5.7 C
New York
Home Blog Page 75

The first delivery of dual-fuel methanol tanker for Hafnia and Socatra

By
Chief Editor
-
0

Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (BV M&O) has announced the recent delivery of the ‘Ecomar Gascogne’.

The “ECOMAR GASCOGNE” is the first of four newbuild dual-fuel methanol chemical IMO II medium-range (MR) tankers built at Guangzhou Shipyard International for owner Socatra and its joint-venture partner Hafnia.

Since these vessels are dual-fuel, they can run on both conventional fuels and methanol. These ships will be able to lower their emissions, as the production of green methanol increases. 

Green methanol can cut CO2 emissions and also significantly reduces nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxide and particulate matter emission levels.

David Barrow, MV M&O SVP Western Europe and Americas, said: “The Ecomar Gascogne symbolises our commitment to advancing sustainability and to decarbonising the maritime industry. We look forward to continuing our successful collaboration with Socatra and Hafnia as we work with the entire sector to support the adoption of alternative fuels.”

Hai Long offshore wind farm in Taiwan load-out and sail-away

By
Chief Editor
-
0

Consortium partners Semco Maritime and PTSC M&C have completed the successful load-out and sail-away of the second and last offshore substation for the Hai Long Offshore Wind Project after being awarded the EPC contract for Hai Long 2 and Hai Long 3 in 2022.

With the successful load-out and sail-away of offshore substation topsides for Hai Long 2 in April 2024 and Hai Long 3 on 8 March 2025, the Hai Long Offshore Wind Project is progressing well to meet the goal of contributing to the realization of the Taiwanese government’s energy transition ambitions. The project exceeds 1 GW and consists of Hai Long 2 and Hai Long 3 wind farms in the Taiwan Strait 45-70 kilometers off the coast and is jointly developed by Mitsui & Co., Ltd., Northland Power Inc., and Gentari.

The consortium has delivered detailed design and procurement as well as the construction of the two offshore substations at PTSC M&C’s yard in Vung Tau City, Southern Vietnam. The Hai Long 3 offshore substation is expected to be installed and prepared for offshore commissioning by the second quarter of 2025.

“It has been a pleasure to cooperate closely with the parties involved in the Hai Long Offshore Wind Project in recent years, and the strong team performance with our consortium partner and sub-contractors on this exciting project holds great promises for the future,” says Senior Vice President, COO Renewables, Semco Maritime, Frank Holm.

“This significant milestone in the Hai Long projects exemplifies the unwavering commitment and expertise of our esteemed consortium with Semco Maritime in delivering premier renewable energy services. We remain resolute in our dedication to fulfilling our commitments to our valued clients and advancing the offshore wind energy sector,” says Mr. To Ngoc Tu, PTSC M&C’s Managing Director.

Tim Kittelhake, CEO and Project Director of Hai Long Project, said “The overall construction of the Hai Long Project continues to progress steadily. We are very pleased to have reached this critical milestone of our Hai Long Project through close cooperation with our partners at Semco Maritime and PTSC M&C. We now look forward to completing the next phase of the projects, enabling us to bring clean energy to more than a million households in Taiwan.”

MOL and Fujitsu leverage AI for efficient crew replacement planning

By
Chief Editor
-
0

Full-scale operation is scheduled to begin as a trial in Japan in May 2025 and beyond.

Shipping companies create crew replacement plans by combining various conditions, including seafarer rank, qualifications, onboard and vacation periods, ship type, and schedule.

MOL previously relied on its crew planing personnel to extract conditions from individually managed databases to create these plans. This resulted in significant time being spent on adjusting crew schedules and vacation periods and on planning.

The new system, which was developed by Fujitsu AI consultants, utilizes mathematical optimization techniques to support crew replacement planning by considering various complex factors. The system offers the following three key features:

Meets customer needs:

  • Plans crew assignments that meet the needs of each customer.
  • Balances onboard and vacation periods:
  • Ensures crew assignments that even out onboard and vacation periods throughout the year among seafarers.
  • Considers seafarers’ personal life events:
  • Plans crew assignments to make it easy for seafarers to take leave during important life events such as weddings and births.

