Hydropower plays a significant role in Sweden’s electricity supply and transition to a fossil-free society.
However, hydropower has an impact on biodiversity and ecosystem functions in regulated rivers. For this reason, Vattenfall is developing and testing various solutions that can favour biodiversity where the right conditions exist.
“In rivers with hydropower dams, water levels can change rapidly and dramatically. The idea of floating islands is that they follow the variation of the water surface and provide a stable surface for flora and fauna to establish themselves on. The islands act as nesting platforms for birds above the surface, and create a favourable environment for plankton, fish and algae in shallow areas,” says Henrik Viklands, Head of Vattenfall Hydropower’s Biodiversity Programme.
The artificial floating islands are about 15 square metres in size, and the six islands are connected to form a hexagonal island with a total surface area of about 90 square metres. They are designed and built by Vattenfall’s R&D laboratory in Älvkarleby with plants typical of the beach and water environment in the area.
“The project is very promising and can contribute to the efforts to fulfil global sustainability goals and to achieve our vision of implementing the biodiversity plan by 2030,” says Choudhury Maidul, biologist at Vattenfall Research and Development.
Italy’s Eni and Argentina’s YPF have finalized a engineering agreement on a Vaca Muerta liquefied natural gas (LNG) project, they said in a presentation on Friday to sign the deal.
Eni at that time said the deal would cover production, treatment, transportation and liquefaction of gas through floating units for a total capacity of 12 million metric tons per year.
“YPF will be responsible for the upstream, and we will be responsible for the floating liquefaction,” Eni CEO Claudio Descalzi said at the event on Friday. “We need to reach the market before 2029.”
YPF CEO Horacio Marin said the project will require drilling 800 new wells and aims to double the company’s 2024 gas production. Marin estimated the initiative will need $25 billion in infrastructure investment and $15 billion for upstream development.
Maersk and Contemporary Amperex Technology have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly advance decarbonisation across global supply chains and further strengthen CATL’s global logistics.
Under this new agreement, Maersk will serve as CATL’s preferred global logistics partner, delivering integrated services including ocean freight, air freight, project logistics, and warehousing. The two parties will also explore effective and scalable models to help CATL maintain supply chain resilience in a rapidly evolving global landscape. Tailored solutions will be developed to meet the specific needs of diverse markets. These joint efforts aim to drive operational excellence across CATL’s supply chains and support its international growth ambitions.
Maersk and CATL will also collaborate to electrify key nodes across the supply chain by leveraging CATL’s advanced battery technologies. This includes exploring the electrification of container shipping and the port ecosystem, inland transportation and warehousing. These initiatives will be supported by electric system design, energy management, and end-of-life battery recycling solutions. Under this agreement, CATL will be regarded as a preferred battery technology partner to support Maersk’s decarbonisation roadmap.
Maersk has an ambitious target of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across its entire business by 2040. While reducing greenhouse gas emissions is a shared goal among many companies, this partnership will contribute to the transition by co-developing scalable electrification solutions that support a lower emissions future for the logistics industry.
Morten Bo Christiansen, Senior Vice President, Global Head of Energy Transition, A. P. Moller Maersk, said:
“The collaboration between Maersk and CATL has continued to expand and evolve. We’re pleased to enter this new phase of partnership, combining CATL’s cutting-edge battery technologies with our integrated logistics capabilities to redefine what’s possible in logistics. This partnership presents a powerful opportunity to accelerate the decarbonisation of global logistics – not only for Maersk, but also for our customers and the broader industry.”
CATL is committed to becoming a zero-carbon technology company, focusing on three strategic business areas including transportation electrification, industrial decarbonisation, and zero-carbon grid. CATL plans to achieve carbon neutrality in its core operations by 2025 and across the battery supply chain by 2035.
Libin Tan, Chief Customer Officer, Co-President of Sales & Marketing of CATL, said:
“As a global giant of integrated logistics, A.P. Moller – Maersk, just like CATL, is committed to promoting energy transition and achieving a net-zero emissions future. At this new stage of development, both parties aim to deepen collaboration in shipping, end-to-end supply chain, digitalisation, and new energy applications, working together to accelerate decarbonisation in the global logistics industry.”
The Naos-designed CONSTANZA I DI SICILIA is scheduled for delivery in the summer of 2026 and will provide service between Lampedusa and Pantelleria.
