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Port of Hueneme “Energized” by $4 million grant to boost vessel plug-in capabilities

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The Port of Hueneme, the only deepwater port between Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area, is set to receive an additional $4 million in Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) funding that will allow the organization to complete an important North Terminal Shoreside Power Project designed to create vital infrastructure and reduce vessel emissions while improving air quality.

The project was initially funded with a combined $11.9 million in grants. Upon its completion, berthing vessels will be able to connect to shore power and shut down diesel engines to reduce harmful emissions while in port.

“We’re thrilled to receive this critical funding for our Shoreside Power Project,” said Jess J. Ramirez, President of the Oxnard Harbor District/Port of Hueneme. “The Port takes its longstanding commitment to sustainability seriously, and we can now finish a project that will bring cleaner air to local communities.”

The new funding, approved by the Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC) that administers the CMAQ program, will allow the Port to add building systems and equipment to protect against weather disruptions, enhance safety, and maximize the lifespan of the shore power system.

The project is the result of an important collaboration. “Partnerships like the one between VCTC and the Port of Hueneme are critical to improving Ventura County. Projects like Shoreside Power are important to move forward, and VCTC is proud to support the Port in this effort,” said Martin Erickson, Executive Director, Ventura County Transportation Commission.

The new funding comes after severe storms caused significant setbacks in December of 2023. “The Port has always been known for its resilience, and we will continue to innovate and move forward in the face of challenges because this power system is important for port-adjacent communities,” said Port of Hueneme CEO and Director Kristin Decas.

With these funds in place, work will begin this summer as the Port of Hueneme continues to improve air quality and reduce its environmental impact.

Oman, Netherlands, Germany sign historic hydrogen deal

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This corridor will link the port of Duqm in Oman, the port of Amsterdam in the Netherlands, and key logistics hubs in Germany, including the port of Duisburg in Germany, enabling the commercial-scale import of renewable fuel of non-biological origin (RFNBO) compliant liquid hydrogen to Europe. The agreement was signed during the state visit by His Majesty the Sultan of Oman to the Netherlands.

The agreement was signed by eleven parties in total, including prominent players like Hydrom, Oman’s national green hydrogen orchestrator, OQ, Oman’s global integrated energy group, Tata Steel Nederland, Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG and Hynetwork, bringing together all the critical links for the envisioned supply chain. This supply chain capitalizes on proven technologies for the liquefaction, transport, storage, and distribution of liquid hydrogen. ECOLOG’s advanced vessel design ensures net zero boil-off, eliminating cargo loss in marine transportation. This transformative innovation significantly reduces unit freight costs, setting a new standard for efficiency and sustainability.

The agreement comprises several key components vital to the corridor’s development. First, the development of a centralized liquefaction, storage, and export facility at the port of Duqm, which is one of the hubs for Omani-produced green hydrogen. Second, discussions will be held on the pricing and delivery of liquid hydrogen to offtakers located in the broader Amsterdam area, as well as offtakers located elsewhere in the Netherlands and Germany, with EnBW as the aggregator. Finally, the aligned development of dedicated infrastructure throughout the corridor, including export and import facilities in the ports of Duqm, Amsterdam and Duisburg, as well as for several distribution modalities for gaseous and liquid hydrogen, most notably gas pipeline networks, rail connections, and barge distribution leveraging the Netherlands extensive canal network.

This agreement is a significant step in Oman’s ambition to become a global leader in the green hydrogen export market, while simultaneously strengthening Europe’s energy security. The initiative also supports the EU’s clean energy goals, helping to decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors, such as steelmaking and transport.

“This agreement represents a landmark moment in our commitment to clean energy,” said Ms. Sophie Hermans, the Dutch Minister for Climate and Green Growth. “By linking Omani green hydrogen with Europe’s energy needs, we are advancing our shared climate goals and creating a sustainable energy pathway.”

