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Successful ship-to-ship transfer of 23,000 tons of liquefied ammonia achieved

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On September 2, a ship-to-ship (STS) ammonia transfer was executed from the ammonia carrier Berlian Ekuator — owned by NYK and time-chartered by Mitsui & Co., Ltd. — to the ammonia carrier Eco Enchanted, operated by Trammo, Inc., a leading ammonia trader. 

The transfer was conducted in accordance with stringent safety protocols on the high seas off the coast of Ceuta, Spain.

While NYK has experience with STS transfers involving crude oil, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), this marks the first operation involving liquefied ammonia.

Beyond its existing applications in fertilizers and chemicals, ammonia is emerging as a next-generation clean energy source, especially valued for its carbon-free combustion. It is expected to be used in various applications, including marine fuel. With demand expected to increase, the STS method, which is not constrained by port size or onshore equipment, is attracting attention as a flexible supply method compared to conventional land-based cargo handling methods. The success of this operation marks a significant milestone in developing an international supply network for ammonia.

NYK will build on the insights and experience gained from this successful transfer to further advance next-generation fuels and strengthen safe maritime transportation systems, thereby contributing to the broader goal of achieving a decarbonized society.

Sallaum Lines celebrates launch of LNG dual-fuel flagship Ocean Breeze in Antwerp

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Sallaum Lines has celebrated the European debut of its first LNG dual-fuel newbuilding, the Ocean Breeze, with a landmark ceremony in the port of Antwerp. 

The milestone was marked on 19 September with a celebration at Sallaum Terminal, attended by international guests including government officials, OEM representatives, port executives, and industry partners. Guests toured the Ocean Breeze and the upgraded terminal facilities before joining a ceremony that featured keynote speeches by Ms. Natalie Sallaum and Mr. Johan Klaps, Deputy Mayor for Port and Economy, City of Antwerp. A panel discussion on the future of automotive logistics and an official ribbon-cutting underlined the significance of the occasion for both Sallaum Lines and the wider industry.

The Ocean Breeze has capacity for 7,500 CEU and is powered by dual-fuel LNG engines. The vessel delivers substantial reductions in CO₂, NOₓ, and particulate emissions compared to conventional tonnage. An optimized hull design and energy-saving devices further increase efficiency.

“The Ocean Breeze is not just about capacity, but about shaping a cleaner, more resilient supply chain for the decades ahead,” said Chief Relationship Officer Natalie Sallaum of Sallaum Lines. “Our customers demand scale, sustainability, and reliability: the Ocean Breeze proves we can deliver all three. More than a vessel, it represents a new chapter in automotive logistics, preparing us for the next wave of vehicle flows between Asia, Europe, and beyond.”

To accommodate its growing fleet, Sallaum Terminal Antwerp recently completed a €20 million expansion. Capacity has been increased from 10,000 to 17,000 CEU with a new multi-level Parkhouse and upgraded berth infrastructure, enabling four RoRo vessels to be handled simultaneously. Additional facilities for pre-delivery inspection, breakbulk handling, warehousing, and intermodal connections ensure faster and more reliable services for OEMs.

“The expansion turns Antwerp into the backbone of Sallaum’s European network,” said David Van Ballaert, Managing Director of Sallaum Terminal. “With greater capacity and faster processing, we are giving our partners unmatched efficiency at a time when the automotive supply chain is rapidly evolving.”

The Ocean Breeze is the first of six LNG dual-fuel PCTCs to join the Sallaum Lines fleet by 2027, adding over 45,000 CEU in capacity and strengthening Sallaum Lines’ position among the top global RoRo carriers. Supported by the expanded Antwerp hub, these vessels are part of Sallaum’s global green logistics network. The company is also preparing to implement shore power connections and solar energy systems at its terminal, reinforcing its 2030 net-zero ambition.

Romania plans to introduce new rules for vessels passing through the Sulina Canal

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This was told to USM by one of the market participants.

From November, only one tanker per day is proposed to be allowed to pass through the Sulina Canal. At the same time, such a decision by the Romanian government may significantly reduce the throughput capacity of the mouth, and accordingly, the impact on logistics will be felt.

At present, the reasons for such a proposal remain undisclosed.

It is also worth mentioning that the supply of petroleum products from the Romanian port of Constanta to Ukraine is currently under threat. That is why market participants emphasize that possible sanctions and a change in logistics will lead to ship downtime and additional costs, which will also be one of the reasons why fuel will become more expensive.

