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Sanmar delivers ninth tugboat to global operator P&O Maritime Logistics

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Sanmar Shipyards has delivered its ninth tugboat to leading global marine services provider P&O Maritime Logistics

The relationship between the two companies dates back to 2013, when P&O took delivery of its first Sanmar-built tugboat. Since then, Sanmar has delivered eight more tugs that have gone on to serve  in ports around the world.

The latest vessel has been named AL FATH by its new owners.

Based on the RAmparts 2200 design developed by renowned Canadian naval architects Robert Allan Ltd., the Sırapınar Class are compact sister vessels to Sanmar’s best-selling Boğacay Class tugs. With a 2-metre reduction in length, they maintain impressive performance and exceptional manoeuvrability, powered by Caterpillar main engines coupled to Schottel Z-drives.

Measuring 22.4 metres in length, with a 10.84 metre beam, 4.4 metre moulded depth and approximate navigational draft of 4.89 metres, AL FATH achieves a bollard pull of 50 tonnes and a free running speed of 12 knots. Designed for efficient low-manning operation, the Sırapınar Class features advanced machinery automation systems and is known for excellent handling, seakeeping and stability.

P&O Maritime Logictics, headquartered in Dubai, UAE, provides offshore, cargo transport and port services in the energy, oil & gas, renewables and port and bulk modality sectors. Sanmar-built tugs currently operate for the company in the UAE, Mozambique, Somaliland, the Dominican Republic, and other locations.

The most recent deliveries before AL FATH were the powerful 80ton bollard RAstar 2900SX design tugs, P&O GAYNDE and P&O ASIA.

Whilst AL FATH and vessels such as P&O GAYNDE and P&O ASIA, are very different vessels,  both deliver tailored solutions that reflect the P&O Maritime Logistics service offering.

Royal T Shipyards celebrates launch and christening of 10th LABRAX vessel

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Royal T Shipyards announces the successful christening and launch of MV Vertom Quina, the tenth vessel in the advanced and energy-efficient LABRAX series for Vertom. 

“The launch of MV Vertom Quina is a truly special moment,” said CEO Thecla Bodewes. “Not only does it reflect the strong and long-standing partnership between Royal T Shipyards and Vertom, but it also represents the tenth vessel in a series that embodies our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and high-quality craftsmanship. This milestone is a tribute to the dedication of everyone involved – from our engineers and welders to project leaders and partners.”

The christening ceremony was made even more memorable through the presence of the vessel’s godmother, Mrs. Juaquina Guerra Martins, whose role symbolizes the personal connections and international spirit that characterize Royal T Shipyards and Vertom Group’s collaborative approach. 

Dirk de Jong said: “The launch of MV Vertom Quina marks the conclusion of an exceptional series and a partnership we’ve truly valued. As the final vessel in this successful collaboration, it stands as a testament to the craftsmanship, trust, and shared vision that defined our journey. We’re proud of what we’ve achieved together, and we look back on it with fondness as we now close this chapter.”

Measuring 118.60 meters in length with a beam of 14.30 meters, MV Vertom Quina features a full-box cargo hold of 329,700 cubic feet and advanced diesel-electric propulsion. This design, shared across the ten-vessel series, delivers significant fuel savings, low emissions, and readiness for alternative zero-emission fuels. The series reflects Royal T Shipyards’ long-standing focus on modular construction, future-proof engineering, and emission-free operations – expertise built over 15 years and more than 200 vessels delivered.

“Every vessel is a collective achievement,” Bodewes added. “From the first sheet of steel to the final commissioning, our teams and our partners bring craftsmanship, creativity, and discipline together. The MV Vertom Quina is a proud demonstration of what we can achieve—and an inspiration for the future vessels we will build.”

HHLA supports use of e-trucks at the Port of Hamburg through flexible slots

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Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) has made a clear statement in favour of climate-friendly supply chains: from now on, electric trucks will benefit from the removal of slot restrictions at Hamburg’s container terminals.

As part of its sustainability strategy, HHLA is no longer enforcing registration-based slot binding for electrically powered trucks. The pilot phase will initially run until mid-2026. Going forward, a new category in the slot booking system will allow haulage companies to book slots without being bound to firm time windows. E-trucks can thus be handled flexibly over the course of the booked day, which makes it possible to take into account the special demands of their required charging process. 

