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Deltamarin wins design contract for Finnlines’ new ‘Hansa Superstar’ vessels

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Deltamarin has signed a contract with China Merchants Weihai Shipyard for the design and engineering of Finnlines’ new Hansa Superstar class RoPax vessels. 

The signed contract includes the complete basic and detail design of three RoPax vessels built for Finnlines and to be operated in the Baltic Sea.

The basic design project begins at Deltamarin immediately, with the majority of the work scheduled to be completed by early 2026.

The new design is an evolution of the already state-of-the-art Superstar-class vessels, but with enhanced quality of transport for both rolling cargo and passengers in the Baltic Sea. The new design has been adapted for the Finland-Germany route and will be better suited for longer crossings, feature new cabin categories and provide restaurant options tailored to different passenger preferences, with a strong focus on the overall onboard experience.

These vessels will combine high transport capacity, innovative design, and superior onboard comfort. Key features include multifuel engines, optimized hull and propeller designs, shore power connection, and energy-efficient onboard power management systems for both at sea and in port—all contributing to over a 50% reduction in CO₂ emissions per transported cargo unit compared to vessels currently operating on the same routes.

Each 240-metre vessel will offer 5,100 lane meters of cargo space for rolling freight, capacity for 90 cars, and accommodation for up to 1,100 passengers across 320 cabins. Designed with sustainability in mind, all vessels will be equipped with engines capable of running on methanol, supporting the goal of achieving net zero emissions. The vessels are scheduled for delivery between 2028 and 2029.

“Together with Deltamarin, we have developed Superstar-class vessels, setting a completely new standard for freight and passenger traffic in the Baltic Sea. With our new investment programme, we are proud to continue this shared journey. Our longstanding and successful partnership with Deltamarin and China Merchants Weihai Shipyard have been instrumental in driving innovation and strengthening efficient maritime transport,” said Juha Ahia, Manager of Newbuilding & Projects at Finnlines.

“The signed contract marks the continuation of a longstanding partnership between Deltamarin and Weihai Shipyard. Our partnership has continually delivered reliable, efficient and environmentally conscious vessels that meet the expectations of both the vessel owner and regulators. This order demonstrates the trust our clients place in our ability to design and deliver state-of-the-art RoPax vessels. With this latest order, the total number of RoPaxes designed by Deltamarin and built by Weihai Shipyard reaches an impressive 22 ships during the last 10 years,” said Janne Uotila, Managing Director of Deltamarin.

Ou Shubo, Deputy General Manager at Weihai Shipyard, continues: “The expertise and support Deltamarin provides have always been invaluable, and we look forward to delivering these next-generation vessels to Finnlines, which will play a key role in their sustainable fleet expansion.”

The new contract reinforces the track record of delivering efficient, innovative RoPax vessels in the market and highlights the proven performance of the Superstar-class design—serving as both the inspiration and foundation for the new Hansa Superstar class.

Libra Consortium announces first oil from Mero-4 FPSO in Brazil pre-salt

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Shell Brasil Petróleo Ltda. (Shell Brasil), a subsidiary of Shell plc, announced the start of production at the floating production storage and offloading facility (FPSO) Alexandre de Gusmão in the Mero field in the Santos Basin offshore Brazil.

As part of the Mero-4 project, the FPSO will be connected to 12 wells, with an operational capacity of 180,000 barrels of oil production and 12 million cubic meters of gas compression per day (Shell share 19.3%). The FPSO is located 180 kilometres from the coast of Rio de Janeiro in a water depth of approximately 2,000 metres.

“Mero-4 is the latest example of how we are working with our partners to unlock value from world-class reservoirs, sustaining material liquids production and providing for the world’s current energy needs,” said Peter Costello, Shell’s Upstream President. “Our Brazil portfolio features long-life assets with high flow rates, resulting in some of our most competitive barrels on both operating cost and carbon footprint.”

The unitized Mero field is operated by Petrobras (38.6%), in partnership with Shell Brasil (19.3%), TotalEnergies (19.3%), CNPC (9.65%), CNOOC (9.65%) and Pré-Sal Petróleo S.A (PPSA) (3.5%) representing the Government in the non-contracted area.

