduled maintenance...

The University of Osaka (President: Atsushi Kumanogoh), in collaboration with Imabari Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. (President: Yukito Higaki, 'Imabari Shipbuilding'), Japan Marine United Corporation (President: Takashi Hirose, 'JMU'), Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (President & CEO: Hayato Suga, 'ClassNK'), and MTI Co., Ltd. (President: Hideki Suzuki, 'MTI') will establish the Open Collaboration Laboratory for Enabling Advanced Marine Systems (OCEANS) at the Techno Alliance Building within the Graduate Schoo...

Zero USV, the company behind the Oceanus12 fleet, providing the first global network of over-the-horizon, high-endurance uncrewed fully autonomous surface vessels (USVs) for charter, has officially welcomed Leeway Marine onboard as its first global operations partner. This partnership represents a landmark step in expanding Zero USV’s worldwide presence, with Leeway Marine now set to offer the company’s Oceanus12 USV for charter throughout Canada and the wider North American region....

The world’s first commercial-use ammonia-fueled vessel, Sakigake, has successfully completed a three-month demonstration voyage, during which the vessel engaged in tugboat operations in Tokyo Bay and achieved a GHG-emission reduction of up to approximately 95%. The vessel was completed by Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha and IHI Power Systems Co., Ltd., in cooperation with Nippon Kaiji Kyokai as part of a Green Innovation Fund Project under Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology...

Knutsen NYK Carbon Carriers AS, a subsidiary of Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha and Knutsen Group, has obtained Approval in Principle from ClassNK for the design of liquified CO2 carriers that use the elevated pressure method to store and transport liquefied carbon dioxide at ambient temperature. ClassNK has carried out a design review of this ship in accordance with the Rules for the Survey and Construction of Steel Ships, 'Part N', and has issued an Approval in Principle after confirming that t...

Procureship, the pioneer e-procurement platform for the global maritime industry, has signed an agreement with Shipnet. The Norwegian vessel management software provider, to bring its award-winning e-procurement service to its online maritime operation app. Shipnet and procureship unite The deal will enable all Shipnet users to access Procureship’s e-procurement platformThe deal, which was signed during Sea Asia in Singapore on 25 March, will enable all Shipnet users to access Procuresh...

ALFA International Corporation has introduced a new high performance two-part polyurethane encapsulant that was formulated by the U.S. Navy and exhibits excellent hydrolytic stability and exceptional acoustic properties. ALFA NUWC XP-1 Polyurethane Encapsulant is a U.S. Navy protected proprietary formulation that is hydrolytically stable for protecting marine acoustic equipment, hydrophones, and underwater transducers. ALFA NUWC XP-1 Polyurethane Encapsulant ALFA NUWC XP-1 Polyurethane Encaps...

International®, AkzoNobel's marine coatings brand, has published a new whitepaper on how data collaboration between fouling control coating experts and vessel operators can drive more informed decision-making, enhance vessel performance reliability and support sustainability goals for the fleet. The research includes a detailed case study of three Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) vessels tracked over a 60-month service period, all coated with Intersleek® 1100SR, an ultra-high performance foulin...

Fincantieri, one of the world's pioneer groups in high-complexity shipbuilding, and the Guardia di Finanza signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at strengthening cooperation to prevent and fight criminal infiltrations and irregularities in the economic and production sectors. The agreement establishes a joint effort to protect legality, with a focus on preventing and combating economic and financial crimes, fraud, corruption, and illegal labor practices. Enhancing transparency and securit...

Propspeed®, a pioneering innovator in underwater biocide-free, foul-release coatings, announced it has signed an agreement with LUKA Marine Murter d.o.o. to serve as the Company’s new single-entry partner for Croatia and Slovenia. The partnership will kick off with the first national technical training for applicators and resellers in this vital region to prepare Propspeed for the quickly approaching refit season. Propspeed’s coating systems LUKA Marine Murter is a privately o...

Alfa Laval has signed its first contract for the ammonia fuel supply system, FCM Ammonia, reinforcing its position as a frontrunner in developing solutions for decarbonizing the maritime industry.  The FCM Ammonia will be installed onboard seven LPG/ammonia carriers for Tianjin Southwest Maritime. Ammonia-powered shipping The FCM Ammonia will be installed on a CSSC Huangpu Wenchong shipyard in ChinaAs a front-runner in enabling the use of ammonia, Alfa Laval has achieved a significant mi...

Efficient installation and commissioning of onboard equipment is critical in the newbuild construction process. This has been demonstrated with successful sea trials for the first davits installed by Vestdavit on a series of US Navy fleet refuelling vessels being built by General Dynamics NASSCO. Proven performance PLRH-5000 davits excel in trials aboard USNS Robert F. Kennedy, ensuring smooth naval operations and newbuild deliveriesThe pair of high-specification PLRH-5000 rescue boat davits...

OrbitMI, a pioneer provider of maritime SaaS software, announces that Istanbul-based Statu Shipping has deployed its compliance solutions across its fleet of 20 bulk carriers.  Rather than handling compliance as a passive, post-voyage process, Statu Shipping can now monitor and manage compliance outcomes in real time, optimizing efficiency, reducing costs, and ensuring regulatory adherence throughout the voyage. Reducing CII Impact Using Orbit’s compliance capabilities operators ca...

The Switch, a pioneer provider of innovative power electronics for the marine industry, has signed a multimillion-euro contract with Ålesund-based Vard Electro. It marks a significant step in the company’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge products for innovative system integrators. Future-proof power systems DC-Hub technology holds its role in next-gen maritime electrification for flexible power solutionsThe Switch will supply its DC-Hub technology to multiple vessels on orde...

In recent months, several oil majors have begun to turn away from renewables to refocus on fossil fuels. This will likely lead them to increase their capital budgets for developing deep-sea oil and gas reserves, requiring a balance of new (large-scale) floating production units and commercial vessels to transport products. In this article, they look at the differences between the terms on which commercial vessels are designed, constructed and delivered and those for projects for offshore floati...

MacGregor, part of Cargotec, has won the GREEN4SEA Sustainability Award 2025, in recognition of the contribution its digital Carbon Calculator tool makes to maritime decarbonisation. Available free of charge on the MacGregor website, Carbon Calculator allows container shipping companies to estimate the carbon dioxide emissions. They can eliminate from their operations by upgrading their onboard container cargo system. Sustainable cargo operations Maximising cargo-carrying capacity increases r...

As the supplier of marine coatings, Jotun partners with a broad range of stakeholders working to decarbonise shipping. But is the industry moving fast enough? Jotun’s President and CEO Morten Fon shares his views on how leadership, innovation and collaboration can accelerate the transition to a low carbon future. From his corner office on the seventh floor of Jotun’s Headquarters and R&D Centre, Morten Fon, Jotun’s President and CEO, has stunning views of the marine traffi...

Concordia Damen is proud to announce that it has been awarded a contract by ‘Koninklijke Van der Wees Transporten’ for the construction and delivery of an innovative RoRo pontoon, to be named Lastdrager 29.  In addition, the Werkendam-based shipyard will build two coupling pontoons for Van der Wees. This project marks another milestone in the long-standing collaboration between Concordia Damen and Van der Wees, following the successful delivery of the Pieter van der Wees five y...