New LNG carrier for QatarEnergy named “Al Tuwar”

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April 18, 2025

On April 17, a joint venture company comprising NYK, Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd., MISC Berhad, and China LNG Shipping (Holdings) Limited held a naming ceremony for a new liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier for QatarEnergy, the state-owned energy company of Qatar.

The ceremony was held at Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding (Group) Co., Ltd. in China, and the vessel was named “Al Tuwar” after the name of a hill in Al Wakrah, a Major city in Qatar.

This vessel is the first of a series of 12 LNG carriers that the joint venture company will build for QatarEnergy, one of the world’s largest LNG producers. It is also the first LNG carrier that NYK is involved in building in China. The vessel is scheduled to begin transporting LNG to countries around the world in May.

The vessel is equipped with the X-DF 2.1 iCER engine, a highly fuel-efficient dual-fuel engine that uses fuel oil and boil-off gas as fuel. It is also equipped with a reliquefaction device that effectively uses surplus boil-off gas, enabling efficient navigation and contributing to reducing greenhouse gases (GHG), thereby reducing the environmental impact.

Vessel Particulars

Cargo capacity: approx. 174,000 m3
Length: approx. 299.00 m
Beam: 46.40 m
Main engine: X-DF2.1 iCER (dual-fuel slow-speed diesel engine)
Builder: Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding (Group) Co., Ltd.

Wake loss could cost Equinor and Orsted up to £363m from North Sea wind farms

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April 17, 2025

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Both developers have submitted financial impact assessments warning that the development of the Outer Dowsing offshore wind farm could have knock-on effects on several of their own developments, including the major Hornsea projects.

TotalEnergies, Corio Generation and Gulf Energy Development are currently looking to create Outer Dowsing. This 1.5GW project could potentially locate up to 100 turbines, each up to 403m high, 33 miles (54km) off the Lincolnshire coast.

With a consent decision expected this year, construction on the wind farm could begin in 2027 with first power in 2030.

However, once completed, Outer Dowsing could lead to wake loss, where its presence affects air currents downwind, impacting other wind farms around it.

What is wake loss?

Wake loss describes the effect that wind turbines have on air currents as they pass around them. The turbines absorb energy from the wind, slowing the flow of air and making it more turbulent.

For wind farms downwind, wake loss reduces the quality of the air currents and brings down their turbines’ energy yield.

According to Wood Thilsted’s report, wake loss can affect wind farms at distances of 18.5-37 miles (30-60km), with impacts even up to 62 miles (100km).

While wind dynamics are well understood, the issue of wake loss hasn’t been particularly considered by regulatory bodies and developers when creating wind farms. In the early days of the UK’s offshore wind rollout, the relative scarcity of wind farms meant the effects they have on each other were minimal.

But as the UK looks to build more offshore wind farms, the North Sea is becoming crowded. Wake loss is a growing issue, with Equinor and Orsted’s assessments suggesting that even relatively minor effects can translate into millions of pounds of lost revenue.

The report pointed out that the first consenting decision to consider the issue was in 2023 for RWE’s Awel y Mor offshore wind farm off the coast of Wales, which was also the first to secure mitigation for impacts due to wake effects.

Dudgeon and Sheringham Shoal

Equinor warned that its existing Dudgeon and Sheringham Shoal projects could be affected by Outer Dowsing.

Both wind farms are located off the coast of Norfolk and south of Outer Dowsing, with Dudgeon 8 miles (13km) away from the project site.

With 402MW at Dudgeon and 317MW for Sheringham Shoal, the developers received consents in April last year to double their capacity with a combined extension project.

According to Equinor’s assessment, the impact of Outer Dowsing on the operational wind farms and the planned extensions could be between £42 million and £164m in revenue over their lifetimes.

In addition, the document envisions a scenario where Sheringham Shoal suffers a 0.76% wake loss from Outer Dowsing, leading to a revenue loss of £6m-13m.

Dudgeon could suffer a 0.88% loss, costing it £12m-31m, while a 0.89% & 0.30% loss respectively on the Sheringham Shoal and Dudgeon Extension could cost them between £24m and £120m.

Hornsea

Orsted explored the impact that Outer Dowsing could have on its operational Race Bank, Hornsea 1 and Hornsea 2 projects. Orsted holds a 50% ownership stake in each of the projects.

The 573MW Race Bank wind farm is based off the north Norfolk coast and southwest of Outer Dowsing. Meanwhile, the 1.2GW Hornsea 1 and 1.32GW Hornsea 2 are among the UK’s biggest offshore wind farms, and are located next to each other around 74.6 miles (120 km) off the Yorkshire coast.

