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Damen and Folla Maritime sign contract to deliver new hybrid workboat to Nova Sea

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Damen Shipyards Group and its new partner, Norway’s Folla Maritime Service AS, have signed a contract with leading salmon farming company Nova Sea for the delivery of another hybrid workboat.

The contract is part of Nova Sea’s broader plan to replace its existing fleet with more environmentally friendly and sustainable vessels. Nova Sea places a strong emphasis on sustainable salmon farming and has a clear vision and strategy for operating in an environmentally responsible manner. Their choice of the FollaPower 50EL as their new workboat further demonstrates their commitment to reducing the environmental impact of their operations.

“Folla Maritime and Nova Sea have had a close partnership for some time, and we are proud to have once again earned their trust with the signing for another vessel,” says Otto Sjølien, Managing Director of Folla Maritime Service. “The FollaPower 50EL has been developed in close collaboration with Nova Sea, and this confirms the already strong and positive relationship between our shipyard and Nova Sea as our customer.”

By delivering a hybrid vessel that meets Nova Sea’s requirements, Folla Maritime is continuing to demonstrate its innovation capabilities and its commitment to delivering high-quality products from its shipyard in Flatanger.

The vessel is a single-hull design, 15 by 8 metres, powered by a twin propulsion system. It includes two electric motors, a 444 kWh battery pack and two electric thrusters. The result is a quieter working environment and so improves conditions for the crew. The onboard generator can also assist with propulsion and battery charging when necessary, and the vessel is well-equipped to perform a wide range of work operations efficiently.

“We have already taken delivery of several hybrid vessels from the shipyard, and several more are currently under construction,” adds Bjørn Helge Hjartåker, Production Director / COO at Nova Sea. “Nova Sea entered into a framework agreement with Folla Maritime back in 2022, and this contract reaffirms our strong partnership with them. We have implemented an investment plan to renew our fleet with a focus on sustainable and innovative solutions. Nova Sea, we remain committed to our trusted partners and development strategy.”

About Folla Maritime Service – a new partner yard of Damen Shipyard Group
Folla Maritime Service is a shipyard located in Flatanger, Norway, that specialies in newbuilds and the servicing of vessels for the aquaculture industry. With a state-of-the-art production and service facility, the yard builds aluminium workboats and personnel vessels, and performs servicing, repairs, and upgrades on existing fleets. The company also has a department that brokers second-hand vessels for the aquaculture sector.

In April 2025, Damen reached an agreement to acquire a majority stake in Folla Maritime Service. This partnership brings together Damen’s global expertise in shipbuilding and Folla Maritime’s deep knowledge of the Norwegian aquaculture industry. By combining their complementary strengths, the shipbuilders can offer a diverse portfolio of multi-functional hybrid and electric vessels tailored for various offshore and nearshore aquaculture activities. 

UK leading developers set to deliver new generation of floating windfarms

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The news follows a process to award rights to deliver up to 4.5 gigawatts of secure, renewable energy – enough to power more than four million homes. The Crown Estate will ensure the delivery of the full potential capacity through the deployment of a third site. Work is underway on a range of options to deliver this, and The Crown Estate expects to set out next steps by the end of September 2025. 

The new windfarms will be among the largest of their kind in the world, underlining the UK’s position as the leading market for floating offshore wind in Europe and expected to lead to the creation of thousands of new jobs and more than a billion-pound investment in the UK economy. This is expected to be the first phase of a new industry in the Celtic Sea, with The Crown Estate identifying the potential for a further 4-10 gigawatts to be brought to market by the end of the decade. 

The selection of Equinor and Gwynt Glas – a joint venture between EDF Renewables UK and ESB – on 12 June as preferred bidders to deliver the new floating windfarms follows the conclusion of the latest leasing round by The Crown Estate, and is a significant vote of confidence in the UK’s world-leading offshore energy market at a time of global volatility and uncertainty for the sector.  

Launched at the start of 2024, a core focus of Offshore Wind Leasing Round 5 has been to open up a new region of the UK for the generation of more secure, clean energy, while kick-starting the development of a new industry and supply chain around the Celtic Sea. 

The new floating windfarms are expected to unlock a range of new opportunities for skills, apprenticeships and employment, as well as investment in new port infrastructure. 

The preferred bidders are committed to ensuring that at least 3.5% of the workforce consists of apprenticeships and that a minimum of 10% of employees aged 19-24 are not currently in education, employment or training. As part of their submissions to The Crown Estate, the bidders also set out further plans for creating new on-shore opportunities, with more details expected to be announced following the signing of Agreements for Lease in the autumn. 

