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Damen delivers ASD Tug 3010 ICE to Sundsvall Hamn

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The ASD tug 3010 ICE will spend around 75% of its time breaking ice to enable the entry and departure of vessels from Sundsvall Hamn, as well the harbours of  Östrand, Tunadal, Mokajen, Vindskarsvarv, Kubal, and Stockvik nearby. 

Additionally, it will perform escort towage operations and, when occasion demands it, assist vessels with broken thrusters and in harsh winds. It will also conduct crew transfer duties from time to time. The tug is additionally outfitted with FiFi 1 firefighting capabilities. 

Sundsvall Hamn has named the vessel Drake – the Swedish word for dragon. After a devastating fire in 1888, the city was rebuilt, largely in stone, earning it the name of Stenstaden – Stone City. After this, the dragon was adopted as the city’s symbol. 
 
Sundsvall Hamn had a number of reasons for selecting Damen for its new vessels, says CEO Johan Stenström. 

“Damen has been building vessels like this one for a long time and enjoys a good reputation in the business. Besides this, we were working with an older vessel, in a harsh environment. It was important to us, in order to ensure the reliability of our operations, to have a new, high quality vessel delivered quickly.”

As part of its stock building strategy, Damen had already constructed the tug at Damen Song Cam Shipyard in Vietnam, before outfitting it in the Netherlands. Damen takes this approach in order to provide its clients with the rapid delivery of a proven vessel. To ensure its vessels’ suitability for the specific requirements of its clients, Damen offers a range of options. 

In the case of Sundsvall Hamn, this includes installation of a Damen Marine NOX Reduction System. This in-house developed selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system, reduces NOX emissions by up to 80%, ensuring compliance with IMO Tier III regulations. 

Damen also installed a shore power connection to the ASD 3010 ICE. With this, Sundsvall Hamn is able to heat the tug at the quayside using electricity, thereby substantially reducing emissions. 

A further feature of the tug is a winterisation package that ensures its suitability for operations in the sometimes harsh Baltic conditions that Sundsvall experiences. This, too, is designed to reduce emissions.
 
“The tug features a substantial amount of insultation,” states Captain Mats Lundberg. “Not only does this ensure a comfortable working environment for those onboard, but it also increases efficiency, reducing the amount of energy required to heat the vessel and lowering operational costs and emissions.”

In addition to the tug, Damen is also providing Sundsvall Hamn with crew training. This will consist of both onboard and simulator training to ensure the operators of familiarity with the vessel. 

Sundsvall Hamn was supported by Stockholm-based Saltech Consultants in preparing the vessel for Swedish Flag. Damen’s long-standing relationship with the organisation helped to smooth the process.

Damen Sales Manager for Scandinavia Martin Verstraaten, said, “It has been a pleasure to cooperate with Sundsvall Hamn on this project. Our two organisations have been in contact for many years already and I have always found my communication with the organisation to be very pleasant and professional. Their commitment to providing a high quality, safe and reliable operation can be seen in this investment they have made in a modern and efficient, state-of-the-art tug. I am confident that the ASD Tug 3010 ICE will serve them well for the coming decades.”

Project manager Joost Haafkens added, “The cooperation between Damen and Sundsvall Hamn is very good. The communication is very honest and clear, resulting in a very productive relationship. As with all projects, there have been some challenges along the way, but we take them on together and work towards the best possible solution.”

Biomar delivered to AtoB@C Shipping – production of the last vessel of the series begins

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Biomar has been delivered to ESL Shipping’s subsidiary AtoB@C Shipping on June 16, bringing the number of 5,400 dwt plug-in hybrid newbuildings in the fleet to seven. The delivery marks another significant milestone in the company’s journey toward a more sustainable and energy-efficient fleet.

“We are thrilled to welcome Biomar into our fleet. With each new vessel, we are building a greener future for shortsea shipping in Europe,” says Commercial Director Frida Rowland.

In conjunction with the delivery of Biomar, the construction of the final vessel in the twelve-ship series, Luxomar, was commenced on June 17 with a steel-cutting ceremony. The eighth vessel, Ventumar, was launched on 30 May and is currently undergoing outfitting in preparation for delivery during the third quarter of 2025.

