Jawar Al Khaleej L.L.C. takes delivery of three Damen Search and Rescue vessels

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October 1, 2024

The vessels are two Damen SPi 1605 SAR class plus one Damen STe 1905 SAR and they will be deployed in Iraqi waters under a 20-year contract between Jawar Al Khaleej L.L.C. (JAK) and the Iraqi Ports Authority.

JAK’s remit is to establish and operate a Search & Rescue Centre based in Basra in cooperation with the government-owned General Company for Ports of Iraq (GCPI). The state-of-the-art centre and its vessels will bring new capabilities in search and rescue to Iraqi waters. The new boats, while based on standard Damen designs, are fully equipped for search and rescue operations. Night vision cameras, onboard CCTV, man overboard platforms, stretchers first aid equipment and oxygen supplies are all part of their specification.

In addition, a Damen Search and Rescue (SAR) 1906 is under construction for JAK. This vessel represents the next generation of rescue boats and has been developed in close cooperation with the Royal Netherlands Sea Rescue Institution (KNRM). As would be expected from a rescue boat, this design will self-right within seconds after a capsize or even a 360° roll. The SAR 1906 series has been proven with their operations with the KNRM and the Turkish Coastguard to be a superior search and rescue boat able to operate in challenging sea conditions.

During the delivery ceremony of the three SAR vessels, JAK also celebrated the completion of the conversion of the Jawar 31. A 122-metre vessel that has been refurbished to newbuilding standards and converted by Albwardy Damen to a multi-purpose heavy lift vessel, it has oil response capabilities and is equipped with a fully electric 250-tonne class crawler crane.

While Iraq’s coastline is just 58 kilometres in length, it is extremely busy with around 80% of Iraq’s oil exports departing from the Al Basra Oil Terminal. Besides the offshore rescue capabilities, the JAK search and rescue centre will also cover Iraq’s rivers.

“We are honored that Jawar al Khaleej has chosen our vessels once again,” says Pascal Slingerland, Regional Sales Director Middle East at Damen Shipyards Group. “Over the past two decades we have had the privilege of delivering more than 20 vessels, including 14 that were delivered five years ago for terminal operations. JAK always take tremendous care of their fleet, after five years of offshore operation the boats recently returned for the first time to Albwardy Damen for their special surveys. There they all passed without any major works required, due to the superior maintenance of the Jawar team and the Damen new-building standards designed for the lowest costs of ownership.

The hand-over ceremony was arranged by Jawar Al Khaleej with all the key suppliers invited including Liebherr (cranes), Lamor (oil recovery equipment), ABS (class society), Watertek, Albwardy Damen (new building, ship repair and conversions) and Damen, to celebrate the collaboration of all the involved parties and the successful delivery.

Dr. Baydaq Al Jazaeri, Chairman of Jawar Al Khaleej, expressed his gratitude for the successful collaborations that led to the delivery of these cutting-edge vessels; “At JAK, we are honoured by the trust placed in us by GCPI and the Iraqi government to manage critical oil spill response and search and rescue operations. It has been a privilege to collaborate with such an outstanding team of companies, each a leader in their field, to introduce groundbreaking innovations to the Middle East.

“Our successful partnership with Damen over the years has consistently delivered exceptional service, quality, and innovation, making us a proud and loyal customer. Coordinating the arrival of vessels and equipment and preparing them for rapid deployment to the new Emergency Response Base was a significant challenge, but we are immensely proud of the professionalism displayed by all involved and the exceptional quality of the final outcome.”

Wärtsilä to supply fuel supply systems for five new VLEC being built at Jiangnan Shipyard

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October 1, 2024

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Technology group Wärtsilä will supply the Cargo Handling and Fuel Gas Supply systems for five new Very Large Ethane Carrier (VLEC) vessels. The order has been placed by Jiangnan Shipyard, and the ships are being built for Chinese owners. The order was booked by Wärtsilä in Q3, 2024.

The order follows a similar order for Cargo Handling and Fuel Gas Supply systems placed by the yard in 2023 for four VLECs. The new 99,000 m3 capacity VLECs are mainly designed to transport ethane, and will use ethane as fuel. As part of the Cargo Handling and Fuel Gas Supply systems scope, Wärtsilä will also provide basic and detailed engineering services, along with supervision and commissioning at the yard.

