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McDermott advances Scarborough EPCIC with successful FPU floatover

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The contract, awarded in 2021, followed the successful delivery of front-end engineering design for the Scarborough Energy Project’s FPU and includes engineering, procurement, construction, installation and commissioning (EPCIC) services.

McDermott is delivering design, fabrication, integration, transportation and installation of an approximately 30,000-metric-ton topside and 37,000-metric-ton hull structure, making it the largest floating production facility the company has ever designed and built, and one of the largest semi-submersible production platforms built in offshore history. 

Topsides fabrication was completed at McDermott’s joint venture yard, Qingdao McDermott Wuchuan (QMW), in Qingdao, China, while the hull was constructed by COSCO in its Qidong shipyard, also in China. The topsides have six deck levels; 169 core equipment units, including three gas turbine-driven export gas compressors and three main generators with waste heat recovery systems; more than 50,000 meters of piping; one million meters of cabling; 568 integrated subsystems and a battery energy storage system, supporting operational emissions reduction.

Earlier this month, both structures were transported offshore, and the topsides installed onto the hull via floatover off the coast of Dalian, China.

Following the successful floatover, the FPU arrived at CIMC’s Raffles yard in Yantai, China, for final integration works. From there, it is expected to sail away to Western Australia, where it will be moored at the Scarborough gas field approximately 375 kilometers offshore from the Burrup Peninsula.

MacGregor to deliver electric cargo cranes for Vertom’s multipurpose vessels built in India

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This order represents MacGregor’s first electric crane delivery for vessels, which will be built in India, marking a significant milestone in expanding sustainable solutions to emerging markets.

The vessels will be constructed at Chowgule Shipyard in India, and the order has been facilitated in close cooperation with VARYA Tech Pvt Ltd., MacGregor’s local sales partner.

Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2026. Each vessel will be equipped with 2 x SWL 80t – 18m fully electric cargo cranes and this order is booked in Q2 2025.

This collaboration highlights the commitment of MacGregor, the Vertom Group, and Chowgule Shipyard to advance sustainable operations by integrating energy-efficient, electric cargo handling solutions into the fleet. The fully electric cranes are designed to enhance safety, reliability, and operational efficiency while reducing environmental impact compared to traditional hydraulic systems.

“We are pleased to partner with MacGregor on this important step forward in the electrification of our fleet,” says Rolf van Leeuwen, Newbuilding Superintendent, Vertom. “These electric cranes support our commitment to safer and more sustainable operations and reflect our ambition to lead by example in responsible shipping.”

“We chose MacGregor Cranes for this project due to advanced VFD electric crane technology and experience of MacGregor in delivering successful projects to Indian shipyards,” says Shrikant Itagi, Director Projects, Chowgule Shipbuilding Yard.

“We are pleased to partner with Vertom in bringing next-generation electric crane technology to their fleet,” says Magnus Sjöberg, Senior Vice President, Equipment and Solutions Division, MacGregor. “This order demonstrates our ability to meet the evolving demands of the shipping industry with efficient and environmentally responsible solutions.” 

Damen and Alfa Laval join forces to accelerate shipping decarbonisation

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The partnership brings together two key players committed to supporting shipowners in their transition to lower-carbon operations.

The collaboration focuses on identifying opportunities for sustainability improvements during the quotation and project phases of ship maintenance and refit. By combining Damen’s experience in these areas with Alfa Laval’s innovative energy-saving technologies, the companies aim to make decarbonisation upgrades a natural part of regular drydockings.

“Together, we can help owners take real steps towards IMO and EU sustainability targets,” says Michele Rivella, Sales Manager Sustainability at Damen Shiprepair Rotterdam. “By integrating Alfa Laval’s solutions into our existing workflow, we create a smooth, efficient path for clients to make meaningful changes – without needing extra downtime.”

The cooperation also includes joint customer visits and shared events, such as a planned sustainability-focused day during Alfa Laval Marine Days in September later this year. Both companies share a significant portion of their customer base, creating a solid foundation for impactful results.

“Sustainability is at the core of our business, and Alfa Laval is developing solutions that support our customers in navigating the shift to net zero,” says Leo Peters, Manager Sustainability at Alfa Laval Benelux.

