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UK Dredging celebrates the naming of latest vessel to join its fleet

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UK Dredging (UKD) has hosted the official naming ceremony for the UKD Seadragon, a state-of-the-art Shoalbuster 2711 Water Injection Dredger (WID), and the latest addition to UKD’s fleet, on Wednesday 15 May 2025.

In the ceremony, which took place in Cardiff’s Roath Basin, UKD and ABP colleagues were joined by the vessel’s Godmother, Rhian Lewis, the Mission to Seafarer’s and shipbuilders, Damen, to name and bless the UKD Seadragon.

Mark Pearson, UKD General Manager said: “It was a proud day for ABP, for UK Dredging, and for everyone involved in bringing the UKD Seadragon to life. The Seadragon has been built to schedule, to budget, and to the highest of standards, and we’re very proud and grateful for this achievement.”

Joppe Neijens, Sales Manager Dredging, Damen Shipyards, also delivered a speech, highlighting the strong partnership and collaborative efforts that made the UKD Seadragon a reality. “As shipbuilder, we are honoured to have built the UKD Seadragon. This dredger is the result of very close cooperation between both parties and represents the first of a new generation of efficient and innovation water injection dredgers”.

The UKD Seadragon introduces an innovative approach to water injection dredging, offering exceptional efficiency and flexibility. The vessel features a cutting-edge diesel-electric propulsion and power management system, optimising engine efficiency and significantly reducing emissions. This innovation supports ABP’s journey toward achieving net-zero emissions.

The UKD Seadragon is equipped with a next-generation, fully electric Damen E-DOP450 dredge pump, delivering an impressive capacity of 4,000m³/h, ensuring maximum efficiency and minimal operating costs. The vessel also includes an A-frame for added versatility, allowing the WID Skid to be securely stored on the vessel’s aft deck when not in use.

The UKD Seadragon is the first commercial vessel to be registered in Cardiff in six years. As the newest addition to the fleet, she underscores UKD’s commitment to maintaining its position as the leading provider of dredging services in the UK.

Port of Cromarty Firth awards £1.5m Phase 5 pre-construction contract to RJ McLeod

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Port of Cromarty Firth has awarded a £1.5 million contract to RJ McLeod to carry out all required pre-construction work in readiness for the construction stage of its £111 million Phase 5 expansion that will expand the size of the Port’s current 9Ha Quay West facility and provide the critical facilities needed in Scotland for the rapid development of new North Sea fixed bottom and floating offshore windfarms.

One of Scotland’s leading civil engineering contractors, RJ McLeod, will be tasked with undertaking detailed design and producing a construction programme and plan, as well as planning the procurement of critical materials. The company was selected using SCAPE Scotland’s Utilities Works and Services Framework. The pre-construction stage is due to be finalised in the summer, with construction then due to commence in the autumn.

RJ McLeod, headquartered in Glasgow, has a 70-year history of delivering complex engineering solutions to clients the length and breadth of Scotland, including developing the nation’s coastal infrastructure – sea defence works, breakwaters, causeways, harbours and linkspans. Recent successful projects include improving the harbour area and main street in Ullapool, which won the Best Overall Project category at the Scottish Civil Engineering Awards.

The awarding of the contract comes after the UK Government’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero confirmed the award of £55.7 million of Floating Offshore Wind Manufacturing Investment Scheme (FLOWMIS) funding to the Port to create a custom-designed Floating Offshore Wind Integration and Precommissioning facility, paving the way for it to negotiate further match-funding from private investors.

The expansion project is expected to create 170-320 jobs in the construction phase. When complete, it will provide the larger facilities needed for the integration, precommissioning and operational support to floating offshore wind – a vital component of regional jobs and growth, national energy security (and reduction of energy bills), and to Scotland and the UK achieving their Net Zero obligations.

The Port has been highlighted in industry reports as the most logical location for a strategic national floating offshore wind hub. This is due to its location, experienced supply chain and deep, sheltered waters which can accommodate the large vessels required to deliver the substantial components and floating technology such as towers, blades, steel and concrete foundations needed for offshore wind.

Alex Campbell, Port of Cromarty Firth Chief Executive, said: “The Port is delighted to award the pre-construction contract to Scottish company RJ McLeod. The award recognises the company’s long and successful track record in delivering projects of huge significance to the area in which they are built. Everyone at the Port is looking forward to working with RJ McLeod on Phase 5, our most ambitious expansion project yet.

