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Spy Site: Russia turns sunken ferry MS Estonia into underwater surveillance platform

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Yle reported the news, citing investigations by German outlets Norddeutscher Rundfunk (NDR), Westdeutscher Rundfunk (WDR), and Süddeutsche Zeitung (SZ).

According to the investigation, Russia is using the wreck site — where diving is prohibited — as a training ground for underwater operations. The remains of the ferry are also believed to house surveillance equipment used in training for covert missions in the Baltic Sea.

Analysts note that the site is strategically positioned: near major shipping routes, within the influence zone of NATO member states, and designated as a “quiet zone,” where civilian diving is banned. Some NATO countries are reportedly aware of the presence of Russian spy equipment there but have not made the information public.

Rumors about a secret Russian underwater base in the area have circulated for years. Swedish broadcaster SVT, together with NDR and other international partners, previously reported under the “Russian Secrets” project that Russia has been building a covert network to monitor NATO countries.

One example of such activity involved incidents of damaged telecommunications cables in the Baltic region. Yle notes that devices attached to a sunken vessel are far more complex to detect than equipment placed directly on the seabed.

According to the media, Western intelligence services also believe similar activities are taking place at the sites of downed aircraft.

Source: militarnyi

Belships takes delivery of 64,000 DWT bulker from Japanese builder

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The Panama-flagged vessel has a total length of 199.9 metres, a breadth of 32.2 metres, and a deadweight of 63,709. It is classed by Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (NK) and is powered by a MAN 6S50ME-C9.7 main engine, providing a service speed of approximately 14 knots.

The ship’s design complies with the common structural rules for bulk carriers and oil tankers. Its cargo holds feature topside and hopper tanks, making them suitable for various cargoes, including grain, coal, ore, cement, and steel products.

Cargo handling efficiency is enhanced by four deck cranes and wide hatch openings with folding-type covers. The vessel is also compliant with the IMSBC and IMDG codes for carrying solid bulk and dangerous goods.

According to the builder, the vessel meets the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) Phase 3 requirements ahead of schedule. Other environmental features include a ballast water treatment system and an inventory of hazardous materials as per the ship recycling convention.

High propulsion performance is achieved through energy-saving devices, a high-efficiency propeller, and low-friction paint on the hull.

Damen delivers ASD Tug 2111 Argo to WUZ Port and Maritime Services

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On 23rd October, Damen Shipyards Group delivered an ASD Tug 2111 to WUZ Port and Maritime Services in the Port of Rotterdam. 

The company is growing its fleet in order to support the development of the Port of Gdansk, Poland. As a result of this expansion over the years the company has become Poland’s largest towage company and now operates eighteen vessels and a range of different Damen tug models. 

The ASD 2111 is one of the latest models in Damen’s Compact Tugs series. With 21 metres in length and up to 50 tonnes of bollard pull,  the vessel is ideally suited to operations in the port’s inner harbour. 

The vessel was constructed at Damen Shipyards Changde in China, following the signing of a contract in September last year. Although built to the standard ASD Tug 2111 design, Damen has customised the vessel to meet the specific requirements of WUZ. 

Prior to the handover in Rotterdam, the tug’s capabilities were thoroughly tested and showcased alongside one of Damen’s fully electric RSD-E 2513 Tugs.

Following a company tradition, the vessel’s name draws on Greek mythology. The ASD Tug 2111 is named Argo, after the ship famously sailed by Jason and the Argonauts in their pursuit of the Golden Fleece. 

Damen Sales Director Vadim Akimov said, “We were honored to celebrate the handover in Rotterdam, a nice tradition between our companies, even though this time the weather was typically ‘Dutch autumn’. We are confident that the new tug Argo will play a vital role in supporting WUZ’s growth in Gdansk and we look forward to continuing our strong relationship.” 

VIKING to deliver new patrol vessels to Norwegian Customs Service

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VIKING Life-Saving Equipment has signed a contract with Tolletaten (the Norwegian Customs Service) to deliver a new fleet of cutting-edge patrol and fast response craft. 

The agreement covers the delivery of four VIKING Norsafe boats including one Marathon S-900, powered by twin 350 HP Mercury engines, and three Munin S-1400 patrol boats, each equipped with triple 500 HP Mercury engines. Combining speed, control and endurance, the boats are purpose-built for demanding professional operations. Deliveries are scheduled for 2026 and 2027, with options for additional vessels. The total contract value is approximately NOK 43 million.

