Operation and maintenance News

International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary-General Kitack Lim has urged further financial support for a UN-coordinated operational plan to address the threat of a major oil spill from the FSO Safer, moored off Yemen, after a pledging event in The Hague saw donors pledging US$33 million in new funding. Contingency planning efforts "In the face of an impending environmental disaster, we must do all we can to prevent it. We must act now," Mr. Lim said. "The time is now. The risks are hig...

The World Ocean Council (WOC), the City of Barcelona and the Port of Barcelona are partnering to develop the leading global hub for the Blue Economy, which will now include the headquarters for WOC, the global Blue Economy Business and Investment Organization. The World Ocean Council’s events and activities will complement the Blue Economy efforts in Barcelona, Spain and its port, as well as strengthen the city’s leadership commitments. WOC’s Blue Economy events To celebrate...

Vigor has completed a comprehensive modernisation of USS McCampbell (DDG 85) at Swan Island, sending the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer on to its new homeport at Naval Station Everett, Wash. The 18-month, more than $155 million projects were the largest ever completed by Vigor’s Ship Repair team, and the largest of its kind at Swan Island in nearly 30 years. Complex ship repair projects “Our skilled workers at Swan Island were honored to support the U.S. Nav...

Babcock International Group (Babcock), the aerospace, defence and security firm, has signed a four year contract to deliver through life support to the Marinha do Brasil’s flagship vessel, NAM Atlântico, formerly the UK Royal Navy platform HMS Ocean, as part of its global support programme. Working hand-in-hand with their customers, Babcock’s key asset management activities include deep maintenance, in-service support, equipment and systems support, and through life engineerin...

Classification society DNV has updated its recently released Compliance Planner. The digital tool will additionally enable DNV customers to monitor their entire fleets and individual vessels against Flag State compliance requirements. Compliance Planner The tool is continuously updated to reflect the latest decisions of regulators and includes options for compliance International shipping and offshore regulations are expanding in scope and complexity, increasing the burden on ship owners and...

The Norwegian Ministry of Climate and Environment has awarded DNV and its partners a contract to develop a roadmap for the introduction of sustainable zero-carbon fuels across the Nordic region.  The “Nordic Roadmap” aims to accelerate the transition to zero-carbon fuels by reducing the key barriers to their uptake and creating a platform for cooperation across the region.  Working together with DNV on the development of the Nordic Roadmap are Chalmers, IVL, MAN Energy So...

The potential of hydrogen as a clean future fuel is a familiar talking point, but what’s the reality? Ocean Hyway Cluster, a specialist Norwegian trade body, gathers leading players to assess, demystify and enable developments within the maritime field, at The Maritime Hydrogen Conference. This unique conference is split into three main sessions, in order to help navigate hydrogen’s horizon. As such, partnership-based models, infrastructure (from both a shipowner and energy supplier...

The latest Indicator shows that the number of seafarers onboard vessels beyond the expiry of their contract has decreased slightly from 5% from 4.2% in the last month, while the number of seafarers onboard vessels for over 11 months has remained stable at 0.4%. This is the first decrease in numbers, albeit slight, since December 2021. The Neptune Indicator also reports a 4.4 percentage point increase in seafarer vaccines, from 72.8% in March to 77.2% in April, as seafarer vaccinations have sta...

Nor-Shipping is a globally renowned exhibition and event, which is based in Norway. This is where the maritime and ocean industries meet to connect, collaborate and facilitate sustainable success in the ocean space. Taking place every two years, Nor-Shipping operates as a hub for international decision-makers from both the private and public spheres. Nor-Shipping, global maritime exhibition Nor-Shipping is where ship owners and operators mix with politicians, equipment suppliers, NGOs Nor-Sh...

Neste Corporation’s Board of Directors has appointed Matti Lehmus (born 1974) as President and CEO as of 1 May 2022. He succeeds Peter Vanacker, who will hold the position until 30 April 2022. Matti Lehmus holds a M. Sc. in chemical engineering and an eMBA. He joined Neste in 1998 and has held several key leadership positions during his career in both the oil products business and renewables. He has been a member of the Neste Executive Committee since 2009 and currently serves as Exe...

