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Houlder leads COMLink project to improve wave resistance modelling

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Houlder has announced its collaboration with Siem Shipping UK and the University of Southampton on the innovative COMLink Design Tool project, which aims to improve predictions of wave resistance in early-stage ship design to deliver more efficient vessel operations. 

This forward-thinking initiative, funded by the Smart Shipping Acceleration Fund (SSAF), is set to transform early-stage ship design by integrating real-world operational data and eliminate rule-of-thumb approaches to modelling wave resistance.

The Conceptual, Operational, Modelling Linked (COMLink) Tool addresses a longstanding challenge in maritime design: accurately predicting the added power needed for ships to operate effectively in waves. Traditional design methods primarily focus on calm water conditions, leading to potential inefficiencies in real-world operations. By developing a surrogate model that blends empirical data with high-fidelity simulations, the project will enable ship designers to create more efficient and resilient vessels from the outset.

Iebum Shin, Data Analytics Lead at Houlder, emphasised the projects importance, saying: “The COMLink Tool is a game-changer for ship design. By combining real-world operational data with cutting-edge modelling techniques, we can move beyond conventional assumptions and create vessels that are truly optimised for their working conditions. This project underscores Houlder’s commitment to driving innovation and efficiency in the maritime industry.”

As the project lead, Houlder will coordinate the project and ensure the successful integration of all components into a unified tool. 

Siem Shipping UK will contribute invaluable operational data from its fleet of car carriers, offering critical insights into seakeeping performance. Siem Shipping has also conducted in-depth studies of existing car carriers and refrigerated cargo ships, using empirical evidence to identify performance gaps and support the development of more efficient vessel designs.

The University of Southampton provides world-class maritime research, supporting the development of surrogate models through machine learning and high-fidelity simulations, and contributing insights that will be shared through industry conferences, peer-reviewed publications, and advisory bodies such as the Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA) and the Alan Turing Institute.

The tool will initially be tested on car carrier hull forms, ensuring practical applicability across multiple ship types. By incorporating accurate power predictions in waves, this project will lead to improved hull designs, reduced fuel consumption, and lower emissions – aligning with the UK’s decarbonisation and sustainability goals.

This project is funded by the Smart Shipping Acceleration Fund (SSAF), part of the UK SHORE programme administered by the Department for Transport. UK SHORE, backed by £206m of Research and Development funding from the UK Government, aims to decarbonise the maritime sector through a series of initiatives running from 2022 to 2025. These initiatives include flagship competitions such as the Zero Emission Vessels and Infrastructure (ZEVI) scheme and the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC).

The SSAF specifically provides match-funding to accelerate the market readiness of pre-commercial smart shipping technologies. In its latest round, the SSAF allocated £8m to support 31 innovative projects across the UK, leveraging over £3m of private investment and involving more than 103 partners. This funding supports feasibility studies and early development of solutions to reduce emissions and enhance maritime efficiency.

MPA and CMA CGM sign MoU to enhance sustainable shipping and digital innovation

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The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the CMA CGM Group have renewed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance sustainable shipping and innovation. 

The MoU was signed by Mr Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive of MPA and Mr Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the CMA CGM Group.

Under the MoU, CMA CGM plans to expand its fleet and vessel tonnage, adding more vessels under the Singapore Registry of Ships, including four 23,000 TEU LNG vessels. This move reinforces Singapore’s position as a maritime hub for CMA CGM and supports the company’s goal of achieving Net Zero Carbon by 2050.  In this regard, the CMA CGM Group has invested nearly USD 20 billion to order LNG and methanol-powered ships and will have 153 ships capable of using low-carbon energies (biogas, biomethanol and synthetic fuels) in its fleet by 2029.

To support the transition to more sustainable fuels, CMA CGM will register and bunker alternative-fuel vessels under the Singapore flag. With its expertise and insights on alternative fuels, the company will also participate in bunkering trials. Notably, CMA CGM Iron, the company’s first of 12 dual-fuel methanol vessels, made its maiden call in Singapore in early March 2025, marking an important step in CMA CGM’s efforts to adopt alternative fuels and collaborate with Singapore on sustainable shipping initiatives. 

MPA and CMA CGM will explore pilot trials, including the test bedding of an online registry for carbon accounting, and sharing best practices for zero and near-zero emission marine fuels.