According to Orsted’s financial impact assessment, wake loss caused by Outer Dowsing could result in a £67m-199m financial impact on the projects.

This envisions a 0.52% wake loss hitting Race Bank, causing a £9m-23m impact, while a 0.67% wake loss could bring down Hornsea 1’s revenue by £33m-91m, and a 0.68% wake loss could cost Hornsea 2 £25m-£85m.

The assessments from both Equinor and Orsted are based on a recent report from Wood Thilsted.

The report added that additional projects, including 857MW Triton Knoll, 210MW Westermost Rough, 270MW Lincs, 97.2MW Inner Dowsing, 97.2MW Lynn, and 219MW Humber Gateway. In addition, future wind farms such as Hornsea 3 and Hornsea 4 could also be impacted.

Source: EnergyVoice

Fugro and Damen partner to support the Royal Netherlands Navy

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April 17, 2025

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Fugro and Damen have teamed up to provide the Royal Netherlands Navy (RNLN) with a surveillance vessel and operating crew. The Dutch Ministry of Defence has contracted this new partnership to enhance its marine security and surveillance capabilities.

The RNLN will deploy the surveillance vessel to conduct security operations within the Netherlands’ North Sea exclusive economic zone (EEZ), both above and below the water. Using advanced technology like uncrewed vehicles, it will enable the RNLN to monitor vessel activities in the North Sea and survey critical underwater infrastructure, such as cables and pipelines.

Fugro and Damen have established a joint venture to deliver the vessel and crew for a two-year charter, with an option to extend twice for another year (four years total). The charter agreement, awarded through a public tender, is set to begin in the first half of 2025. The vessel that will perform the charter is a Damen FCS 5009, which offers unparalleled seakeeping abilities through its Sea Axe bow design, which was developed together with the Delft University of Technology.

“We are very proud of this alliance with Fugro and the confidence the Ministry of Defence has placed in us for executing this important contract,” says Arnout Damen, CEO of the Damen Shipyards Group. “The Damen way of working means we can deliver a vessel quickly and, with Fugro, we can start work at short notice to monitor and protect the strategic interests of the Netherlands in the North Sea.”

“At Fugro, our mission is to create a safe and liveable world. Keeping our underwater infrastructure in the North Sea safe is integral to this, and by working together with Damen and the RNLN, we can contribute to national security and surveillance efforts. We have previously showcased our experience in monitoring critical underwater infrastructure to the Dutch Ministry of Defence and look forward to continuing to work with them. We are also excited to work with Damen on this. Damen has a long history of providing vessels to the RNLN and Fugro. By joining forces, we’re showcasing the innovative strength of the Dutch maritime industry,” said Mark Heine, CEO Fugro.

Woodside signs LNG supply agreements with Uniper

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April 17, 2025

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Woodside has signed LNG sale and purchase agreements with Uniper for the supply of 1.0 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) from Louisiana LNG LLC and up to 1.0 Mtpa from its global portfolio (Woodside Energy Trading Singapore Pty. Ltd.), demonstrating ongoing strong demand for LNG globally.

Woodside CEO Meg O’Neill said these agreements represent another important milestone to move Louisiana LNG towards a final investment decision.

“We are delighted to advance our longstanding relationship with Uniper through these milestone supply agreements. Uniper’s commitment speaks volumes about Woodside’s track record as a trusted LNG provider, built on decades of delivering reliable and flexible supply solutions for our global partners.

“Louisiana LNG is Woodside’s largest growth project. It leverages the robust US gas resource, an outstanding site, best-in-class EPC and technology partners and Woodside’s track record of successful project delivery. The addition of Atlantic Basin LNG supply to our established position in the Pacific strengthens Woodside’s portfolio and allows us to tailor contract structures based on various price indices and tenures to better meet our customers’ diverse needs.

“As we continue to progress sell-down opportunities for Louisiana LNG, these agreements reinforce the project’s unique advantages and its economic competitiveness.

“Uniper’s leadership in European energy markets make them an ideal counterparty, and this builds on Woodside’s existing offtake arrangements, underscoring our shared commitment to delivering value for all companies and the economies in which each operate.

“In an environment of increasing demand for dependable sources of LNG, particularly in Europe, we remain focused on delivering reliable energy supply that will benefit our partners and stakeholders for years to come,” she said.

