NYK to invest in Northern Offshore Group AB

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February 18, 2025

Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK Line) announces its investment in Northern Offshore Group (N-O-G), a market-leading crew transfer vessel (CTV) operator.

For almost 20 years, N-O-G has been a pioneer and continues to set operational and environmental standards for the industry. NYK and N-O-G have had an operational and technical collaboration since 2019, and N-O-G became an NYK Group company when a majority of its shares were acquired by NYK.

Through this investment, N-O-G will be able to leverage NYK’s global network, enabling further technical development and growth. NYK will, in turn, gain important operational experience in preparation for the anticipated future expansion of offshore wind in waters closer to Japan. David Kristensson, N-O-G’s CEO, has NYK’s full confidence and support and will continue to lead the company. Carl-Johan Hagman, NYK executive officer and NYK Group Europe region head, is now chairman of N-O-G’s board of directors.

David Kristensson commented, “We are excited to expand our collaboration with NYK. We have worked together for a long time and have the same values and vision for the future, which is very important to us. NYK is a key player in the global maritime industry, and together, we can significantly increase our global presence and further improve our services for our customers.”

Carl-Johan Hagman emphasized, “For several years, NYK and N-O-G have had a close partnership that has very naturally evolved into this co-ownership. N-O-G will continue to operate as an independent entity, retaining its ‘Donsö-spirit’, but will have the ability to draw on the global resources of the wider NYK Group. NYK and N-O-G share a total commitment to the highest operational quality standards as well as the ambition to pioneer marine technical solutions that will deliver the lowest environmental emissions in the industry, reaching zero emissions by 2050. With great excitement, we now look forward to co-creating the future of the offshore wind industry with our customers and other pioneers.”

MAESTRAL to be awarded €500 million UAE Navy Support Contract

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February 18, 2025

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EDGE, one of the world’s leading advanced technology and defence groups, and Fincantieri, one of the world’s leading groups in high-complexity shipbuilding, announced today that MAESTRAL, their Abu Dhabi-based shipbuilding joint venture, will be awarded a major ‘In-Service Support Strategic Partnership Project’ for the entire UAE Navy fleet by Tawazun Council.

Tawazun Council is an independent government entity that works closely with the Ministry of Defence and security agencies in the United Arab Emirates. The value of the agreement is of approximately 500 million euros over a five-years period.

MAESTRAL will serve as the Industrial Strategic Partner, overseeing comprehensive maintenance management of the UAE Navy to meet key operational and logistic needs, and supporting UAE Navy’s transformation journey to new levels of performance over the next five years.

Hamad Al Marar, EDGE Group Managing Director & CEO, said: “Together with Fincantieri, we are fully confident that these capabilities will provide valuable opportunities from which this unique joint venture can utilise its vast resources and pool of experience available to deliver superior maritime vessels, turnkey solutions, and lifecycle maintenance services, to deliver commercial successes to all partners involved.”

Pierroberto Folgiero, Fincantieri CEO and Managing Director, stated: “This contract marks a pivotal step in Fincantieri’s growth in the region and reinforces our long-standing commitment to fostering industrial partnerships that deliver excellence. It also reflects the shared vision and synergy between Fincantieri and EDGE through the MAESTRAL joint venture. We are proud to stand alongside the UAE Navy as a trusted partner, ensuring sustained support, cutting-edge technology, and world-class maintenance services that meet the evolving needs of modern naval operations”.

The ISS Strategic Partnership Project will see a close collaboration between Fincantieri and EDGE Group entity, Abu Dhabi Shipbuilding (ADSB) under the MAESTRAL joint venture. This unique joint proposition will leverage the combined capabilities of UAE national and international advanced shipyards, deploying a full range of technical, engineering and management expertise to enhance the quality and performance of the UAE Navy.

The MAESTRAL joint venture, first announced in May 2024, aims to capitalise on global opportunities for the commercialisation, design, and manufacture of advanced naval vessels and services.

Wärtsilä Lifecycle Agreement to ensure operational reliability for 14 vessels in CMA Ships fleet

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February 18, 2025

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Technology group Wärtsilä has signed a Lifecycle Agreement with CMA Ships, a subsidiary of leading French shipping company CMA CGM. The order with Wärtsilä was booked in Q1 2025.