“We would like to commend Tolletaten for a procurement process that has been both thorough and constructive, with valuable input from users and clear dialogue throughout,” says Eirik Møllergaard, Sales Manager at VIKING Life-Saving Equipment. “Succeeding on this tender is a recognition we value highly, and we look forward to delivering vessels that will support Tolletaten’s important work in Norwegian waters.”

Designed for speed, control and reliability, the VIKING Norsafe Marathon and Munin series are purpose-built for professional maritime operations. Their advanced hull designs, combined with powerful Mercury propulsion systems, ensure rapid acceleration and precise manoeuvring in challenging sea conditions. Both models feature shock-mitigation technology and flexible deck layouts to support maritime law enforcement and patrol operations, where endurance and crew safety are paramount.

The boats will be built at VIKING’s production facilities in Arendal, Norway, combining Norwegian design heritage with world-class safety and performance standards.

Fincantieri launches the first integrated underwater drone system

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The DEEP system is a cutting-edge integrated solution for the protection, development, and maintenance of critical underwater infrastructure and port areas, also performing monitoring and environmental protection activities. 

The system was designed from the outset with a dual purpose, capable of responding to both civil needs and defense and security applications. This versatility allows DEEP to operate in diverse contexts, offering high value-added solutions for environmental and infrastructure protection, as well as operational support.

The platform consists of a network of underwater sensors for early warning (Early Warning System), a Command and Control Center for real-time operational management, a team of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) capable of conducting missions at different levels of autonomy, cooperation, and coordination, and an AI-based system dedicated to data analysis and processing.

The launch of DEEP is part of Fincantieri’s strategy to consolidate its underwater sector, where the Group stands out for its ability to offer integrated, high value-added solutions, thanks to a unique industrial supply chain and cross-functional expertise brought together within the Underwater Technology Hub, which coordinates all activities related to civil, military, and dual-use systems through a unified management approach. Thanks to this integrated approach, Fincantieri is able to oversee markets and respond to the most complex needs of private and institutional clients, consolidating its pioneering and reference role in technology and industry in the international underwater landscape.

Today, the underwater domain is a key area for security, energy, environmental monitoring, and underwater communications, with a global reference market estimated at around 50 billion euros per year and an accessible component for Fincantieri of about 22 billion euros annually. Fincantieri aims to be a leading player in the development of this new strategic infrastructure, leveraging its ability to integrate complex expertise and high-tech industrial assets.

Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri, stated: 

“The launch of DEEP is tangible proof of our commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation ever deeper. Today we have validated an integrated unmanned underwater drone system that represents an innovative and concrete solution to the challenge of protecting critical infrastructure by using the best technologies available. This achievement is the result of the work of an outstanding industrial supply chain that enables us to anticipate market needs and position ourselves for the future. We are proud to lead this transformation, which makes a real contribution to the security, growth, competitiveness and technological autonomy of our national system, while also projecting us toward global leadership in the underwater economy”.

Fugro UST21 completes work for Ørsted on South Korea’s largest offshore wind project

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Fugro UST21 has completed offshore geotechnical site investigations for Ørsted’s 1.4 GW Incheon offshore wind project in early August 2025, located approximately 70 km off the coast of Incheon, South Korea. 

Fugro’s Geo-data will support the design of foundations and cable routes across the whole development area of Incheon offshore wind project. The work covers a comprehensive scope of marine geotechnical services, including seabed cone penetration testing, downhole sampling, pressure metre testing, and laboratory analysis.

 “We are proud to support Ørsted in launching South Korea’s largest offshore wind project,” said Robert Shapcott, General Manager, Fugro UST21. “Our work will provide the critical Geo-data needed to inform safe and efficient foundation design, helping Ørsted deliver on its sustainability commitments and local economic development goals.”

 “We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Fugro for their exceptional contribution to the Incheon offshore wind project. Their technical expertise and dedication to safety and quality, and careful consideration of all stakeholders, have played a vital role in the success of this campaign. We truly value their expertise and the professionalism they brought to the project,” said Kasper Mortensen, Ørsted’s Site Investigation Project Manager.

Woodside announces Louisiana LNG partnership with Williams

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The strategic partnership involves the sale by Woodside of a 10% interest in Louisiana LNG LLC (HoldCo) and an 80% interest and operatorship of Driftwood Pipeline LLC (PipelineCo) to Williams for a purchase price of US$250 million at the effective date of 1 January 2025. The total proceeds received are $378 million including proportionate capital reimbursement since the effective date.

The transaction represents the next key stage towards realising Woodside’s strategy for Louisiana LNG. It not only secures capital and offtake commitments but also brings a strong strategic partner with complementary capabilities in US natural gas infrastructure and an existing gas sourcing platform, Sequent Energy Management (Sequent).

