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Mitsui E&S converts diesel crane to hydrogen power in Yokohama

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Japan’s drive toward port decarbonization has hit a major milestone. Mitsui E&S has officially begun field testing of a hydrogen-powered rubber-tired gantry (RTG) crane, which now operates at Yokohama Port’s Minami-Honmoku Terminal without emitting carbon emissions onsite. The move is a cornerstone in Japan’s efforts to build Carbon Neutral Ports (CNPs).

Originally delivered to Utoc Corporation in September 2023 as a near-zero-emission diesel-electric unit, the RTG has now had its diesel generator completely replaced with a hydrogen fuel cell power pack. The retrofit was contracted in January 2024 by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism’s Kanto Regional Development Bureau, under a program officially called “On‑Site Demonstration of Cargo‑Handling Machinery Fueled by Hydrogen.”

Hydrogen refueling is being provided by Taiyo Nippon Sanso using a mobile hydrogen station, with real-time operational data on reliability, emissions, and safety now being gathered under working port conditions. The demonstration is scheduled to continue through FY2025, with insights set to inform regulatory reforms and technical standardization by FY2026.

“This demonstration is part of the effort to form a Carbon Neutral Port—advancing port functions in a decarbonized manner and building a hydrogen reception environment,” Mitsui E&S stated.

The project builds on Mitsui’s prior success in deploying the world’s first hydrogen fuel cell RTG at the Port of Los Angeles in 2024. The current effort not only reinforces the company’s hydrogen equipment portfolio but also offers the critical “know‑how and track record needed for future hydrogen applications.”

The testing grounds at Minami-Honmoku Terminal District MC-2 will serve as a blueprint for nationwide hydrogen cargo handling deployment, especially in refining refueling logistics and safety management protocols in live terminal settings.

Equinor and its partners have drilled a dry well in the “Garantiana NV” prospect

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Wildcat well 34/6-8 S was drilled in production licence 554, which was awarded in 2010 (Awards in pre-defined areas 2009). 

The well was drilled about 4 kilometres northwest of the 34/6-5 S “Garantiana West” discovery (made in 2021) and about 120 kilometres west of Florø.

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

The well encountered the Cook Formation with a vertical thickness of 105 metres, 53 metres of which was sandstone with moderate to good reservoir quality. The reservoir was aquiferous, and the well is classified as dry.

Well 34/6-8 S was drilled to respective vertical and measured depths of 4123 and 3984 metres below sea level, and was terminated in the Burton Formation from the Early Jurassic.

Water depth at the site is 386 metres. The well has been permanently plugged and abandoned.

Yang Ming orders LNG dual-fuel vessels from Hanwha Ocean

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As part of its ongoing fleet optimization plan, Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation held its 404th Board Meeting and approved the order of seven 15,000 TEU LNG dual-fuel containerships from Hanwha Ocean Co., Ltd. 

Following the completion of contract procedures, these vessels are scheduled for delivery between 2028 and 2029. The newbuildings will replace aging vessels and advance Yang Ming’s strategic development.

To strengthening its core container shipping business, meeting global trade demand and economic growth, and providing customers with comprehensive and efficient transportation services, Yang Ming is actively enhancing fleet competitiveness and aligning with global GHG reduction trends. 

The adoption of dual-fuel solutions for the 15,000 TEU vessels, alongside the five LNG dual-fuel containerships scheduled for delivery beginning in 2026, will ensure stable service on East-West routes while achieving a 20% reduction in GHG emissions compared to traditional fuel. These efforts reflect the Company’s commitment to year-on-year carbon intensity reduction. Moreover, the alternative fuel initiatives align with stricter international environmental regulations.

Yang Ming continues to strengthen its transportation services. The optimization plan is set to rejuvenate Yang Ming’s fleet, ensure compliance with environmental regulations, and diversify energy sources. By enhancing competitiveness and operational resilience, Yang Ming is well-positioned to navigate supply chain restructuring and market uncertainties, steadily progressing toward its vision of becoming customers’ top choice for transportation services and playing a crucial role in the industry.

