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Wattlab launches SolarDeck plug&play energy solution for seagoing vessels

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Wattlab, the Netherlands-based maritime solar specialist, introduces its SolarDeck to the seagoing shipping industry. Based on installation on a seagoing general cargo vessel, SolarDeck combines substantial savings via Fuel EU Maritime and EU ETS regulations and an expected return on investment of 3-5 years.

Established in 2017, Wattlab has spent its first years of operations focusing on the inland shipping sector with its Solar Flatrack. This is a modular solar energy system consisting of movable and stackable integrated solar panels and inverters. To date, Wattlab’s SolarHatches have been installed on more than 25 inland shipping vessels.

With the aim to reduce fuel costs for seagoing shipowners and facilitate the continued decarbonisation of the maritime sector, Wattlab is now expanding into the seagoing shipping industry with SolarDeck.

“At all times during the design of SolarDeck, we prioritised the shipowner’s requirements. We know that ‘time is money’. That’s why the SolarDeck can be installed in a minimum amount of time using container twist lock fittings. It also does not impact normal loading and unloading procedures,” says Wattlab’s CEO Bo Salet. “However, we also know – for cargo shipowners especially – that ‘space is money’. In the event of a deck load such as offshore wind blades, the ship’s crew can store the SolarDeck inside the volume of a 20-foot container, thus freeing up the deck for cargo.”

In collaboration with the Dutch Organisation for Applied Scientific Research TNO and international shipping company Vertom, Wattlab has spent the previous 18 months developing and testing the new system on board Vertom’s 7,280dwt general purpose dry cargo vessel Anette, in a project co-financed by the European Union’s Just Transition Fund. The results from the testing phase are positive.

“The test results show that SolarDeck performs well in the tougher environment – in terms of salinity and rougher sea states – of coastal shipping. Because salt water can drain freely from the solar panels, there’s no chance of a salt crust forming. As such, SolarDeck generates the expected power output levels,” Salet explains. “Furthermore, the system is robust enough to withstand storms as well as the usual day-to-day activities on board a seagoing cargo ship – while staying safe at all times.”

Based on the test results (Vertom’s Anette is 119 metres long and 14 metres wide), Wattlab predicts reductions of 20 MT fuel and 68 MT CO₂ emissions per year for this coaster-type. Such numbers are substantial enough to have a significant impact on a shipowner’s EEXI and CII scores in addition to potential savings via Fuel EU Maritime and EU ETS regulations. Note that for larger vessels, the efficiency gains are also (much) larger.

“We are excited to introduce SolarDeck to the seagoing shipping industry – to show shipowners what this system can mean to their operations,” Salet concludes. “SolarDeck isn’t just a green upgrade. With a return on investment of 3 to 5 years, it’s a smart investment.”

Damen and Noatum Maritime sign for second full electric RSD-E Tug 2513

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Damen Shipyards Group and Noatum Maritime, part of AD Ports Group’s Maritime & Shipping Cluster, have agreed on the delivery of a second, fully electric Damen RSD-E Tug 2513. 

The agreement was signed by Captain Ammar Mubarak Al Shaiba, CEO of AD Ports Group’s Maritime & Shipping Cluster and Damen Shipyards Group CEO, Arnout Damen.

The RSD-E Tug 2513 enables Noatum Maritime to perform berthing and unberthing operations at Khalifa Port with two electric tugs. This is aligned with Noatum Maritime’s vision to provide their clients with fully sustainable berthing operations.  

The RSD-E Tug 2513, at 25 metres, is very compact and well suited to the modern terminal operation handling the world’s largest ships. The patented Damen Twin Fin skeg and double bow concept provides superior manoeuvrability and sailing characteristics in both sailing directions. It offers ample strength with 70+ tonnes bollard pull. The tug is able to complete two or more assignments on a single charge and can be rapidly recharged in just two hours, thereby supporting the maritime energy transition without compromising on performance.

Based on the success of the previously delivered RSD-E Tugs 2513, Damen is able to build the electric tugs allowing very short delivery times. 

