3.4 C
New York
Home Blog Page 47

ONE advances Green Strategy with Ship Recycling Policy

By
Chief Editor
-
0

Ocean Network Express (“ONE”) has advanced its Green Strategy by implementing a Ship Recycling Policy and joining the Ship Recycling Transparency Initiative (SRTI), reinforcing its commitment to responsible practices and environmental stewardship. 

Both moves align with ONE’s efforts to enhance transparency, promote ethical operations, and uphold high environmental standards throughout the entire lifecycle of its vessels.

As ONE continues to expand its owned fleet, the Company is strengthening its commitment to the safe and environmentally responsible decommissioning of ships at the end of their operational life. 

In line with this commitment, ONE has established a Ship Recycling policy, requiring that all ONE vessels be recycled only at certified and reputable recycling facilities that operate in compliance with applicable international regulations and standards. In joining the SRTI, ONE will disclose its ship recycling policies and practices, supporting the initiative’s efforts to enhance accountability and sustainability within the maritime industry by encouraging voluntary data disclosure from shipowners.

Michimasa Noda, Senior Vice President, Sustainability, says, “The development of our Ship Recycling Policy, together with our participation in the SRTI, marks a meaningful step forward in our ‘Clean Ship Recycling’ initiative – one of the seven key pillars of ONE’s Green Strategy.” He adds, “We remain committed to fulfilling our responsibilities as a shipowner and to promoting safe, environmentally sound, and socially responsible ship recycling practices across the maritime industry.”

ONE’s announcement coincides with the upcoming entering into force of the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships (HKC) on June 26, 2025. The HKC stipulates that the recycling of vessels must be conducted in a manner that does not pose any unnecessary risk to human health, safety and the environment.

RensenDriessen enters deep-sea market with two LNG tankers built in China

By
Chief Editor
-
0

RensenDriessen Shipbuilding & Shipbrokers is stepping into the deep-sea segment with the brokerage of two 20,000m³ sea-going LNG tankers. 

The project marks a new chapter for the Dutch firm, best known for its inland shipping expertise. With more than four decades of experience in inland vessel design, construction, and brokerage, RensenDriessen is now applying its proven ‘Best of Both Worlds’ model: combining cost efficient newbuilding in Asia with Dutch maritime knowhow, client support, and project oversight to sea going tonnage.

Each vessel will measure 160 meters in length and 25 meters in width, with a designed service speed of 15.5 knots. Equipped with WINGD LNG dual fuel engines and iCER emissions reduction technology, the tankers are designed to meet the demands of today’s deep-sea LNG trades with greater fuel flexibility and environmental performance.

RensenDriessen brings extensive experience in sourcing the right yard for the right job. With access to more than 50 shipyards across China, the company is well positioned to broker complex or specialized tonnage. In the case of LNG tankers, not every yard has the technical capacity to handle highly specialized cargo systems, making precise yard selection crucial.

“This is more than just a transaction. It’s a next step in our development as a brokerage partner with a European heart and global reach,” says Wim Driessen, Managing Partner at RensenDriessen. “We have a solid track record in building vessels in China and know how to align each project with the most suitable yard. By entering the short-sea and deep-sea markets with a proven business model, we’re opening up new opportunities for shipowners who want to combine affordability with quality and flexibility.”

The vessels are being built for a Northern European owner focused on LNG transport and distribution. Steel cutting for the first vessel is scheduled to take place in two weeks, with delivery expected in April 2027. Steel cutting for the second vessel will follow in approximately four months, with delivery set for September 2027. Once completed, the tankers will be deployed in both Asian and European waters. In parallel, RensenDriessen also has an LCO₂ tanker on order in China, which will be deployed in Northwest Europe for the export of captured CO₂.

Concordia Damen delivers state-of-the-art river cruiser ‘Excellence Crown’

By
Chief Editor
-
0

Concordia Damen has successfully delivered a cruise vessel, a CDS River Cruise 135 type. The Excellence Crown has been handed over to Swiss shipping company Twerenbold Reisen Group, which christened the vessel on 5 May in Basel.

The Excellence Crown was officially christened on 2 May in its home port of Basel during a gala ceremony attended by 650 guests. It is the tenth ship in the fleet of Swiss Excellence River Cruise, part of Twerenbold, and the first to feature hybrid propulsion. Its delivery marks a major milestone for both Twerenbold and Concordia Damen.

