Tallink’s vessel Baltic Princess to undergo extensive one-month-long renewal

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February 21, 2025

Tallink Grupp announces that company’s vessel Baltic Princess, operating on the Turku-Stockholm route, will head to planned maintenance at the BLRT Turku Repair Yard, in Naantali, Finland, from 27 February to 19 March 2025.

“The plans for the dry docking of Baltic Princess are quite extensive, with a particular focus on the main passenger areas, which will receive a major facelift. The planned renovation of the vessel’s key passenger areas – including onboard shops, one of the biggest a la carte restaurants, a cocktail bar and ships’ info desk lobby and more – will amount to nearly 4 million euros, which constitutes about one half of the total cost of the planned drydocking. We hope our guests will be really pleased with the result, as it will elevate the travel experience onboard Baltic Princess to a new level of passenger comfort,” Tarvi-Carlos Tuulik, Head of the Ship Management at Tallink Grupp, said.

The renovations on the vessel’s public areas will be visible from the very first moment passengers embark the vessel, such as the completely new info desk lobby, carried out in the crisp and modern Scandinavian style. Also, novel interior design is rolled out across majority of the onboard shops. For the shopper’s delight, the ship’s main tax-free shop will have a brand-new promotion area for product launches and tastings, as well as the self-check-out with four stations will make the shopping experience even smoother. The perfumery and cosmetics shop will feature two spacious entrances. The vessel’s kids’ and gifts shop will also be more spacious than previously and directly accessible from the perfume and cosmetics shop. The new interior design of both the ship’s info lobby and the onboard shops has been created by the Finnish interior design firm Franz Design.

The ever-popular a la carte restaurant Grill House will also be completely refurbished. The new interior design concept for the Grill House restaurant, created by Heikki Mattila, has been already previously launched and very well received onboard the company’s vessel Baltic Queen. Similarly, the vessel’s elegant Piano Bar will receive a complete makeover, interior design by Marjut Nousiainen.

Passenger vessel Baltic Princess will be temporarily out of service in Turku on 26 February 2025 at 13:00. On 28 February, the vessel will proceed to her scheduled maintenance in BLRT Turku Repair Yard in Naantali, where she will remain until 17 March. During the planned dry-docking, the underwater part of ship’s hull will be maintained and painted, routine overhauls of underwater components, such as thrusters and rudders, will be conducted alongside a number of planned technical works that are not feasible to be carried out during regular operations of the vessel.

The planned maintenance of the vessel, which lasts nearly a month, will be carried out under close supervision of the ship’s class society, and involves experienced technicians from all over Europe for the best result. On 19 March 2025, following the necessary sea trials, Baltic Princess will be back in service from Turku, with a regular departure at 20.15 local time.

All Tallink Grupp’s vessels are maintained on a regular basis according to the international regulation as well as the highest shipowner’s standards. The technical service days are part of the company’s vessels’ regular maintenance and modernisation programme in addition to regulatory requirements whereby the vessels must undergo regular drydocking at least twice in any five-year period.

Aker BP and its partners drill dry well in Norwegian Sea

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February 21, 2025

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Aker BP ASA and its partners have drilled a dry well in the “Bounty Updip” prospect in the Norwegian Sea.

Wildcat well 6306/6-3 S was drilled in production licence 886, which was part of the awards in predefined areas (APA) 2016 with results announced in February 2017.

This was the second well in the licence, and it was drilled using the Scarabeo 8 rig.

The well is located on the Frøya High, 30 kilometres south of the Fenja field.

The objective of the well was to prove petroleum in Upper Jurassic reservoir rocks in the Rogn Formation.

The well encountered the Rogn Formation totalling 74 metres, 70 metres of which was sandstone layers with good to very good reservoir quality.

Well 6306/6-3 S was drilled to a vertical depth of 1607 metres below sea level, and was terminated in basement rock.

Water depth at the site is 213 metres. The well has been permanently plugged and abandoned.

Allseas expands in Brazil with Búzios-10

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February 21, 2025

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Awarded by Petrobras following a competitive tender, the contract covers the design, procurement, construction, and installation of subsea infrastructure for the Búzios-10 pre-salt field, located some 180 kilometres off the coast of Rio de Janeiro.

