Tech Makes Gothenburg Port Smarter

The Gothenburg Port Authority recently launched a data system designed to coordinate and monitor work at the Port of Gothenburg Energy Port, the largest open access energy terminal in Sweden, handling more than 20 million tonnes of energy products annually."The ultimate outcome of the digital solutions is more rapid and more efficient handling of goods - quicker, safer, and less administration," claimed the port authority in a press release.“We operate in a high-intensity environment where safety is our first priority.

Wärtsilä, PSA Marine Collaborate on Clean Energy Shipping

Wärtsilä and Singapore-based PSA Marine have agreed to collaborate in the co-creation of smart technologies for the marine sector. The focus will be on solutions that are human-centric and deployable. The Letter of Intent was signed on November 14 as part of the events celebrating the anniversary of the opening of the Wärtsilä Acceleration Center in Singapore.Specific collaboration areas envisioned include the use of electric or hybrid technologies that further the use of low-emissions energy and propulsion systems…

Virgin Voyages Appoints GAC as UK Cruise Agent

Newly-launched US-based cruise line Virgin Voyages has appointed GAC as its UK agent for the vessel Scarlet Lady on her maiden voyage around the British coast early next year.Although the vessel is currently under construction in Genoa, Italy, GAC UK is already hard at work to make sure everything is ready for her UK calls.Virgin Voyages is a global lifestyle brand committed to creating the world’s most irresistible holidays. The brand currently has four ships on order with master shipbuilder Fincantieri and has operations in the US, UK, and Europe, with its inaugural season starting in 2020.

Germany Mulls Onshore Power in Seaports

German federal government took a step to make onshore power in seaports more attractive; this week the environment ministers of the federal and state governments will be meeting in Hamburg to discuss onshore power initiatives in Germany.Against this backdrop, the German Shipowners’ Association (Verband Deutscher Reeder, VDR) welcomes plans to provide ships with onshore power while on berth in German ports.“We are united in our goal to further improve the climate and the air quality in the ports…

TORM Conducts 16 Scrubber Installations

TORM, a pure play product tanker company and one of the world's leading carriers of refined oil products, expects to install a total of 44 scrubbers and has since the last quarter committed to an additional ten scrubber installations.The new installations support our balanced approach to the new sulfur regulation, with scrubbers.The recently decided additional scrubber installations will be conducted during the first and the second quarter of 2020.As of 12 November 2019, TORM has conducted 16 scrubber installations.

Massive Benefits in Reducing Ship Speeds

Cutting the speed of ships has huge benefits for humans, nature and the climate, according to a new report, a new report published by Seas at Risk and Transport & Environment (T&E) has highlighted.A 20% reduction would cut greenhouse gases but also curb pollutants that damage human health such as black carbon and nitrogen oxides, according to the two Brussels-based environmental NGOs."The large positive effect that reduced speeds can have on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is well known.

AEO Status for APM Terminals Quetzal

Guatemala’s Superintendence of Tax Administration (SAT), customs entity, has recognized APM Terminals Quetzal’s transparency and security through its accreditation as an Authorized Economic Operator (AEO). The terminals achieved a 100% compliance rating.The terminal uses a state-of-the-art terminal operating system to optimize security, control and cargo management. It also enables customs and customers to work together as efficiently as possible.Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) recognized the terminal’s compliance with international and local security standards…

MPC Capital Buys Stake in Albis

German shipping asset manager MPC Capital has acquired a strategic stake of 50 percent in compatriot tanker chartering company Albis Shipping & Transport.The Hamburg-based asset and investment manager informed that, Albis, led by Kim Moeller, operates a market-leading commercial platform for tankers of various sizes. Albis offers its customers tailor-made solutions for the chartering and operations of tankers.In addition to the technical ship manager Ahrenkiel Tankers, MPC Capital complements its range of services in the tanker segment by acquiring a shareholding in Albis.

