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Zelenskyy: Russians using shadow fleet tankers for drone sabotage operations

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Russia is using tankers not only to earn money for the war against Ukraine but also for intelligence and even sabotage activities, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Zelenskyy listened to a report by the head of the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine, Oleh Ivashchenko.

The President noted that Ukrainian intelligence is actively working with partners to prevent Russia from using so-called shadow fleet vessels for sabotage and other attempts to destabilize Europe.

“We provide all necessary information to our partners and expect that efforts to counter Russian interference will be significantly strengthened. Currently, the Russians are using tankers not only to generate revenue for the war, but also for intelligence gathering and even sabotage activities. This can absolutely be stopped,” he emphasized.

They also discussed specific measures regarding sanctions against Russia, including which schemes for evading sanctions need to be blocked first.

Seagems renews Wärtsilä Lifecycle Agreement to support the reliability of its fleet

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Technology group Wärtsilä and Seagems, a Brazil-based offshore operator formerly known as Sapura, has renewed and expanded its Lifecycle Agreement to cover its fleet of offshore support vessels. The renewed agreement expands the scope and elevates the strategic partnership and the importance of Wärtsilä’s services, aiming to enhance the reliability and reduce the carbon footprint of the vessels. The order with Wärtsilä was booked in Q3 2025. 

The new agreement reflects the maritime industry’s shift toward more collaborative, long-term partnerships and outcome-based service models, as well as a decarbonised future. It also exemplifies how operators are adapting to the latest ways of working: leveraging digital tools, predictive maintenance, and solidifying strategic service partnerships to optimise performance and reduce overall operational costs. 

“Over the years, Wärtsilä has delivered high quality, value-adding services to our offshore support vessels. The renewal and expansion of the existing agreement will support our long-term operational goals for these vessels, particularly in enhancing efficiency, reliability and sustainability,” says Ricardo Bicudo, COO – Seagems. 

By expanding the scope of the Lifecycle Agreement, Seagems gains direct access to enhanced reliability, operational cost savings, and greater peace of mind for its fleet. The inclusion of upgraded power and control management software, Wärtsilä’s Data Collection Unit with cloud-based services, and remote monitoring will deliver seamless visibility into vessel performance and enables proactive management of maintenance needs. 

With Expert Insight – a predictive maintenance solution harnessing real-time vessel data – potential issues can be identified before they impact operations, minimising downtime and unexpected repairs. Within the scope of this agreement, Seagems will also be able to benefit from tailored field services for engines and propulsion systems, ensuring their vessels run smoothly, safely, and sustainably throughout their lifecycle.  

“This renewed contract further strengthens our long-standing partnership with Seagems, reflecting confidence in our shared commitment to operational excellence and sustainable growth in the marine sector. Our goal is always to achieve greater operational efficiency, reduced downtime, and enhanced predictability, while also supporting our customers on their journey towards decarbonisation,” says Henrik Wilhelms, Director, Agreement Sales – Wärtsilä Marine. 

Seagems’ fleet are specialised for operations such as platform support, supply runs, and subsea services. The fleet is known for its robust design and advanced capabilities, enabling the ships to operate safely and efficiently in challenging offshore environments and are equipped with modern systems to enhance operational reliability and safety. 

Damen signs with Chomex Marino for two next-generation Offshore Support Tugs

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Damen Shipyards Group and Chomex Marino signed a contract for the construction of two Damen Offshore Support Tugs (OST) 120. Damen has developed the vessels in response to the operational requirements of end-user Woodside Energy. The new vessels will play a key role in unlocking the potential of deepwater operations in Mexico.

The project began when Woodside was seeking tenders for a 15-year time charter contract for multipurpose offshore support vessels in the Gulf of Mexico. Chomex Marino, a longstanding partner of Damen, submitted the Damen design, which went on to win the tender with Woodside. Damen will build the vessels at the Albwardy Damen shipyard in the United Arab Emirates, the yard meeting Woodside’s robust HSSEQ, project management and risk management standards.

