Skills - News

The Department of Defence announces that Fincantieri's US subsidiary, Fincantieri Marinette Marine (FMM), has been awarded a contract worth over 1 billion US dollars to build the fifth and sixth Constellation-class frigates for the US Navy.  The contract for the lead frigate and 9 options, signed in 2020, has a cumulative value of 5.5 billion US dollars, including post-delivery availability support and crew training. FREMM frigate platform Fincantieri secured this high-profile tender, di...

Lockton Companies, the world’s largest privately held, independent insurance brokerage, has announced the appointment of Oliver Hutchings as COO of Marine, Transportation, and Logistics. Oliver Hutchings, who was previously Global MD of Marine & Aviation at Charles Taylor Adjusting, has over fifteen years experience of in managing specialist marine liability claims. Oliver Hutchings appointed as COO He takes the helm from Justin Pinches, who covered the position for an interim perio...

Technology group Wärtsilä will supply the electrical systems needed to convert two Scandlines ferries to a plug-in hybrid solution. The ferries operate on the Puttgarden, Germany – Rödby, Denmark route, and the conversion represents a key element in Scandlines’ target to achieve emission-free operations on the route by 2030. The company’s overall vision is to realise zero emissions on all operations by 2040. The order with Wärtsilä will be booked in Q...

Leading marine insurance specialist Lockton Marine has partnered with London International Shipping Week 2025 (LISW25) to showcase its global expertise. Lockton Marine, part of Lockton, the world’s largest independent brokerage, has become the official LISW25 Marine Insurance Partner, bringing its deep sector knowledge and entrepreneurial spirit to the week-long international London event. Numerous LISW25 debates Alistair Rivers (pictured), Head of Lockton Marine, commented: “Lo...

APCL Group has welcomed Commodore Nick Fox to its facilities in Falmouth and Birkenhead to mark his retirement. Cdre Nick Fox's career has spanned 45 years in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary and has included several high-profile appointments - both afloat and shore-based. Nick Fox Nick Fox joined the Royal Fleet Auxiliary in 1978 as an engineer cadet. He completed his Cadet training in 1982 and served in a variety of seagoing and staff appointments before promotion to Captain in 2009. This sea ser...

Hefring Marine announced an investment of €2.2 million led by Faber Ventures with participation by Innoport VC, Two Ravens, MD-One, Riverstone Ventures, Idlewild Management LLC, and Sukna Holdings.  Hefring Marine is an Icelandic deep-tech company that specialises in intelligent maritime solutions, with a mission to empower vessel operators and managers to enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability.  An AI-driven on-board system The company’s main product, IMAS, is an...

Oceania Cruises, the culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, announces its newest ship Allura will enter service one week earlier than scheduled. Due to join the fleet in summer 2025, her inaugural sailing will now depart Trieste, Italy, on July 18, 2025, cruising six days to Athens, Greece, calling at gems in the Eastern Mediterranean including Rijeka, Croatia; Ravenna, Italy; Dubrovnik, Croatia; and Kotor, Montenegro. The line is also opening for sale a one-of-a-kind four day voyage s...

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., “Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings”, “Norwegian”, “NCLH” or the “Company”) will hold its Investor Day at the New York Stock Exchange where it will discuss its new comprehensive “Charting the Course” strategy, which includes a refreshed vision; strategic initiatives centred around four pillars encompassing people, product, growth platform and performance; and three-year financial and sustainability...

International maritime law firm - Campbell Johnston Clark (CJC) has added a senior member to its team in Singapore, following the appointment of Chua Aik Hui as Director. Joining the maritime law firm’s transactional team at the partner level, Aik Hui specialises in advising multinational financial institutions, sponsors, owners, and lessors on asset financing in the maritime and offshore oil and gas sectors. Extensive industry experience  Aik Hui also has significant experience in...

AV Dawson, owner and operator of Port of Middlesbrough, has signed a long-term partnership with Italian offshore cable manufacturer, Prysmian.  The Italian firm, which has been a tenant at Port of Middlesbrough for several years, has signed a 10-year agreement, cementing a long-term partnership, in preparation for its future growth. Part of the new partnership deal Prysmian, which is a world pioneer in the manufacture and installation of subsea and offshore wind cables, first starte...

