First Damen Cutter Suction Dredger under construction in Azerbaijan

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January 16, 2025

Baku Shipyard is currently working on the construction of a Damen Cutter Suction Dredger (CSD) 650. The design of the dredger and its materials package have been delivered by Damen Shipyards Group.

While Baku Shipyard has built a wide array of vessels over time, this is the first cutter suction dredger to be built in Azerbaijan. All steel work is being carried out by the yard according to the Damen design. The materials package delivered by Damen to the yard include the main components such as the dredge pump and the operating cabin etc. The materials filled eleven trailers and two 40 foot containers. The CSD 650 is a stationary dredger designed to work at a dredging depth of between -3m and -18m. The 700 kW cutter power and 1,825 kW dredge pump power combined with the impressive 63 m swing width ensure efficient dredging operations.

Mr Alexander Shamray, Damen Sales Manager, explains: “We are very happy to work together with Baku Shipyard. The cooperation with the yard team is excellent, and that is reflected in the high quality of the dredger. The professional team has taken up the project brilliantly, and the quality of the output is impressive. We are delighted that the dredger is progressing the way it is, especially considering that it is the first that the yard has built. We are looking forward to the commissioning of the dredger and delivery to the Port of Baku.“

The well-equipped dredger, which has been named Engineer Soltan Kazimov, will be performing maintenance dredging duties in the port. Accessibility is key here particularly as over the past five years the water level in the Caspian Sea has significantly dropped. This combined with the latest port expansion, ensures dredging is a necessity to keep the various berths available for ever-increasing port traffic.

Thanks to its strategic location, the Port of Baku has developed into a regional logistic centre over the past years. Its east-west axis connects China by rail and road to the Black Sea and the Mediterranean, while its north-south transport corridor extends towards the Persian Gulf.

First-ever ammonia and propane co-loaded vessel completes voyage from US to Europe

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January 16, 2025

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Trafigura in collaboration with CF Industries, the world’s largest producer of ammonia, today announced the completion of the first co-loaded ammonia and propane shipment operation of its kind.

In early January, the Green Power Medium Gas Carrier (MGC) completed a single voyage from the US to Europe loaded with ammonia from CF Industries and with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG or propane) in separate tanks.

The co-loaded vessel project was intended in part as a demonstration of capabilities needed for the efficient and economic transport of low-carbon ammonia to supply ports that may not require a full vessel of ammonia. The ability to co-load low-carbon ammonia with LPG is one pathway to supporting the scale up in availability of low emission fuels. Low-carbon ammonia continues to be a leading alternative fuel candidate for applications such as coal co-firing as well as supporting the marine shipping industry transition from heavy fuel oil to alternatives with a lower-carbon intensity.

“We transport LPG and ammonia from the US to Europe on similar ships on a regular basis,” said Patricio Norris, Global Head of Ammonia and LPG for Trafigura. “We can improve the economics for our customers and reduce emissions with fewer voyages by safely co-loading Ammonia and LPG in the same vessel.”

“We appreciate the partnership we have with Trafigura as we take steps together to help prepare for demand growth of low-carbon ammonia and the expected transition of the marine shipping industry to low-carbon ammonia as a fuel,” said Bert Frost, Executive Vice President, Sales, Market Development and Supply Chain, CF Industries. “Ammonia is safely transported around the world by vessels daily, and this voyage reinforces the flexibility we have to serve emerging low-carbon ammonia demand as we innovate shipping methods with industry-leaders such as Trafigura.”

Ammonia was loaded onto the Green Power from CF Industries’ Donaldsonville, Louisiana, manufacturing complex and LPG was loaded into separate tanks of the vessel in Corpus Christi, Texas. Following a review of applicable regulations, permission from the US Coast Guard, a detailed risk assessment and planning with the ports, shipowner and operator Purus and STS company International Fender Providers (IFP), the loadings proceeded.

Strict segregation requirements ensured that any crossover of liquid, condensate or vapour was prevented. After crossing the Atlantic Ocean, the LPG was discharged via a ship-to-ship (STS) operation in the Mediterranean for use in domestic heating and the ammonia was discharged at Tees Port for CF Fertilisers UK.