Jens Hansen, Chief Operating Officer of HHLA: “By temporarily suspending slot compliance for e-trucks, we are specifically supporting the switch to climate-friendly drive systems. For many years now, the entire HHLA Group has been driving forward the electrification of its equipment across Europe – with the goal of reducing CO2 emissions and offering our customers sustainable, future-oriented solutions.”

The slot booking system was introduced back in 2017 in order to avoid bottlenecks and alleviate pressure on the traffic situation at the Port of Hamburg. Since then, HHLA has been continuously developing the system together with its partners. The temporary suspension of slot compliance as well as the use of own e-trucks by our subsidiaries METRANS and CTD underscores HHLA’s clear commitment to advancing sustainable transport solutions. HHLA intends to operate in a climate-neutral manner across the Group by 2040 – the new regulations are also intended to help other companies transition to emissions-free logistics.

Wärtsilä will supply an integrated hybrid propulsion system for a bulk carrier vessel

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Technology group Wärtsilä will supply an integrated hybrid propulsion system for a bulk carrier vessel being built at the Royal Bodewes shipyard in the Netherlands for Norwegian shipowner Aasen Shipping. 

This will be the latest in a series of six such vessels to operate with a similar Wärtsilä scope of supply. This order was booked by Wärtsilä in Q3 2025.

To address the industry’s increasingly stringent decarbonisation targets, Aasen Shipping is focused on utilising the latest technologies to cut emissions, reduce fuel costs and keep carbon-costs to a minimum. In combination with the highly efficient and flexible Wärtsilä 25 engine, Wärtsilä’s hybrid propulsion system will enable Aasen Shipping to optimise operations, save fuel and enhance environmental sustainability for its six new bulk carriers.

“The support from Wärtsilä and the performance efficiency of their equipment with the earlier ships in this series have strongly contributed to our dedication to operating efficient and cleaner cargo transport. In addition, Wärtsilä’s 25 main engine is designed to be future-proof, meaning we can switch to sustainable fuels as they become available, further supporting our ambitions for long-term environmental sustainability,” says Torbjørn Torkelsen, CEO, Aasen Shipping.

The 9500 DWT bulk carrier vessel will operate with one six-cylinder Wärtsilä 25 main engine fitted with a Wärtsilä NOx Reducer, a Wärtsilä gearbox and controllable pitch propeller with shaft line, and a Wärtsilä ProTouch remote propulsion control system. The Hybrid system includes a DC hub and 620kWh battery capacity, as well as the control system, battery, power, and energy management systems.

The Wärtsilä 25 engine is a medium-speed 4-stroke marine engine designed for easy upgrades to operate on future low or zero carbon fuels. It is available in 6L to 9L configurations with a power output of 1.7–3.4 MW and suitable as a main or auxiliary engine.

“The need to decarbonise shipping is driving the industry towards increasingly flexible, electrified and hybridised solutions, with sustainable fuel readiness also being built into newbuild solutions today,” comments Roger Holm, President of Wärtsilä Marine & Executive Vice President at Wärtsilä Corporation. “Our hybrid propulsion systems are designed to allow vessels to run efficiently across various operating modes, adapting seamlessly to changing conditions. This flexibility contributes to improved fuel efficiency and enhances overall performance.” 

The Wärtsilä equipment is scheduled for delivery to the yard during the first half of 2027.

Fugro completes surveys for Italy’s Rimini offshore wind farm development

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Fugro has completed geophysical and archaeological surveys for Energia Wind 2020 to support the development of the Rimini offshore wind farm. 

Fugro’s Geo-data will be key to selecting optimal cable routes and informing engineering designs for the wind farm’s infrastructure, helping reduce project risks and enabling safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible development.

Successfully delivered in October 2025, the survey covered both the wind farm site and the export cable corridor, located approximately 12 nautical miles off the coast of Rimini in the Adriatic Sea. Fugro deployed two dedicated vessels to accelerate data acquisition and ensure efficient coverage of the area. This dual-vessel strategy enabled high-resolution mapping of the seabed and subsurface conditions, using ultra high-resolution shallow seismic data and geophysical investigations, while also identifying and preserving potential archaeological features critical to the project’s planning and permitting process.

“Fugro delivered a highly professional and efficient survey and consultancy service, meeting all our technical requirements within the planned timeline and budget. Their expertise and responsiveness were key to the success of this phase of the project,” said Gabriele Felappi, CEO of Energia Wind 2020.

