Fatal accident at Mongstad Refinery

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September 19, 2025

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The accident occurred on Wednesday 17 September at 13:40 CEST.

The worker was treated by health personnel at the scene, but his life could not be saved.

The deceased was employed by Crane Norway, a supplier of crane and lifting services at Mongstad.

“We are deeply impacted by this tragic accident, in which a person lost his life while working for Equinor. I would like to express my deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues who have lost a loved one. In cooperation with the supplier companies, we will do everything we can to support those affected by this accident,” says Equinor CEO Anders Opedal.

All non-critical activity on the plant has been stopped until further notice and the area has been cordoned off.

On Wednesday afternoon, 1500 employees at Mongstad were gathered for an information meeting. Additional gatherings will be held on Thursday morning. Equinor will also meet with leadership of the supplier companies to follow up the incident.

Relevant authorities have been notified of the incident, and the police have initiated an investigation. Equinor will also investigate the incident.

The next of kin have been informed.

Damen partners with AAAPropulsion to advance efficient electric pod propulsion

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September 19, 2025

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Damen Shipyards Group has announced a strategic partnership with AAAPropulsion.

AAAPropulsion, based in Boven-Leeuwen, the Netherlands, is specialised in the production of electric maritime propulsion systems. The patented A-Pod is a 360°azimuthing thruster system with an integrated electric motor installed in the lower POD housing and cooled by the outer water.

The A-Pod, fitted beneath the hull, reduces drag and increases efficiency. Its lower centre of gravity also enhances ship stability.

Damen, as a frontrunner in vessel electrification, has delivered a number of fully electric tugs to its clients around the world. Already able to operate with zero emissions, these vessels will benefit from the increased efficiency offered by the A-Pod.

Following the successful integration of the A-Pod into its electric tugs and workboats, Damen aims to expand use of the A-Pod system to other market segments. The A-Pod is suited to various applications, being available with a planetary gearbox (PG), a direct drive (DD) version, as well as the A-Pod CRP with contra rotating propellers.

Jean-Pierre van Lankveld, Category Manager Propulsion at Damen said, “We aspire to become the most sustainable, connected shipbuilder and maritime solutions provider of the world. One way in which we will achieve this goal is through collaboration with partners such as AAAPropulsion who share our commitment to a cleaner and more efficient maritime future.”

Dick-Jan de Blaeij, CEO of AAAProplusion said, “We are very excited to enter into this partnership with Damen. There is a clear synergy between our two organisations, particularly with regard to our shared vision of innovation and sustainability. We are looking forward to working together with Damen. Combining our strengths, we will explore the potential that exists to boost vessel efficiency.”

SpecTec launches AMOS-X to streamline maritime asset management

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September 19, 2025

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SpecTec has announced the launch of AMOS-X, its next-generation platform for fleet asset management. The new software brings its powerful Maintenance, Inventory and Procurement modules into a single, integrated platform helping ship owners, operators and managers better protect their assets, improve operational performance and efficiency, as well as increase safety standards and reduce costs.

As industry stakeholders face more complexity and pressure to optimise resources, and with the increased operational risks associated with a significantly aging global commercial fleet, AMOS-X has been developed to streamline operations and provide greater visibility, efficiency, control and reduce risk across an entire fleet as well as shore-based teams.

AMOS-X comprises three core modules. “Maintenance”, which enables customers to plan and document maintenance tasks, report and deal with unexpected maintenance issues, and continually monitor the condition of equipment to predict maintenance needs and prevent failures. “Inventory”, which provides complete visibility of spares and consumables across a vessel and on shore. And “Procurement”, which streamlines purchasing from requisition to supplier management. AMOS-X is one of the only systems within the maritime industry that combines these critical functions that every ship operator, manager and owner relies upon into one single, integrated platform. Additional modules, including Quality & Safety, are already in development and will be released as part of AMOS-X in the near future, further strengthening its position as the industry’s most comprehensive solution.

Through effective preventative maintenance and planning, AMOS-X has been proven to reduce downtime and associated costs by 15%. Crew efficiency is boosted by 30% through increased automation and streamlined workflows. $30,000 in fuel and maintenance costs is saved per vessel, per year, audit preparation time is reduced by 50%, which aids compliance, and a return on investment can be delivered in just 12 months.

AMOS-X has been built to accommodate vessels and crews of all sizes and for every IT strategy. It can be integrated and hosted in customers’ existing IT systems and infrastructure, or within the Cloud enabling secure access at anytime and anywhere. For full flexibility, customers can also operate a hybrid model of both options should they want to, and it can be scaled accordingly to meet their growing needs. The software is also easy to implement as well as being simple and incredibly fast to use, which speeds up access to data, decision making and action.