This shipment follows Trafigura’s first ship-to-ship transfer of ammonia in July 2024 for CF Industries. CF Industries is currently progressing a carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) project at its Donaldsonville facility that will enable it to produce substantial volumes of low-carbon ammonia. The CCS project is expected to start-up in 2025.

Fugro metocean monitoring network safeguards Italy’s marine environment

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January 16, 2025

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Gathering real-time information is increasingly important to protect our coastal communities. The Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA) has awarded Fugro a contract to deliver the offshore wave and current measurement network (rete ondametrica e correntometrica d’altura (ROCA)) for Italy’s marine and coastal ecosystems. The 2-year project will be executed with Italian partners Poliservizi Srl and Prisma Srl. The ROCA network will also include two seabed tsunami early-warning stations in the Sardinian Channel and the South Ionian Sea.

The contract is part of ISPRA’s Marine Ecosystem Restoration (MER) Project, a groundbreaking initiative under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, that aims to restore the marine habitats, fortify the national system for observing marine and coastal ecosystems, and comprehensively map coastal and marine habitats across Italian waters.

While Fugro’s Italian partners will manage most of the marine operations and service work, Fugro will design the buoys’ mooring systems, and install and operate the ROCA network. This comprises the provision and installation of 11 SEAWATCH® Wavescan® buoys monitoring network, in water depths of 210 m to 3000 m throughout Italian waters, including the Adriatic, South Ionian, Tyrrhenian and Ligurian Seas.

Once installed, Fugro’s SEAWATCH® Wavescan® buoys will continuously measure and transmit real-time Geo-data on metocean parameters such as wave height and direction, current velocity profiles, air temperature and pressure, and wind speed and direction. The buoys are equipped with a redundant two-way satellite communication system, enabling communication with the new data-receiving centre that Fugro will also set up for ISPRA.

This new Fugro SEAWATCH® Wavescan® buoy and seabed station monitoring network is one of several components of Italy’s MER Project. Fugro is a key partner on the project providing multiple services including the crucial mapping of the seagrass around Italy to provide seabed and habitat mapping insights. The Geo-data will support large-scale action for the protection and restoration of the Mediterranean’s seabed and marine habitats to protect biodiversity and promote the sustainability of activities such as fishing, tourism and growth of the blue economy.

Giordano Giorgi, ISPRA’s National Coordinator of MER Project and Director of ISPRA’s National Centre for Coasts, said:” The ROCA network represents an indispensable tool to acquire detailed and reliable data and information on climate change that is affecting, and will affect, our countries in the future. In fact, today’s climate change scenarios are based on global modelling systems that do not consider specific and proper measured data on currents in the Mediterranean Sea. In this respect, the ROCA network will provide an optimal spatial coverage of Italian waters and Mediterranean Sea.”

Jørn Erik Norangshol, Fugro’s Regional Service Line Director, Metocean Science for Europe and Africa, said: “Having implemented many similar real-time metocean monitoring systems for national authorities across the globe and over several decades, we’re looking forward to delivering another important monitoring project based on our world-leading Geo-data solutions. Marine ecosystems are vital to our planet’s health and this new project for ISPRA aligns closely with our own Towards Full Potential Strategy providing the monitoring data to support urgently needed climate change adaptation to contribute to a safer and more liveable world for everyone.”

Sallaum Lines adds Wärtsilä solutions as part of its decarbonisation programme

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January 15, 2025

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Technology group Wärtsilä will supply its EnergoFlow solution and Fixed Pitch Propellers (FPP) for three Pure Car/Truck Carrier (PCTC) vessels owned by Sallaum Lines – an international RoRo cargo operator.

The combination of these upgrade solutions will notably improve the propulsion efficiency of these existing vessels, in turn reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The order was booked by Wärtsilä in Q4 2024.

To meet the industry’s 2050 net-zero goals, shipping must embrace a change in how ships operate. This includes implementing a wide range of carbon-reducing practices and technologies for existing ships, such as these PCTC vessels, which have been operating for 15 years. With a focus on limiting its environmental impact across its fleet, Sallaum Lines selected the Wärtsilä solutions following a thorough and rigorous analysis and modelling exercise carried out as part of Wärtsilä’s unique Decarbonisation Programme. The programme was tailored to these specific vessels so that the right solutions could be selected for optimal sustainability.