“Given that the Bystre mouth will not be able to provide 7 meters of draft, queues of ships, as well as downtime and an increase in fuel prices are inevitable,” the expert noted.

As a reminder, in September this year, a working meeting of USPA representatives with the European Commission’s delegation on Mobility and Transport (MOVE) and the Danube Commission took place. The parties discussed the operation of the Ukrainian Bystre estuary and the Romanian Sulina Canal, as well as the mechanisms that will be included in the Rapid Response Plan for unforeseen situations, which is currently being developed jointly with the European Commission.

Source: USM

AD Ports Group awards contract for two shallow-draft container vessels

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The contract was signed with the public legal entity “Azerbaijan Transport and Communication Holding” (AZCON), acting on behalf of “Baku Shipyard”.

These shallow-draft vessels specifically designed for use within the Caspian Sea, will play a pivotal role in enhancing maritime connectivity, boosting trade volumes, and strengthening the trans-Caspian logistics corridor. The newbuilds have been designed to support the growing demand for containerised cargo capacity in the region and to ensure more efficient, reliable, and sustainable transport solutions.

Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO, AD Ports Group, said: “This step aligns with the vision and directives of our wise leadership in the United Arab Emirates, and reaffirms AD Ports Group’s commitment to supporting the growing trade needs of the Caspian region. Partnering with Baku Shipyard ensures that these new vessels will meet the highest international standards of quality and efficiency, enabling us to deliver greater capacity, improved service reliability, and contribute to the long-term growth of supply chains.”

The vessels, expected to be delivered in Q4 2027, will be deployed on key routes to optimise connectivity between key trading hubs within the Caspian Sea.

This step follows AD Ports Group and its subsidiaries’ recent ventures in the Central Asian region, driven by their strategic priority to increase the efficient transportation of energy resources to global markets, while connecting diverse regions and stimulating economic growth.

In June 2025, the Group announced the inauguration of the first phase of Tbilisi Intermodal Hub, Georgia’s first modern, bonded container and intermodal terminal, and a key logistics link in the Group’s emerging Central Asian transport strategy. The state-of-the-art, rail-linked logistics centre connects the Caspian and Black seas through Georgia, forming a vital part of the Middle Corridor, the shortest trade route between Asia and Europe.

In July 2025, a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) was signed between the United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Azerbaijan, marking a significant new step toward strengthening the UAE’s economic, trade, and investment presence in the Caucasus region, and deepening engagement and partnership with the southern Caspian countries, in line with the UAE’s vision to enhance strategic partnerships with high-potential markets.

NYK, MTI, and Grid develop and launch AI-based Car Carrier allocation System

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Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha, MTI, and Grid have jointly developed an AI-based system that automates and optimizes the allocation plan of car carriers. Full-scale operations of the system were launched at NYK in July.

NYK operates more than 100 car carriers, the largest fleet in the world. Historically, ship allocation planning has been an extremely complex and labor-intensive process, requiring the comprehensive evaluation of numerous conditions for hundreds of voyages several months in advance.

To overcome these issues, NYK sought to develop a system designed to enhance planning accuracy and efficiency by organizing and structuring the data and decision-making factors involved in shipping and scheduling.

This system uses AI to generate an optimal plan within approximately 10 minutes after evaluating millions of potential shipping schedules for several months ahead. The system analyzes numerous factors — including customer requirements, fleet operating status and repair schedules, and port congestion risks — to optimize KPIs such as vessel utilization, transport efficiency, and transport costs.

Additionally, by integrating considerations for the effective use of next-generation fuel ships and carbon pricing, the system is expected to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, thereby contributing to both economic efficiency and environmental sustainability.

Sperry Marine to deliver Integrated Bridge Systems for Samskip ships

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Sperry Marine has been selected to supply the complete Integrated Bridge Systems for two highly innovative container vessels under construction for Samskip.

Built by Cochin Shipyard Limited, the groundbreaking vessels will be delivered achieving zero-emission propulsion and ready for future autonomous navigation.

The 135-meter length vessels are scheduled for delivery in 2027 to operate between Oslo Fjord and Samskip’s home port of Rotterdam, as part of a pioneering green corridor initiative. The two ships combined are expected to reduce CO₂ emissions by approximately 25,000 tons annually when operating in zero-emission mode using green hydrogen.

At owner’s request, each IBS will feature open architecture that makes it possible to integrate emerging autonomous navigation solutions. Today, no industry-wide standards exist covering autonomous ship navigation. However, Sperry Marine’s modular design and open interfaces will allow shipowners to innovate at their own pace. The IBS package on board will include Sperry Marine’s new ‘self-adaptive’ NAVIPILOT 4500N autopilot, which dynamically adjusts to vessel characteristics and changing conditions, resulting in measurable fuel savings and reduced bridge workload.