With a length of about 140 meters and a gross tonnage of about 14,500 tons, the ship will be able to carry up to 1,000 passengers and 200 cars, reaching a speed maximum of 19 knots. Propulsion will be ensured by engines dual fuel, powered by marine gasoil and liquefied natural gas. The unit will also have a photovoltaic system which, in combination with a battery pack, will allow the stay in port with zero emissions for about four hours.
The signing of the contract between Fincantieri and the Region Sicily, which will be the first Italian regional body to be Totally proprietary of such a unit, it includes also the option for a second ferry ( of 9 October 2023 and 13 September 2024). The objective of the Region is to strengthen connections with the islands of Lampedusa, Linosa and Pantelleria.
On the occasion of the launch ceremony, the CEO and General Manager of Fincantieri, Pierroberto Folgiero, specified that “today’s launch is a starting point to relaunch the construction site as part of the new business plan of Fincantieri, which we will present by the end of the year. The construction of This ship – he specified – is not just a return to the production, but an investment in the future, in skills and Italian manufacturing, in a sector where people represent the most valuable resource. Palermo has a unique vocation in the Mediterranean and will become increasingly central to the strategy of our group»
As the largest recipient of the agency’s Offshore Wind Energy Waterfront Facility Improvement Program from state bond funding, the Port of Long Beach will match $11 million to complete engineering, environmental, business planning and community outreach requirements needed to begin construction on Pier Wind. The proposed $4.7 billion facility aims to help California meet a goal of generating 25 gigawatts of offshore wind energy by 2045 – enough to power 25 million homes statewide.
“Our Pier Wind project will ensure California’s offshore wind energy goals are achieved,” said Port of Long Beach CEO Mario Cordero. “We thank the California Energy Commission for funding the Pier Wind project, which will enhance the nation’s energy independence and strengthen the electric grid to support electrification investments across the supply chain.”
“California’s offshore wind energy goals cannot be achieved without onshore development at port facilities like Pier Wind, which will create thousands of manufacturing jobs across the U.S.,” said Long Beach Harbor Commission President Frank Colonna. “We are grateful for this state funding to make offshore wind a part of California’s energy portfolio.”
The grant funding came from Proposition 4, the climate bond measure approved in 2024 by California voters which set aside $475 million for port infrastructure projects connected to offshore wind development. The Port of Long Beach will seek additional Proposition 4 proceeds for Pier Wind as the state releases those funds.
Pier Wind would allow for the staging, storage and assembly of some of the world’s largest offshore wind turbines, standing as tall as the Eiffel Tower. The fully assembled turbines would be towed by sea from the Port of Long Beach to wind lease areas 20 to 30 miles off the coast in Central and Northern California.
The proposed project is undergoing extensive environmental review by local, state and federal regulatory agencies as the Port of Long Beach gathers input from the community. Construction could start as soon as 2027, with the first 200 acres completed in 2031, and the final 200 acres coming online in 2035. A recent preliminary economic impact report found that Pier Wind could create more than 6,000 jobs and generate $8 billion in labor income, $14.5 billion in economic output and $1.3 billion in state and local taxes between now and 2045.
“The $20 million award from the California Energy Commission is a commitment and investment in healthy, thriving communities and a sustainable future,” said state Sen. Lena Gonzalez. “With this funding, the Pier Wind project will break ground, creating jobs, boosting economic growth, and propelling progress on our state’s ambitious goals for offshore wind energy and emissions reductions.”
“Despite facing significant challenges in this year’s budget, we remained laser-focused on investing in our priorities, including offshore wind development,” said Assemblyman Josh Lowenthal. “The funding we secured will support critically important offshore wind projects in our district, lift up marginalized communities, and create new opportunities for underrepresented populations in the workforce, including women and previously incarcerated individuals, to build careers in engineering, construction, and maintenance of offshore wind construction sites and our farms.”
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill last year that would streamline the design and development of Pier Wind by allowing the Port of Long Beach to use alternative construction delivery methods. In 2024, the California Energy Commission adopted a final strategic plan for offshore wind energy developments for the state, authorized through Assembly Bill 525. The plan references the need to prioritize seaports, like the Port of Long Beach, to serve as assembly and staging sites for wind turbines.
The California State Lands Commission and the ports of Long Beach and Humboldt entered into a memorandum of understanding in December 2024 to collaborate on permitting, community engagement, environmental justice, clean energy strategies and Native American Tribal consultation to advance a multiport strategy for offshore wind deployment and workforce development.
The Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority has announced an international tender for the purchase of a multifunctional oil collection vessel that will “significantly enhance the environmental safety and technical readiness of Ukrainian ports on the Danube”. About this said press service of the Institute of Danube Studies.
The vessel will be designed to collect oil products and debris from the water surface, act as a tugboat and will also participate in localizing fires on ships and port facilities.
It is scheduled to be delivered by the end of 2026. The tender documents state that the vessel can be built at Ukrainian enterprises.
The procurement is part of the international project RELINC (Restoration of Key Logistics Infrastructure and Network Connectivity) with the financial support of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD).
The oil collection vessel will operate in Ukrainian ports on the Danube – Izmail, Reni and Ust-Dunaisk – which are currently key logistics hubs.
“This step demonstrates a systematic approach to strengthening environmental and infrastructural resilience across the Danube macro-region,” the statement said.
Damen Naval has signed a contract with Danish defence technology company Terma A/S for the supply of the C-Guard Decoy Launching System, to be installed on the PES frigate currently under construction for the Colombian Navy. The frigate is based on Damen Naval’s SIGMA 10514 design and will be the first of its kind built in Colombia, in close cooperation with COTECMAR.
The agreement includes the delivery of Terma’s C-Guard system, which significantly enhances the frigate’s survivability. The system features advanced Anti-Aircraft Warfare (AAW) and Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) modules, designed to protect the ship against a wide range of incoming threats.
This contract reflects a strong alliance between Northern European defence partners. The cooperation between Terma and Damen Naval brings together decades of expertise and proven technology to support the PES frigate programme. It also strengthens their position as trusted partners for Colombia and the broader Latin American region.
“We are pleased to integrate Terma’s advanced C-Guard system into the PES frigate,” said Jasper Oreel, Project Director at Damen Naval. “Its proven performance and modular configuration are a strong match for the mission versatility of the SIGMA 10514 platform. We look forward to successful project execution and continued cooperation with Terma.”
“We are proud of the relationship and trust received by Damen Naval and we welcome the opportunity to work even closer, not only with Damen Naval but also the Colombian Navy,” said Martin T Jentsch, Sales Director, Naval Sales at Terma. “With the selection of Terma’s C-Guard decoy system, this platform has opted for a future proof round agnostics and automatic countermeasure system, with more than 150 systems in operation.”
The PES frigate is scheduled for delivery to the Colombian Navy in 2030.
Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (BV) announces the successful certification of the Provence Grand Large (PGL) floating offshore wind project.
Situated off the coast of Fos-sur-Mer, Provence Grand Large demonstrates the potential of floating wind technology.
This project brings together a consortium of industry leaders. EDF power solutions acted as the primary developer, leveraging its extensive expertise in renewable energy. Siemens Gamesa provided the wind turbines and towers, while SBM Offshore and IFPEN collaborated on the innovative floating foundation design. Eiffage Métal managed the complex fabrication process, and Prysmian supplied the projects’ dynamic cables.
BV has been an integral part of the PGL project’s journey since 2017, applying rigorous international certification methodologies. The certification process began with a thorough design documentation review, aiming to verify that technical specifications comply with applicable industry standards.
The certification journey continued through manufacturing oversight. BV experts monitored the production of critical components across multiple continents, performing quality control throughout the process. The final assembly at Eiffage Métal’s Fos-sur-Mer facility received particular attention, with BV experts conducting detailed inspections and assessments.
Transportation and installation phases equally demanded careful scrutiny. The BV project team worked closely with the marine warranty surveyor to ensure safe and precise deployment of this complex offshore infrastructure. The final commissioning tests, witnessed by BV experts, confirmed the project’s operational readiness.
Since its commissioning, the Provence Grand Large project has operated safely and efficiently while meeting the performance parameters established during the design phase. This achievement represents more than just a technical success, it signifies a crucial step towards the commercialization of floating offshore wind technology in France.
Matthieu de Tugny, Executive Vice President, Industrials and Commodities at Bureau Veritas, said: “Congratulations to the Provence Grand Large team for this achievement in renewable energy innovation. We are delighted to have supported EDF power solutions, Enbridge and CPP Investments in bringing this project to fruition. Provence Grand Large demonstrates the immense potential of floating offshore wind technology and France’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions.”
