Equinor says AI delivered $130m savings in 2025

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January 13, 2026

Equinor said artificial intelligence generated $130 million (£102m) in value and cost savings for the company and its partners in 2025, as the technology was deployed across offshore platforms and onshore facilities.

The Norwegian oil and gas giant said AI is now used at scale to support industrial operations.

Equinor said it is deploying the technology in areas including predictive maintenance, well planning and seismic interpretation.

Equinor executive vice president for technology, digital and innovation Hege Skryseth, said artificial intelligence had become a central part of day to day operations and would play an increasing role in the years ahead.

“With AI, we can analyse seismic data ten times faster, plan wells and field development in new and better ways and operate our facilities more efficiently,” Skryseth said.

“Industrial processes generate vast amounts of data, and we can use AI to ‘produce’ knowledge from this data.

“This has already been transformative and profitable, even though we are still early in the AI revolution.”

Equinor said it currently has a wide range of AI solutions in use, with more than 100 additional use cases identified across the business.

One of the largest contributors has been predictive maintenance, where more than 700 rotating machines are monitored using around 24,000 sensors across all facilities.

The system predicts failures and maintenance needs, improving operational stability and reducing the risk of unplanned shutdowns, flaring and associated CO2 emissions.

UK offshore energy operators have increasingly adopted similar data-driven and autonomous monitoring systems across the UK continental shelf.

Experts predict the technology will increasingly play a “crucial role” in future energy systems, emerging as a new frontier in the energy transition.

The company said predictive maintenance alone has created value of $120m (£94m) since 2020.

AI driven planning of wells and field developments has also delivered savings.

Equinor said the technology generates thousands of alternatives, allowing specialists to focus on the most promising options.

During the Johan Sverdrup phase 3 development in the Norwegian North Sea, Equinor said AI technology identified a solution that had not previously been considered, saving the project partnership $12m (£9m).

Artificial intelligence is also being used to accelerate seismic interpretation.

Equinor said its AI tools deliver a tenfold increase in interpretation capacity, enabling larger areas to be analysed and improving geological understanding.

In 2025, around 700,000 square kilometres of seismic data were interpreted using AI tools, according to the company.

Skryseth said Equinor has realised more than $330m (£260m) in value from artificial intelligence in industrial processes since 2020.

Nova Scotian electric lobster vessels near construction, testing

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January 13, 2026

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A conglomeration comprising the Mi’kmaq First Nation community; Halifax, Nova Scotia-based coastal conservation firm Oceans North; Halifax-based marine engineering and shipbuilding company Allswater; and Halifax-based electric grid technology firm BlueGrid Technology have raised CAD 4.4 million (EUR 3.2 million, EUR 2.7 million) to fund the effort, which has been dubbed the Lektrike’l Walipotl Membertou Electric Lobster Boat Commercial Fishing Demonstration Project.

“Membertou is incredibly proud to be moving forward with the development of Canada’s first electric fishing vessel,” Membertou Chief and CEO Terrance Paul said. “The electric boat is a natural next step in our drive to become clean energy leaders and will play an important role in unlocking the benefits of marine electrification for the next generation of fishers.”

The new slew of boats, which comprise just one project under a CAD 34.5 million (USD 24.9 million, EUR 21.4 million) investment pool funding five projects selected for development by Canada’s Ocean Supercluster, recently passed an energy audit and underwent a rigorous vessel design process to get to this latest stage in the roll-out process.

“This is the kind of project where everyone brings something essential to the table,” Allswater President and CEO Rob Crutcher said. “For Allswater, it’s about creating the design and making sure the build comes together the way it should. People talk about electric boats as ‘the future,’ but we’re actually building one and showing how it works in real fishing conditions. That’s what makes this project so exciting.”

Sheena Kennedy, executive director of Oceans North, added that this project holds both economic and environmental benefits for Canada, in that it is likely to cut both costs and pollution.

“The project demonstrates how climate action presents an economic opportunity for Canada’s fisheries and boatbuilding sectors while significantly reducing impacts on the environment,” Kennedy said.