In today’s global environment, owner and operators of container vessels are focused on optimising operations and maintenance more effectively so that their vessels can continue to operate flexibly, and in the most efficient way possible. The scope of the agreement with CMA Ships will ensure operational reliability, whilst providing maintenance planning flexibility and long-term cost predictability.

“The management of new fuels such as LNG can be complex and costly. This agreement with Wärtsilä will help us secure ship operations and optimise engine maintenance costs. We appreciate the cooperation and support that Wärtsilä continues to provide us in meeting our customer needs as effectively as possible,” says Xavier Leclercq, Vice President, Newbuilding, CMA CGM.

Under the terms of the agreement, Wärtsilä will provide a full-service package that secures reliable operations at a fixed and minimised cost. The support provided by the agreement will be based on the use of Wärtsilä’s unique Expert Insight service, which leverages AI technology for predictive maintenance helping to improve asset efficiency and reduce operating costs. It will also provide parts and maintenance services, dynamic maintenance planning and 24/7 remote operational support.

“Our partnership with CMA CGM has been long and mutually successful and we are pleased to continue it with this new agreement,” comments Andrea Morgante, Vice President, Performance Services – Wärtsilä Marine. “CMA CGM are well known for delivering reliable, flexible and sustainable shipping services around the globe. It’s why this agreement has been tailored to meet their specific needs, giving them the peace of mind that their ships will continue to meet customer expectations.”

The 14 operational vessels, which sail between Asia and Europe, comprise five 15,000 TEU ships and nine 23,000 TEU ships. All ships operate with WinGD 2-stroke main engines and Wärtsilä 4-stroke auxiliary engines plus gas valve units (GVUs).

Canada joins Global Offshore Wind Alliance

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February 17, 2025

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The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson has announced Canada’s membership in the Global Offshore Wind Alliance (GOWA), which aims to mobilize international economies and agreements to accelerate offshore wind uptake.

The Governments of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador have also joined GOWA as subnational governments, and today’s announcement demonstrates a collective positioning of Canada’s commitment and ambition to advancing offshore wind as a domestic source of clean and reliable energy.

Through GOWA, Canada will gain access to international and industry expertise that will help strengthen the foundations of our offshore wind industry, complementing notable gains that have already been made to expand the offshore wind industry in Canada. These include:

The passage of Bill C-49 to amend the Canada–Newfoundland and Labrador Atlantic Accord Implementation Act and the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Resources Accord Implementation Act, also known as the Accord Acts, which created the legislative framework for offshore renewable energy in the Atlantic region. It also expanded the mandate of the existing joint management offshore petroleum regulators to include offshore renewable energy.
The coming into force of the Canada Offshore Renewable Energy regulations establishing safety and environmental protection requirements for project developers, which will serve as the foundation for future regulations under the Accord Acts;
Regional Assessments of Offshore Wind in Atlantic Canada, which examined potential effects of projects and proposed mitigation measures and will inform Canada’s next steps on potential future development in Atlantic offshore areas; and
Investments in supports and science-based activities to better understand and de-risk optimal areas for future projects, including the Offshore Wind Indigenous and Coastal Community Grant Initiative and the Atlantic Canada Offshore Wind Integration and Transmission Study.

As progress advances to build a strong and sustainable offshore wind industry Canada, we look forward to being part of this international economic community.

The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, said:

“By joining GOWA and passing Bill C-49, Canada is positioning itself to seize the enormous economic opportunity that offshore wind presents for Atlantic Canadians. These steps will strengthen our domestic economy, enable the creation of thousands of Canadian jobs and attract billions in investments. Today’s announcement is another step forward for Canada as we act now to become a global supplier of choice for energy, very much including clean energy.”

The Honourable Trevor Boudreau, Nova Scotia Minister of Energy, said:

“Offshore wind and green hydrogen are game changers for Nova Scotia. They’re going to help us and our global partners fight climate change, grow our green economy and bring benefits to Nova Scotians for generations to come. Becoming a member of the Global Offshore Wind Alliance is another step we’re taking to advance these sectors and put Nova Scotia on the global stage as a key player in clean energy.”

The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, said:

“Joining GOWA’s global membership is a significant step that reinforces Newfoundland and Labrador’s commitment to advancing the growth of the offshore wind industry. Our province’s vast renewable energy potential, combined with our skilled workforce and rich history in energy development, uniquely positions Newfoundland and Labrador to play a central role in the global transition to sustainable, green energy. As we continue to engage with stakeholders, this commitment opens the door to economic opportunities and strengthens our role in driving the clean energy transformation for Canada and beyond.”

