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Damen acquires UK-based I.M.E Group

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With this step, Damen’s UK customers are assured of access to prompt on-site support, mechanical and electrical engineering, docking services, parts supply, and maintenance for both Damen and non-Damen vessels.

Edwin van der Poel, Director at Damen Services UK, said: “This development demonstrates the close synergy between our two organisations during the past years. We have cooperated well together, growing our relationship and aligning our values and standards. By bringing I.M.E into the Damen Services family, we take the next step in the development of our services offering to our UK-based clients, ensuring them of seamless, round-the-clock support they can count on.”

Paul Langford, Founder and Managing Director of I.M.E, said: “From the very beginning, our collaboration with Damen Services and Michael Nolan, Service Hub Manager UK, has felt like a natural fit. We share a commitment to quality, responsiveness, and putting the customer first. Becoming part of the Damen Services family is a great step for us at I.M.E, and we’re excited to continue delivering exceptional service, now with even greater reach and resources behind us.”

Damen opened its UK Service Hub in 2021 with the aim of providing lifecycle support to operators of Damen vessels in the region. The company operates a global network of such hubs, offering its clients fast and reliable local services. 

When planning to open its UK Service Hub, Damen Services selected the strategic location of Southampton due to its proximity to the marine traffic and large number of work boats in the English Channel area.

As is the practice of Damen Shipyards Group in its international operations, the Service Hub aimed to work, wherever possible, with local suppliers. This brought Damen Services into frequent contact with I.M.E, the two parties sharing a number of clients in common. 

Founded in 2006, I.M.E specialises in the provision of 24/7 repair and maintenance support to clients in the maritime and energy sectors. Its services cover everything from day-to-day breakdowns to turnkey projects. 

In 2023, the close cooperation between Damen Services and I.M.E led to the two companies signing an MoU. With this, Damen Services received access to I.M.E’s facilities, including office space, workshop, yard and equipment, and was able to grow its service operations in the UK.

Delineation of the Zagato oil discovery in the Barents Sea

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The well was drilled just north of the Goliat field, 90 kilometres from Hammerfest.

The discovery, which was made in production licence 229, is estimated at between 2.8 and 10.1 million standard cubic metres of recoverable oil equivalent (Sm3 o.e.). This corresponds to between 18 and 64 million barrels.

The licensees are considering tying the discovery back to existing infrastructure on the Goliat field.

Exploration well 7122/8-4 S is the 13th well drilled in the production licence, which was awarded in the Barents Sea Project in 1997.

The well was drilled by the COSL Prospector rig.

The discovery was proven in Lower Jurassic/Upper Triassic reservoir rocks in the Realgrunnen Subgroup and in Middle Triassic reservoir rocks in the Kobbe Formation earlier this year. Before well 7122/8-4 S was drilled, the operator’s resource estimate for the discovery was between 2.4 and 9.7 million Sm3 of recoverable oil equivalent (o.e.).

The objective of the well was to delineate the 7122/8-3 S (Zagato) discovery in Lower Jurassic-Upper Triassic and in Middle Triassic reservoir rocks in the Realgrunnen Subgroup and the Kobbe Formation, respectively.

Well 7122/8-4 S encountered an 11-metre oil column in the Tubåen Formation in the Realgrunnen Subgroup in reservoir rocks totalling 8.5 metres with good reservoir quality. The oil/water contact was encountered 1523 meters below sea level.

Additional reservoir rocks were encountered in the Kobbe Formation totalling 48 metres with moderate reservoir quality, but the reservoirs were aquiferous.

An 80-metre oil column was also proven in the Klappmyss Formation in sandstone layers totalling 1 metre with poor reservoir quality. The oil/water contact was not encountered.

The well was not formation-tested, but extensive data acquisition and sampling were carried out.

Appraisal well 7122/8-4 S was drilled to respective measured/vertical depths of 2986/2793 metres below sea level, and was terminated in the Klappmyss Formation in the Lower Triassic.

