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Ukrainian Defense Forces strike oil terminal and tanker in Russian Tuapse

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During the night of November 2, residents of Russia’s Krasnodar region reported hearing multiple explosions. Later, the regional operational headquarters confirmed the attack, stating that “port infrastructure was damaged, causing a subsequent fire.”

At least three fire sources were recorded at the Tuapse seaport following a drone attack. Two of them were located at the deep-water berthing facility, and another at the oil terminal near the Southern Mole area.

According to the report, the attack caused a fire at the deep-water berthing facility of RN-Tuapse Marine Terminal LLC(berths No. 1A and No. 1B) – the “oil pier” of the Tuapse Oil Refinery. It is used for loading dark and light petroleum products onto tankers.

This is a port facility specifically built for loading petroleum products onto tankers. It is directly connected to the Tuapse Oil Refinery and serves its export operations.

The CyberBoroshno open-source intelligence group has also confirmed this information. According to their data, the deep-water berth and, likely, the oil-loading pier were hit.

The berth was commissioned in 2013 and can handle up to 7 million tons of products per year. It can accommodate vessels up to 250 meters long with a draft of up to 15 meters.

Analysts note that the strike hit the central loading trestle, which serves as the main hub for transferring crude oil and heavy petroleum products between the terminal’s onshore storage tanks and tankers.

According to official reports from local authorities, who confirmed damage to the port’s infrastructure, one of the moored tankers was affected:

“In the port of Tuapse, fragments of drones fell onto an oil tanker. The deck superstructure was damaged. The tanker’s crew was evacuated. A fire broke out on the vessel. Buildings and terminal infrastructure were also damaged. In addition, the glass facade of the railway station building was shattered. According to preliminary information, there were no casualties,” the Krasnodar regional operational headquarters reported.

According to Andrii Klymenko, head of the Institute for Strategic Black Sea Studies, during the Ukrainian attack on the Tuapse seaport on the night of November 1–2, 2025, three tankers were near the oil terminal: two Greek (POLLUX and COAST BUSTER) and one Turkish (CHAI). The fire likely broke out on the Turkish tanker CHAI.

At the end of September, Ukrainian maritime drones executed their first attack on Russian oil export infrastructure in Tuapse. At that time, a sea kamikaze drone struck one of the oil-loading piers.

Source: militarnyi

FLOWRA and ClassNK to collaborate

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The Floating Offshore Wind Power Technology Research Association (FLOWRA) of Japan and Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK) have signed, a Memorandum of Understanding to explore technology development cooperation in the field of floating offshore wind. 

FLOWRA is a technical research association that works with overseas organisations to research and develop common basic technologies for floating offshore wind to reduce costs and risks.

ClassNK is an independent, non-profit international classification society, ensuring maritime safety and environmental protection through comprehensive inspection and certification services across a global network.

Masakatsu Terazaki, Chairperson of FLOWRA Board of Directors, said:

“ClassNK is a globally respected classification society with a long history and proven achievements. It has consistently contributed to maritime safety, the protection of human life, and the preservation of the marine environment. In recent years, it has taken on a key role in promoting a carbon-neutral society by providing impartial inspection and certification services in the renewable energy sector, including offshore wind.

Since FLOWRA was founded, we have built a strong working relationship with ClassNK through technical exchanges and expert advice on the development and standardisation of floating offshore wind technologies. Signing this formal agreement strengthens our partnership and supports the advancement of technology and its early integration into society.”

Hayato SUGA, President & CEO of ClassNK, said:

“The development of technologies, standards, and specifications that FLOWRA aims to establish as a common foundation for floating offshore wind power will play a vital role in the large-scale deployment and industrialization of floating offshore wind power in the future. We fully endorse this objective and have consistently worked with FLOWRA, and, and we are honored to formally conclude a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with FLOWRA.”