Daniela Taliana, Fugro’s Country Manager for Itay, added: “We are extremely proud of our close collaboration with Energia Wind 2020 and of our contribution to the development of one of Italy’s first fixed-bottom offshore wind farms. This project marks an important step in the country’s renewable energy journey, and Fugro is committed to supporting its success through world-class expertise and high-quality Geo-data acquisition.”

Concession for the port of Ancona signed Fincantieri launches the shipyard development plan

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The concession regulating the occupation and use by Fincantieri of a significant portion of the Port of Ancona for its industrial activities has been signed. The agreement was signed by the President of the Central Adriatic Sea Port System Authority, Vincenzo Garofalo, and Fincantieri’s Chief Executive Officer and General Manager, Pierroberto Folgiero.

The Port Authority has granted Fincantieri the use of over 314,000 square metres, including land areas, water surfaces and existing facilities within the Ancona port. The concession will remain valid until the end of 2064 and will allow the company to carry out and strengthen its shipbuilding activities.

With this concession, which concludes a process launched in 2017, Fincantieri commits to implementing an important modernization and development program for the Ancona shipyard, with a total investment of approximately 40 million euros by the company. The goal is to relaunch the Marche-region site, making it increasingly competitive in the construction of large naval units.

This step represents a new milestone in the shared path between Fincantieri and the Port Authority, initiated with the agreement signed in November 2023 and dedicated to the growth and innovation of shipbuilding activities within the Port of Ancona.

The concession confirms the joint intention to enhance the strategic role of both the port and the shipyard, strengthening their contribution to the economic development of the region and of the Italian naval industry.

Pierroberto Folgiero, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager of Fincantieri, stated:

“The signing of the concession represents a fundamental step for the future of the Ancona shipyard and for the entire Italian shipbuilding sector. Investing in Ancona means investing in the country’s ability to remain a leader in innovation and global competitiveness. With our development plan, we intend to transform the shipyard into a centre of excellence, where tradition and technology come together to create value for the region and for the entire industrial supply chain. Our commitment is to build, together with the Port Authority and local institutions, a sustainable and cutting-edge future for Italian shipbuilding.”

Vincenzo Garofalo, President of the Central Adriatic Sea Port System Authority, stated:

“Today’s signing confirms Fincantieri’s long-term project for the Port of Ancona. A presence that means work, innovation, and opportunities for the entrepreneurial fabric of the Marche and central Italy, which will continue to find in the Ancona shipyard a key point of reference. The construction of cruise ships, especially those in which the Ancona shipyard specializes, continues to grow and brings with it major environmental innovations and new onboard experiences. A unique capability, another worldwide example of Made in Italy excellence that attracts, engages and inspires. We are proud that these unique creations will continue to be brought to life in our port.”

Wärtsilä Water & Waste achieves 98.2% compliance in independent Alaskan wastewater testing

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Wärtsilä Water & Waste, part of technology group Wärtsilä, continues to deliver exceptional wastewater treatment performance in one of the world’s most closely monitored marine environments through their Hamworthy membrane bioreactor (MBR) systems, according to independent regulatory data from the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).

During the 2024 Alaska cruise season, fourteen vessels equipped with Wärtsilä’s Hamworthy MBR systems achieved a 98.2% compliance rate under DEC’s public testing programme. This performance surpassed the overall fleet average of 94.7% and other manufacturers’ systems, which averaged a 90.8% compliance rate.

Each year, the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) requires all large cruise ships operating in its waters to collect treated wastewater samples for laboratory analysis, with every result published vessel-by-vessel. The data represents one of the most rigorous and transparent performance programmes in maritime environmental regulation.

“Alaska’s Environmental Compliance Report provides real-world validation of system performance,” said Peter Satchwell, Global Sales Director, Wärtsilä Water & Waste.  “Our MBR systems are tested under genuine operating conditions on vessels sailing in Alaskan waters – and the results speak to the reliability and consistency of our MBR solutions . This independent verification reinforces the confidence our customers place in our technology to meet the most demanding environmental standards.”

Wärtsilä’s Hamworthy MBR technology combines biological treatment and membrane filtration to achieve stable, high-quality effluent without chemical disinfectants. Continuous monitoring of process parameters and a digital feedback loop with Wärtsilä’s technical support teams ensure performance remains consistent across different ships, crews, and itineraries.