DHL Express and Neste have announced a significant step towards decarbonising aviation logistics by expanding their existing cooperation with a new strategic collaboration. In the next five years, Neste will supply DHL with approximately 320,000 tons (400 million liters) of Neste MY Sustainable Aviation FuelTM. The agreement is Neste’s largest for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) to date and one of the largest SAF agreements in the aviation industry. SAF availability  Nest...

Blue Water is deeply concerned about Russia's continued military actions in Ukraine. They continuously follow the situation and assess how the increasing amounts of sanctions against Russia impact their activities and ability to service their customers. The company is pausing all new bookings, contracts, and activities in Russia and Belarus – this includes any transit through Russia and Belarus. Blue Water fully respects the sanctions and will comply Blue Water fully respects the sancti...

The European business community has been united in condemning the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. Neste has a common concern about the situation. Due to the current situation and the uncertainty in the market, Neste has mostly replaced  Russian crude oil with another crude, such as North Sea oil. Neste will closely monitor the situation and the development of sanctions and potential counter-sanctions and prepare for various options in procurement, production, and logistics. Neste’s re...

The International Labour Organisation (ILO), International Maritime Organization (IMO), United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have issued a joint statement asking stakeholders to take action to support the world’s 1.9 million seafarers from being unduly impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions. The statement comes in the wake of the Omicron COVID-19 variant of concern (VOC), which has, once again, c...

As the countdown begins for the seventh edition of the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX), the Organising Committee provided an update on the preparations and an overview of the event, at a diplomat briefing session, at Sharq Village and Spa, on February 21, 2022. One of the most awaited events on the international maritime defence and security calendar, DIMDEX 2022 is shaping up to be the biggest and most diverse edition ever, with more than 200 companies fr...

Maritime UK is today announcing the 32 finalists for the third annual Maritime UK Awards. The winners, across 14 different categories, will be announced at a glittering awards ceremony hosted by award-winning broadcaster, Jennifer Reoch, at the Glasgow Science Centre on 10 March. The awards, which will be given to individuals as well as businesses, charities, colleges and universities, focus on a wide range of areas including business growth, innovation, sustainability and diversity. They rec...

The One Ocean Summit, a global summit dedicated to the protection of the oceans, organized by French President - Emmanuel Macron, opens for three days from Feb 9 to Feb 11, 2022. On this occasion, CMA CGM reaffirms its commitment to the protection of the climate and biodiversity. The CMA CGM Group is determined to act as quickly as possible to limit the effects of global warming on our planet and the damage to biodiversity. It also takes concrete decisions on a daily basis, true to its CSR appr...

Thordon Bearings has unveiled the BlueWater Seal, a new propeller shaft seal with a unique Safe Return to Port (SRTP) design that specifically meets commercial shipping industry needs for low maintenance and robust shaft seal. The Thordon BlueWater Seal completes the COMPAC open seawater lubricated propeller shaft bearing system. Commercial-grade axial lip seal Taking the company’s TG100 and SeaThigor seal products as the technical benchmark, the Thordon BlueWater Seal is a cost-effectiv...

Nor-Shipping has been buoyed by the response of exhibitors to its COVID-19 pandemic-induced move from the earlier scheduled exhibition dates in January to April 2022. In a candid interview, the Director of Nor-Shipping, Sidsel Norvik admits she expected inevitable cancellations, as a result of the schedule change, but says these have been minimal, while those that have pulled out have simply transferred attendance to the summer 2023 event of Nor-Shipping. Nor-Shipping 2022 exhibition What...

Lamor Corporation announced that the company has increased its efforts to serve customers in Norway, by establishing a Norwegian office, in January 2022. The local Lamor office is located in Straume, Bergen area, located in the west coast of Norway. Lamor Oil Spill Response solutions Lamor Corporation has had for many years a good dialogue and recurring projects with the Norwegian coast guard, Kystverket (Norwegian Coastal Administration), regarding Lamor Oil Spill Response solutions, and many...