“This partnership allows us to deliver a suite of innovative solutions and technologies to help shipowners reduce emissions, adopt energy-saving measures, and meet environmental requirements – all through a trusted shipyard partner that shares our commitment to sustainable progress,” says David van Luijtelaar, Head of Marine Division Benelux.

The collaboration underlines Damen’s broader goal of becoming the most sustainable maritime solutions provider in the world. By working closely with clients and partners, Damen continues to deliver practical answers to the industry’s greatest challenges.

Höegh Evi signs FSRU charter with EGAS

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The FSRU Hoegh Gandria will be deployed in Q4 2026 to the Port of Sumed and will supply up to 1,000 mmscf/day of peak LNG regasification capacity, making it a critical part of Egypt’s diversified and flexible energy infrastructure.

“Höegh Evi is proud of our longstanding role as a trusted energy infrastructure partner to Egypt and we are excited to begin the conversion of Hoegh Gandria to a floating import terminal, highlighting the unique flexibility of marine infrastructure. We look forward to building on the successful long relationship we have with EGAS and supporting the growth of Egypt’s diversified energy system,” said Erik Nyheim, President and CEO of Höegh Evi.

To accelerate the FSRU employment, Höegh Evi will convert the LNG carrier Hoegh Gandria to a floating regasification and import terminal (FSRU). The conversion project will begin immediately, to ensure the timely delivery of the FSRU.

Hoegh Gandria was purchased in February 2023 with the intention of conversion from an LNG carrier to a high-capacity FSRU for long-term deployment. Executing the conversion reinforces the company’s strategy to leverage the flexibility and high-performance capabilities of marine infrastructure.

The FSRU Hoegh Gandria will replace the Hoegh Galleon, which was deployed to Egypt in July 2024, on an interim charter from AIE and Höegh Evi. The Galleon will remain in Egypt for up to an additional year before deployment to the LNG terminal in Port Kembla, Australia in 2027.

Fugro selected for pioneering USV seabed mapping initiative in Norway

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For the first time in its history, MAREANO will use uncrewed surface vessel (USV) technology to acquire the data, with Fugro deploying its new 18 m Blue Eclipse® USV for the initiative. This innovative approach aims to advance the move towards lower carbon emissions in seabed mapping while ensuring high-quality data acquisition for the responsible management and preservation of Norway’s marine resources.

The Blue Eclipse®, the largest USV in Fugro’s fleet, will survey over 675 km² region in the North Sea, with water depths ranging from 90 to 250 metres. Equipped with advanced high-resolution, high-density multibeam echo sounders and sub-bottom data acquisition systems, the USV will gather comprehensive datasets, including bathymetry, water column data, acoustic backscatter data, and sub-bottom profiler data to understand the seabed’s topography and geology.

A key advantage of using the Blue Eclipse® is its significantly reduced fuel consumption – up to 90 % less than traditional survey vessels – directly contributing to more sustainable operations. Controlled remotely from Fugro’s remote operations centre in Aberdeen, the USV’s long endurance and real-time data transfer capabilities will ensure efficient operations and reduce potential delays in the challenging North Sea environment, factors crucial for the success of the MAREANO programme.

Helge Welde, Chief Engineer at the Norwegian Mapping Authority, Hydrographic Service said: “The MAREANO programme wants to accelerate the shift towards lower carbon emissions in seabed mapping. Use of USVs is one way to achieve this goal. Experiences from this year’s seabed mapping with USV technology will give us direction for opportunities in future surveys.”

Nick Simmons, Fugro’s USV Services Director said: “This award marks a significant milestone for Fugro and the commercial debut of our advanced Blue Eclipse® USV. The NHS’s decision, following a thorough evaluation process, highlights our technical capabilities, operational strategy, and commitment to knowledge sharing. We are confident that the Blue Eclipse® and our expert team will deliver high-quality results for this important environmental mapping programme.”

Fugro has a well-established history of supporting the MAREANO programme since 2006, having acquired over 147,000 km² of data to date. 