“Our strategy is always to build the most optimised, efficient, and integrated vessels possible. For this, we have opted to fit these new vessels with various technologically advanced and highly reliable solutions,” said by Mr. Zhao Zhenhua – Deputy Director of Supply Department, Jiangnan Shipyard.

“Our market-leading position is again endorsed with this latest order,” said Stein Thoresen, Sales Manager, Wärtsilä Gas Solutions. “It is also an important continuation of the good and close relationship Wärtsilä has with Jiangnan Shipyard. The quality and functionality of our solutions will support optimal operations for these vessels, and it is rewarding that these benefits have once again been recognised.”

Delivery of the Wärtsilä equipment will commence in Q3 2026.

DemoSATH floating wind project secures final prototype certification from Bureau Veritas

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October 1, 2024

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This marks a significant advancement in innovative SATH (Swinging Around Twin Hull) technology, and the development of cleaner, more efficient floating wind technology.

The final prototype certification of DemoSATH2MU by BV confirms that a comprehensive set of standards for safety, structural integrity, and operational feasibility, including BV NR 572, have been applied to the DemoSATH floating platform. This comprehensive certification process involved an exhaustive review of engineering aspects applied in the project, including the platform’s basic design, mooring systems, safety and electrical low & medium voltage systems.

Irati Larrinaga, Foundation Package Lead Engineer of Saitec Offshore Technologies, expressed her pride in this achievement:

“Obtaining the final conformity statement for DemoSATH’s prototype certification is an important milestone for us. It validates the hard engineering work that our team has been doing for over a decade. Moreover, it represents a significant step forward in the development of SATH technology, having undergone a thorough third-party assessment by Bureau Veritas, a globally recognized classification society. We are proud of what we are achieving with the DemoSATH project.”

Olivier Cartier, Vice President – Technical at Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore, said: “The DemoSATH platform showcases its innovative design and robust engineering, meeting the stringent requirements for offshore floating wind technology. We congratulate Saitec Offshore Technologies on achieving this milestone and advancing the development of cutting-edge solutions in renewable energy.”

Ørsted and GIP’s Skyborn Renewables launch joint venture partnership

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October 1, 2024

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Ørsted and Skyborn Renewables, a Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) portfolio company, are now joint venture partners in the South Fork Wind and Revolution Wind offshore wind farms, following today’s closing of GIP’s acquisition of Eversource Energy’s 50-percent ownership share in the two Northeast projects.

Ørsted’s partnership with GIP pairs the U.S. and global offshore wind leader with one of the world’s largest infrastructure investors. Together, the new joint venture reaffirms the opportunity in American clean energy and positions the Northeast for continued investment, job creation, and affordable and reliable energy for decades to come.

Ørsted is leading the buildout of the American offshore wind industry with a focus on its growing Northeast hub, which includes ports, vessels, a trained workforce, a growing supply chain and much more. Extending across the United States, Ørsted’s supply chain reaches 44 states, reinvigorating local jobs in manufacturing, steel, maritime and much more.

“We’re excited for our new partnership with Global Infrastructure Partners and Skyborn on South Fork Wind and Revolution Wind, two projects that are historic as well as central to America’s energy priorities,” said David Hardy, Group EVP and CEO Americas at Ørsted. “GIP is a trusted and longstanding global Ørsted partner and brings world-class experience to the U.S. offshore wind industry. We’re pleased to work alongside GIP and the experts from Skyborn as investors and partners in building and delivering domestic and clean energy to the Northeast.”

“We are pleased to be partnering once again with Ørsted on two new offshore wind projects,” said Salim Samaha, Partner and Global Head of Energy, Global Infrastructure Partners. “Ørsted’s leadership and innovation in the renewable energy sector makes them an ideal partner, and we are proud to build upon our successful track record together. This fourth strategic collaboration underscores our shared commitment to advancing the energy transition and delivering sustainable solutions at scale.”

In partnership with GIP, Ørsted will continue its successful operations of the 132-megawatt South Fork Wind farm and finalize construction of the 704-megawatt Revolution Wind project and transition it into its operational phase. South Fork Wind is America’s first utility-scale offshore wind farm, currently powering 70,000 homes and businesses in Long Island, New York with offshore wind energy since beginning commercial operations in March 2024. Construction is well underway on Revolution Wind, which will serve 350,000 homes and businesses in Rhode Island and Connecticut, and in September celebrated the installation of its first wind turbine offshore.

