Skills - News

KR (Korean Register) has awarded an Approval in Principle (AiP) to HD Hyundai Mipo (HD HMD) for their innovative 23K Ammonia Bunkering Vessel and 18K LNG Bunkering Vessel on September 18, at GASTECH 2024, paving the way for green shipping. The development of these vessels represents a significant advancement in the maritime industry’s efforts to meet the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) ambitious greenhouse gas reduction targets, which include at least 20% by 2030 an...

OrbitMI, a globally renowned provider of maritime intelligence and analytics solutions, is pleased to announce Michelle Chowey as its new Head of Software Solutions for the APAC region, as of 20 May 2024. Michelle Chowey brings a wealth of experience in maritime technology, with a career that includes leadership roles in customer success, sales, and business development within the navigational and crewing software sectors. Michelle Chowey  Michelle Chowey comes to OrbitMI from Ocean Tech...

Watson Farley & Williams (“WFW”) advised BPER Banca S.p.A. (“BPER”) on a medium to long-term financing of up to approximately US dollar 7.7m to Maltese company Red Coral Bulkers Ltd. (“Red Coral”) for the purchase of the bulk carrier “Archagelos Michael”. EU/EEA states’ register Archagelos Michael, originally under the Liberian Registry and currently registered by Red Coral in the Maltese Register of Shipping under the new name “P...

ABS granted approval in principle (AIP) to HD Hyundai Mipo (HMD) for its design of a liquefied carbon dioxide (LCO2) carrier. Presented at Gastech 2024, the AIP represented the culmination of a joint development project between ABS and HMD. HMD developed a cargo containment system optimised for a 35,000 cbm LCO2 carrier using new cargo tank materials. ABS completed design reviews based on class and statutory requirements for liquefied gas carriers. Development of liquefied CO2 carrier “...

Enhancing their collaboration on cutting-edge marine and technology projects, ABS and HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) signed a Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) to advance the development and certification of innovative systems for next-generation, zero-carbon ships. Representatives from both companies met at Gastech 2024 for the signing ceremony. 3 areas of integration Entitled 'Cooperation on the Advanced Zero-Carbon Ships', the MOU focuses on integrating advanced...

North Atlantic Fishing Company continues its commitment to inspiring the next generation of mariners with sponsorship of the Hull Sea Cadets' annual camping and sailing trip to Welton Water for the fourth consecutive year. The event saw 27 Sea Cadets, aged 11 to 17, hone their sailing and camping skills in the picturesque setting along the Humber River. Five-day programme The five-day programme at Welton Water offers diverse activities designed to challenge and inspire young cadets, with part...

Becker Marine Systems is back at SMM! Visit at the new booth A1.223 in Hall A1. In partnership with Nakashima Propellers, they offer an inviting space for them to learn more about innovative manoeuvring and energy-saving solutions. The exhibition team will be available to answer the questions and discuss the benefits of the extensive product portfolio. New product segments "We are thrilled to use the platform of SMM in our hometown, Hamburg, to introduce our new product segments and refr...

Strategic Marine, in collaboration with Centus Marine, is proud to unveil the introduction of Malaysia’s first hybrid Fast Crew Boat (FCB). This innovative vessel is equipped with cutting-edge hybrid technology and gyro-stabilisation, marking a significant advancement in the region’s maritime industry. The vessel has been specifically designed to improve efficiency and sustainability in offshore operations, offering significant advantages in crew transfer to oil platforms. Its hybri...

Daphne Technology and Williams, an energy infrastructure company, are proud to announce their collaboration on the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Methane Emissions Reduction Program (MERP) grant. This partnership underscores both companies' commitment to reducing methane emissions. Methane abatement technologies As part of this collaboration, Daphne Technology and Williams will leverage their combined expertise to advance methane abatement technologies that align with MERP's goals. The pr...

ERMA FIRST, a pioneering sustainable maritime solutions provider, has teamed up with the Hellenic Marine Environment Protection Association (HELMEPA), the Municipality of Perama and the local community to clean up Perama Beach as part of the company’s wide-ranging Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy. The event, which took place on 30 August 2024, saw over 80 participants collaborate to clear over 30 large refuse bags’ worth of recyclable and non-recyclable litter from the...