The vessel is equipped with a diesel-electric propulsion system with smart peak shaving – a system that stores surplus energy in batteries for later use, including fully electric mooring in ports. Solar panels integrated into the railing support the charging system, as does shore power. In addition, two heat recovery systems have been installed: one using engine cooling water for central heating, and one connected to the HVAC system.

“With this vessel, we are setting a new standard in sustainable river cruising,” says project manager Johan Muilenburg of Concordia Damen. “Excellence Crown is built according to the Green Award Gold standard, incorporating high insulation values, laser-controlled ventilation, and the use of environmentally friendly materials. Personally, I think the integrated solar solution in the railing is one of the most beautiful innovations.”

The vessel features 73 passenger cabins and 12 suites, all with panoramic windows and soundproofing for extra comfort. In addition to an atrium, spa, restaurants, and lounges, special attention has been paid to crew wellbeing. A separate aft deck with mess room and private quarters provides comfort during longer voyages.

The interior was designed by Nazly Twerenbold, who masterfully translated the Swiss ‘boutique grand hotel’ feel into a maritime setting with great attention to detail.

The delivery underscores Concordia Damen’s growing momentum in the river cruise segment. To meet rising demand, the yard recently began building hulls on stock and invested in a dedicated quay with space for three 135-metre vessels side by side. The facilities are also being used for refits and sustainability upgrades.

According to the shipping company, the Excellence Crown fits perfectly with its strategy to further develop sustainable tourism. Stephan Frei, CEO of Twerenbold Reisen: “We want to inspire our guests with examples of how nature conservation and innovation can go hand in hand – from the Biesbosch to the green rooftops of Rotterdam.”

Chris Kornet, Managing Director of Concordia Damen, is proud: “After the success of the A-Rosa Sena, we took a close look at this market and how we can – and importantly, want to – build river cruise vessels. That’s what we set out to do. One of our decisions was to approach every project in this segment as sustainably as possible. Combined with our choice to build on stock and invest in an extra quay, this led, among other things, to this contract. We are very grateful to the Twerenbold family!”

“Furthermore,” Chris adds, “I think it’s important to say that a ship is never built by the yard alone. We always do this with high-quality partners. I want to thank them as well for their unwavering commitment to bringing this ship into operation.”

Gibdock completes renewal of Technip’s Deep Blue

By
Chief Editor
-
0

Gibdock has completed a significant assignment in the offshore market, after Technip entrusted the Gibraltar yard with the repair and renewal of Deep Blue – the flagship in its specialised pipelay and subsea construction fleet.

In the scheduled drydocking, Gibdock undertook steel and piping renewal works, hull and tank surface blasting and recoating, and the machinery overhauls to ensure Deep Blue remains in peak condition for the coming five years.

“We are proud to have welcomed Deep Blue and once again work with Technip on a significant project,” said John Taylor, Managing Director, Gibdock. “Our team’s expertise and dedication ensure that we consistently deliver high-quality maintenance and repair services to meet the technical demands of complex offshore vessels while upholding the highest standards of safety and operational excellence.”

As part of the project, Deep Blue was raised 3.7m to rest on 428 blocks in Dock No. 1,to enable removal and overhaul of the ship’s eight thrusters. Continuing round the clock, seven days per week, works engaged around 600 personnel overall.

“This was a highly successful project and an excellent example of the benefits of close collaboration with the client on planning and open dialogue throughout,” said John Barnard, Commercial Director at Gibdock. “We look forward to future opportunities to work with Technip by meeting the service excellence such a prestigious client requires.”

Completion continues a steady stream of work for Gibdock with leading offshore clients that showcases the yard’s efficiency. Despite an exceptionally busy period for the yard that has been heightened by strong demand for seasonal ferry work, Deep Blue was immediately followed into dock by a pipe layer from another returning offshore owner. Gibdock is also overhauling a jack-up platform bound for Australian waters.

“Our strategic location at the gateway to the Mediterranean, our experienced team, and our commitment to excellence ensure that we are regularly preferred for offshore vessel maintenance and repairs,” said Barnard. “Alongside our work with owners of container ships, LNG carriers, bulk carriers, ferries, cruise ships, yachts and our defence vessels, we deal with offshore customers all over the world. Our experience is that once these highly discerning clients use Gibdock, they choose us again as opportunities arise.”