Canada’s Ocean Supercluster said that the engineers behind the project analyzed how to integrate advanced electric propulsion systems and battery technology to create a functional, fully electric boat that could be used commercially. Traditionally, these types of vessels are powered by diesel gasoline-powered engines, but the electrified vessels and charging will have “bi-directional capabilities,” connecting the vessel to the electric grid through battery power.

That’s essential, according to BlueGrid CEO Andrew Boswell, because power needs can still be met through onboard batteries during peak demand without causing strain to the electrical grid or possible losses of power.

Beyond the Nova Scotian lobster fleet, Oceans North said the hope is to expand plans for electrification to a variety of workboats in the future, such as aquaculture wellboats, tour boats, and patrol boats.

Ukraine’s drones hit three Russian drilling platforms in the Caspian Sea

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January 11, 2026

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Ukrainian Special Operations Forces struck three drilling rigs operated by the Russian Lukoil in the Caspian Sea.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported the attacks.

The platforms targeted were the V. Filanovsky, Yuri Korchagin, and Valery Greifer facilities. These sites reportedly supported the Russian invasion forces.

According to the General Staff, the rigs were struck, but the extent of the damage is still being assessed.

At the same time, NASA FIRMS satellite fire-monitoring data show no signs of fire at the V. Filanovsky platform in the northern Caspian Sea.

A similar situation applies to the Yuri Korchagin and Valery Greifer platforms, suggesting the drones may have hit the hulls without igniting or depressurizing oil or gas products.

The Russian Ministry of Defense indirectly confirmed the attacks, stating that seven drones were allegedly intercepted over the Caspian Sea.

The Special Operations Forces press service reported that its units carried out the operation on the night of January 11.

The only Ukrainian units operating in the Caspian region are the Special Operations Forces. They previously struck the only patrol ship in the area, the Rasul Gamzatov, a Project 22460 Okhotnik-class vessel.

In December 2025, Special Unit “A” of the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) conducted a series of successful attacks on local production infrastructure. The drilling platforms were hit on December 11, 12, 15, and 19.

The V. Filanovsky, Yuri Korchagin, and Valery Greifer platforms were repeatedly targeted. According to the SSU, these facilities stopped operating following the strikes.

New attacks by Ukrainian forces are likely aimed at preventing repair work and causing additional damage, increasing the cost and time required to restore the platforms.

Additionally, the General Staff reported the destruction of a Buk-M3 anti-aircraft missile system launcher near Baranycheve in the Luhansk region, with a confirmed detonation.

Ukrainian forces also destroyed the Russian 49th Combined Arms Army’s materiel and technical supplies near Novotroitske in the Kherson region to reduce the enemy’s logistical and combat capabilities.

The V. Filanovsky field is one of the largest in Russia and the Russian Caspian sector, with estimated reserves of around 129 million tons of oil and 30 billion cubic meters of natural gas.

Oil was first produced on August 4, 2016, and within two years, output reached the design capacity of 6 million tons per year. The oil is high-quality, with a low sulfur content.

The infrastructure of the V. Filanovsky field supports other Caspian projects.

Production from the Valery Greifer and Yuri Kuvykin fields was planned for processing on the V. Filanovsky central platform and subsequent transport via the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) for export.

The Yuri Korchagin field, discovered in 2000, was Lukoil’s first Caspian project to enter commercial operation, beginning oil production in 2010.

The field’s balance reserves are estimated at 77.8 million tons of oil, with maximum annual production of 2.3 million tons of oil and condensate, and 1.2 billion cubic meters of natural gas.

Source: Militarnyi

Equinor: Major contract awards to Norwegian supplier industry

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January 11, 2026

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These agreements lay the foundation for safe and competitive operations at Equinor’s offshore installations and onshore plants in the years to come.

Equinor awards twelve new framework agreements for maintenance and modifications on the company’s offshore installations and onshore plants. The agreements commence in the first half of 2026, have a duration of five years, and include extension options of three and two years. The total annual value is approximately NOK 10 billion. The agreements create predictability and ripple effects for the Norwegian supplier industry across the country.

