WinGD debuts X‑DF‑M platform with biggest ever methanol-fuelled engine

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February 26, 2025

The ten-cylinder, 92 bore X-DF-M engine is destined for a 16,000 TEU container ship and is the biggest methanol-fuelled engine built to date.

There are 56 X-DF-M engines on order across bore sizes ranging from 52 to 92, in similar cylinder configurations and engine rating fields as diesel-fuelled X-Engines. The addition of methanol capability to WinGD’s engine line-up further extends the decarbonisation options available to deep-sea ship operators, which include the long-established X-DF LNG-fuelled engine platform and a new ammonia-fuelled
X-DF-A platform.

WinGD CEO Dominik Schneiter said: “Production of sustainable, renewable fuels of all types continues to advance, but long-term availability and cost remain uncertain. Ship operators can place their trust in WinGD to deliver reliable, efficient engine designs that enable decarbonisation across all candidate fuels. As interest in methanol and regulatory clarity increases, we anticipate the X-DF-M platform will become a key contributor to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from global shipping.”

The milestone was marked by a delivery ceremony held at engine builder CMD in Shanghai, attended by senior executives from WinGD, CMD and China State Shipbuilding Corporation as well as local government officials and global customers and partners. Eight classification societies were also present for a signing of the X-DF-M type approval certification, which assures that the engine can be built to WinGD’s design by all engine builders.

A spokesperson for CMD said: “It is a big responsibility to build the first engine of any type, especially one for an emerging fuel with the potential of methanol. Our debut methanol-fuelled engine performed as expected across all tests and we are looking forward to offering the X-DF-M platform as a new option for shipbuilders.”

As previously reported, the first X-DF-M engine will be installed on the fourth vessel of a new series. The previous three engines were fitted with 10X92-B engines which will be converted to 10X92DF-M engines once the first, newbuild methanol engine is commissioned. Dual-fuel methanol conversion packages will be available for all WinGD single-fuel and dual-fuel engines.

Wärtsilä inks lifecycle agreement with Middle East’s largest dredger fleet operator

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February 25, 2025

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The agreement represents a significant step forward in strengthening the partnership between Wärtsilä and NMDC. It will focus on optimising the availability and operational efficiency of NMDC’s dredging fleet. The order was booked by Wärtsilä in Q1 2025.

This comprehensive agreement covers seven of NMDC’s dredgers, with the potential to expand the scope to additional vessels in the future. The scope includes a tailor-made maintenance programme for the engine and propulsion equipment onboard the vessels, as well as digital solutions and performance guarantees. These are all aimed at increasing fleet availability and optimising maintenance costs.

With demand for its services increasing, the availability of its vessels is essential to NMDC’s operations. By leveraging Wärtsilä’s cutting-edge digital tools, such as Expert Insight, delivered through Wärtsilä’s global Expertise Centres, NMDC is expected to significantly reduce planned downtime, leading to increased revenues. According to estimations made, the additional uptime made possible by the agreement may increase the operational and charter/client schedule flexibility, and provide the potential for additional earnings up to 3,000,000 EUR. Similarly, the contract includes Dynamic Maintenance Planning, which reduces maintenance costs by 14%.

“Increasing availability and reducing downtime of our vessels is a priority for our company. That’s why this new agreement with Wärtsilä serves as a cornerstone in our efforts to advance reliable and sustainable operations within the Middle East,” says Peter Marvin, Chief Technical & Resource Pool Officer at NMDC Group. “We have a long-standing history with Wärtsilä, and we value their ongoing support in maximising our fleet’s potential so that we can continue to meet customer objectives in an ever-changing environment.”

“NMDC’s fleet operates in highly demanding environments, where uptime and vessel flexibility are critical. Our tailored digital solutions and expert operational support will ensure that their vessels are not only more reliable but also operate at peak efficiency throughout the contract duration, in turn, saving fuel and lowering emissions,” comments Henrik Wilhelms, Director, Agreement Sales at Wärtsilä. “This agreement is a testament to Wärtsilä’s commitment to delivering long-term value and enabling our customers to meet their growing operational challenges.”

Deltamarin partners with Wallenius Wilhelmsen on upsized Shaper Class vessels

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February 25, 2025

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The contract includes six of the fourteen vessels currently on order with Jinling Shipyard, which will be increased in size from 9,300 to approximately 12,100 CEUs, making them the largest PCTCs ever to sail.