DeepOcean picks up uncrewed vessel for remote-controlled subsea work

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DeepOcean’s subsea base at Killingøy, Haugesund. Here it will test its innovative launch and recovery system for the onboard ROV, and get maritime authority approval for its remote operating capabilities before entering a long-term charter agreement with DeepOcean.

The owner of the vessel is USV AS, which is a joint venture company established by Solstad Offshore, Østensjø Rederi and DeepOcean. The company’s main purpose is to invest and own uncrewed vessels.

The USV Challenger will be remotely controlled from shore and will be equipped with multiple autonomous features. It can operate and endure remotely in severe weather conditions.

During operations, both the USV maritime crew and ROV operators will be co-located in the same remote operating centre (ROC) at Killingøy, near Haugesund.

“Needless to say, the USV is fully capable of deploying offshore and conducting subsea operations independently. However, it can also serve as a highly cost-effective supplement to larger subsea vessels. Rather than mobilizing large vessels for every offshore task, operators can leverage the USV and its onboard ROV for parts of subsea installation, survey, or IMR scope. By reducing the need for repeated transits of larger vessels, the USV offers significant cost savings. The value proposition is clear – the USV represents a more economical and efficient alternative for a wide range of offshore operations,” says Øyvind Mikaelsen, CEO of DeepOcean.

The USV Challenger will be equipped with a fully electric work class ROV with hydraulic capabilities that is capable of operating down to 1,500 metres water depth, plus a sizeable tool package that will allow the ROV to perform a wide range of subsea operations.

The ROV is outfitted with survey sensors for pipeline survey, seabed mapping and annual inspection work including measurements and cleaning operations. It can also interface a fly-out ROV to offer visual inspection support for a larger host ROV in busy, congested and high-risk operating environments. The ROV can also perform 3D scanning of the subsea assets.

To facilitate highly efficient subsea inspection work, the ROV has been outfitted with the same software as DeepOcean’s autonomous inspection drone (AID). This allows the ROV to perform pre-programmed inspections of subsea assets. A key enabler for this is DeepOcean’s proprietary digital twin platform where a model of the ROV is controlled. In seabed areas with low visibility, the ROV operator can instead fly and operate the ROV in the digital twin.

The ROV can also perform maintenance and repair work subsea, including light lifting operations, as it is equipped with powerful thrusters and has a through-frame lifting capacity. The ROV can open hatches on subsea templates, conduct repair work, use torque tools on subsea equipment, or run cleaning tools and conduct leak measurement work. It can also connect and disconnect flying leads, perform general commissioning support on subsea equipment, and provide touchdown support for cable-laying operations.  

“The USV provides a highly cost-efficient transport and launch platform for the ROV, and the well-equipped ROV enables efficient subsea operations. We expect that this combination will provide substantial cost benefits for operators of subsea equipment in both the oil and gas and renewable energy industries,” adds Øyvind Mikaelsen.

To increase its workable weather window, the USV is equipped with a novel launch and recovery system (LARS) that has been designed by DeepOcean. The LARS consists of an electrical winch, a sheave wheel trolley, kicker and rear hatch.

Launch and recovery of the ROV is conducted over the stern of the USV. When launching, the ROV is simply pushed in, while the USV moves forward. When recovering, the ROV is pulled in like a trawl, while the boat moves forward.

The USV is also equipped with a gyro stabilizer that reduces vessel movements during launch and recovery operations. The combination of the unique LARS and the USV’s other features, will allow DeepOcean to launch and recover the onboard ROV in significant wave heights.

DeepOcean and operator Aker BP have agreed to pioneer the use of the USV for subsea inspection, maintenance and repair (IMR) and survey work. Aker BP and DeepOcean already cooperate under a frame agreement for subsea IMR and survey work, and Aker BP has contributed to the development of the USV. The two companies share a long-term ambition to move 30 percent of IMR work from traditional vessels to USVs.  

DeepOcean is also in dialogue with other Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS) operators regarding utilizing the USV for demonstration projects. Vår Energi is among the participants in a project to demonstrate the USV’s operability and capabilities in 2025. The vessel will spend the next 4-5 months in Haugesund to undergo various installation work and conduct an inshore test period.