Commenting on the launch, Adam Dennett, CEO of SpecTec, said: “AMOS-X reflects our continued focus on providing solutions that bring clarity and control to maritime operations and help customers meet the everyday demands and pressures of efficiently, safely and sustainably running their vessels. There are far more complexities in today’s market, and the age of the global fleet is the oldest it has been for 40 years, which is having a significant impact on the efficiency and safety of vessels and crews. These are real challenges, which demand real world solutions. The launch of AMOS-X is designed to provide a system that can be simply and easily used by any company of any size, bringing critical asset management functions into one web-based platform that helps them to operate smarter, faster and more securely.”

The launch of AMOS-X is part of SpecTec’s continued commitment to constant innovation, which sees the company invest 25% of its annual operating profit into Research and Development (R&D). The company is also a subsidiary of Volaris, an operating group within Constellation Software Inc (CSI), one of the world’s largest providers of vertical market software. This gives SpecTec access to knowledge, the latest innovation and best practice, as well as financial resource to bring to market new products and services that will continue to move the dial, set new standards for excellence, and help the shipping industry meet the significant challenges that it faces in relation to efficiency, safety and sustainability.

Bureau Veritas launches OptiCARBONTM to optimize fleet energy, fuel and compliance costs

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September 19, 2025

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Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (BV), together with its technical advisory arm Bureau Veritas Solutions Marine & Offshore (BVS), has launched OptiCARBONTM, a SaaS platform which represents an all-in-one solution capable of optimizing and predicting energy, fuel, and compliance costs across an entire fleet.

OptiCARBONTM utilizes BV’s highly accurate digital vessel models to simulate various operational, regulatory, and financial scenarios tailored to the user’s requirements. OptiCARBON™’s advanced modeling capabilities enable users to explore multiple decarbonization pathways, assessing emissions reduction alongside cost and compliance impacts. The platform’s comprehensive forecasting and scenario planning tools allow users to measure and compare the impact of their operational strategy over time.

The platform is modular, scalable and customizable to different fleet sizes and vessel types. OptiCARBONTM is designed to support dynamic, long-term decarbonization strategies that evolve alongside new technologies and regulations. While initially developed to meet the specific needs of ferries, cruise ships and RoRo vessels, its future-proofed framework allows for rapid expansion to other vessel segments.

OptiCARBONTM has already been deployed with Brittany Ferries, where it delivers highly accurate mapping and compliance simulations, while facilitating the company’s EU-ETS requirements. The results demonstrate that combining data-driven forecasting with BVS’ specialized maritime consulting expertise can serve as the cornerstone of a company’s long-term strategic planning.

Matthieu de Tugny, Executive Vice President, Industrials and Commodities, BV, said: “The maritime industry is under mounting pressure to decarbonize. With the EU ETS, FuelEU Maritime, and the likely introduction of the IMO’s Net-Zero Framework, it’s not just compliance costs that are rising but also operational complexity and uncertainty.”

Flavia Caldi Rezende, Vice President, BV Solutions Marine & Offshore, said “With OptiCARBONTM, we’re making dynamic, forward-looking planning accessible to more stakeholders. Our goal is to empower stakeholders to reduce costs, avoid penalties, and develop tailored pathways to net zero – backed by unparalleled regulatory insight and maritime expertise.”

ABB to power Singapore’s first floating LNG terminal

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September 19, 2025

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Hanwha Ocean, one of the leading shipbuilders in South Korea, has awarded ABB the contract to supply a complete electric power and propulsion system for Singapore’s first floating liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal. The contract is the latest milestone in the long-standing collaboration between ABB and Hanwha Ocean.

ABB ‘s integrated electrical system on board the Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU) will comprise a medium voltage generator, 6.6kV switchboards for cargo and regasification, and the motor, transformer and drive for propulsion. The floating terminal will also feature ABB’s remote control and remote diagnostics system, its proven condition monitoring solution and an enhanced power protection system (EPPS).

The FSRU will be delivered to owner Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) in 2027 and contracted for long-term charter by Singapore LNG Corporation Pte Ltd (Singapore LNG). With capacity for 200,000 cubic meters of LNG, the FSRU will be moored at Jurong Port and connected to the gas network in 2030, under the management of MOL.

The new FSRU is a strategic investment in Singapore’s energy infrastructure and a key part of the city state’s energy transition toward net-zero emissions. Singapore LNG has signed contracts to process five million tons of LNG per annum at a floating facility, adding flexibility and increasing Singapore’s LNG importing capacity by 50 percent compared to the current single landside terminal in Jurong.

“We are proud to continue our long-lasting collaboration with Hanwha Ocean by supplying an integrated electrical system for Singapore’s first FSRU,” said Rune Braastad, Global Business Line Manager, Marine Systems, ABB’s Marine & Ports division. “This collaboration underscores our shared commitment to innovation, reliability, and sustainability, and is ABB’s latest contribution to the critical infrastructure supporting Singapore’s position as an important LNG hub in Asia.”

