Regulations - News

Gelose Marine Services Ltd. has joined Thordon Bearings’ extensive network of authorised distributors to further the ‘greening’ of Nigeria’s fleet of domestic and international vessels with more sustainable bearing solutions. Based in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria, Gelose has a diverse services portfolio, ranging from maritime security and vessel management to technical support, ship repair, and dry dockings with its own 400t ship lift capability shipyard. The com...

Wärtsilä Gas Solutions, part of technology group Wärtsilä, will supply the cargo handling system for a new 12,500 m3 LNG bunkering vessel being built for Spanish shipowner Scale Gas, a subsidiary of Enagás, the owner and operator of Spain’s gas grid. The vessel is co-financed by the Support for Sustainable and Digital Transport Programme, part of the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan from the Spanish Ministry of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agen...

The European Commission published a call for proposals under the “Connecting Europe Facility” (“CEF”) transport funding programme to support the deployment of alternative fuels supply infrastructure and contribute to decarbonisation along Europe’s most important transport network (the “TEN-T network”). The programme is closely tied to the new regulatory framework for the transport sector in the EU’s “Fit for 55” package, which sets ambi...

ABB has been selected by the Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) to supply a comprehensive grid-to-propeller solution for the new double-ended, hybrid-electric ferry that will provide essential services between the town of Lincolnville and the island community of Islesboro in the United States.  Due to replacing an existing diesel-powered ferry, the new vessel will demonstrate the preference of publicly funded organisations in the US for the high reliability and lower emissions a...

Vestdavit is reaping the benefits of its strategic location in the Netherlands with its Dutch subsidiary boosting revenue by 50% last year as the regional business grows on the back of increasing aftersales and davit commissioning work on newbuilds. And the ball keeps rolling for Vestdavit BV, led by regional Managing Director Magnar Bøyum, as turnover has already risen by 25% in the first quarter of this year, mirroring a similar trend for the overall group that has recorded hu...

International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) Publications announces the launch of the fifth edition of ‘Shipping and the Environment: A Guide to Environmental Compliance’. This latest edition offers comprehensive updates and expanded insights into the intricate relationship between shipping operations and environmental protection. The fifth edition is a definitive guide, providing a holistic introduction to companies and crew members navigating this complex subject matter. Recognising th...

Global law firm - Norton Rose Fulbright has advised Citibank, N.A. (Citibank), as Coordinator, BNP Paribas, KfW, and Alpha Bank on a $450 million syndicated facility for Danaos Corporation (Danaos). Financial aid The facility will assist with the financing of eight newly built container vessels built by the Daehan, Dalian, and Qingdao shipyards. These container vessels meet the latest IMO requirements for emissions and energy-efficient design, making them Danaos’ most sustainable vessels...

Kongsberg Discovery is pleased to announce that the first production system of their revolutionary long-range Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) HUGIN Endurance has completed factory acceptance testing. Sea trials Sea trials for the first production unit began in September 2023, and over the last months, the Kongsberg Discovery Uncrewed Platforms team has put HUGIN Endurance through its paces, verifying and refining all system capabilities. Sea trials culminated in March 2024 with a successf...

ClassNK has released a new tool, ‘WACDAS (WAve Climate Data Aggregation for Ships)’, for calculating the route correction factors essential for ensuring the safety of container lashing and support container stacking optimisation. Responding to rapid increases in the size of container ships and advances in lashing technology, ClassNK released ‘Guidelines for Container Stowage and Securing Arrangements (Edition 3.0)’ last year to enhance the safety and efficiency of marine...

Carras (Hellas) S.A. is taking the next step in its sustainability journey by receiving the ABS Biofuel-1 notation for its Aquataurus Ultramax bulk carrier, the first vessel in the world to qualify. The notation is assigned to vessels that use a biofuel blend of up to and including 30 percent biofuel in compliance with IMO and ABS requirements. Biofuel usage Biofuels are liquid hydrocarbon fuels with similar composition and properties to fuel oil, but they are produced from renewable sou...