While Eversource has exited its offshore wind investments, the company remains a contractor on the ongoing onshore construction scope for Revolution Wind, and a tax equity investor in South Fork Wind.

Ørsted previously acquired Eversource’s 50-percent stake in the 924-megawatt New York Sunrise Wind project, share of uncontracted offshore wind seabed (Lease 500), and key Northeast operational assets. As part of a growing Northeast hub, Ørsted has full ownership of partnerships with the Port of Providence, the Port of Davisville, and Quonset Point, all in Rhode Island, and with Connecticut’s New London State Pier. Ørsted also acquired ownership of the future operations and maintenance hub in East Setauket, N.Y., and the charter agreement for the first American-built offshore wind service operations vessel.

Provaris and Yinson Production join forces to innovate on CO2 storage and marine transport solutions

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October 1, 2024

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Provaris Energy Ltd and Yinson Production Offshore Pte Ltd are pleased to announce a binding Joint Development Agreement for the development of storage tank solutions for the bulk storage and marine transportation of carbon dioxide (CO2).

Yinson Production and Provaris will jointly evaluate the technical and economic viability of adapting Provaris’ proprietary tank design for compressed hydrogen to develop innovative and cost competitive alternatives for bulk-scale storage and transport of compressed and liquid CO2 (CO2 Tanks).

The Collaboration will also assess the potential for other hydrogen derivatives such as ammonia. This collaboration combines Yinson Production’s long track record in the construction of floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) vessels for the offshore production industry with Provaris’ proven expertise in creating Class-level designs for bulk marine storage and transportation (H2Neo Carrier) of compressed gaseous hydrogen. As Yinson Production expands into the carbon capture and sequestration sector, this partnership will help develop cost-effective and scalable solutions for the storage and transport of CO2.

Currently, there is no ship transport of CO2 in a low pressure and temperature range suitable for long sailing distances and large cargo volumes. This collaboration aims to help develop a new CO2 tank design solution that will address current CO2 transit and storage limitations.

The development of CO2 storage and transport infrastructure is crucial for the widespread deployment of carbon capture, which is a critical pillar in meeting global emission targets. The design of the CO2 tanks is important for maximizing the amount of CO2 that can be stored and transported in a single cargo.

Lars Gunnar Vogt, Yinson Production’s Chief Technical Officer, said:

“We recognize the importance of carbon capture and storage in achieving global emission targets, and we’re committed to playing a key role in this space. Our collaboration with Provaris Energy will leverage our combined expertise to develop cost-competitive and innovative solutions for CO2 storage and transportation. We’re excited to explore the potential of adapting Provaris’ proprietary tank design for compressed hydrogen to meet the needs of the growing carbon capture market. This collaboration is a significant step forward in Yinson Production’s plans to drive the carbon value chain.”

Martin Carolan, Provaris’ Managing Director and CEO, added:

“This is an extremely exciting partnership and highlights the transferable technology and design of Provaris’ proprietary tank IP and shipping solutions. The CO2 market is already well-developed and seeking cutting-edge, scalable and cost-effective storage and transport solutions. We are grateful to be working alongside another reputable partner in Yinson, as we broaden the focus and application of our advanced development in proprietary tanks. This opportunity allows Provaris to explore alternate pathways in the commercialization of its tank technology in partnership with an industry leader in the offshore industry.”

SHI wins ABS approval for new LH2 carrier design

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September 29, 2024

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The 20,000 cubic meter capacity LH2 carrier features Type C tanks. ABS completed design reviews based on class and statutory requirements.

“Through this joint development project, SHI secured a detailed design for a liquefied hydrogen cargo containment system and cargo handling system. SHI plans to prepare for commercialization of liquefied hydrogen carriers following a mock-up verification,” said Ho-Ki Lee, SHI vice president, Green Energy Technology Center.

“Hydrogen is a key enabler of the clean energy economy. In decarbonizing different industry sectors, hydrogen plays critical roles as a fuel, feedstock, energy storage and load balancing. As the demand for hydrogen grows, vessels like the design from SHI will be critical for its transportation and development of the hydrogen value chain,” said Gareth Burton, ABS senior vice president, global engineering.

The 20,000 cubic meter capacity of the Samsung Heavy Industries LH2 carrier design is substantially greater than the 1,240 cubic meter capacity of the world’s first LH2 carrier, the Suiso Frontier launched by Japan’s Kawasaki Heavy Industries in 2021.

