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NORDEN signs two-year contract with US wood pellet producer

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Enviva is the world’s largest producer of wood pellets, helping to reduce reliance on fossil fuels around the globe with production across the Southeastern U.S.

The contract builds on NORDEN’s long-term partnership with Enviva and expands the co-operation between our two companies. The agreement is an extension to the COA that NORDEN has been executing since 2012. 
 
NORDEN CEO, Jan Rindbo, comments:

“Enviva is a valued customer to NORDEN. We are pleased that our relationship and performance with Enviva has ultimately led to their decision to extend the contract with us. Our collaboration with Enviva allows us to once again deliver wood pellet products, thereby contributing to delivering sustainable energy products to customers across the Atlantic.”

During the two-year contract period, Norden will transport multiple handysize shipments with loading on the east and gulf coasts of the United States to Enviva’s customers in the UK and Europe. 

Damen unveils Combi Freighter 5000 ICE

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Damen Shipyards Group has unveiled the latest platform in its successful cargo vessels portfolio. 

The shipbuilder announced the launch of the Combi Freighter (CF) 5000 ICE during the Europort 2025 event in Rotterdam. The approach Damen has taken is scalable. As such, the CF 5000 ICE is the first in a new series of ice class cargo vessels. 

Commercial Director of Damen Cargo Vessels Remko Bouma explains the thinking behind the new vessel design. 

“Our aim has been to leverage the experience and the success we’ve enjoyed with our next generation cargo vessels to create a platform capable of economic ice navigation. The CF 5000 is equally at home in open water and in ice, maintaining both the optimal cargo capacity and high efficiency of the conventional vessel. As always, we have worked in close consultation with vessel operators, incorporating their input to create a practical, dependable vessel, suited to operations today and tomorrow.”

The CF 5000 ICE draws on Damen’s experience with the delivery of numerous next generation CF 3850 vessels, as well as the construction of conventional CF 5000 vessels. In the development of the latest vessel, however, Damen has optimised the design. This has involved a slight increase in the length of the hull, as well as the draught with the goal of increasing deadweight tonnage. 

Though modest, the modifications have resulted in a considerable increase in cargo capacity. Damen is planning to implement these latest adaptations into the next generation of conventional CF 5000 vessels. 

The CF 5000 ICE conforms to Swedish/Finnish Ice Class rules and can comply with the latest Finnish flag regulations. As such, the vessel offers space for high quality accommodation including sauna and gym facilities. The CF 5000 ICE features a comprehensive winterisation package, suitable for its capabilities to operate in temperatures as low as -30.

To retain the vessel’s high levels of efficiency, the power required to operate on ice class is generated with a hybrid PTO/PTI system, as opposed to the vessel’s main engine. 

In this way, the vessel is able to operate on a relatively small, highly efficient propulsion system during regular options, receiving a boost in propulsion power, in a sustainable manner, only when required. 

This is just one of the many features Damen has incorporated into the design to ensure sustainable performance. The vessel also features a number of options for battery installation and shore connectivity. Combining the use of the hybrid PTO/PTI with batteries allows for peak shaving, as well as sailing on full electric propulsion for short periods of time, for example in port or in environmentally sensitive areas.

Additionally, the CF 5000 ICE is able to sail on low emission biodiesel. Damen has also prepared the vessel for wind assisted propulsion. The vessel comes with the foundation for a ventofoil in place so that the decision to enhance sustainable performance can be quickly implemented. 

The vessel will also feature access to Damen’s connectivity solution, Triton. The award-winning IoT platform gathers data from sensors around the vessel, providing crew and fleet managers with regular system and asset health updates, and giving valuable insights into fleet and vessel performance. Additionally, Damen Triton eases maintenance tasks by giving the crew accurate instructions that help keep systems in optimal condition. 

Damen is planning to begin construction on the first CF 5000 ICE soon. The vessel is expected to be completed mid-2027, in time for winter that year. As with all Damen’s CF vessels, the CF 5000 ICE is to be constructed in Asia. In this way, the vessels are built cost-efficiently, to Damen standards. 

Following delivery, the company continues to provide support to its clients via the Damen Cargo Vessels aftersales and service team in the Netherlands. Comprised of experienced engineers and maritime service managers, the team maintains close contact with clients and their vessels to ensure warranty care as well as swift support in the event of an issue arising.  