Oman’s Minister of Energy and Minerals, H.E. Eng. Salim Nasser Al Aufi, added, “This partnership reflects Oman’s commitment to playing a leading role in the global green hydrogen economy, while strengthening ties with Europe to support its sustainable clean energy transition.” The JDA builds on the existing partnership between Hydrom, the Omani Ministry of Energy and Minerals, Port of Amsterdam, ECOLOG and EnBW for the development of the liquid hydrogen corridor. This latest development brings us one step closer to delivering large-scale green hydrogen volumes from Oman to Europe by 2029.

MODEC wins ExxonMobil Guyana’s Hammerhead FPSO contract

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The contract is a Limited Notice To Proceed (LNTP) by ExxonMobil Guyana, pending necessary government and regulatory approval. Phase one encompasses Front-End Engineering and Design (FEED) while phase two covers Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Installation (EPCI).

The LNTP allows MODEC to start activities related to the FPSO design to ensure the earliest possible project startup in 2029, should the project receive the necessary government approvals. The performance of the second phase (i.e., construction and installation) is subject to government and regulatory approval as well as project sanction by ExxonMobil Guyana Limited and its Stabroek Block co-venturers.

Simultaneously, the Operations and Maintenance Enabling Agreement (OMEA) for MODEC’s Guyana fleet has been established to enable the operations and maintenance of multiple FPSOs under a long-term contractual arrangement.

The Hammerhead FPSO will have the capacity to produce 150,000 barrels of oil per day (BOPD), along with associated gas and water. It will be moored at a water depth of approximately 1,025 meters using a SOFEC Spread Mooring System.

The Hammerhead FPSO will be MODEC’s second for use in Guyana, following the Errea Wittu, which is currently being built for ExxonMobil Guyana’s Uaru project.

MODEC Group President and CEO, Mr. Hirohiko Miyata, expressed his delight for securing the Hammerhead FPSO project. “We are incredibly honored and excited to have been awarded this contract. It is a testament to our team’s dedication, expertise, and commitment to delivering innovative and reliable offshore floating solutions. We look forward to collaborating closely with ExxonMobil Guyana to ensure the successful delivery of this second FPSO, contributing to the advancement of the offshore energy sector in Guyana.”

Construction of Solvang’s first VLGC vessels begins in South Korea

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April 14 2025 was a memorable day in Solvang’s history, as the steel was cut for the two first hulls in the Panamax VLGC newbuilding series planned for delivery in 2026 and 2027.eavy Industries ‘ Ulsan, South Korea, facility where the entire series will be built. These first vessels, identified as hulls 3458 and 3459, are scheduled for delivery in 2026 and feature a capacity of 88,000 cubic meters and integrated emissions-reducing technologies.

The steel cutting took place at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries at Ulsan Republic of Korea, where all the seven ordered newbuildings will be constructed.

Hulls 3458 and 3459 are both scheduled for delivery in 2026, with a capacity of 88,000 cbm.

The newbuildings will have state-of-the-art hull ECO lines, and the Solvang ECO package will be fully implemented.

The vessels will be OCCS-ready, set up with Solvang’s total emission control system comprising low-pressure exhaust gas recirculation, hybrid exhaust gas cleaning (Wärtsilä Scrubber), with water treatment in both open and closed loop, and electrostatic filter (WESP) which removes up to 95 percent of particles from the exhaust stream. The vessels have one extra deck to provide space for on-deck CO2 tanks, larger auxiliary engine and boiler capacity, as well as extra acccommodation for personnel.

In stead of dual-fuel, the vessels will be equipped with a single-liquid fuel system. Given the total emission control capabilities, the setup is suitable for both conventional HFO, low-sulphur fuel oil, MGO, bio-fuels, or e-fuels.

“These vessels are built to comply with radical GHG  emission requirements using onboard CSS, they maintain the competitive advantages of efficient conventional fuel operation, or they can operate on zero-emission e-fuels,” states fleet director Tor Øyvind Ask in Solvang.