NYK unveils Japan’s first fully battery-driven work vessel

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On May 23, NYK unveiled Japan’s first fully battery-driven work vessel, which the company has named “e-Crea” (pronounced “éclair” for its visual resemblance to the French pastry). Keihin Dock Co. Ltd., an NYK Group company, built the vessel at its Koyasu Shipyard.

In response to the growing global demand for decarbonizing maritime transportation, the NYK Group has been actively exploring next-generation fuels, including ammonia and other advanced alternatives. Fully electric work vessels represent one of the most promising options for sustainable shipping. Keihin Dock, NYK’s sole shipbuilding subsidiary, has spearheaded this initiative, driving innovative solutions and accelerating the implementation of new technologies.

Key Features of e-Crea

1. Fully electric propulsion
Powered solely by batteries charged from shore facilities at Keihin Dock’s Koyasu Shipyard, e-Crea operates without emitting carbon dioxide. Additionally, the vessel is significantly quieter compared to conventional ships running on fossil fuels, substantially reducing operational noise.

2. Compact design
Measuring approximately nine meters in length, e-Crea efficiently consolidates all essential equipment within its compact hull. This design enables exceptional maneuverability in confined spaces, making it ideally suited for assisting with docking operations and vessel movement at shipyards.

Overcoming Technical Challenges

• Weight increase and hull balance
Following the installation of the electric propulsion system, including substantial battery modules in the hull, the vessel’s weight exceeded initial projections. To maintain proper balance, the team reconfigured equipment placement and cabling, thereby optimizing internal space and ensuring safe, stable navigation.

• Temperature management
Elevated temperatures from batteries and electric motors can increase fire risks. To effectively manage heat, the team implemented multi-layered water-cooling systems and integrated air ducts. Enhancements to the battery room included fireproofing measures and protection against hazardous gases, along with improved ventilation. These measures ensure the vessel upholds robust safety standards.

Introducing fully electric propulsion systems to tugboats and work vessels is expected to accelerate decarbonization efforts not only at the vessel level but throughout maritime and port services. The NYK Group remains committed to advancing and refining electrification technologies, including their gradual application to larger-scale vessels. Data and insights gained from e-Crea’s construction and operation will be reflected in the development of an electric-propulsion tugboat scheduled for completion in December 2026. (See related information.) These initiatives reaffirm NYK’s commitment to energy-saving innovations and next-generation solutions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Vessel Overview

  • Name: e-Crea
  • Derived from “electricity” (e) and the Latin word “creare” (to create), reflecting Keihin Dock’s slogan of “Create, Construct, and Enjoy.” The vessel’s name is pronounced “éclair” for its visual resemblance to the French pastry.
  • LOA: approx. 9.0 m
  • Breadth: approx. 3.0 m
  • Depth: approx. 1.7 m
  • Crew Capacity: up to 14 persons
  • Intended Use: Supporting tugboat docking, undocking, and vessel movement
  • Propulsion System: Fully electric (battery-charging system)
  • Builder: Keihin Dock
  • Classification: Japan Craft Inspection Organization (JCI)
  • Owner: NYK
  • Operator: Keihin Dock

HHWE to merge with NMT-IRO – Joining forces in offshore wind

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Holland Home of Wind Energy (HHWE) and NMT-IRO announce that HHWE will officially merge with NMT-IRO as of 1 January 2026. With strong support from its members, HHWE approved the merger proposal during an extraordinary general meeting. This merger marks a significant step in strengthening the (inter)national positioning of the Dutch offshore wind industry.

The merger brings together two organisations that have long been committed to promoting and supporting the international ambitions of the Dutch offshore energy sector. By joining forces, they form one unified association with a single, powerful voice both internationally and within the Netherlands.

Jeroen de Graaf, Director of NMT-IRO, comments: “This merger creates a stronger, more unified representation of the Dutch offshore wind sector abroad. By combining our knowledge, networks and initiatives, we increase our impact and are better positioned to support the international growth ambitions of our members.”