Wattlab delivers first full-scale Solar Flatrack installation on coaster MV Vertom Tula

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The recently delivered ‘MV Vertom Tula’ is a 7,280 dwt diesel-electric multipurpose cargo vessel. The solar system represents a major technical milestone and a step forward for sustainable shipping. Wattlab has delivered and installed 44 Solar Flatracks that will provide power to onboard systems, reducing 20% of the hotel load.  

Vertom operates a fleet of over 100 vessels, ranging from 1,500 to 12,000 DWT. In addition to Shipping & Trading, Vertom’s portfolio consists of Port Agencies & Freight Forwarding, Maritime Services, Tanker Chartering, and Liner Services. 

The company has a strong track record in the Short Sea Shipping market, and aims to operate as sustainable as possible. To understand and test Wattlab’s new technology and benefits, Vertom executed two pilot projects with Wattlab before deciding to fully outfit this newbuild. 

After production and assembly in September in Wattlab’s brand new production facilities in Rotterdam, the 44 Solar Flatracks were installed onboard within a day in the Port of Harlingen. Bo Salet, co-founder and CEO of Wattlab, explains that the Solar Flatracks can be installed in a minimum amount of time using container twist lock fittings: 

“For shipowners, time is money, so speed and ease of use are important. Furthermore, we know that ‘space is money’ too. Hence, should the panels need to be removed to make way for a special type of cargo, the crew can easily stack and store them all on the footprint of one 20ft container.”

“We thank Vertom for their trust and the smooth collaboration in the past three years. Without them we could not have achieved this milestone; that goes both for the vessel itself as for the technology. We wish the Vertom Tula and its crew fair winds and following seas! In addition, we thank the EU’s Just Transition Fund (JTF), which co-financed this project.”

Thomas van Meerkerk, Business Development Manager at Vertom, says:

“During the pilots, the test results showed that the Solar Flatrack system performs well in the tough coastal shipping environment. Based on the results of our own and TNO’s research in the past months, we consider Wattlab’s Solar Flatrack an effective option for reducing GHG and pollutant emissions. Of course, these things also depend on the conditions our vessels operate in, but it’s clear that the system can provide both a positive ROI and contribute to CO₂ reduction in shipping. 

“Another benefit is that the panels can stay on the hatch covers during loading and discharging operations. The crew was sceptical at first, fearing a lot of extra work. However, they soon learned that in practice, Solar Flatracks are easy to use and require minimal maintenance. For example, there’s no salt crust formation, because the water can drain freely from the panels.”

Fugro awarded four multi-year contracts by Petrobras

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The contracts, once signed, will commence in the fourth quarter of 2025 and span four years with potential one-year extensions, underscoring Fugro’s commitment to providing essential services for the offshore energy sector.

Each of the four day-rate contracts is assigned to a dedicated vessel — two operated by Fugro and two by partner companies— all of which will be equipped with Fugro’s state-of-the-art remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) for comprehensive and precise inspection and monitoring of subsea assets.

The combined value of the contracts over the next four years is approximately USD 340 million. Three out of the four, including the one awarded to Fugro Aquarius, are set to replace existing contracts expiring later this year, under improved terms and conditions. The fourth contract is new.

Notably, these contracts will see an expansion of Fugro’s pioneering remote operations capabilities, including the remote piloting of ROVs. This innovative technique was first deployed successfully in Brazil from the Fugro Aquarius in 2023, in collaboration with Petrobras. The approach relocates people from the field to the office environment, enhancing efficiency, and enabling real-time data analysis for faster decision-making.

Céline Gerson, Fugro’s Group Director in the Americas and President of Fugro USA, stated, “These new contracts from Petrobras demonstrate the deep value of our long-standing partnership in Brazil’s offshore energy sector. Being selected for this crucial work, which will extend through the decade, fuels our continued drive for innovation and unwavering commitment to excellence as we work collaboratively to ensure a responsible and resilient energy future in the region.”

This project was largely included in the 12-month backlog as per March 2025 (Fugro’s latest published results).