“The Norwegian continental shelf will remain the backbone for Equinor for a long time. Our ambition is to maintain a high production level and predictable energy deliveries to Europe towards 2035. At the same time, the shelf is entering a mature phase that will require new solutions. To succeed, we must, together with the supplier industry, find new ways of working that strengthen our competitiveness. These agreements facilitate long-term collaboration and continuous improvement on core tasks at Equinor’s offshore installations and onshore facilities in Norway,” says Kjetil Hove, executive vice president for the Norwegian continental shelf at Equinor.

“These are strategically important agreements, and collectively among the largest Equinor has awarded. The agreements will ensure long-term activity and value creation across Norway, with job creation estimated at around 4,000 man-years at the suppliers. The goal is close, long-term, and predictable cooperation that strengthens the culture for safety and security and our shared competitiveness. Together, we will work safer and smarter, and scale up the use of new technology,” says Jannicke Nilsson, chief procurement officer at Equinor.

To support the ambition of maintaining production around 1.2 million barrels of oil equivalent per day (2020 level) on the Norwegian continental shelf towards 2035, Equinor plans to:

Invest about NOK 60–70 billion annually in increased recovery and new fields on the Norwegian continental shelf.
Drill around 250 exploration wells and about 600 wells for increased recovery.
Perform 300 well interventions annually and around 2,500 modification projects.
Mature and develop over 75 subsea developments that can be tied to existing infrastructure.
Reduce own greenhouse gas emissions towards nearly 50% by 2030 (compared to 2015 figures), while delivering stable and predictable energy supplies to Europe.
Invest in maintenance and modifications at installations and onshore facilities to strengthen safety and maintain high regularity, while reducing climate and environmental footprints.

The agreements cover seven suppliers, three of which are new players in maintenance and modifications.

Sea trial near for Sitka electric fishing boat

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January 11, 2026

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Sea trials are set for mid-January on a vintage Southeast Alaska fishing vessel being equipped with a hybrid engine that will save on diesel fuel and make for a cleaner ocean.

“I’m very excited about it,” said Jeff Turner, a veteran commercial harvester in Sitka and owner of the Mirage, a 50-foot longliner-troller.

Rising costs of diesel fuel initially sparked his interest in converting to a hybrid propulsion system, which can accommodate diesel fuel or electric power, but Turner said there are other advantages to hybrid. “Having a clean ocean. Taking care of the ocean around us is our responsibility, and it’s quieter, less noise pollution. I can see less impact all around,” he said.

Diesel costs stood out, however. “When I was running out west to Seward or Kodiak, fishing in the central Gulf of Alaska, you have to fill the boat (with fish) to make it pencil out well,” he said.

Turner is a member of the Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association (ALFA), which got some initial help from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory of the Rockies (NREL). They helped ALFA model energy savings and demands from various systems and researched alternative fuels, said Linda Behnken, a veteran commercial longliner and executive director of ALFA. “They helped us to identify that the hybrid system was the right next step for the ongoing project.”

The program is funded by a $500,000 U.S. Department of Energy grant for two hybrid commercial fishing boats and one fully electric mariculture vessel. The second fishing boat, the Energizer, will have only electric propulsion, but also a diesel generator to recharge batteries if needed,” Behnken said. “The mariculture boat/skiff will go a shorter distance and can recharge at the end of each day.”

The Mirage is a Sitka boat. Energizer, a Juneau boat, will hopefully be back in the water in March, and the mariculture boat, based in Kodiak, will have an electric system installed this spring, Behnken said.

There are currently some 9,000 small commercial boats fishing in the Gulf of Alaska, all burning diesel.

Source: NationalFisherman

Nova Marine Carriers led consortium acquires Waterland Terminal in Amsterdam

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January 11, 2026

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Nova Marine Carriers has strengthened its foothold in the Port of Amsterdam through the acquisition, in joint venture with Germany’s Aug. Bolten and Spain’s Ership, of the Waterland Terminal—the only terminal in Europe capable of loading and discharging cargo fully under cover, allowing operations to run 24/7 regardless of weather conditions.

The deal was completed by Nova Marine Carriers and its partners via the Dutch subsidiary Maja Stuwadoors Groep B.V., which reached a final agreement with VCK Holding for the acquisition of full ownership of VCK Port Logistics, along with other port logistics assets operated by VCK and its affiliated companies Verenigd Cargadoorskantoor and Waterland Terminal.