Consortium Van Oord and Boskalis signs contract for IJsselmeerdijk project

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It is the final step in awarding the implementation of this dyke reinforcement project between Lelystad and Ketelbrug. The dyke needs to be reinforced over a length of more than 17 kilometres.

The dyke will be sustainably reinforced by constructing a foreshore in Lake IJsselmeer across a length of around 12 km. The remaining 5 km will be reinforced with traditional dyke reinforcement measures, including raising the dyke and replacing the outer dyke revetment. Before work commences on and around the dyke, the contractor consortium will start by producing a final design. 

In addition to flood safety, the Zuiderzeeland Water Board focused its call for tenders on minimising environmental impact (including carbon emissions and circularity), promoting biodiversity and reducing maintenance costs. The tender from the Van Oord and Boskalis contractor consortium is perfectly in line with these parameters. 

Executive Board Member Tom Vereijken of the Zuiderzeeland Water Board said:

“After so many years of careful preparation, I am proud that the implementation of this dyke reinforcement project is about to get underway. Flood safety is, after all, vital to our low-lying polders. I look forward with great confidence to working with this experienced consortium of contractors.”

Peter van der Linde, Managing Director of Boskalis Netherlands and Ronald de Geus, Director Dredging & Infra at Van Oord said:

‘We are delighted to be awarded the IJsselmeerdijk dyke reinforcement project, in which sustainable execution is a key priority and we can once again put our unique expertise in flood protection into practice. We look forward to a pleasant and successful cooperation with the Zuiderzeeland Water Board.’ 

The dyke between Lelystad and Ketelbrug does not meet the new safety requirements. While the dyke is considered safe at the moment, the Zuiderzeeland Water Board wants to be assured of a safe dyke in the future as well. In 2019 preparations therefore started for the dyke reinforcement project. The plan development phase has now been completed, in which the design for the dyke reinforcement has been finalised. The Water Board and the Van Oord and Boskalis consortium expect to commence work on and around the dyke in 2026. This project is part of the joint task of the water boards and the national government to make the Netherlands flood-proof by 2050: the Flood Protection Programme (HWBP).

ONP Management and Semco Maritime explore collaboration in floating wind

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ONP Management and Semco Maritime have signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate in the growing floating offshore wind sector.

According to the partners, the alliance aims to combine ONP Management’s technical and project management expertise with Semco Maritime’s experience in offshore infrastructure.

Semco Maritime has delivered more than 20 offshore substations and is currently involved in the development of several floating wind projects worldwide.

The company also has decades of experience in floating substation technology for both the oil and gas and offshore wind sectors.

ONP Management is an independent technical consultancy headquartered in Germany, specialising in offshore wind project management, development services, and logistics.

Knud Grimm, managing director at ONP Management, said: 

“As engineers, the core of our work is the utilisation of our expertise to develop new, innovative technical solutions.”

“By collaborating with Semco Maritime, ONP is taking a promising step forward in supporting our customers in developing floating offshore wind technologies and thereby contributing to the ongoing evolution of the energy transition.”

Maria Jorgensen, business development specialist at Semco Maritime, said: 

“At Semco Maritime, we believe in the power of collaboration to push the boundaries of innovation.”

“Partnering with ONP enhances our capabilities in floating offshore wind, combining our extensive experience with ONP’s engineering expertise.”

She added:

“Together, we are dedicated to providing top-tier advisory services that not only meet but exceed our clients’ expectations in developing sustainable and efficient floating offshore wind solutions.”

The companies said the collaboration represents an important step towards a more sustainable energy system and reinforces their commitment to climate action and the global energy transition.

According to ONP Management and Semco Maritime, the agreement sets the foundation for further discussions on joint project delivery, with a focus on supporting the expansion of floating offshore wind technologies worldwide.

OMV and its partners have drilled a dry well in the Hoffmann prospect

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Wildcat well 6606/4-1 S was drilled in production licence 1194, which was awarded in 2023 (Awards in pre-defined areas 2022).

