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Fincantieri and Accenture announce the launch of Fincantieri Ingenium Joint Venture

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The company will be owned 70% by Fincantieri NexTech – a subsidiary of the Fincantieri Group – and 30% by Accenture. 

The initiative stems from a Memorandum of Understanding signed in July 2024 and combines Fincantieri’s technological expertise in the naval sector with Accenture’s advanced digital capabilities and digital engineering and manufacturing expertise. The project is subject to customary regulatory clearances.

Fincantieri Ingenium has been created to accelerate digital transformation across the cruise, defense, and port infrastructure sectors. It will play a key role in executing the strategy outlined in Fincantieri Group’s Industrial Plan. The goal is to enhance the offering of digital services and systems based on recent advances in technologies such as artificial intelligence by optimizing the entire value chain through data utilization and process transformation.

The joint venture will integrate Accenture’s extensive experience in digital platforms, AI, connectivity and IoT, cybersecurity, and service design with Fincantieri’s deep technological know-how in the naval and defense industries. This powerful combination will enable the development of new technological capabilities and skills, while also attracting and training new talent.

Among the first strategic initiatives of the new company is the development of Navis Sapiens, a digital ecosystem designed for next-generation ships and the upgrade of existing fleets. The project spans three key dimensions: the creation of a portfolio of application services to optimize operational efficiency and lifecycle management for ships and onshore infrastructure; the development of a digital platform enabling these applications and advanced AI-driven functionalities, with a strong focus on cybersecurity; and a marketplace to facilitate the exchange of solutions – including those from third parties – to deliver high value-added services and enable new business models across the maritime ecosystem. The first ship equipped with Navis Sapiens is expected to enter service by the end of 2025.

In synergy with Navis Sapiens, the joint venture also plans to enhance real-time data exchange and connectivity between ships and onshore ecosystems – including ports and shipyards – through a sea-to-shore interoperability solution to increase cross-functional process efficiency. This project will help improve the competitiveness of Italian ports by optimizing performance across the entire maritime and land-based value chain.

All initiatives will be promoted with sustainability as a core pillar. The systems will be designed to reduce environmental impact through data-driven energy optimization, supporting shipowners in reducing fuel consumption. The initiatives already underway, as well as those to come, will generate significant value for Fincantieri, the national maritime ecosystem, and the country as a whole, with a positive impact on a global scale.

Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and General Manager of Fincantieri, said: “With Fincantieri Ingenium, we strengthen our leadership position in technological innovation applied to shipbuilding and the naval engineering industry. This joint venture represents a strategic step forward in accelerating the digitalization of the sector, leveraging artificial intelligence and the most advanced technologies. Thanks to the synergy with Accenture, we will develop cutting-edge solutions that will make our ships and infrastructures increasingly connected, efficient and sustainable, consolidating Fincantieri’s role as a global leader in the sector.”

Teodoro Lio, MU Lead for ICEG and CEO of Accenture Italy, commented: “We are excited about this joint venture with Fincantieri, which marks a significant step forward in maritime innovation and is a tangible example of collaboration between two organizations committed to transforming the market and creating new value. With Fincantieri Ingenium, we are combining our respective strengths to shape new operating models that will transform maritime operations through innovative technologies.”

Hateco and APM Terminals celebrate grand opening of Haiphong terminal in Vietnam

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As a culmination of the strategic partnership between Hateco Group and APM Terminals in Vietnam, the grand opening of the new terminal in Haiphong was celebrated this past weekend at a milestone event at the terminal facility. The terminal — Hateco Haiphong International Container Terminal (HHIT) — will provide two new deep-water berths at Lach Huyen port in Haiphong City. 

As an an independent entity of A. P. Moller-Maersk, APM Terminals is part of the integrated set-up of Maersk’s ocean, terminals and landside services.

“It is with immense pride that we stand here today as strategic partners enabling and celebrating this huge step forward for the Vietnamese shipping and logistics capabilities. As the most modern and the largest deep water container port in Northern Vietnam, the new facility will enable businesses, create jobs and connect Vietnam to the world in a more efficient, cost effective and green manner. As we look ahead, Maersk is committed to deepening our collaboration with Vietnam and with our strategic partner Hateco. We are proud to offer our expertise and best practices to deliver value to our customers, partners and wider stakeholders in Haiphong and beyond,” says Robert Mærsk Uggla, Chair of A.P. Moller – Maersk.