Fincantieri and Saudi Arabia sign agreement to develop maritime ecosystem

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Fincantieri and the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aimed at fostering the development of and advanced, sustainable, and technologically driven maritime ecosystem, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

The agreement was signed in Riyadh by Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri and by Saleh Shabab Al-Solami, CEO of the Industrial Center of the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, in the presence of the Italian Deputy Minister for Enterprises and Made in Italy, Valentino Valentini, and the Italian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Carlo Baldocci. It marks a significant step in strengthening cooperation between Italy and Saudi Arabia in the industrial and technological domains, promoting the transfer of know-how and expertise to support the Kingdom’s long-term industrial transformation and diversification efforts. It establishes a framework for collaboration in the design, construction, and maintenance of vessels, as well as the development of dual-use offshore platforms and integrated marine and infrastructure projects.

The partnership also foresees close coordination with specialized companies, educational institutions, and research centers, under the umbrella of the Saudi Industrial Center, to enhance capacity building in areas such as advanced marine systems integration, smart shipyard technologies, green propulsion systems, digital transformation, cybersecurity, and technical training.

For Fincantieri, this agreement represents a further milestone in its growing presence in Saudi Arabia and consolidates the Group’s strategic positioning in the Kingdom. After the opening last May of the offices of Fincantieri Arabia for Naval Services in Riyadh, the Group strengthened its regional footprint and reaffirmed its enduring commitment to the Kingdom.  It is fully aligned with the long-term industrial vision, known as the “Long Wave”, which focuses on collaboration, innovation, and the transfer of knowledge and skills.

This collaboration complements Fincantieri’s ongoing partnerships already established with leading Saudi institutions, including the Saudi Red Sea Authority (SRSA), and the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), reinforcing the Group’s role as a trusted partner in the growth of Saudi Arabia’s maritime and industrial capabilities.

“This agreement represents a pivotal step in our long-term strategy in Saudi Arabia,” said Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri. “By combining Fincantieri’s global expertise with the Kingdom’s industrial vision, we are ready to build an advanced and sustainable maritime ecosystem aligned with Vision 2030. We aim to remain an active contributor to Saudi Arabia’s industrial transformation, investing in the development of local skills and the creation of an innovative and autonomous supply chain. Our commitment is to generate lasting structural value for future generations and the economies of both our countries.”

NYK and PODC sign MoU to collaborate on connectivity of Duqm Port in Oman

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On October 27, Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK Line) and the Port of Duqm Company (PODC), which oversees port management and terminal operations in Oman, signed a comprehensive memorandum of understanding (MOU) at Duqm Economic Forum 2025 to collaborate in the development and connectivity of the port of Duqm.

NYK has positioned the Middle East as one of its key strategic regions. On April 1, 2022, NYK established its Middle East region head in Dubai to deepen its regional strategy and enable more agile business development across the area.

Oman, while endowed with natural gas resources, is also globally recognized for its strong potential in renewable energy, which may lead the country to produce cost-competitive green hydrogen.

In particular, the port of Duqm, strategically located outside the Strait of Hormuz, offers significant geographic advantages with its proximity to the Middle East, India, and East Africa.

Furthermore, the area has been designated as the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD), offering a range of incentives to attract both heavy and light industries, alongside ongoing infrastructure development.

The port is currently promoting direct reduced iron (DRI), a green steel product, and is expected to become a hub for the production and export of hydrogen and ammonia, leveraging abundant renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power.

Through the signing of this MOU, NYK aims to accelerate concrete discussions with PODC across multiple domains, including support for the green steel industry, the development of alternative solutions for finished vehicle transportation within the Middle East region, and the production and maritime transport of green energy such as hydrogen and ammonia.