Additionally, both parties will propose an implementation plan to trial and pilot standards for efficient and secure data exchange between ship and shore. CMA CGM will also engage in cybersecurity initiatives with MPA to enhance digital security in maritime operations. 

The collaboration aims to strengthen the maritime innovation ecosystem in Singapore by fostering close ties between CMA CGM Group’s entities, such as ZEBOX Group, and local innovation platforms like PIER71™. 

The partnership will further develop local talent through leadership programmes, exchanges, internships, and scholarships. CMA CGM will work with the Maritime Energy Training Facility (METF) to develop a seafarers’ training programme for operating alternative fuel vessels. Announced in 2024, the METF focuses on equipping the workforce with skills to handle new fuels like ammonia and methanol, ensuring industry readiness for the transitions.

Mr Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive of MPA, said, “This MoU marks a significant milestone of our collaboration with CMA CGM and also demonstrates CMA CGM’s significant support towards our shared vision to drive decarbonisation and digitalisation and support manpower development within the maritime sector. By leveraging our collective expertise and resources, we aim to create a more sustainable and innovative maritime ecosystem.”

Mr Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the CMA CGM Group, added, “I am pleased to renew our partnership with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, strengthening Singapore’s position as a key maritime hub for CMA CGM. Together, we will drive forward innovative initiatives, particularly in the adoption of alternative fuels and digitalisation to enhance efficiency and performance. This collaboration reflects our commitment to leveraging top expertise to build a more resilient and sustainable global trade.”

Huge ship set to carry turbines to North Sea farm

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A purpose-built vessel, the Wind Peak, has arrived in Hull to carry components across 80 miles (129km) of the North Sea to the site on the Dogger Bank.

Officials said the vessel, which is 162m (530ft) long and 60m wide, was capable of transporting and installing seven turbine sets per load.

Sven Utermöhlen, the chief executive of RWE, which is developing the wind farm, said it was the energy firm’s “largest offshore construction project globally” and was on track to generate its first power this year.

RWE said more than half of the turbine foundations had been installed, along with substations and cabling.

The first of 150 wind turbine blades, manufactured in Hull by Siemens Gamesa, are also ready for installation. Each will be recyclable, which the firm has described as “pioneering”.

Mark Becker, the head of offshore at Siemens Gamesa, said: “This is a major landmark moment: Sofia, one of the largest offshore wind farms in the world, will be the first in UK waters to feature this industry-leading innovation.”

Officials said the wind farm was expected to generate 1.4GW of electricity and feed energy to more than a million homes by the end of the year.

Source: BBC

Alfa Laval secures first contract for ammonia fuel supply system

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As a front-runner in enabling the use of ammonia, Alfa Laval has achieved a significant milestone by securing the contract for the ammonia fuel supply system, highlighting its technological readiness to handle ammonia as fuel.

The FCM Ammonia will be installed on a CSSC Huangpu Wenchong shipyard in China for ship owner Tianjin Southwest Maritime (TSM). The installation will commence with three 25,000 cubic metre vessels, followed by four 41,000 cubic metre vessels.

“Through research, product development, and strategic partnerships, we are building the solutions needed for a safe and efficient transition to low-carbon alternative fuels,” says Peter Sahlen, Head of Marine Separation, Fuel Supply System & Heat Transfer, Alfa Laval. “Our deep experience with fuels like methanol and LPG has given us a head start with ammonia, and this first contract validates our commitment to driving decarbonization in shipping with reliable and innovative solutions.”

The FCM Ammonia contract follows extensive testing and development conducted in close collaboration with Swiss engine designer WinGD. In December 2024, comprehensive testing of the full fuel supply system, fuel valve train, and vent treatment system commenced at WinGD’s Engine & Research Innovation Center (ERIC) in Winterthur, Switzerland. These tests, utilizing test benches delivered by Alfa Laval Monza, will first validate key components for the vent treatment system, also called the ammonia release mitigation system, and then secure control logic and performance at varying engine loads.

“Collaborating with trusted partners such as Alfa Laval has been instrumental in bringing these new clean-fuel technologies to market, making ammonia-powered shipping a reality. This partnership, along with our joint R&D efforts, underscores our shared commitment to the clean energy transition to enable a sustainable future for shipping,” says Sebastian Hensel, Vice President, Research & Development, WinGD.