Michael Lewis, Uniper CEO said, “We are very pleased to secure additional LNG supplies for our customers in Europe from a reliable LNG supplier like Woodside. This deal will support our security of supply and flexible generation strategy together with the potential development of additional gas-fired power plants in Germany to complement the renewable build-up. Woodside is one of our biggest LNG suppliers globally with a solid track record of deliveries of LNG to us from their existing projects.

“With this new project in Louisiana, we are further extending the cooperation with Woodside. Long-term LNG contracts like this contribute directly to the competitiveness of European industry. Reliable and cost-effective energy supply is a cornerstone of a strong industrial base, and deals like this help ensure our customers can count on both.”

Louisiana LNG LLC will supply 1.0 Mtpa of LNG on a free-on-board basis for up to thirteen years from the commercial operations date (COD) of Louisiana LNG.

In addition, Woodside Energy Trading Singapore Pty. Ltd. will supply up to 1.0 Mtpa of LNG on a delivered ex-ship basis from Woodside’s global portfolio into Europe commencing with Louisiana LNG’s COD over a term until 2039.

The sale and purchase agreements are subject to Woodside’s final investment decision on the three train 16.5 Mtpa foundation development of Louisiana LNG.

V. secures full management contract with International Seaways for six newbuild tankers

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April 17, 2025

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The six LR1 vessels, currently under construction at K Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. in South Korea, will be delivered over a 12-month timeframe, starting in the third quarter of 2025.

The contract further strengthens V.’s long-standing partnership with INSW in which V.Ships UK already manages 44 vessels in the INSW fleet, spanning VLCCs, Suezmax, Aframax, Panamax (LR1) and MR vessels.

The vessels stand out for their dual-fuel (LNG) ready capability, positioning them at the forefront of the industry’s drive towards more sustainable shipping operations.

Commenting on the contract win, René Kofod-Olsen, Chief Executive Officer, V.Group, said: “We are delighted to further expand our relationship with International Seaways through this significant new contract. Our decade-long partnership with INSW is built on open and transparent collaboration, and this contract win is testament to the value we deliver through our comprehensive ship management and marine services.”

Shubpreet Singh, Senior Managing Director, V.Ships UK, added: “We are excited to be strengthening our relationship and further growing our INSW fleet. These dual-fuel ready vessels represent the future of shipping, and we’re proud to be entrusted with their management from the moment they leave the shipyard.”

William Nugent, Chief Technical and Sustainability Officer, International Seaways, commented: “This contract reinforces our long-standing collaboration with V., and recognises their position in managing advanced, environmentally progressive vessels. We are looking forward to the experienced V. team applying their expertise to these state-of-the-art vessels, ensuring they operate at the highest standards of safety, efficiency and compliance from day one.”

Damen signs with Arena Offshore A.S. for Turkish construction of Stan Tugs 1606

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April 17, 2025

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Damen Shipyards Group has signed a contract with Istanbul-based Arena Offshore A.S. for the local construction of two Stan Tugs 1606. Arena Offshore. will construct the tugs in Türkiye under the Damen Technical Cooperation (DTC). With this, Damen provides tailored support to clients around the world, sharing the knowledge and technology necessary to construct its proven vessels at a third party yard.

With the design and licence provided by Damen, Arena Offshore will construct the Stan Tugs 1606 at its own facilities in Istanbul. Following this, the company will offer the vessels for sale on the market. Arena Offshore is a specialist in vessel brokerage, chartering and shipbuilding. Since the company began its operations in 1998, it has built and delivered over 50 newbuilding vessels programmes globally.

The Stan Tug 1606 is a vessel proven in operation over many years. The vessel has continued to evolve over successive generations based on client feedback. The 16.76 x 5.94 metre tug offers 16 tonnes bollard pull ahead. It is a versatile vessel, well suited to towing, mooring, pushing and survey operations.

M. Ömer Ince, owner of Arena Offshore said, “It is a great honor and pleasure for us that Damen has chosen and trusted an external company, Arena Offshore, for the building of two Stan Tugs 1606, which is one of its most well-known models. As a reflection of this trust, we are excited to complete the construction of the two units in Istanbul to Damen’s quality and standards.”

Bram Kouters, Managing Director of Damen Technical Cooperation, said, We are very pleased that the good experience and collaboration we have had with Arena Offshore has led them to construct their own newbuild Damen designs. It’s also gratifying to see DTC gaining traction in Türkiye. Damen firmly believes that by sharing its designs, knowledge and technology in this way, we can contribute to the construction of higher quality, sustainable vessels all around the world. Additionally, DTC provides economic benefits, giving a boost to local maritime suppliers and widening employment opportunities.”