“This contract has also gone ahead thanks to the FLOWMIS funding recently confirmed by the UK Government. They recognised how Phase 5 is vital to provide the necessary integration and precommissioning facilities to act as a catalyst to deliver economic growth and jobs by ensuring the manufacture, assembly and many other services required for floating offshore wind projects happens in the UK. It will unlock investment in Invergordon and at other ports across the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport.”

Hamish Seaton, North Director at RJ McLeod, said: “Our North Office is located less than 15 miles from the port and has a long and successful history of delivering large projects of significant size and ambition such as this. This project will provide us with the opportunity to deliver a boost to the local economy, not only in terms of employment with a local Highland contractor, but also in terms of the extensive and valuable local supply chain of goods and services.”

Energy Minister Michael Shanks said: “Our £55m investment in Cromarty Firth will help it develop into one of the first UK ports able to deploy floating offshore wind turbines at scale. It’s fantastic to see progress today in rolling out the next stage of this project that will support rapid expansion of new offshore wind in the North Sea.

“This facility shows how Scotland is reaping the benefits of our clean power mission, and helping to deliver on our Plan for Change by driving growth and creating good, skilled jobs.”
 

Damen Maaskant delivers scampi trawler to Sanford following arrival in New Zealand

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The 32.4-metre vessel has safely arrived in New Zealand, where the official handover will take place and the vessel will soon begin operations in the Southern Ocean.

Based on Damen’s SeaFisher 3210 design, the San Koura Rangi was developed through close collaboration between Damen and Sanford. Throughout the process, both teams maintained open, regular and constructive contact, resulting in a highly tailored vessel that incorporates all of Sanford’s specific requirements within a compact and efficient design.

The trawler features a diesel-electric propulsion system to reduce emissions, and a power management system to minimise the running engines. Stepping on board, it’s clear that every aspect of the vessel has been thoughtfully considered. 

Special attention was given to creating a homely atmosphere onboard, to cater for crew members spending extended periods at sea. The interior has been carefully designed to be welcoming and comfortable for the crew. Furthermore, the large bridge windows provide the skipper with outstanding all-around visibility and abundant natural light, enhancing both safety and comfort. 

Damen has also delivered an innovative and compact full electric winch system that regenerates power when paying out the trawl winches. The processing area has been functionally optimised to streamline onboard procedures while maintaining strict hygiene standards with a-state-of-art freezer system for optimal catch preservation. 

Onboard processing has been developed to meet New Zealand’s strict hygiene requirements, ensuring optimal food safety and responsible working conditions for the crew.

“This vessel is a major step forward in our ambition to reduce the carbon footprint of our operations at sea,” said Elliot Kendrick, Project Manager for Sanford. “Together with Damen, we’ve developed a vessel that reflects our shared values of sustainability, innovation, and craftsmanship.”

Ambassador visit in December, technical acceptance in February
On 6 December 2024, Susannah Gordon, New Zealand’s Ambassador to the Netherlands, visited Damen Maaskant. During her visit, she was given a tour of the San Koura Rangi, then under construction, and learned more about the cooperation between Damen and Sanford.

Following the vessel’s successful seatrials, the technical acceptance took place in February 2025. “We are truly grateful to Sanford for placing their trust in Damen,” said Pim Schuurman, Damen’s Regional Sales Director for New Zealand. “The collaboration has been not only productive, but very rewarding. This vessel represents a joint achievement in sustainable innovation.”

The hull of the vessel was launched earlier in Gdańsk, Poland, and transported to Damen Maaskant’s yard in Stellendam, the Netherlands for outfitting and final completion. With its arrival in New Zealand, the San Koura Rangi is ready to join Sanford’s fleet.

New data highlights lack of gender diversity in maritime

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The report presents data on the proportion and distribution of women working in the maritime sector from IMO Member States and the private sector.

The results are based on an analysis of a larger number of women working in maritime across the public and private sectors: 176,820 women in 2024 compared to 151,979 in 2021. In particular, there was a substantial increase in the number of Member States participating. However, the latest dataset shows that women account for just under 19% of the total workforce sampled, compared to a share of 26% in the catchment group reported in 2021.

Of the sample group, women account for 19% of the workforce of national maritime authorities in Member States, and only 16% of the surveyed private sector workforce (excluding seafarers). At sea, women remain vastly underrepresented, accounting for just 1% of the total number of seafarers employed by surveyed organisations.

Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General, IMO, said: “The second IMO-WISTA Women in Maritime Survey provides valuable insights into the sector’s progress since the baseline dataset gathered in the 2021 survey. Greater participation in the survey from Member States and industry is a welcome indication of growing engagement with gender matters.

“However, there is some way to go. Female representation is still disproportionately low, and women represent a small fraction of the seagoing workforce, highlighting the urgent need for continued commitment and action. We must redouble our efforts to foster a truly diverse and inclusive maritime industry.”

Providing insights into leadership, workforce participation, policies and education in both the public and private sectors, the report highlights significant variances between activities. Greater female representation was found in emerging sectors such as Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and decarbonisation services, while others, such as bunkering and legal services, recorded a decline.

Elpi Petraki, President, WISTA International, said: “The Women in Maritime Survey was designed to deliver real data on the state of gender diversity in maritime and offer guidance on the areas that require more attention. The intention is to inspire change and act as a collective call to action.

“Attracting, retaining and promoting women – both on land and at sea – remains a priority moving forward. However, the new data also shows how opportunities across the industry continue to be limited for women due to barriers such as gender stereotyping, workplace safety concerns, a lack of family friendly policies and the ongoing gender pay gap.”

The report provides detailed recommendations on how Member States and industry can contribute to improving gender diversity in maritime, by enhancing recruitment and retention initiatives, expanding mentorship and leadership development programmes, strengthening policy implementation and guaranteeing safe and supportive working environments.

As part of the commitment from the IMO and WISTA International to enhance gender diversity within the maritime sector, the survey and its findings contribute to the implementation of the fifth United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal (UNSDG5) – to achieve gender quality and empower all women and girls – by providing comparable data to support the development of programmes and policies to encourage female participation within the maritime industry.

Defence Intelligence of Ukraine presents Magura W6P reconnaissance naval drone

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Militarnyi’s correspondent reported the details about the new unmanned system from a closed presentation by the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine.

The Magura W6P is designed for reconnaissance and patrol missions at sea, as well as cargo delivery. According to the developers, it can no longer be used for strike operations as a kamikaze drone, although the display model still retains contact fuses in the nose section.

The new model of the naval drone is essentially a trimaran, meaning a vessel with two additional hulls, also known as outriggers. This design makes the vessel more stable in the water and reduces lateral rolling during movement or rough seas.

With a comparable weight to the Magura V5, the new design allowed the deck to be expanded to 2 meters, which can be effectively used as a platform for mounted equipment, including launch containers for strike FPV drones. When fully loaded, the Magura W6P weighs 1,900 kilograms, of which 400 kg is allocated for payload.

Unlike other models in the family, this drone is powered by a Suzuki DF200 outboard motor with 200 horsepower, which enables the vessel to cruise at a speed of 21 knots and reach a maximum speed of 36 knots. This is slower than the Magura V5, which can reach speeds of up to 50 knots when fully loaded, but the operational range has increased — the operational zone has been expanded from 800 to 1,000 km.

It is claimed that the drone is equipped with an automatic target tracking system, which could play an important role in enabling autonomous patrols of maritime areas.

For reconnaissance, the drone is equipped with a gyro-stabilized optical station with both daytime and thermal imaging channels, as well as an onboard shipborne radar system from Furuno.

The onboard radar visually resembles the dome-shaped radars of the DRS4D series, which can detect ships at a range of 20-30 kilometers, and large vessels such as tankers up to 60 kilometers. Small boats and vessels can be detected by this radar within a radius of about 7 kilometers. However, given the low height of the antenna placement, these parameters may be less effective.

It is likely that the drone’s arsenal will also include other sensors for maritime situational awareness. In particular, the Magura V7 drone, presented on the same day, is equipped with an acoustic monitoring system.

Like other drones in the family, the Magura W6P uses a multi-channel satellite communication system, making it resistant to interference from enemy electronic warfare systems.

Militarnyi previously reported that the Navy, together with developers of maritime drones, is working on creating forces and means to protect Ukrainian maritime areas from the threat of maritime drones.

The plan is for specialized surface drones to become one of the key components in defending Ukraine’s maritime areas, focusing on patrolling, searching for, and eliminating threats. The Magura W6P may be integrated into this system as a reconnaissance component.