As part of the project, APM Terminals has shared best practices on safety, port automation, the use of artificial intelligence and process optimisation and decarbonisation, all of which are part of the partners’ mutual priorities as public-private partners. The terminal has also been chosen as part of the Gemini Cooperation, the new East-West network handled by Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd.

“In just 30 months, what was once a dream has become the most modern maritime gateway for Northern Vietnam. For Hateco, it is not just a new port. It is a gateway for progress, a symbol of partnership and a testament to what vision, innovation and collaboration can bring. Hateco and its professional and dedicated employees cannot achieve this alone. We appreciate the government of Vietnam’s foresight and trust to offer this strategic infrastructure project to Hateco. We also feel privileged to work alongside experts and advisors from Maersk and APM Terminals, who shared their insights from global operations to make the HHIT project construction and operations smarter, greener and faster,” says Chairman Tran Van Ky of Hateco Group.

At the opening, Hateco and APM Terminals signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to deepen and expand the strategic partnership in port and logistics investment and operations in Haiphong and in potential new strategic locations in Vietnam.

Deputy Prime Minister of Vietnam Mr. Mai Van Chinh and Danish Ambassador to Vietnam and Laos Mr. Nicolai Prytz participated in the opening event and praised the impressive development of the HHIT deep water port project and the successful partnership between Maersk and Hateco, which contributes strongly to the deepening trade and cultural ties between Europe and Vietnam.

Hong Kong debuts first electric ferry

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Hong Kong’s first electric ferry, Xin Ming Zhu XXXIX, operated by Sun Ferry Services, has completed trials and will incrementally boost the service between North Point and Hung Hom to three days a week. 

The HK$65m vessel, built by Guangdong Sinoway Composite Materials, offers up to 52 single trips daily without recharging.  The 35m long carbon fibre built ferry can accommodate up to 400 passengers.

Xin Ming Zhu XXXIX is a beneficiary of the Government’s subsidy scheme attached to the Pilot Scheme for Electric Ferries which comes with HK$350m in funding for the four ferry operators for the construction of electric ferries and the associated charging facilities, as well as the operational, maintenance and repair expenditures incurred by the operation of the electric ferries during a 24-month trial period.

A second electric ferry is likely to be available before the end of the year. It will be operated by Fortune Ferry Company between East Tsim Sha Tsui, West Kowloon, Wab Chai and Central.

In 2026, Coral Sea Ferry Service Company, will carry passengers between Sai Wan Ho and Kwun Tong when it receives its electric ferry in the second half of 2026.

The Star Ferry Company is the last member of the Pilot Scheme and is yet to launch a tender for its electric vessel.

Underwater robotic gliders provide new insights into the impact of a melting megaberg

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A team of researchers from British Antarctic Survey (BAS) and the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) deployed robotic gliders from the RRS James Cook, 23 km from one of the world’s largest icebergs, A-68a, in February 2021 close to the sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia.  

Gathering data on icebergs is notoriously difficult. Large scale movements of giant icebergs can be tracked with satellites, but ships will not get close as smaller scale movements are currently unpredictable. This means the data needed by researchers to develop accurate models – critical for predicting future climate change – is often missing. 

The gliders collected data on the ocean’s salinity and temperature, along with chlorophyll (a proxy for productivity) and optical backscatter, which measures the particles suspended in the water. 

The unique measurements revealed that as the iceberg melts from beneath – a process called basal melting – a layer of water called ‘Winter Water’ (formed in the Austral summer when warmer waters cap cooler winter waters below), is ‘eroded’. This band of cold water, only present in this time period, provides a barrier between surface and deeper waters, restricting nutrients from reaching subsurface layers.  

By eroding this barrier, nutrient-rich deep waters can rise towards the surface, along with mineral-rich particles, such as iron and silica, from the melting iceberg. These nutrients play a key role in stimulating primary productivity creating food for the charismatic animals that live in the Southern Ocean.  

Natasha Lucas, a physical oceanographer and Honorary Researcher at BAS and lead author of the study, said: 

“We think this is the first time measurements have been made so close to an iceberg – so it’s really ground-breaking stuff! It was just really exciting to see the data come back and see how the ocean was changing so drastically.