We can expect progressively larger designs to emerge as shipowners gear up for a projected steep growth in demand. The International Energy Agency reports that the number of announced projects for low-emission hydrogen production is rapidly expanding. Annual production of low-emission hydrogen could reach 38 Mt in 2030, if all announced projects are realized.

Northern Lights is ready to receive CO2

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September 29, 2024

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On 26 September the Norwegian Minister of Energy conducted the official opening of the Northern Lights CO2 transport and storage facility in Øygarden, near Bergen. The Northern Lights facility is a joint venture between Equinor, Shell and TotalEnergies.

“The completion of the Northern Lights facility marks an important milestone for the global development of a business model for carbon capture, transport and storage. It opens a value chain for decarbonisation of European industry and energy and shows the role we and our partners take in developing low carbon solutions in the energy transition,” says CEO Anders Opedal.

Large scale carbon capture, transport and storage (CCS) will play a key role in the energy transition as it offers a solution for large and hard-to-abate industrial emitters that need to decarbonise their processes.

The Northern Lights project is part of the Norwegian full-scale CCS project named Longship. The full-scale project includes capture of CO2 from industrial sources and shipping of liquid CO2 to the terminal in Øygarden. From there, the liquified CO2 will be transported by pipeline to the offshore storage location below the seabed in the North Sea, for safe and permanent storage.

“This project demonstrates what can be achieved when authorities and industry are working towards the same goal and co-invest to reduce risks. Equinor has several CO2 transport and storage developments in our portfolio as operator and partner. The established Northern Lights value chain and experience from the project will be valuable in maturing and scaling up future CCS projects,” says Opedal.

The first phase capacity of 1.5 million tons of CO2 per year is fully booked, and the joint venture owners continue to work on plans to increase the transport and storage capacity for the future.

Two Damen ASD 2312 tugs arrive in Sri Lanka for Sri Lanka Shipping Company Limited

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September 29, 2024

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Damen Shipyards Group and Sri Lanka Shipping Company Limited (SLSC) – a subsidiary of the Advantis Group, the transportation and logistics arm of Hayleys PLC – have celebrated the arrival of two new Damen ASD 2312 tugs, with the naming ceremony taking place at the Port of Colombo.

Not only is this the first time that the two organisations have done business together, it is also the first time that Damen has supplied new tugs to an entity based in Sri Lanka.

SLSC placed the order for the two tugs, named Aquarius and Capricorn, in November 2023 and they were officially handed over in the second quarter of FY 2024. The short period between ordering and receiving the vessels was due to Damen’s policy of building its most popular vessels for stock. This guarantees that customers have timely access to the vessels they require. The two tugs were constructed at Damen’s Song Cam Shipyard in Vietnam, known for its specialisation in building tugs in series for global distribution. The Aquarius and Capricorn were delivered to Sri Lanka directly on their keels. Before their departure from Vietnam, a Buddhist priest conducted a blessing ceremony on board the two vessels to ensure good fortune and the safety of their crews.

Following the tugs’ arrival at Columbo, the official naming ceremony and blessing of the vessels took place on the 12th of September. This was attended by guests of honour including Her Excellency Mrs Bonnie Horbach, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Sri Lanka, who officially named the vessels; Mr Mohan Pandithage, the Chairman and Chief Executive of Hayleys PLC; Mr Ruwan Waidyaratne, the Managing Director of the Advantis Group; Mr Surindha de Abrew, the Director/CEO of Sri Lanka Shipping Company Limited; Mr Keith Bernard, the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority and Mr Rabien Bahadoer, the Regional Sales Director Asia Pacific of Damen Shipyards.

Mr Mohan Pandithage commented,

“Joining the Damen family is truly special for us. With our extensive histories in the maritime industry, our organisations share core values such as the significance of family and the importance of building strong, trust-based relationships for the long-term. Kommer and Arnoud Damen have warmly welcomed us and we eagerly anticipate many years of fruitful collaboration.”

Commenting on the occasion, Mr Ruwan Waidyaratne stated,

“We are excited to be welcoming these new tugs to our fleet. They position Advantis to elevate its service offerings through cutting-edge technology and enhanced operational efficiency. With their advanced capabilities, these vessels are equipped to handle more complex manoeuvres, delivering superior precision in port operations. This investment not only strengthens Advantis’ ability to support the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) – a vital maritime hub in the Asian region – but also contributes to more streamlined and efficient port services, solidifying our role as a key partner in the development of the nation’s maritime infrastructure.”