The new vessels will be 67 metres in length, have a beam of 18 metres, a bollard pull of 120 tonnes ahead and astern and 250m² of free deck space. The Damen OST 120 has been developed from the keel up as a highly versatile vessel capable of a wide range of activities in the offshore energy sector. 

Designed for exceptional seakeeping and strong DP2-performance in severe offshore conditions, the vessel is capable of safely handling mooring lines and cargo hoses, hose maintenance, tanker assistance during tandem offloading operations, ROV deployment, standby services, oil spill response as well as a wide range of supply and replenishment missions such as crew and bulk cargo transfers. A special feature of the OST 120 is the ability to store and transfer chemicals in-field, allowing Woodside to run their operations with one less chemical supply vessel and, as a result, a lower emissions footprint.

“It has been a pleasure to work with Damen and we are grateful for a vessel design which satisfies the design requirements of both Woodside and Chomex Marino,” said Fausto Correa, General Manager of Chomex Marino. “With a 100% Mexican crew onboard these vessels, we look forward to seeing our new Damen OST 120 vessels in operation, making a positive impact to the Mexican maritime industry.”

Damen Shipyards’ Area Manager North America, Marnix Brouwer commented, “We are very excited to be working with our valued partners in what we anticipate will mark the introduction of a new class in offshore support, focused on versatility and operational efficiency. We foresee increasing demand for offshore tugs with a wider set of capabilities and are grateful to both Woodside and Chomex Marino for the opportunity to deliver a new solution to the industry.”

Molgas completes full acquisition of Titan Clean Fuels

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Molgas Energy Group, backed by infrastructure investor InfraVia, has finalized the full acquisition of Titan Energy Holding, parent company of Titan Clean Fuels. 

The transaction, which follows Molgas’ initial 45% minority stake, marks a major step forward in the Group’s strategic growth in the clean marine fuels sector.

Titan is a leading independent supplier of liquefied biomethane (LBM/bio-LNG) and LNG, serving both maritime and industrial customers. Its fleet of small-scale bunkering vessels operates across key global markets, with a strong base in the Northwest European region. Titan’s LNG bunkering operations will merge with Molgas’ existing operations in Norway and all truck-to-ship supply across Norway and continental Europe will now be combined.

With the integration of Titan, the Molgas Energy Group now operates a fleet of seven LNG bunkering vessels and manages a proprietary network of over 70 road-fuelling stations, with more than 200 points of sale including associated partner stations. This expanded footprint positions Molgas as a pan-European leader in downstream LNG and bio-LNG solutions for industrial, road transport, and marine customers.

The acquisition comes at a time of accelerating momentum for clean fuels. LNG and bio-LNG are increasingly recognized as scalable, low-emission alternatives that can play a vital role in decarbonizing both shipping and heavy-duty road transport. With tightening regulations, like EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime, and therefore growing demand for sustainable energy, Molgas and Titan are well-positioned to lead the transition toward cleaner mobility and logistics.

Following the transaction, Niels den Nijs will lead Molgas’ Marine Business as Executive Vice President, Marine. He will oversee all marine activities, delivering integrated end-to-end ship-to-ship and truck-to-ship bunkering services across Europe.

Sofoklis Papanikolaou, CEO of Molgas, commented: “Niels and the Titan team started as true pioneers, showing remarkable innovation and have grown Titan into one of the sector’s most reliable LNG bunkering operators. The success of our initial collaboration laid the groundwork for this acquisition, which significantly extends our reach and capabilities. We are welcoming to the group a very experienced team, with leading specific expertise in marine fuels and decarbonisation. Together, we will build a robust platform to deliver LNG and bio-LNG solutions across Europe and beyond.”