Source: Militarnyi 

Scarborough FPU’s topsides and hull come together in major engineering feat

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Constructed separately at two different fabrication yards in China, the joining of the two mega-structures is a significant step forward for the Scarborough Energy Project as it progresses towards first LNG cargo, targeted for the second half of 2026.

The floatover required precise planning and extensive collaboration by all stakeholders. Teams from Woodside, McDermott, QMW and COSCO worked closely on the fabrication of the structures and on safely and successfully bringing them together.

Woodside Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer Australia Liz Westcott highlighted what it meant for Woodside and the Scarborough Energy Project, which is now over 82% complete.

“The floatover of the FPU is an engineering marvel and builds on the safe and successful fabrication of the topsides and hull.

“Manoeuvring two structures that each weigh more than 30,000 tonnes at sea is an exceptionally complex operation.

“I am proud of the Woodside and McDermott teams for the safe delivery of the FPU to the integration yard and the completion of this chapter of work. The FPU is a critical piece of infrastructure for this world-class project which continues to be delivered to the highest standard.”

The remaining integration work for the FPU will continue at the fabrication yard in Yantai before sailaway to Australia.

Once complete the FPU will be moored 375km off the coast of Karratha, Western Australia. The Scarborough Energy Project is set to produce up to 8 million tonnes of LNG per year and contribute up to 225 terajoules a day of domestic gas supply into the Western Australian market. 

Damen delivers a new ASD Tug to the Lithuanian Navy to strengthen its position

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On Monday the 12th of May, just nine months after the contract was signed, the christening ceremony took place of the Lithuanian Navy’s new multi-role tug at the Klaipėda Cruise Ship Terminal. 

Built and delivered by the Damen Shipyards Group, the Damen ASD Tug 3010 ICE is a well-proven class especially designed and equipped for operations in icy waters. 

Named Lokys, and designated H-24, the delivery of the vessel marks a milestone as the nation upgrades its maritime capabilities. Measuring 30 metres in length, it has a bollard pull of almost 60 tonnes and a maximum speed of more than 13 knots. Its large working deck will also enable it to support the navy across the region in a wide range of operations.

The ceremony was attended by distinguished Lithuanian guests, including Vice-Minister of National Defence Karolis Aleksa; General Raimundas Vaikšnoras; Fleet Admiral Giedrius Premeneckas and Mayor of Klaipėda Mr Arvydas Vaitkus. Mrs Ilona Vaitkienė, spouse of the mayor, had the honour of being the godmother of Lokys.

During the ceremony Vice-Minister of National Defence Karolis Aleksa stated: “The geographical location of the Port of Klaipėda and its significance, both economically and in terms of national security, are immense. Therefore, we must dedicate the necessary attention and resources to the Lithuanian Armed Forces. We clearly see and understand the threats, which is why we are developing – and will continue to develop – our maritime capabilities. The newly built addition of the H24 multi-role tug is just one example of this.”

The procurement of Lokys will significantly contribute to the Lithuanian Navy’s capability to perform various tasks. These will include a wide range of missions related to host nation support for visiting allied ships, ensuring port security and supporting the execution of tasks by the naval fleet and other units in the Armed Forces.

“It was a great honour for us to deliver the Lokys to the Lithuanian Defence Materiel Agency on time and fully operational,” said Vadim Akimov, Damen Sales Director. “We take great pride in serving the needs of our naval partners around the world and we hope that this project will mark the beginning of a strong partnership for many years to come.”

NYK Group’s first methanol-fueled bulk carrier delivered

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On May 13, a methanol dual-fuel bulk carrier chartered by NYK Bulk & Projects Carriers Ltd., an NYK Group company, from KAMBARA KISEN Co., Ltd. was delivered at the TSUNEISHI Factory of TSUNEISHI SHIPBUILDING Co., Ltd., and a naming and delivery ceremony was held. 

At the ceremony, Yuko Tsutsui, Managing Executive Officer and Chief Executive of Sustainability & Transformation Headquarters of NYK, named the vessel “Green Future.”