Asian LPG Market to Cross $109Bln by 2024

The Asian liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) market stood at over $81.4 billion in 2018 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of over 5% to cross $109 billion by 2024, as increasing demand for LPG  as a fuel for power generation in remote and off-grid locations in comparison to its less environment-friendly alternatives like coal, diesel and fuel oil.Increasing demand for LPG used to run vehicles (Autogas)  is being witnessed as it is a comparatively cheaper automotive fuel and can be used in vast applications related to transportation…

2020 Dominates Dry Bulker Challenges

In view of the 0.5% global sulfur limit regulation implementation on 1 January 2020, International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO) pointed out that the global availability of safe compliant fuels remains a key question that is largely still unanswered – especially for ships in the dry bulk tramp trades.INTERCARGO’s Chairman Mr Dimitrios J. Fafalios said that INTERCARGO will continue efforts to highlight critical aspects of the 2020 sulfur limit regulation implementation.Areas…

Tracking Ship Emissions from Space

A new ground-breaking study by University College London (UCL) Energy Institute, Imperial College and the University of Oxford shows how satellite tracking could be used to monitor compliance with the upcoming IMO 0.5% sulfur emission regulations and Emission Control Areas (ECA).Research conducted by their own researchers, UCL Energy and the University of Oxford and published today in Geophysical Research Letters, has unveiled discoveries that appear important on many levels for…

S&P Upgrades GSL Ratings

Global Ship Lease (GSL), a leading independent owner of containerships with a diversified fleet of mid-sized and smaller containerships, said that  S&P Global Ratings has raised its long-term issuer credit rating.According to the London-headquartered company, its  first priority senior secured notes to B+ from B on the basis of new charters at favorable rates, extended debt maturities, rebalancing supply and demand conditions, and an improved leverage profile.Ian Webber, Chief Executive Officer of Global Ship Lease…

IMO2020: Market Uncertainty Brings More Fuel Oil Price Volatility

The oil market has recently been shaken up by geopolitical events, but volatility in the price difference between low and high sulphur fuel cannot be explained by that alone – the uncertainty is the chaos factor.The uncertainty of the upcoming IMO 2020 Sulphur cap regulation (IMO2020) is having a big impact on the bunker market. Whereas, the price for Marine Gas Oil Low Sulphur (MGO LS) has largely remained stable, the price for High Sulphur Fuel oil (HSFO) has been become increasingly more volatile in recent months.

ABS & the Future of Classification

The discussion of the ‘future of class’ seems more relevant today than ever, as the maritime industry navigates a transcendent period, with digitalization, decarbonization and a long list of related safety and risk concerns occupying the attention and budgets of shipowners globally.“There are many things going on in the industry, and in fact the world, and looking ahead I think we’re looking at a ‘new norm’,” said Christopher J. Wiernicki, ABS Chairman, President and CEO. “It’s…

KN Appoints Darius Silenskis as CEO

Lithuania-based  oil and LNG terminal operator Klaipėdos nafta (KN) appointed Darius Silenskis as the new CEO. Until now, D. Silenskis held the position of director of KN Oil business.The selection procedure of the new CEO was carried out by Independent Board of KN in cooperation with international executive search companies applying the best corporate governance practices. 26 candidates applied for the position, said the operator of the Klaipėda Oil Terminal.D. Silenskis has been working for KN for the last five years.

Neste Offers LSFO in Germany

Finland’s oil refiner Neste Corporation has made low-sulphur fuel oil (LSFO)available in Bremerhaven, Germany in response to the upcoming IMO 2020 global regulation.Neste and the German BMT Bunker und Mineralöltransport GmbH have signed a partner agreement concerning distribution and sales of Neste MarineTM 0.5. This new marine fuel, containing maximum 0.5% sulphur, has been available in Bremerhaven, Germany, since the beginning of November 2019. BMT is a bunkering services company with a long experience in the sales of marine fuels.

SGRE Posts 10.9% Growth in Offshore Sector

Spanish-based engineering company Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy  (SGRE) closed the fiscal year ended September 30 with double-digit growth (+10.9%) in offshore unit due to new markets, mainly Taiwan, which contributed 1.5 GW in firm orders.Meanwhile, Service orders increased by 13.4% in FY 2019, to €2,715m. This business unit, which contributes with very profitable contracts, accounts for 47% of the company's order book.Wind power has strong potential and significant growth opportunities in the long-term.