Stena Bulk vessels deploy Inmarsat NexusWave

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Inmarsat Maritime, a Viasat company, is installing NexusWave on board selected Northern Marine Management Ltd (NMM) vessels operated by Stena Bulk and Proman Stena Bulk. This is part of their ongoing strategy to continually improve crew welfare through enhanced communications.

Building on existing onboard connectivity provisions, NMM recognises the growing importance of high-speed internet access in attracting and retaining talent and supporting operational performance. The implementation of NexusWave reflects NMM’s commitment to deliver even better, more homelike internet experiences for its personnel.   

Inmarsat’s NexusWave is designed to deliver exceptional aggregated speeds, 99.9% availability, global coverage, secure-by-design infrastructure, and unlimited data to ensure seamless, uninterrupted crew communications wherever a ship is operating – whether in a busy shipping lane or a congested port.

The fully managed bonded connectivity solution enables seafarers to enjoy improved internet access while onboard, supporting activities such as staying in contact with family and friends, managing their finances, browsing and uploading to social media, streaming and downloading online entertainment, and undertaking remote learning courses.

This enhancement supports NMM’s commitment to promoting well-being, personal growth, and job satisfaction among its seagoing workforce, strengthening its reputation as an employer of choice.

John Cook, Ship Management Director, Northern Marine Group, said: “High-quality onboard connectivity has long been part of our approach to supporting crew welfare, recruitment, and retention. As expectations evolve, so too must our solutions. Northern Marine Management’s implementation of Inmarsat NexusWave on selected vessels represents a significant step forward for the Stena Bulk and Proman Stena Bulk vessels under our management.

“We continue to explore and implement a range of connectivity solutions across our entire managed fleet, with NexusWave forming a key part of the strategy for selected vessels.”

Robert Mathieson, Sales Manager, Inmarsat Maritime, said: “By integrating NexusWave into their connectivity strategy, Northern Marine Management and Stena Bulk and Proman Stena Bulk have confirmed their status as technologically progressive industry leaders who are committed to promoting the happiness and development of their seafarers. The move will have a positive impact not only on crew welfare but also, as a direct consequence, on the reputation and operational performance of both companies.”

Wärtsilä Lifecyle Agreement selected by Japanese ferry operator to support service reliability

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Technology group Wärtsilä has signed a nine-year Lifecycle Agreement with Japanese domestic ferry operator Hankyu Ferry. 

The ships’ performance is of particular importance, since Japan’s ferry industry is one of the most advanced and efficient in the world, and operators are required to meet strict environmental and safety regulations. The order with Wärtsilä was booked in Q3 2025.

Ferries play an important role in meeting the growing demand for environmentally sustainable transport options. This means ferry operators are under pressure to reduce costs, fuel consumption and emissions, all while keeping to vessel schedule without delay for the passengers. The Yamato and Settsu ferries carry trucks or cargo (such as foods) between Kansai and Kyushu. This is key for supporting a major challenge faced by the region with a lack of truck drivers and also for helping long-ride truck drivers rest while travelling onboard. With this in mind, operators such as Hankyu Ferry, are increasingly looking towards services and solutions which enable operations to run smoothly and efficiently.

“It is important that our ferries can operate sustainably, without disruption, which is why we have chosen to take advantage of this long-term lifecycle agreement with Wärtsilä. This allows us to focus on serving our customers, since we can be confident that the ships’ maintenance is being expertly handled,” comments Tsutomu Nishioka, Technical Manager, Hankyu.

The agreement includes remote operational support, partnership management, and condition monitoring systems, including Wärtsilä’s predictive maintenance service Expert Insight. In addition to providing reliable performance, the optimised maintenance procedures ensure best possible fuel consumption and lowest emissions.

“Hankyu is required by the Japanese authorities to fulfil stringent local environmental and operational requirements. They also take pride in delivering reliable, efficient and sustainable transportation. We then support the vessel’s crew remotely. With data we look to prevent things that can go wrong and if something happens we can then get the vessel back into operation as soon as possible. This new agreement will help Hankyu continue to meet the demands and requirements of their customers,” says Henrik Wilhelms, Director, Agreement Sales, Wärtsilä Marine.

Wärtsilä’s Lifecycle Agreements continue to deliver operational reliability and efficiency, as well as cost predictability, to owners and operators around the world. These agreements are tailored to the customer’s unique needs by combining the right services and solutions into a comprehensive agreement package.

Wilhelms continues: “With our Lifecycle Agreements, we provide a ‘one-stop-shop’ support and we minimise the environmental impact by ensuring maintenance procedures are optimised and sailing schedules are assured.”