Austal awarded contract to design and construct ‘hydrogen ready’ ferry

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February 17, 2025

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Part of Gotlandsbolaget’s ‘Horizon X’ program, the high-speed ROPAX catamaran will be the largest vessel ever constructed by Austal, and feature a unique, highly efficient combined cycle propulsion system that includes both gas and steam turbines – a first for high-speed craft, worldwide.

With a capacity to transport up to 1,500 passengers, cargo and 400 vehicles, the ‘Horizon X’ multi-fuel catamaran will be designed by Austal with construction at the Austal Philippines shipyard commencing the first half of CY2026; utilising “green aluminium”, produced using energy efficient processes and technologies that use less carbon, resulting in lower emissions. Construction is scheduled to complete in mid-2028.

Announcing the contract award, Austal Limited Chief Executive Officer, Paddy Gregg said “Horizon X is an incredibly exciting project that is going to re-define commercial ferry capabilities, with a multi-fuel and hydrogen-capable combined cycle powerplant and a class-leading, efficient hull design.

“The flexible fuel technology demonstrated in Horizon X is leading the transition to decarbonisation of commercial ferries, and we’re proud to be at the forefront, partnering with Gotlandsbolaget, to deliver this industry-leading new ferry.

Mr Gregg further emphasised Austal’s commitment to delivering a high-speed catamaran that represents a significant step towards climate-neutral emission targets while providing an exceptional passenger experience.

Gotlandsbolaget Chief Executive Officer, Håkan Johansson expressed his enthusiasm for the Horizon X project, saying “Thanks to the great collaboration between Gotland Tech Development and Austal, we can now move forward in supplementing our existing fleet of larger passenger and cargo vessels with a high-speed, multi fuel-catamaran, which is also hydrogen-ready.”

“Horizon X is not only designed for speed and efficiency but also for sustainability, as it incorporates cutting-edge green technology, including a hydrogen-ready, highly efficient gas turbine propulsion system.

“This vessel is a key step in our strategy to achieve climate-neutral operations, utilising lightweight green aluminium and advanced hydrodynamic design to minimise fuel consumption and emissions.

“Serving the island of Gotland and the (Swedish) mainland in a climate and environmentally responsible way is at the heart of our mission, and Horizon X represents a significant milestone in that journey,” Mr Johansson added.

Austal and Gotlandsbolaget first announced plans for the development of the 130-metre multi-fuel high speed vehicle passenger ferry design, with the flexibility to be able to operate on a variety of fuel types including hydrogen, in April 2023.

Since then, Austal and Gotland Tech Development, a part of Gotlandsbolaget, have engaged with technology providers from around the world to select preferred main equipment, and to define system arrangements. This has included the development of the unique propulsion system arrangement that repurposes engine exhaust to contribute to vessel propulsion and reduce emissions.

In October 2024, the project gained approval in principle from the leading, global independent Nautical Classification Society, DNV, with the vessel design being confirmed as complying in principle with rules relating to gas-fuelled ship installations (hydrogen) and the International Code of Safety of Ships Using Gases or Other Low Flashpoint Fuels.

CORE POWER launches Liberty maritime civil nuclear program

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February 17, 2025

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The program, titled Liberty, will lay the foundation for the use of nuclear power in the civil maritime sector. It will encompass modular construction of advanced fission technology and create the regulatory and supply chain frameworks necessary to enable this technology to be rolled out worldwide.

CORE POWER CEO Mikal Bøe laid out the company’s transformative vision in his keynote presentation at CORE POWER’s summit in Houston, TX, which took place on 12th February. Over 230 delegates were in attendance to hear a wide variety of speakers explore the many possible uses of nuclear power in the maritime sector.

“The Liberty program will unlock a floating power market worth $2.6tn, and shipyard construction of nuclear will deliver on time and on budget,” Bøe said. “Given that 65% of economic activity takes place on the coast, this will allow nuclear to reach new markets.”

The first part of the Liberty program will see the mass production of floating nuclear power plants (FNPPs). The expertise gained in rolling out FNPPs on a large scale will pave the way for the second part of the program, which involves developing nuclear propulsion for civil ships. Mass production is possible because the Liberty program will employ advanced nuclear technologies.