The first FCM Ammonia unit for TSM is scheduled for delivery at the end of 2025. 

Stena Line orders Norsepower rotor sails for RoRo newbuilding

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The Gothenburg-headquartered shipowner aims to cut CO2 emissions by 30% by 2030.

Built by Jinling Weihai Shipyard in China, the 147-metre vessel will feature two 28x4m Norsepower Rotor Sails™ (NPRS), projected to deliver up to 9% fuel savings on the planned trade route. Scheduled for delivery to Stena Line from Stena RoRo in Q4 2025, the ship will operate on the Irish Sea, between Belfast and Heysham, where wind conditions are very favourable for wind assisted propulsion.

This collaboration highlights the convergence of two industry leaders, both committed to innovation and sustainability. As a forward-thinking player in the maritime industry, Stena  is renowned for its rigorous specifications and high standards. Stena Line’s strategic ambition to transition to renewable fuels, including securing future e-methanol volumes, aligns seamlessly with Norsepower’s mission to drive decarbonisation through wind propulsion technology.

“We are honoured to work with Stena Line, a company that has consistently led the way in sustainable shipping innovation,” said Heikki Pöntynen, CEO of Norsepower. “This partnership underscores the reliability and quality of Norsepower’s products, as well as its alignment with Stena Line’s forward-thinking goals to cut CO2 emissions by 30% by 2030.”

Dennis Tetzlaff, Chief Operating Officer Fleet, at Stena Line said, “Stena Line recently launched our new ship, Stena Connecta, into the water and it will now be fitted out with two rotor sails. These sails will harness wind power to provide auxiliary propulsion to the vessel, therefore reducing fuel consumption and emissions. Innovations such as this are key to futureproofing our vessels and to reaching our emissions targets.”

The RoRo vessel represents a step forward in sustainable shipping, built to operate on methanol and is part of a broader initiative to integrate sustainable technologies. The sister vessel in the same series is being delivered “rotor sail ready,” further demonstrating Stena Line’s commitment to wind propulsion.

To minimise environmental impact during the project’s execution phase, the NPRS will be manufactured at Norsepower’s new production facility in Yancheng, China, and delivered directly to the shipyard. This approach reduces costs and emissions while exemplifying both companies’ dedication to sustainable operations.

RWE and Telehouse agree 10-year Power Purchase Agreement

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RWE has signed a 10-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with Telehouse International Corporation of Europe, a leading global data centre service provider.

Under the agreement RWE will supply a substantial amount of the renewable energy used at Telehouse’s London Docklands campus, Europe’s most connected data centre hub, until the end of 2035. The electricity will be supplied by the London Array offshore wind farm located in the outer Thames Estuary. The PPA will commence secure the supply of power to Telehouse and its customers for many years to come.

Olaf Lubenow, Head of Commodity Solutions UK, North & South Europe, of RWE Supply & Trading, said: “This power purchase agreement ensures Telehouse and its customers have reliable access to clean, renewable electricity, providing certainty on the robustness of supply. We are pleased to support Telehouse also in its decarbonisation efforts as our goal is to advance climate protection in all sectors of the economy with clean energy solutions.”

Mushtaq Choudhary, Head of Procurement at Telehouse Europe, said: “Telehouse is committed to enhancing energy efficiency, promoting green procurement, and reducing our carbon footprint and that of our customers. Thanks to this PPA with RWE, the electricity purchased for our London Docklands campus will continue to be derived from renewable energy sources, demonstrating our efforts to drive efficiency at our campus and deliver real benefits for our customers. 

London Array is operated by RWE and owned by a consortium of four partners (RWE, Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, Greencoat UK Wind PLC, Masdar Energy UK Limited). It has 175 wind turbines and an installed capacity of 630 megawatts.

ESL Shipping and SSAB extend long-term cooperation in raw material transports

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In addition, the new contract covers transport of SSAB’s fossil-free sponge iron produced with HYBRIT technology including the possibility of fossil-free shipments. The sea transport volume covered by the agreement is estimated to be 6–7 million tons annually.

“We are extremely pleased to continue our long-term sea transport partnership with SSAB. Our strategy is based on sustainability leadership and together we share the common vision for fossil-free sea transports”, says Mikki Koskinen, Managing Director of ESL Shipping.