Wim Jenniskens, Chairman of HHWE, adds: “This is a strategic alliance that unites the strongest players in the Dutch maritime, offshore and renewable sectors. Together, we’re building a powerful platform for the future.”

The merger offers clear benefits: greater efficiency and visibility in international trade missions and exhibitions, a broader network for members, and increased impact in public affairs, communication and strategic positioning.

Leading up to the merger, the HHWE team will gradually integrate into the NMT-IRO office. A joint member briefing will be held in September to provide more information on the next steps.

ABB extends lifespan of Helsinki ferry by retrofitting propulsion drive

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The passenger ferry M/S Suomenlinna II has become the first ship to be retrofitted with ABB’s new-generation ACS880LC drive. 

The new-generation drive technology will significantly enhance vessel efficiency and help to secure smooth and reliable operations for many years to come.

As one of three ferries operated by Helsinki City Transport subsidiary Suomenlinnan Liikenne Oy, the 33.8-meter-long Suomenlinna II serves the Market Square – Suomenlinna route year-round. An integral part of the Helsinki public transport system, the 395-passenger capacity ferry makes multiple daily crossings between the city and the Suomenlinna sea fortress. Located on the coast of Helsinki, the fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a popular tourist attraction and a district with around 850 inhabitants.

Built in 2004, the 329-gross-ton vessel was equipped with an ACS600 drive system, which had become obsolete. However, its existing cabinets, busbars, and cables were suitable for repurposing, therefore helping to preserve resources. Instead of replacing the full system, ABB delivered a module-based retrofit, only replacing components as necessary. This transitioned the outdated onboard drives to ACS880LC with minimal impact on the ferry’s operating schedule. ABB will also supply the ferry with service support throughout the product lifecycle.

“ABB’s ability to provide a module-based retrofit as opposed to a full system replacement was a key factor for us in selecting a partner for this modernization project,” said Petri Öhrmark, Managing Director, Suomenlinnan Liikenne Oy. “Thanks to this upgrade, it can continue providing reliable, high efficiency services to residents, as well as tourists visiting the heritage site, for years to come.”

“We were proud to be chosen as partner to modernize the propulsion drives and propulsion control system for M/S Suomenlinna II,” said Ilmari Ackley, Head of Sales, Marine Service & Digital, Finland, ABB Marine & Ports. “We were happy to see the project delivered smoothly and as planned, which is particularly critical for a ferry that hundreds of passengers rely on every day. The module-based retrofit, replacing components only as necessary, shows one way our customers can improve the circularity of their operations – while ensuring a smooth and efficient upgrade to the latest technology.”

Equinor says Bałtyk 2 and 3 project financing secured

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Two project financing packages of over EUR 3 billion for Bałtyk 2 and over EUR 3 billion for Bałtyk 3 including ancillary facilities, have been secured.

The offshore wind projects were awarded Contracts for Difference (CfD) in 2021, securing power prices at approximately EUR 71 per MWh (2021 price) for 25 years, with inflation indexation. The wind farms are project financed with gearing of approximately 80%. The projects support Equinor’s expected double-digit nominal equity rate of return for renewables and low carbon investments.

Equinor is responsible for the construction phase and will be the operator of the two offshore wind farms. Onshore construction work is ongoing, fabrication of key components has started, while marine operations will start next year. Total power capacity of the projects is 1440 MW, enough to power 2 million Polish homes. Full commercial power production is expected in 2028. The individual project finance packages will fund the capital investment and the other expenses of each of the projects during the construction process totaling approximately EUR 7.2 billion.

Danske Commodities, an Equinor subsidiary, will provide route-to-market services including balancing and power offtake for the first three years of operations.

Following strong interest from lenders, Bałtyk 2 and Bałtyk 3 have secured competitive terms and conditions. The final group, comprising of around 30 financial institutions, includes the most experienced in the sector along with many of Equinor’s core banks, the Nordic Investment Bank and the European Investment Bank.

Final investment decisions for Bałtyk 2 and Bałtyk 3 were taken by the project joint venture partners, 19 May.