The government of Benin has awarded a contract to Norwegian technology company, Vissim to deliver a coastal monitoring system designed for improved environmental monitoring and safer passage along Benin’s coastline and ocean area. The ultimate objective is to increase international trade with Benin. The contract is funded by Export Finance Norway. Vissim secures contract from Benin government The contract was signed at a ceremony in Cotonou, Benin, by Minister of Defence, Fortunet Alain...

Svitzer, a renowned global towage operator and part of A.P. Moller - Maersk, converts its whole fleet of 10 towage tugs in London, United Kingdom, to be powered by carbon neutral marine biofuel. This enables DP World-owned Unifeeder to reduce its emissions and boost its green agenda. Ecotow towage service Replacing marine fuel oil with the carbon neutral biofuel enables Svitzer to offer a new towage service, called Ecotow, which unlocks approximately 90% CO2 reduction in Scope 3 emissions from...

Mediterranean Shipping Company’s (MSC) Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Soren Toft has highlighted the importance of working together, in order to achieve net decarbonisation goals, in a keynote digital speech delivered at DNV’s ‘Fuel of the Future Conference’, on January, 11, 2022, as part of the annual Nor-Shipping convention. In his speech, Soren Toft explained MSC’s views on the status of decarbonisation in the container shipping sector, summarised how the compan...

Nestled in the North Pacific Ocean and the largest of the Micronesian islands is Guam, an unincorporated territory of the United States of America (USA). There are two main drivers of trade in this island nation in the Pacific Ocean, the US military presence and tourism. The current population of Guam stands at about 170,000 people, with this number expected to increase slightly by 2024, as 5,000 US Marine personnel and their families will be relocated to Guam from Okinawa, Japan. Guam, a ke...

The Seafarers’ Charity congratulates their trustee, Natalie Shaw on the announcement that she will receive an MBE. This is an exceptionally well-deserved award. Natalie has a wealth of experience in the maritime sector, including in her current role, as Director of Employment Affairs, at the International Chamber of Shipping. She is a powerful advocate for seafarer safety and well-being. They are thankful to have Natalie as a trustee and delighted by the news that her commitment to seafar...

As of 1 January 2022, Aarhus Logistics Center (ALC) changes its name to Blue Water Logistics, in order to optimise the port setup and continue increasing the efficiency of the activities for the benefit of customers and business partners. In 2013, Blue Water Shipping acquired ALC, which has been operated independently servicing new and long-time customers within logistics, stevedoring, and warehousing. “The change of name will not affect customer relations, cooperation agreements, or ser...

‘By perseverance, everything reaches its target,’ the saying goes. Yet another year is almost over, and the COVID-19 pandemic continues to challenge everybody’s patience and perseverance. Many probably thought they would be back to a more ‘normal’ situation by now, but unfortunately it seems everyone will have to persevere a while longer. All the more important it is now to acknowledge and celebrate some of the progress and milestones that are being reached in the...

At the 32nd session of the IMO Assembly (A 32) from December 6 to December 15, 2021, the Assembly adopted a resolution on comprehensive action to address seafarers’ challenges, during the COVID-19 pandemic, consolidating issues related to crew change, access to medical care, ‘key worker’ designation and seafarers' prioritisation for COVID-19 vaccination. The resolution urges IMO Member States to: Designate seafarers as ‘key workers’, in order to facilitate shore...

Global full-service provider Blue Water announces a new logistics partnership with the shared professional services group supporting Holland America Group, which consists of Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Seabourn and P&O Australia. As part of the cooperation, Blue Water will be managing the warehouse operations for the Group’s main distribution center in Florida, including order fulfillment, distribution, storage, cross dock, and live loads for dry, chilled, and frozen shipm...

Gard announced its decision to become a signatory to the Poseidon Principles for Marine Insurance (PPMI), a global framework to quantify and disclose the carbon intensity of insurers’ marine hull portfolios. Moving towards decrabonisation “We need to work together to tackle the challenge of climate change. As such, the Poseidon Principles are an important contribution from the marine hull insurance industry," said Rolf Thore Roppestad, Chief Executive Officer of Gard. “The p...