Yuji Otsuka, General Manager of Dry Bulk & Energy Business Co-ordination Group, NYK Line:

“We are delighted to have signed a MOU with PODC, marking a new phase in our collaborative relationship following our previous discussions. We will engage in concrete discussions with PODC to build a better supply chain, taking into account the geographical advantages of the port of Duqm and the potential of hydrogen and ammonia production utilizing renewable energy.”

Reggy Vermeulen CEO, Port of Duqm Company SAOC:

“We are very proud of our collaboration with NYK Line, one of the most respected and globally renowned shipping lines. The signing of this MOU is a testament to the strong alignment of vision between NYK and PODC. It reflects our shared commitment to unlocking new growth opportunities and establishing Duqm as a strategic maritime hub in the region. We are confident that this collaboration will make a significant positive contribution to the development and economic growth of Duqm and the Sultanate of Oman.”

Indian container terminal invests in 30 Konecranes RTGs with E–Hybrid technology

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The cranes will run entirely on onboard batteries charged by grid electricity, ensuring efficient energy consumption and zero tailpipe emissions. The order was booked in Q3 2025 and delivery is scheduled for Q1 2027.

The greenfield container terminal is designed to set new benchmarks for container handling in India. The 30 Konecranes RTGs will underpin yard operations and drive the terminal’s eco-efficiency mission.

All of the cranes will be fitted with Konecranes’ E-Hybrid technology, which can be configured in different ways for fully electric operation with zero tailpipe emissions. The terminal has selected a busbar-and-battery configuration. The RTGs are fully powered by onboard battery packs, allowing continued operations even if grid power is lost. The batteries are charged dynamically by the busbar power supply based on need during operation.

Konecranes’ E-Hybrid technology reduces peak power demand to only 60 kW per RTG, compared with up to 400 kW for traditional electric RTGs. This eases pressure on the local grid and reduces capital expenditure on electrical substations.

“This greenfield project shows how far Konecranes E-Hybrid technology has come. We’re demonstrating to the wider container handling industry that large terminals can now launch with fully electric operations, even if their grid supply is unreliable. This is a new reference point for terminal design and investment in Ecolifting,” says Shyam Pathak, Sales Director, Konecranes, Port Solutions.

Ecolifting is Konecranes’ vision to increase its handprint – meaning the beneficial environmental impact that can be achieved with our product and service portfolio – while reducing customers’ carbon footprints. From eco-optimizing diesel drives, to hybridization and fully-electrified fleets, we will continue to do more with less.

ABP invests in Port of Troon to support reliable lifeline ferry service to the Isle of Arran

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The investment, 100% funded by ABP at no cost to the Scottish taxpayer, focused on the refurbishment of the linkspan’s main hydraulic lifting cylinders – critical pieces of infrastructure that enables vehicles and passengers to board ferries safely and efficiently.

The works were carefully timed to avoid disruption to ferry operations, with ABP’s local team and contractor Laing Marine, working intensively within a tight seven-day window. Thanks to their dedication and close coordination with CalMac, the linkspan was returned to service on schedule, avoiding any cancellations to the vital ferry connection for the island community.

Bryan Davies, Divisional Port Manager at ABP said: “This project demonstrates ABP’s commitment to maintaining critical infrastructure and supporting the communities that rely on our ports. The successful delivery of the linkspan upgrade is a testament to the professionalism of our team and partners.

“We look forward to continuing to provide a high-quality service with minimal disruption and consistently low rates of ferry cancellations from the mainland to the Isle of Arran. This is especially important during key moments for the island like the Arran Food Festival and the Brodick Highland Games, which bring more visitors to the island.”

The Port of Troon continues to play a critical role in supporting ferry operations while the future of Ardrossan remains unknown. In 2024, Troon handled over 90,000 passengers, 31,000 cars and more than 1,200 commercial vehicles, with a cancellation rate of just 2%.

The latest upgrade builds on a £6 million investment in the East Pier Ferry Terminal, which included a new terminal building and car parking facilities. Troon is fully equipped to accommodate the new larger ferries, Glen Sannox and Glen Rosa, without the need for further public investment.