The new shareholders intend to continue developing VCK as a benchmark operator in the breakbulk and dry bulk segments, working alongside the existing management team, which will retain responsibility for day-to-day terminal operations.

“This transaction represents another step forward in our strategy of vertical integration between maritime transport and port logistics,” said Vincenzo Romeo, CEO of Nova Marine Carriers. “Our objectives are clear: to extend control across the entire value chain and to pursue investments that combine strategic relevance with high technological and operational standards.”

Located within the Port of Amsterdam, the Waterland Terminal is a state-of-the-art, fully multimodal facility designed for all-weather operations. It features three all-weather LoLo berths and two open ro-ro berths, with transhipment, storage and distribution activities running 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The terminal also includes a dehumidified warehouse dedicated to steel products, as well as storage areas for aluminium, zinc, steel, paper, timber and pulp, in addition to outdoor yards for ro-ro cargo and containers.

This marks the second acquisition completed by the Nova–Bolten–Ership consortium. In February 2025, the partners acquired 100% of Maja Stuwadoors Groep B.V., gaining full control of the bulk terminal at Vlothaven. That facility includes a 215-metre quay with a −11.5-metre draught, suitable for handling and storing a wide range of bulk commodities, as well as warehouse assets operated by the group within the Dutch port. Both Amsterdam terminals will be integrated under the Maja Stuwadoors Groep B.V. holding structure.

Noord-Beveland Coastline Care programme completed on Bio-LNG

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January 10, 2026

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Van Oord has successfully completed coastline maintenance in the Dutch Noord-Beveland, Zeeland, as commissioned by Rijkswaterstaat.

In total, 1 million cubic metres of sand was deposited on and right in front of the Banjaard beach using the LNG-fuelled trailing suction hopper dredger Vox Apolonia. A special aspect of this project was the use of 100% Bio-LNG fuel, which further underlines Van Oord’s and Rijkswaterstaat’s commitment to an implementation method that minimises emissions.

The assignment was part of the Dutch Coastline Care programme. Next year, Van Oord will also carry out beach replenishment for the beaches at Goeree-Westkop and Heemskerk.

A key aspect of this project was the use of 100% Bio-LNG, in line with the sustainability ambitions of both Rijkswaterstaat and Van Oord. This was made possible by Van Oord’s Green Fuel Fund, which was launched in late 2024 to accelerate the use of sustainable fuels. This fund serves as a financial mechanism to reduce the cost of renewable fuels for our clients, such as Rijkswaterstaat, and makes their large-scale use more feasible.

Harry Zondag, Strategic Advisor for the dredging market at Rijkswaterstaat, said:

‘Rijkswaterstaat sets minimum requirements for emissions and encourages even greater efforts in its procurement process by offering award advantages. It’s great that Van Oord is on board with this and is developing its own ideas.’

The use of a Bio-LNG-fuelled trailing suction hopper dredger underlines Van Oord’s leading position in the energy transition within the maritime sector. Van Oord is the first maritime contractor whose climate targets were approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and is actively working on further decarbonisation to achieve its net-zero ambition. Together with clients and partners, Van Oord will continue to invest in innovative and sustainable solutions for projects worldwide.

Tom van Eijk, Project Manager at Van Oord, said:

‘I’m proud that we have executed this entire project using 100% Bio-LNG. This proves that sustainability in the maritime sector isn’t just a future ambition for us, it’s already a reality. Together with Rijkswaterstaat, we’re taking a significant step toward emission-free coastal maintenance.’

ONE and MTI establish joint venture “QUAVEO” in Vietnam

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January 10, 2026

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Ocean Network Express (ONE) and MTI established a joint venture, “QUAVEO Company Limited”, in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, in December 2025.

The new company aims to promote Digital Transformation (DX) of operations and business models by utilizing AI technology.

By combining the strengths of both companies, QUAVEO aims to drive DX in the container shipping industry and create new use cases for AI applications.