The “Hoffmann” prospect is located in the Vøring Basin, about 65 kilometres south of the Aasta Hansteen field.

The well was drilled by the Deepsea Bollsta rig.

The objective of the well was to prove petroleum in Upper Cretaceous reservoir rocks in the Nise Formation.

The well encountered a 19-metre thick sandstone layer in the Nise Formation with moderate reservoir quality and gas shows.

The well is classified as dry, with gas shows.

Well 6606/4-1 S was drilled to measured and vertical depths of 4371 and 4279 metres below sea level, respectively, and was terminated in the Nise Formation in the Upper Cretaceous. Water depth at the site is 883 metres. The well will be permanently plugged and abandoned.

MODEC and Eld Energy to Install Offshore Fuel Cell Pilot

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MODEC has entered into a contract with Eld Energy AS, a Norwegian fuel cell system company, to design and manufacture a solid oxide fuel cell system pilot unit intended for installation on one of the FPSOs operated by MODEC.

In February 2025, MODEC awarded a feasibility study contract to Eld Energy, marking the beginning of Phase 1 activities of SOFC development as one of the critical decarbonizataion initiatives. Following the successful completion of Phase 1, MODEC decided to proceed with Phase 2 activities with Eld Energy, which include engineering, manufacturing, installation, and offshore pilot testing of a 40 kW SOFC system.

The unit, to be manufactured by Eld Energy at its facility in Bergen, Norway, is scheduled for installation in 2026. This deployment marks a significant step toward demonstrating the viability of solid oxide fuel cells in offshore environments – offering a cleaner, more efficient alternative to traditional power sources.

This phase follows the successful feasibility study, during which the two companies collaborated on system design and integration studies. As part of the study, a successful laboratory test was conducted using simulated produced gas, including heavier hydrocarbons – a critical milestone that enabled the progression to Phase 2.

“We are thrilled to take this step-ahead with Eld Energy in the innovation of SOFC as an alternative power generation system,” said Koichi Matsumiya, Chief Technical Officer of MODEC. “Although we foresee technical hurdles to overcome in this R&D journey, we are committed to pioneering into it with a strong will to provide solutions that deliver stable energy with low GHG emissions.”

“We’re excited to deepen our partnership with MODEC and move one step closer to showcasing solid oxide technology at sea,” said Hans Fredrik Lindøen-Kjellnes, CEO of Eld Energy. “Phase 2 is not just a technical milestone – it’s a statement of confidence in the role SOFCs can play in the decarbonization of offshore operations.”

Eld Energy’s solution offers high-efficiency power generation with low emissions, aligning with the maritime and energy sectors’ drive toward more sustainable operations. By integrating advanced SOFC systems into offshore infrastructure, the companies aim to reduce environmental impact while maintaining operational reliability. The Phase 2 pilot test represents the first real-world implementation of SOFC technology on an FPSO.

Fincantieri delivers Oceania Allura

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The vessel is the latest cruise ship to join the shipowner’s fleet, sister ship to Oceania Vista®, which was handed over by the same yard in 2023.

The ceremony was attended by Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri, Luigi Matarazzo, General Manager of the Fincantieri Merchant Ships Division, Harry Sommer, President & CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. and Jason Montague, Chief Luxury Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holding Ltd. 

With a gross tonnage of approximately 68,000 tons, a length of 246 meters, and a guest capacity of 1,200 passengers accommodated in 600 staterooms, Oceania Allura™ represents a further step in Oceania Cruises’ commitment to combining elegance, culinary excellence, and destination-focused experiences. The interiors have been designed with a blend of grand and welcoming spaces to deliver the company’s signature small cruise ship luxury experience, but with a fresh, new interpretation. The new vessel stands out for a high level of innovation devoted to the principles of sustainability.

With the two most recently ordered vessels, Oceania Cruises’ program now includes a total of four next-generation cruise ships, with deliveries scheduled between 2027 and 2035. This confirms the strength of a long-term industrial program and reflects a solid, forward-looking collaboration.

