4.1 C
New York
Home Blog Page 24

New pilot project marks step towards large-scale restoration of oyster reefs in the North Sea

By
Chief Editor
-
0

It is the trial run of an innovative method combining nature restoration and the installation of marine infrastructure, such as wind turbines, breakwaters and subsea cables. Before being installed at sea, the foundations of this infrastructure are covered with juvenile oysters. This pilot is part of a unique partnership between Van Oord and companies, research institutions, and nature organisations, working together to restore oyster reefs in the North Sea on a large scale.

The new method, known as the remote setting method, involves cultivating millions of oyster larvae in a dedicated hatchery before transferring them to a harbour or other location close to the sea. There, they are placed in shipping containers filled with seawater and rocks. In just a few days, the larvae attach themselves to the rocks and then grow into juveniles. The consortium is also investigating the influence of reef sounds. Do flat oysters use these sounds to find a suitable habitat for themselves? If so, then the sounds can be used to improve their chance of settling.

After a few weeks, the shipping containers are loaded onto vessels. The rocks bearing the juvenile oysters are released into the sea, where they seek their new habitat. If successful, this modular, flexible design will provide a cost-efficient method for reef restoration that can be applied anywhere and on any scale. By incorporating the oyster-bearing rocks directly into the engineering, construction and maintenance of wind farms, subsea cabling, breakwaters, platforms and other marine structures, the consortium members are combining marine infrastructure and large-scale nature restoration. Researchers will spend the next few months monitoring the survival and growth rates of the oysters. Next year, the consortium members plan to test the remote setting method again, at a TenneT cable crossing in open sea. 

Nienke Oostenbrink – Pilot Lead & Business Developer for Van Oord Ocean Health, said:

‘Thanks to close collaboration, our consortium has been able to deliver and implement a major innovation. I’m extremely proud of that. It holds promise for scaling up nature restoration in the North Sea and may have a significant positive impact in years to come.’ 

The push to develop this new method comes from an awareness that marine life in the North Sea is under pressure. Oysters form large-scale subsea reef structures by clustering together over the course of their lifespan. The reefs create a solid bedding full of nooks and crannies that are ideal habitats for numerous types of plants and animals. The oysters also filter the water, release nutrients and absorb waste products. All this makes them a vital factor in sustaining life in the North Sea. The North Sea’s oyster reefs have disappeared almost entirely, however, due to overfishing, pollution and disease. The remote setting method can make a significant contribution to regrowing the reefs. 

Vera Bánki, De Rijke Noordzee Programme Director, said:

‘Oysters are the silent engineers of a healthy aquatic ecosystem. Restoring the reefs is no luxury, it’s a necessity. I am hopeful that we can restore the reefs using this innovation.’ 

The project draws on the expertise of the nine consortium partners: Wageningen Marine Research, Wageningen University & Research, ARK Rewilding Nederland, Stichting Zeeschelp, Waardenburg Ecology, Van Oord Ocean Health, TenneT, Port of Rotterdam Authority and De Rijke Noordzee (a joint venture between Dutch nature conservation organisations Stichting de Noordzee and Natuur & Milieu). The companies, public knowledge institutions and nature conservation organisations that make up the consortium have spent the past 3 years working together to refine the remote setting method.   

Incat Crowther to design new electric tour vessel for Port Houston

By
Chief Editor
-
0

Incat Crowther has been selected by Port Houston in the USA to design a new, state-of-the-art hybrid electric tour vessel for the port’s popular Houston Ship Channel tours. Incat Crowther will partner with Louisiana-based shipbuilder Breaux Brothers on the project, meaning the new vessel will be both designed and constructed in the USA.

Ushering in a new era for Port Houston, the new 22-metre vessel will replace the near 70-year old M/V Sam Houston,which has been servicing the tourism route since the port began offering tours in 1958. The vessel will be capable of operating in an all-electric, battery-powered mode during regular two-hour  educational tours, and will be charged via a bespoke shoreside connection using AC/DC converters. Operational flexibility has been enhanced through the inclusion of back-up generators that can extend the range of the vessel if needed.