Arnout Damen said, “We are honoured by this agreement from Noatum Maritime for a second RSD-E Tug 2513. We are looking forward to this next chapter in the development of the productive and long-term relationship between our two organisations, with a joint vision on a sustainable and cost-efficient maritime future.”

Noatum Maritime is establishing itself as a pioneer in sustainable harbour operations and accelerating the transition to cleaner, more efficient maritime solutions. These initiatives align with global decarbonisation efforts while delivering cost-effective, high-performance alternatives to traditional operations.

Noatum Maritime took delivery of its first RSD-E Tug 2513 in July 2024. The Bu Tinah was the first fully electric tug to operate in the Middle East. The electric tug was tested in the harshest environmental conditions, with summer ambient temperatures up to 50 degrees Celsius, and it quickly made a name for itself with the achievement of a Guinness World Record title for Most Powerful Electric Tugboat. 

Logistics firm Orient Overseas orders 14 container vessels worth $3.08 billion

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The container transport and logistics firms said that the vessels, equipped with methanol dual-fuel engines, will boost competitiveness and lower costs in both traditional and emerging markets.

Under the deal, a unit of state-owned China COSCO Shipping Corp will construct nine vessels, while an associate will build the remaining vessels.

China COSCO Shipping Corp also owns the Chinese container shipping company COSCO Shipping Holdings (601919.SS), opens new tab.

Orient Overseas plans to tap into loans and external debt to finance 60% of the cost of each vessel, while the rest will be funded through internal resources, it said.

The vessels will be delivered between the third quarter of 2028 and the third quarter of 2029.

Source: Reuters

Fugro to adopt NAPA Logbook fleet-wide following trial

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Fugro has strengthened its partnership with NAPA, the global provider of maritime software and data services, deciding to roll-out NAPA Logbook across its entire fleet of vessels after a successful individual trial.

NAPA’s electronic logbook will support Fugro’s digitalization strategy by standardizing, streamlining and automating data recording, and enhancing data quality for reporting, optimizing processes on board ships and shoreside. This will free up seafarers and shoreside teams to focus on what matters: enabling more efficient, safe and sustainable operations.

Led by project manager Hannah Dean, Fugro has customized NAPA Logbook to its specific needs, and the technology supports various aspects of its operations. The electronic logbooks are used daily for recording deck and ECR activities, as well as for documenting environmental and safety management. With this data, Fugro will be able to better measure and improve operations in the future.

For crew, this automation can save time usually spent on administrative work—removing task duplication, reducing workload, and eliminating data entry errors. This all contributes to higher seafarer morale, enhanced regulatory compliance and greater efficiencies onboard.

Julia Korpak, Global Fleet QHSSE Manager at Fugro, commented: “NAPA demonstrated during the trial phase that its electronic solution supports the crew onboard and improves data quality. This technology and the valuable data it can gather also contributes to our digitalization efforts, underpinning our roadmap to net-zero scope one, two and three carbon emissions by 2050.” 

Lars Nickel, Director, Sales, Safety Solutions, NAPA, added: “We’re proud to be working with an industry leader like Fugro to support their digitalization strategy. By digitalizing manual processes, onboard data collection and reporting, regulatory compliance becomes more efficient. In this respect, we are happy to be helping advance Fugro’s digitalization and we’re looking forward to strengthening our partnership further.” 

This new agreement comes at a pivotal time for the shipping industry, particularly for crews who are already under significant pressure to adapt and comply with new regulations and new technologies. Seafarers are at the coalface of numerous regional, flag state and IMO-mandated changes to reporting requirements. Digital tools developed with these key workers can offer a lifeline of support. 

A survey by the International Seafarers Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) reported that 54% of seafarers have seen their workloads increase, 44% are experiencing greater stress, and 33% worry about the risk of criminalization due to complex reporting requirements. Digital, integrated tools like NAPA Logbook, supported by NAPA Fleet Intelligence, help companies tackle these challenges by increasing automation, reducing errors, saving time, and ensuring a more comprehensive approach to operational safety and efficiency.
 