The 195-metre long ferries, which were launched in 2020, serve the Shinmoji – Kobe route. Both vessels feature the highly efficient Wärtsilä 31 engine.

Europe’s first fully automated parking system to be constructed at the Port of Zeebrugge

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On September 15th, International Car Operators N.V. has obtained formal approval from the Belgian government for the construction of a fully automated multi-level parking facility at its finished vehicle terminal in the port of Zeebrugge, Belgium. This facility will be the first of its kind at a European finished vehicle terminal.

The project aims to enhance operational efficiency and cut GHG emissions, thereby contributing to the development of the automotive supply chain in Europe in the most environmentally friendly way.

ICO’s current vehicle terminal is among the largest in the world and boasts the largest cargo handling capacity in Europe. The facility presently has flat parking surfaces spanning 250 hectares with a combined capacity of approximately 75,000 vehicles.

The construction of this new, automated multi-level parking system on a 2.5-hectare footprint will add approximately 10,000 parking spaces. This expansion will enable ICO to increase its annual vehicle handling capacity from 2.5 million to 3 million units, positioning the facility to accommodate the growth of the European automotive market.

Additionally, the multilevel parking system offers enhanced efficiency and flexibility. Rather than requiring drivers to manually maneuver vehicles, the automated system enables drivers to simply activate an entrance device, after which the technology seamlessly relocates vehicles within the multi-level garage. This automation minimizes risks of human error and bolsters the safety of cargo operations.

In addition, all cargo-handling machinery in the new facility will be powered by electricity generated from wind turbines** installed at the terminal. Furthermore, the terminal’s close proximity to ship-berthing positions reduces the driving distance between the parking facility and the vessels, contributing to a significant reduction in GHG emissions.

Damen delivers Combi Freighter 3850 Holger G. to Reederei Gerdes in Vietnam

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On 7 October, Damen Shipyards Group delivered its latest Combi Freighter (CF) 3850 to family owned German shipping company Reederei Gerdes. 

Damen’s CF 3850 represents the latest generation in the shipbuilder’s successful cargo vessel portfolio. The proven vessel design has been optimised for modern operations and features optimal efficiency and maximum cargo capacity. With its box-shaped hold, combined with multiple positioning options for the two grain bulkheads and tween deck, the vessel provides exceptional flexibility for transporting both bulk and breakbulk cargo. 

Designed and engineered in Drachten, the Netherlands, and built to Damen’s high standards in Vietnam, the CF 3850 comes with full aftersales support from the Netherlands.

There is a longstanding cooperation between Damen and Reederei Gerdes, with Damen having delivered eleven to the company over the years. The latest delivery prior to this one was the CF 3850 Helga G. in July this year. In the development of its vessels, Damen has taken into account feedback from Reederei Gerdes, making design modifications to enhance onboard living and working conditions.

Speaking during the delivery ceremony in Vietnam, Nicole Gerdes, Managing Director of Reederei Gerdes, remarked, “We have always believed a ship is more than a piece of steel – she becomes one of the family. That is why we are highly selective in choosing the vessels we build and the partners we work with. Damen is an international shipyard, yet it has preserved the essence of a family company. We see this in their approach to finding solutions. Even in difficult situations, Damen always works with us to find an outcome that is in everyone’s best interest.”

Remko Bouma, Commercial Director of Damen Cargo Vessels, commented, “We are proud to continue our collaboration with Reederei Gerdes, and we look forward to delivering the following two vessels currently under construction in Vietnam. Our trust in this partnership is strong, and we are committed to supporting each other throughout the process.” 

The vessels he mentions will be operated by over-C, a company founded as a partnership between Reederei Gerdes and Dennis Clavier. Over-C has specialised in coaster chartering across Europe for more than 20 years, building long-term customer relationships based on trust and reliability. The company combines deep market expertise with an openness to partnerships and innovation.

Sperry Marine sets new benchmark for Heavy Lift ship performance

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Sperry Marine has completed the first of five VisionMaster integrated bridge system installations on board a new generation of ships under delivery to one of the most advanced owner-operators in project cargo shipping.

Elise is the first of SAL Heavy Lift’s new 14,600 dwt ‘Orca Class’ vessels to combine market-leading performance on sustainability with the ability to handle ultra-large loads including some of the world’s biggest wind turbines. The first in class ship enters into service after a formal ceremony overseen by SAL in Hamburg on 6 November 2025.

