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Port of Alicante launches consultation on 1MW hydrogen plant

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This initiative, framed in the PORTALI-H2 project, aims to advance in the decarbonization of the port environment and consolidate the enclosure as a strategic node within the energy transition in the European port system.

The call will remain open until September 30, 2025, during which time private companies interested in designing, building and operating this infrastructure under a concession formula are expected to participate.

The Port Authority of Alicante has opted for a public-private partnership approach, where private operators will be responsible for the investment, technology and operation of the plant. This structure seeks to attract capital, promote innovation and ensure real integration with the port’s logistics needs.

The project contemplates a minimum installed capacity of 1 MW and prioritizes the incorporation of renewable energies to supply at least 70% of the plant’s energy consumption. In addition, the hydrogen generated will be used in port activities, maritime and land transport and land transport, reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

Beyond its production capacity, PORTALI-H2 represents a commitment to technological integration and environmental sustainability. Collaboration with research centers and universities is foreseen to position the Port of Alicante as a living laboratory for clean energy, promoting the validation of emerging technologies in real environments.

This action is in line with the objectives of the European Green Pact and the Community’s “Fit for 55” program.Fit for 55“program, which set the goal of climate neutrality in the European Union by mid-century. With this consultation, the port is moving forward on its roadmap towards sustainable operations, positioning itself in line with the continent’s energy policies.

PORTALI-H2 is in addition to other actions already underway, such as the digitalization of processes, the incorporation of electric mobility, blue economy projects and the deployment of solar systems. solar and and mini-wind systems. These measures reaffirm the enclave’s commitment to a comprehensive innovation strategy.

Wind turbine installation vessel Norse Wind sets sail for sea trials

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Thanks to the excellent collaboration between the shipyard and DEME’s onsite team, the vessel successfully departed from CIMC Raffles in Yantai, China, at the end of August to begin her sea trials.

These trials, taking place in the Yellow Sea, include speed trials, endurance tests, unmanned machinery trials and DP2 trials. Around twenty DEME colleagues are on board to support this critical phase.

Looking ahead, the main crane load test is scheduled to follow once the vessel returns to port. Other recent achievements include the successful completion of the full-height jacking trial, final welding of the tower grillage and blade rack substructure, and ongoing machining of the tower flanges.

The sea trials are proceeding exactly as scheduled, marking a significant step toward the vessel’s final delivery, which is planned for Q4 2025. We are extremely proud of the progress made and thank the entire DEME team for their dedication to ensuring a safe and timely delivery of this state-of-the-art wind turbine installation vessel.

Seawing: K LINE’s Innovative Wind Propulsion System for Sustainable Shipping

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In phase one of the development of “Seawing”, OCEANICWING verified the tensile strength and performance of “Seawing” system using a 300 m2 kite at a land test site. OCEANICWING has confirmed the results of these tests have been good.

To move forward with the development and practical application of “Seawing”, OCEANICWING commenced phase two of its development in July 2025. In phase two of the development of “Seawing”, OCEANICWING plans to increase the size of the kite and verify the tensile strength, reliability, operability and safety of “Seawing” system at the land test site, looking ahead to the shipboard use of the system. Additionally, OCEANICWING will conduct offshore demonstration experiments on a large bulk carrier owned and operated by “K” LINE. The goal is to complete the tests within approximately two years and move toward the practical application of “Seawing”. It is expected that “Seawing” will reduce fuel consumption by more than 10%.

“Seawing” harnesses natural wind power and can be installed on any type of vessel, including existing vessels. It is expected that there will be synergy between “Seawing” and the efforts to transition away from the conventionally used heavy fuel oil to other fuels such as liquified natural gas (LNG), and that “Seawing” will increase performance in terms of the reduction of CO2 emissions. There are several wind-assisted propulsion systems (WAPS) that are under development, and “Seawing” is differentiated from the other WAPS by its ability to generate a comparatively large amount of thrust, which is achieved using high-altitude wind.

Takenori Igarashi, the President & CEO of “K” LINE, said, “Phase one of “Seawing” development process being implemented by OCEANICWING has been successfully completed. We will continue to develop the system so that it can be used on ships. We plan to develop this innovative energy saving device harnessing natural wind power into a great solution for achieving the decarbonization of the shipping industry.”