Williams will contribute its share of the capital expenditure for the LNG facility and pipeline, of approximately $1.9 billion. As part of the investment in Louisiana LNG, Williams assumes LNG offtake obligations for 10% of produced volumes.

Williams currently operates more than 33,000 miles of pipeline across 24 states in the US and its Sequent platform has a marketing and optimisation footprint of more than 7 Bcf/d. It will utilise its extensive pipeline experience to construct and operate the Line 200 pipeline to the Louisiana LNG Terminal.

Leveraging the established Sequent platform and capabilities, a gas supply team will operationalise and optimise daily gas sourcing and balancing in accordance with Louisiana LNG’s gas procurement strategy.

Sequent’s proven gas marketing and asset optimisation expertise will support reliable feedgas supply for the benefit of all Louisiana LNG participants.

Woodside CEO Meg O’Neill welcomed Williams to the Louisiana LNG Project.

“We are excited to have Williams join us as a strategic partner in Louisiana LNG given its leadership in US natural gas infrastructure and ability to add value and deliver operational benefits to enhance the project.

“This is Williams’ first investment in LNG and its participation in Louisiana LNG is a testament to the quality of the project.

“The bringing together of Woodside’s proven track record in developing and operating LNG facilities and global marketing, and Williams’ expertise in pipelines and gas sourcing, creates an energy partnership that has the combined capability to realise opportunities for long-term global energy demand.

“With strong LNG contracting momentum from Louisiana LNG and our portfolio, our existing infrastructure partner New York-based Stonepeak, and our key contracting partners including Bechtel, Baker Hughes and Chart, we are on track to deliver first LNG in 2029 and create long-term value for our shareholders.”

President and CEO of Williams Chad Zamarin expressed enthusiasm for the partnership.

“This transaction marks an important step forward in Williams’ wellhead to water strategy – integrating upstream, midstream, marketing and LNG capabilities to deliver the cleanest, most reliable energy to global markets. We look forward to partnering with Woodside, and together, reinforcing and strengthening our collective roles as trusted providers of sustainable energy solutions that meet growing global demand.”

Transaction details

Williams will hold 10% equity in Louisiana LNG LLC (HoldCo), with the remaining 90% of HoldCo currently owned by Woodside.

HoldCo owns 60% equity in Louisiana LNG Infrastructure LLC (InfraCo), with the remainder being owned by Stonepeak.

Williams will hold 80% equity in Driftwood Pipeline LLC (PipelineCo) and manage construction and operations of the Line 200 pipeline. Woodside will own the remaining 20%. 

HoldCo will continue to lead the gas procurement strategy and execute agreements greater than 12 months.

Leveraging the established Sequent platform and capabilities, a gas supply team will operationalise and optimise daily gas sourcing and balancing in accordance with HoldCo’s gas procurement strategy.

Optimisation value created is distributed to HoldCo. The team will be Williams-led and include secondees and oversight from Woodside.

Keihin Dock signs agreement with Oceanic Constellations

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On October 17, NYK’s Group company Keihin Dock Co., Ltd. (Keihin Dock) signed a joint demonstration agreement with Oceanic Constellations Inc. (OC), an ocean-tech startup headquartered in Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture. 

The agreement seeks to establish a mass-production system for small unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) and accelerate the development of innovative solutions to tackle industry-wide marine challenges in Japan.

OC is committed to implementing a world-first approach to consistent ocean monitoring by deploying multiple USVs equipped with sensors and communication networks — an initiative they call “Oceanic Constellations”. Creating a reliable mass-production system for small USVs is central to realizing this advanced ocean infrastructure, which enables ocean surveillance, data collection, communication capability, and more.

As the only shipyard in the NYK Group, Keihin Dock has led research and development for next-generation, environment-friendly vessels. Past achievements include constructing the world’s first commercial ammonia-fueled vessel, Sakigake, and other future-ready ship designs. By combining Keihin Dock’s proven shipbuilding and repair expertise with OC’s digital engineering capabilities, the collaboration aims to deliver Japan’s first USV mass-production system, paving the way for real-world applications.

Newly built USVs are expected to contribute to not only supporting solutions for marine environmental challenges but also NYK’s offshore reusable rocket recovery system. Since establishing its Advanced Tech and Space Business Development Team in April 2023, NYK has committed to leveraging its maritime knowledge and operational experience to pursue new lines of business, including offshore rocket launches and recovery. In June of this year, NYK and OC signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on NYK’s offshore reusable rocket recovery system (see related information), further strengthening this strategic relationship.