Damen and Folla Maritime Service AS become strategic partners

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This partnership combines Damen’s global expertise in shipbuilding and Folla Maritime’s deep knowledge of the Norwegian aquaculture industry. Together, the two companies will be well-positioned to respond to emerging trends and developments in this fast-growing market, both in Norway and globally.  

The rising global demand for seafood, driven by population growth, is a key reason for Damen’s expansion into aquaculture. Recognising the need for sustainable vessels and smart maritime solutions, Damen aims to support fish farm owners and service providers by combining shipbuilding expertise with industry know-how. 

Damen also operates the Damen Maaskant yard in Stellendam the Netherlands, acquired in 1984. With a strong heritage in fishing vessels and a strategic location near the North Sea, the yard now serves as the central hub for Damen’s fishing and aquaculture activities.

By combining their complementary strengths, Damen and Folla Maritime will offer a diverse portfolio of multi-functional hybrid or electric vessels tailored for various offshore and nearshore aquaculture activities. This includes small personnel vessels and workboats, large steel workboats and larger service vessels available in multiple lengths and configurations to support farm owners and service vessel providers in their needs. Together, they leverage the full capacity of Damen’s production sites worldwide, with diverse vessel types. 

“Together with Folla Maritime, we are confident in our ability to create innovative solutions that will drive the industry forward and offer technical and future-proof solutions to meet the growing demand for food security. I especially look forward to working with the current managing board to explore the extensive opportunities with both existing and potential new clients of Folla Maritime and Damen,” said Jeroen van den Berg, Product Director Aquaculture & Fishing.

Folla Maritime shares this vision. “With this partnership, we will become a full-scale supplier of vessels to provide the aquaculture industry with state-of-the-art vessels that meet the highest standards of comfort, reliability, safety and environmental responsibility. We will continue to deliver innovative, high-quality products and services from our yard in Flatanger, while also expanding our capacity and capabilities through Damen.  
 
“We are confident that Damen, with its long-term industrial entrepreneurship, expertise, and resources, will help strengthen our market position and bring added value to our customers,” said Otto Sjølien, CEO of Folla Maritime. 

The transaction is subject to certain standard closing conditions and is expected to close in May 2025.

More details about the partnership and the first vessel concepts will be announced at Aqua Nor 2025 in Trondheim.

Our core values are fellowship, craftsmanship, entrepreneurship and stewardship. Our goal is to become the world’s most sustainable shipbuilder, via digitalisation, standardisation and serial construction of our innovative vessels and through use of circular materials.

Damen operates 35 shipyards and 20 other companies in 20 countries, supported by a worldwide sales and service network. We deliver in the region of 100 vessels per year, with a total production value of over 3 billion euros. We offer direct employment to approximately 12,500 people. In all that we do, our aim to ensure a positive impact on the local environment and society. 

Cemre Shipyard completes Norway’s largest zero-emission ferry for Torghatten Nord

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Developed by The Norwegian Ship Design Company and built with precision and care at Cemre Shipyard, Hinnøy represents the next generation of environmentally friendly ferry transportation. Designed to operate on the Bognes–Lødingen route, she stands out among battery-powered ferries with a record-breaking one-hour crossing time.

Hinnøy is a double-ended ferry powered by an advanced battery-electric propulsion system, supported by shore charging infrastructure. With two separate propulsion configurations, she offers unmatched reliability and flexibility, ensuring seamless service even under the demanding environmental conditions of Norway’s rugged fjords and Arctic waters.

Built under DNV class and flying the Norwegian flag, Hinnøy accommodates up to 399 passengers and 120 cars. Every aspect of her design—both interior and exterior—has been developed with passenger comfort, energy efficiency, and operational safety in mind.

Saipem renews framework agreement with Saudi Aramco for offshore activities

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Saipem has signed a renewal for its framework agreement with Saudi Aramco.

With the renewal of the LTA, Saipem is reconfirmed in the exclusive list of contractors selected by Saudi Aramco who are eligible to bid for work orders, known as CRPOs (Contract Release Purchase Orders). These contracts may relate to both the construction of new investment projects and any projects aimed at maintaining production capacity from Saudi Arabia’s offshore fields.