The implementation of this system optimizes crew replacement planning, directly improving seafarers’ work-life balance through shorter consecutive onboard periods and sufficient vacation time. Furthermore, the system is projected to drastically improve efficiency by reducing the time required for the creation of schedules by approximately 70%.

EnBW lays first submarine cable for He Dreiht offshore wind farm

By
Chief Editor
-
0

EnBW is laying the first submarine cable for the internal wind farm cabling that connects all 64 wind turbines of the He Dreiht offshore wind farm. The company Seaway7 has been commissioned with the task.

Two installation vessels will have laid and buried a total of around 100 kilometers of cable on the seabed of the North Sea by the summer. The cables will then be pulled into the foundations of the wind turbines and connected. Cable manufacturer JDR manufactured the 66-kilovolt submarine cables in the UK.

The internal wind farm cabling will later be connected to the converter platform managed by the transmission system operator TenneT, which is due to be installed at sea in the summer.

This is where the generated electricity will be concentrated, converted from alternating current to direct current and brought ashore using two high-voltage DC export cables.

EnBW He Dreiht is currently the largest offshore wind farm in Germany with a total output of 960 megawatts (MW). It is being built about 85 kilometers northwest of Borkum and 110 kilometers west of Heligoland without state funding. Around 2.4 billion euros have been invested in the wind farm. The major project is being coordinated by EnBW’s offshore office in Hamburg. 

More than 500 people work on this large offshore construction site at peak times and over 60 vessels are involved. The 64 foundations were installed last year. From spring onwards, the latest generation of Vestas wind turbines will be installed, each with an output of 15 MW. EnBW He Dreiht will generate enough electricity to meet the needs of around 1.1 million households. 

Jacksonville Harbor to undergo annual maintenance dredging starting mid-march 2025

By
Chief Editor
-
0

In mid-March 2025, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will begin dredging work along Jacksonville Harbor’s Federal Navigation Channel, a process scheduled to be completed by September 2025, weather permitting. This year’s dredging will focus on removing critical shoaling along the channel, which can interfere with safe vessel passage.

Jacksonville Harbor’s strategic location in Florida makes it a pivotal point in both national and international shipping routes. As a deep-water port, it serves large vessels that transport cargo to and from the U.S. East Coast, playing an essential role in global trade.

The harbor consists of a series of channels that extend from the ocean entrance to key terminals such as Dames Point Terminals and Talleyrand Marine Terminal, vital facilities that support both import and export activities. These deep-draft vessels depend on the harbor’s infrastructure to facilitate the movement of goods, including bulk cargo, containers, and other high-demand commodities.

The Jacksonville Port Authority (JPA), in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, coordinates the upkeep and development of the harbor. Together, they ensure the harbor remains open and operational, providing a competitive edge for Jacksonville in the increasingly globalized shipping industry.

Jacksonville Harbor is one of Florida’s most important maritime hubs, providing access for large, deep-draft vessels to vital terminal facilities within the city. As one of the busiest ports in the U.S., it plays a central role in facilitating trade, driving the local economy, and connecting the region to international markets. To maintain the harbor’s functionality and ensure continued access for these massive vessels, annual maintenance is required. This includes dredging, a process crucial for ensuring safe navigation and the efficient flow of goods. In mid-March 2025, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will begin dredging work along Jacksonville Harbor’s Federal Navigation Channel, a process scheduled to be completed by September 2025, weather permitting. This year’s dredging will focus on removing critical shoaling along the channel, which can interfere with safe vessel passage.

The dredging project, set to begin in mid-March 2025, aims to remove critical shoaling along the Federal Navigation Channel. Shoaling occurs when sediment accumulates in the waterway, causing the channel to shallow, which can pose significant risks to large vessels navigating the area. Removing these shoals will improve vessel safety, enhance navigation efficiency, and help maintain the channel’s depth to accommodate the increasing size of modern ships.

The dredging work will cover several sections of the channel, ensuring that vessels can access the harbor with ease. The project will focus on maintaining the following depths:

  • 47 feet Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW) from the ocean entrance to Dames Point Terminals (River Mile 13).
  • 40 feet MLLW through River Mile 20 at Talleyrand Marine Terminal.
  • 34 feet MLLW in Cuts F/G of the West Blount Island Channel.