ABP to invest £15 million to bring forward new industrial open storage sites in Cardiff and Newport

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Associated British Ports (ABP) has announced an investment of £15 million to unlock over 40 acres of industrial open storage land across its ports in Cardiff and Newport.  

This marks the start of an exciting new strategy to make ABP the go-to landlord for open storage, with a vast choice across its 21 ports and all four corners of the UK. 

Helen Thomas, ABP’s Head of Property, commented:

“ABP is more than a port operator, we’re a strategic landowner and commercial landlord with over 2,000 acres of land in Wales, the second largest landowner in Wales and offering unmatched access to South Wales’ industrial heartlands and the M4 corridor.”

The investment will bring forward four key sites, with the first available in Q1 2026. These sites include:

  • Queens Road South and Longships Road at the Port of Cardiff
  • Atlantic Terminal and West Way Road at the Port of Newport

These locations are ideally suited for sectors such as steel, renewables, aggregates, and logistics, and benefit from direct access to ABP’s port infrastructure, road and rail links, and on-site security.

Helen Thomas, added:

“Our sites are in high demand, and that tells us that the market is hungry for quality, well-connected space.

“This investment marks a significant milestone in ABP’s commitment to supporting South Wales’ industrial and logistics sectors.”

Occupiers will benefit from 24/7 on-site security and multimodal access via road, rail, and sea. ABP’s South Wales ports also offer high-specification equipment for handling bulk and break-bulk cargoes, supported by a team of experienced stevedores.

Jeff Gibb, Lead Property Asset Manager at ABP also highlighted ABP’s collaborative landlord approach: “We take pride in working closely with occupiers to flex and expand their space as business needs evolve.

“Over the past 12 months, ABP has helped several tenants relocate, consolidate, and grow within our Welsh portfolio.”

Kate Openshaw, Associate – Industrial and Logistics at JLL, said:

“ABP’s investment represents a significant opportunity for the South Wales industrial and logistics market.

“We’re seeing strong demand for open storage across the UK – it’s emerging as a distinct asset class due to constrained supply and growing occupier requirements for surfaced, secure and accessible open storage land close to major road networks with rail and port access.

“ABP’s investment in South Wales sets a new benchmark for the sector, offering occupiers a rare combination of scale, readiness, and strategic location with multimodal connectivity.” 

Daimler Truck, HHLA and Kawasaki Heavy Industries launch strategic partnership

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Daimler Truck AG (Daimler Truck), Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA), and Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd. have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the international trade fair “Hydrogen Technology World Expo” in Hamburg. 

This collaboration is designed to enable the import of liquid hydrogen from hydrogen-producing countries to Germany, reinforcing Hamburg’s role as a hub for sustainable energy logistics. Over the coming months, the partners will assess the logistical requirements for transshipment and onward transport by road and rail. The initiative also seeks to attract additional companies and institutions to form a consortium that spans the entire hydrogen value chain.

Dr. Andreas Gorbach, Member of the Board of Management Daimler Truck and Head of Truck Technology:

“Europe will continue to rely on green energy imports in the future and hydrogen will play a key role here. The partnership is an important step in this direction, and we will need more initiatives like this to strengthen Europe’s position as a leader in liquid hydrogen. What makes it special is that our Mercedes-Benz GenH2 Truck can not only be powered by liquid green hydrogen – the truck can also transport it via road. And the best thing about it: Hydrogen allows us to increase the speed of decarbonization – and reduce the scope and cost of the already slow expansion of the power grid.”

Annette Walter, Chief Financial Officer, Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA):

“Hydrogen is one of the keys to a climate-neutral future – and we at HHLA are committed to actively shaping this transformation. Liquid hydrogen plays a central role in this, as it can be transported independently of pipelines – a decisive advantage for mobility, logistics, aviation, and especially for small and medium-sized companies. Our goal is to reliably supply the industry with hydrogen via our European logistics network.”

Kei Nomura, Executive Central Manager, Hydrogen Strategy Division, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd.:

“Liquid hydrogen is a vital key to realizing a sustainable energy society, and we have long been committed to building the technological foundation to support it. We are very pleased to be working with HHLA and Daimler Truck to explore the feasibility of establishing an international supply chain for liquid hydrogen in Europe, starting with Hamburg. Kawasaki Heavy Industries possesses proven technologies and experience in the production, storage, transportation, and reception of liquid hydrogen. We will leverage this expertise to contribute to the development of a hydrogen supply network in Europe. Going forward, we remain committed to expanding the use of liquid hydrogen through global partnerships and accelerating the transition to a decarbonized society.”

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