Construction has already begun at the Marghera shipyard on the 1,390 passenger Oceania Sonata™, the first unit of the new Sonata class which will be delivered in 2027. A sister ship, Oceania Arietta™, will follow in 2029.

Fugro secures EirGrid framework to power up Ireland’s offshore grid development

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Fugro has been awarded a 7-year framework agreement with EirGrid, Ireland’s state-owned electricity transmission operator, to deliver a full suite of Geo-data surveys for the “Powering Up Offshore – South Coast” project. 

This initiative will develop offshore electricity substations and export cable routes to connect future wind farms along Ireland’s south coast to the Irish national grid. Fugro’s Geo-data insights will be key for selecting optimal routes and engineering designs, reducing project risks and promoting safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible development.

Under the framework, Fugro will provide desktop studies, geophysical, environmental, and geotechnical surveys. These investigations will result in a fully integrated ground model, giving EirGrid a detailed understanding of subsurface conditions for installing transmission infrastructure and protecting Ireland’s marine ecosystem. Operations are set to begin in July 2025, starting with the geophysical and environmental surveys.

All Geo-data will be delivered through Fugro’s VirGeo®, a cloud-based Geo-data platform, offering secure, real-time access to data and project insights enhancing collaboration across stakeholders.

“We’re proud to support EirGrid in delivering critical infrastructure for Ireland’s offshore energy future,” said John ten Hoope, Fugro’s Regional Business Line Director for Marine Site Characterisation Europe and Africa. “By providing end-to-end Geo-data solutions delivered efficiently through our advanced technologies and local collaborations, we are setting the foundation for safe, sustainable, and accelerated offshore wind development along the south coast.”

The project area is complex, spanning four distinct geographical zones: onshore, intertidal, nearshore, and offshore. To conduct operations in these areas, Fugro will deploy specialised offshore vessels, including the Fugro Seeker and Kommander Iona, as well as jack-up barges for shallow water activities. In support of the local economy, the company is also working closely with Irish-based suppliers to deliver key services, such as metocean data collection and aerial drone surveys, that enhance and complement its data insights.

This project directly supports the Irish Government’s climate action plan, which targets expanding Ireland’s renewable energy capacity to 80%, including at least 5 GW of offshore wind energy. Robust grid connections such as those developed under this framework are critical to integrating offshore wind into the national energy system.

Terma surveillance radar system delivered to Seaspan Shipyards for CCGS

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Terma A/S has partnered with Sperry Marine to deliver the SCANTER 4603 and SCANTER 6002 series of naval surveillance radar to Seaspan Shipyards for the upcoming Canadian Coast Guard’s Multi-Purpose Icebreaker and Polar Icebreaker Programs.

Terma’s SCANTER series of surveillance radar provides comprehensive surface surveillance and medium to high level air coverage. Its advanced design ensures the detection and tracking of very small targets in extreme northern environments and harsh Arctic weather conditions. The vessels being constructed at Seaspan Shipyards in Vancouver are set to play a vital role in supporting the Coast Guard’s multiple mission throughout the country, enabling search and rescue, emergency response as well as sovereignty protection. 

“We are thrilled to collaborate with both Seaspan and Sperry Marine to contribute to the production of modern, capable coast guard vessels. Terma’s SCANTER surveillance radar is engineered to meet the highest naval standards and ensure exceptional performance in challenging maritime environments,” said Per Sørensen, Senior Sales Director, Naval Sales of Terma A/S.

Colin Ross, Sperry Marine’s Naval Sales Director based in Canada, states, “With over 40 years of history in supporting the Canadian Coast Guard, Sperry Marine is uniquely positioned to address the growing demand for state-of-the-art maritime surveillance and support services. This project is not just about technological advancement, but also about fostering long-term operational effectiveness and strategic collaboration. It reinforces our dedication to supporting government partners in delivering secure, innovative maritime solutions.”