Woodside signs gas supply agreement for Louisiana LNG

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This agreement represents the first tranche of a diversified portfolio of feedgas that will support the Louisiana LNG project, enabled by the project’s extensive interconnectivity to multiple producing basins and interconnecting pipelines.

Woodside’s CEO Meg O’Neill said the agreement marks another milestone for the Louisiana LNG project.

“Louisiana LNG is a compelling investment, expected to deliver significant cash generation and create long term shareholder value. Securing this gas supply agreement is an important step for the project.

“Woodside has a long history of successful collaboration with bp. By drawing upon bp’s experience with MiQ certificates, we can access verifiably low methane intensity molecules for the Louisiana LNG project. This supports Woodside’s goals as a member in the UN Environment Programme’s OGMP 2.0 initiative.”

Under the agreement, Louisiana LNG Gas Management LLC (GasCo), a wholly owned subsidiary of Louisiana LNG LLC, has committed to purchase on a long-term basis up to 640 billion cubic feet of gas from bp for an ultimate delivery to Line 200 beginning in 2029.

GasCo will be responsible for implementing the gas sourcing strategy to support the Louisiana LNG project.

Port of Helsingborg cuts rehandles with N4 TOS upgrade

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Port of Helsingborg, Sweden’s second largest container terminal, continues to advance its modernization initiatives using the N4 Terminal Operating System (TOS) from Kaleris.

Over the past 1.5 years, the Port has achieved significant improvements in productivity, streamlined operational planning, reduce bottlenecks and enhanced overall terminal handling efficiency.

As one of the leading ports in Northern Europe, the Port of Helsingborg handles approximately 275,000 TEU by sea and 25,000 TEU by rail annually. The adoption of N4 marks a major leap forward in its goal of becoming the most modern container terminal in the Nordic region by optimizing existing areas and investing in innovative technology that increases capacity and improves sustainability.  

“The static yard planning solution we had been using was limiting our operational effectiveness. It offered almost no possibility of changing the yard layout easily. Over time, this lack of flexibility led to reduced yard capacity,” said Sanjin Redzepagic, CIO of the Port of Helsingborg. “The Port also lacked a complete picture of its operational data, which is essential information for evaluating how to accelerate efficiency and sustainability goals.” 

The transition to N4 revolutionized the terminal’s operations. “With N4, we can dynamically change the yard layout and parameters to increase our capacity within our existing area by up to 30 percent,” continued Sanjin. “In addition, the Berth Window Management Vessel Planning feature allows us to handle containers much more efficiently by digitizing our berth plan. We used it to decrease the number of container rehandles for vessel loading by 50 percent, improving our efficiency and reducing fuel consumption,” said Sanjin. 

The Port of Helsingborg also achieved an 8 percent increase in Gross Moves Per Hour (GMPH), with N4’s robust data analytics and reporting capabilities serving as a key contributor. The Port’s team uses the new level of vessel visit detail now available to them to analyze operational trends and apply these data insights for continuous improvement.  

Given the magnitude of the operational change, it was important for the Port of Helsingborg to have a reliable partner. “We gained both a powerful new technology system and a partnership with Kaleris that will energize our future modernization developments,” said Sanjin. “By 2035, we will be Sweden’s most efficient port, with the industry’s most satisfied customers and employees.”  

“During implementation, we encountered several challenges, all of which were overcome thanks to exemplary teamwork and the willingness of both teams to dedicate the necessary effort to ensure the project’s success,” said Molly Harrison, Chief Operating Officer at Kaleris. “The dedication, commitment, and teamwork displayed in this project by both the Port of Helsingborg and Kaleris was truly inspiring. Together, we’ve laid the foundation for the Port’s continued success.” 

Global Fuel Finder enhanced with new biofuels capability

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Lloyd’s Register (LR) has enhanced its Global Fuel Finder tool, delivering a significant upgrade that allows ship operators and technical teams to make faster, smarter decisions when sourcing marine fuels.  