“Wärtsilä’s Decarbonisation Programme has greatly helped us as we strive to minimise the environmental impact of our operations. By adding the Wärtsilä innovations to these three vessels, we are taking an important step forward towards meeting our sustainability goals,” says Puneet Arora, Head of Technical – Sallaum Lines.

Wärtsilä FPPs are designed to deliver optimal performance and efficiency, while at the same time minimise noise and vibration levels. Designed for the existing fleet market, Wärtsilä EnergoFlow is an innovative pre-swirl stator that creates an optimal inflow for the propeller, reducing fuel consumption and emissions in all operating conditions.

The three vessels to be fitted with these solutions are the ‘Silver Queen’, the ‘Silver Moon’ and the ‘Silver Sky’. All are 183-metre long PCTCs capable of carrying 4,900 cars. By optimising the propulsion efficiency of these ships with these solutions will cut their emissions, whilst also reduce operating costs.

“Our Decarbonisation Programme is designed to support owners and operators invest in the most appropriate solutions for their particular vessels,” comments Rajan Khanna, Head of Sales for Middle East – Wärtsilä Marine. “With increasing pressure within the industry to decarbonise, we applaud Sallaum Lines for taking action to proactively implement solutions which will help them to maximise operational efficiency and minimise environmental impact of their vessels.”

Wärtsilä supports its customers in the Middle East region with more than 300 employees and a workshop in the United Arab Emirates.

Amogy raises $56 million to bolster commercialization of pioneering ammonia-to-power solutions

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January 15, 2025

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Amogy, a provider of efficient ammonia-to-power solutions, has announced that it raised $56 million in venture financing, bringing total raised since inception to more than $270 million.

The round was co-led by existing investor Aramco Ventures and new investor SV Investment. Additional new investors participating in the round include Samsung Heavy Industries, BHP Ventures, Hanwha Investment & Securities, AFW Partners, Quantum Ventures Korea, Kibo Invest, and Seoul IP, along with existing investors Temasek, MOL Switch, Yanmar Ventures, AP Ventures, and Marunouchi Innovation Partners.

This financing follows the latest successful demonstration of Amogy’s ammonia-to-electrical power system where it sailed the world’s first carbon-free, ammonia-powered maritime vessel in September 2024. In earlier demonstrations, the company successfully used its technology to power an aerial drone, commercial farm tractor, and semi-truck. Amogy’s patented ammonia-powered system splits, or “cracks,” ammonia into its base elements of hydrogen and nitrogen. The hydrogen is then funneled into a hydrogen-to-power system, either an integrated fuel cell or hydrogen engine, generating high-performance power with zero carbon emissions.

“Since our founding just four years ago we’ve been on a rapid trajectory to bring our innovative ammonia-to-power technology to hard-to-abate sectors like maritime and power,” said Seonghoon Woo, CEO and co-founder of Amogy. “The latest technical demonstration — the successful sailing of the NH3 Kraken, our ammonia-powered tugboat — showcased that Amogy’s technology is a safe, viable, and effective solution for achieving decarbonization goals in heavy industries. On the heels of this monumental achievement, we’re especially invigorated by the strong validation we’re receiving from premier investors representing a mix of industry who are supporting our rapid push towards commercialization.”

“The Amogy team has demonstrated exceptional progress in developing their ammonia-powered technology through a systematic and highly effective approach,” said Ilyong Choi, Executive Vice President of SV Investment. “Their unwavering commitment to commercialization, coupled with a deep focus on research and development, has instilled confidence among partners in the viability and adaptability of their solutions for diverse customer needs. Amogy’s strategic execution plan is set to bring their technology to the forefront of distributed generation and maritime applications, with impactful deployment expected at the right sites and timelines by 2026.”