WinGD X-EL wins first hybrid integration project for wind-assisted vessels

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April 17, 2025

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The agreement marks the first time that WinGD’s X-EL Integrated Energy solution will be deployed with wind-assisted propulsion systems, ensuring optimal use of power generated by the main engine and the sails onboard.

The vessels will be built by Xiamen Shipbuilding Industry Co, with WinGD configuring the hybrid power system, installing a shaft generator for the main engines, coupled with the WinGD X-EL energy management system. The system will optimise the power and electrical distribution between the engines, shaft generator in a power-take out mode and sails, allowing for efficient energy use in extended ranges and all operating conditions. The vessels are also the first on which WinGD will apply its integrated energy system to third-party main engines.

WinGD Head of Integrated Energy Solutions Stefan Goranov said: “To maximise the energy savings from wind-assisted propulsion, operators need an energy management system that can optimise engine and electrical power in response to the available wind power. Our expertise in system integration and control of two-stroke-based hybrid energy systems enable us to optimise the efficiency and reliability of operations of a vessel with wind-assisted propulsion. UML’s new vessels will be a showcase for the efficiencies that can be achieved through holistic energy management based around the main engine.”

Union Maritime Limited Head of Technical Bhuvnesh Dogra said: “Our ambition is to build the most energy efficient vessels on the market and we believe wind-assisted propulsion is a key element in achieving that. So too is effective energy management across the vessel. WinGD’s X-EL solution, managing overall energy use while using the fuel-efficient main engine to generate auxiliary electrical power, will be an important contributor to the efficiency of these vessels.”

WinGD X-EL Integrated Energy Solutions have been used by vessels in service since 2022. By using the power margin of the main engine, rather than the auxiliary engines traditionally used to generate electricity onboard, the solution delivers more fuel-efficient energy production and greater flexibility in how power is managed across vessels. WinGD’s unique expertise in two-stroke engines means that the company can optimise electricity generation potential, while its state-of-the-art digital capabilities support both the configuration of the initial energy system – including its control strategies – and its subsequent management and in-service optimisation.

Fincantieri and thyssenkrupp Marine Systems partner for Philippines submarines project

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April 17, 2025

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Strategic alliance delivers its proposal for cutting-edge U212 NFS submarines to boost the Philippine Navy’s capabilities, strengthen regional defense, and foster long-term industrial cooperation 16 April 2025

Fincantieri and thyssenkrupp Marine Systems have signed an Industrial Cooperation Agreement as part of a broader strategic partnership to provide the Philippine’s Navy with advanced submarine capabilities solutions.

As part of the Horizon III military modernization initiative, the Philippine Navy aims to enhance its archipelagic defense by acquiring cutting-edge weapon systems. In particular, the introduction of submarines would be a game-changer in securing territorial waters, especially in the South China Sea.

The collaboration between thyssenkrupp Marine Systems and Fincantieri brings together their extensive expertise and cutting-edge technologies to deliver the most efficient and competitive solution for the U212 NFS class submarines, which Fincantieri is currently building for the Italian Navy at its shipyards in Italy. The partnership also aims to strengthen local infrastructure and expand the operational capabilities of the Philippine Navy’s fleet.

The cooperation between the Italian and German Navies on the U212A submarines dates back to 1996. Building on their longstanding partnership, Fincantieri and thyssenkrupp Marine Systems extended their cooperation to include potential joint export projects.

Oliver Burkhard, CEO of thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, stated: “Building on our successful cooperation within the Italian submarine program, this Industrial Cooperation Agreement provides an excellent foundation for further joint projects in the underwater domain.”

The U212 NFS is an evolution of the HDW Class U212A submarine, featuring low acoustic, magnetic, and visual signature characteristics and making it exceptionally stealthy. It meets the highest quality standards and the most stringent rules and requirements, with thyssenkrupp Marine Systems supplying essential key technologies and components.

The Philippine Navy would gain a significant strategic advantage through the Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology, first introduced on the U212A, and now integrated into the U212 NFS. Additionally, the use of Amanox non-magnetic steel, combined with other key technical features and new stealth technology, makes the U212 NFS virtually undetectable.

Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri, added: “With decades of experience in submarine construction, Fincantieri has developed a solid expertise in delivering high-performance naval solutions. This cooperation is a key milestone in promoting our international export strategy, leveraging the latest cutting-edge Italian and German technologies and quality.”