Wood Mackenzie notes that Asia Pacific accounted for two-thirds of global LNG demand in 2024, and anticipates the high level of activity to continue as stakeholders balance energy security with economic realities1. The strong outlook highlights the significance of the enduring and growing relationship between Hanwha Ocean and ABB – as well as ABB’s continued contribution to infrastructure development in Singapore, where it began operating in 1971.

Hanwha Ocean has delivered 23.4 percent of the global gas fleet and recently became the first shipbuilder to complete its 200th LNG carrier2. It is also one of the leading builders of FSRUs in the world.

Wärtsilä Lifecycle Agreement to enhance operational reliability of three CLSICO LNG ships

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September 18, 2025

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The agreement is designed to ensure operational reliability, enable flexibility in maintenance scheduling and optimise the ‘time between overhauls’ (TBO) for each of the vessels. The agreement, which came into effect in August 2025, was booked by Wärtsilä in Q3 2025.

LNG consumption and demand is increasing, solidifying its role as a leading environmentally friendly energy source. Therefore, LNG carriers are under greater pressure to deliver on tight schedules. Due to this increased demand and need for timely deliveries, operational reliability has become more critical than ever for LNG carriers.

“With the LNG ship transportation industry chain entering a period of rapid development, we are committed to operating our LNG ships safely, reliably and efficiently. Wärtsilä’s Lifecycle Agreements play an important role here, ensuring we continue to optimise the operations and maintenance of our vessels more effectively,” says Andrew Johnston, General Manager, CLSICO.

CLSICO aims to achieve optimal cost efficiency and operational reliability for its auxiliary engines. Through the new Lifecycle Agreement with Wärtsilä, CLSICO will be able to utilise engine data through Expert Insight, Wärtsilä’s unique predictive maintenance solution. The digital solution offers Dynamic Maintenance Planning to optimise maintenance costs, while its connectivity enables 24/7 remote support for quicker issue resolution and improved asset availability. What’s more, Expert Insight can predict potential problems before they occur, helping operators lower unscheduled maintenance costs.

“In today’s complex marine market, leveraging service agreements, digital tools and real-time data and analytics can maximise the lifecycle uptime and OPEX of a vessel – helping fleets to run optimally, stay competitive and comply with current and future decarbonisation targets,” comments Henrik Wilhelms, Director, Agreement Sales, Wärtsilä Marine.

The three vessels that will be covered by the agreement are the ‘Al TUWAR’, the ‘Al MAS’HABIYYAH’, and the ‘FAT’H AL KHAIR’. They are approximately 300 metres in length and have a capacity of 174,000 m3. All operate with two 8-cylinder and two 6-cylinder Wärtsilä 34DF dual-fuel engines. This new agreement follows the successful Wärtsilä Lifecycle Agreement signed in 2023 with CLSICO covering the ‘DAPENG PRINCESS’, which is the world’s largest shallow draft LNG carrier.

Fugro and NOAA partner to advance remote deep-ocean mapping

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September 18, 2025

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Fugro and NOAA Ocean Exploration have entered into a five-year Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) to design and deploy remote and uncrewed technologies that will accelerate deep-ocean mapping and characterisation.

This public–private partnership aims to close critical data gaps in one of the least understood parts of our planet, enabling informed decisions about offshore energy, marine resource management and national security.

The collaboration combines NOAA’s scientific and operational expertise with Fugro’s leadership in remote and uncrewed systems. Fugro will contribute its experience designing and operating uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), electric remotely operated vehicles (eROVs) and cloud-based data workflows that link offshore surface platforms and underwater systems with onshore teams in real time. These capabilities will help NOAA explore the deep ocean more efficiently and expand access to scientific data in support of its strategic priorities.

“NOAA Ocean Exploration is on a mission to accelerate the scope, pace and precision of ocean mapping and characterisation, and this strategic partnership will help us do exactly that,” said NOAA Corps Capt. William Mowitt, acting director of NOAA Ocean Exploration. “By enabling remote operations and enhancing the use of innovative technologies, we can reduce costs and expand our reach, unlocking the ocean’s potential at a scale and speed needed to keep pace with America’s growing demands for ocean resources and information.”

“We’re entering an exciting new era of deep ocean mapping, one where data can be collected and delivered without a single person at sea,” said Céline Gerson, Fugro’s Group Director for the Americas and President of Fugro USA. “Our more than 25-year collaboration with NOAA has paved the way for this progress. From introducing remote survey operations on crewed vessels to advancing fully remote, cloud-connected systems, we’re proud to help NOAA shape the future of ocean science through innovation and shared purpose.”