The latest development adds biofuel availability and quality insights to the platform, helping clients navigate the energy transition with confidence. 

Developed by LR’s industry-leading Fuel Oil Bunkering Analysis and Advisory Service (FOBAS) team, the Fuel Finder tool now allows users to search, compare and analyse biofuels across global ports. 

Accessible via the LR GMT platform, the interface allows users to explore six months of data from specific ports or suppliers, visualise trends, and download detailed reports in multiple formats. With the ability to compare up to four supplier-port combinations side by side, the tool provides clear, evidence-based insights that support fuel procurement and compliance decisions. 

Andrew Shaw, Managing Director of FOBAS, said: “The inclusion of biofuels is the latest step in our commitment to delivering practical, real-time, data-driven solutions that support the decarbonisation of shipping. As the industry continues to evolve, our enhanced Fuel Finder ensures clients are always equipped with the information they need, enabling them to assess fuel options at a glance, compare performance, and reduce operational risk.” 

First “EnBW He Dreiht” wind turbine is now in place

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He Dreiht is a world premiere in technical terms because the largest 15 MW wind turbine available on the market from Vestas will be used for the first time. A single rotation of the rotor is enough to supply four households with electricity for a day.

The Low German name means “It spins” and it couldn’t be more apt. That’s because there will be plenty of spinning going on in the North Sea: The 64 wind turbines with a total output of 960 MW can produce enough electricity to supply the equivalent of 1.1 million households. This mega wind farm will have an output comparable to today’s conventional power plants.

“EnBW has been planning, building and operating offshore wind farms in Germany and Europe for over 15 years. EnBW He Dreiht is our largest offshore project to date and is being built without state funding. It will play a key role in helping us to achieve our goal of significantly increasing installed output from renewable energies from the current figure of 6.6 GW to over 10 GW by 2030,” explains Michael Class, Head of Generation Portfolio Development at EnBW.

“We are honoured to partner with EnBW on the He Dreiht project and provide them with our flagship offshore technology,” says Nils de Baar, President Vestas Northern & Central Europe. “With the installation of the first V236-15.0 MW, we have reached an important milestone for both the He Dreiht project and our offshore ramp-up, which helps Germany build a more secure, affordable and sustainable energy system.”

He Dreiht is being built roughly 85 kilometers northwest of Borkum and about 110 kilometers west of Helgoland. More than 500 employees will work on this large construction site in the middle of the sea at peak times. Over 60 ships are involved in the construction of the wind farm. EnBW’s offshore office in Hamburg is coordinating the major project. The 64 foundations were installed last year. The components were loaded onto the installation vessel “Wind Orca” in the port of Esbjerg in Denmark. After a twelve-hour journey to the construction site at sea, the ship positioned the first turbine on the foundations already installed in the seabed. Work on the internal wind farm cabling is running alongside the installation of the wind turbines.

A partner consortium made up of Allianz Capital Partners, AIP and Norges Bank Investment Management owns 49.9 percent of the shares in He Dreiht.

Odfjell completes first near carbon-neutral transatlantic voyage using sails and biofuel

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Odfjell’s chemical tanker Bow Olympus is currently crossing the Atlantic powered by a combination of wind-assisted propulsion and a certified sustainable 100% biofuel. This milestone voyage proves how existing technologies and fuels can be paired to accelerate deep-sea shipping’s transition to net zero emissions.

Real-time data from the voyage confirms that this dual propulsion approach is not only technically feasible but also impactful: The vessel’s GHG emissions on the current voyage meet the 2050 Fuel EU Maritime GHG intensity targets and IMO’s GFI Direct Compliance targets at least until 2044.

The power of wind-assisted propulsion has been tested through Bow Olympus’ two first cross-Atlantic voyages. The four 22-meter suction sails have been operational under varying weather conditions, with the performance closely monitored by Odfjell’s crew and technology team on board and onshore.