Inmarsat Maritime, a Viasat business, has donated a bridge simulator, a system of hardware and screens that allows students to familiarise themselves with realistic weather, traffic, and ocean conditions, to Warsash Maritime School, part of Solent University in Southampton, United Kingdom. Bridge simulator The simulator, which was previously located at Inmarsat’s former headquarters on City Road, London, will allow students to rehearse their responses to distress situations in a realisti...

With around 250 ships taking part, the Hamburg Port Anniversary offers guests a spectacular water programme, all carried out while port operations continue on the Elbe. The unique tugboat ballet, exciting demonstrations, and the magisterial entry and exit parades will make for some wondrous moments, when majestic tall ships and other impressive vessels pass right in front of the eyes of visitors. Guests can experience the top-class programme right up close. Dancing powerhouses When real power...

Ceremonies and celebrations were recently held in Vancouver harbour for a pair of ElectRA 2300-SX battery electric tugs designed by Robert Allan Ltd. and built by Türkiye’s Sanmar Shipyards.  Both tugs are owned and operated by SAAM Towage Canada and represent major milestones in the Port of Vancouver’s goal of becoming the world’s most sustainable, as well as SAAM Towage’s leadership in the drive to the decarbonisation of harbour operations. Neptune terminals...

Technology group - Wärtsilä will supply a range of solutions aimed at minimising the carbon footprint of six new Pure Car Truck Carrier (PCTC) vessels being built for Dubai-based Sallaum Lines DMCC. Part of the order was booked by Wärtsilä in 2023 and the remainder in Q1 2024. The Wärtsilä solutions were selected following a very stringent evaluation process, with sustainability and minimal environmental impact being a prime consideration. Wärtsilä to su...

With the publication of ABS Methanol Bunkering: Technical and Operational Advisory, ABS is expanding its industry-renowned suite of guidance on methanol as a marine fuel.  A key component of the methanol value chain and the overall scalability of the fuel will be the ability to bunker methanol, either by truck-to-ship, ship-to-ship or land storage tank/terminal-to-ship. The new advisory provides the maritime industry with insight into the challenges of bunkering methanol and strategie...

Peel Ports Group, the UK’s second largest port operator, has announced its Queen Elizabeth II Dock at Eastham will utilise energy from hydropower. It’s the latest move to drive forward Peel Ports’ ambition to become net-zero across its network and operations by 2040. Archimedean screw generator The port operator has partnered with Czech renewable energy specialist Hydropol to install a state-of-the-art twin Archimedean screw generator, at the site’s 30-foot lock. Conn...

Brunvoll has been contracted to deliver the propulsion, manoeuvring, and autonomy systems for two hydrogen-powered ferries for Torghatten Nord AS. Innovative ship design The ferries will operate the harsh route to and from Lofoten in Norway, more specifically the Bodø-Verøy-Røst-Moskenes route.  The ferries are of a new and innovative ship design with hydrogen fuel cells in mind, and the designer is The Norwegian Ship Design Company AS. Both ferries included in the c...

Wärtsilä Gas Solutions, part of the technology group - Wärtsilä has been contracted to supply the cargo handling and fuel gas supply systems for three new 98k Very Large Ethane Gas Carrier (VLEC) vessels. The ships are being built at the HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) yard in Korea for Oceania-based ship owners. The order was booked by Wärtsilä in Q1, 2024. The selection of the Wärtsilä solutions follows a similar recent order from HHI for three n...

ABS and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) are to collaborate on clean energy development in the maritime domain and decarbonisation of maritime operations, after signing a new memorandum of understanding (MOU). The agreement between the DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) and ABS is designed to leverage the experience and capabilities from both organisations to support emissions reduction initiatives that benefit the maritime industry. Clean energy initiatives...

Ahlsell Norge AS has entered into an agreement to purchase all shares in Verktøy-Maskin AS. The acquisition represents an additional contribution to Ahlsell’s growth within the industrial segment.   Verktøy-Maskin has nine employees and a turnover of approximately 42 million in 2023. Logistic capabilities Since 1976, Verktøy-Maskin has been a trustworthy supplier to the industrial sector around Mandal in Norway where they are located. The company offers a wi...