Offering comfortable seating for 150 passengers across two decks, the new vessel’s electric propulsion system will provide guests a whisper-quiet experience touring the iconic Houston Ship Channel. The vessel’s main deck will feature spacious seating for 68 passengers, including two dedicated wheelchair spaces, in an air-conditioned cabin that also boasts a kiosk, an information counter and four bathrooms.

The vessel’s expansive upper deck accommodates 81 passengers, with approximately 90 percent of seating positioned under cover. The upper deck has been designed to optimise passenger flow and accessibility, enabling guests to safely enjoy panoramic views while seated or in motion. The vessel’s large wheelhouse is also located on the upper deck, offering 360-degree views for the captain and crew.

Charlie Jenkins, CEO of Port Houston said, “More than two million people have taken our boat tour to see Houston’s vast maritime activity first-hand. It’s a unique experience that we are proud to provide. We are excited to partner with Incat Crowther and Breaux Brothers on a new, low-emission vessel that will reduce the carbon footprint of our tour while offering guests a truly memorable experience.”

Managing Director of Incat Crowther North America, Grant Pecoraro, said: “This vessel demonstrates that modern electric propulsion technology can provide both increased operational efficiency and flexibility, while offering an elevated customer experience. We’re pleased to be partnering with Breaux Brothers to deliver a cutting-edge solution tailored to Port Houston’s operational needs.”

Construction on the new vessel is set to begin in the second half of 2025, with the vessel expected to enter service by late 2026.

Saipem completes conversion of Scarabeo 5 from drilling unit

By
Chief Editor
-
0

Saipem has completed the conversion of the Scarabeo 5 semi-submersible drilling unit into a floating plant for the separation and boosting of hydrocarbons (Floating Production Unit – FPU).

The conversion of the Scarabeo 5 into an FPU is a key milestone of the contract awarded to Saipem by Eni Congo in August 2023 as part of Eni’s Congo LNG Project, the country’s first natural gas liquefaction project. Saipem’s activities entailed the engineering, procurement, construction, transportation and commissioning of the FPU to be installed offshore the coast of the Republic of Congo, northwest of the Djeno Terminal, at a depth of approximately 35 metres.

The Scarabeo 5, built in Italy in the early 1990s, is one of the best units of its generation, hence it was chosen as an asset for conversion into a floating gas treatment facility. Once installed, it will serve as a control hub for the entire offshore development field of Eni’s Congo LNG Project.

Official launch of Windcat Rotterdam

By
Chief Editor
-
0

The vessel can accommodate up to 120 people and sets new standards in comfort, performance and decarbonisation. This vessel delivery marks a major milestone in the expansion of Windcat’s offshore service capabilities.

Windcat Rotterdam is a CSOV (Commissioning Service Operation Vessel), a vessel that supports construction, commissioning and maintenance activities at offshore energy projects. It serves as a floating base for personnel and equipment, enabling safe and efficient access to offshore assets.

Comfort on board is a key feature, with spacious single and double cabins for up to 120 people, a fully equipped gym, entertainment areas and high-quality catering and housekeeping services. The interior is developed in collaboration with experts to ensure a “home away from home” experience for offshore personnel. 

Willem van der Wel, Managing Director at Windcat says: “We are very proud and happy to have taken delivery of our first CSOV, Windcat Rotterdam. It has been great to see this groundbreaking design come to life. Now that Windcat Rotterdam has been added to our fleet, we are able to offer not only best-in-class CTV services but also best-in-class CSOV services. We see a bright future for our vessels in the offshore energy industry supporting clients globally to safely and comfortably accommodate and transfer personnel to their projects offshore. Thanks to the excellent cooperation with Damen Shipyards and all key suppliers we can deliver such an innovative vessel and we look forward to the delivery of the remaining five CSOVs in the coming years.”

Joost van der Weiden, Sales Manager at Damen says, “On behalf of Damen, I am very pleased to witness this major milestone in the development of the Elevation Series. The vessels are a clear demonstration of what can be achieved for maritime sustainability when we combine our strengths with likeminded partners and work towards a common goal. I’m looking forward to continuing our collaboration during the construction of the remaining vessels in the series.”

Windcat Rotterdam is equipped with the latest available technologies in terms of fuel efficiency and emission control such as closed bus switchboard configuration and a hybrid battery-electric propulsion system. Four azimuth thrusters enable precise manoeuvrability and efficient operations. Collectively, these techniques are expected to ensure that the vessel will already reduce CO2 emissions by 30%.