“Amogy’s novel catalyst and reformer technology enables ammonia cracking at a significantly lower temperature and operating footprint, unlocking transportation use cases that were previously not operationally or economically feasible,” said Laurel Buckner, Vice President Ventures at BHP. “With our investment, BHP Ventures deepens its commitment to technologies that drive innovation, reduce emissions, and support BHP’s broader sustainability strategy.”

With this latest financing, the company will accelerate commercializing its technology in key markets including maritime shipping and stationary power generation and will continue strengthening its research and development efforts and manufacturing capabilities.

DFDS launches freight route between Spain and the Netherlands

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January 15, 2025

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DFDS is launching a weekly freight service connecting Spain and the Netherlands, aimed at serving the needs of industrial customers, freight forwarders and project cargo owners. In connection with the new route, DFDS and Hydro, a global aluminium and energy company, have signed an agreement for weekly shipment of aluminium.

Starting from end May, the new route will connect the ports of Vilagarcía and Rotterdam, offering a seamless and direct ferry link from southern to central Europe. With the new service, DFDS offers a competitive alternative to road transport to meet demand for freight transportation within Europe.

Mathieu Girardin, Head of Ferry Division in DFDS says:

“This new route offers significant potential which we believe will benefit the broader market and aligns perfectly with our focus on organic growth. We are excited to establish a strong partnership with Hydro, enhancing their supply chain with improved connections to and from Northern Europe and Iberia, further demonstrating that we are a relevant strategic partner for larger companies.”

Hydro: “Logistics play a key part in keeping our business running 24/7”

“In Hydro, we are always looking for ways to optimize operations. Logistics play a key part in keeping our business running 24/7. The cooperation with DFDS will contribute to further implementation of our roll on-roll off (RoRo) solution, which is safer and more efficient compared to traditional methods. Smarter shipping saves both money and emissions and ensures our customers get their products on time,” says Gerd Aalborg Aas, Vice President and Head of Logistics in Hydro’s Aluminium Metal business area.

The RoRo (roll on – roll off) solution rolls aluminum products bound for customers onto cargo ships, eliminating the need for cranes and reducing safety risks from hanging loads. It also increases efficiency by reducing loading time in half, allowing ships to reduce speed and still deliver on time. This results in less fuel consumption and lower emissions.

DFDS will operate Belgia Seaways on the route with a capacity of 2660 lanemeters.

Fincantieri completes the acquisition of Leonardo’s UAS underwater business

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January 15, 2025

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Fincantieri announces the closing of the acquisition of Leonardo S.p.A.’s Underwater Armaments & Systems (“UAS”) business line through the purchase of the entire share capital of the newly established company WASS Submarine Systems S.r.l. (“WASS”), into which the UAS business line had been previously contributed.

The transaction reinforces Fincantieri Group’s strategy focused on growth in the naval defence business and the development of the underwater domain, strengthening its position as a leading technology integrator in the dual-use sector.

As foreseen by the preliminary agreement signed with Leonardo on May 9, 2024, and in line with the terms disclosed on that date, Fincantieri has paid 287 million euros, representing the fixed component of the acquisition price. The variable component, linked to the growth targets of the UAS business line in 2024, will be determined following the approval of UAS’s final results for the 2024 fiscal year, for a total Enterprise Value of UAS, including the fixed component paid today, of up to 415 million euros, subject to standard price adjustment mechanisms.

With this acquisition Fincantieri integrates unique expertise in underwater acoustic technologies and advanced weapons systems, consolidating its leadership in the underwater domain. These innovative capabilities open new prospects for growth in the military and civilian sectors, with a focus on critical infrastructure security and the adoption of cutting-edge industrial applications and solutions.

Pierroberto Folgiero, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Fincantieri, commented:

“The acquisition of WASS Submarine Systems represents a decisive step for Fincantieri in strengthening its technological leadership in the underwater domain, a crucial sector for the future of maritime security and technology. By integrating advanced expertise in acoustic and underwater weaponry systems, we have expanded our ability to develop innovative solutions for naval defence while ensuring the protection of critical underwater infrastructure, such as submarine cables and offshore energy facilities. This confirms our goal to lead the evolution of advanced ship technologies, responding to global challenges with entrepreneurship and strategic vision.”