Should Saipem be awarded contracts for activities within the Kingdom under the LTA, these will be carried out by a consortium between Snamprogetti Saudi Arabia (a subsidiary of Saipem SpA) and STAR (Saipem Taqa Al-Rushaid Fabricators Co.), which aims to maximize local activities leveraging the local fabrication yard, established in Saudi Arabia in 2008.

Saipem and Saudi Aramco have a long history of collaboration on onshore, offshore and drilling projects.

New LNG carrier for QatarEnergy named “Al Tuwar”

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On April 17, a joint venture company comprising NYK, Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd., MISC Berhad, and China LNG Shipping (Holdings) Limited held a naming ceremony for a new liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier for QatarEnergy, the state-owned energy company of Qatar.

The ceremony was held at Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding (Group) Co., Ltd. in China, and the vessel was named “Al Tuwar” after the name of a hill in Al Wakrah, a Major city in Qatar.

This vessel is the first of a series of 12 LNG carriers that the joint venture company will build for QatarEnergy, one of the world’s largest LNG producers. It is also the first LNG carrier that NYK is involved in building in China. The vessel is scheduled to begin transporting LNG to countries around the world in May.

The vessel is equipped with the X-DF 2.1 iCER engine, a highly fuel-efficient dual-fuel engine that uses fuel oil and boil-off gas as fuel. It is also equipped with a reliquefaction device that effectively uses surplus boil-off gas, enabling efficient navigation and contributing to reducing greenhouse gases (GHG), thereby reducing the environmental impact.

Vessel Particulars

  • Cargo capacity: approx. 174,000 m3
  • Length: approx. 299.00 m
  • Beam: 46.40 m
  • Main engine: X-DF2.1 iCER (dual-fuel slow-speed diesel engine)
  • Builder: Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding (Group) Co., Ltd.

Wake loss could cost Equinor and Orsted up to £363m from North Sea wind farms

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Both developers have submitted financial impact assessments warning that the development of the Outer Dowsing offshore wind farm could have knock-on effects on several of their own developments, including the major Hornsea projects.

TotalEnergies, Corio Generation and Gulf Energy Development are currently looking to create Outer Dowsing. This 1.5GW project could potentially locate up to 100 turbines, each up to 403m high, 33 miles (54km) off the Lincolnshire coast.

With a consent decision expected this year, construction on the wind farm could begin in 2027 with first power in 2030.

However, once completed, Outer Dowsing could lead to wake loss, where its presence affects air currents downwind, impacting other wind farms around it.

What is wake loss?

Wake loss describes the effect that wind turbines have on air currents as they pass around them. The turbines absorb energy from the wind, slowing the flow of air and making it more turbulent.

For wind farms downwind, wake loss reduces the quality of the air currents and brings down their turbines’ energy yield.

According to Wood Thilsted’s report, wake loss can affect wind farms at distances of 18.5-37 miles (30-60km), with impacts even up to 62 miles (100km).

While wind dynamics are well understood, the issue of wake loss hasn’t been particularly considered by regulatory bodies and developers when creating wind farms. In the early days of the UK’s offshore wind rollout, the relative scarcity of wind farms meant the effects they have on each other were minimal.

But as the UK looks to build more offshore wind farms, the North Sea is becoming crowded. Wake loss is a growing issue, with Equinor and Orsted’s assessments suggesting that even relatively minor effects can translate into millions of pounds of lost revenue.

The report pointed out that the first consenting decision to consider the issue was in 2023 for RWE’s Awel y Mor offshore wind farm off the coast of Wales, which was also the first to secure mitigation for impacts due to wake effects.

Dudgeon and Sheringham Shoal

Equinor warned that its existing Dudgeon and Sheringham Shoal projects could be affected by Outer Dowsing.