Niels den Nijs, CEO of Titan, added: “From the start, our partnership with Molgas was a strong strategic fit and I’m very happy to join their board. By joining forces fully, we substantially strengthen our balance sheet and joint commercial reach. Together, we will scale our clean fuel solutions for the maritime sector at a time of accelerating demand and regulatory tail winds. This integration allows us to better serve our long-term customers with an unrelenting focus on our mission: to deliver economical fuel at scale to help decarbonize shipping.”

Athanasios Zoulovits, Partner at InfraVia Capital Partners, said: “As the maritime industry undergoes a major transformation, Titan’s expertise positions Molgas to lead in delivering scalable clean marine fuel solutions. We are proud to support Molgas in its mission to accelerate the energy transition across industrial, mobility, and maritime markets.”

Jogchum Brinksma, Chairman of the board, Titan concluded: “It has been a pleasure to oversee the steep growth of Titan as chairman of the board and I am extremely pleased with these partners for Titan. This move will help propel the company towards a globally important strategic position, rising to the scale needed to lead the alternative fuels transition.”

Scotland’s first floating solar array celebrates two year anniversary

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Since first producing power on the 2nd of October 2023, the array has delivered green energy every day, demonstrating the reliability and robustness of the technology.

During the past two years, the array has been put through its paces, weathering no less than 17 named storms, including Storm Éwoyn, the most powerful storm to hit the UK in the last 10 years – all while continuing to generate clean electricity. 

Simon Forrest, Chief Executive Officer, Nova Innovation, said:
“The robust and dependable reliability of the floating solar array is a testimony to the high quality of our product. The demonstrator, along with the formation of AquaGen365, has enabled us to build up a strong pipeline of projects across the UK.”

The array is powering Forth Ports headquarters with “sunshine on Leith”. The floating solar array reduces Forth Ports energy costs while progressing their ambition of being net zero by 2042. 

Petrobras begins contracting for the construction of FPSO Búzios 12

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Petrobras has begun the contracting process for the construction of FPSO Búzios 12, which will be installed in the Santos Basin, in the state of Rio de Janeiro. 

The new unit, P-91, will be the 12th platform assigned to the Búzios field, consolidating it as the company’s largest producing field and increasing its importance in supplying natural gas in the country.

Búzios 12 will operate as a hub for exporting gas produced in Búzios. In addition to having systems to process and separate its own production, the unit will also be able to export gas produced in other platforms in the field that were not originally designed for gas export.

With this solution, Petrobras ensures the utilization of Búzios gas and the expansion of natural gas supply to the Brazilian market. The transported gas will be directed to the Boaventura Energy Complex, in Itaboraí (RJ), through the Rota 3 pipeline until it reaches the coast.

The P-91 will be interconnected to 16 wells, consisting of 8 producers and 8 alternating water and gas injectors, with a capacity to produce 180,000 barrels of oil per day and 12 million m³/day of natural gas. The development of Búzios 12 aims to expand the reservoir’s production, adding economic value to the field, in partnership with CNPC (China National Petroleum Corporation, 3.67%) and CNOOC (China National Offshore Oil Corp, 7.34%), with Petrobras as the operator (88.99%).

Búzios is already on track to surpass Tupi as the company’s largest producing field, and the new unit reinforces this growth trajectory.

“Starting the contracting process for Búzios 12 on Petrobras’ anniversary is symbolic: it demonstrates the strength of our capacity for innovation and the work of generations of professionals committed to the country. This new unit expands the supply of natural gas to the Brazilian market, ensuring safe, competitive energy that is indispensable for a just energy transition. The P-91 is already being designed with solutions to increase gas supply to the market, reduce emissions, and improve energy efficiency, reflecting Petrobras’ mission: to generate wealth for Brazilian society with responsibility and sustainability,” said the company’s president, Magda Chambriard.

For this contracting process, Petrobras is adopting the BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer) model, in which the contracted company is responsible for the design, construction, assembly, and operation of the asset for an initial period defined in the contract. Later, the operation will be transferred to Petrobras.