By maintaining these authorized depths, Jacksonville Harbor will continue to support large vessels that are critical to the economic vitality of the region.

First Odfjell vessel is equipped with bound4blue suction sails

By
Chief Editor
-
0

Now, the 49k vessel will be navigated towards the windy areas to explore real-time benefits of the wind-assisted propulsion technology.

The installation took place at the EDR Antwerp Shipyard as the final stage of a thorough process. The deck of a chemical tanker is covered in pipes for the multiple cargo tanks. Integrating the sail foundations required careful planning, and the installation had to be specifically designed to ensure a seamless fit with tanker operations while considering the vessel’s air draft limitations.

Odfjell cooperated with bound4blue, a leader in wind-assisted propulsion technology (WAPS), to ensure that the system could be installed without significant modifications to the vessel. A tailored installation was deployed to accommodate the vessel’s busy schedule, resulting in a time- and cost-effective process. Through an orchestrated coordination between all parties involved—Odfjell, bound4blue, and EDR Antwerp Shipyard—the installation was completed in just two days.

The four 22-meter-tall eSAILs® are expected to help the vessel achieve significant fuel savings and further increase energy efficiency during deep-sea voyages. 

“The five-year-old vessel has just embarked on what could be called her second maiden voyage—this time, crossing the Atlantic towards Houston with four eSAILs®,” says VP Technology Erik Hjortland. “Each nautical mile will be thoroughly analyzed in real-time to document the energy-saving effects.” 

Captain Glenn Skjelbred and his crew are joined by a team from Odfjell’s technology department and bound4blue to experience, train, and learn from this highly anticipated pioneering voyage. The crew has previously attended tailor-made seminars to get insights into how sails affect the ship’s movements and maneuvering without impacting the ship’s operations. Now it’s time to see it come to life. 

“A major challenge we must address in a world where all sectors need renewable electricity, is that the entire process—from green power production to the ship’s propeller—results in an energy loss of around 80 percent, making it poor energy economics. Sails, on the other hand, harnesses wind power locally and directly, with a much lower energy loss—around 10 percent from sail to propeller. This allows the renewable wind energy to be used more efficiently directly on board the ship. It is an elegant use of resources and the main reason why I am so passionate about this solution. The learnings from Bow Olympus will catalyze further decisions as we continue to improve the environmental performance of our current vessels—while also preparing for the next generation of chemical tankers that will be with us till 2050 and beyond,” says Hjortland. 

Expecting commercial, environmental, and regulatory effects
The installation of the eSAIL® system adds to the industry’s growing use of wind-assisted propulsion systems (WAPS) to reduce fuel consumption. Odfjell’s decision to implement this specific technology was made after a thorough assessment following a deep-dive study by the RISE research institute. 

Bound4blue’s fully autonomous sails generate propulsive efficiency by dragging air across an optimized aerodynamic profile. The combination of performance, payback potential, and environmental and regulatory benefits made for a solid solution. 

“We worked closely with Odfjell to ensure that the eSAIL® system fully met the operational requirements of their vessel, delivering an efficient installation that integrates seamlessly with the ship’s existing configuration,” says David Ferrer, CTO at bound4blue. “Installing a WPS on a vessel like this can present challenges due to ATEX zones and air draft limitations. However, the mechanical simplicity of the eSAIL® technology provides an effective solution, enabling the use of non-EX-proof units. This not only reduces CAPEX but also streamlines the installation process.” 

The eSAILs® on Bow Olympus are expected to contribute to further reductions in fuel consumption and carbon emissions, building on Odfjell’s previous efforts, which have already resulted in a 53% reduction in carbon intensity compared to the 2008 baseline—equivalent to 21 zero-emission vessels.

Four seafarers reported dead in Russian missile attack on Odesa

By
Chief Editor
-
0

On the evening of March 11, 2025, the Russian Federation responded negatively to peace negotiations by launching a ballistic missile strike on the Port of Odesa.