Commencing in Q3 2026, the offshore campaign will see the pipelay vessel Audacia install 111 km of rigid risers and flowlines in ultra-deep waters. Operating at depths beyond 2 kilometres, the system will link 16 wells to a FPSO via steel risers configured in a ‘lazy wave’ formation. Critical components such as flex-joints, pipeline end terminations, and jumpers will complete the connections.

To support this major contract, Allseas has opened a new project management and engineering office in Rio de Janeiro.

Frans den Hartogh, Project Director, says: “This award reaffirms our position as a leading player in one of the world’s most prolific deepwater regions and underscores our ability to execute complex, large-scale offshore projects.” Búzios-10 marks Allseas’ return to the Brazilian offshore construction market, following successful campaigns installing export pipelines for Petrobras’ Rota 1, Rota 2, and Rota 3 pre-salt developments.

With a commitment to 40% local labour content, the project will generate 2,000 jobs and help strengthen Brazil’s offshore supply chain. André de Melo, Regional Director says “We are excited about returning to Brazil after the successes of the past with high hopes for continuation of projects in the region in the future, by hiring and training local talent and investing in the Brazilian industry.”

Yinson Production completes acquisition of Stella Maris CCS

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February 21, 2025

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Yinson Production has successfully completed the acquisition of 100% of the shares in Stella Maris CCS AS (“Stella Maris”) from Altera Infrastructure.

Stella Maris is a Norway-based carbon capture and storage (“CCS”) company developing a full CCS value chain, including carbon capture, intermediate storage, offshore transportation, and permanent sequestration of CO2 captured from industrial sources. Stella Maris holds a 40% stake in the Havstjerne Reservoir on the Norwegian Continental Shelf. Developed in partnership with Harbour Energy, the Havstjerne CO2 injection and storage project is a cornerstone of Stella Maris’ activities, with its technical feasibility validated by extensive seismic data and reservoir studies.

The European Union’s Innovation Fund has selected the Havstjerne CO2 injection and storage project for a grant of up to EUR 225 million, payable against expenditures upon certain investment and commercial operation milestones. This represents the largest European Union grant for a CCS project and underscores the significance of the initiative in advancing Europe’s decarbonisation efforts.

The acquisition of Stella Maris expands our presence in the emerging low carbon market and marks a significant milestone in our decarbonisation strategy, reinforcing our commitment to supporting the global energy transition.

Lars Gunnar Vogt, Chief Technical Officer of Yinson Production, said, “This successful acquisition reinforces Yinson Production’s commitment to driving innovation and sustainability within the energy sector and our role in shaping Europe’s decarbonisation efforts. The acquisition of Stella Maris is a logical step in expanding our portfolio of strategic investments within the carbon capture space, and we are excited to integrate these solutions to help industrial emitters in achieving their decarbonisation targets.”

Explosions occurred on board three tankers calling at Russian ports

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February 20, 2025

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The incidents are the first involving blast damage to non-military vessels to have taken place around the central Mediterranean in decades.

An explosion caused a one-metre inward breach below the waterline on the hull of Greek-operated crude oil tanker Seajewel at a port in northern Italy on Saturday, one of the shipping sources said. A second blast occurred 20 minutes later on the same vessel without causing further damage.

Italian prosecutors have opened an investigation into the incident that hit Seajewel when it was at anchor in front of Savona-Vado port, Savona’s prosecutor told Reuters.

The vessel’s operator, Athens-based Thenamaris, did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

Another vessel operated by Thenamaris, the crude oil tanker Seacharm, was also damaged by a blast off the Turkish Mediterranean port of Ceyhan in late January, two of the sources said.

In a third incident, the Liberia-flagged chemical and products tanker Grace Ferrum was damaged off Libya in February, three sources said, with one adding that the vessel would require a salvage operation.

The vessel was showing its status as not under command on Wednesday off the Libyan coast, LSEG ship tracking data showed.

Its Cyprus-based operator Cymare was not immediately available for comment.

All three vessels had recently called at Russian ports, according to ship tracking data and sources.

Shipping industry officials said on Wednesday there was growing concern over the incidents.

Russian cargo ship Ursa Major sank in the Mediterranean Sea off Spain in late December after an explosion ripped through its engine room and two of its crew were missing, the Russian Foreign Ministry said last month.