Ichiro Igari, Managing Executive Officer, MTI Ltd., said:

“MTI has strengthened the AI development and data science team launched at our Vietnamese subsidiary, MTI Technology, and has proceeded with business implementation mainly for our own services. In that process, we met ONE and gained the opportunity to utilize our AI development capabilities in real businesses that move people, goods, and money on a large scale. Currently, the ability to flexibly conceive ideas from a business perspective regarding AI technology, which is evolving at an unprecedented speed, is required in the market. In the new company, we will create results in the container shipping and healthcare businesses and realize business transformation through the latest AI technology for a wider range of client companies.”

Kenichi Michida, Senior Vice President, Ocean Network Express Pte. Ltd., said:

“ONE has built a strong relationship with MTI over many years, and as a result, we have already developed multiple solutions in-house. In the container shipping industry, the need for service quality improvement and operational efficiency utilizing AI and LLM is rapidly increasing. Through the establishment of this new company, we intend to introduce highly competitive AI/LLM solutions that meet these needs more rapidly and on a larger scale than ever before, and actively proceed with securing excellent AI talent.”

Georg Fischer LATAM contracted for PES project

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January 10, 2026

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Damen Naval expands Colombian involvement by contracting Georg Fischer for the PES project in LATAM. Under this project, a Damen SIGMA frigate will be built by COTECMAR, at their shipyard in Cartagena. Georg Fischer in LATAM has been contracted for the delivery of all plastic piping for the PES project.

Besides the supply of plastic piping, Damen Naval’s procurement contract also includes Georg Fischer in LATAM to provide training sessions for COTECMAR staff at their yard in Colombia. This enlarges exchange of technology and knowledge under the PES project. The supply of the tooling necessary for the training, is also covered under this contract.

The local training sessions will be given by Jesús López Ribón, Business Development Manager at Georg Fischer, who is already familiar with COTECMAR’s yard. Jesús López Ribón states: “This project marks a milestone for the naval industry in Colombia. We are proud to contribute not only with high-quality products but also with technical expertise that will enable the Colombian Navy to operate at the highest standards.”

Julio Valls, Head of LATAM Region for Georg Fischer, states: “Damen Naval’s decision to engage local suppliers for a project of this scale represents a historic opportunity for the region. At Georg Fischer, we pride ourselves on delivering the same world class level of service and support everywhere we operate. This partnership reflects our long-term vision: driving technology transfer and positioning Latin America as a trusted partner in strategic projects, while ensuring efficiency, safety, and sustainability at every stage.”

Roxanne Bartelse, Tactical Buyer at Damen Naval says: “This procurement contract helps sharpen local expertise while contributing to our local content obligations. Our recent visit to Georg Fischer provided valuable insight into the supplier’s progress and operational capabilities. I am confident that this partnership will support both our current and future project requirements.”

“Our close collaboration with a local partner in Colombia ensures expert on-site support, while providing us with high-quality tooling and hands-on training that will help us make an immediate impact”, states Mark den Boeft, responsible for Manufacturing Engineering under the PES project.

Russians attacked two ships flying foreign flags near Odesa, leaving one dead

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January 9, 2026

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Near Odesa region, Russians hit two civilian vessels flying the flags of foreign countries – there are a victim and preliminary injured. About this reported vice prime minister for Recovery – minister of community and territorial development Oleksiy Kuleba.

According to him, a Russian attack drone hit a vessel flying the flag of the Caribbean country of Saint Kitts and Nevis while en route to the port of Chornomorsk, which was on its way to load grain within the Ukrainian sea corridor. According to preliminary reports, there are casualties.

Head of Odesa Regional State Administration Oleh Kiper reported that the attack on the ship wounded the second assistant captain, a Syrian citizen: “He is being provided with all the necessary medical care.”

“The vessel’s seaworthiness has not been affected, it is underway and heading to the nearest port,” Kuleba said.

He also added that near the port of Odesa, the occupiers hit a ship flying the flag of the Comoros (a country located next to Africa), which was transporting soybeans.

“Unfortunately, the attack resulted in the death of a crew member, a Syrian citizen. This is a terrible war crime! Rescue units have been sent to the scene,” the official wrote.