This vessel is the first bulk carrier in the NYK Group to be equipped with a dual-fuel engine that uses methanol and fuel oil. Methanol has a lower environmental impact than fuel oil, and by using bio-methanol and e-methanol produced using hydrogen derived from renewable energy sources and recovered carbon dioxide, the vessel achieves significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

Vessel Particulars

  • LOA: 199.99 m
  • Breadth: 32.25 m
  • Depth: 19.15 m
  • Deadweight: approx. 65,700 metric tons
  • Capacity: approx. 81,500 m3
  • Draft: 13.8 m

Hafnia, Guangzhou Shipyard, Anemoi and DNV collaboration to develop rotor sails for MR tankers

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Anemoi Marine Technologies Ltd has announced that it is collaborating with Hafnia Limited, Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI), and DNV to develop the integration design of Rotor Sails suitable for installation on 50,000 dwt Medium-Range (MR) tanker vessels.

The companies signed a Joint Development Project (JDP) in April 2025 to develop a new generation of efficient and environmentally friendly Rotor Sail vessel designs to increase the efficiency of MR tankers within the wider global fleet.

As part of the project, Anemoi and Hafnia will undertake several engineering studies to establish specifications related to how Rotor Sails can be safely and efficiently installed on the deck of MR tankers, alongside additional electrical and control system layouts for these vessels. In addition, the studies will include calculations to examine how Rotor Sails can improve the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) and Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) values of existing and future MR tankers.

GSI will apply its naval architecture and marine engineering principles to develop essential technical documentation for the new Rotor Sail’s design integration, while DNV will undertake an Approval in Principle (AiP) assessment to ensure that the design is feasible and verifies that no significant obstacles exist to prevent the design from being realized based on current and foreseeable regulatory and class requirements.

“Participating in this joint development project allows us to collaborate with industry partners to unlock the full potential of Rotor Sails on MR Tankers. It supports Hafnia’s decarbonisation strategy to assess and embrace the potential of innovative technologies to improve fuel efficiency and reduce vessel emissions,” shared Jesper Kristiansen, Hafnia’s General Manager Technical.

“WAPS, like Rotor Sails, are spreading throughout the industry, enabled by new materials, data and software, and evolving rules and regulations. Across all segments, we still have room to improve vessel energy efficiency and WAPS have emerged as one of the most attractive tools for shipping to make immediate, impactful gains in this area. DNV is very pleased to be part of this forward-looking group, and build on a cooperation with Anemoi, Hafnia and GSI that is driving shipping’s journey towards a more sustainable future,” said Mr Shao Guang Chi, Station Manager of Guangzhou Station at DNV Maritime.

“With new regulations driving the need for lower emissions, the time is right to adopt highly efficient ship designs. Integrating Rotor Sails into MR tankers is a necessary step, and together with our partners, we’re committed to delivering vessels that meet both environmental and commercial demands,” said Deputy Chief Engineer, Huang Jun of Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI).

“There is growing interest within the tanker sector for novel technology that can help reduce the carbon footprint of their vessels and increase their value, particularly as the MR tanker fleet is expected to grow in the coming years. Our partnership with Hafnia, alongside GSI and DNV, will ensure a new generation of MR tankers that utilises Rotor Sails to improve their efficiency and sustainability credentials hits the water in the not-too-distant future,” said Nick Contopoulos, Chief Production and Partnerships Officer of Anemoi. 

Rotor Sails, also known as ‘Flettner Rotors’, are vertical cylinders that harness the renewable power of the wind to provide additional forward thrust and improve the energy efficiency of the vessel. 

Woodside and Aramco sign collaboration agreement

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Woodside Energy Ltd (Woodside) and Aramco entered into a non-binding collaboration agreement to explore global opportunities, including Aramco’s potential acquisition of an equity interest in and LNG offtake from the Louisiana LNG project. Additionally, both companies are exploring opportunities for a potential collaboration in lower-carbon ammonia.

Woodside CEO Meg O’Neill welcomed the collaboration agreement.

“We are excited to explore new opportunities with Aramco. This collaboration aligns with Woodside’s strategic vision to build a diverse and resilient global portfolio. It leverages our growing relationship with one of the world’s leading integrated energy and chemicals companies, to explore new opportunities which deliver value for both parties.

“It is also another demonstration of the ongoing interest Louisiana LNG is generating among high-quality potential investors, following our recent agreement with Stonepeak to acquire a 40% interest in the project’s infrastructure holding company.”

The collaboration agreement was signed in Riyadh at the Saudi-US Investment Forum attended by Saudi Arabian Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman and US President Donald Trump.

Woodside announced a final investment decision to develop the three-train, 16.5 million tonnes per annum Louisiana LNG development on 29 April 2025. Woodside is targeting first LNG in 2029.

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