NORDEN expands project cargo fleet with innovative and fuel-efficient vessels

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January 14, 2025

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Furthermore, the company has the option of declaring an additional two vessel leases with delivery in 2027.

Since entering the project cargo segment in 2023, NORDEN`s focus has been on growth within this part of the business. The Multi-purpose segment benefits from favourable supply fundamentals with a rapidly ageing fleet and low orderbook, coupled with a strong projected demand outlook. With these two new leases, the company now operates a fleet of 45 specialised vessels dedicated to transporting windmill components, large-scale batteries, industrial plant components and break-bulk cargoes such as steel and forestry products.

The new vessels feature an innovative design with the bridge located at the front of the ship, optimising cargo space capacity for project cargo such as windmill blades. These new vessels are highly fuel-efficient, boasting lower emissions compared to older vessels. They are also biofuel compatible, enabling us to offer lower-emission freight solutions to our customers.

“To further enhance our service to customers, NORDEN is building a core fleet of Multi-purpose general cargo vessels. We are dedicated to becoming a leading project carrier and provide our customers with efficient shipping solutions and the addition of these vessels underscores our commitment to innovation and decarbonisation in the maritime industry,” says Thomas N. Mikkelsen, Head of Projects & Parcelling at NORDEN.

The project cargo segment is a part of NORDEN’s ocean-based global freight service for dry and liquid bulk cargo of all sizes, spanning almost 500 vessels in total.

Another cable contract in Taiwan awarded to Van Oord

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January 14, 2025

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The wind farm is located approximately 35 kilometres off the coast of Taichung in central Taiwan. When fully operational, the 500 megawatt (MW) wind farm will serve as a large scale and stable source of green electricity supplying Taiwanese businesses.

Van Oord is responsible for the transport, installation and burial of the 33 inter array cables, with a total length of approximately 64 kilometres. To carry out the work, Van Oord will deploy its dedicated cable-laying vessel Nexus on the project and use a remote-controlled trencher to bury the cables to the required depth below the seabed. The inter array cable installation work will start in 2027.

The project is in familiar territory for Van Oord as the company has already successfully installed inter-array cables and export cables at Taiwan’s Greater Changhua offshore wind farms. The Taiwanese government aims to install 5.7 gigawatt (GW) of offshore wind capacity by 2025, with an additional 15 GW by 2035. With its team of dedicated professionals, highly specialised equipment and a local supply chain and workforce, Van Oord is committed to developing the Taiwanese offshore wind farms further.

Bart van Schooten, Area Manager at Van Oord, said:

‘We are excited to extend on our strong track-record in Taiwan with our involvement in the Fengmiao 1 offshore wind farm. We are eager to build on our established presence in the region, leveraging our cable-laying expertise and operational excellence. We are committed to supporting Taiwan’s energy transition and contributing to the country’s offshore wind ambitions, with more projects to follow.’

NYK establishes ship-management company for offshore wind power projects

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January 14, 2025

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In December 2024, NYK jointly established Japan Offshore Support Co., Ltd. (JOS) together with Akita Eisen KK. to provide ship maintenance and management services for offshore wind power projects, as well as training and employment for seafarers.

By actively recruiting local talent, JOS will contribute to the development of offshore wind power projects and the revitalization of the local community in Akita Prefecture.

JOS will be mainly responsible for the maintenance and management of crew transfer vessels (CTV) for offshore wind power generation. By leveraging the experience of operating ships at Ishikari Bay New Port in the offshore shipping and offshore wind power businesses, the knowledge gained from Northern Offshore Services (a collaborative partner for CTVs), and the foundation and know-how of Akita Eisen KK as a local company, we will provide safe, efficient, high-quality services on an ongoing basis and contribute to the stable supply of electricity from offshore wind power generation in Japan.

NYK signed a comprehensive cooperation agreement with Akita Prefecture in 2022 and is working with the prefecture in a wide range of fields, including the promotion of renewable energy projects and the development of related human resources. Through cooperation with local company Akita Eisen KK, we will contribute to the development of local human resources and the formation of sustainable industries, thereby further contributing to the revitalization of the region.