“We are experiencing strong interest from operators who recognize the cost and environmental advantages of integrating the USV as part of their subsea operations,” concludes Øyvind Mikaelsen.

South Korea set to unveil the largest liquefied hydrogen transport vessel by 2027

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On the 9th, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy formed a joint public-private promotion team for liquefied hydrogen carriers and held a launching ceremony at BEXCO, Busan. 

Liquefied hydrogen carriers are considered future ship items that will succeed liquefied natural gas (LNG) ships, which Korea has a technological advantage. The technical difficulty is very high and the added value is also great.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts that by 2050, there will be more than 200 liquefied hydrogen carriers. This is based on the prediction that 500 million tons (t) of hydrogen will be produced and used worldwide by 2050.

Noh Gil-tae, a senior researcher at the Korea Register of Shipping (KR), said, “Liquid hydrogen carriers are expected to be used as a long-term means of transporting hydrogen after 2030 given that cryogenic cargo ship technology or equipment is still under development and large-scale liquefaction plants are needed at the production site.”

As the market for liquefied hydrogen carriers is expected to grow, major countries have also jumped into the development of carriers. Representatively, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Japan, built the world’s first liquefied hydrogen carrier, Suiso Frontier, and transported liquefied hydrogen from Australia.

The Ministry of Industry also announced a strategy to lead the super gap of liquefied hydrogen carriers last year and began developing carriers in earnest. At that time, three strategies were put forward: securing core materials, parts, and equipment source technologies, demonstration and enlargement, and establishing a public-private cooperation system. The Ministry of Industry plans to provide a total of 55.5 billion won this year and build the world’s largest demonstration ship by 2027.

To this end, the government launched a promotion team consisting of top experts in domestic liquefied hydrogen carriers, including the three shipbuilding companies, universities, and researchers. The Ministry of Industry plans to create a cooperative ecosystem such as linkage and cooperation between R&D tasks, cooperation in building demonstration ships, and establishing a supply chain for liquefied hydrogen equipment. Currently, 43 R&D projects involving 101 organizations are underway at the same time in the development of liquefied hydrogen carriers. As such, the role of governance that can organically link and cooperate with tasks is important.

An official from the Ministry of Industry said, “Liquid hydrogen carriers are an area with high technology difficulty and very high risk of early technology development, and the government’s role as a pick-up water for K-Chosun’s new food preoccupation is important. We will reorganize related laws and systems so that the technology we have developed can become a global standard and actively support to secure technology for large-scale liquefied hydrogen carriers early.”

Source: mk.co.kr

Sharks and rays found living around Dutch wind farms

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Researchers at Wageningen University have detected several shark and ray species in and around Dutch wind farms via traces of DNA in seawater, and say the energy developments may help protect marine life as well as produce energy.

The findings, published in the journal Ocean and Coastal Management, mark the first time Wageningen scientists have confirmed the active presence of rays and sharks through environmental DNA (eDNA) in seawater.

This is is genetic material left by organisms in their surroundings and allows scientists to identify species that have passed through an area without the need for physical capture.

“We’re trying to understand whether these animals are actually using the wind farms as habitat, or whether they’re being displaced by them,” said PhD researcher Annemiek Hermans.

Five different shark and ray species were detected in four offshore wind farms. The thornback ray (Raja clavata) was the most frequently observed species, found year-round at three of the sites.

Basking sharks (Cetorhinus maximus), a migratory species that feeds on plankton and can grow up to eight metres long, were detected during winter in Hollandse Kust Zuid.

Other species identified include the starry smooth-hound (Mustelus asterias) and the blonde ray (Raja brachyura), both observed across multiple seasons and locations.

Trawling and other forms of seabed-disturbing fishing are prohibited within offshore wind farms, allowing marine ecosystems to recover. Researchers believe these more stable habitats could benefit vulnerable species such as sharks and rays.

“We must tread carefully,” Hermans said. “If we start allowing bottom trawling in these areas, we risk losing the very protection these zones may offer.”

The research is part of a wider project to investigate whether electromagnetic fields from subsea power cables in offshore wind farms affect shark and ray behaviour, as these species rely on electro-sensory perception for hunting and navigation.