Built to Ice-class 1A requirements and Polar Code standards, these DNV-classed ships are distinguished by their optimised hull shape, twin 800t capacity all-electric cranes, high efficiency hybrid propulsion, shore power connection to achieve zero emissions in port, and full readiness to use methanol as a marine fuel. They are designed to meet the stringent demands of heavy lift shipping while minimizing carbon emissions, and provide the basis for zero-emission operations once green e-methanol is available.

“The Orca Class represents a new era in heavy lift shipping, combining advanced technology with a strong focus on efficiency and sustainability,” said Sebastian Westphal, Managing Director, SAL Heavy Lift. “These vessels are equipped to establish a new benchmark for safety, precision, and innovation in this highly specialised shipping sector.”

SAL and Sperry Marine worked closely through a two-yard build project to ensure that the VisionMaster Integrated Bridge System selected for the Orca Class meets all safety and operating performance requirements, even in the most challenging conditions.

Elise’s advanced Integrated Bridge System (IBS) features VNC (Virtual Network Computing) watch modes, allowing watchkeepers to access critical tools such as the ice radar directly at the conning position. Raw video data from the VisionMaster Net Additional Facilities X-Band navigation radar is seamlessly fed into the Rutter Sigma S6 Ice Navigator, enhancing ice detection capabilities. Through VNC, the ice radar display can be flexibly operated from the conning position, ensuring greater situational awareness and operational efficiency.

The vessel is also equipped with Sperry Marine’s advanced Fiber Optic Gyrocompasses (FOGs), which deliver highly accurate heading data and maintain stability even when external GNSS signals are jammed or spoofed. Leveraging an integrated Inertial Navigation System (INS) model, FOGs provide continuous and reliable performance during GNSS disruptions, while also giving operators early warning of potential signal manipulation.

“This ship is also the first newbuild equipped with Sperry Marine’s new NAVISTAR satellite compass solution, which ensures precise and reliable heading data – even at high latitudes – and the first newly built vessel to feature a complete installation of the cutting-edge 27″ VisionMaster Net Panel PCs,” said Pascal Göllnitz, Product Line Manager – Integrated Bridge Systems, Sperry Marine. “The platform’s adaptability to evolving customer requirements was further demonstrated when we responded to SAL’s last-minute request to integrate Orca AI’s camera system into VisionMaster Net, adding a layer of situational awareness.”

The Sperry Marine solution also includes SperrySphere, a powerful onboard voyage planning tool that combines speed, ease of use, and intelligent route optimization, along with advanced 7-inch XDi multifunctional repeater displays. These highly flexible displays were deployed with customised information pages tailored to the customer’s specific operational needs, making them ideal for overhead console applications and beyond. The IBS package furthermore contains Sperry Marine’s new ‘self-adaptive’ NAVIPILOT 4500N autopilot, which dynamically adjusts to vessel characteristics and changing conditions, resulting in measurable fuel savings and reduced bridge workload.

“Elise enters service equipped with Sperry Marine’s latest navigation technologies after a strong collaboration between SAL and Sperry Marine’s engineering, project management and support staff to coordinate an unusual build project that started at Wuhu Shipyard and was completed in Weihai,” added Göllnitz.

Concordia Damen starts major refit project for Reederei Deymann

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Concordia Damen has received a new contract from Reederei Deymann, one of Germany’s largest inland shipping companies, for the extensive refit of a dry cargo vessel Hirschhorn.  

The refit involves the complete renewal of the aft ship. Originally equipped with a single engine, single propeller shaft and an outdated living and wheelhouse arrangement, the vessel will undergo a transformation at Concordia Damen’s yard in Werkendam.  

The aft section will be cut off in front of the accommodation to replace the old configuration with a twin-shaft propulsion system powered by two new, fuel-efficient diesel-electric 630 KWE engines. 

In addition, the accommodation and wheelhouse will be completely rebuilt, offering greater comfort, improved ergonomics and visibility, and compliance with modern operational standards.

The refit will significantly extend the vessel’s lifetime, enhance propulsion efficiency and reliability, and reduce fuel consumption and emissions. In addition, the new configuration enables the vessel to sail in shallow water conditions. 

Bert Duijzer, Technical Director, at Concordia Damen, says:

“This project shows how a well-planned refit can give a reliable vessel a new life. We are proud to support Reederei Deymann in keeping their fleet efficient, sustainable and competitive for years to come. Our team in Werkendam has started the work, and we look forward to delivering another successful project together.”