MOL Adds Southern Treasure to its Fleet

Japanese shipping company Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) has announced that the new scrubber-equipped wood chip carrier Southern Treasure has been delivered.The delivery ceremony for the 60,300 dwt vessel with with a cargo capacity of 4.3 million-cubic feet was held at Oshima Shipbuilding, Nagasaki Prefecture.MOL will operate the vessel, which transport wood chips for Hokuetsu Corporation, said a press release."The vessel is equipped with a SOx scrubber and Ballast Water Management System (BWMS) to comply with today's stricter environmental regulations…

LNG Terminals Market to Grow 3% by 2022

The large-scale LNG terminals market size is expected to post a CAGR of close to 3% during the period 2018-2022, according to the latest market research report by Technavio.The rising demand for clean fuels is one of the major reasons for the growth of the large-scale LNG terminals market. Fossil fuels constitute a major source of energy to cater to the demands from the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. However, they result in heavy emissions of CO2 and other greenhouse…

Seafarers Are Happy!

New report from the Mission to Seafarers paints optimistic picture across the shipping industry and  shows increased positivity and satisfaction among those working at sea.After concerning reports earlier in the year, the latest Seafarers Happiness Index, a gauge for measuring the feelings and experiences of seafarers across the global maritime industry, report has shown a marked improvement in happiness levels amongst seafarers across all sectors of the industry.The latest report…

CSA 2020 Applauds DFDS on EGCS Drive

The international organization to promote Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (EGCS), Clean Shipping Alliance (CSA) 2020 has congratulated Danish ferry operator DFDS A/S for ten years of successful scrubber operation, with EGCS onboard the 37,939gt roro Ficaria Seaways achieving more than 50, 000 running hours since 2009.Ficaria Seaways, one of the first ro-ro vessels to be fitted with an Alfa Laval PureSOx system, operates inside the stringent European Sulfur Emission Control Area (SECA)…

GloFouling Crosses 12 Lead Partnerships

The GloFouling Partnerships project, is a joint initiative between the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and International Maritime Organization (IMO) ,  has 12 Lead Partnering Countries.Indonesia and Mexico have recently joined Fiji, Tonga, Brazil, Madagascar, Mauritius and Philippines as those which have already established their national task forces. Jordan, Sri Lanka, Peru and Ecuador will join in the coming months.The project…

Steel Cut for 1st LNG-fueled Ship in France

MSC Cruises, a global cruise line registered in Switzerland and based in Geneva, has held a steel-cutting ceremony for its first new-generation World-Class ship at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France.The first of five liquefied natural gas (LNG) powered cruise ships on order, MSC Europa is the first LNG ship to be built in France.On the occasion of the cutting of the first steel ceremony held in Saint-Nazaire, MSC and Chantiers de l’Atlantique unveiled…

Hamburg Süd Announces EFF

German container shipping company Hamburg Südamerikanische Dampfschifffahrts-Gesellschaft A/S & Co KG (Hamburg Süd) will introduce an Environmental Fuel Fee (EFF) effective 1 December 2019.According to a press release from the German carrier, EFF is to cover the increase in fuel-related costs associated to the implementation of the IMO 2020 regulation. The EFF tariffs have been calculated using the price difference between high sulfur fuel and low sulfur fuel. The difference calculated is 193…

Xeneta Expects Further Disruption in Container Rates

Further disruption in ocean freight rates expected despite best efforts from leading carriers, according to Xeneta Container Rates Alert.Long-term contracted ocean freight rates for carriers continued their downward trend through the month of October, it pointed out.The latest freight data from the XSI Public Indices report from Xeneta shows a continued drop in contracted freight rates as the industry heads into the key seasonal months.Rates on a number of key routes have continued a steady downward slide since early summer but have yet to fall below the levels seen one year ago…

Polymer Pioneer Receives Engineering's Highest Accolade

On October 31st, 2019, George A. (Sandy) Thomson, the founder of Thordon Bearings and a pioneer in the development of advanced polymer materials, was presented with the 2019 Elmer A. Sperry Award in recognition of “leading the innovation in water-lubricated propeller shaft bearings” in marine transportation through the use of polymeric compounds.The award was presented to Mr. Thomson at the SNAME Maritime Convention, in Tacoma, USA, by the Chairman of the Board of the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST), Mr.