Water depth at the site is 406 metres, and the well has been permanently plugged and abandoned.

ESL Shipping upgrades fleetwide connectivity

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The solution, delivered by Pentonet, leverages Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite technology and mobile networks to deliver robust, high-speed communications at sea. The solution is independent of any single service provider, ensuring flexibility and future scalability.

The initiative marks a milestone in ESL Shipping’s long-term strategy to improve operational efficiency, data-driven decision-making, and overall fleet connectivity. The rollout was preceded by extensive pilot testing, which demonstrated measurable improvements in bandwidth, reliability, and system resilience.

“Reliable internet connectivity is a necessity for modern shipping operations. This new system enables real-time data exchange, remote diagnostics, and enhanced integration with shore-based systems, supporting both operational and strategic goals,” says Janne Eklöf, Technical Director of ESL Shipping.

The collaboration with Pentonet has been instrumental in ensuring seamless integration and performance optimisation. Pentonet has taken a leading role in the technical implementation, coordinating efforts across multiple technology partners.

“Our solution is tailor-made to ESL Shipping’s requirements, ensuring secure, reliable, and future-proof connectivity across their entire fleet”, says Darryn Trowell, CEO & Founder of Pentonet.

In addition to operational benefits, improved connectivity also supports crew welfare. Enhanced internet access enables better communication with loved ones, access to digital services, and opportunities for remote learning and support, contributing to a healthier and more connected onboard experience.

Orsted claims completion of global green transformation

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Ørsted has delivered on its industry-leading decarbonisation target, transforming from one of Europe’s most fossil-fuel-intensive utilities to a market leader in offshore wind.

Renewable energy now accounts for 99 % of the company’s energy production, while its scope 1 and 2 emissions intensity has been reduced by more than 98 % compared to 2006. As Ørsted will meet its 2025 target, it will become the world’s first energy company to complete a green transformation from fossil fuels to renewable energy.   

“Decarbonisation is at the heart of Ørsted. We were founded on a promise to deliver green, affordable, and secure energy to governments around the world, and over the past years, we’ve built 18,5 GW of renewable energy. In parallel, we’ve delivered on our own green transformation. With a 99 % renewable energy share and 98 % emissions reduction in line with science, we’re pleased to share that Ørsted’s green transformation is effectively complete,” says Ingrid Reumert, Senior Vice President for Global Stakeholder Relations at Ørsted.  

“As the past ten years are the warmest on record, emissions reductions across societies are more important than ever. We’ll continue to build out offshore wind in our core markets and will take the next steps in our decarbonisation journey with a focus on reducing our upstream and downstream carbon emissions towards 2040,” says Reumert. 

Ørsted has reached this major milestone on its net-zero journey through a combination of several levers: deploying offshore wind power and other renewable energy sources, closing coal-fired combined heat and power plants and converting the remaining plants to certified sustainable biomass, divesting oil and gas activities, electrifying the vehicle fleet, and covering its own electricity consumption with renewable electricity certificates.   

Going forward, Ørsted will collaborate with partners and continue to systematically drive down its emissions across the full value chain (scopes 1-3) towards its science-based 2040 net-zero target. A net-zero road map has been established, including efforts to decarbonise remaining emissions from e.g. steel, copper, and maritime fuels.  

Ørsted’s decarbonisation landmark comes at a pivotal moment, as COP30 unfolds in Brazil and the world struggles to meet the climate targets set out in the Paris Agreement.

“This COP is about action. Rapid electrification through renewables is key to meeting climate targets. But in order to scale technologies such as offshore wind, governments need to provide predictability, attractive frameworks and certainty. In return, industry can unlock the investments needed to meet governments’ climate targets and help shape a clean, secure and affordable energy future,” says Reumert.