Shell to increase interest in Nigeria’s deep-water Bonga field

By
Chief Editor
-
0

Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo), a subsidiary of Shell plc, signed an agreement with TotalEnergies EP Nigeria Limited on May 28 to acquire its 12.5% stake in the OML 118 Production Sharing Contract (OML 118 PSC), an oil mining lease offshore Nigeria that includes the Bonga field. 

Upon completion, this transaction increases Shell’s interest in the OML 118 PSC from 55% to 67.5%.

SNEPCo is the operator under the OML 118 PSC. It currently produces from the Bonga field via the Bonga Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel and announced the development of the Bonga North field in December 2024.

“Following our final investment decision on Bonga North last year, this acquisition brings another significant investment in Nigeria deep-water that contributes to sustained liquids production and growth in our Upstream portfolio,” said Peter Costello, Shell’s President, Upstream.

The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and other closing conditions. The transaction is expected to be completed before the end of this year.

The Bonga field is a deep-water development located in OML 118, at water depths exceeding 1,000 meters. Production from Bonga began in 2005, with a capacity to produce 225,000 barrels of oil per day. The Bonga field produced its one-billionth barrel of crude oil in 2023.

In December 2024, Shell announced a final investment decision on Bonga North, a subsea tie-back to the Bonga FPSO. Bonga North currently has an estimated recoverable resource volume of more than 300 million barrels of oil equivalent and is expected to reach peak production of 110,000 barrels of oil a day, with first oil anticipated by the end of the decade.

Fugro teams with Jacobs to enhance US infrastructure on Wake Island

By
Chief Editor
-
0

The isolated coral atoll serves as a key logistical and transport hub for the US Navy’s activities in the Indo-Pacific. 

Fugro’s efforts will equip Jacobs with the essential ground engineering data needed to plan and design a new mooring system on the island, contributing to an ongoing infrastructure modernisation programme.

Managing complex projects in remote locations is nothing new for Fugro. The company has a proven history of successfully handling such challenges, including on Wake Island for Jacobs. In April, Fugro completed fieldwork for an onshore site investigation to support facility upgrades. The project required a robust mobilisation plan, which included the establishment of high-speed data links for near real-time access to field data. This strategic investment will also benefit the upcoming nearshore geotechnical investigation.

Fieldwork for the nearshore project will begin in early August and last approximately two months. In the meantime, Fugro is undertaking the important task of mobilising assets to the far-flung site. This includes transporting one of its modular jack-up barges along with specialised geotechnical sampling equipment. To ensure the safe and efficient offloading of equipment upon arrival, the mobilisation will also feature a mobile crane, as standard port facilities are unavailable on the island.

“Building resilient infrastructure begins with a deep understanding of the ground and Fugro is committed to providing that critical geo-intelligence to our clients, no matter the remoteness,” said Céline Gerson, Fugro’s Group Director for the Americas and President of Fugro USA. “We’re proud to work in continued partnership with Jacobs, de-risking the development process and helping ensure the long-term viability of this strategic hub for US activities in the region.”

Damen delivers two RSD Tugs 2513 to Tripmare for enhanced port operations

By
Chief Editor
-
0

Damen Shipyards Group has delivered two RSD Tugs 2513 to Italy-based Tripmare. Tripmare will use the vessels to meet the demands of escalating vessel traffic in the Adriatic port of Trieste. Damen has tailored the proven, standard design of its RSD Tug 2513 for its client, including FiFi1 notation, oil recovery capabilities and a third generator, and has prepared the vessels for IMO Tier III compliance with the in-house developed Damen Marine NOX Reduction System.

Tripmare reached out to Damen in order to increase its capabilities in line with the growing size of vessels calling at the port. This includes MSC’s ultra large 24,000 container ship Nicola Mastro. The new tugs will replace an existing tractor tug, and an ASD Tug in the Tripmare fleet. 

Alberto Cattaruzza, CEO of Tripmare, said, “We are proud to introduce this modern, powerful, and compact design that prioritises environmental sustainability. We look forward to welcoming these innovative tugs to Trieste.” 

The tugs are named Captain Cat and Med Rigel. The former is named for Tripmare founder Captain Luigi Cattaruzza. The tugs will depart Damen Song Cam Shipyard in week 23 and are scheduled to arrive in Italy in August.

“We are very proud to welcome Tripmare onboard the Damen journey,” remarked Antonio Marte of Damen Shipyards. “These two RSD tugs symbolise a new era of synergy, empowering Tripmare to streamline its fleet operations without compromising on towage configuration preferences between ASD and Tractor tugs.”