The maritime industry, represented by the organisations behind this letter, is grateful for the recognition that the UN Security Council and they personally have placed on the shipping industry and the importance of free movement as set out in international law. They also thank and applaud IMO Secretary-General - Arsenio Dominguez for all the hard work raising the profile of shipping and seafarers. However, the incident this weekend, when the vessel MSC Aries was seized by Iranian forces a...

Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global is the world’s largest seafood trade event. Buyers, suppliers, media, and other seafood professionals from 150 countries visit the exposition. Attendees come to meet with existing suppliers, source new products and network with other industry professionals. It is the global place where the seafood industry meets. Diversified’s living affinities Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global is brought to by Diversified Communications, e...

Watson Farley & Williams advised Danaos Corporation on a US$450m post-delivery senior secured term loan facility to finance eight newbuild vessels under construction in the Daehan, Dalian and Qingdao shipyards to be delivered in 2024-2025. The lending syndicate comprised four major shipping banks. The newbuilding vessels will be the most efficient in Danaos’ fleet as they are built in accordance with the latest IMO requirements in relation to Tier III emission standards and Energ...

Classification society DNV presented Australian green technology, energy, and metals company Fortescue with class and statutory certificates for its dual-fuelled ammonia-powered vessel ‘Green Pioneer’ at a ceremony held during Singapore Maritime Week. This marked the culmination of a project that began in 2021 when DNV was engaged by Fortescue to work on the feasibility study and 'Fuel ready (Ammonia)' notation for the vessel’s conversion.    Technology Qualificatio...

Strong global growth in all areas, industry-pioneering sustainability projects, development of a diverse talent pipeline and pioneering advances in digital and condition-based technologies were highlighted for members from around the world at the 162nd ABS Annual Members Meeting. Members heard that continued focus on industry fundamentals had propelled the ABS fleet to 289 million gross tons and strengthened its number one position in global new order share at 24.2 percent, holding pioneer...

The World Shipping Council (WSC) is calling on the EU to design policy frameworks that facilitate the essential role of shipping in a globally connected economy and to forge the path to net-zero shipping by 2050 in partnership with industry. 2024-2029 legislative term Outlining its recommendations for the 2024-2029 legislative term, the WSC urges the EU to: Work to secure effective global greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction regulations and implement the Green Deal to ensure that...

Watson Farley & Williams (WFW) has advised MSC Cruises (MSC) on the financing for two new LNG-powered cruise ships from French shipbuilder - Chantiers de l’Atlantique. The vessels, World Class 3 and World Class 4 are expected to be delivered in 2026 and 2027 respectively. The financing was provided by a syndicate of lenders led by Banco Santander with ECA support from Bpifrance Export Assurance. Environmental technology In line with MSC’s commitment to investing in future envi...

Wärtsilä Gas Solutions, part of the technology group - Wärtsilä, will supply cargo handling and fuel supply systems for three new large-sized ethane gas carrier (VLEC) vessels. The ships are being built at the HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) yard in Korea for owner Purus. The order, which was booked by Wärtsilä in Q1 2024, further strengthens Wärtsilä’s market-pioneering position in this sector. Wärtsilä cargo handling and fuel supply s...

The Energy Transition at Sea is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for shipping and governments around the world to revitalise national maritime strategies and build the infrastructure and assets needed to achieve net zero. That’s the view of ABS Chairman and Chief Executive - Christopher J. Wiernicki, who is highlighting how maritime decarbonisation is a powerful driver for national maritime strategy, national security, and job creation. Decarbonisation Christopher J. Wiernicki said, &...

ClassNK has commenced joint research with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) to establish an evaluation method for the compatibility of ship materials with liquefied oxygen (LOX). The aim is to contribute to suppressing fire accidents on ships handling liquefied hydrogen, where LOX could be generated, and to reasonable material selection. Liquefied hydrogen carriers To construct a supply chain for hydrogen, which is expected to be a clean energy source in a decarbonised society, th...