Equinor transfers operatorship of Peregrino to PRIO

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Equinor has received a total payment of USD 2.33 billion for its 40% operated interest. After adjustment for a deposit paid by PRIO and cashflow received by Equinor after the effective date of the transaction, Equinor has received USD 1.55 billion at closing. The deposit of USD 335 million paid by PRIO at signing relates to both the 40% and 20% transactions.

“With the closing of this part of the transaction we are handing over operatorship of Peregrino to PRIO and realising significant value for Equinor. The deal is part of our ongoing effort to high-grade our international portfolio, by divesting more mature assets to redeploy capital to assets with greater robustness and more long-term value potential. Brazil remains a core area for Equinor and just last month we started production from Bacalhau, our largest international offshore field, and acquired two exciting exploration blocks in the Campos basin,” says Philippe Mathieu, executive vice president for Exploration and Production International at Equinor.

The Peregrino field, located in the Campos Basin east of Rio de Janeiro, has been a cornerstone of Equinor’s international portfolio since production began in 2011. Over the years, the field has produced approximately 300 million barrels of oil and has been a significant contributor to Equinor’s growth in Brazil.

“I want to express gratitude to our employees, partners and suppliers for their contribution to the success of Peregrino over the years. Equinor’s journey in Brazil continues with full momentum with Bacalhau, our Raia gas project, our partnership with Petrobras in Roncador and our growing exploration and renewables portfolio,” says Veronica Coelho, senior vice president and country manager for Equinor Brazil.

In May 2025, Equinor also signed a contract for the sale of the remaining 20%, which is subject to certain conditions precedent. Equinor will continue as a non-operated partner until the closing of the remaining 20% share is completed. A further payment is expected at closing of that transaction.

Successful delivery of Damen dredging component packages for TSHD constructions

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These vessels, which are being constructed at different shipyards in Central America, where two of them have already successfully undergone various dredge trials and have been accepted by the customer, while the remaining two are expected to be finished in 2026. 

The TSHDs are equipped with a state-of-the-art dredge package designed and manufactured by Damen. Each package includes a 700 millimetre trailing suction pipe designed to operate at depths of up to 25 metres, a powerful dredge pump, and a bow coupling unit for efficient material discharge. Additional features such as overflows, bottom dump valves, jet water pumps, nozzles, and advanced dredge monitoring instrumentation ensure optimal performance and reliability during dredging operations.

Horacio Delgado Bravo, Damen Sales Manager, commented, “The successful cooperation with all parties involved has been instrumental in the completion of these vessels. We are proud to contribute by delivering fit-for-purpose dredging systems, entirely designed and manufactured in the Netherlands. This high-quality dredging gear ensures the success of the vessels for decades to come. Furthermore, this is another example of Damen Technical Cooperation’s concept, under which Damen contributes to the development of local shipbuilding.”

The identical 2,800 m3 TSHDs, though of a non-Damen design, are fitted with complete Damen dredge packages including both hopper loading as well as discharging gear. Discharge operations can be performed using the dump valves, pumping or rainbowing over the bow. These hopper dredgers are set to play a crucial role in maintaining port access, supporting local economies, and performing essential tasks such as land reclamation and beach replenishment. 

All dredge packages were manufactured at the Damen Dredging Equipment yard in Nijkerk, the Netherlands, and shipped to the various yards for installation. This international effort underscores Damen’s commitment to delivering high-quality and reliable dredging solutions to its clients worldwide. The successful completion of the TSHDs demonstrates Damen’s ability to deliver complex projects on time and to the highest standards, further solidifying its reputation as a leading provider of dredging equipment packages and services.

Equinor and its partners drill a dry well in the Snorre area in the North Sea

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This production licence was awarded in 2010 (APA 2009). 34/6-9 S is the ninth wildcat well drilled within the production licence’s acreage. This is the third exploration well drilled in this area this year, and like wells 34/8-20 S (“Narvi Nord”) and 34/6-8 S (“Garantiana NV”), it was also dry.