Classification society - DNV and Navigation Brilliance (Brinav), have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on autonomous collaboration. Under the terms of the MOU, the two companies aim to fast-track the development and approval of autonomous and remote-controlled shipping technologies, to encourage a safer and more efficient maritime industry. New safety risks  Autonomous shipping, ranging from remote control operations to fully unmanned vessels, represents a significant advanceme...

UAE-based shipyard - Mark Marine has saved both time and costs by initiating a collaboration with BERG Propulsion to use BERG Rotordynamics Services.Mark Marine is delivering eight vessels to Rawabi Vallianz Offshore Services, in what shipyard Founder, Hashim Abdul Razak, described as 'one of the largest build projects undertaken in the Middle East'. Customisation steps "This is a milestone project for Mark Marine, which showcases the excellence of our workmanship, our ability to deliver to sc...

Dutch maritime start-up accelerator - PortXL presented its 2024 cohort at the RDM, the Rotterdam space for innovative companies, technology education, high-quality test facilities and field labs.  Ten start-ups and scale-ups presented themselves and were connected to partners, mentors and members of the Rotterdam and Dutch innovation ecosystem, that will assist them in the coming months. PortXL’ s partners and stakeholders Mitja Caboni, Acceleration Manager at PortXL introduced the...

Kongsberg Discovery develops technology to ensure sustainable management of marine resources, monitor climate change and critical infrastructure, and safeguard national security. It is a business area within the KONGSBERG group and has been present in Canada and the US for almost 30 years. The USA company is also changing its name from Kongsberg Underwater Technology Inc (KUTL) to Kongsberg Discovery US, LLC. Plans for growth Before joining Kongsberg Discovery, Sandhu had vast leadership...

Condor Ferries reported a +14% Y-O-Y increase in overall network carryings during 2024's peak travel period (14 July – 03 September 2024), representing an increase in carryings of 26,874 compared to 2023. Of particular significance is the increase in passengers carried to and from the island of Jersey: during the peak 2024 period, Condor Ferries carried 19,217 additional car and foot passengers on UK and French services to and from Jersey compared to the same period in 2023, amountin...

bp selected ABS to support the deepwater Kaskida project in the Gulf of Mexico. ABS will provide classification and engineering verification services for the new semisubmersible production unit. “ABS is the recognised Class leader in offshore exploration and in the Gulf of Mexico; we have decades of experience classing complex semisubmersible production platforms. But this project goes beyond classification. We are also providing numerous other services related to engineering review and v...

International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) Publications is proud to announce the release of its latest publication, A Practical Guide to Shipboard Inspections. This first-edition comprehensive guide is designed to assist the maritime industry in preparing for and navigating the myriad of inspections that ships are subject to. Shipboard inspections guide Inspections are an integral part of the shipping industry, with all ship types subject to scrutiny from various entities, including flag states,...

In a biannual tradition accompanying the SMM maritime conference, ABS celebrated the AMVER Awards by sponsoring a ceremony recognising the contribution of German owners to the unique AMVER reporting system that supports search and rescue efforts for distress calls at sea. Held at the Übersee-Club in Hamburg, the ceremony celebrated 308 vessels from 54 German-managed companies, who were awarded coloured pennants for their role in maintaining maritime safety and in recognition of the owners&...

AkzoNobel’s International® marine coatings brand has announced a series of updates to Intertrac® Vision, a revolutionary digital forecasting tool. The latest enhancements include CII rating prediction, EU ETS cost impact and detailed breakdowns of cost savings across multiple dry-dockings, all designed to further support data-driven decision making on fouling control coatings for global vessel operators. Intertrac® Vision Intertrac® Vision analyses in...

The Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) has successfully transitioned the marine industry to its digitalised version of the Ship Inspection Report Programme (SIRE 2.0). Vessel operators are now only able to request tanker inspections that use the SIRE 2.0 Compiled Vessel Inspection Questionnaire (CVIQ) which is completed on a tablet device by accredited SIRE 2.0 inspectors. SIRE 2.0 Question Library These inspection reports will enable marine assurance teams to conduct more in-de...