In line with the sustainability ambitions of both Windcat and Damen, the vessel is designed to operate with a significantly reduced CO2 footprint. Windcat builds on the operational experience it has with its hydrogen-powered CTVs (Crew Transfer Vessel). CMB.TECH’s hydrogen technology will also be implemented in the Elevation Series CSOVs. A dual fuel hydrogen engine will enable the auxiliary genset to run on hydrogen. The hydrogen genset, storage and fuel supply system are ready for integration on the vessel once final approvals are in place. This approach supports future regulations for hydrogen use in medium-sized vessels. 

Designed for offshore deployment of up to 30 days, the vessel offers high operability and safety. The 3D motion-compensated gangway sets new industry standards with a high vertical range and the world’s first 10-ton 3D motion-compensated crane enables heavier platform lifts in rough sea conditions in a safe and easy manner, reducing standby time due to weather changes. 

The Elevation Series CSOVs enable Windcat to offer a broader and more flexible service to clients in the offshore energy industry. Windcat Rotterdam was delivered on 24 July by Damen at Ha Long Shipyard in Vietnam.

UAL launches Caribbean Shuttle connecting Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, and Surinam

By
Chief Editor
-
0

UAL has introduced the UAL Caribbean Shuttle, a fixed 9-day loop service linking Point Lisas (Trinidad & Tobago), Georgetown (Guyana), and Paramaribo (Suriname). The new service responds to increasing demand for reliable, multipurpose shipping options in the Southern Caribbean.

The shuttle will be operated by the newly delivered mv UAL Transporter, a landing craft vessel with a shallow 5-meter draft (at max loading capacity) and a capacity of 387 TEU. Purpose-built for regional conditions, the vessel allows access not only to major terminals but also to river ports at Georgetown and Paramaribo, where draft limitations often restrict larger tonnage.

The UAL Caribbean Shuttle is designed to handle a broad mix of cargoes:

•    Containers: FCL imports such as food, machinery and consumer goods.
•    RoRo cargo: vehicles, trucks, construction and mining equipment.
•    Breakbulk: steel, pipes, fertilizers, construction materials and project cargo.

“Traders and forwarders in these markets have long asked for a fixed, reliable short-sea option,” said Martijn Hordijk, Project Manager of UAL. “With a scheduled 9-day rotation and the ability to load all cargo types, the UAL Caribbean Shuttle provides the consistency exporters and importers need. The service will be managed locally by UAL Trinidad, supported by the head office in The Netherlands.”

Trinidad & Tobago serves as a hub for industrial goods, petrochemicals and consumer cargo. Guyana’s rapidly growing economy is driven by oil development, infrastructure projects and agriculture. Suriname contributes additional trade in rice, bananas, timber and fisheries products. According to the Guyana Rice Development Board, rice exports to Trinidad & Tobago exceeded 30,000 metric tons in 2023, underlining the scale of trade on this corridor. By linking these markets on a single, reliable loop, UAL aims to strengthen regional connectivity and support long-term trade growth.

Surveying marine growth on offshore wind turbine foundations in the North Sea

By
Chief Editor
-
0

There is no doubt that building offshore wind turbines affects marine life. But what exactly are the effects and what can we learn from them? To provide insight, a new remote-controlled tool has been designed to sample the biological growth on offshore wind turbine foundations. 

To survey marine growth safely and efficiently on offshore wind turbine foundations in the North Sea, Bluestream collaborated with Wageningen Marine Research (WMR) to develop the remotely controlled Marine Growth Sampling Tool. In early stages, the foundation substrates are covered by algae and various sea creatures. Over time, the number of small sea creatures attaching to the substrate and the algae increases. Previously, this type of research was carried out by SCUBA divers, a method that has become increasingly difficult due to strict laws and regulations, health and safety rules, and the high costs associated with it. 

Vattenfall was able to make one of the Hollandse Kust Zuid wind farm foundations available for the study due to the fact that in January 2022, during a storm, the Julietta D vessel collided with the wind turbine foundation that was under construction, rendering it unusable. The turbine was removed, but the foundation was left behind.