Senior vice president for Renewables in Europe, Trine Borum Bojsen:

“Building a profitable renewables business through safe execution and operations is key to delivering on Equinor’s strategy. With financial close reached for Bałtyk 2 and Bałtyk 3, the last important milestone is passed ahead of full-scale construction. We appreciate the strong interest and support from lenders. This underpins the attractiveness of the projects and the confidence in Polenergia and Equinor as developers.”

Country Manager in Poland, Michał Jerzy Kołodziejczyk:

“Bałtyk 2 and Bałtyk 3 represent the beginning of a new era in Poland’s offshore wind energy development. These wind farms are set to contribute to Poland’s industrial future by producing renewable electricity for Polish households, creating employment opportunities, and enhancing both energy security and the energy transition. We will collaborate with industry partners to ensure their delivery is safe and efficient.”

Van Oord continues vital beach nourishment works in Lincolnshire

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During the course of the contract, 3 annual campaigns of beach nourishment will be undertaken between Saltfleet and Gibraltar Point.  

As a result of this award, Van Oord will continue the crucial works that commenced in the mid-1990s and that Van Oord has been undertaking continuously since 2015 to better protect the coastline against erosion. In addition to reducing flood risk, the works bring supplementary social and economic benefits by retaining the sandy beaches for a vibrant tourism industry. 

To support the sustainability ambitions of the Environment Agency and Van Oord, LNG-powered trailing suction hopper dredgers will be used to undertake the works, with support from land-based equipment that either uses biofuels or is hybrid electric powered. 

Paul Hesk, Managing Director, Van Oord UK Ltd., said: 

‘I am delighted and proud that the Environment Agency has again chosen Van Oord as its partner to protect the Lincolnshire coastline for the next 3 years. We look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with them to defend this important section of coastline, whilst both engaging the local community and developing innovative solutions to further reduce carbon emissions.’

An important element of the project is a focus on community engagement. The Van Oord project team will use a variety of innovative tools to engage with the local community and schools, increasing awareness of coastal defences and beach protection. This will include a Public Information Unit, educational videos, as well as an interactive communication platform, hosted by Hello Lamp Post, that utilises AI to facilitate engagement with the public through signage along the coast. 

The previous campaign conducted in 2024 by the Environment Agency and Van Oord was recognised with a Gold Award by the UK’s Considerate Constructors Scheme for its outstanding achievements in respecting the local community, caring for the environment and valuing its workforce. 

Gasum and Wilhelmsen Ship Management agree FuelEU Maritime compliance trade

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Hecla Emissions Management has announced the completion of a deal between Gasum and Wilhelmsen Ship Management to tokenise and trade FuelEU Maritime compliance balance surplus through its Fuel EU Maritime Exchange.

The idea between leading Nordic energy company Gasum and Wilhelmsen Ship Management, a Norway-based maritime services provider, provides an initial volume to cover the FuelEU Maritime compliance deficits created by Wilhelmsen-managed vessels in the first four months of 2025. Gasum will generate the needed amount of compliance balance surplus by using bio-LNG within their FuelEU Maritime pool and transfer the surplus to Wilhelmsen. The surplus will be transferred as tokens using Hecla’s digital FuelEU Maritime exchange.

Hecla’s FuelEU Maritime Exchange securitises emissions statements and stores them in a secure ledger as tokens, creating tradeable assets that can be used to secure FuelEU Maritime compliance. The platform allows ship owners, DOC-holders and charterers to trade surplus volumes in a transparent and efficient marketplace and optimise their compliance strategies.

Roine Ahlquist, Chief Commercial Officer, Wilhelmsen Ship Management, commented, “FuelEU Maritime presents particular challenges to DoC holders with high exposure to FuelEU and those that will visit the market less often. So, it is essential we are able to secure a compliance solution that is simple and easy to use. We are pleased to have reached this deal with Gasum through the Hecla FuelEU Maritime Exchange, which has enabled us to secure compliance surplus at the right price.”

Jacob Granqvist, Vice President, Maritime, Gasum, commented, “Gasum has a uniquely reliable FuelEU Maritime pooling service as we manage the pool, provide the right amount of bio-LNG and have DNV as the verifier of the balance. Working with Hecla is an effective route for us to offer our pooling service to shipowners looking for an easy way to be compliant.”