The “K” LINE Group will continue to strive to contribute to the sustainable development of society and the economy and continue to increase its corporate value based on “K” LINE Environmental Vision 2050, the Group’s long-term environment management vision as it moves toward 2050.

“K” LINE will maximize the use of wind, a renewable source of energy, in the propulsion of the vessels to contribute to the low-carbon initiatives of not only “K” LINE, but also “K” LINE’s customers and society as a whole.

Grounded fishing vessel spills diesel in Gulf of Alaska

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Limited sorbent boom was deployed at the scene, and protective boom was placed near a nearby hatchery as a precautionary measure following the Sea Ern grounding, which occurred on Monday, according to the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), which is providing oversight along with the U.S. Coast Guard.

DEC officials identified the source of the spill as a 12-foot by 1-foot gash in the vessel’s bow, which damaged two fuel tanks. The 120-foot Sea Ern has an estimated 16,290-gallon fuel capacity, with 12,790 gallons remaining on board. The remaining tanks and hull appear to be undamaged, and the valves are closed. An additional 300 gallons of other oils and lubricants are also on board.

The presence of a fuel sheen in the area on Monday led the Alaska Department of Fish and Game to close commercial salmon fishing in the Outer Kitol Bay and Izhut Bay sections of the Afognak District until further notice.

The responsible party for the U.S.-registered Sea Ern contacted the Alaska Chadux Network, which was en route from Kodiak to the spill site on Wednesday, said Anna Carey, environmental program manager for the DEC’s Central Alaska Region. Protecting the hatchery is a priority for responders.

Carey said no reports had been received of impacts to wildlife from the diesel spill.

The cause of the grounding is unknown, and further information about the Sea Ern and the fishery it was engaged in was not immediately available.

Diesel fuel does not readily break down and can linger in the environment, contaminating soil and groundwater. Such contamination can migrate, affecting areas far beyond the initial spill site and posing risks to sensitive ecosystems and potential drinking water sources.

Source: nationalfisherman

Celebrity Cruises enters into river cruising with two new ships

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The vessels will be equipped with a hybrid propulsion system and technology to reduce noise and vibration. 

The company stated the new ships combine the design of its ocean-going vessels with a patent-pending design that it claimed offers more usable outdoor space than other river ships.

The open decks will feature transformative shade structures, a top-deck bar and grille, and an infinity-edge plunge pool. The ships will also be equipped with what the company described as the “first-ever” cantilevered dining pods which allow guests to dine while floating above the river.

The ships will have five stateroom categories, including suites, with king-sized beds in every room and veranda access. Celebrity also noted that guests will have a choice of eight restaurants and bars onboard.

The company said its inaugural season will feature 33 seven-night sailings, offering multiple ports per day and overnight stays.

“Celebrity River Cruises ships will be the most innovative on the river, with a patent-pending industry-leading design that offers more space to vacation while bringing guests even closer to destinations,” said Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises.

Source: bairdmaritime

Med Marine launches third RAmparts 2800 tug to reinforce OMMP’s fleet

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Measuring 28.20 meters in length and delivering a forward bollard pull of 60 tonnes, the MED-A2800SD tug has been engineered by the internationally renowned naval architecture firm Robert Allan Ltd. to meet the rigorous demands of modern port operations.

Powered by twin medium-speed diesel engines and fully compliant with Class FIFI-E standards, the tug ensures both operational excellence and safety. Thanks to its optimized hull design, the MED-A2800SD tug delivers exceptional manoeuvrability, stability, and fuel efficiency, even under the most demanding harbour conditions. Capable of performing a wide range of operations—including towing, mooring, escorting, firefighting, pollution control, and coastal support.

Höegh Autoliners names Höegh Moonlight at the Port of Gothenburg

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The vessel was sponsored by Mrs Jenny Westermark, Senior Vice President, GTO Production Logistics at Volvo Group, who performed the traditional bottle-breaking. 

With a capacity of 9,100 car equivalent units (CEU), the Höegh Moonlight joins Höegh Autoliners’ flagship series of 12 next-generation pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs). The fifth sister vessel, the Höegh Sunrise, was named at Omaezaki Port in Japan in June this year.