The RSD Tug 2513 combines elements from both tractor and ASD tugs in one vessel, enabling an ‘always bow first’ operation. The vessel offers exceptional manoeuvrability, the result of in-depth, in-house engineering and extensive model tests. A significant contributor to this aspect of the performance of the RSD Tug 2513 is the Damen patented Twin Fin skeg, which ensures outstanding course keeping and stability during operations.

The RSD Tug 2513 was the first vessel in Damen’s Compact Tugs range. It boasts a number of features to raise performance in terms of safety, sustainability, reliability and efficiency. This includes Damen Safety Glass, a shatterproof form of glazing which offers protection to operators in the event of a towing line snapping. From the compact wheelhouse, the view to operations and the clutter-free decks is unobstructed. The superstructure is spring-mounted to the hull, reducing noise and vibration to a minimum. 

The RSD Tug 2513 is designed with ease of maintenance in mind, with the aim of lowering operational costs during the lifetime. An aspect of this is the vessel’s hybrid cooling system – a combination of box and keel cooling. 

In the development of the RSD Tugs 2513, sustainability was a priority for Damen. This included the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) optimisation of the hull for reduced fuel consumption, and the vessel’s ability to comply with IMO Tier III – the result of the modular Damen Marine NOX Reduction System. Additionally, the vessel features Triton, Damen’s award-winning IoT solution, enabling real-time performance tracking, aiding increased efficiency and reduced emissions. 

Wärtsilä to supply the electric propulsion system for USA’s passenger ferries

By
Chief Editor
-
0

Technology group Wärtsilä will supply the electric propulsion system for three fully battery-electric, high-speed ferries that will operate in the San Francisco Bay area.

The order with Wärtsilä has been placed by the shipyard All American Marine (AAM), on behalf of San Francisco Bay Ferry, California’s largest public ferry operator. The order was booked by Wärtsilä in Q1 2025.

In awarding the contract to Wärtsilä, the company’s extensive global experience in developing and supplying integrated systems and solutions for zero-emission high-speed vessels was a key consideration. Wärtsilä has supplied more battery power to the marine industry than any other electrical propulsion provider in the world.

“These 150-passenger ferries represent a transformative step forward in sustainable and innovative marine transportation. They showcase AAM’s unwavering commitment to innovation, delivering cutting-edge, emission-free solutions. As we look to the future of this project, we are relying upon Wärtsilä’s advanced technologies and extensive expertise to continue driving the success of this pioneering project,” stated Ron Wille, President, All American Marine Inc.

The three zero-emission vessels will be the first delivered as a part of San Francisco Bay Ferry’s Rapid Electric Emission Free (REEF) Ferry Program, a transformative suite of projects to transition the agency’s fleet to zero-emission propulsion technology. They will operate on new routes that connect two of San Francisco’s fastest growing neighbourhoods, Treasure Island and Mission Bay, to SF Bay Ferry’s Downtown S.F. ferry hub. Wärtsilä will work within the REEF project team to finalise the vessel and charging system concepts.

Wärtsilä’s scope of supply is for the full electric propulsion system. This includes the energy and power management system (EPMS), the integrated automation system (IAS), batteries, DC Hub, transformers, E-Motors, and the shore power supply. The Wärtsilä equipment is scheduled for delivery commencing in 2026, and the first vessel is expected to join the ferry fleet in early 2027.

Jan Othman, Vice President, Project Services – Wärtsilä Marine says: “The award of this contract represents a clear endorsement of our strong track record in systems integration and emission-free propulsion and supports our global efforts to decarbonise the marine industry. We congratulate SF Bay Ferry and AAM for their vision in bringing this exciting project to fruition.”

Aurora Marine Design delivered the initial concept design of the vessels to SF Bay Ferry. Teknicraft is then responsible for the detailed design of the vessels which will be built to USCG Subchapter T standards. The vessels will operate at 24 knots, powered by dual 625-kilowatt electric motors. The ferries will be 100 feet long with 26-foot beam and a 5.9-foot draft.

Oil discovery and dry well in the North Sea

By
Chief Editor
-
0

After oil was discovered with well 31/4-A-13 E (Kim) in 2023, the Brage Unit has continued exploration activity on the field. 

The discovery was made in the southern part of the Prince prospect in wildcat well 31/4-A-23 G. Well 31/4-A-23 F, which was drilledin the northern part of the Prince prospect, was dry. 