 “The number of giant icebergs is increasing with climate change so it’s important that we understand the physical and biological processes that happen as an iceberg of this size melts, often far from its source. By mixing up these ocean layers – which are normally very stable in the Antarctic summer – the ocean’s temperature, its salinity and the amount of nutrients are all changed. This ultimately impacts how much heat and carbon is exchanged between our ocean and atmosphere.”

The mission was high-risk; remotely operated robotic gliders are not normally deployed so near to icebergs. Natasha added: 

“This mission was far from straight forward. We were piloting the gliders remotely from over 12000 km away, each in our own ‘lockdown’ offices during COVID, relying on infrequent cloud-free satellite imagery to locate the iceberg and smaller icebergs around it. A-68a was constantly on the move, we sadly lost one glider, and the second glider got trapped under A-68a a few times. However, after it emerged victorious 17 days later with a wealth of data, we were able to quantify the processes involved as these giant icebergs melt.” 

Since the A-68a calved in 2021, several more megabergs have made their way towards South Georgia. Most notable of these is A-23a, which grounded on the island’s continental shelf earlier this year. Researchers on the RRS Sir David Attenborough recently collected samples from the iceberg as they transited past as part of the BIOPOLE 2 science mission which will be analysed back in the UK. 

The paper was published in the journal Nature Geoscience. 

MOL and Tokyo LNG Tanker to equip new LNG carrier with Wind Challenger systems

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MOL has announced an agreement with Tokyo LNG Tanker (TLT) to install two Wind Challenger wind-assisted ship propulsion systems developed by MOL and Oshima Shipbuilding together on a newbuilding LNG carrier that will be under a long-term charter to TLT.

This is the world’s second Wind Challenger to be installed on an LNG carrier. Two bulk carriers equipped with the system have already been delivered and seven more are scheduled for delivery (Note 2).
One of the features of the Wind Challenger is its telescopic sail, which helps reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

As the world’s largest owner of LNG carriers, MOL remains committed to promoting a decarbonized society. Through proactive efforts to reduce the environmental footprint of LNG ocean transport, we are addressing the increasing global demand with innovative and sustainable approaches.

Outline of the vessel

  • LOA/Breadth: 294.9m/46.4m
  • Cargo Tank Capacity: 174,000m3 membrane type
  • Main Engine: ME-GA
  • Shipyard: Geoje Shipyard of Hanwha Ocean Co., Ltd.
  • Delivery: 2026 

DEME signs agreement to acquire Norwegian company Havfram

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DEME has signed an agreement to acquire Havfram, an international offshore wind contractor based in Norway. This strategic acquisition aligns with DEME’s ambition to expand its footprint in the offshore wind energy market and enhances its competitive positioning in turbine and foundation installations.

Havfram, an offshore wind infrastructure services company Havfram is a Norwegian offshore wind infrastructure company focused on providing transport and installation to the offshore wind sector. Havfram is primarily owned by Sandbrook Capital, a private investment firm focused on climate infrastructure, and the Public Sector Pension Investment Board (PSP Investments), one of Canada’s largest pension investors.

Havfram is currently building two next generation wind turbine installation vessels. Both vessels, under construction and expected to be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2025 and early 2026 respectively, are already contracted as of the second half of 2026. Havfram already has an orderbook of approximately 600 million euro, and this includes support for the construction of some of the world’s largest offshore wind farms from 2026 to 2030. The company employs around 50 people and is headquartered in Oslo, Norway.

“DEME’s investment in Havfram underscores our unwavering belief in the immense potential of offshore wind infrastructure as a key element in the global energy transition. This acquisition complements our fleet and will bolster our competitive edge in both turbine and foundation installations, enhancing our operational flexibility and interchangeability, and strengthening DEME’s leadership position in the industry. Havfram’s state-of-the-art vessels are equipped to install the next generation of turbines and foundations, seamlessly integrating with DEME’s existing fleet. Havfram’s expertise and innovative approach will complement our strengths and capabilities, allowing us to deliver even greater value to our customers in the offshore wind industry,” said Luc Vandenbulcke, CEO of DEME.

The agreement represents an aggregated transaction value of approximately 900 million euro, encompassing the acquisition from Sandbrook Capital and PSP Investments, as well as, among others, the remaining capital expenditures needed to complete both vessels. Under the terms of the agreement, DEME Offshore Holding NV (a 100% subsidiary of DEME Group NV) will acquire all of the shares in Havfram Wind Holdco AS. The transaction, which is subject to customary closing conditions, is expected to close by the end of April 2025. Following completion, Havfram will be integrated into DEME’s Offshore Energy segment.