There is considerable activity around production licence 554, both within exploration and discovery development. Equinor has conducted a major exploration campaign in the area along with Aker BP and Vår Energi.

These companies also have ownership interests in several other production licences in the area, including 932, 1218 and 1215.

Well 34/6-9 S was drilled using the COSL Innovator rig.

The objective of the well was to prove petroleum in Lower Jurassic reservoir rocks in the Cook Formation.

The well encountered the Cook Formation in a total of about 106 metres, 39 metres of which with moderate to good reservoir quality. The well is classified as dry.

Well 34/6-9 S was drilled to respective measured and vertical depths of 4042 and 4001 metres below sea level, and was terminated in the Burton Formation in the Lower Jurassic.

Data was collected, including pressure points in the Cook Formation.

Water depth at the site is 387 metres. The well has been permanently plugged and abandoned.

Berge Rederi signs contract with Wattlab to outfit coaster BRF Froan with 96 Solar Flatracks

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After delivering its first full-scale seagoing project last week, Wattlab signed a contract at Europort Rotterdam to outfit the hatches of the BRF Froan with their onboard solar energy system.

For Norwegian, family-owned Shipping company Berge Rederi this is the icing on the cake, as the vessel will be the world’s largest battery-powered bulk carrier. BRF Froan is expected to be delivered in Q2 2026 and will transport marble from Brønnøy and Visnes to a production plant in Elnesvågen.

Bo Salet, co-founder and CEO of Wattlab is very proud: 

“First of all, we thank Berge Rederi for trusting our system – and us. It is an honour that with our second seagoing project, we, as a scale-up, can be a part of such an innovative vessel as the BRF Froan. In addition, this proves that both in the Netherlands and internationally there is a real demand for solar energy in shipping. It also shows that our tested and proven technology is ready to be deployed at scale.”

The vessel is currently under construction and will sail to Norway next summer. At a stop-over in Flushing, the Netherlands, Wattlab will install the 96 Solar Flatracks in one day. Production will start in May at their new production facility in the port of Rotterdam. 

“For shipowners, time is money,” says Bo. “Fast installation is crucial. Thanks to the smart design installing the system is simple, fast, and flexible. Should the need arise to clear the deck for special cargo, the Solar Flatracks can easily be stacked on the footprint of a 20 ft container.”

Wattlab is currently the only solar power supplier focused 100% on the maritime industry. But that was only one of the reasons for Berge Rederi to choose their system. 

Oivind Berge, Owner of Berge Rederi says:

“The knowledge that Bo Salet and Davd Kester have shown about vessel operations was key in our decision-making process. Berge Rederi is always looking to innovate. We were already familiar with their recent project for a Dutch shipowner, which demonstrated not only the installation process, but also the system’s real-world performance and operations.”

“Bo and David understand the things that a shipowner has to take into account. For example, they know what kind of damages can come about, and how to prevent them. They’ve also ensured that the crew only has to spend minimal time in piling the hatches during loading; the system is easy to use. And, important, they are easy to communicate with. So far, our collaboration is moving ahead smoothly.”

The fact that BRF Froan is a groundbreaking coaster is not only due to Wattlab’s solar installation. Berge Rederi has opted to pioneer in their market with a zero-emission vessel. BRF Froan will feature two 24m x 4m rotor sails saving an average of 339 kW per voyage. 

The 23,5 MWh battery package will be charged at the loading port in Remman (Brønnøy) and the discharging port in Elnesvågen. Shore power facilities will be installed in both ports. Additionally, the ship is fitted with an electric excavator to ensure emission-free cargo operations.

Fincantieri to build new ultra-luxury cruise ship for Regent Seven Seas Cruises

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Strengthening its long-standing partnership with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH), Fincantieri has secured a new order for the construction of an ultra-luxury cruise ship to be operated by Regent Seven Seas Cruises. The value of this agreement, subject to financing and other typical terms and conditions, is considered as large.