Trelleborg Marine and Infrastructure is approaching the final phase of a navigation modernization project, with completion of its SafePilot Portable Pilot Unit (PPU) and navigation software delivery that will be installed across 25 major Mexican ports.
The comprehensive implementation of these units following delivery will represent one of the largest standardized maritime navigation projects currently underway, positioning Mexico’s port infrastructure at the forefront of global maritime technology. The standardization effort will also address critical operational consistency needs across Mexico’s diverse port network.
“This project goes beyond just upgrading equipment, it’s about setting a new standard for pilotage throughout Mexico,” said Tommy Mikkelsen, Managing Director for Navigation and Piloting division at Trelleborg Marine and Infrastructure. “It will standardize navigation technology across all 25 ports, creating a cohesive ecosystem that enhances safety, consistency and operational efficiency on a national scale.”
Trelleborg’s SafePilot PPU hardware includes independent heading capabilities and flexible dual-unit configuration enabling quick equipment swaps for uninterrupted operations. The project also includes comprehensive training programs that will be delivered by Trelleborg experts leveraging 25-plus years of global pilotage experience.
Upon final installation of the solutions, the standardized approach will deliver immediate and long-term advantages across multiple operational areas. Enhanced safety protocols will allow pilots to perform more accurate navigation with improved decision-making support while operational consistency through uniform systems across all ports will ensure standardized procedures and simplified training protocols. Increased reliability through dual-unit setup with swap capabilities will help minimize operational downtime, while at the same time reduce maintenance complexity and training requirements.
Through this initiative, Mexico will establish a model for how port authorities can enhance both safety and operational efficiency through strategic standardization, addressing a critical industry challenge where pilots must adapt to different navigation systems when working across multiple ports.
Captain Mario Alejandro Camacho secretary general of the Mexican Sindicato Nacional de Pilotos de Puerto emphasized, “The standardization of this advanced equipment by the Union’s harbor pilots will significantly enhance pilotage safety in Mexican ports, aligning with international best practices. This initiative will empower members to address challenges posed by the increasing size of vessels, ensuring safe pilotage services within permitted navigation channels and maneuvering basins. This uniformity will be particularly critical as we accommodate larger vessels and increasing cargo volumes.”
ABB has signed a term sheet agreement with SwitcH2 to engineer and supply automation and electrification solutions for SwitcH2’s floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) unit dedicated to producing green ammonia from green hydrogen, to support future demand for low-carbon marine fuels.
The FPSO facility will be stationed off the coast of Portugal and powered by certified renewable electricity from the national grid under a Power Purchase Agreements. It will feature a 300 MW electrolyzer with the potential to produce up to 243,000 tonnes of green ammonia annually.
As part of the term sheet agreement, ABB intends to deliver a prefabricated eHouse, electrical distribution systems and ABB Ability™ System 800xA® Integrated Control and Safety System (ICSS) with full cyber security integration. These modular, ready-to-deploy systems will help ensure safe, efficient and reliable operations offshore. ABB’s solutions will fully integrate with third-party equipment, including electrolyzers and ammonia synthesis units.
“This collaboration represents a key step in advancing offshore production capabilities for next-generation marine fuels,” said Saskia Kunst, CEO of SwitcH2. “By integrating ABB’s advanced electrification and automation systems, we are demonstrating how technology-driven partnerships can accelerate innovation, shaping the future of energy at sea.”
The FPSO will utilize treated seawater and use electrolysis to produce green hydrogen. This hydrogen will be combined with nitrogen extracted from the air to create green ammonia. Once synthesized, the ammonia will be condensed and stored onboard. It will then be transferred to carrier ships via a floating hose system for transport to ports where it can be used as a marine fuel or cracked back to hydrogen for industrial use.
Green ammonia is emerging as a scalable solution for decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors such as shipping, which contributes approximately two percent of global greenhouse gas emissions1.
“As with other hard-to-abate industries, we are committed to helping the marine sector operate leaner and cleaner. Our leading technologies in automation and electrification will enable this project to run with greater efficiently,” said Per Erik Holsten, President of ABB’s Energy Industries division. “Green ammonia offers a technically viable method for decarbonizing marine transport, and this FPSO concept showcases how renewable energy can be leveraged to unlock low carbon energy value chains.”
Front-end engineering and design (FEED) work is expected to run until summer 2026, with a Final Investment Decision (FID) due by the third quarter of 2026. Detailed engineering and construction will then follow in 2027.
