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MPA and Wärtsilä renew partnership to drive maritime decarbonisation

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This model will help maritime professionals acquire the knowledge and competencies needed to operate methanol-powered vessels safely and efficiently. 

Wavelink Maritime Institute will be the first MPA-accredited training partner to use this innovative simulation model launched at SMW 2025. Wärtsilä will also introduce the Ammonia PAC simulation model in early 2026 to further enhance the industry’s capabilities to handle and operate ammonia-powered vessels.  

These initiatives are part of the renewed partnership between Wärtsilä and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) to accelerate maritime decarbonisation and digitalisation. The renewed partnership will focus on the introduction of next-generation alternative fuels, optimisation of digital port operations, and development of future maritime talent.

MPA and Wärtsilä will collaborate with companies in Singapore’s MarineTech ecosystem to explore Research and Development projects aimed at lowering the cost of adopting new technologies. These projects will include the Methanol and Ammonia PAC simulation models, plume modelling to enhance safety assessment, and improvements in handling of low- and zero-emission maritime fuels. The goal is to enhance safety procedures for the handling, storage, and operation of these fuels while ensuring the industry’s readiness for new fuel technologies. 

Both partners will also work with industry partners and stakeholders to identify emerging skills needed for methanol- and ammonia-powered engines operations. Training curricula will be co-developed using advanced technologies and simulation models to improve effectiveness.

Wärtsilä will host a Simulation User Conference on fuel training and simulation in June 2025. The conference will feature Wärtsilä experts sharing insights on the latest advancements in simulations and training related to renewable fuels and their applications in the maritime industry. Topics will include competency and capability development for alternative fuels and the future of maritime decarbonisation.

Mr Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive, MPA, said, “As a leading bunkering hub transitioning towards a multi-fuel future, our partnership with Wärtsilä will help unlock the potential of low- and zero-emission maritime fuels. This partnership will be an action-focused effort to ensure a safe and efficient bunkering environment in Singapore.”

Håkan Agnevall, President and CEO of Wärtsilä, said, “As the world’s busiest transshipment port and largest bunkering hub, Singapore has an important role to play in shipping’s journey towards net-zero. That’s why we are proud to continue fostering our partnership with MPA on accelerating this transition. The renewal of our MOU and the launch of the Methanol PAC simulation model are significant steps towards achieving our shared goals of decarbonisation and digitalisation in the maritime sector.”

Maersk names dual-fuel methanol vessel “Adrian Mærsk”

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Maersk has celebrated the naming of the dual-fuel methanol ship “Adrian Mærsk” at its APM Terminals Maasvlakte II terminal in Rotterdam. Stephanie Pullings Hart, Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer (COO) at Nestlé, is the godmother of the container vessel.

Nestlé, a key customer, ships 100% of its Maersk ocean cargo under the ECO Delivery Ocean product which utilizes alternative fuels to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. These alternative fuels reduce the GHG emissions of the Nestlé cargo by more than 80% compared to conventional fossil ship fuels and stand for a substantial financial commitment of Nestlé who has been using ECO Delivery Ocean since 2023.

Karsten Kildahl, Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) at Maersk, said: 

“The dual-fuel vessels demonstrate that the technology for the energy transition of the shipping industry is here. What is crucial now are the decisions that the International Maritime Organization (IMO) member states will make in London next month. We urgently need regulation to support the uptake of fuels that significantly reduce GHG emissions. At the same time, we need ambitious customers like Nestlé as our close partners in the green transition of shipping and logistics which we couldn’t achieve without their support.”

Godmother Stephanie Pullings Hart, Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer (COO) at Nestlé, said:

“At Nestlé, we recognize climate change as one of the most pressing challenges of our time. As a global leader in the food and beverage industry, we are committed to taking bold actions to address this issue. By achieving a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2024, ahead of our 2025 target, and aiming for net zero by 2050, we demonstrate our dedication to sustainability. Our green logistics efforts, including partnerships with Maersk, showcase our commitment to reducing emissions and promoting a sustainable future.”