“SSAB appreciates the long-term collaboration with ESL Shipping, and the recent extension secures the unique needs of coming years’ raw material supply for our Nordic operations, with high focus on continuous improvements of energy-efficiency and sustainability”, says Jani Verkasalo, Procurement Director of Raw materials and Energy, SSAB.

With this agreement, the companies continue the long-term work to improve efficiency and reduce emissions from SSAB’s raw material logistics. ESL Shipping is well-prepared to support SSAB in its transition to fossil-free steelmaking. The company announced in October 2024 that it would invest around 186 MEUR in four 17,000 dwt multipurpose vessels, which can operate fossil-free using green methanol.

“This extended cooperation with SSAB offers strong evidence that ESL Shipping strategy is productive. We have made major investment decisions during the past years, the latest in handysize vessels that can operate on hydrogen-based E-fuel and earlier in electric hybrid coaster sized vessels. I am glad to see that these investments are well received by our customers”, says Rolf Jansson, CEO of Aspo Plc and Chairman of the Board of ESL Shipping.

NH1 tidal power project will benefit from funding of €31.3 million

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Normandie Hydroliennes has announced that its NH1 tidal project has been selected as a winner of the European Union’s 2023 Innovation Fund. With this distinction, they will benefit from €31.3 million in funding to accelerate the development and deployment of their innovative system. 

This marks an important milestone for marine tidal energy in France. This funding will support the deployment of one of the country’s first commercial-scale tidal energy pilot projects, reinforcing the role of tidal energy in the transition to clean energy.

Katia Gautier, Director of Normandie Hydroliennes, commented: “Being selected by the Innovation Fund is a major recognition of our work and the impact that our technological system, the innovative Proteus AR3000 horizontal axis turbine, can have on decarbonisation and the energy mix.”

The European Commission’s €4.8 billion Innovation Fund 2023 supports innovative low-carbon technologies. The European Commission’s Innovation Fund is one of the world’s largest funding programmes for the demonstration of innovative low-carbon technologies. 

The projects supported were assessed on several criteria: 

  • GHG reduction potential; 
  • degree of innovation; 
  • technological, financial and operational readiness, replicability; 
  • and economic profitability. 

It aims to bring to market industrial solutions to decarbonise Europe and support its transition to climate neutrality.

A boost for the realization of tidal power in Normandy and France’s energy strategy. Thanks to the support of the European Commission, tidal energy is gaining the momentum it needs to develop and integrate into the energy mix of France and Europe. France has the second largest current in Europe. With a demonstrated development potential of around 5 to 6 GW, it represents a production of 15 to 18 TWh to supply electricity to 8 million people.

The NH1 project contributes to France’s 2030 renewable energy targets and continues the Government’s strategy of investment, innovation and reindustrialisation. This pilot farm will operate 4 AR3000 horizontal axis turbines, the most powerful in the world and the most efficient in commercial operation. Built in Cherbourg, they will produce 34 GWh per year of clean, sustainable and 100% predictable energy to the French national grid and will supply 15,000 people in 2028, paving the way for future tidal farms in the region.

Boosting the blue economy – With a final objective of 80% of the construction value of the NH1 project produced in France, it will mobilize around 400 full-time jobs (direct and indirect) and the remainder in Europe, in order to guarantee energy sovereignty.

Recognition of a project and its very promising innovative system. Accelerating commercialization – NH1 will reduce costs, develop tidal energy and contribute to France’s independence in renewable energy. Indeed, the NH1 project was selected in particular on the basis of its reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, its technological innovation, its maturity, its reproducibility and its economic viability. This success reflects not only their commitment to the energy transition, but also to innovation, performance, and thus validates the solidity of their NH1 project.

New pilot ship ‘Hamburg Pilot 3’ in the Port of Hamburg

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Dr Melanie Leonhard, Senator for Economy, Transport and Innovation, inspected the new pilot vessel ‘Hamburg Pilot 3′ in the presence of Jens Meier, CEO of the Hamburg Port Authority, Karsten Schönewald, Managing Director of the Flotte Hamburg, and Henrik Lüders, Senior Pilot of the Hamburg Harbour Pilots’ Association. 