In the coming months, Fugro and NOAA will host joint workshops and demonstrations to launch collaborative projects. These may include new sensor technologies, digital workflows and data integration tools to support habitat mapping and marine environmental assessment. The partnership also supports NOAA’s goals in workforce development, digital infrastructure and public engagement, while helping Fugro refine its remote technologies for broader scientific use.

AAL Shipping chooses Seaber to enhance fleet efficiency and TCE

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September 17, 2025

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Keen to optimize its fleet performance further and facing the limitations of Excel-based planning, AAL sought a solution to enhance vessel utilization, improve voyage efficiency, and increase Time Charter Equivalent (TCE).

Seaber’s platform will provide the multiple award-winning AAL with dynamic schedule optimization, real‑time voyage scenarios, and integrated stakeholder collaboration that streamlines planning, reduces costs and emissions, and drives higher profitability.

“We’re thrilled to welcome AAL aboard,” said Jean-Guy Faubert, CRO of Seaber. “Their commitment to technical innovation and elevating planning, from spreadsheets to AI‑powered solutions, symbolizes the digital leap the industry needs. Together, we’ll boost fleet utilization and TCE, empowering AAL to further enhance its vessel operations and oversight.”

The partnership underscores how intelligent scheduling, powered by domain expertise and advanced algorithms, can transform global maritime operations. As part of the partnership, Seaber will be co-developing features with AAL that will also benefit Seaber’s existing and future shipowner clients.

Nissen Kaiun takes stake in Dutch Wind-Assist pioneer Econowind

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September 17, 2025

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Japanese shipowner Nissen Kaiun has become a shareholder in Dutch Wind-Assisted Shipping Propulsion pioneer Econowind. This move highlights growing industry interest in fuel-neutral technologies. The Imabari-based shipping company, which operates a diversified fleet through several subsidiaries, said it had chosen Econowind for its technology.

“We recognized that Econowind has a mature Wind-Assisted Ship Propulsion solution in the market,” a spokesperson for Nissen Kaiun said. “As one of the market leaders Econowind delivers proven technology. Making shipping more sustainable is a top priority at Nissen Kaiun. We are currently looking into installing the large version of their innovative VentoFoils on our vessels. It is well suited to maritime conditions while being easy for the crew to use. This technology allows us to take steps in reducing fuel consumption and emissions.”

Econowind has developed the VentoFoil, a wing-shaped wind-assist device that drives decarbonization within the shipping markets. More than 130 units have been sold globally, with customers ranging from shortsea and deepsea operators across all market segments.

Daan Koornneef, Chief Executive Officer of Econowind, said: “The partnership with Nissen Kaiun will support the expansion of our VentoFoil product line, including larger units for deepsea shipping, and could also open the door to future production in Asia. Nissen Kaiun is the perfect partner with a large network in Japan and wider Asian markets. With them becoming a shareholder, we can expand our footprint and accelerate the development of larger units for the deepsea markets.”

The agreement comes as shipowners worldwide look for immediate steps to cut emissions ahead of tightening regulatory targets. Wind-Assisted Ship Propulsion is gaining traction as a fuel-neutral solution that can be combined with any engine type or fuel strategy.

Comoros launches first vehicle-friendly passenger ferry service

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September 17, 2025

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This new service promises to improve travel, trade, and connectivity across the islands, bringing numerous benefits to residents and visitors alike.

The official launch ceremony took place on the island of Anjouan, one of the three main islands of the Comoros. Several important dignitaries attended the event, including Azali Assoumani, the President of The Union of the Comoros, and Jumaa Rashed Al Remeithi, the UAE Ambassador to the Comoros. Senior government officials, representatives of Serdal International, and other invited guests were also present to witness this milestone in the country’s maritime history.

The ferry service is introduced by Serdal International, a joint venture between AD Ports Group, one of the world’s leading port operators, and Resources Investment, an investment company based in Abu Dhabi. Resources Investment focuses on strategic and impactful projects in both emerging and established markets.

The primary aim of this initiative is to strengthen maritime trade in Africa and expand commercial operations in emerging markets, with a particular focus on improving transportation and connectivity across the Comoros islands.

Abdulaziz Zayed Al Shamsi, the Chief Executive Officer of Serdal International, expressed his excitement about the new service. He said, “We are pleased to introduce a safe, dependable public water transportation service to the Comoros. This initiative will harness the potential of this island network to support community development and drive economic growth, in line with the directives of our wise leadership.”

His words emphasized that the ferry service is not just a transport facility but also a tool for development. By improving travel between islands, the service will support the growth of local communities and boost economic activities, creating opportunities for businesses, tourism, and trade.

The ferry service is managed by Noatum Maritime, a subsidiary of AD Ports Group.