Deltamarin will provide the shipyard with comprehensive design services, covering both basic and detail design, with a focus on optimizing fuel efficiency, safety and sustainability. This new contract extends our ongoing collaboration with Wallenius Wilhelmsen on the Shaper Class, allowing us to further enhance the operational performance of the six upsized units.

The upsized vessels will share many of the integral design features of the Shaper Class, including dual-fuel engines capable of running on methanol, which will significantly reduce fuel consumption and emissions compared to the current fleet.

Integral to Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s net-zero end-to-end service, these upsized vessels will address customer demand for greener transport by minimizing emissions at every stage of vehicle transport. Additionally, with enhanced ramp strength and high-and-heavy cargo capacity, they are designed to meet the future needs of global logistics.

The first Shaper Class vessels are scheduled for delivery in the second half of 2026, with the larger, upsized versions due for delivery in late 2027.

REV Ocean selects V.Ships Norway as ship management partner

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February 25, 2025

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The vessel, which is currently at Vard Søviknes, Norway, will be equipped to conduct research across the entire marine ecosystem, using advanced technology systems developed by world-leading knowledge clusters in Norway. It will be used by scientists and other experts for innovative research expeditions to find solutions to issues such as the impact of CO2 emissions, plastic pollution, and unsustainable fishing on the ocean.

The vessel is constructed to run on diesel electric engines, with an additional 3MW lithium-ion battery pack for peak shaving, ensuring optimum efficiency onboard.

Dag Christoffersen, Managing Director of V.Ships Norway, said: “REV Ocean’s decision to build the biggest vessel of its kind in the world, featuring the world’s most advanced technology and scientific equipment, necessitates ship management support from a partner with unmatched capacity to deliver.

“In addition to V.’s global reach and service offering, REV Ocean will benefit from the local expertise of our Norway office, which has strong ties with the Kjell Inge Røkke group of companies, and extensive knowledge of working within the guidelines set out by the Norwegian Maritime Authority.”

Per Bjørnsen, CEO of V.Ships Leisure, added: “We are delighted to welcome the REV Ocean – which in addition to being a research vessel is the world’s largest yacht – to our fleet at a time where we see an increased demand for our yacht management services. Many owners of very large yachts in private use are looking for a global partner combining the safety culture, operating platform, global reach and scale of V. with our dedicated yacht management team providing bespoke services.

“This exciting new partnership with REV Ocean will allow us to leverage V.’s unique range of expertise and experience, and our powerful digital ship management platform, ShipSure, to contribute to vital scientific research. In doing so, we will maximise our positive impact on a vessel that is at the cutting edge of green ship technology.”

Nina Jensen, CEO of REV Ocean, commented: “At REV Ocean, our mission is to make a true difference in improving the state of our ocean. To achieve this, we are establishing partnerships with other leading organisations with similar goals and values, and especially those that hold a commitment to sustainability and the future health of our planet.

“V.’s unrivalled experience across a range of maritime sectors means they are well equipped to handle the need for versatility and specialisation that will be required for REV Ocean. Their excellent track record in expedition cruises, including those operating in polar waters, will ensure that our vessel, and the crew onboard, will be able to tackle the most demanding of environments. At the same time, their digital platform will play an integral role in ensuring that all operations are efficient and optimised, with the benefit of 24/7 real-time data which will help to inform decisions and actions on each expedition.

“Together we will make sure that the ocean continues to thrive and can provide oxygen, food, and jobs for mankind for generations to come. After all, there is no alternative.”

An independent science and innovation board will evaluate and recommend research projects for REV Ocean to pursue and ensure the highest level of scientific standards and research quality onboard. The vessel has the capacity to take 106 people, of which around 50-65 will be crew depending on the planned operations. The ship features state-of-the-art scientific equipment, such as echo sounders and sonars to study fish and other marine species, an advanced eco-harvesting trawl sampling system for selective live catch of biomass and pelagic samples, a submarine, an advanced ROV, and multiple on-board laboratories.

REV Ocean will sail from Vard Søviknes on 2 March 2025 to Damen Shiprepair in Vlissingen, the Netherlands for final yacht outfitting work, before being put into full operation from the beginning of 2027. V. commenced management of the vessel from December 2024, and amongst the organisation’s first tasks was the sourcing of experienced crew for this initial voyage.

V. will manage the vessel during outfitting in the Netherlands, as well as when the ship enters full operation at the beginning of 2027.

Inmarsat appoints Pulsar International as first NexusWave reseller partner in the Mediterranean

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February 25, 2025

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Inmarsat Maritime, a Viasat company, has appointed Pulsar International as the first reseller partner for NexusWave in the Mediterranean market.