“The results have surpassed our expectations,” confirms VP Technology Erik Hjortland. “Even in good, but not perfect, wind conditions, we observed a 15-20% energy-saving effect. That translates to five tons of fuel saved per day, equivalent to a reduction of 15 tons of CO₂ emissions per day. On certain parts of the current voyage, we have seen up to 40% fuel consumption reductions. These are very promising figures. We are thrilled to note that our initial calculations are confirmed and even exceeded.”

Using a new type of AI-based weather routing system allowed the five-year-old 49k dwt vessel to take full advantage of the prevailing wind conditions.

“One surprising finding is that even light wind as high as 15 degrees on the bow generates noticeable effect. This means that we can probably operate the sails more often than anticipated, positively affecting the already healthy return of investment figures. The sails also offer stabilizing and roll-damping effects,” Hjortland adds. “Based on current data, we expect that the sails will continue delivering significant fuel savings on future deep-sea voyages in all basins.”

In addition to the sails, Odfjell decided to double the exploration and added another element to Bow Olympus’ current Atlantic crossing: 100% sustainable biofuel. The goal was to explore a pathway towards near-net-zero operations for a deep-sea vessel. The bunkered biofuel was sourced from certified sustainable waste materials. The certification body is accredited by both IMO and EU.

As Bow Olympus reaches European shores this weekend, she has demonstrated that the dual propulsion solution is a realistic pathway to carbon neutrality for deep-sea shipping, 25 years ahead of time: The voyage shows a full 85% reduction in GHG intensity compared to conventional fuels, without technical investments or upgrades required to consume the fuel. In addition, the energy efficiency is improved by 15-20% by the use of sails.

Over the past decade, Odfjell has installed more than 140 energy-saving devices on its vessels, improving carbon intensity by more than 53% compared to the 2008 IMO baseline. Having exhausted most conventional upgrades, Odfjell is now focused on next-generation solutions—such as wind propulsion—to meet its 2030 goal of 57% carbon intensity reduction.

To move the needle beyond 57%, a fuel switch is required. Odfjell has chosen to remain flexible, keeping all doors open at a time when the fuel of the future for shipping remains undecided. The choice of biofuel for this proof-of-concept voyage was done to demonstrate one of the pathways.

“We will now drill into the data, assess the lessons learned, and use the experience as a foundation to decide our next steps. There are unknown variables yet to be clarified, such as the impact of varying weather conditions, trade lanes, vessel configurations, etc. Still, I am positive that we have begun charting a credible course toward carbon neutrality,” Hjortland concludes.  

Poland develops indigenous naval drone inspired by Ukrainian models

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Poland’s WB Group has presented a prototype surface naval drone, closely resembling Ukrainian designs, Defence24 reported.

The drone was presented at the training ground of the 1st Warsaw Armored Brigade in Wesoła, near Warsaw, during an exhibition featuring around 40 companies specializing in unmanned technologies.

“This is part of our grand strategy: to build an army of hundreds of thousands of drones and the capacity to produce millions,” Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz stated. “Drones evolve quickly, with companies constantly releasing new versions. You cannot simply stockpile them in reserve.”

The Polish naval drone is similar in size to Ukrainian models and is equipped with a water-jet engine, remote control capabilities, and modern infrared cameras.

The combat payload is expected to be housed in the front section. Ukrainian forces have gone a step further, fitting some drones with missile launchers and machine gun turrets.

WB Group, a leading Polish defense manufacturer, is also known for producing the FLYEYE reconnaissance drone.

Poland could successfully deploy naval drones in the shallow waters of the Baltic Sea.

Naval drones are typically used individually or in groups, with nighttime operations offering the greatest effectiveness.

Their low profile, minimal thermal and radar signatures, and small size pose significant challenges to naval forces.

Aerial surveillance, particularly from helicopters, remains the most effective means of detection. In Ukraine, anti-aircraft missiles have been mounted on drones to counter helicopter threats.

Source: Militarnyi

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