Companies interested in participating in the Búzios 12 contracting process will have 180 days, starting from the publication of the Request for Proposal (RFP), to submit their proposals. The RFP establishes a minimum local content requirement of 25%.

DOF Group wins over $60m in new contracts in North America

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The awards will utilise vessels already in the region, securing more than 300 days of firm vessel utilisation for a combined contract value of more than USD 60 million, with further options available.

Skandi Skansen will be utilised for a mooring project in Guyana with expected commencement in October 2025 and an expected duration of approximately six weeks with further options.

Skandi Implementer has secured two jobs in Mexico with international oil companies for subsea cable repair and subsea installation services with execution during Q4 2025 and expected combined duration of more than two months.

Furthermore, the third-party vessel Cade Candies will be used to provide Walk to Work services off the East Coast of the USA with expected commencement in Q2 2026 and duration of approximately eight months with further options.

Mons Aase, DOF Group ASA CEO, said: “I am very happy to seethe strong momentum in the North America region continue with these project awards, securing utilisation for project vessels in the region. I am especially pleased that Skandi Implementer has been working non-stop in the region after we terminated her original long-term contract in Mexico in early 2025.”

DEME secures sizable contract for Nordseecluster B wind farm in Germany

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DEME has secured a sizable contract to carry out the transport and installation works for the inter-array cables for the Nordseecluster B offshore wind farm in Germany. 

The Nordseecluster is a joint offshore wind project of RWE (51%) and Norges Bank Investment Management (49%).

The Nordseecluster, located approximately 50 km north of the island of Juist (Germany), combines wind farm sites in the eastern part of the German North Sea. With a total capacity of up to 1.6 GW, the Nordseecluster will generate enough green electricity to supply the equivalent of 1,600,000 homes. RWE is in charge of construction and operations throughout the lifecycle of the Nordseecluster offshore wind farms.

DEME will transport and install a total of 124 km of inter-array cables for the second project stage – Nordseecluster B – connecting all 60 foundations for the wind turbines to the offshore substation in the German North Sea. The extensive scope includes all the engineering, preparation and supporting activities, ensuring that DEME will deliver a complete solution.

Scottish Government brings Clyde and Hebrides ferries under full public control

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The new arrangements, which commence on October 1, 2025, will see almost £4 billion ($5.1 billion) of public funding invested in the service over a ten-year period.

Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop stated that the new arrangements fundamentally change the ethos of the services from a commercial arrangement to a model fully focused on delivering a public service for Scotland’s island and rural communities.

Island communities have long called for better resilience and reliability of the ferry services. The new contract is intended to deliver those improvements, with significant investment in new vessels, increased services on the Sound of Barra and secondary Arran routes this winter, and the recruitment of additional CalMac crew.

Transport Scotland said the new model also embeds the requirement for continued engagement with the ferries community board to ensure community views are heard.

Duncan Mackison, CEO at CalMac, said the new contract creates a framework to operate ferry services which are, “safe, reliable, and better integrated with other transport providers.”

“We acknowledge that there have been challenges in recent years but we’re fully invested in continuing to drive up standards and delivering for the communities we serve,” he said, noting that a dozen new vessels are on the way.

Source: Bairdmaritime

Ukrainian Special Forces strike Russian missile ship in Karelia’s internal waters

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On the night of October 4, 2025, the Ukrainian Special Operations Forces targeted the Russian Project 21631 Buyan-M Grad small missile ship (hull number 575).

Preliminary reports indicate that the strike hit the right side of the ship’s power plant compartment.

As a result of the attack, the vessel sustained critical damage, significantly limiting its maneuverability and combat effectiveness.

The ship was en route from the Baltic Sea to the Caspian Sea, likely to reinforce the Russian fleet’s grouping in the southern region. Its route passed through Russia’s internal waters.

Grad is among the newest ships of the Buyan-M class, having been commissioned into the Russian Baltic Fleet on December 29, 2022.

Source: Militarnyi

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