Inmarsat Maritime, a Viasat company, has launched NexusWave, a fully managed connectivity service underpinned by a ‘bonded’ multi-dimensional network, offering high-speed connectivity, unlimited data, global coverage, and ‘secure by design’ infrastructure. NexusWave Delivered by a single provider, NexusWave is a fully managed service that seamlessly integrates multiple high-speed networks in real-time – Global Xpress (GX) Ka-band, low-Earth orbit (LEO) services, a...

This year, like any other Maritime UK is taking a stand to support women in the sector, urging the industry to get involved in Women in Maritime Day. International Day for Women in Maritime 2024 (18th May) celebrates women in the industry and is intended to promote the recruitment, retention and sustained employment of women in the maritime sector. Enhancing safety measures This day shines a spotlight on the progress of industry has made over the last year, but also the changes we as an ind...

Scottish exporters of perishable goods are set to benefit from a £750,000 investment into reefer point infrastructure at the Port of Greenock, which marks a significant upgrade to the country’s refrigerated cargo capabilities. The substantial increase in reefer points, from 32 to 220, solidifies the port’s position as a pioneer hub for refrigerated and frozen cargo on the West Coast. It will significantly increase ease of access to global markets for food and drink manufacture...

OceanWise was awarded the contract to work on a unique project involving the historic and impressive HMS Warrior vessel. This iconic piece of British history is moored in Portsmouth as part of the National Museum of the Royal Navy. HMS Warrior is an "ironclad, 40-gun, steam-powered frigate, built for the British Navy in 1859-1861″. OceanWise is proudly working with a number of project partners including Waves Group Limited, Nortek, Gill instruments and RS Divers to install a variety of en...

Zero-emissions goal energised by Forum Mobility’s new charging stations. A new charging depot that will be operated by Forum Mobility broke ground Wednesday, aimed at meeting the accelerating demand for heavy-duty electric trucks serving the Port of Long Beach. The facility, scheduled to go online in the fall, moves the Port closer toward achieving a goal of zero-emissions operations for drayage trucks by 2035. Mobility’s new charging depot “As an industry pioneer in the sus...

Harbor Lab, the maritime software company modernising the outdated accounting practices hampering the $14 trillion shipping industry, has raised a $16 million Series A funding round led by European VC Atomico.  With participation from existing investors Notion Capital, Venture Friends, SpeedInvest and The Dock, and new investors Endeavor Catalyst and maritime VC TMV, the round follows a Seed round of €6.1 million. It takes total funding for the Greek startup to some $22.5 million. A...

CSignum, a pioneer in underwater and underground data networking, is proud to announce the launch of its latest innovation, the EM-2 wireless platform for IoT sensor data and control from above the surface to below. The EM-2 interfaces to many common underwater sensors to wirelessly communicate data from under the water to above the surface or directly on land. Rules of wireless technologies EM-2 represents a breakthrough in wireless communication technology employing electromagnetic fields t...

Inmarsat Maritime, a Viasat company, has launched a new report Digital Wave: Transforming Vessels into Floating Offices and Remote Homes. The report explores the growing importance of ‘always-on’ onboard connectivity as ships and their crew become increasingly reliant on digital technology.  In an era that sees ships functioning as ‘floating offices’, a reliable network connection optimises vessel operations and enhances life on board. Equally, the consequences of a...

ClassNK has partnered with StormGeo for seamless sharing and verification of emission data. The collaboration marks a significant milestone for the two as it establishes the sharing and verification of emission data, to meet the requirements of their shared clients. Shipping companies that use StormGeo’s s-Insight platform will be able to share their validated emissions data to the ClassNK MRV Portal via API, for a seamless verification process. This process enables shipping comp...

Brunvoll has signed a contract with VARD for the delivery of a comprehensive propulsion and manoeuvring system for Cyan Renewables new Service Operation Vessel (SOV). Azimuth propulsion thrusters The vessel will have the first azimuth propulsion thrusters from Brunvoll with an 8-degree tilted propeller and nozzle, for enhanced performance during dynamic positioning operations. The delivery for the new SOV consists of two azimuth propulsion thrusters, two retractable azimuth thrusters, a...