“Samskip’s level of ambition on emissions requires partners like Sperry Marine, with similar objectives for innovation and the willingness to invest in the future,” said Jeroen Hollebrands, Head of Newbuilding and Projects, Samskip Group. “These ships are a milestone for the maritime industry, delivering hydrogen fuel cells and autonomous-ready navigation as a clean and renewable technology.”

“What sets this IBS apart is its open and flexible architecture, combined with Sperry Marine’s resilient sensor technology and robust cyber protection. This creates a secure and future-proof navigation platform, ready for today’s hydrogen powered operation and tomorrow’s autonomous services,” said Pascal Göllnitz, Sperry Marine’s Product Line Manager for Integrated Bridge Systems.

Also on board will be Sperry Marine’s Advanced ARPA tracking, whose streams operate separately from radar video, meaning performance is unaffected by anti-clutter settings. As well as consistently reliable target tracking, even in difficult conditions, the system provides tracking ranges of 40NM to ensure early awareness among bridge teams. The full scope of supply includes Sperry Marine’s Secure Maritime Gateway cyber threat protection, and remote diagnostics and support.

“Sperry Marine is proud to collaborate with Samskip and Cochin Shipyard Limited on this transformative project,” said Guy Millard, Managing Director Sperry Marine. “This contract demonstrates how our navigation technologies are sought out by the maritime industry’s true innovators in ship safety, efficiency, and sustainability.”

Two Russian fighter jets fly at low altitude over Polish oil platform in the Baltic Sea

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Two Russian fighter jets flew at low altitude over the Petrobaltik oil platform in the Baltic Sea, violating its security zone.

This was reported by the maritime unit of the Polish Border Guard.

The Border Guard Service reported that the platform’s security had informed them of the incident, while stating that the planes had not violated the Polish state border.

“Polish airspace was not violated, and a military response was unnecessary,” Lieutenant Colonel Jacek Goryszewski of the Polish Armed Forces Operational Command confirmed to Interia.

Goryshevsky also said that the Russian planes had crossed the no-fly zone, which was defined at a distance of 500 meters from the mining platform. The platform is located 70 kilometers north of Yastarnia.

Karolina Gałecka, a spokeswoman for the Ministry of Interior and Administration, stated on X that the fighter jets had been flying at an altitude of approximately 150 meters.

This was the second Russian provocation on September 19th, after three Russian MiG-31 interceptors entered Estonian airspace without permission in the morning near Vaindloo Island and remained there for almost 12 minutes.

The planes had no flight plans and their transponders were turned off. At the time of the violation, they also did not maintain two-way radio communication with Estonian air traffic control.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Russian Charge d’Affaires in Estonia to protest and deliver a note regarding the airspace violation.

In addition, the Estonian government has decided to initiate consultations with its allies in accordance with Article 4 of the NATO agreement over this violation of Estonian airspace by Russian fighter jets.

Article 4 stipulates that “the parties shall consult each other whenever, in the opinion of any of them, there is a threat to the territorial integrity, political independence or security of any of the parties.”

After the Russian MiG-31 interceptors were intercepted by Italian F-35s, they were escorted by Swedish JAS 39 fighters over the Baltic Sea. Given the NATO escort and the time difference between the incidents, it is unlikely that the two provocations were carried out by the same aircraft.

Source: militarnyi

DEME orders Offshore Construction Vessel to strengthen subsea cable installation capacity

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DEME is expanding its fleet with a new Offshore Construction Vessel (OCV), strengthening its subsea cable installation capacity to meet the evolving global offshore wind market. 

Based on the advanced Norwegian SALT 310 design, the 123-meter OCV will be equipped with a DP2 dynamic positioning system, a 150-ton active heave-compensated offshore crane, a hangar for two Work Class ROVs, a hybrid 1,000-kWh battery system, and a methanol-ready propulsion design for future fuel flexibility. Below deck, the vessel is configured to accommodate two 2,500-ton cable carousels, enabling swift deployment and seamless transitions between trenching, burial, and cable-laying operations. The vessel can accommodate up to 123 people.

Trenching and cable burial are vital steps in subsea cable installation, ensuring cables are safely positioned beneath the seabed. From the vessel, an ROV trencher can be launched to execute these operations, working in synergy with DEME’s cable installation fleet. Representing a sizable investment, the OCV will be constructed by PaxOcean at the Zhoushan shipyard in China and is scheduled for delivery in 2028.