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: “Floating offshore wind will be transformative for economic growth in Wales and the South West, unlocking thousands of jobs in places like Port Talbot and Bristol, bolstering our energy security and delivering industrial renewal. 

“The Celtic Sea has huge untapped potential to support our mission to become clean energy superpower, so we can get energy bills down for good through our Plan for Change.” 

NOAA awards $95 million contract to upgrade fisheries survey vessel

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NOAA has awarded $95,408,666 to JAG Alaska, Inc. from Seward, Alaska, to complete expanded upgrades and maintenance on NOAA Ship Oscar Dyson. Following the 2026 field season, the ship will go into a yearlong maintenance period. 

NOAA is working to maximize the service life of each of its vessels through long-term maintenance planning and tracking. The goal of this forward-looking maintenance is to provide up-to-date, dependable vessels for NOAA’s scientists and science partners.

“These upgrades will help the ship continue to meet the needs of the nation in primarily Alaskan and Arctic waters well into the future,” said NOAA Corps Rear Adm. Chad Cary, director of the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps and NOAA Marine and Aviation Operations. “Modernizing the shipboard technology will improve the Dyson’s fuel efficiency and operational safety, while ensuring that future research performed by the Dyson continues to be second to none.”

NOAA Ship Oscar Dyson was commissioned in 2005 and plays a major role in collecting data that is used to manage Alaska pollock — one of the world’s largest commercial fisheries. Replacing the propulsion system with variable speed, Tier 4 generators, quiet air conditioning motors and cutting-edge technology will equip the Dyson to continue supporting future NOAA science missions. The comprehensive maintenance will also replace pumps, fans, cranes, fire detection system and radars, as well as increase the number of single-person staterooms. 

NOAA has begun modifying other ships in its fleet to backfill the Dyson during the maintenance period. NOAA Ship Bell M. Shimada will be outfitted with polar life rafts, rescue boat heaters and other adaptations necessary for work in Alaska waters. These adjustments will help to ensure that the collection of science and data in Alaska, as supported by the Dyson, will continue seamlessly. 

“Great news coming out of Alaska today. Supporting small shipyards in the state is vital to our blue economy, and I am excited to see these extensive upgrades to NOAA Ship Oscar Dyson happening right in our own backyard,” said Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski. “The mid-life renovation of this critical research vessel will allow for the collection of accurate data that will inform Alaska’s fisheries — all while putting Alaskans to work. I appreciate NOAA’s investment in Alaska and our fisheries, and look forward to seeing the Oscar Dyson back out at sea.”

“I want to thank Secretary Lutnick and Acting NOAA Administrator Laura Grimm for prioritizing the completion of the contract to maintain NOAA Ship Oscar Dyson. Homeported in Kodiak, this research vessel plays a vital role in conducting surveys of fish, mammals and other invertebrates and helps support robust and sustainable fisheries,” said Alaska Senator Dan Sullivan. “Even better, I am glad to see one of our great Alaskan shipyards will be conducting the repairs, keeping the ship close to home so that it can swiftly return to its important work once the maintenance is finished.” 

NOAA Marine and Aviation Operations operates a fleet of 15 hydrographic survey, oceanographic research and fisheries survey vessels. NOAA ships operate in the U.S. and around the world. The ships are run by a combination of NOAA commissioned officers and civilian professional mariners.

Deltamarin wins design contract for six pioneering RoPax Vessels for Grimaldi Lines

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Deltamarin has signed a design and engineering contract with China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Weihai) for six new RoPax vessels ordered by the Grimaldi Group.

Of the six vessels, four will sail under the Italian flag and be operated under the Grimaldi Lines brand, while two will be registered under the Greek flag and operated by Grimaldi’s subsidiary Minoan Lines. All six ships are set to elevate maritime transport in the Mediterranean through a unique combination of high freight and passenger capacity, next-generation environmental performance, and enhanced onboard experience.

Each 229-meter vessel will feature 3,300 lane meters for rolling freight, space for over 300 passenger vehicles, and capacity for up to 2,500 passengers. Accommodation includes more than 300 cabins for over 1,200 guests.