Built for a low-carbon future, the Aurora Class is the most technically advanced and environmentally friendly series of car carriers ever constructed. All 12 vessels are designed from the keel up to transition to clean fuels, with the first eight powered by LNG via dual-fuel engines. The vessels are estimated to deliver 58% lower emissions per transported car compared to the industry average. The first 8 vessels are dual-fuel “ammonia-ready” with reinforced decks and an integrated tank developed by TGE Marine at the heart of the design, allowing for straightforward conversion to be able to run on clean ammonia in the future. The final four vessels in this Aurora newbuilding program, scheduled for delivery from 2027, are dual-fuel vessels able to operate on ammonia from day one.

Andreas Enger, CEO of Höegh Autoliners, commented: “The naming of Höegh Moonlight demonstrates our strong commitment to decarbonising deep-sea shipping – not in the future, but right now, today. These vessels are not concepts; they are working, sailing answers to one of the most urgent challenges in our industry. I would like to thank Jenny Westermark for graciously sponsoring the vessel.”

Höegh Autoliners CSO Oskar Orstadius also commented: “The naming of Höegh Moonlight in the Port of Gothenburg marks more than the arrival of a vessel; it is a celebration of our close collaboration with key customers and our shared commitment to sustainable, high-quality transport solutions. We are proud to strengthen these partnerships, in a port that plays an important role in our global network, and we would also like to express our sincere appreciation to our agent in Sweden, Scandinavian Shipping and Logistics, who has represented Höegh Autoliners with dedication for more than 20 years.”

The Aurora Class plays a central role in Höegh Autoliners’ ambition to reach zero emissions by 2040. All are classed by DNV and fly the Norwegian flag.

By 2030, the Port of Gothenburg aims to reduce carbon emissions by 70 percent, at sea, in the terminal areas, and on land. The transition is being carried out in close collaboration with industry, policymakers, and academia, with a strong focus on creating sustainable value chains for a thriving society and strengthening business access to global markets.

Key components of this effort include investments in shoreside power, green shipping corridors, electrification, and the fuels of the future, all driven by close cooperation with stakeholders across the entire transport chain.

Damen’s FCS 2710 adapted for wider scope of offshore operations

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Over the past years, the Damen Fast Crew Supplier (FCS) 2710 has become a familiar fixture in the offshore wind sector. With approximately 50 vessels in operation to date, the vessel has gained a well deserved reputation for outstanding performance. Now, with a few straightforward modifications, the FCS 2710 is set to support operations in the oil & gas sector, too.

The FCS 2710 represents the evolution from the slightly smaller FCS 2610 – an icon of the wind industry that went on to sell no fewer than 47 models – including a significant number in the oil & gas industry. One of the key features of the vessel, ensuring its suitability for wider offshore energy use, is its flexibility. In addition to a range of propulsion options, the FCS 2710 can be configured in diverse ways to accommodate varying numbers of personnel. 

“In its standard form, the FCS 2710 is able to transfer up to 24 persons,” explains Wim Boerma, Product Manager High Speed Craft at Damen. “However, with relatively straightforward modification it’s possible to configure the vessel to transport 60, 90, or even 100 offshore personnel, together with between eight and twelve crew members.”

Further ensuring the relevance of the FCS 2710 is its range of up to 1,200 nautical miles and high speeds of up to 25 knots. 

“With such a vessel, it is possible to transfer large numbers of people offshore, quickly, in safety and comfort, at considerably lower operational costs than with a helicopter.”

Damen operates a stock building programme, designed to offer clients rapid access to a newbuild vessel. As such, the company has constructed a number of FCS 2710 vessels in advance and is nearing completion of several more. The adaptions required for the vessels to serve the oil & gas sector are expected to take just a few short weeks. 

To facilitate the transfer of personnel to an oil & gas platform, the FCS 2710 is installed with robust fendering designed to withstand the impact of a push-on platform connection. Once connected, personnel are transferred via hydraulic gangway – clearly visible from the wheelhouse. 

“Not only is the transfer safer and more efficient than methods such as swing ropes or baskets, it’s entirely suitable for accessing platform at various heights, with the gangway being height adjustable, ensuring optimal operational flexibility.” 

The enhanced safety presented by the transfer methods is one of many examples of enhanced safety presented by the FCS 2710, as Wim explains. 

“The emphasis on safety has been integrated into every detail. You can see it in the wheelhouse, which is spacious, ergonomic and features 360-degree views. The deck is another example – this is stepless, spacious and free from obstacles, ensuring both safe working and transfer.”

