Econowind installs four VentoFoils on tanker M/T JUTLANDIA SWAN

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June 26, 2025

Econowind has successfully installed four 16-metre VentoFoils on board the chemical tanker M/T JUTLANDIA SWAN, owned and operated by Danish shipping company Uni-Tankers.

“This is the fourth tanker to sail with VentoFoils,” says Chiel de Leeuw, Chief Commercial Officer at Econowind. “It shows how our suction wing technology is gaining traction in the tanker segment. Thanks to our experience and ATEX-approved systems, we know what’s required for these vessels. And we’re proud to support Uni-Tankers as they take this important step.”

M/T JUTLANDIA SWAN is a 124 x 20 metre tanker. Inspired by a similar setup on a Chemship parcel tanker, Uni-Tankers saw an opportunity to apply wind propulsion to one of their own vessels, aligning with their ambitions to decarbonize operations.

The project was carefully prepared in advance. During a scheduled drydock in Turkey, the foundation works were carried out. Once the vessel arrived in Rotterdam, the commissioning process proceeded swiftly at Rotterdam Offshore Group (ROG), underlining how easily VentoFoils can be integrated into operational workflows.

The system is currently undergoing classification with Bureau Veritas and is expected to deliver strong performance: a 10% improvement in EEXI and a 3% contribution towards FuelEU Maritime compliance. This makes the business case not only technically viable but also economically compelling.

“Wind-Assisted Ship Propulsion has clear potential — but its real value depends on how well it integrates into daily operations. Now we’ll be able to test how these sails behave at sea, what they mean for fuel efficiency, and how the crew can work with them in practice,” says Kristian Larsen, Technical Director at Uni-Tankers.

With wind seen as a key pillar in Uni-Tankers’ decarbonization strategy, the M/T JUTLANDIA SWAN will now serve as a test case for integrating suction-based wind propulsion in everyday tanker operations.

Damen delivers state-of-the-art Shoalbuster 2711 UKD Seadragon to UK Dredging

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June 26, 2025

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During a festive ceremony, a Damen Shoalbuster 2711 WID (Water Injection Dredging) was christened.

The vessel has been delivered by Damen Shipyards to UK Dredging, a subsidiary of Associated British Ports. The ceremony took place in the Roath Basin in Cardiff, Wales, with Mrs Rhian Lewis acting as the godmother and officially naming the vessel UKD Seadragon.

The Shoalbuster 2711 WID was designed specifically for UK Dredging as a multipurpose dredging and support vessel. It will be used for surveys, buoy handling, bed-levelling and Water Injection Dredging. The UKD Seadragon has a diesel-electric propulsion system fed by three independent generators, which enables the vessel to sail on only one engine. This fuel efficiency is one of the many examples of the aim to reduce emissions.

“We are very pleased to add the UKD Seadragon to our fleet”, said Mark Pearson, UKD General Manager. “The UK Seadragon has already completed various Water Injection Dredging trials at different locations such as Cardiff, Swansea and Newport. We have seen impressive dredging performances at low fuel consumption. Moreover, the versatility and the manoeuvrability of this advanced vessel clearly enhance our fleet.”

For the past weeks, the UKD Seadragon has been performing maintenance dredging duties in the various ports and harbours in Wales using its WID equipment. This equipment includes an electrically driven E-DOP450L submersible dredge pump, built onto a skid that is lowered to the sea bed using its dedicated A-frame. The dredging action involves the submerged dredge pump supplying water that is injected into the built-up sediment, which is thus refloated and taken away by the current. The UKD Seadragon has shown excellent results during these first dredging campaigns.

“As shipbuilders, we are honoured to have built the UKD Seadragon,” added Joppe Neijens of Damen Shipyards. “It has been a pleasure to cooperate with UK Dredging and we are very happy with this partnership and, of course, the great performances of the vessel these first few weeks. The UKD Seadragon is currently at work in Swansea, and will continue to service various harbours to verify the WID effectiveness at different locations. This certainly is the new generation of efficient and innovative water injection dredgers.”

Aker BP and its partners drill dry well on the Rondeslottet prospect

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June 25, 2025

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Aker BP and its partners have drilled a dry well on the “Rondeslottet” prospect in the Norwegian Sea.

Wildcat well 6405/7-4 was drilled in production licence 1005, which was included in the Awards in Predefined Areas (APA) 2018, with awards taking place in March 2019.

Well 6405/7-4 is located in the Møre Basin, around 80 kilometres north of the Ormen Lange field and 175 kilometres northwest of Kristiansund.

The primary exploration target for the well was to prove oil in Upper Cretaceous reservoir rocks in the Nise Formation.

6405/7-4 encountered the Nise Formation with a total thickness of 204 metres, of which 11 metres was sandstone layers with poor reservoir quality. The well is classified as dry.