Source: Reuters

Kingdom of Bahrain and APM Terminals sign Letter of Intent to deepen collaboration

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February 20, 2025

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APM Terminals has signed the Letter of Intent (LOI) with the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications to deepen the company’s collaboration with Bahrain.

The aims of the letter are to more than double the terminal’s throughput by 2030, expand trade flows with Saudi Arabia, and advise on and invest in new growth segments that support Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030 and beyond.

Commenting on this, His Excellency Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications said “This signing is a significant step in further strengthening Bahrain’s economy in line with Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030. By utilizing Bahrain’s strategic location — particularly its direct links to Saudi Arabia and the Arabian Gulf states — Bahrain is well positioned as a major regional center for trade distribution. The Ministry will provide its full support to APM Terminals in achieving its objectives and showcasing the potential that Bahrain has to offer.”

Chief Executive Officer, Asia and Middle East of APM Terminals Jon Goldner states: “This event marks an important next step for our collaboration and how we can leverage our unique capabilities from both APM Terminals and A. P. Moller – Maersk. As an example of our plans under the LOI, to support economic growth and sustainability, and building on its 100 year history in the Kingdom, A. P. Moller – Maersk recently signed an MOU to create a responsible ship recycling ecosystem. The recycled steel will then be re-exported via the port creating additional value to the economy.”

Managing Director of APM Terminals in Bahrain, Matthew Luckhurst states: “APM Terminals is committed to net zero operations by 2040, with Khalifa Bin Salman Port leading the way. Our collaboration with the Government of Bahrain, particularly through a 11.5 megawatt solar power project will enable us to meet 100% of our terminal’s energy needs the first port in the region to achieve such a milestone.

These initiatives will be supported by APM Terminals’ commitment to upskilling local talent and creating high-quality, future-proof employment opportunities. Our efforts have a proven track record of generating direct and indirect jobs, in the communities we serve.”

Minor increase in oil and gas resources on the NCS

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February 20, 2025

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The Resource Accounts for 2024 show a small increase in the total petroleum resources on the NCS. There was an increase in reserves, a reduction in contingent resources and a small increase in undiscovered resources.

Here are the estimates for total resource volumes (including the volume that has been sold and delivered):

8 980 million standard cubic metres (Sm³) of liquids
6 631 billion Sm³ of gas
Total of 15 611 million Sm³ of oil equivalent (o.e.)

This amounts to an increase of 36 million Sm³ of o.e. compared with the previous year.

Around 56 per cent of the total resources on the NCS have been sold and delivered. 15 per cent are reserves yet to be produced. 7 per cent are contingent resources in fields and discoveries. 22 per cent of the total resources have yet to be discovered.

“The Resource Accounts show high and stable production on the NCS, while resource growth from exploration was low in 2024. If we are to maintain this production level in the years to come, we will have to increase exploration and investment in new projects,” says Nadine Mader-Kayser, Assistant director for Data and analysis in Technology, analysis and co-existence.

Port of Melbourne invests $890,000 in world-first shellfish reef

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February 20, 2025

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Port of Melbourne is proud to announce its partnership with The Nature Conservancy Australia (TNC) to lead the world’s first trial to remediate dredge material grounds by restoring shellfish reefs in Port Phillip Bay. Dredge material grounds are areas of seafloor set aside for placement of sand and mud which have been cleared from navigation channels.

“This is an incredibly exciting initiative,” Andrew Bossie, TNC’s Seascapes Conservation Officer, VIC, said, “We are restoring half a hectare of new shellfish reefs over dredge spoil, something that has never been attempted before.”

The trial commenced on 4 February, using a mix of recycled shell from TNC’s Shuck Don’t Chuck project and local limestone rock to form a new reef base on the seafloor. These reef bases will be seeded with 400,000 Australian Flat Oysters, which will continue to grow and attach to the reef base and each other. Over time, they will create a living reef, filtering water, and attracting a diversity of fish and aquatic life.

Shellfish reefs once dominated up to half of Port Phillip Bay’s seafloor. However, as a consequence of historical overfishing, compounded by catchment-to-coast runoff and other factors, they are now considered an ecologically collapsed ecosystem.

In response, Port of Melbourne has invested $890,000 to support TNC in restoring shellfish reefs in Port Phillip Bay’s diverse ecosystem.

“We are delighted to support the restoration of shellfish reefs in the Bay,” Craig Faulkner, Port of Melbourne Executive General Manager Operations, said.