“Adrian Mærsk” has a capacity of over 16,000 TEUs (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units) and will serve the Asia-Mediterranean trade lane after completing its maiden voyage from Rotterdam. As part of Maersk’s new East-West network, it will do its part to fulfil Maersk’s ambition to deliver a schedule reliability above 90% once the new network is fully phased in. Maersk’s hub terminals like APM Terminals Maasvlakte II in Rotterdam play another vital role in achieving this goal.

Dual-fuel vessels are central to Maersk’s decarbonization plans. Bio- and e-methanol can reduce GHG emissions by 65% to 90% compared to conventional fossil fuels, depending on the feedstock and production process. Maersk will also deploy dual-fuel liquefied methane vessels, aiming to use bio- or e-methane as soon as possible. Given the global fuel demand, a mix of several alternative low-emission fuel technologies is necessary to decarbonize the shipping industry.

Equinor industrialising plugging operations on the Norwegian continental shelf

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Island Drilling Company AS has been awarded a three-year contract for well plugging on Equinor-operated fields on the Norwegian continental shelf (NCS) using the Island Innovator semi-submersible rig. In addition, the oil service companies Archer Oiltools and Baker Hughes Norge have won framework agreements for plugging services.

Island Innovator is a mobile rig specially designed for well plugging. The Norwegian rig company will now be on assignment for Equinor for several years, start-up scheduled for early 2026.

The contract, worth an estimated near USD 330 million, also carries five one-year options. The scope of work under the contract includes mobilisation, planned upgrading and certain integrated drilling services.

“We will drill 600 improved oil recovery wells and about 250 exploration wells to maintain our production on the NCS towards 2035. At the same time, many wells will be permanently securely plugged. This rig provides us with a tool specially designed for plugging operations. The initial plan is a three-year work programme, but we do not rule out utilising the rig for operations also in the longer term,” says Erik G. Kirkemo, Equinor’s senior vice president for drilling & well.

According to the plan Island Innovator will permanently plug 15 to 20 wells annually for a total of nine licences. These wells will no longer be used for oil or gas production. The rig will plug subsea wells at Heidrun, Snorre and Norne, among others.

In addition to the Island Innovator contract Equinor has awarded framework agreements to the oil service companies Archer Oiltools and Baker Hughes Norge for full-range delivery of plugging services with a duration of three years, with two two-year options.

Total work related to integrated plugging services over the next seven years is estimated at a combined value of about NOK 3.5 billion. Archer Oiltools has also been assigned responsibility for planning plugging operations for 26 wells to be plugged from Island Innovator, in addition to options to perform the work.

“Through these contracts the suppliers are involved at an early stage and get a greater responsibility for planning the plugging operations, closely monitored by Equinor, who has the overall responsibility. We facilitate the industrialisation of safe and efficient plugging operations, ensuring continuous improvements together. This is about ensuring quality and reducing costs for work that will gradually increase on the NCS in the future,” says Mette H. Ottøy, Equinor’s chief procurement officer.

Oil and gas discovery in the North Sea

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The oil and gas discovery in wells 35/10-15 S and A was made in the northern part of the North Sea, specifically 27 km northwest of the Troll C platform and 44 km southwest of the Gjøa platform. These are the first and second exploration wells in production licence 1182 S, which was awarded in APA 2022.

The wells were drilled using the Deepsea Yantai exploration rig.

Preliminary calculations place the size of the discovery between 6.1 and 11.8 million Sm3 of recoverable oil equivalent (o.e.), which corresponds to between 38.4 and 74.2 million barrels of recoverable o.e. The licensees will consider a potential development and further follow-up of the discovery alongside other discoveries and prospects in the vicinity.

There is substantial exploration activity in the area. Kjøttkake is an injectite discovery similar to the 35/10-8 S Kveikje and 35/10-9 Heisenberg discoveries, which are located in PL 293 B and PL 827 S, respectively, in the same area.

The objective of the wells was to prove petroleum in Palaeocene reservoir rocks in the Sotra Formation, and to confirm the extent of the reservoir and delineate the discovery.

Well 35/10-15 S encountered a 9-metre gas column and a 41-metre oil column in the Sotra Formation in multiple sandstone layers totalling 11 metres with good reservoir quality.

The gas/oil contact was encountered at 1857 metres below sea level, and the oil/water contact was encountered at 1898 metres below sea level.