The vessels will be powered by engines capable of running on methanol—making them the first ships in the Mediterranean designed specifically for this alternative fuel. Additional green technologies include e.g. shore power readiness, silicon-based hull coatings, optimized hull and propeller designs, and advanced onboard power management systems. These features will collectively reduce CO₂ emissions per cargo unit by more than 50% compared to current vessels operating on similar routes.

The design work will begin at Deltamarin immediately with vessel deliveries scheduled between 2028 and 2030.

The EU and UK formalise agreement on full reciprocal access to waters until 2038

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The Specialised Committee on Fisheries (SCF) has adopted a decision setting out long-term arrangements between the EU and the UK, granting full reciprocal access to waters for fishing activities until 30 June 2038. 

This decision formalises the political agreement reached between the EU and the UK ahead of the EU-UK Summit held in London on 19 May 2025, and represents a key milestone in strengthening bilateral fisheries cooperation. 

The agreement provides legal certainty and long-term stability for fishers on both sides of the Channel. It ensures that EU and UK vessels will continue enjoying full access to each other’s Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) and territorial waters, covering both quota-managed and non-quota fish stocks.

By laying the groundwork for sustained collaboration, this decision reinforces mutual trust and paves the way for continued cooperation in the sustainable management of shared marine resources.

The EU Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis said:

“This decision represents more than just another step forward—it reaffirms the strength of what the EU and UK can achieve through sustained partnership. By building on the proven foundation of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement, we are delivering concrete results: stability for our fishing communities, certainty for our fleets, and good neighbourly relations.”

Following the departure of the UK from the EU, most stocks in the EU waters of the north-east Atlantic are now shared with non-EU countries, particularly the UK.

The EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) sets out the fisheries relations between the EU and UK after the UK left the EU, including the establishment of a joint EU-UK Specialised Committee on Fisheries (SCF). The EU and UK work together in the SCF on sustainable management of shared fisheries, as well as other related management issues.

EU prepares large-scale modernization of ports for potential war with Russia

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It is an investment of up to €75 billion, which will be the largest such project since World War II, The Wall Street Journal reported.

Although the preparations are of a defensive nature, the EU emphasizes that the project will also benefit in peacetime, as roads, railways, digital infrastructure, and communication systems will be modernized.

Modernization work has already begun in the ports of Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, Bulgaria, and Romania, and they are being adapted to quickly receive NATO troops and equipment in the event of a crisis.

Currently, NATO member states are not only increasing spending on armaments, but also including funding for transportation hubs and strategic infrastructure in their military budgets.

At the same time, some shipping company executives have expressed concern that the reorientation of ports to military needs could reduce their competitiveness in the civilian sector.

The European Commission has proposed investing up to €75 billion in military mobility in the next five-year budget. This is ten times more than the €1.7 billion allocated in the current budget process until 2027.

“The ability to move troops and equipment quickly across Europe is critical for security,” said Apóstolos Tzitzikóstas, European Commissioner for Transport. Security was a central topic of the recent meeting of the European Sea Ports Organisation.

“We understand the need for these changes, but they should not compromise economic efficiency,” said Katarzyna Gruszecka-Spychała, Vice President of Finance at the Port of Gdynia (Poland). She also noted that private investors are afraid of investing in projects that could be targeted by Russian attacks.

NATO and the European Commission have already identified 500 critical infrastructure facilities in the EU that need to be modernized in the face of a possible confrontation with Russia. According to knowledgeable sources, these are roads, railways, bridges, tunnels, and ports – everything that ensures rapid military movement.

Recently, the European Commission published a new policy document, the White Paper for European Defense, which identified key security challenges facing the EU and the ways to overcome them.

Source: Militarnyi

Provaris partners with ‘K’ LINE to accelerate hydrogen carrier commercialisation

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Provaris Energy Ltd has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with global shipping leader Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha Ltd – known as “K” LINE – to advance the commercialisation of Provaris’ compressed hydrogen carriers.

The partnership with “K” Line, with its fleet of more than 400 vessels and more than a century of experience in the maritime industry, will support Provaris’ bid to become a leader in the hydrogen transport sector, particularly in Europe, where demand for low-carbon hydrogen is expected to grow significantly in the coming years.

The MOU outlines a framework for cooperation between Provaris and “K” LINE, focusing on the development, construction, and operation of Provaris’ innovative H2Neo Carrier and H2Leo Barge. 

The H2Neo Carrier, a purpose-built compressed hydrogen ship, has a carrying capacity of up to 27,000 cubic metres and is designed for regional marine transport. The H2Leo Barge is optimised for near-shore hydrogen storage and delivery, enabling flexible integration with terminal and distribution pipelines.