Joop Coolen, researcher at WMR, explains why such research on marine life is necessary: “We investigate the composition of marine species on hard substrates, not only wrecks and stones lying on the bottom of the North Sea, but also gas platform and wind turbine foundations. Various species settle on hard surfaces rather than in sandy environments, leading to different biological processes. We strive to understand how these processes evolve over time and what their role is in the ecosystem, where living organisms interact with their non-living environment.”

“We did the first tests of the tool in our pool, but naturally, the main question was whether the tool would work offshore,” says Jan-Jelle Huizinga, R&D manager at Bluestream. With a vessel provided by Rijkswaterstaat, part of the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, the real test could begin. “Out at sea, this allowed us to test the stability and positioning of the tool. It went better than expected,” he continued. “We still need to improve the net where the samples are collected as it’s not yet functioning ideally.” 

For WMR, it is crucial that the tool consistently scrapes the same surface area in order to quantify the total marine growth on the foundation. For Vattenfall, it was crucial to ensure that the tool would not damage the foundation coating. Ultimately, the coating protects the steel of the foundation. “We agreed to test different scraping materials and examine the samples for coating residues,” Huizinga further says of the study. The tool was tested using different plastic scrapers (made of polyurethane to be precise) and a metal scraper. “The plastic scraper worked much better than expected and had a much lower risk of damaging the coating.” 

WMR measured the number, length, and width of the coating particles found; however, as the lab was unable to measure the thickness of the small coating particles present in the samples, they are currently being subjected to further investigation. That said, very little coating residue was found, the size of which was less than 1/20,000th of the sampled area. 

Trafigura signs long-term LNG supply agreement with KOGAS

By
Chief Editor
-
0

Trafigura has signed a long-term agreement to supply liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Korea Gas Corporation (KOGAS), the Republic of Korea’s national gas company and one of the world’s largest importers of LNG.

This agreement expects substantial volumes of LNG to be delivered to KOGAS over the next decade. The pricing index will be Henry Hub, the US natural gas benchmark.

Trafigura will meet this commitment through its offtake agreements with LNG producers, including Cheniere Energy, North America’s largest LNG exporter, and Trafigura’s global LNG portfolio. 

The deal with KOGAS strengthens Trafigura’s position in the global LNG market. This continues to build on Trafigura Group’s significant US operations, with current turnover totalling more than USD40 billion annually across natural gas, crude oil, petroleum products, and metals.

Richard Holtum, CEO, Trafigura, commented:

“We are delighted to sign this long-term LNG supply agreement with KOGAS. The Republic of Korea is a highly valued partner for Trafigura across all our core trading divisions. This deal demonstrates our ability to connect major producers with key consumers in an increasingly complex energy landscape. By leveraging our offtakes from US LNG companies and our global portfolio, we can provide KOGAS with the reliable energy supply that South Korea’s economy demands.”

Yeonhye Choi, CEO, KOGAS commented: 

“The signing of this agreement marks a significant step toward establishing a reliable partnership amid rising uncertainty in the global market. This agreement is expected to diversify import channels while contributing to the stability of energy supply to Korea. Both parties are committed to building a long-term relationship founded on mutual trust and collaboration. KOGAS will continue its commitment to supply stable and economic energy to Korea with its important partner, Trafigura.”

Port of Auckland gets green light for major wharf developments

By
Chief Editor
-
0

Port of Auckland announces that full consent has been granted for the Bledisloe North and Fergusson North wharf developments – a defining milestone in the delivery of once-in-a-generation infrastructure to support Auckland’s growth for the next 40 years.

This approval marks the completion of the fast-track consent process and clears the way for construction to begin.

Port of Auckland has started site preparation works and will look to commence pre-construction works for Bledisloe North wharf in September, with Fergusson North wharf to follow. HEB Construction has been appointed as the delivery partner for the Bledisloe North wharf.

“Fast track isn’t a shortcut, but a streamlined process – and we’re thrilled to be the first to have reached this milestone with full consent granted. This enables us to move forward with confidence and begin construction on critical infrastructure that will support Auckland’s growth for decades to come,” says Andrew Clark, CFO of Port of Auckland.

These upgrades will make the port big ship capable, enabling it to handler larger container and cruise vessels, improve efficiency and reinforce Auckland’s role as a key international gateway.