According to Ukrainian authorities, the attack occurred at approximately 20:17, impacting the intersection of berths 34 and 35. As a result of this devastating incident, four crew members on board the Barbados-flagged bulk carrier MJ Pinar lost their lives, and one sailor, along with a pilot service employee, was injured.

Preliminary reports indicate that MJ Pinar had arrived from Algeria carrying 30,000 tons of wheat and was in the process of loading cargo at the time of the attack. Officials state that the four deceased crew members were likely three Syrian nationals and one Ukrainian. The vessel had a total of 12 crew members on board, and the loss of these lives has reverberated throughout the international community.

The strike is alleged to have been carried out using Russia’s Iskander-M ballistic missile, equipped with a cluster warhead. The Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority (AMPU) confirmed that MJ Pinar sustained severe damage, while port infrastructure was also significantly affected. The quay wall, a grain gallery within the terminal, and at least four grain silos were all damaged. Search and rescue teams, along with firefighting units, arrived on-site immediately, successfully containing the resulting fire.

MJ Pinar was reportedly built in 2009, with a gross tonnage of 19,972 and a deadweight of 30,465 tons. The vessel operates under the call sign 8PV02 and MMSI number 314818000. Initially, news of the incident was posted on Facebook by AMPU but later removed. As Ukrainian officials continue their investigation, international organizations and civil society groups strongly condemn Russia’s attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure.

Experts say assault violates maritime law and threatens commercial shipping in the Black Sea, undermining peace efforts.

Source: SeaNews

How North Sea ship crash could have lethal consequences for wildlife

By
Chief Editor
-
0

The monumental collision between a cargo ship and oil tanker off the East Yorkshire coast on Monday clearly spells bad news for the sea, wildlife and air around it. What we don’t know yet is quite how bad it will be.

That depends on a few things – but the clouds of filthy black smoke from the fires still burning on Tuesday are worrying for a start, and these fires have prevented authorities from moving in and assessing the damage.

Firstly, it matters what was on board those two massive vessels and how much has leaked into the water.

The 183m-long tanker was carrying about 220,000 barrels of jet fuel in separate tanks, some of which has poured into the North Sea.

Jet fuel is not as sticky or viscous as heavier types of oil, and it can evaporate or be broken down by natural bacteria.

That means it should not clog the feathers and fur of birds and seals, but is still toxic and can poison fish and other animals.

But the other vessel, the Solong cargo ship, was reportedly carrying some alcohol and 15 containers of sodium cyanide.

This toxic chemical can be very dangerous if mixed with water. We do not know yet if it has spilled, but this and the jet fuel have the potential to be disastrous for local wildlife.

And there is a lot of it around the East Yorkshire coast. It’s home to protected areas, major colonies of seabirds like puffins and gannets, and porpoises – as well as grey seals, which are currently rearing newborn pups.

Conservation charities are watching and bracing for what could be nasty.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) said the crash was close to the biggest gannet colony in England and warned a leak could be “lethal” to seabirds.

On top of this, both ships will have been powered by a dirtier, heavier kind of oil – likely marine gas oil or heavy fuel oil.

Cheap, thick and tar-like, it can smother animals and is extremely difficult to clean up. Let’s hope this isn’t swimming around the North Sea already.

Secondly, the impact depends on the sea and weather conditions around it.

Things like the wind, waves and currents affect how an oil spill spreads in the sea. Scientists can draw up computer models to simulate how the oil could behave.

Thirdly, it matters how quickly this is all tackled and then cleaned up, if necessary, and if it can be.

Usually the slower the response, the worse the impact.

Source: Sky News

Saipem presents Star1, its technology for floating offshore wind

By
Chief Editor
-
0

Star1 consists of three arms converging at the center, where the tower supporting next-generation turbines is installed, including those exceeding 20 MW, minimizing the stresses and movements of the turbine and optimizing the loads on the mooring lines that anchor it to the seabed.

Thanks to its geometry and mooring system, Star1 offers remarkable stability in water, significantly minimizing turbine stresses and movements. Star1 technology is ready for the Front-End Engineering Design followed by Detail Design and its industrial-scale deployment: last week Saipem has signed a strategic agreement with Divento for the utilization of Star1 in the 7 Seas Med project in Sicily and the Ichnusa Wind Power project in Sardinia.