AtoB@C Shipping has ordered twelve 5,400 dwt plug-in hybrid vessels from Chowgule & Company. One vessel will be delivered every quarter until the autumn of 2026.

Yinson, K Line partner on CO₂ transport and injection solutions

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K Line, based in London, is a subsidiary of Japan’s Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha. Since 2024, K Line has managed two liquefied carbon dioxide carriers for the world’s first commercial carbon dioxide transport and storage service.

Meanwhile, Yinson Production operates a fleet of floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) and floating storage and offloading (FSO) vessels and has extensive expertise in engineering, design, and operations in the offshore energy sector. 

The partnership between K Line and Yinson Production began in 2018 in the FPSO sector. Together, they co-own the FPSOs Anna Nery in Brazil and John Agyekum Kufuor in Ghana. 

In a statement, both parties will jointly develop and market a floating storage and injection unit (FSIU) and a liquefied carbon dioxide carrier, targeting carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects being developed mainly in Europe.

The companies are expanding their collaboration to develop integrated solutions for transporting and injecting liquefied carbon dioxide as part of the CCS value chain, supporting global decarbonisation efforts.

Yinson Production chief technical officer Lars Gunnar Vogt said the collaboration with K Line builds on a longstanding relationship and complements their deep knowledge of offshore marine systems. 

He said that by leveraging each party’s respective core expertise, they are well positioned to develop innovative solutions that will support large-scale carbon transport and storage.

“This provides a one-stop solution to help industrial emitters achieve their decarbonisation targets,” he added.

K Line corporate officer Kei Onishi added that the collaboration builds on a strong foundation established through FPSO business and reflects a shared commitment to enabling scalable CCS solutions. 

“By combining their offshore engineering expertise with our experience in carbon dioxide shipping, we are developing an offshore unloading capability and bespoke transport solutions to serve a broader range of carbon dioxide storage sites. 

“This will complement traditional port-to-port transport models for the CCS Value Chain and offer emitters greater flexibility in meeting their decarbonisation goals,” he added.

Johan Castberg producing at full capacity

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The early operation phase has gone according to plan, the field reaching plateau production on 17 June. Seventeen of a total of 30 wells have been completed. The wells that have come on stream are producing as expected.

“Johan Castberg represents a gamechanger for the importance of the Barents Sea for Norway’s future as an energy nation. Every three to four days, tank loads now depart from Johan Castberg, each of them worth around half a billion Norwegian kroner. The field will remain on stream for at least 30 years, delivering stable energy to Europe, generating high value for Norway, and ripple effects and jobs in Northern Norway,” says Kjetil Hove, Equinor’s executive vice president for Exploration & Production Norway.

The new production vessel (FPSO) came on stream on 31 March, opening a new area for production in the Barents Sea. The first cargo was loaded by the tanker Bodil Knutsen on 25 May, shipping around 700,000 barrels to Spain. Almost all oil from the NCS is currently delivered to Europe.

“The Johan Castberg volume base initially estimated at 450-650 million barrels, our ambition is to increase the reserves by between 250-550 million barrels. We are already planning six new wells to extend plateau production. The Isflak project will be a rapid field development with an investment decision at the end of the year and start-up in 2028. In addition, we will drill one or two exploration wells annually near Johan Castberg,” Hove adds.

New exploration targets have been matured in the Johan Castberg area. Going forward, two rigs will be drilling new exploration wells in the areas around Johan Castberg and Goliat. They will also drill production wells for the fields.

ABB and StarDream Cruises strengthen collaboration with new service agreement

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ABB and StarDream Cruises strengthen their longstanding collaboration  with a new service agreement covering two of the cruise line’s luxury ships – reinforcing a partnership that has helped the evolution of cruise travel in Asia.

The five-year agreement covers maintenance and lifecycle support for the cruise ships Star Navigator and Genting Dream, measuring 269 and 335 meters respectively. During this period, Star Navigator will undergo two, and Genting Dream one, drydocking projects, with both vessels receiving 24/7 technical support from ABB.

Known as Star Cruises at the time, the cruise line was ABB’s first marine customer in Singapore. To provide dedicated customer support and long-term value, ABB established its Marine & Ports local unit in Singapore in 2000. Now, coinciding with this latest contract, the division celebrates the 25th anniversary of its operations in the Lion City.