Hugo Bouvy, Managing Director Offshore Energy, said:“With more than 5,000 km of subsea cables installed across wind farms in Europe and the United States, DEME continues to support clients in delivering offshore projects efficiently and reliably. Building on this track record, the new OCV further enhances DEME’s cable installation capabilities and expands its versatile fleet of vessels and solutions.”

EverWind celebrates tugboat fleet christening

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Local community members, government officials, and industry leaders gathered at the Strait of Canso Yacht Club and Port Hawkesbury Pier to celebrate the christening of EverWind’s new purpose-built tugboat fleet: EverWind Pride, EverWind Rose Gold, and Dawson Duck.

The ceremony, emceed by Warden of Richmond County Lois Landry, featured keynote remarks from The Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of Environment and Climate Change of Canada, along with The Honourable Trevor Boudreau, Nova Scotia’s Minister of Energy, EverWind CEO Trent Vichie, and Port Hawkesbury Mayor Brenda Chisholm-Beaton. 

Guests also enjoyed a traditional Mi’kmaw performance by the Stoney Bear Singers and Kate Jadis and Leon Julien, followed by a Mi’kmaw prayer led by conductor of ceremonies, Jeff Ward. A traditional bottle-breaking ceremony followed, featuring Minister Dabrusin, Chief Terry Paul of Membertou, Warden Landry, and Mayor Chisholm-Beaton.

This $50 million investment is one of the largest private sector commitments in the Strait of Canso region in more than 50 years. The new fleet represents a major step forward for local industry, creating at least 15 skilled jobs and delivering long-term economic benefits through locally owned and operated vessels.

“These vessels are not just an investment in EverWind’s operations. They are an investment in the Strait Area’s future, supporting economic growth, environmental leadership, and Canada’s role in the global energy transition,” said Trent Vichie, CEO of EverWind.

The tugboats are critical infrastructure for EverWind’s Point Tupper Green Fuels Project, which will produce and export green hydrogen and ammonia to global markets. The fleet will strengthen marine operations throughout the Strait of Canso and support Nova Scotia’s growing clean energy sector.

The vessels meet International Maritime Organization (IMO) Tier III emissions standards, cutting nitrogen oxide emissions by 80 percent and carbon dioxide emissions by 25 percent compared to older models. EverWind also plans to transition the fleet toward zero-carbon operations as its renewable energy projects come online.

With its deep-water, ice-free port and strategic location, the Strait of Canso is a key trade hub for Atlantic Canada. This investment enhances the region’s ability to support both traditional industries and new clean energy opportunities.

Saab to lead NATO’s new underwater battlespace project

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The project formally commenced 1 September 2025 and will deliver interoperability for Maritime Uncrewed Systems and conventional platforms across allied nations.

The project is designing a Reference Architecture and a Test and Reference Environment for a mission network that leverages both crewed and uncrewed  systems, above, on and below the water.

The mission network will facilitate rapid and secure information exchange, and integration across domains, supporting combined operations between all branches of the military. The outcome is expected to become a new standard for NATO.

 “Saab is delighted to lead this pivotal project for NATO. All of the MANGROVE consortium’s expertise and collaborative focus for the next 12 months will be on the successful development of a mission network for NATO’s operations in the underwater battlespace. As all aspects of the underwater domain grow in their strategic significance, this will be a critical contribution to our collective maritime security and defence,” said Mats Wicksell, head of Saab’s business area Kockums.

“The AUWB-MN project is a significant step forward in the modernisation of our warfighting capabilities and the ability for NATO allies to operate effectively together in the underwater domain of the future. We are confident that Saab and the Mangrove consortium will deliver a robust and effective mission network that strengthens NATO’s maritime defence,” said David Burton, Project Director, NATO Antisubmarine Warfare Barrier Smart Defence Initiative.

The consortium was selected on 16 July, 2025 and the project is part of NATO’s Digital Ocean and Antisubmarine Warfare Barrier Smart Defence Initiative. It is sponsored by twelve different nations led by the UK, together with Sweden, the US, Australia, Spain, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Canada, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Norway. Together they have committed to adopting the standard developed through this project.

Saab’s business area Kockums is leading the multinational consortium, MANGROVE, comprising CETENA and IDS part of Fincantieri Group, FlySight, GraalTech, Miraya, Saab UK and BlueBear, S2IX and the University of Plymouth.

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