The vessels are engineered to meet stringent safety, emissions, and risk assessment standards.

Provaris aims to address Europe’s significant hydrogen import requirements by 2030, with Germany alone projected to import up to 70% of its hydrogen. This collaboration will play a pivotal role in meeting the continent’s ambitious emission reduction goals and contribute to its broader energy transition strategy.

As part of the agreement, “K” LINE will provide technical, commercial, and operational assistance, leveraging its vast shipping experience to support the development of Provaris’ hydrogen transport and storage solutions.

The collaboration will also incorporate support from Clarksons Norway AS, “K” LINE’s commercial advisor, to refine operational cost models, newbuild programs and charter terms.

Provaris managing director and CEO, Martin Carolan, said:

This MOU represents a key milestone for Provaris in the development of our regional shipping solution and the creation of an energy-efficient and cost-effective way to address Europe’s significant import requirement for hydrogen by 2030,

“We look forward to ‘K’ LINE’s support of Provaris’ development of export project supply chains in the Nordics.”

Compressed hydrogen is increasingly recognised as a cost-effective and efficient means of transporting hydrogen over regional distances. The collaboration with “K” Line will bolster Provaris’ ongoing efforts to commercialise hydrogen transportation solutions, reinforcing the company’s position in the rapidly developing hydrogen economy.

The partnership also aligns with Provaris’ existing Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with German utilities, focusing on the delivery of hydrogen supply chains in Europe.

The “K” Line MOU follows Provaris’ recent partnership with global energy infrastructure firm Yinson Production AS to commercialise Provaris’ next-generation liquid carbon dioxide (LCO2) tank, with both moves further expanding Provaris’ footprint in the energy transport sector.

BeWild achieves world’s first remote ecology survey at CrossWind offshore wind farm

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The BeWild project, led by Fugro, has successfully completed the world’s first fully remote ecology survey at CrossWind’s Hollandse Kust Noord offshore wind farm, marking a significant shift in marine ecosystem monitoring. 

This innovative approach enables more efficient and less disruptive monitoring, which is crucial for protecting marine life and the sustainable growth of offshore wind energy.

Together, the BeWild partners integrated computer vision and environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling into Fugro’s Blue Volta® electric remotely operated vehicle (eROV). This system was deployed from its Blue Essence® uncrewed surface vessel (USV), with both USV and eROV controlled from Fugro’s remote operations centre in Aberdeen.

Dan Smith, BeWild Manager, explains: “This survey provides a glimpse into the future of offshore ecology monitoring. By delivering high-quality data remotely, we’re not only reducing operational costs and environmental impact, but also enabling our clients to gain unprecedented insights into the health and biodiversity of their offshore assets. We’re incredibly excited about the potential this technology holds for the sustainable development of offshore wind energy.”

Pauline Roos, CrossWind’s Marine Ecologist said: “At CrossWind, we are excited to combine remote asset inspections with ecological monitoring of our nature inclusive scour protection measures. By combining the two, we can be more efficient with our resources offshore, ultimately making it safer for people. We look forward to seeing the results of these surveys.”

Renate Olie, Marine Ecologist at The Rich North Sea said: “In this survey, we explore how regular offshore inspections can integrate ecological monitoring. By using autonomous technology and different survey techniques, we get a better understanding of marine biodiversity around wind turbines. By combining offshore wind energy with nature enhancement, we work towards a thriving and biodiverse North Sea.”

This survey marks the first of four research and development assessments at CrossWind under the BeWild project, supported by a Mission-driven Research, Development and Innovation (MOOI) subsidy from the Dutch Enterprise Agency (RVO).

Van Oord christens the largest offshore wind installation vessel in the world

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In addition, Van Oord announced that it had become the first marine contractor to receive approval on science-based targets for its decarbonisation approach. 

The Boreas was christened by Ms. Carola Schouten, the mayor of Rotterdam. Guests and Van Oord employees gathered to celebrate this memorable moment. Once it is operational, the Boreas will be the largest and most sustainable offshore wind installation vessel in the world. 

TThe Boreas, named after the Greek god of the Northern winds, is purpose-built for the transport and installation of next-generation foundations and turbines for offshore wind farms. The vessel measures 175 metres in length and its crane has a 155-metre-high boom, able to lift over 3,000 tonnes. With this new vessel, Oord is ready for future increases in scale in the offshore wind industry. It can install offshore wind turbines of more than 20 MW, with a height comparable to the Eiffel Tower. 