The program’s name emphasises the US-anchored nature of the program, which will leverage the country’s globally respected nuclear regulatory frameworks to make worldwide operation of FNPPs and nuclear-powered ships a reality.

“CORE POWER’s Liberty program will deliver resilient energy security for heavy industry and ocean transport,” Bøe said. “In doing so, it will revolutionise the maritime sector and transform global trade.”

ME-GI engine orders pick up momentum in LNG carrier segment

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February 17, 2025

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Hanwha Engine Co. Ltd. will build the engines in South Korea and the contract contains an option for two additional vessels. Each engine will come integrated with MAN Energy Solutions’ proprietary EGRBP (Exhaust Gas Recirculation ByPass) system.

Bjarne Foldager, Head of Two-Stroke Business, MAN Energy Solutions, said: “It’s very satisfying to see our ME-GI engine orders also pick up momentum within the important LNG carrier segment. The ME-GI’s mature technology delivers guaranteed, extremely low levels of methane slip that make it the most future-proof methane engine on the market.”

Christian Ludwig – Head of Two-Stroke Sales and Promotion – MAN Energy Solutions, said: “To date, we have achieved a total of more than 890 ME-GI references, either on order or in service, with over 110 of those within the LNGC segment alone. The ME-GI engine has several favourable characteristics, including a best-in-class performance, the highest thermal efficiency for methane-fuelled two-stroke engines, as well as millions of reliable operating hours. The ME-GI – not being sensitive to fuel properties – is furthermore capable of operating on bio-methane and synthetic natural gas that render it net-zero, providing a viable decarbonisation pathway for shipowners.”

MAN Energy Solutions successful ME-GI (-Gas Injection) engine has set a new industrial standard for two-stroke propulsion engines aboard – among others – RoRo vessels, PCTCs, container vessels, bulk carriers, tankers and LNG carriers. The ME-GI engine provides ship owners, charterers and operators with a peerless solution within environmentally friendly and high-efficiency, two-stroke technology but without the prominent methane-slip emissions that are characteristic of competing engines. These design merits have made the engine the standard propulsion system for the LNG-fuelled fleet.

The Diesel principle not only provides the ME-GI engine with high operational stability and efficiency, but also ensures 100% reliable operation during load changes on gas with just normal additions of pilot-oil amounts. Furthermore, the ME-GI’s operational principles feature a seamless change-over between gas and diesel operation. The ME-GI engine is the most environmentally-friendly technology available within the LNG-fuelled, two-stroke engine segment.

MAN Energy Solutions has also developed an ME-LGI (-Liquid Gas Injection) dual-fuel engine that expands the company’s dual-fuel portfolio, enabling the use of sustainable fuels such as green methanol.

Interocean awarded Morgan, Mona, and Morven Offshore Wind project contract

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February 17, 2025

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Interocean Marine Services (Interocean), provider of specialist maritime solutions to the global offshore energy industry, has announced a three-year contract to provide marine vetting and assurance to the Morgan, Mona and Morven offshore wind projects being developed under a joint venture between bp and Energie Württemberg AG (EnBW).

Morgan and Mona are located in the Irish Sea approximately 22-37 kilometres from the coast, covering a combined area of approximately 580km². Situated in the North Sea, approximately 60km from the coast of Aberdeen, Morven spans an area of approximately 860km², with water depths varying from 21 to 76 metres.

With a total projected generating capacity of 5.9GW – enough to power the equivalent of around six million UK households every year – the three wind farms are expected to play a role in achieving the UK’s target of 50GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030.

Interocean has an extensive track record in delivering complex offshore projects across the offshore energy sectors including high value cargo transportation, mooring installation, and walk-to-work solutions.

Commenting on the announcement, Chief Operations Officer, Alex Reid, said: “We are thrilled to have been chosen to contribute to projects of such national importance. As a UK headquartered company, we take immense pride in supporting initiatives that have the potential to enhance energy security and benefit local communities.”

Damen delivers comprehensive dredge package to Guyana

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February 17, 2025

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Damen Shipyards Group has recently delivered a Damen CSD 350 Cutter Suction Dredger to Guyana Port Inc. (GPI).

The stationary dredger is second hand, and the purchase was brokered by Damen and delivered to the site with a comprehensive start-up package including floating pipelines, spare parts, commissioning and training. The final milestone of the commissioning underscores Damen’s commitment to being a one-stop shop for all maritime needs, from design and construction to brokerage, transportation, training and field service assistance.