Major provider of secure maritime data communications software, GTMaritime, has unveiled an enhanced version of GTDeploy – the advanced fleet-management and diagnostics tool that helps owners get the best out of their operating systems. With unparalleled visibility into vessel assets and computer systems, IT teams now have a range of new key features to optimise performance, streamline operations, and mitigate cyber-security risks. Functionality of upgraded solution The upgraded solutio...

The Hempel Foundation, in agreement with the Hempel A/S Board of Directors, has agreed to invite CVC Funds to become a minority investor in Hempel A/S to help accelerate Hempel’s ambitious long-term organic and inorganic growth strategy. The partnership with CVC will support the acceleration of Hempel’s organic growth plan, bringing complementary competencies and resources to support Hempel’s growth and value creation plans. In addition, Hempel will benefit from CVC Fund&rsquo...

The construction of the new Rodman 80 for Fred. Olsen Express continues its course and yesterday was successfully launched at the Rodman Polyships facilities, thus concluding the final phase of installations and assembly of the main equipment. The event brought together members of the Shipping Company’s management, such as the General Manager of Fred. Olsen S.A., Andrés Marín; the Fleet Manager, Juan Ignacio Liaño; the Head of the Technical Department, Iván Fer...

Watson Farley & Williams (WFW) has advised the Blue Ocean maritime strategy managed by EnTrust Global (EnTrust) on its acquisition of Norwegian alternative investment fund manager - Offshore Merchant Partners (OMP) from HitecVision. EnTrust EnTrust is a major global alternative asset management firm. Co-founded in 1997 by Chairman and CEO - Gregg S. Hymowitz, EnTrust offers a diverse range of alternative investment opportunities across strategies, including private debt and real asset...

Classification society - DNV announced at OTC Houston that its new rules and standards for the offshore industry will be published in July, after receiving industry feedback. The new DNV rules cover several segments, including underwater systems and installations, offshore units, diving systems, structural design, and drilling systems. The DNV rules and standards undergo an extensive external hearing process, before their publication and entry into force.    Rules and standardised pr...

NorthStandard announces the departure of James Bean, a senior executive team member, following his decision to accept a role as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of The London P&I Club. NorthStandard will not be replacing him as one of two Chiefs of geographical sectors. Steve Cockburn who currently shares the position with James, will assume sole responsibility. Jeremy's comments “It is with mixed feelings that we share this news,” said Jeremy Grose, Co-Managing Director of North...

The London P&I Club has announced that Ian Gooch will be stepping down during the year from the role of Chief Executive Officer after 15 years as CEO and 21 years as a Director of A. Bilbrough & Co., the Company that manages The London P&I Club.  Subject to regulatory approval, Ian Gooch will be succeeded by James Bean, from NorthStandard P&I Club. NorthStandard’s senior leadership A qualified Solicitor, James Bean has worked within the marine insurance industry sin...

South African Nouum Engineering, a provider of diesel engine services for marine, power, locomotive, and generators globally, and Mauritius-based ship repair and conversion yard - Taylor Smith Shipyard have signed a cooperation agreement, expanding both companies’ commercial and operational scopes.  Engineering work Willy van Niekerk, General Manager of TSS is very pleased, stating “This cooperation provides Taylor Smith Shipyard with the opportunity to accept more and signifi...

Ocean freight container carriers are treading a fine line between risk and reward during new contract negotiations as the market remains gripped by uncertainty in the Red Sea, according to new data on the Xeneta Shipping Index (XSI®). The latest data released by Xeneta, on Thursday, shows the Global XSI® (the average rate of all valid long-term contracts in the market) remained fairly flat in April at 154.3 points, up by just 1.7% from March. However, looking at sub-indices within this...

Optimarin is expanding its position in the market for ballast water treatment systems with a deal to acquire peer player Hyde Marine from De Nora Marine Technologies that will significantly boost its installed base of BWTSs and give Hyde customers access to its global aftersales network. The Norwegian ballast water treatment specialist has entered into a definitive Asset Purchase Agreement with Italy’s De Nora whereby it will acquire Hyde Marine’s UV BWTS technology, produc...