Well 6405/7-4 was drilled to a vertical depth of 2897 metres below sea level, and was terminated in the Kvitnos Formation in the Upper Cretaceous.

Water depth at the site is 1104 metres. The well has been permanently plugged and abandoned.

The wildcat well was drilled using the Scarabeo 8 drilling rig.

Fugro to provide integrated site characterisation for offshore wind projects

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June 25, 2025

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Fugro has been awarded contracts to conduct both geophysical and geotechnical site investigations for the development of two large-scale offshore wind farms in the German North Sea.

Fugro’s comprehensive site characterisation work will provide essential Geo-data on the seabed and subsurface conditions northwest of the island of Borkum. The geophysical surveys will provide initial detailed mapping of the seabed and shallow subsurface layers, identifying potential hazards and informing early design considerations.

The geotechnical investigation will provide data on the seabed’s soil composition and characteristics through in situ testing and sampling. The combined geophysical and geotechnical data will be crucial for foundation design, structural analysis, cable routing, and risk assessment during the construction and operational phases of the project.

John ten Hoope, Fugro’s Regional Business Line Director for Marine Site Characterisation in Europe and Africa said: “This project aligns with our goal of supporting the development of sustainable energy solutions and using our expertise in complex offshore investigations. We are committed to providing the critical Geo-data needed for the safe and efficient development of these important wind farms, contributing to the growth of renewable energy in the North Sea.”

This contract follows Fugro’s previous geotechnical investigations for the 1.6 GW Nordseecluster project (RWE share: 51%) in Germany and builds upon preliminary geotechnical data acquired by Fugro for the German Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH).

LR delivers classification for world-first WindWings® Aframax tanker BRANDS HATCH

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June 25, 2025

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Built by Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. (SWS) for Union Maritime Limited (UML), the 114,000 DWT vessel is now the most powerful wind-assisted cargo ship in operation.

The LR-classed vessel is fitted with three 37.5-metre-tall WindWings® developed by UK-based BAR Technologies. These rigid sails are capable of intelligent aerodynamic adjustment in angle and camber to optimise aerodynamic efficiency, providing additional thrust that reduces fuel consumption and lowers carbon emissions.

The system has achieved independently verified performance results, reducing daily fuel consumption by up to 14.5 tonnes and CO₂ emissions by up to 45 tonnes under ideal wind conditions at 20 knots. Under typical operating conditions, the vessel is projected to achieve an annual fuel saving of 12%, equating to a reduction of nearly 5,000 tonnes of CO₂ per year.

As the first classification society in China to support a wind-assisted propulsion system on a crude oil tanker, LR provided full technical services from design to delivery. This included Approval in Principle (AiP), HAZID/HAZOP processes, design appraisal, and coordination with flag authorities to ensure the WindWings® installation met rigorous safety and compliance standards. LR’s involvement extended to installation supervision and sea trials, which confirmed the system’s performance and seaworthiness.

Laurent Cadji, Managing Director at Union Maritime, said: “The delivery of Brands Hatch is a powerful example of how Union Maritime is responding to the evolving regulatory landscape by deploying smart and environmentally responsible technologies. As our first vessel with WindWings®, and with more to follow, it signals the beginning of a new era for Union Maritime, and the wider industry, as we combine our deep sector expertise with cutting-edge innovation to drive greater efficiency and lower our carbon footprint.”

John Cooper, CEO BAR Technologies, said: “The success of this project paves the way for additional vessels of similar size and configuration under LR Class. This includes another with the same owner, ship type and technology that is already underway at Yangzijiang Shipyard, with WindWings® again manufactured by China Merchants Energy Tech in Shanghai.”

At the naming ceremony, Sau Weng Tang, LR President of Greater China said: “The ‘BRANDS HATCH’ project marks a significant milestone in bringing innovative technology into commercial shipbuilding. It reflects the strong collaboration between LR and Chinese shipyards in driving the transition to greener shipping. Our full technical involvement throughout the project has ensured the vessel meets the highest international standards for safety, performance, and compliance.”

Woodside completes Louisiana LNG sell-down to Stonepeak

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June 25, 2025

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Woodside to announces the completion of the sell-down of a 40% interest in Louisiana LNG Infrastructure LLC to Stonepeak, a leading global investment firm specialising in infrastructure and real assets.

The completion follows Woodside’s announcement on 7 April 2025 that it had signed an agreement with Stonepeak, enhancing Louisiana LNG economics and strengthening Woodside’s near-term capacity for shareholder returns.

Under the transaction, Stonepeak will provide US$5.7 billion towards the expected capital expenditure for the foundation development of Louisiana LNG on an accelerated basis, contributing 75% of project capital expenditure in both 2025 and 2026.