Arnout Damen, CEO of Damen Shipyards Group, added:

“It is an honour to be working with an organisation that shares many of our values. I am confident that this marks the beginning of a long and fruitful partnership. It is a privilege for us to embark on this exciting journey alongside SLSC.”

In addition, Rabien Bahadoer stated:

“We are honoured that our state-of-the-art ASD Tug 2312 have been selected by Sri Lanka Shipping Company for this next phase in the evolution of the Port of Colombo. We are delighted that SLSC chose Damen for this important role, and we look forward to working with them in the years ahead.”

SLSC selected the 23-metre ASD Tug 2312 based on its proven outstanding performance (70 tonnes bollard pull) for its size and its exceptional manoeuvrability thanks to its patented twin Fin skeg design plus twin azimuth thrusters. Additional technical factors in the decision included the tugs’ versatility together with their digital connectivity, fuel efficiency and low emissions. SLSC also opted for Damen’s award-winning Triton remote monitoring system to ensure maximum efficiency and minimum downtime.

Van Oord starts work on Maasvlakte 2 coastal reinforcement project

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September 29, 2024

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Van Oord has started work on a sand nourishment project for the Maasvlakte 2 area of the Port of Rotterdam.

Maintaining the coast in this way ensures that nature itself will protect the port area and Rotterdam’s hinterland against the sea. The project was commissioned by Rijkswaterstaat, the executive agency of the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, and is part of a wider programme aimed at protecting and reinforcing the Dutch coastline.

Van Oord is deploying LNG trailing suction hopper dredger Vox Apolonia to execute the project. A total of 1 million cubic metres of sand from the North Sea will be deposited on the Maasvlakte 2 beach and on the seabed just offshore. The Vox Apolonia will begin by dredging up sand from selected sections of the seabed located more than 10 kilometres from the coast. It will then deposit a portion of this sand on the seabed just offshore (foreshore nourishment). It will also use a pressure pipe to pump sand onto the beach (beach nourishment), where bulldozers and excavators will get to work spreading it out. In the months thereafter, weather and wind will cause a part of the sand to drift into the dunes, reinforcing the coast using the forces of nature.

What makes this project particularly special is that the Vox Apolonia is running on LNG, a more sustainable alternative to Marine Gas Oil (MGO) that reduces sulphur and particulate emissions to a minimum. The combustion process is also different to that of MGO, resulting in lower nitrogen dioxide emissions. Switching the fleet to this grade of alternative fuel brings Van Oord one step closer to meeting its target of net-zero emissions by 2050, in line with the Paris Climate Agreement.

Maasvlakte 2 is familiar territory for Van Oord. From 2008 to 2013, the company was part of the consortium that developed and executed this enormous port expansion project. Since then, Van Oord has continued carrying out projects in this port area, including the construction of the Prinses Amaliahaven container port and widening the Yangtze Canal.

Fincantieri: “Star Princess” launched in Monfalcone

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September 27, 2024

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The ceremony was attended, among others, by John Padgett, President of Princess Cruises, and Cristiano Bazzara, Director of the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone. Godmothers of the ceremony Chiara del Vecchio, 3rd Engineer aboard the “Sun Princess”, and Francesca Maraventano, executive assistant at the Monfalcone shipyard.

With a gross tonnage of approximately 178,000 tons, “Star Princess” is the sister ship to “Sun Princess,” also built in Monfalcone and delivered earlier this year. It is the second-largest ship ever built in Italy and the second LNG-powered cruise ship Fincantieri is building for this ship owner. Additionally, it is the second dual-fuel ship, primarily powered by LNG, to join the Princess fleet.

Liquefied natural gas is considered the most advanced, mature, scalable, and commercially viable fuel technology for the maritime industry. It is also recognized as one of the cleanest fossil fuels, as it reduces greenhouse gas emissions and mostly eliminates other airborne pollutants and particulate matter.

“Star Princess” is the second ship in Princess Cruises’ Sphere class, with delivery expected in fall 2025. The new vessel will accommodate approximately 4,300 passengers and is based on a next-generation platform design.

Princess Cruises is a globally leading cruise line operating a fleet of 17 modern ships, transporting millions of guests each year to 330 destinations worldwide.