After finalising its initial dredge project, the modular dredger was ready for its next assignment. Damen Trading delivered it to GPI, which is dedicated to advancing Guyana’s maritime infrastructure and supporting the nation’s economic growth through port expansion.

The cutter suction dredger will remove build-up sediment from the key shipping channels in the Demerara River, increasing navigational depths ensuring safe and efficient vessel traffic. In addition, the CSD 350 will be deepening key areas of the port of Georgetown itself, so as to meet international standards and allow further shore based facilities to be developed. This capability will be crucial for accommodating larger ships and facilitating increased trade activities that contribute much to the economic growth of the country.

The CSD 350 is the first dredger for GPI. Bram van der Plas, Damen Sales Manager, explains: “Guyana Port Inc. is becoming an important part of the new regional maritime hub. Trade and therefore vessel traffic have grown rapidly recently, following the expanding oil and gas industry. Damen is a long-standing partner of GPI and the addition of a dredger to its assets will ensure that Guyana is well prepared for future demands on its port infrastructure”.

Damen field service engineers have commissioned the cutter suction dredger on site and trained the crew. The CSD 350, which has been named Mud Shredder, has now started its second lease of life contributing to Guyana’s economic boost. Given the rate of growth of the country, it is hoped that this will be the first of many Damen dredgers that will contribute to the growth of the land of many waters!

RWE gives monopile foundation covers a new lease of life

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February 16, 2025

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RWE has recently taken delivery of 36 of the total of 72 innovative reusable monopile hard covers, sourced from the Dutch company Circular Covers B.V.

These covers will be used to protect the monopile foundations from the harsh conditions at sea until the turbine towers are installed next year. By deploying reused covers, RWE is once again demonstrating its commitment to sustainability and circularity.

Sven Utermöhlen, CEO of RWE Offshore Wind: “We are committed to sustainability improvements and innovations at our offshore wind projects, and the reusable covers are an important part of this. At RWE, we are the first in the world to install covers from Circular Covers B.V. that have previously been used on the high seas. These covers reduce waste and increase circularity whilst the initiative exemplifies our dedication to sustainable practices. In addition, our Thor wind farm will pilot turbine towers made from CO2-reduced steel and use recyclable wind turbine blades.”

The covers serve as a temporary yet essential solution for shielding against seawater, rain, and bird droppings until the turbine towers are installed on the monopiles. Usually, the covers are disposed of after use because they were tailor-made to a specific offshore project.

However, the covers from Circular Covers B.V. are made from glass fibre reinforced composite panels bolted to a steel frame, and the design allows the panels to be adjusted and reused for different sizes of monopiles. It is expected that the individual panels of the covers could last 15 years and even more, depending on how often the diameter needs to be adjusted.

The 72 covers for the Thor project were previously installed at an offshore wind farm off the Dutch coast. RWE is the first company in the world to reuse these covers and give them a new lease of life. After their deployment at RWE’s Thor wind farm, the adjustable covers will be utilised at other upcoming offshore wind projects.

The Thor wind farm is located 22 kilometres off the west coast of Jutland in the Danish North Sea and will comprise 72 wind turbines, half of which will feature CO2-reduced steel towers, with 40 turbines utilising recyclable rotor blades. Measures to decarbonise steel production for the turbine towers include using green electricity as well as using scrap steel in place of iron ore. Due to a new type of resin with a special chemical structure the composite materials used in the recyclable rotor blades can be separated again, once the blades reach the end of their operational life. The properties of the individual materials remain intact so that they can be reused in new casting applications, for example in the automotive industry or in consumer goods.

Foundation installation work – including the deployment of the reusable covers – will start this spring, with turbine installation scheduled for 2026. After commissioning in 2027, the wind farm will have the capacity to produce enough green electricity to supply the equivalent of more than one million Danish households. The wind farm’s operations and maintenance plan expects to create 50 to 60 local jobs in a new service building at the Port of Thorsminde.

RWE already has 19 offshore wind farms in operation, including Rødsand 2 off the Danish coast. Besides Thor in Denmark, the company is currently building three large-scale offshore wind projects: the Sofia offshore wind farm (1.4 GW) in the UK, the Nordseecluster (1.6 GW) off the German coast and, together with TotalEnergies, the OranjeWind offshore wind farm (795 megawatts) in the Netherlands.