“According to the recent technical and commercial bankability assessment by DNV, Star1 is at an advanced stage of technical maturity. A full-scale prototype testing is not considered necessary to demonstrate bankability. Saipem has made considerable efforts thanks also to its EPCI capabilities to ensure stability, good performance, and industrialization of the Star1, with the first concept developed in 2008” said Andrea Spessa, Head of Department Offshore, Midstream and Downstream of DNV, the Norwegian organization world leader in certification, assurance, verification and risk management services, operating in over 100 countries.

Guido D’Aloisio, Chief Commercial Officer of Saipem, stated: “Star1 represents a significant step forward in technological innovation applied to the energy transition. This technology is the result of Saipem’s many years of experience in offshore engineering and further demonstrates our ability to work on innovative and sustainable solutions for the development of floating offshore wind, in Italy and abroad”.

The Star1 technology was presented during the roundtable event titled “Star1 and Floating Offshore Wind Perspectives in Italy,” organized by Saipem in collaboration with Divento and featuring the participation of DNV Energy Systems. The event took place during the KEY Exhibition in Rimini.

DP World and Mawani inaugurate $800 million state-of-art terminal in Jeddah

By
Chief Editor
-
0

DP World and Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) have unveiled the new state-of-the-art South Container Terminal at Jeddah Islamic Port, marking a major milestone in DP World’s SAR 3 billion ($800 million) expansion and development programme to upgrade the terminal and enhance Saudi Arabia’s position as a leading global trade hub.

The three-year project has transformed South Container Terminal into one of the region’s most advanced and sustainable container terminals, while also more than doubling the capacity from 1.8 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) to 4 million TEUs. The expansion paves the way for a future capacity of 5 million TEUs, with additional ship-to-shore equipment to be deployed as demand grows.

Since becoming DP World’s first concession outside the UAE in 1999, the Jeddah terminal has played a crucial role in regional trade. This latest expansion, under a 30-year Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) agreement, cements Jeddah’s status as a critical trade gateway and supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals of boosting trade connectivity and economic diversification.

The terminal’s modernisation integrates advanced automation and digitalisation to improve operational efficiency. Smart systems will slash gate transaction times — from two minutes to just 10 seconds — supported by IoT-enabled cargo tracking and AI-powered cargo tallying for precise record keeping.

Automated and electrified yard cranes have also been introduced, along with an expanded fleet of quay cranes that will grow from 14 to 17 by the end of 2025, reaching 22 as the terminal scales up to 5 million TEUs.  

Due to the surging demand for perishable cargo such as food and pharmaceuticals, the terminal’s capacity for refrigerated containers (reefers) has been expanded from 1,200 to 2,340, ensuring optimal conditions for temperature-sensitive shipments. DP World is also developing a state-of-the-art facility for inspecting up to 75 reefers at one time —the biggest such port-centric facility in the Kingdom.

The terminal spans a total quay length of 2,150 metres, including a deep-water quay with an 18-metre depth, capable of accommodating up to five ultra-large container vessels simultaneously.

In line with its global sustainability strategy, DP World is implementing initiatives to reduce CO₂ emissions at South Container Terminal by 50% in the next five years. Measures include the electrification of yard cranes and trucks, solar panel installations, exploration of floating solar platforms, along with green building designs and water recycling systems. These efforts will significantly cut emissions, enhance air quality and establish DP World’s Jeddah terminal as a model for sustainable port operations.

Adjacent to the terminal, DP World is investing in the 415,000 square metre Jeddah Logistics Park, the largest integrated facility of its kind in the Kingdom, which will offer state-of-the-art warehousing, distribution and freight forwarding services, further strengthening Jeddah’s position as a key hub connecting trade routes across Asia, Africa and Europe. Integrated with the terminal, Jeddah Logistics Park will streamline cargo transfers and enhance efficiency, with completion scheduled for Q2 2026.

1...747576...1,329Page 75 of 1,329
Premium Content

© 2025 SeaWanderer. All Rights Reserved. Powered by Maritime.Studio