After a construction period of about one year at the Estonian shipyard Baltic Workboats AS, the vessel was transported by sea to the Port of Hamburg. Following completion of sea trials and crew training, the new vessel will enter service in April this year, replacing the existing pilot ship ‘Lotse 3’.

The vessel was purchased following a European-wide tender. The procurement process was carried out by the Newbuilding and Innovation Department of the Hamburg Fleet in close cooperation with the Hamburg Port Pilots’ Association.

When selecting the new vessel, we were looking not only for high performance but also for technical equipment. As with the existing newbuildings, we are also focusing on environmental protection with ‘Hamburg Pilot 3’: the new pilot vessel is therefore equipped with the latest exhaust gas treatment technologies and runs on synthetic GTL (gas-to-liquid) fuel,” says Karsten Schönewald, Managing Director of Flotte Hamburg. In addition, the ship has been designed to be able to run on climate-neutral e-fuels in the future. In this way, it will make an important contribution to the Hamburg fleet’s goal of becoming climate-neutral by 2040.

The Hamburg Harbour Pilots’ Association is pleased to have started the modernisation of the pilot launches in Hamburg with the pilot boat after the handover. It is impressive to see how quiet and low-vibration the launch is and how well the boat sits in the water. New standards have been set here for crews, pilots, the environment and safety in the port,’ says Henrik Lüders, 1st Elder of the Hamburg Port Pilots’ Association.

Technical specifications HAMBURG PILOT 3

  • Length overall: 17.93 m
  • Beam overall: 5.88 m
  • Maximum draught: 1.50 m
  • Speed: 20 knots

Special features

  • Exhaust gas after-treatment (catalytic converter and particle filter)
  • Wave-piercing bow for particularly smooth handling in rough seas
  • Automatic trim system for increased comfort and reduced fuel consumption

Jan De Nul signs agreement with National Grid for strategic HVDC interconnections

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Jan De Nul in consortium with Hellenic Cables, the cables segment of Cenergy Holdings, have signed a framework agreement with National Grid. Thus securing the consortium’s position as one of the contractors appointed to participate in future HVDC cable projects across the UK and Europe

This agreement will entitle the consortium to participate in upcoming tenders for call-off projects for the design, manufacturing, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of HVDC cable systems as part of National Grid’s large-scale offshore and onshore transmission infrastructure investment program. This framework agreement, which has an initial term of five years with an option for extension of up to three additional years, is a key component of National Grid’s strategy to secure long-term partnerships that support deliverability for critical projects in the UK. 

The UK Government’s commitment to achieving Net Zero by 2050 has placed significant emphasis on expanding the country’s electricity grid infrastructure to integrate renewable energy sources, such as offshore wind. National Grid’s cable framework aims to support this transition, ensuring a robust and reliable energy network. This framework will play a crucial role in enhancing grid resilience, facilitating renewable energy integration and ensuring energy security for the future. 

The consortium will participate in potential future tenders for turnkey projects. 

Wouter Vermeersch, Director Subsea Cables Offshore Energy at Jan De Nul, said:

“This agreement confirms our position as World Builders of the energy transition through providing vital power cable links.”

Hellenic Cables has implemented a strategic investment programme in its manufacturing facilities in Corinth and Thiva, Greece. This has expanded production capacity and enhanced technological capabilities to meet the evolving needs of the energy transition. These investments reinforce Hellenic’s commitment to delivering high-quality, innovative, and sustainable cable solutions for global energy infrastructure projects.

Jan De Nul’s ambition to facilitate the energy transition is evident in its strategy of continuous innovation and investment in offshore installation capabilities. This is exemplified by Jan De Nul’s investment in two XL next-generation cable laying vessels Fleeming Jenkin and William Thomson, both with an unrivalled carrying capacity of 28,000 tonnes. These vessels enable expeditious development of HVDC interconnector projects such as those included within the National Grid framework portfolio.

Wouter Vermeersch, Director Subsea Cables Offshore Energy at Jan De Nul, said: 

“We are proud to partner with National Grid through this framework for strategic HVDC interconnections. The agreement confirms our position as World Builders of the energy transition through providing vital power cable links.”

Kostas Savvakis, General Manager, Hellenic Cables, said: 

“This agreement strengthens our commitment to supporting the UK’s energy transition and offshore wind ambitions. We are proud to be part of this critical framework, providing world-class HVDC cable solutions.”

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