The sidetrack 35/10-15 A was drilled horizontally through the oil zone in the Sotra Formation, and confirmed the oil/water contact encountered in 35/10-15 S.

The wells were not formation-tested, but extensive data acquisition and sampling was undertaken.
Well 35/10-15 S was drilled to a vertical depth of 2067 metres below sea level and was terminated in the Shetland Group in the Upper Jurassic.

Well 35/10-15 A was drilled to a measured depth of 3282 metres and a vertical depth of 1927 metres below sea level, and was terminated in the Lista Formation in the Lower Palaeocene.

The water depth is 356 metres. The wells have been permanently plugged and abandoned.

ABB to supply equipment for six new Portuguese Navy’s OPVs

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ABB has secured a contract with the West Sea Shipyard located in Viana do Castelo, Portugal to equip six new offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) of the Portuguese Navy with an integrated power, propulsion, and automation system designed to ensure optimal efficiency. The vessels are planned to be delivered between 2027 – 2031.

The new vessels will be equipped with the Azipod® propulsion system, Onboard DC Grid™ power system platform, and the market-leading distributed control system ABB Ability™ System 800xA®. Combined, ABB’s solutions will enable increased operational efficiencies for the vessels, helping reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

“ABB’s pioneering and proven integrated power, propulsion, and automation system was a choice of confidence for us providing flexibility, reliability, performance as well as fuel efficiency for better environmental performance,” said Renato Amorim, Director, West Sea Shipyard. We look forward to collaborating with our trusted partner ABB on this exciting project.”

“We are honored that West Sea Shipyard and the Portuguese Navy have chosen our power, propulsion and automation solution for these six high-specification offshore patrol vessels,” said Sindre Satre, Business Line Manager, Coast Guard and Navy, ABB Marine & Ports. “Our integrated systems already have a strong track record in the commercial market, and they are increasingly being specified for naval vessels, too. We look forward to collaborating and developing our partnership with West Sea and the Portuguese Navy on this exciting project.”

Azipod® electric propulsion will be optimizing the efficiency of the forthcoming vessels. It is a gearless, steerable propulsion system in which the electric drive motor is housed within a pod outside the ship’s hull, allowing the unit to rotate 360 degrees. By increasing maneuverability and operating efficiency of vessels, Azipod® propulsion system helps to cut fuel consumption compared with conventional shaftline systems.

Tailored to meet the needs of next-generation vessels, Onboard DC Grid™ is a modular and compact power system platform, which offers several benefits compared to its AC counterpart. The solution enables savings in weight and space, and facilitates the integration of variable speed generators, energy storage systems, and new energy sources to future-proof vessels for evolving requirements. By optimizing power usage, Onboard DC Grid™ significantly reduces fuel consumption and emissions, contributing to maritime decarbonization. Highly configurable, Onboard DC Grid™ supports the simplest to the most demanding of applications, while its best-in-class fault tolerance maximizes safety and reliability.

The ABB Ability™ System 800xA® is a comprehensive automation solution designed to enhance the efficiency and safety of marine vessels. It integrates various systems and equipment on board, providing a single user environment for seamless operations. This system allows the crew to access all necessary information from an intuitive, single-screen interface, making it easier to operate the vessel more effectively and safely.

As part of the package ABB will also supply its power and energy management system PEMS™. In combination with Onboard DC Grid™, the system forms the core of a vessel’s combined power and control system. This enables optimal use of the vessel’s total power resources in a safe, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly manner.

A trusted supplier and integrator of first-class power and propulsion technology, ABB is growing its presence in the coast guard and naval market. ABB’s recent orders in this segment include contracts for the German, Spanish, Dutch and Belgian navies, as well as for the Canadian Coast Guard and Finnish Border Guard.

NYK takes ownership of first service operation vessel

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Northern Offshore Group AB (NOG), an NYK Group company that operates crew transfer vessels in the global offshore wind industry, has purchased a service operation vessel (SOV) from Edda Wind A/S, a Norwegian offshore wind power company. 

An SOV is a large ship that transports workers and materials to construct and maintain offshore wind power generation facilities. NOG owns more than 60 crew transfer vessels (CTVs) and has previously managed SOVs, but this is its first owned SOV.