ABP’s investment ensures the port remains a reliable gateway for the Isle of Arran and reflects its broader strategy of investing in infrastructure across its network of UK ports.

US kills 14 in strikes on four alleged drug boats in Pacific

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The United States military carried out deadly strikes on four vessels operated by “designated terrorist organizations” trafficking drugs, killing 14 people, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said.

“The four vessels were known by our intelligence apparatus, transiting along known narco-trafficking routes, and carrying narcotics,” Hegseth posted on his X account. 

A Pentagon official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to freely discuss the operation, said the strikes were conducted off the coast of Colombia. 

Hegseth labeled the victims “narco-terrorists.” 

“We will track them, we will network them, and then, we will hunt and kill them,” he concluded.

The death toll from the 13 disclosed strikes since early September now stands at at least 57 people.

President Donald Trump has justified the attacks as a necessary escalation to stem the flow of drugs into the United States. 

He has previously asserted the US is engaged in an “armed conflict” with drug cartels but added his administration won’t seek a declaration of war from Congress.

“I’m not going to necessarily ask for a declaration of war,” he said. “I think we’re just going to kill people that are bringing drugs into our country. Okay? We’re going to kill them, you know, they’re going to be like, dead.”

Source: dw

ABB powers Scotland’s all-electric ferry fleet with compact

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ABB has won an order with Poland-based Remontowa Shipbuilding S.A. to supply power distribution and propulsion systems featuring ABB’s Compact Onboard DC Grid™ for seven all-electric double-ended ferries. 

The vessels are scheduled for delivery to Scottish owner Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) between late 2027 and early 2029. ABB has also been selected as the sole supplier responsible for delivering shore power solutions across multiple CMAL ferry terminals, beginning with Kennacraig and Port Askaig.  

As part of the ship owner’s Small Vessel Replacement Programme aiming to achieve a substantial renewal of the small vessel fleet and associated port upgrades, the 50-meter ferries will bring enhanced resilience and sustainability to the CMAL fleet . They will serve nine routes in the Clyde and Hebrides region on Scotland’s west coast, each transporting up to 200 passengers and 24 cars at a time – with the exception of one vessel, which has capacity for 250 passengers and 16 cars.

“We appreciate ABB’s expertise in power, propulsion and electrification. Combined with our excellence in shipbuilding, we will make this a great set of vessels to advance low-emission transportation across the western Scottish ferry network,” said Michal Jaguszewski, Director of Commerce, Remontowa Shipbuilding S.A.

Designed for vessels with significant space limitations, ABB’s Compact Onboard DC Grid™ solution offers a distributed configuration that simplifies system integration and enhances efficiency. The system comprises a robust, short circuit-tested marine DC switchboard and wall-mounted HES880 mobile inverters. Flexible and highly efficient operations are secured through a seamlessly integrated power and energy management, alarm and monitoring system. Integrated with ABB’s new AXME Marine Motors, the comprehensive solution combines high power density and light weight in a small footprint. Developed specifically for small to mid-sized electric and hybrid vessels, the Compact Onboard DC Grid™ blends proven durability, high performance, and installation flexibility in one compact solution.

Once operational, ABB’s shore connection system will allow berthed vessels to turn off their engines and connect to the local electrical grid, thereby significantly reducing CO₂ emissions and decreasing noise pollution in port areas. As a result, air quality in the area will improve, and the emission reductions will support CMAL’s long-term environmental goals.

Co-funded by the Scottish Government, the project represents an important step in the United Kingdom’s efforts to decarbonize its ports by eliminating emissions from docked vessels. 

“These ferries will bring increased capacity and the benefits of clean, fully electric propulsion to island and rural communities in Scotland”, said Jim Anderson, Director of Vessels at CMAL. “ABB’s experience in system integration and ensuring ship electrification and shore connection work efficiently together is well placed, and we look forward to taking delivery of the vessels.” 

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