A 360-degree analysis of hydrogen as a marine fuel and wind-assisted propulsion are the latest in a series of reports studying alternative fuels and decarbonisation technologies for the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) delivered by an ABS-led consortium, including CE Delft and Arcsilea. EMSA is committed to supporting the European Commission, the Member States, the shipping sector and European ports in the transition to carbon-neutral shipping. In this context, EMSA has launched a call fo...

The Cargo Integrity Group (CIG) commends the recent circular issued by the China Maritime Safety Administration (MSA), following the explosion incident involving the vessel – ‘YM Mobility’ on August 9, 2024, at Ningbo-Zhoushan Port. This incident, along with other recent fires aboard container vessels, underscores the critical need for enhanced safety measures and vigilance in the transport of dangerous goods by sea. In its circular, the MSA reiterated the need for all shippi...

Representing a breakthrough in the evolution of a ship’s propeller shaft line, Canada’s Thordon Bearings has unveiled the Thordon-Blue Ocean Stern Space (T-BOSS), a new solution designed to meet the propeller shaft requirements of the sterntubeless ship design proposed by the Blue Ocean Alliance. Introduced to the global maritime industry at the SMM trade fair in Hamburg, Germany, the new T-BOSS propeller shaft arrangement includes Thordon’s award-winning COMPAC polymer bearin...

Watson Farley & Williams (WFW) advised the owners of Astro Offshore (Astro Offshore) on the sale of an 80% stake in the business for US$185 million to Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ), India’s largest ports and logistics company and part of the Adani Group. Core transaction The existing shareholders retain 20%. With the core transaction documents successfully signed, the deal is expected to close shortly. This all-cash deal gives Astro Offshore an enterprise val...

At the SMM trade fair, DNV awarded shipping and logistics company - Wallenius Wilhelmsen its first biofuel insetting verification statement - recognising the company’s use of B100 in a recent voyage. Biofuels can help to make an immediate impact on shipping’s GHG emissions. However, they do come at an increased cost and owners need to be sure that they can benefit from their extra investments in sustainability and compliance. Verified biofuel insetting enables this, by creating tran...

ClassNK has updated its report ‘ClassNK Alternative Fuels Insight’ initially released in May 2024, to Version 2.0. This update includes the latest information on alternative fuel ships, including orders and deliveries, demand outlook, and cost simulations for ammonia-fueled ships. It supports customers’ future fuel options and investments. Given the wide range of alternative fuels available for ships, it is necessary to consider not only technical evaluations but also to under...

Shipping Technology, a Rotterdam-based upcoming player in the international maritime industry specialised in developing supportive tools for the shipping industry, has secured a significant investment from First Dutch in combination with the founders of Platform Zero. Safety, sustainability, and efficiency The hardware and software of Shipping Technology assist shipowners and crew to improve the safety, sustainability, and efficiency of their operations and management decisions. The First Dut...

Iridium Communications Inc. unveiled Iridium Certus® GMDSS, a generational advancement in maritime safety, compliance, and communication. Building on the powerful capabilities of Iridium Certus technology, Iridium Certus GMDSS features distress alert, safety voice and Maritime Safety Information (MSI), while integrating additional regulated services like Long Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) and Ship Security Alert System (SSAS). The combination of capabilit...

As the shipping industry transitions to cleaner fuels, ammonia as a marine fuel is gaining momentum. Alfa Laval is at the forefront of enabling this shift. Through research, product development, and strategic partnerships, the company is building the expertise and solutions needed for a safe and efficient transition to alternative fuels. Addressing challenges Alfa Laval is now accelerating the development of new technologies for ammonia The unique properties of ammonia, including its low fla...

Recently founded digital company Nauticworx is proud to announce the official launch of its workboat availability platform, making its debut at the SMM 2024 in Hamburg. Workboat Platform This platform aims to facilitate the way offshore and maritime professionals manage their fleet operations. It provides a seamless – and safe - solution for chartering regional workboats on the spot market in a digital environment that keeps participants anonymous until they choose not to be. In additio...