The new agreement comes at a time when Asia’s cruise market is returning to robust growth. In terms of guest numbers, the region contributed 16.7 percent to the global cruise market in 2024. Cruises in Asia generated revenues of USD 1.48 billion last year, and these are expected to reach USD 3.23 billion by 20301.

“StarDream Cruises business has evolved over the years, but our trust in ABB’s ability to serve our needs has remained constant,” said Rickard Cignozzi, Vice President, Technical Operations, StarDream Cruises. “ABB’s commitment to innovation and service excellence has consistently supported our own. We are pleased to extend this collaboration with a partner who understands the aspirations of the cruise industry and the critical role of optimized ship performance.” 

“This renewed partnership with StarDream Cruises is more than just a service agreement,” said Juha Koskela, President, ABB’s Marine & Ports division. “It’s a celebration of a relationship that began 25 years ago here in Singapore and continues to flourish, as well as a high-profile contract signifying ABB’s continuing success in Asia. Star Cruises was our first customer in the region, and their continued trust reaffirms the reliability, innovation, and world-class support we deliver to the leaders of the cruise industry.”

Both Star Navigator and Genting Dream are equipped with ABB’s Remote Diagnostic System and Propulsion Control System. Genting Dream, which was the first StarDream Cruises’ ship equipped with ABB’s Azipod® propulsion, also features ABB Ability™ OptimE, a fully automated marine software toolset that helps optimize the toe angle of the propulsion units.

Equinor secures exploration acreage in Brazil

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Equinor has deepened its position in the Santos basin after winning the S-M-1617 block during Brazil’s 5th Open Permanent Concession bid round.

“We are pleased with our success in today’s bidding round, securing a new exploration opportunity in Brazil – a core country in our international portfolio. The license is in close proximity to the S-M-1378 block we already own, an area with strong potential that we can leverage to reinforce our position in the Santos basin. This award provides us with longevity options for Brazil and demonstrates our continuous commitment and appetite to grow in the country,” says Veronica Coelho, Senior Vice President and Brazil Country Manager.

The S-M-1617 license in Brazil was secured by Equinor on a 100% basis with a total signature bonus of around 30.5 million Brazilian Real (around 5.5 MUSD).

The block is located 60 kilometers away from the S-M-1378 block already owned by Equinor. This is an addition to our existing opportunity set in Brazil and demonstrates the company’s continued commitment and growth ambition in the country. Equinor will now work to conduct necessary geological and geophysical assessments for future exploration activities.

Researchers discover microplastics at all ocean depths

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Researchers with support from the U.S. National Science Foundation published a global benchmark of microplastic distribution in the ocean, revealing thousands of plastic specks even at the extreme depths of the Mariana Trench.

The study’s findings show that not only could fisheries take an economic hit, but humans could be at risk for exposure to contaminated seafood.

The team synthesized data from nearly 2,000 ocean sampling stations, mostly in northern ocean waters near larger populations between 2014 and 2024. “The discovery that microplastics are not just floating on the sea surface but also form a plastic smog, throughout the depths of the ocean, was surprising and concerning,” said Aron Stubbins, an author on the paper and professor at Northeastern University.

Abundant microplastic materials smaller than 5 micrometers — or about 100 times less than the width of a human hair — may be eaten by zooplankton, which in turn feed larger marine animals. Microplastics can disrupt marine food chains, causing health declines and potential drops in populations for fish and other marine creatures.

“Even when we are studying what we think of as completely natural processes in the ocean, we have to be aware of humankind’s influence,” said Henrietta Edmonds, an NSF program director.

ONE names its sixth green vessel in Japan

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The naming ceremony took place at the Hiroshima Shipyard of Imabari Shipbuilding Co. Ltd. in Japan, marking another milestone in ONE’s fleet expansion program.

The 13,900 TEU vessel, which is methanol and ammonia-ready, is another demonstration of ONE’s commitment to sustainable shipping practices. Following the successful integration of ONE Sparkle – ONE’s first owned newbuilding – and subsequent sister vessels, ONE Singapore will strengthen the company’s service offerings on the trade lanes where she will be deployed.