Source: dutchnews

Bollinger teams up with Edison Chouest Offshore to deliver ‘next-generation’ icebreakers

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Bollinger Shipyards and Edison Chouest Offshore (ECO) have announced the formation of a strategic partnership called United Shipbuilding Alliance (USA).

USA recently responded to the U.S. Coast Guard’s April 11th Request for Information titled, “Arctic Security Cutter (ASC): Icebreaking Capable Vessels or Vessel Designs that are Ready for Construction,” outlining the utilization of a commercial vessel for national security purposes acquisition process that spans 33 months from contract award to delivery.

The viability and effectiveness of commercial vessel construction for national security purposes have been firmly demonstrated through the recent acquisition of the USCGC STORIS (WAGB-21) [ex – M/V AIVIQ]. The STORIS is an American-built icebreaker designed for Arctic conditions and delivered in under three years.

The proposed commercial acquisition method will save U.S. taxpayers more than 40% by reducing and eliminating excess program bloat, government vendor source selection mandates, and redundant bureaucratic reporting mandates. The streamlined approach enables agile execution, smart vendor selection, and the flexibility to shift work across multiple facilities, ensuring projects stay on schedule, minimize disruption, and remain on budget. Programs benefit from stable, contract-driven workforces and flexible timelines, with the ability to shift work across multiple facilities to stay on schedule and control costs. In contrast, government acquisition often suffers from regulatory delays, rigid change management, and increased costs.

“If the mission demands speed, efficiency, and innovation, the answer is clear, let American industry lead,” said Ben Bordelon, President and CEO of Bollinger Shipyards. “The formation of the United Shipbuilding Alliance comes at a pivotal moment and answers President Trump’s call to action in making American Shipbuilding Great Again. I am excited by President Trump’s efforts to reinvigorate America’s shipyards. Through his leadership, he has reignited demand, sparked competition, and challenged American industry to rise to the occasion with urgency and creativity.”

“The creation of the United Shipbuilding Alliance represents a significant evolution in America’s capacity to rapidly address urgent Arctic operational requirements,” said Gary Chouest, President and CEO of Edison Chouest Offshore. “Our collaboration underscores a dedicated commitment to ensuring America retains a decisive edge in maritime capabilities and enhancing national security within the increasingly strategic Arctic region.”

USA will leverage the combined 144 years of expertise and capacity of Bollinger and ECO’s 6,000-plus skilled American workers across their 33 operational shipyards and fabrication facilities across the Gulf of America to rapidly design, build, and deliver icebreakers for commercial and government customers. Between the two American companies, they have built and delivered four icebreakers in the last three decades, and Bollinger is currently constructing the Polar Security Cutter (PSC) program for the U.S. Coast Guard.

Damen Naval signs contract with EID for Integrated Communications System

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Damen Naval has signed a contract with Portuguese defence technology company EID S.A. for the delivery of the Integrated Communications Control System (ICCS) for the PES (Plataforma Estratégica de Superficie) frigate to be built in Colombia. 

EID, part of the UK-listed Cohort plc group, is a trusted Damen partner, with recent collaboration on the Portuguese Navy’s Multi-Purpose Vessel (MPV), which forms part of Damen’s Support Ship range. 

This PES frigate project is a strategic collaboration between Damen Naval and Colombian shipbuilder COTECMAR. The programme represents a major step forward in strengthening regional maritime defence capabilities and empowering Colombia’s local industry. In line with this, EID will work closely with Colombian stakeholders to support knowledge transfer and long-term technical cooperation.

“Partnering with proven, innovative suppliers like EID supports our commitment to delivering cutting-edge capability,” said Jasper Oreel, Damen Naval Project Director. “This is another example of how we bring global expertise with local impact.”

“We are very proud at EID to have been chosen by Damen to supply for the Colombian PES Frigate programme our state-of-the-art OceaNEX C4I solution that unites into a single platform EID’s proven Integrated Communication System with our ship network technology,” said Martin Bennett, EID’s Chief Executive. “This is particularly exciting, working with Damen on their Sigma Class Frigate and enabling new technology partnerships with our partners and stakeholders in Colombia”.

The PES frigate is scheduled for delivery to the Colombian Navy in 2030. 

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