The closing payment of approximately US$1.9 billion received by Woodside reflects Stonepeak’s 75% share of capex funding incurred since the effective date of 1 January 2025.

Woodside CEO Meg O’Neill said Stonepeak would add further value to the Louisiana LNG Project.

“Our partnership with Stonepeak reflects the attractiveness of Louisiana LNG and was a key milestone towards achieving a successful final investment decision. Stonepeak is a high-quality partner, with extensive investment experience across US gas and LNG infrastructure.

“The accelerated capital contribution from Stonepeak enhances Louisiana LNG project returns and strengthens our capacity for shareholder returns ahead of first cargo from the Scarborough Energy Project in Western Australia, targeted for the second half of 2026.

“We continue to see strong interest from additional potential partners in Louisiana LNG.”

Stonepeak Senior Managing Director and Head of US Private Equity James Wyper said the company was pleased to be working with Woodside.

“Louisiana LNG will be a timely and strategic addition to the US LNG export landscape as the world’s demand for cleaner, more flexible and more affordable energy continues to grow.

“We look forward to contributing our expertise and capital to the construction and future operation of Louisiana LNG and are highly energised to continue supporting the development of critical North American LNG infrastructure with global impact.”

PowerCell’s Marine System 225 receives Type Approval from Lloyd’s Register

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June 25, 2025

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Lloyd’s Register has confirmed that the Marine System 225 meets international standards for safety, performance, and design standards within the maritime industry.

With this certification, PowerCell’s fuel cell system has now been given the greenlight for deployment on a wide range of vessels, enabling shipowners and operators to confidently adopt hydrogen electric technology.

“The maritime industry is undergoing a profound transformation with dynamic changes, and technologies like hydrogen fuel cells will play a crucial role in shaping its sustainable future. Granting type approval to Power Cell’s Marine System 225 demonstrates that the system meets our stringent safety and performance standards and is ready for integration into commercial marine applications,” said Claudene Sharp-Patel Global Technical Director, Lloyd’s Register

Designed specifically for the marine environment, the Marine System 225 delivers 225 kW of efficient and vibration-free power. Its modular and compact structure allows for seamless integration into both newbuild and retrofit applications, making it ideal for ferries, workboats, patrol vessels, and offshore support ships.

For these smaller vessels, often on shorter or fixed routes, fuel cells can serve as the main propulsion system. This allows them to produce zero greenhouse gas emissions and no harmful local emissions such as SOx, NOx and particulate matter to improve air quality for passengers, crew and port communities.

Lisa Kylhammar, SVP Engineering of PowerCell Group, stated, “This Type Approval is not just a technical milestone, it’s a clear signal to the maritime industry that hydrogen fuel cell systems are safe, viable, and ready for commercial deployment, it simplifies the path to zero-emission vessel design and accelerates the transition to sustainable shipping.”

The Marine System 225 is part of PowerCell’s growing portfolio of scalable marine solutions, supported by decades of R&D and operational success. The system supports compliance with global decarbonisation targets, including the IMO’s GHG strategy and the EU’s Fit for 55 package.

Cosco Shipping’s four new gas carriers will operate with Wärtsilä fuel supply systems

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June 24, 2025

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Wärtsilä Gas Solutions, part of technology group Wärtsilä, will supply the cargo handling and fuel supply systems for four new Very Large Gas Carriers (VLGCs) being built in COSCO Shipping (Qidong) Offshore for their owner group.

Wärtsilä Gas Solutions’ position as a leading designer and supplier of such systems was cited as a key factor in the award of this contract. The order for two vessels was booked by Wärtsilä Gas Solutions in Q4, 2024, and the order for the additional two vessels in Q2, 2025.

The complete Wärtsilä Gas Solutions’ scope covers the engineering, material, as well as the supervision, commissioning and gas trials for the systems. Included in the materials scope are the machinery, instrumentation, electric and control system. Wärtsilä Gas Solutions will also provide on-site shipyard assistance during the vessels’ construction.

“This contract once again emphasizes our strength in this field, especially with Very Large Gas Carriers,” says Barry Yang, Sales Manager, Wärtsilä Gas Solutions, China. “Although this is Wärtsilä Gas Solutions’ first contract with Cosco for cargo handling and fuel supply systems, our two companies have had a long-term cooperation on numerous projects, and we are naturally delighted to be supporting them again on this project.”

The Wärtsilä Gas Solutions equipment is scheduled for delivery to the yard commencing in the second half of 2025. The four 88,000 cubic meter VLGCs are expected to begin commercial operations from late 2026 onwards.

Damen and Folla Maritime sign contract to deliver new hybrid workboat to Nova Sea

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June 24, 2025

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Damen Shipyards Group and its new partner, Norway’s Folla Maritime Service AS, have signed a contract with leading salmon farming company Nova Sea for the delivery of another hybrid workboat.