The agreement will also enable Pulsar to act as a local installation partner in the region. Pulsar will be offering its customers round-the-clock first-line support in local language. Pulsar has already secured commitments to deploy NexusWave to several Mediterranean-based operators including Greek fleet owners Spring Marine, Roswell Tankers, and Newport.

Inmarsat’s NexusWave is underpinned by a unique multi-dimensional bonded network that brings together Global Xpress (GX) Ka-band, low-Earth orbit (LEO), coastal LTE, and L-band services for fast, resilient, always-on connectivity with unlimited data and global coverage. As a fully managed service, it delivers consistent performance levels, while offering complete transparency into total cost of ownership – with no throttling, or unexpected charges.

Konstantinos Zacharias, ICT Officer, Spring Marine, said: “In modern shipping, connectivity plays a vital role in streamlining processes and meeting the diverse needs of stakeholders. NexusWave stands out as a fully managed service that seamlessly integrates the strengths of multiple networks, eliminating administrative burdens, helping control costs, and delivering consistent quality. The unified approach enhances efficiency and reliability across the board.”

Antonis Alogakos, IT Officer, Roswell Tankers, said: “The increasing complexity of connectivity demands in modern maritime operations require multi-orbit networks that work in harmony, such as Inmarsat’s NexusWave – whose orchestration of various networks provides the speed, reliability, and global coverage that ship owners, managers and operators increasingly rely on.”

While the rapid development of maritime connectivity presents unprecedented opportunities for shipping companies to enhance operational efficiency, safety, and crew welfare, it also raises cyber-security concerns as the number of attack surfaces increases. NexusWave addresses this issue through its secure-by-design infrastructure.

Theofano Somaripa, CIO, Newport, commented: “With vessels becoming more connected, the risk of costly cyber-attacks grows significantly, making network security a top priority. This was a key factor in our decision to choose NexusWave, which offers enterprise-grade security, including encrypted data, segregated networks, and the option to include advanced value-added security services.”

Robert Sakker, President and CEO, Pulsar International, commented: “Since its launch in 2024, NexusWave has found a ready audience in a maritime industry that is increasingly reliant on high-speed, always-on connectivity with robust cyber security. We are looking forward to strengthening our relationship with Inmarsat as we bring the power of bonded networks to shipping companies around the world.”

Gert-Jan Panken, Vice President Sales, Inmarsat Maritime, said: “As a significant part of Inmarsat’s strategy for growth, our first partner agreement for NexusWave in the Mediterranean will make the benefits of bonded connectivity readily available in this crucial ship-owning market. We look forward to working with Pulsar International to serve clients across the region.”

NNPC Shipping, Stena Bulk and Caverton launch new joint venture

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February 25, 2025

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The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Shipping, Stena Bulk, and Caverton Marine Limited have today announced the signing of a new joint venture that will transform Nigerian maritime transportation.

The agreement, signed in London last week, will create a new tanker operation serving Nigeria and West Africa’s regional and global crude oil, refined product and LNG shipping requirements.

The partners will explore options to create a modern and efficient fleet of tankers, comprising both new and existing tonnage depending on market factors and commercial opportunities in the region.

The companies will evaluate opportunities for both vessel acquisitions and long-term charter arrangements, with a focus on maintaining competitive operating costs while meeting the highest standards of safety and sustainability.

This fleet will primarily serve the logistics needs of NNPC, including crude, clean and LNG/LPG transportation.

Additionally, the new company will cater to other oil producers and traders, offering the strategic advantage of a modern fleet, strong financial backing, and maritime pedigree and heritage.

Speaking on the announcement, Panos Gliatis, Managing Director, NNPC Shipping, said: “This strategic partnership marks a significant milestone in NNPC’s commitment to modernising Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure. By combining our expertise with Stena Bulk and Caverton Marine, we’re creating a robust platform that will enhance our domestic refining, import and export capabilities and strengthen Nigeria’s position in global energy logistics.”

Erik Hånell, President & CEO, Stena Bulk, added: “We’re excited to partner with NNPC and Caverton Marine in this groundbreaking venture. This collaboration aligns perfectly with our pragmatic strategy of expanding our presence in key growth markets while maintaining our high standards of operational excellence and sustainability. Nigeria’s energy sector is undergoing remarkable transformation, and we’re proud to be part of this journey.”