Says Jeremy Nixon, CEO, “Today’s naming of ONE Singapore signifies further progress in our fleet expansion strategy. This vessel, carrying the name of our global headquarters city, symbolizes our strong connection to Singapore’s vibrant maritime ecosystem. As we deploy this vessel into service, we continue to build upon ONE’s strong commitment to Singapore, in its prime position as the leading global international maritime centre.”

Since establishing its global headquarters in Singapore in 2017, ONE has become an integral part of Singapore’s maritime community. The company’s headquarters serves as the command center for its global network operations.

Appraisal well confirms oil discovery in the Norwegian Sea

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ConocoPhillips Skandinavia AS, operator of production licence 891, has concluded drilling of the second appraisal well, 6507/5-12 S, on the 6507/5-10 S (Slagugle) oil discovery.

The well was drilled about 22 kilometres northeast of the Heidrun field and about 270 kilometres north of Kristiansund.

This is the third exploration well in production licence 891, which was awarded in the Awards in Predefined Areas (APA) in 2016.

The Slagugle oil discovery was proven in 2020. Preliminary calculations indicate a resource estimate in the range of 4.9 – 9.8 million standard cubic metres (Sm3) of oil equivalent, which corresponds to around 30.8 – 61.6 million barrels of oil equivalent in Triassic reservoir rocks (Middle Grey Beds). 

The licensees will now analyse the collected data and evaluate a possible development.

Geological information

The discovery was proven in 2020 in well 6507/5-10 S (Slagugle) in reservoir rocks in the Lower Jurassic (Åre Formation) and Triassic (Grey Beds). An attempt was also made to delineate the discovery in 2022 with well 6507/5-11, which was dry. 

The objective of well 6507/5-12 S was to delineate the discovery proven in well 6507/5-10 S (Slagugle), and to conduct a formation test to obtain better understanding of reservoir properties and connectivity in the hydrocarbon-bearing layers. 

Well 6507/5-12 S encountered several oil columns in a 188-metre interval in the Åre Formation and Grey Beds, 75 metres of which consist of sandstone with very good reservoir properties.

Extensive data collection and sampling have been carried out and a successful formation test has been completed. The maximum production rate was 650 Sm³ of oil per flow day through a 36/64-inch nozzle opening.

Appraisal well 6507/5-12 S was drilled to a vertical depth of 2169 metres below sea level/2260 metres measured depth, and was terminated in the Triassic (Red Beds). 

The well, which has been permanently plugged and abandoned, was drilled using the Deepsea Yantai drilling rig. Water depth at the site is 341 metres. 

The next stop for Deepsea Yantai is production licence 586 in the Norwegian Sea, where it will drill well 6406/11-2 S for Vår Energi and its partners.

Woodside and PETRONAS eye long-term LNG supply

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Woodside Energy (Woodside) and PETRONAS, through its subsidiary PETRONAS LNG Ltd (PLL), have signed a non-binding Heads of Agreement (HOA) for the supply of 1 million tonnes per annum of LNG to Malaysia from 2028 for a period of 15 years.

Woodside Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer Mark Abbotsford welcomed the HOA with PETRONAS, recognised globally as one of Asia’s most respected energy companies.

“This agreement marks the beginning of a new era of collaboration between Woodside and PETRONAS and is an important step towards what would be our first long-term LNG sales to Malaysia. It reflects the value global buyers see in Woodside’s Louisiana LNG project and our reputation as a safe and a reliable supplier of energy to Asia.”

The agreement is expected to support PETRONAS’ efforts to ensure secure, flexible LNG supply to meet growing demand in Peninsular Malaysia and the broader Asia-Pacific region.

“We are pleased to launch our new collaboration with Woodside, a leading supplier of LNG to Asia. We hope this will be the start of cooperation between PETRONAS and Woodside on future opportunities to support energy security and sustainability across the region,” said Shamsairi Ibrahim, Vice President of LNG Marketing & Trading, PETRONAS.

The agreement was exchanged at the Energy Asia 2025 conference in Kuala Lumpur in the presence of Woodside CEO Meg O’Neill and PETRONAS Executive Vice President & CEO Gas & Maritime Business Datuk Adif Zulkifli.

The Parties are now working to convert the HOA into a sales and purchase agreement.

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