The contract is part of Nova Sea’s broader plan to replace its existing fleet with more environmentally friendly and sustainable vessels. Nova Sea places a strong emphasis on sustainable salmon farming and has a clear vision and strategy for operating in an environmentally responsible manner. Their choice of the FollaPower 50EL as their new workboat further demonstrates their commitment to reducing the environmental impact of their operations.

“Folla Maritime and Nova Sea have had a close partnership for some time, and we are proud to have once again earned their trust with the signing for another vessel,” says Otto Sjølien, Managing Director of Folla Maritime Service. “The FollaPower 50EL has been developed in close collaboration with Nova Sea, and this confirms the already strong and positive relationship between our shipyard and Nova Sea as our customer.”

By delivering a hybrid vessel that meets Nova Sea’s requirements, Folla Maritime is continuing to demonstrate its innovation capabilities and its commitment to delivering high-quality products from its shipyard in Flatanger.

The vessel is a single-hull design, 15 by 8 metres, powered by a twin propulsion system. It includes two electric motors, a 444 kWh battery pack and two electric thrusters. The result is a quieter working environment and so improves conditions for the crew. The onboard generator can also assist with propulsion and battery charging when necessary, and the vessel is well-equipped to perform a wide range of work operations efficiently.

“We have already taken delivery of several hybrid vessels from the shipyard, and several more are currently under construction,” adds Bjørn Helge Hjartåker, Production Director / COO at Nova Sea. “Nova Sea entered into a framework agreement with Folla Maritime back in 2022, and this contract reaffirms our strong partnership with them. We have implemented an investment plan to renew our fleet with a focus on sustainable and innovative solutions. Nova Sea, we remain committed to our trusted partners and development strategy.”

About Folla Maritime Service – a new partner yard of Damen Shipyard Group
Folla Maritime Service is a shipyard located in Flatanger, Norway, that specialies in newbuilds and the servicing of vessels for the aquaculture industry. With a state-of-the-art production and service facility, the yard builds aluminium workboats and personnel vessels, and performs servicing, repairs, and upgrades on existing fleets. The company also has a department that brokers second-hand vessels for the aquaculture sector.

In April 2025, Damen reached an agreement to acquire a majority stake in Folla Maritime Service. This partnership brings together Damen’s global expertise in shipbuilding and Folla Maritime’s deep knowledge of the Norwegian aquaculture industry. By combining their complementary strengths, the shipbuilders can offer a diverse portfolio of multi-functional hybrid and electric vessels tailored for various offshore and nearshore aquaculture activities.

UK leading developers set to deliver new generation of floating windfarms

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June 24, 2025

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The news follows a process to award rights to deliver up to 4.5 gigawatts of secure, renewable energy – enough to power more than four million homes. The Crown Estate will ensure the delivery of the full potential capacity through the deployment of a third site. Work is underway on a range of options to deliver this, and The Crown Estate expects to set out next steps by the end of September 2025.

The new windfarms will be among the largest of their kind in the world, underlining the UK’s position as the leading market for floating offshore wind in Europe and expected to lead to the creation of thousands of new jobs and more than a billion-pound investment in the UK economy. This is expected to be the first phase of a new industry in the Celtic Sea, with The Crown Estate identifying the potential for a further 4-10 gigawatts to be brought to market by the end of the decade.

The selection of Equinor and Gwynt Glas – a joint venture between EDF Renewables UK and ESB – on 12 June as preferred bidders to deliver the new floating windfarms follows the conclusion of the latest leasing round by The Crown Estate, and is a significant vote of confidence in the UK’s world-leading offshore energy market at a time of global volatility and uncertainty for the sector.

Launched at the start of 2024, a core focus of Offshore Wind Leasing Round 5 has been to open up a new region of the UK for the generation of more secure, clean energy, while kick-starting the development of a new industry and supply chain around the Celtic Sea.

The new floating windfarms are expected to unlock a range of new opportunities for skills, apprenticeships and employment, as well as investment in new port infrastructure.

The preferred bidders are committed to ensuring that at least 3.5% of the workforce consists of apprenticeships and that a minimum of 10% of employees aged 19-24 are not currently in education, employment or training. As part of their submissions to The Crown Estate, the bidders also set out further plans for creating new on-shore opportunities, with more details expected to be announced following the signing of Agreements for Lease in the autumn.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: “Floating offshore wind will be transformative for economic growth in Wales and the South West, unlocking thousands of jobs in places like Port Talbot and Bristol, bolstering our energy security and delivering industrial renewal.

“The Celtic Sea has huge untapped potential to support our mission to become clean energy superpower, so we can get energy bills down for good through our Plan for Change.”