Both wind farms are located off the coast of Norfolk and south of Outer Dowsing, with Dudgeon 8 miles (13km) away from the project site.

With 402MW at Dudgeon and 317MW for Sheringham Shoal, the developers received consents in April last year to double their capacity with a combined extension project.

According to Equinor’s assessment, the impact of Outer Dowsing on the operational wind farms and the planned extensions could be between £42 million and £164m in revenue over their lifetimes.

In addition, the document envisions a scenario where Sheringham Shoal suffers a 0.76% wake loss from Outer Dowsing, leading to a revenue loss of £6m-13m.

Dudgeon could suffer a 0.88% loss, costing it £12m-31m, while a 0.89% & 0.30% loss respectively on the Sheringham Shoal and Dudgeon Extension could cost them between £24m and £120m.

Hornsea

Orsted explored the impact that Outer Dowsing could have on its operational Race Bank, Hornsea 1 and Hornsea 2 projects. Orsted holds a 50% ownership stake in each of the projects.

The 573MW Race Bank wind farm is based off the north Norfolk coast and southwest of Outer Dowsing. Meanwhile, the 1.2GW Hornsea 1 and 1.32GW Hornsea 2 are among the UK’s biggest offshore wind farms, and are located next to each other around 74.6 miles (120 km) off the Yorkshire coast.

According to Orsted’s financial impact assessment, wake loss caused by Outer Dowsing could result in a £67m-199m financial impact on the projects.

This envisions a 0.52% wake loss hitting Race Bank, causing a £9m-23m impact, while a 0.67% wake loss could bring down Hornsea 1’s revenue by £33m-91m, and a 0.68% wake loss could cost Hornsea 2 £25m-£85m.

The assessments from both Equinor and Orsted are based on a recent report from Wood Thilsted.

The report added that additional projects, including 857MW Triton Knoll, 210MW Westermost Rough, 270MW Lincs, 97.2MW Inner Dowsing, 97.2MW Lynn, and 219MW Humber Gateway. In addition, future wind farms such as Hornsea 3 and Hornsea 4 could also be impacted.

Source: EnergyVoice

Fugro and Damen partner to support the Royal Netherlands Navy

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Fugro and Damen have teamed up to provide the Royal Netherlands Navy (RNLN) with a surveillance vessel and operating crew. The Dutch Ministry of Defence has contracted this new partnership to enhance its marine security and surveillance capabilities.

The RNLN will deploy the surveillance vessel to conduct security operations within the Netherlands’ North Sea exclusive economic zone (EEZ), both above and below the water. Using advanced technology like uncrewed vehicles, it will enable the RNLN to monitor vessel activities in the North Sea and survey critical underwater infrastructure, such as cables and pipelines.

Fugro and Damen have established a joint venture to deliver the vessel and crew for a two-year charter, with an option to extend twice for another year (four years total). The charter agreement, awarded through a public tender, is set to begin in the first half of 2025. The vessel that will perform the charter is a Damen FCS 5009, which offers unparalleled seakeeping abilities through its Sea Axe bow design, which was developed together with the Delft University of Technology.

“We are very proud of this alliance with Fugro and the confidence the Ministry of Defence has placed in us for executing this important contract,” says Arnout Damen, CEO of the Damen Shipyards Group. “The Damen way of working means we can deliver a vessel quickly and, with Fugro, we can start work at short notice to monitor and protect the strategic interests of the Netherlands in the North Sea.”

“At Fugro, our mission is to create a safe and liveable world. Keeping our underwater infrastructure in the North Sea safe is integral to this, and by working together with Damen and the RNLN, we can contribute to national security and surveillance efforts. We have previously showcased our experience in monitoring critical underwater infrastructure to the Dutch Ministry of Defence and look forward to continuing to work with them. We are also excited to work with Damen on this. Damen has a long history of providing vessels to the RNLN and Fugro. By joining forces, we’re showcasing the innovative strength of the Dutch maritime industry,” said Mark Heine, CEO Fugro.