Peter Satchwell added: “Independent verification  builds trust. The fact that our performance is  independently verified through Alaska’s open reporting system demonstrates the  advantage of our design philosophy,  where compliance is paramount. We are proud to have reached this high watermark for performance and to support our customers to operate safely, cleanly, and efficiently no matter where they are in the world.” 

Norwegian operator turns Page after rare dry well

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Wildcat well 2/6-8 S and technical sidetrack 2/6-8 ST2 were drilled in production licence 1086, where the 2/6-7 S “Othello” oil discovery was made last year.

The production licence was awarded in 2021 (Awards in pre-defined areas 2020), and this is the second exploration well drilled in this production licence.

The well was drilled by the Noble Intrepid rig.

The objective of the well was to prove oil in Palaeocene reservoir rocks in the Borr Member in the Våle Formation.

The well encountered the Våle Formation and Ekofisk Formation as expected, but the Borr Member was only represented by thin sandstone layers. The well is classified as dry with hydrocarbon shows in the Våle Formation and Ekofisk Formation.

Well 2/6-8 S was drilled to a vertical depth of 1715 metres  before it was plugged and abandoned due to the unstable hole.

Well 2/6-8 ST2 was drilled to a vertical depth of 2981 metres below sea level and was terminated in the Ekofisk Formation from the Palaeocene.

A 45-metre core was taken in the Våle Formation and Ekofisk Formation, and pressure data and fluid samples were also collected in the Ekofisk Formation.

Water depth at the site is 55 metres, and the well will be permanently plugged and abandoned.

Nordsee One offshore wind farm signs a 5-year PPA with Shell

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Northland Power Inc. has announced the signing of a five-year bilateral Power Purchase Agreement with Shell Energy Europe Ltd for approximately one‑third of the production from its 332 megawatt Nordsee One offshore wind farm.

Nordsee One is located in the North Sea, in the German Exclusive Economic Zone and was commissioned in December 2017. Northland has an 85% ownership interest in Nordsee One, with the remaining 15% held by RWE Offshore Wind GmbH.

The facility is currently operating under the German Renewable Energy Sources Act regime, which is scheduled to step down in 2027. The PPA, secured through a structured tendering process, starts in June 2027 for a five-year term for the supply of electricity to Shell.

“We are proud to supply Shell with power that advances their energy transition goals,” said Christine Healy, President and CEO. “Our Nordsee One offshore wind facility is producing renewable electricity for Europe, and we are leveraging that strength to continue delivering value from our portfolio.”

Coastal Transportation selects Inmarsat Maritime Fleetwide for advanced connectivity

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The Seattle-based shipping company has selected Inmarsat Maritime’s fully managed bonded connectivity solution to ensure stable access to cyber-secure communications across its cargo fleet.  

Inmarsat Maritime, a Viasat (NASDAQ: VSAT) company, has signed an agreement to deliver NexusWave for longstanding customer Coastal Transportation as the family-owned shipping company seeks a reliable and cyber-secure connectivity solution for its fleet of refrigerated and general cargo ships.

Operating a regular schedule between its home terminal of Seattle, Washington, and ports throughout Western Alaska, Coastal Transportation depends on stable connectivity to safeguard mission-critical and crew communications. With cargoes often involving complex inventory, the company is acutely aware of rising cyber threats and the need for resilient digital infrastructure.

NexusWave’s secure-by-design architecture and segregated networks provide Coastal Transportation with robust cyber-resilience. The fully managed, bonded connectivity service is also designed to deliver global coverage and network availability exceeding 99.9%, helping ensure the vessels and their crew are consistently connected to high-speed internet from Seattle to Dutch Harbor and beyond.

Stephanie Grisham, Technical Program Manager, Coastal Transportation, said: “Upgrading to Inmarsat NexusWave was a natural next step for our cargo fleet. NexusWave is the only connectivity solution on the market that delivers the levels of security and reliability we need to support safe and efficient operations from port to port. We also value the convenience it offers as a single solution from one provider that seamlessly combines the capabilities of multiple services.”

Logan Murray, Sales Account Manager, Inmarsat Maritime, commented: “We are delighted to extend our longstanding relationship with Coastal Transportation – the latest in a fast-growing cohort of operators that appreciate the unique value of fully managed, bonded connectivity as an enabler of safe, efficient, and secure fleet operations.”