SOVs feature high-end, comfortable accommodations at sea and are designed to provide safe and easy access for wind farm personnel and technicians. Adding an SOV to NOG’s fleet enhances its ability to support offshore operations and strengthens NYK’s commitment to reliable, high-performing, and efficient solutions for the offshore wind industry.

The NYK Group is contributing to the future of the offshore wind industry by promoting the growth of NOG’s business in Europe and expanding the Group’s CTV/SOV business in Japan and the Asia-Pacific region.

NOG CEO David Kristensson comments:

“We’re entering a new segment, but with our previous SOV management experience, we’re confident in our ability, which is well-positioned to support current and future operations. This vessel will significantly improve comfort and work efficiency for our crew and customers.”

Fugro Mercator safely brought to port

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Fugro is pleased to report that the Fugro Mercator was successfully towed to a shipyard for inspection. 

With no injuries to people and no harm to the environment, Fugro is thankful that the impact of the incident has remained limited. The vessel will now be fully inspected at the shipyard. Fugro will also conduct a full review of the event to learn what caused the ship to run aground.

“We are very grateful to the Italian coastguard and our partners for their swift and effective response in evacuating our crew and salvaging the Fugro Mercator,” said Erik-Jan Bijvank, Group Director Europe & Africa. “The safety of our crew and the protection of the environment are our top priorities, and we are relieved that both were upheld during this challenging event.”

The Fugro Mercator was performing survey work for the Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA) as part of the Italian government’s Marine Ecosystem Restoration (MER) Project. Fugro is working with the client to ensure that the work is continued as quickly as possible.

The Fugro Helmert will sail to the Mediterranean shortly to pick up the Mercator’s project commitments, minimising the overall impact of the incident.

Investing NOK 7.5 billion in expansion of the groundbreaking Northern Lights CCS-project

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The decision was made after signing a commercial agreement with Stockholm Exergi to transport and store 900.000 tonnes of biogenic CO2 annually for 15 years.

Customer commitment is a decisive part of realizing a carbon capture, transportation and storage (CCS) value chain.

“This is a major step in the further development of a large-scale carbon capture, transportation and storage value chain. The support from the Norwegian Government and European Commission has been important contributing factors to successfully completing phase 1 and advancing phase 2. That we are now able to progress the Northern Lights’ project second phase on a commercial basis, demonstrates the value of public-private partnerships to reduce risk and attract customers,” says Anders Opedal, CEO of Equinor.

The investment by the Northern Lights JV owners Equinor, Shell and TotalEnergies is 7.5 billion NOK. This includes the award of €131 million (ca 1,5 billion NOK) from the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) funding scheme, approved by the European Commission last year.

Phase two of the development will increase the total injection capacity from 1.5 million tonnes of CO2 per year (Mtpa) to at least 5 Mtpa. The expansion through phase two builds on existing onshore and offshore infrastructure and includes additional onshore storage tanks, a new jetty, and additional injection wells. This development phase is expected to be completed and ready for operation in the second half of 2028. Equinor will remain the technical service provider (TSP) for phase two, responsible for development, construction and operation on behalf of the partnership.

The first phase of the Northern Lights project aimed to demonstrate feasibility of a new business model, solutions, and operations through collaboration among authorities, customers and project partners. With strong support by the Norwegian government’s Longship initiative, phase one is fully booked. Northern Lights is prepared to receive CO2 from emitters, offering a secure and permanent storage solution for CO2.

“I am very pleased that the partners in Northern Lights have progressed to the second phase of the Northern Lights project. As the recently published European Clean Industrial Deal makes clear, large-scale carbon capture, transport and storage will be crucial in the energy transition as it offers a solution for hard-to-abate industrial emitters to decarbonize their processes, says Irene Rummelhoff, executive vice president for Marketing, Midstream and Processing in Equinor.

Phase one operations are planned for this summer, with CO2 from Heidelberg Materials’ cement factory in Brevik expected to arrive at the receiving terminal near Kollsnes on Norway’s west coast. Additionally, Northern Lights will store CO2 from the Hafslund Celsio waste-to-energy plant in Oslo, as part of the Longship project.