Port of Auckland has engaged extensively with iwi, stakeholders and local communities to shape plans that reflect the region’s needs for now and for the future.

“We are grateful for the thoughtful input and feedback we received, which played a crucial role in shaping the final plans.

“These developments go beyond operational capacity and future-proofing the port. They’re about driving long-term economic growth for Auckland and the upper North Island,” says Clark.

Balearia agrees deal to acquire parts of Armas Trasmediterranea

By
Chief Editor
-
0

Baleària has reached an agreement with the owners of the Armas Trasmediterránea shipping company to acquire its business in the Canary Islands and Alboran Sea, as well as part of the Strait of Gibraltar, the majority of which has been acquired by the Danish shipping group DFDS. 

The deal, which is still pending approval from the Spanish National Markets and Competition Commission (CNMC), includes the management of 15 ships and the operation of a number of maritime routes, as well as the integration of 1,500 shore and fleet employees.

For Baleària’s president, Adolfo Utor, this strategic agreement allows Baleària to achieve the size and capacity necessary to compete in a market marked by the presence of large transnational groups with significant financial strength, as well as to guarantee the stability of maritime services and employment: “If this deal goes ahead, it will help a local Spanish shipping company to continue competing efficiently with the large groups that have recently arrived and are already operating in our waters.” 

Furthermore, if the CNMC gives its approval, Utor has stated that “Baleària will take up the baton from the historic Trasmediterránea and the Armas shipping company, both deeply rooted and highly regarded in the Canary Islands, and will use the synergies generated to consolidate the presence of a competitive local shipping company.”

Additionally, the president of Baleària emphasises that the approval of this deal will guarantee stability and territorial cohesion in a strategic sector, as a Spanish shipping company will be able to manage the set of public interest routes. “Spain’s national structure cannot be understood without stable, high-quality, modern, and regular maritime connections; a role we have been fulfilling for more than 25 years. This was particularly clear during the COVID pandemic, and we are committed to continuing to offer this service in its entirety.”

Adolfo Utor also explained that Baleària is aware of the huge challenge this process represents: “We are well prepared and fully convinced that we will be able to turn this project into a reality. We know we can count on the enthusiasm and commitment of all our stakeholders to make this happen, and we will be bringing the synergies and strengths of our new teams to the table.”

Yinson GreenTech marinEV and Blue Ctrl AS enter strategic partnership on vessel automation

By
Chief Editor
-
0

Yinson GreenTech’s business unit marinEV, which delivers maritime electrification solutions in Singapore, has entered into a partnership with Blue Ctrl AS, a Norwegian software provider specialising in maritime systems. The collaboration will introduce Blue Ctrl’s X-CONNECT platform to the maritime market in Singapore.

X-CONNECT is a comprehensive system for automation and energy management, developed specifically for the maritime sector. The platform provides real-time data and insights that enable reduced energy consumption, optimised operations, and improved vessel performance.

The partnership marks a significant milestone for Blue Ctrl AS in Asia, while also strengthening Yinson GreenTech marinEV’s commitment to digitalisation and green maritime technology.

“As we scale up the operation of electric vessels, it is crucial to integrate advanced digital tools. Blue Ctrl’s platform offers functionalities that help optimise performance and realise our vision of a safe, smart, and efficient maritime future,” says Jan-Viggo Johansen, Managing Director of marinEV, Yinson GreenTech.

“We are very pleased to collaborate with Yinson GreenTech marinEV and, through this, strengthen our presence in the shipbuilding market in Singapore. Together, we can deliver solutions that offer greater efficiency, lower costs, and improved performance for our customers,” says Arne Dybvik, Managing Director of Blue Ctrl AS.

The X-CONNECT® maritime automation platform can be summarised with the following key features:  

  • Hardware-independent software with standardised configurable functionality
  • Standard marine-approved industrial hardware
  • Efficient event-based and seamless data distribution based on a standard Ethernet network
  • High definition monitors with a rich, intuitive, user-friendly graphical user interface
  • Data log for data analysis and trending 
  • Tooling for efficient product configuration and deployment
  • Local or remote service 
1...232425...1,329Page 24 of 1,329
Premium Content

© 2025 SeaWanderer. All Rights Reserved. Powered by Maritime.Studio