The deck – comparable to those found on 40-metre workboats – boasts a clean, single level walkway, uninterrupted by transfer equipment or from the passenger accommodation. Additionally, the anchor equipment is recessed to create a flush surface with no tripping hazards for crew. 

The FCS 2710 also offers excellent seakeeping capabilities – the result of its Damen Twin Axe bow. This distinctive feature allows the vessel to cut effortlessly through the waves with minimal slamming, reducing peak accelerations, flat water resistance, and resistance in waves. It also significantly cuts fuel consumption – as well as associated emissions – by as much as 20%.

The FCS 2710 is prepared for compliance with IMO Tier III regulations. This is achieved by installation of a Damen Marine NOX Reduction System – a proven selective catalytic reduction system that reduces emissions up to 80%. 

“The FCS 2710 has a very good track record in the offshore wind industry, with a lot of satisfied clients. We firmly believe the vessel has a lot to offer in the oil & gas market. It provides a significant boost to safety, comfort, cost-efficiency, as well as sustainability; all of which are attributes relevant to oil & gas. We’re very much looking forward to seeing the vessel in action in this sector in the coming months and have every confidence in its success,” concludes Wim. 

ABB and eMarine partner to drive energy efficiency in the maritime industry

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ABB will deliver 1,500 NINVA™ non-invasive temperature sensors approved for marine use to eMarine, a Swedish company dedicated to enabling efficiency and sustainability in the maritime industry. 

This marks the introduction of ABB’s NINVA technology to the global marine sector. NINVA will complement eMarine’s advanced energy management solutions already deployed on major cruise and cargo vessels worldwide.

The data collected by the innovative NINVA temperature sensors will play a key role in optimizing heat recovery as well as the management of cooling water and ventilation systems onboard. The insights will enable lower fuel consumption, measurable energy savings, and reduced CO₂ emissions. With enhanced vibration resistance up to 4g, the sensors meet the demanding conditions of marine operations while maintaining the same accuracy as invasive thermowells – without the need to perforate pipe walls.

“At eMarine, we are committed to delivering high-quality, innovative solutions that help our customers achieve real and lasting energy savings,” said Ola Persson, CEO of eMarine. “By partnering with ABB and integrating NINVA, we can provide the maritime industry with smarter tools to accelerate decarbonization.”

“For some time, we have delivered safer and simpler temperature measurement for applications in the chemical, oil and gas and other industries,” said Dr Guruprasad Sosale from ABB’s Measurement & Analytics division. “This is the first time we are bringing the benefits of NINVA to the global marine industry, helping to drive decarbonization in the sector.”

ABB’s non-invasive approach to temperature sensing dramatically simplifies temperature measurement by providing an alternative to the traditional thermowell. The clamp-on solution removes the need to perforate pipe walls, eliminating the risk of potential leakages. Using the surface temperature of piping to infer the process temperature, NINVA provides the same level of accuracy and performance as an invasive measurement device. 

Fincantieri and PGZ sign MoU to support Poland’s Naval modernization

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Fincantieri and Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa S.A. (PGZ) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the MSPO International Defence Industry Exhibition, currently ongoing in Kielce.

The MoU was signed by Mauro Manzini, Vice President Sales of Fincantieri’s Naval Vessels Division, and Jan Grabowski, Vice President of PGZ, and establishes a framework for collaboration aimed at supporting the modernization of the Polish Navy, with a particular focus on the ORKA submarine acquisition program.

“Poland is a key strategic partner for Fincantieri, and we are proud to contribute to the country’s ambitious naval modernization plans,” said Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri. “With a legacy of more than 180 submarines built and a proven track record in advanced naval platforms, we bring unparalleled expertise to support the ORKA program and to develop a long-term industrial cooperation with PGZ and the national defense industry.”

Under the agreement, Fincantieri and PGZ will explore joint opportunities in the design, construction, and through-life support of advanced naval platforms, including submarines. This partnership will combine Fincantieri’s technological leadership in naval shipbuilding with PGZ’s extensive industrial base, which plays a central role in Poland’s defense modernization strategy. Together, the two companies aim to develop joint opportunities not only for the Polish Navy but also in broader international markets.

PGZ is Poland’s leading state-owned defense group, managing a portfolio of companies active in shipbuilding, offshore construction, and the technical modernization of the Polish Armed Forces.