Govert van Oord, CEO Van Oord: ‘The Boreas is the largest investment in our company’s history, a testament to our ambition to remain a frontrunner in offshore wind, accelerate the energy transition and perform our work responsibly. We lead our industry in adopting more sustainable green marine fuels; now, with the Boreas being able to operate on methanol, we have added a new chapter to our net-zero emissions journey.’

The Boreas is a sustainable frontrunner in the industry, being the first vessel of its kind equipped with dual fuel-methanol engines. Operating on methanol reduces its carbon footprint by over 78%. Additionally, the vessel features Selective Catalytic Reduction to minimise nitrogen oxide emissions, and a battery pack of more than 6,000 kilowatt-hours, which helps further reduce fuel consumption and emissions. 

After the christening ceremony the Boreas will head to its first offshore wind project, the Nordseecluster in the German North Sea, a joint venture between RWE (51%) and Norges Bank Management Investment (49%). Van Oord’s scope includes the installation of 104 extended monopiles as well as scour protection. The 1.6 gigawatt wind-farm cluster is expected to generate enough renewable energy to supply the equivalent of 1,600,000 German households.

During the launch of the Boreas in Rotterdam, Van Oord announced that its climate goals have been approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), making it the first marine contractor to align with the 1.5 degrees Celsius pathway of the Paris Agreement. SBTi’s approval underscores Van Oord’s aim of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in line with the latest climate science. Van Oord submitted its greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets in May 2023, had an intensive dialogue on sector classification, and used SBTi’s Maritime Guidance for its fleet-related targets. On 1 June 2025, SBTi formally communicated its approval of all Van Oord’s targets.

Govert van Oord, CEO Van Oord: ‘This approval reflects both our commitment to decarbonise our operations and our desire to increase system-wide collaboration. We invest heavily in state-of-the-art decarbonisation solutions, for example in our fleet. Still, we recognise that we cannot do this alone, reaching net-zero requires close cooperation across our entire value chain. We invite our clients and partners to join us on this path by integrating climate ambition into their own business decisions. Together, we can drive real change.’

Damen Naval selects Alewijnse as electrical integration partner for Colombia’s PES Frigate

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Damen Naval has awarded Alewijnse a contract to manage the complete integration and installation of all electrical systems on board the Plataforma Estratégica de Superficie (PES) frigate, being developed for the Navy of the Republic of Colombia.

As the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) integrator, Damen Naval is leading the design, engineering and construction of the Colombian-built frigate in close collaboration with COTECMAR, Colombia’s national shipbuilding company. 

Alewijnse was selected as Damen’s primary partner for electrical system integration based on a long-standing and successful collaboration history. Together, the two companies have delivered numerous complex defence and security projects for navies around the world. Their most recent joint effort was the Combat Support Ship Den Helder.

“As one of our co-makers and main suppliers, Alewijnse will play a crucial role in determining the success of the PES project,” says Jasper Oreel, Damen Naval Project Director. “Therefore, I am pleased to see Alewijnse also teaming up to support the local content efforts with the aim to involve the Colombian market.”

“We are proud of our continued partnership with Damen Naval on this value-creating partnership for the Colombian Navy. This is a great example of a strategic alliance where the yard, suppliers, and technology partners collaborate closely,” adds Gert Bravenboer, CEO of Alewijnse. 

Under the scope of the contract, Alewijnse will integrate all major electrical systems, including power distribution, cable routing, power management, and onboard systems such as navigation lighting and entertainment. In addition, Alewijnse will coordinate the delivery of several critical subsystems in close alignment with Damen Naval and trusted technology partners: The propulsion drive system, delivered with Van Meer. The Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS), developed with Praxis Automation. The Integrated Bridge Management System (IBMS), supplied in cooperation with Anschütz GmbH.

Together with Damen Naval and COTECMAR, Alewijnse is also actively supporting local content development. This includes identifying opportunities for Colombian suppliers. This collaboration is part of Damen Naval’s broader vision to support regional security through partnerships, knowledge sharing and industrial cooperation.

The PES frigate, based on Damen’s proven SIGMA 10514 design, will be tailored to meet Colombia’s specific operational requirements. It offers a versatile, future-ready platform capable of integrating various combat suites and advanced technologies. The PES frigate is scheduled for delivery to the Colombian Navy in 2030. 

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