A distinguishing factor of the U212 NFS offering is the operational support provided by the Italian Navy, ensuring the Philippine Navy benefits from an unparalleled level of training, doctrine, and logistics. The package also includes specialized industrial and operational training, allowing the Philippine Navy to rapidly build a well-structured and highly skilled submarine crew.

Furthermore, as part of the Philippine’s “Self-Reliant Defense Posture Revitalization Act”, the partnership will support the Philippine Navy in developing a new naval base. This will be achieved by leveraging the design expertise of thyssenkrupp Marine Systems and Fincantieri, drawing on their decades of shipbuilding experience and long-standing cooperation with navies worldwide.

Stena Bulk to register up to five Suezmax tanker under the Swedish flag

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April 16, 2025

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Stena Bulk has confirmed its intention to register up to five of its Suezmax vessels under the Swedish flag. A Suezmax tanker is one of the largest types of tankers and is approximately 275 meters long with a gross tonnage of 81,000 tonnes. Up to five of these vessels will be the largest ships under the Swedish flag.

In recent years, Sweden has made notable progress to improve its competitiveness as a shipping nation. Reforms such as the removal of stamp duty on ship registration, improvements to the Swedish Ship Register, and the proposal for a more competitive tonnage tax regime have created a more favourable environment for domestic investment and are now translating into concrete decisions by shipowners.

The move will fill a current gap in Sweden’s maritime registry, as presently there are no Suezmax tankers currently flagged in the nation. It also reflects the evolving geopolitical landscape and the growing need for control over strategic transportation assets.

Work is ongoing to ensure this transition is fully aligned with the practical realities of vessel operation. Stena Bulk is working closely with Swedish authorities and relevant trade unions to ensure all aspects – from crewing to compliance – are addressed in a way that maintains safe and efficient operations. This is a fundamental priority for the company and a prerequisite for proceeding.

The target is to complete the registration and transition process around the 1st of July 2025, subject to final administrative steps and continued constructive dialogue with all involved parties.

This initiative will also support the wider maritime ecosystem in Sweden by creating demand for Swedish officers, seafarers, and maritime professionals. The presence of these vessels under the Swedish flag will further enhance Sweden’s ability to influence global maritime regulations through institutions, including the European Union and the International Maritime Organization.

Erik Hånell, President & CEO of Stena Bulk, commented: “This is a natural and timely step for Stena Bulk. We are acting in line with the new conditions established by the government and responding to the clear need for greater national capacity in deep-sea shipping. We are committed to ensuring this works not only in principle, but also in practice – with safe, effective, and sustainable operations at the core.”

Stena Bulk remains committed to contributing to Sweden’s long-term maritime strategy through collaboration with government stakeholders, unions, and industry actors. This development underscores how strong partnerships between public and private sectors can deliver strategic value for maritime nations.

TotalEnergies will supply 400,000 Tons of LNG per year for 15 years in the Dominican Republic

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April 16, 2025

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TotalEnergies has signed an agreement (HoA) with Energia Natural Dominicana (ENADOM), the Joint Venture between AES Dominicana and Energas in the Dominican Republic, for the delivery of 400,000 tons of LNG per year. Subject to the finalization of the SPAs, this agreement is set to start in mid-2027, for 15 years, with the price indexed to Henry Hub.

This agreement will enable ENADOM to supply natural gas to the 470 MW combined-cycle power plant, currently under construction, which will increase the country’s electricity generation capacity. This project contributes to the energy transition of the Dominican Republic by reducing its dependence on coal and fuel oil through the use of a less carbon-intensive energy source, natural gas.

“We are pleased to have signed this agreement to answer, alongside AES and its partners, the energy needs of the Dominican Republic. This new contract underscores TotalEnergies’ leadership in the LNG sector and our commitment to supporting the island’s energy transition. It will be a natural outlet for our US LNG supply which will progressively increase”, said Gregory Joffroy, Senior Vice President LNG at TotalEnergies.

“This agreement with TotalEnergies, is the result of the confidence placed in the Dominican Republic’s energy sector and, specifically, in ENADOM and AES. This partnership, alongside ENADOM’s has demonstrated investment capabilities in providing natural gas to the Dominican electricity market by ensuring a reliable, competitive, and environmentally responsible energy supply. ENADOM is proud to play a pivotal role in the expansion and strengthening of the nation’s energy matrix in the Dominican Republic”, said Edwin De los Santos, Chief Executive Officer at ENADOM.