Equinor is already one of the largest CCS developers worldwide, with ambitions to further mature storage licenses both on the Norwegian continental shelf and globally with expected nominal equity return as previously communicated. Equinor is working on several CCS projects in Europe and the US. These projects require ongoing collaboration between governments, industry, customers and regulators to enable large-scale CCS solutions.

AiPs obtained for liquefied CO2 carrier design and floating liquefied storage facility

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Knutsen NYK Carbon Carriers AS (“KNCC”) has obtained Approval in Principle from ClassNK for the design of liquified CO2 carriers that use the elevated pressure (EP) method to store and transport liquefied carbon dioxide (LCO2) at ambient temperature.

ClassNK has carried out a design review of this ship in accordance with the Rules for the Survey and Construction of Steel Ships, ‘Part N’, and has issued an Approval in Principle (AiP) after confirming that the ship meets the prescribed requirements.

The LCO2-EP carrier uses ‘LCO2-EP Cargo Tank’ technology developed by KNCC to transport LCO2 in a stable state. Since there is no need to cool LCO2 to cryogenic temperatures, it is easy to handle and potentially reduces energy and costs during liquefaction.

NYK, KNCC, and ENEOS Xplora Inc. (ENEOS Xplora) have developed a Floating Liquefied Storage Unit (FLSU) that combines the LCO2-EP Cargo Tank technology with the Isenthalpic Expansion Cooling & Liquefaction Process. This Process has been researched and developed in collaboration among the three companies. ClassNK has issued an AiP following a review based on the Rules for the Survey and Construction of Steel Ships, ‘Part PS’, ‘Guidelines for the Design of Floating Liquefied Natural Gas and Liquefied Petroleum Gas Production, Storage, Offloading and Regasification Units’, etc.

This FLSU is a pioneering concept that liquefies and temporarily stores CO2 that has been collected and transported as gas in an onshore facility making it ready for further transport by LCO2 carrier. By utilizing the features of the EP method, which has the potential to reduce the energy required for liquefaction, and adopting the Process, which is expected to be simpler and more compact than conventional cooling methods, it has become possible to install a liquefaction plant on a floating structure.

Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) is one area that is expected to play a certain role in achieving a carbon-neutral society. However, issues need to be addressed, such as reducing overall costs and securing land for liquefaction and storage facilities. By utilizing this FLSU, the cost of CO2 liquefaction and the land area required onshore in the CCUS value chain can be reduced, expanding the possibilities for realizing CCUS.

NYK, KNCC, ENEOS Xplora, and ClassNK will continue to contribute to realizing a carbon-neutral society by examining various technologies and assessing their economic and safety aspects towards achieving a CCUS value chain.

Fincantieri: keel laying of “Seven Seas Prestige” in Marghera

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The keel laying ceremony for “Seven Seas Prestige” the ultra-luxury cruise ship which Fincantieri is building for Regent Seven Seas Cruises, took place at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Marghera (Venice). The vessel is scheduled for delivery in 2026.

The ceremony was attended, among others, by Harry Sommer, President & Chief Executive Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd, Jason Montague, Chief Luxury Officer of Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Patrik Dahlgren, Executive Vice President, Chief Vessel Operations and Newbuild Officer Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., Daniele Fanara, Fincantieri Senior Vice President New Building and After Sales, and Marco Lunardi, Senior Vice President Marghera shipyard.

During the event, three specially chosen coins were welded onto the bottom of the ship as part of a longstanding maritime tradition and a symbol of good luck and blessing for the vessel.

With a gross tonnage of 77,000 tons and a length of 257 meters, “Seven Seas Prestige” will accommodate approximately 850 passengers in 434 spacious suites, offering one of the highest guest-to-space ratios in the industry. The ship will embody sophistication and refinement that is the epitome of timeless elegance, integrating the most advanced environmental technologies and introducing new accommodation categories, new dining and many more incredible experiences for luxury travelers.

“Seven Seas Prestige” will be the first vessel in the new Prestige Class, a generation of ships following the highly successful Explorer series, also built by Fincantieri: “Seven Seas Explorer” (2016), “Seven Seas Splendor” (2020), and “Seven Seas Grandeur” (2023), delivered respectively from the Sestri Ponente (Genoa) and Ancona shipyards.

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