DEME will finance this transaction in line with its previous investments, using a combination of external financing and internal resources.

KOTUG signs MoU with British columbia institute of technology

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KOTUG Training & Consultancy, the training and consultancy division of KOTUG – and the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) , signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a long-term strategic partnership. The MoU encompasses exclusive training of (Escort) Tug Masters, Officers, crews and pilots in Canada by certified KOTUG trainers at the BCIT Marine Campus in North Vancouver, Canada.

BCIT has been educating and inspiring students for over half a century on their unceded traditional lands – a privilege for which both BCIT and KOTUG are profoundly grateful.

Facing an increasing demand for qualified maritime professionals in Canada, BCIT is seeking ways to increase its capabilities whilst maintaining its best-in-class training, for which the institute is renowned. KOTUG fulfils this requirement by offering first-class trainers and training materials. As the only ISO 9001 certified tug training company in the world, KOTUG Training & Consultancy sets high standards for the training facilities it uses. With its training and consultancy division, KOTUG aims to create safe and sound operations with respect for the environment and an excellent level of training and competence while safeguarding the well-being of everyone involved. With a fully equipped modern Maritime Simulation Centre, located in North Vancouver, and operating with similar corporate values, these standards are perfectly met by BCIT.

Joint Pilot Tug Master training is requested more and more by various operators, ports and terminals in the world to increase port safety and efficiency; therefore, effective and efficient teamwork between Pilot and Tug Masters is one of the key training programmes to be delivered by KOTUG at the BCIT Marine Campus in North Vancouver.

“We are thrilled with this strategic partnership. Canada is a key growth market, and with its modern facilities, BCIT meets our high standards for training. Our training method combines three components, classroom training,  simulator training using state-of-the-art simulators, and onboard training. This proven didactic approach delivers the best results, preparing students for both expected and unexpected real-life situations. We look forward to starting the training and providing students with our highly regarded KOTUG Training Certificate, contributing to enhanced safety and efficiency in the maritime industry.” says Patrick Everts, Director of KOTUG Training & Consultancy.

“The strategic partnership with BCIT enhances KOTUG Canada’s (a partnership between KOTUG and Horizon Maritime) ability to locally train both existing and future crews in British Columbia to the highest industry standards. KOTUG’s extensive maritime experience combined with BCIT’s state-of-the-art facilities and 60+ years of educational excellence will be pivotal in securing both today’s and tomorrow’s maritime workforce in B.C. This partnership creates valuable local career opportunities, including for current and future Indigenous seafarers, with whom KOTUG Canada is proud to collaborate. We embrace our responsibility as a company and employer to support the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action 92. Adds Laurens Korporaal, Business Development Manager KOTUG Canada.

Steve Perry, Dean, BCIT School of Transportation: “This partnership between BCIT and KOTUG Training & Consultancy represents a significant step forward in strengthening Canada’s maritime workforce. By combining BCIT’s training facilities with KOTUG’s world-class expertise, we are equipping mariners with the critical skills needed to safely and efficiently navigate an evolving industry. This collaboration not only reinforces BCIT’s commitment to excellence in maritime education but also supports the growth of local talent and ensures a strong and sustainable future for the sector.”

Aker Solutions unveils three innovative floating wind foundation designs

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Aker Solutions has introduced three floating wind foundation designs – the YFloat, CONFloat-Omega, and CONFloat-7C – that draw on fifty years of offshore experience to maximize energy production, simplify construction and reduce maintenance. 

“These three foundations build on our strong heritage in concrete and steel floaters developed through Aker Solutions, and reflect our continued evolution in the offshore wind industry. We are drawing on our experience and expertise to reduce costs and develop efficient products and value chains for future offshore wind projects”, said Henrik Inadomi, Executive Vice President for New Energies in Aker Solutions. 

The YFloat is an advanced steel floating substructure meticulously designed to provide a stable and efficient platform for wind turbines. Its symmetrical design facilitates efficient pre-fabrication with the option of local assembly, reducing material usage and simplifying the manufacturing process. The YFloat offers scalability that facilitates higher power generation and reduced levelized cost of energy (LCOE). 