“We are incredibly excited to continue our shellfish reef restoration work by leading a world first trial. If successful, this project could catalyse the restoration of end-of-life dredge material grounds in other parts of Australia and the world.” Mr Bossie added.

This project is part of TNC’s larger national shellfish restoration program that aims to rebuild shellfish ecosystems at 60 geographic locations across Australia by 2030.

ABB will supply permanent magnet shaft generator systems for 30 LNG carriers

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February 20, 2025

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ABB has secured orders from shipbuilders in China and South Korea to equip 18 and 12 liquified natural gas (LNG) carriers respectively with permanent magnet shaft generator technology. The ships are due for delivery between 2028 and 2030.

Enhancing operational efficiency by utilizing the power from the main engine, ABB’s permanent magnet shaft generator system improves fuel economy compared to solutions where power is provided by auxiliary engines. By avoiding starting up high-speed fuel intensive auxiliary engines during a voyage, ship operators can achieve significantly greater fuel efficiency. In addition, the permanent magnet shaft generator solution provides better efficiency than either induction or electrically excited synchronous machines, at full and partial load.

According to ABB’s estimation, the company’s permanent magnet shaft generator system can cut fuel costs by up to four percent compared to conventional solutions. When combined with ABB’s advanced ACS880 Converter and Control System, which ensures maximum flexibility and functionality in hybrid applications, the technology can increase fuel efficiency by a further one percent.

By eliminating the excitation unit inside the converter, combined with the compact size of the permanent magnet shaft generator, the system has the potential to deliver up to 20 percent space and weight savings, while its simple design helps to reduce installation and maintenance costs. These gains make a significant difference for ship owners working to increase their competitive advantage in alignment with the International Maritime Organization’s decarbonization targets.

“We are proud to win the largest ever combined orders for our permanent magnet shaft generator systems, with LNG carrier deliveries set for multiple AMEA owners from shipbuilders in China and South Korea,” said Michael Christensen, Global Segment Responsible for Cargo Vessels, ABB Marine & Ports. “These agreements include first-time customers for the permanent magnet shaft generator system, further confirming its benefits across a wide scope of cargo vessel types to serve shipping’s need for the enhanced fuel efficiency that reduces operating costs and helps them to meet decarbonization requirements.”

LNG bunkering in Hong Kong becomes a reality

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February 20, 2025

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The Group’s LNG bunkering vessel supplied 2,200 tons of cryogenic LNG to the “ZIM AQUAMARINE”, an LNG dual-fuel containership.

The operation was attended by the Hong Kong Government’s Transport and Logistics Bureau, Environment and Ecology Bureau, Marine Department, and Electrical and Mechanical Services Department; the Economic Affairs Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong SAR; the Hong Kong Chinese Enterprises Association; the Shenzhen Development and Reform Commission, Transport Bureau, Commerce Bureau, and Yantian District People’s Government, along with representatives from shipping and energy sectors across Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area.

LNG, a clean energy source, demonstrates significant advantages in environmental protection, energy efficiency, and safety. When compared to conventional marine fuel, LNG usage results in a 25% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, an 85% reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions, and almost complete elimination of sulfur emissions. Hong Kong, ranking as the world’s seventh-largest bunkering port and situated in the heart of the Asia-Pacific region, serves as a vital hub for international trade flows.

Speaking at the accompanying ceremony, Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan, said: “The HKSAR Government seized the opportunity to publish the Action Plan for Green Bunkering in November last year to address the growing market demand for these [green]fuels and echo the country’s green shipping strategy.

“Since the promulgation of the Action Plan, the response from the industry at home and abroad has been very positive, with companies at different stages of the green bunker supply chain expressing their interest in developing in Hong Kong. Hong Kong is China’s most highly internationalized city, but also the world’s freest economy, and is the best choice for everyone to expand their business, I hereby invite different enterprises at home and abroad to actively consider coming to Hong Kong to carry out green bunkering related business.

“Open and flexible” has always been synonymous with Hong Kong, and the bunkering market is no exception. Service operators are allowed to provide bunkering services in Hong Kong waters as long as they complete quantitative risk assessments and marine traffic impact assessments, etc., and ensure that bunkering operations are safe and meet legal requirements.”

The Marine Department has also set up a task force to provide one-stop services to green shipping-related organisations interested in setting up in Hong Kong.