Preliminary estimates place the size of the discovery between 0.29 – 2.79 million standard cubic metres (Sm3) of oil equivalent (o.e.) in place, which corresponds to 1.9 – 17.5 million barrels. With the preliminary recovery rate estimates, the discovery is estimated to hold between 0.05 -0.44 million standard cubic metres (Sm3) of recoverable oil equivalent (o.e.), which corresponds to 0.3 – 2.8 million barrels. 

The licensees will now assess the deposit as part of the further development of the Brage field. 

The field has been in production for a long time, and work is under way to identify new methods to improve recovery. New wells are being drilled, often combined with investigation of nearby prospects. 

Production licence 055 was awarded on 6 April 1979, in the fourth licensing round on the Norwegian continental shelf (NCS). These are the 13th and 14th exploration wells to be drilled in the production licence. 

The Brage field is located in the northern part of the North Sea, ten kilometres east of the Oseberg field. The field was proven in 1980, and the plan for development and operation (PDO) was approved in 1990. Production started in 1993. The Brage field is developed with an integrated production, drilling and living quarters facility with a steel jacket.  

The objective of A-23 F was to prove petroleum in Upper Jurassic reservoir rocks in the Sognefjord Formation. The objective of A-23 G was to delineate a potential discovery in A-23 F and to delineate the northern part of 31/4-A-13 E (Kim).

Well 31/4-A-23 F was drilled horizontally and encountered a sandstone layer in the Sognefjord Formation with a total measured thickness of 220 metres along the wellbore and 12 metres of vertical thickness with good reservoir properties. The well was drilled to a measured depth of 6285 metres and a vertical depth of 2153 metres below sea level in the Sognefjord Formation, and was dry.

Well 31/4-A-23 G was drilled horizontally at a vertical depth of between 2120-2171 metres along the eastern flank of the Brage field. 

The well encountered a 3-4 metre thick sandstone layer in the Sognefjord Formation, and the well was drilled to a total measured depth of 1138 metres along this sandstone layer. The well proved a 20-metre thick oil column in sandstones with moderate to good reservoir properties. The oil/water contact was not encountered.

The well was drilled to a total measured depth of 10 023 metres and a vertical depth of 2171 metres below sea level. The well was terminated in the Heather Formation.

The well was not formation-tested, but data has been collected. Pressure data indicate that the discovery is not in pressure communication with the discovery in 31/4-A-13 E (Kim).

Water depth at the site is 140 metres. The wells have been permanently plugged and abandoned.

Fincantieri: “Mein Schiff Flow” launched in Monfalcone

By
Chief Editor
-
0

Fincantieri and TUI Cruises, a joint venture between TUI AG and Royal Caribbean Cruises, celebrated the launch of “Mein Schiff Flow” at the Monfalcone shipyard. 

The vessel is the second of two next-generation InTUItion class cruise ships, designed for dual-fuel operation (Liquefied Natural Gas – LNG and Marine Gas Oil – MGO). A sister ship to “Mein Schiff Relax”, delivered in February, the new unit is scheduled to enter service in mid-2026.

The launching ceremony was attended Daniele Fanara, Senior Vice President New Building and After Sales of the Fincantieri Merchant Ships Division, by Cristiano Bazzara, Director of the Monfalcone shipyard, and Wybcke Meier, CEO of TUI Cruises.

With approximately 160,000 gross tons, “Mein Schiff Flow” is based on a first-in-class project developed by Fincantieri enhancing the modernity and sustainability characteristics that TUI Cruises, a company with one of the most advanced fleets from an ecological point of view, is known for. Featuring an innovative product configuration, the project will place energy efficiency at its core, aiming to reduce operational consumption and minimize environmental impact, in compliance with the latest regulations. The ship will be able to use LNG and is future-proof with the ability to utilize low-emission fuels such as bio- or e-LNG, marking a significant step towards climate-neutral cruising.

“Mein Schiff Flow” will feature catalytic converters meeting Euro 6 standards, a steam turbine, using the residual heat from the diesel generators, as well as an electrical shore-power connection. All this will ensure almost emission-free operations while in port (about 40% of operating time). The unit will also be equipped with an innovative and highly efficient waste treatment system capable of transforming organic materials into recyclable components through a thermal process.

1...464748...1,329Page 47 of 1,329
Premium Content

© 2025 SeaWanderer. All Rights Reserved. Powered by Maritime.Studio