Johan Jäwert, Head of Stena Bulk USA and Pool Manager SSSP, said: “We look forward to developing shipping activities locally with Caverton and benefiting from NNPC’s strong position in the oil market. Combined with our know-how across all aspects of commercial and technical shipping, we will create a world-leading shipping company providing first-class service to the energy market.”

Bode Makanjuola, CEO, Caverton Offshore Support Group, said: “This joint venture – the result of many years of planning – marks a significant stride in enhancing Nigeria’s maritime capabilities. By combining local knowledge with international best practices, we are establishing a world-class operation that will benefit not only Nigeria but the entire Sub-Saharan Africa region.”

This joint venture comes at a time when Nigeria is asserting its position as Africa’s largest economy. The country’s strategic location, growing population, and ambitious infrastructure developments are creating new opportunities for shipping companies.

By establishing this world-class tanker operation, the partners are not only meeting immediate logistical needs but also contributing to Nigeria’s long-term economic diversification and growth.

Swaywind partners with EcoGen Energy to launch 14 new offshore wind turbines

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February 25, 2025

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Swaywind announces a strategic partnership with EcoGen Energy, a renowned renewable energy solutions provider. Together, the companies will launch 14 new offshore wind turbines, marking a significant step forward in the expansion of clean energy infrastructure.

The 14 offshore wind turbines, each capable of generating 9,450 kWh of electricity daily, will collectively contribute to reducing carbon emissions by an estimated 48,000 tons annually. This project aligns with both companies’ shared vision of accelerating the adoption of renewable energy while providing reliable, long-term returns for investors.

“We are thrilled to partner with EcoGen Energy on this transformative project,” said Christopher Montgomery, CEO of Swaywind. “This collaboration not only strengthens our position as a leader in renewable energy investment but also demonstrates our shared commitment to creating a sustainable future. By combining our expertise, we are setting a new standard for offshore wind energy development.”

EcoGen Energy’s Patrick Sullivan, CEO, added, “This partnership with Swaywind represents a milestone in our mission to deliver scalable and impactful renewable energy solutions. Together, we are not only generating clean energy but also creating opportunities for individuals and businesses to invest in a greener planet.”

Ammonia fueled ammonia bunkering vessel design granted AiP

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February 25, 2025

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NYK and Partners Attained Approval-in-Principle from ClassNK for Ammonia Fuelled Ammonia Bunkering Vessel Designed by LMG Marin AS (a member of the Seatrium Group).

Seatrium, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, LMG Marine AS (LMG Marin) provided critical engineering expertise for the vessel’s design, which will now be submitted to the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) for evaluation.

Through this latest initiative, the consortium aims to address the industry’s urgent need to decarbonize and create a viable value chain for ammonia as a marine fuel. This collaborative effort underscores their collective commitment to fostering a greener, more sustainable maritime industry.

The AiP certification validates the ammonia fuelled ammonia bunkering vessel design’s compliance with stringent safety, technical, and environmental standards, solidifying the consortium’s leadership in the development of alternative fuels for maritime use. By enhancing the feasibility of ammonia as a future fuel, this project positions the consortium at the forefront of the maritime energy transition.

Tsutomu Yokoyama, Executive Officer, NYK Line, commented: “This Approval-in-Principle represents a critical milestone in our efforts to accelerate the adoption of clean ammonia as a sustainable marine fuel. With the rich ammonia expertise of NYK and our partners, as well as the great technical capabilities of Seatrium, we are setting new benchmarks for safety and efficiency while paving the way for a cleaner maritime future.”

Seatrium’s technology company, LMG Marin supported the consortium’s initiative with its vast technical capabilities and proven track record in designing complex maritime systems. LMG Marin provided cutting-edge design capabilities, leading to a Hazard Identification Study (HAZID) for design validation. The comprehensive HAZID conducted was instrumental in fulfilling the requirements of the AiP to ensure optimal safety, performance, and operational reliability. Through this concept design phase, safety philosophies on the safe use of ammonia for the ammonia fuelled engines in the engine room were developed to ensure compliance with the International Maritime Organisation’s interim guidelines for the safety of ships using ammonia as fuel, approved by the Maritime Safety Committee 109 in December 2024.

Also, the vessel design incorporates the consortium’s two key features to ensure safety and operational reliability: ammonia fuel dual-fuel engines from IHI Power Systems and a bunkering boom by TB Global Technologies. The engines significantly reduce GHG emissions using ammonia as a fuel. They are also installed on the world’s first commercial-use ammonia-fuelled tugboat, Sakigake, delivered in August 2024. The bunkering boom features a unique technology called the High Speed Ammonia Purging Emergency Release System (ERS), which enables a reliable and efficient disconnection between vessels in an emergency.