The CONFloat-Omega is a circular concrete floater concept featuring a moonpool at its center and an offset turbine and tower, specifically designed for harsh environmental conditions. The concrete material and robust construction ensure high resistance to fatigue and minimal maintenance requirements. 

The CONFloat-7C draws on the legendary CONDEEP designs, with a 7-cell configuration featuring a centralized turbine and tower. This design reduces integration and completion draught, thereby enabling a wider range of execution locations and ports.  

Aker Solutions boasts an impressive portfolio of successful offshore projects, with expertise spanning jackets, gravity-based structures, mooring solutions, topsides, and floating foundations in both steel and concrete. The company’s data-driven approach and digital solutions ensure cost-effective and efficient project execution from engineering to installation. 

UK Government gives ‘green light’ to Rampion 2 Offshore Wind Farm project off the Sussex coast

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Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, the Rt Hon Ed Miliband MP has today awarded a Development Consent Order (DCO) for the Rampion 2 Offshore Wind Farm project, which is being developed off the Sussex coast.

Development of the project, an extension to the existing Rampion Offshore Wind Farm nearby, is being led by global renewables company RWE, on behalf of joint venture partners, a Macquarie-led consortium and a subsidiary of Enbridge Inc., a leading North American energy infrastructure company. Once fully operational, Rampion 2 would be capable of powering the equivalent of over one million UK homes.

Rampion 2 is planned to comprise up to 90 wind turbines and foundations off the coast of Sussex. Subsea cables will bring the power to shore under Climping Beach. An underground cable route will take the power to a new substation at Oakendene near Cowfold, before finally connecting into the transmission network at Bolney, Mid Sussex.

Danielle Lane, RWE Director of Offshore Wind Development UK and Ireland: “We are delighted to receive the development consent order for the proposed Rampion 2 Offshore Wind Farm. This is a key milestone in the development of the project, as Rampion 2 can play an important role in helping secure the UK’s energy supplies from our abundant wind resource and play a key role in supporting the UK Government’s clean power ambitions.”

Umair Patel, Project Lead for Rampion 2 continued: “This is great news for Rampion 2 and for Sussex, as the wind farm could generate around three-quarters of all the electricity demands for the whole of Sussex and help generate jobs during both construction and operation. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Sussex community for their input over the past four years, helping us to refine and adapt the proposals to create the best possible project for this site, for the community and the environment.”

The project is eligible for submission into a future Contract for Difference (CfD) auction. A key milestone will be the Financial Investment Decision (FID) by the Joint Venture partners, after which construction would be able to start. The wind farm is expected to be operational by the end of the decade. Rampion 2 is being developed as an extension to the existing Rampion Offshore Wind Farm, off the Sussex coast. Rampion 2 is a joint venture between RWE, the major shareholder (50.1%), and its partners, a Macquarie-led consortium (25%) and Enbridge (24.9%). 

Fincantieri signs MoU with Kayo to support the development of the naval sector in Albania

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Fincantieri and Kayo, a company based in Tirana (Albania), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at establishing a strategic collaboration to promote the development of the shipbuilding and naval industry in the Balkan country.

The agreement was signed in Durres at the presence of the Italian Minister of Defense, Guido Crosetto, the Prime Minister of Albania, Edi Rama, and the Albanian Minister of Defense, Pirro Vengu, and was signed by Andrea Viero, Senior Vice President Naval Vessels Division Business Support of Fincantieri, and Ardi Veliu, CEO of Kayo.

The MoU aims to jointly explore opportunities for the creation and management of naval and shipbuilding infrastructures, the construction and maintenance of vessels, as well as the implementation of technical and professional training initiatives. The goal is to create an innovative, sustainable, and high value-added industrial ecosystem capable of supporting the country’s needs in naval defense and stimulating the economic growth of the territory.

This initiative is part of the consolidation of industrial relations between Italy and Albania and confirms Fincantieri’s commitment to contributing to the modernization of the production capacities of international partners. Thanks to its multi-sector experience and globally recognized leadership in shipbuilding, Fincantieri will offer its expertise to support Kayo in developing projects that meet the highest technological and environmental standards.

Albania, with its strategic position in the Mediterranean and growing attention to enhancing the maritime sector, represents an ideal partner for Fincantieri to activate long-term cooperation initiatives. In this sense, the Memorandum also provides the possibility for Fincantieri and Kayo to collaborate to create a reference hub for shipbuilding and refitting in the region.

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