Benjamin Gibson, Hecla Emissions Management, said, “There is a market for compliance surplus for FuelEU Maritime, which the EU prompted when it created the regulations. What the EU didn’t do was provide the structures for the marketplace – somewhere to trade and something to trade. Our FuelEU Maritime Exchange does this, and we are proud of the trust that Wilhelmsen and Gasum have in the exchange.

“We can see there is a lot of hesitancy from operators of non-compliant vessels, who are trying to compare the cost and availability of biofuel and the true benefits of waiting for a post year-end pool arrangement. By creating a functioning, efficient and orderly marketplace, starting with a token rather than a pool, Hecla is making it simple for these companies to find securitised surplus to ensure compliance today.”

Wärtsilä engine selected for state-of-the-art Canadian fishing vessel

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Technology group Wärtsilä will supply its Wärtsilä 20 main engine and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system for a new 40.9-metre long state-of-the-art fishing vessel, specifically designed for lobster fishing.

The order was booked by Wärtsilä in Q2 2025. 

The operational profile of fishing vessels can vary significantly, depending on factors such as geographical location, fishing method and environmental conditions. As such, it was, Wärtsilä’s extensive experience – both globally and at a local level – in supplying solutions and services for the fishing sector that was cited as being a major factor in the award of this contract.

“We have worked closely with Wärtsilä before and trust their local service, equipment reliability, and respect their expertise. Understanding our needs is crucial for any supplier, and Wärtsilä has consistently demonstrated this,” says Tony Jabbour, VP Global Supply Chain, Clearwater Seafoods.  

“This is a specially designed vessel that could well influence future designs for the fishing industry. Efficiency has been the priority not only for the design, but also for all the onboard equipment. The Wärtsilä engine and SCR system will clearly deliver the required propulsion efficiency,” adds David Birkwald Thorstensen, Head of Sales at Hvide Sande Shipyard. 

With a strong focus on efficiency, safety, and sustainability, the vessel has been designed to excel in demanding North Atlantic conditions. The Wärtsilä 20 is a well-proven compact, lightweight marine engine, offering fuel flexibility and reliable performance in genset and main engine applications. The overall performance of the engine and exhaust aftertreatment will be optimised further with the SCR – improving emissions reduction, noise abatement, and engine efficiency.  

“Delivering an optimal and highly reliable solution for a fishing vessel requires a deep understanding of its various operational modes. Wärtsilä has an extensive track record in supplying solutions and services for the fishing sector, and we are delighted to be supporting Clearwater Seafoods and Hvide Sande with their goal of ensuring that the vessel operates safely, reliably, efficiently and sustainably,” comments Stefan Nysjö, Vice President of Power Supply, Wärtsilä Marine.

The Wärtsilä equipment is scheduled for delivery during the first quarter of 2026.

NORDEN collaborates with Microsoft to lower its maritime supply chain emissions

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“We are pleased to work with a like-minded partner in Microsoft, sharing our ambition to scale the use of low-carbon fuels to reduce emissions in the maritime industry,” says Anne Jensen, COO at NORDEN. “With the addition of Microsoft to our portfolio of customers, we are demonstrating that NORDEN can help any company that is dependent on maritime transportation in reducing its supply chain emissions in the here and now, while we as a carrier overcome the challenges of limited geographic availability of low-carbon fuels.”

With the pilot project, Microsoft is expected to reduce its maritime Scope 3 emissions by nearly 10,000 tonnes of CO2e over a three year period. 

“This project with NORDEN, together with our pilot with the RSB, will further develop the important registry infrastructure required to help Microsoft lower our maritime supply chain emissions in a transparent and credible way, while fostering the growth of sustainable maritime fuels” says Julia Fidler, Environmental Sustainability – Fuel and Material Decarbonization Lead at Microsoft.

NORDEN and Microsoft will engage with the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) to pilot updates to RSB’s globally recognised book and claim system, ensuring it supports credible tracking of sustainable maritime fuel claims.

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