Berg Propulsion secures second Arriva retrofit project

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In January this year, long-established Berg Propulsion customer Arriva upgraded the general cargo vessel Norjarl (5,335 gt) to include Berg’s MPC800 control system and Dynamic Drive. The project sought to optimize energy use at a reduced operating speed so that the 2009-built ship would retain its competitive edge in shipping’s low carbon era.

Monitoring over several months to track Norjarl’s performance in the North Sea and Baltic Sea has confirmed overall fuel savings of above 10 percent, according to Arriva. The results have led the owner to contract a second Berg retrofit involving the 4,183 gt general cargo carrier Norbris.

“The Norjarl project showed the impact introducing state-of-the-art control technology could have when an existing ship is designed and maintained to the highest standards,” said Paul Helland, Technical Manager, Arriva Shipping. “After verifying the gains, we move forward with Norbris.”

Installed with a MAN 6L32/40 engine, Norjarl previously featured propulsion control from another supplier. In the case of Norbris, built in 2002, the MPC800 control unit and Dynamic Drive will supersede existing Berg Propulsion ERC2000 technology to work with the ship’s MaK 6M32C engine. In both cases, the combination of Dynamic Drive and auxiliary generators provides an economical route to flexibility in engine speed control, said Magnus Thorén, Energy & Efficiency Sales Manager, Berg Propulsion.

“We have installed control systems and the Dynamic Drive solution on board several Arriva newbuilds, and the owner has become a key Berg Propulsion customer in Norway,” said Thorén. “The Norjarl retrofit involved close collaboration through installation and performance evaluation, so it is especially pleasing that the owner is confirming that the thinking behind the first project has been borne out by experience to drive a second.” 

Energy & Efficiency projects helped owners extend the life of pre-2010 ships to compete at a time of volatile fuel costs, emissions trading and carbon intensity ratings, added Thorén.
 
The follow-up project is also a notable success for Saga Marine, which represents Berg Propulsion in Norway. Eirik Lutnaes, Saga Marine, said: “There are plenty of good quality ships out there with the potential to perform cost effectively, competitively and sustainably using modern control and drive technology. We are delighted to work with Berg Propulsion in support of Arriva’s fleet renewal strategy.”

Incat Crowther to design next generation offshore support vessel for Carpentaria Marine

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Carpentaria Marine Services (Carpentaria Marine) is expanding its fleet after commissioning Incat Crowther to design a new multi-purpose offshore support vessel. 

The new vessel will be utilised by Carpentaria Marine for a range of services including marine construction, dive operations, underwater surveying and remotely operated vehicle operations. The new vessel is anticipated to begin operation in 2026.

The 37-metre vessel will add to Carpentaria Marine’s growing fleet of specialist marine services vessels and follows the operational success of Strait Shooter 1, a 28-metre workboat designed and delivered by Incat Crowther and Richardson Devine Marine in 2010.

Powered by two Cummins QSK50 engines, the new vessel has been designed to support long-term, remote operations with a robust hull form suitable for offshore missions and capacity for 68,000 litres of fuel and 24,500 litres of water. Capable of reaching speeds of up to 24 knots, the innovative design features a large aft deck, with operational capability enhanced by the inclusion twin bow thrusters for station-keeping. The vessel’s myriad roles are bolstered by the capacity to carry up to four 20-foot containers, 15-tonne A-Frame winch, knuckle boom crane capable of lifting 15 tonnes, workshop locker room, as well as a moonpool for survey operations on the hull deck.

The accommodation is located over three decks and contains sleeping and service facilities for a crew of 28 in ten cabins. The upper deck includes two officers’ quarters with bathrooms, study and lounge areas, alongside the bridge. The main deck features a wet room, a galley, pantry and mess, a large lounge area, as well as the owner’s cabin and three crew cabins, all with bathrooms. The hull deck features four crew cabins, each sleeping four, and a further four bathrooms.

Vance Wallin, Managing Director of Carpentaria Marine said, “Following the success of Strait Shooter 1,it made sense to partner with Incat Crowther and Richardson Devine Marine once again as our fleet continues to grow. We are very confident Incat Crowther will help us turn our vision of creating a state-of-the-art, industry-leading, multi-purpose offshore vessel into a reality.”

Technical Manager at Incat Crowther Sam Mackay said: “Our team has worked closely with Carpentaria Marine to improve and increase the capability of this vessel to meet an expanded range of mission requirements. This will allow the company to expand its operations and service offerings to the Australian maritime industry. This project also demonstrates Incat Crowther’s sovereign design and manufacturing capability – with the vessel designed and constructed in Australia.”

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