Aziz Merchant, Executive Vice President for Engineering, and Technology & New Product Development, Seatrium, and Chairman of LMG Marin, commented: “We are honoured to contribute to this industry-leading initiative led by NYK and its partners. The use of ammonia as a non-fossil-based marine fuel is a key distinction in this project. Collaborating on this visionary project reaffirms Seatrium’s commitment to advancing sustainability and supporting global decarbonization goals.”

The design for this ammonia fuelled ammonia bunkering vessel will be submitted to the MPA for evaluation, showcasing Singapore’s role as an innovation hub in sustainable maritime solutions. This vessel, if brought to fruition, will be the first bunkering vessel of its kind. It will contribute significantly to Singapore’s marine decarbonisation efforts, creating a positive ripple effect across the global maritime industry. The design is an essential contribution to developing the infrastructure needed for ammonia bunkering, a crucial component in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in global shipping.

NATO deploys naval drones in Baltic Sea

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February 24, 2025

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The deployment took place off the coast of Denmark from February 17 to 20 and was aimed at testing USV interoperability with a maritime task group.

During the operation, joint maneuvers and firing were practiced, as well as enhancing the situational awareness of the forces involved in the Baltic Sentry mission.

The Task Force X initiative was launched in early February 2025 to protect critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea from sabotage threats.

The deployment of maritime drones as part of Baltic Sentry was announced at the beginning of the operation.

As reported by The War Zone, the operation will involve at least 20 naval drones.

On January 14, it was reported that NATO had announced the launch of a new operation, Baltic Sentry, to protect the region’s maritime infrastructure.

The announcement was made during the NATO Baltic Summit with the participation of Secretary General Mark Rutte, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, and Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal.

At the summit, the region’s leaders discussed the growing threat to critical underwater infrastructure.

As part of the Baltic Sentry, ships and aircraft will provide protection. The Secretary General also announced the deployment of a fleet of maritime drones.

In late January, F-35A multirole fighters of the Royal Netherlands Air Force also joined the mission.

Source: Militarnyi

EDGE and Fincantieri sign MoU to pioneer underwater solutions

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February 24, 2025

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EDGE and Fincantieri have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that extends and builds upon the agreement signed in November 2024 in Paris in the rapidly evolving underwater domain.

This enhanced cooperation aims to further strengthen the partnership between the two companies, through their Abu Dhabi-based shipbuilding joint venture MAESTRAL. The MoU is based on both companies collaborating to develop underwater technologies, supporting the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in becoming a regional pioneer in underwater technology innovation.

EDGE and Fincantieri’s cooperation will be focused on the design, development and creation of unmanned systems for critical underwater infrastructure protection and seabed mapping, next-generation submarines, drone-carrier ships, and lightweight torpedoes.

This agreement comes amidst a rapidly evolving landscape for national defence. New threats and vulnerabilities are changing global dynamics, intensifying geopolitical rivalries, and increasing demand for investment in maritime defence. Critical underwater infrastructure has become a target due to its exposure to threats and can only be protected with advanced technological solutions, highlighting the pressing need for governments to invest in this sector.

Building on their existing partnership through MAESTRAL, this MoU will allow both companies to share knowledge, technical expertise and production resources to develop state-of-the-art products suitable for the challenging and complex environment of the underwater environment.

Hamad Al Marar, Managing Director & CEO of EDGE Group, said: “Through MAESTRAL, EDGE and Fincantieri are advancing world-class underwater capabilities that will play a pivotal role in the future of subsea security and maritime defence. This partnership marks a significant step in positioning the UAE at the forefront of this strategically important domain, strengthening its role as a regional pioneer with globally competitive expertise. As underwater technologies become increasingly vital to national security, we are committed to driving innovation, enhancing sovereign capabilities, and setting new industry standards in this high-potential sector.”

Pierroberto Folgiero, Fincantieri CEO and Managing Director, stated: “Since 1909 Fincantieri has a long-standing history in submarine construction, and has already established itself as a pioneer in the underwater sector, leveraging decades of systems integration expertise and cutting-edge innovation with a ‘dual’ focus either in the military and in the civilian space. The underwater domain is projected to reach $400bn by 2030 as defence public needs for countries globally are rapidly evolving. Through MAESTRAL, we are pleased to support the UAE’s ambitious naval strategy and alongside a trusted partner like EDGE, we will seek to deliver ground-breaking underwater solutions to meet future needs for its national capabilities.”