Scheduled for delivery in 2033, the new vessel will be a sister ship to “Seven Seas Prestige”, the first of the new Prestige Class, currently under construction at the Marghera shipyard and set for delivery in 2026. A second ship in the same class is already scheduled for delivery in 2030.

With a gross tonnage of 77,000 tons and a length of 257 meters, the new unit will host 822 passengers, offering one of the highest guest-to-space ratios in the industry. She will embody timeless elegance and sophistication, integrating cutting-edge environmental technologies.

The partnership between Fincantieri and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. stands out as one of the most solid and long-lasting in the industry: the Group has already delivered ten ships across NCLH’s various brands, and as a testament to this established trust, the current order book includes thirteen additional vessels, set to further strengthen the fleet. These newbuilds include all of the company’s brands – Norwegian Cruise Line, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, and Oceania Cruises – and mark another step in a shared growth journey, driven by a collaboration distinguished by continuity, strategic vision, and the ability to evolve in line with the demands of the global market.

“Our long-term strategic expansion with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., established over the past years through multiple successful orders, continues to strengthen our collaboration, especially within the ultra-luxury segment represented by Regent Seven Seas Cruises”, commented Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri. “This latest contract confirms the trust NCLH places in Fincantieri’s expertise to deliver innovative, sustainable, and exquisitely crafted ships that meet the evolving aspirations of the luxury cruise market. As the industry embraces new challenges and opportunities, including stronger environmental commitments and enhanced guest experiences, Fincantieri remains fully dedicated to supporting our clients’ growth strategies and the future of cruising worldwide.”

“This newbuild order continues our measured, strategic expansion within the luxury space, providing guests with yet another way to experience the unrivaled aboard The World’s Most Luxurious Fleet,” said Jason Montague, Chief Luxury Officer at Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. “It reflects our confidence in the growing demand for Regent’s best-in-class offering and reaffirms our long-standing partnership with Fincantieri, one rooted in craftsmanship and shared pursuit of perfection.”

Van Oord’s Boreas successfully completes first assignment

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Van Oord’s brand-new offshore wind installation vessel Boreas has successfully completed its first assignment: the installation of 45 monopiles at Nordseecluster A, the first phase of the 1.6 GW offshore wind farm in the German North Sea. The Boreas is the largest and most sustainable vessel of its kind. Its maiden project is expected to generate renewable electricity for the equivalent of 1.6 million households.

Van Oord has been contracted to install a total of 105 extended monopiles for the Nordseecluster offshore wind farm, a joint project by RWE (51%) and Norges Bank Investment Management (49%). With the successful installation of the first 45 monopiles, a significant milestone has been reached. The remaining 60 monopiles will be installed at the second expansion stage, Nordseecluster B, scheduled for 2027. During its first assignment, the Boreas has demonstrated its advanced monopile installation capabilities. With its impressive size, smart design and powerful equipment, the vessel is ready to meet the demands of sustainable offshore wind projects. 

Maurits den Broeder, Managing Director Offshore Energy at Van Oord, said:

‘With the Boreas now operational and its first assignment successfully completed, we are well-positioned to accommodate the increase in scale in the offshore wind industry. This milestone underscores our commitment to enhancing the energy transition. It’s exciting to see this magnificent vessel in action, and we look forward to its successful deployment on many more offshore wind projects.’ 

In addition to the Boreas, Van Oord deployed its offshore wind installation vessel Aeolus to install secondary steel. Flexible fallpipe vessels Stornes and Bravenes were deployed for rock installation around the monopile foundations, to prevent erosion caused by strong currents and waves.

Henk Jan van Dijk, Project Director at Van Oord, said:

‘The great performance of the Boreas on its first project marks a major milestone, that is made possible by the dedication, expertise, and energy of everyone involved. The timely and precise installation of the first 45 monopiles reflects not only the capabilities of the vessel, but also the strength of our team.’

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