Singapore Launches digitalPORT@SG

Singapore Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Heng Swee Keat, DPM Heng announced the launch of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore’s (MPA) ‘digitalPORT@SG’, a digital Portal for One-stop Regulatory Transactions, which is Singapore’s maritime single window system that will serve as a one-stop portal for maritime regulatory and port services transactions.It will be developed in two phases: Phase 1 – users can obtain approval for all arriving and departing ships from three public agencies – MPA…

Interview: Cory Wood, VP, Bristol Harbor Group

Born at the University of Michigan in the early 1990s, Bristol Harbor Group (BHG) has grown into a diverse and widely respected naval architecture and marine engineering firm. Cory Wood, Vice President and one of the four co-founders of BHG, discusses the companies past and design drivers to power its future.The University of Michigan runs one of the most prestigious naval architecture and marine engineering programs in the country, but when Cory Wood entered U of M, he did so with the intent of becoming an aerospace engineer.

Vessel Op Costs to Rise in 2019 and 2020

International accountant and shipping adviser BDO said total operating costs in the shipping industry are expected to rise by 2.5% in 2019 and by 2.7% in 2020.Responses to the firm’s latest annual Future Operating Costs Survey revealed that insurance is the cost category likely to increase most significantly in both 2019 and 2020. In the case of protection and indemnity insurance, the predicted increase is 2.0% for each of the years under review, while hull and machinery insurance…

Russia Presses for Northern Sea Route

Russia is advocating expansion of ports and shipping along the Northern Sea Route (NSR).The  existing excellent contacts between Port of Hamburg Marketing and Russian ports as well as the Hamburg maritime industry’s second most important trading partner in seaborne freight traffic provided the occasion for an expert session on the use of the Northern Sea Route – NSR - and development of transit freight traffic between Europe and Asia.At a meeting in Hamburg, members of a delegation…

Decarbonisation a Major Issue in Shipping

Survey respondents from 46 different countries around the world highlight ‘decarbonization of shipping’, ‘new environmental regulation’, ‘societal demands for sustainability’, and ‘failure of climate-change mitigation and adoption’ as four of the top 10 issues in terms of potential impact on the maritime industry.The Global Maritime Issues Monitor 2019, which surveyed respondents from 46 countries, ranked only the “global economic crisis” ahead of “decarbonisation of shipping”…

Hapag-Lloyd Intros IMO2020 Transition Charge

German international shipping and container transportation company Hapag-Lloyd has introduced IMO2020 Transition Charge (ITC) for short-term contracts.The introduction of the IMO2020 sulfur cap as of 1 January 2020 marks a milestone for the shipping industry to reduce marine pollution and become more sustainable, said a press note from the cargo container shipping line.Hapag-Lloyd has taken various actions to be fully compliant with the new regulations. Adjusting to IMO2020 comes…

Full Utilization of HMTF Passes in U.S. House

This evening the U.S. House of Representatives passed by a recorded vote the Full Utilization of the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund (HMTF), H.R. 2440. The vote was 296 in favor and 109 opposed. The voting required a two-thirds super majority of the House in order to pass under “suspension of the rules.”There were  seventeen (17) bills presented in the House of Representatives today with fifteen (15) bills passing by voice vote. The Full Utilization of the HMTF was one of two bills…

Tarmac, Forth Ports Team-up for Tilbury2

British building materials company Tarmac has partnered with London’s fastest growing port, the Port of Tilbury, to create the UK’s largest construction materials aggregates terminal at Tilbury2, the new port being constructed on the north bank of the River Thames.The work will see the creation of new aggregate processing and manufacturing facilities, including an asphalt and ready mix concrete plant, at the new port terminal, supported by the terminal’s deep sea capacity for vessels up to 100,000 metric tonnes.

Den Helder to Repair Stad Amsterdam

Damen Shipyards Den Helder is preparing Clipper vessel to undertake world tour promotion of UN Sustainable Development Goals.On 28th October, the iconic Clipper Stad Amsterdam arrived early in Den Helder in sunny weather, after a calm voyage from Amsterdam. After watching her arrival, invited guests were given a tour of the vessel by Captain Moritz Kuhlenbäumer, who provided details of the vessel’s forthcoming maintenance program in Den Helder’s historic Willemsoord harbour.The maintenance will prepare Stad Amsterdam for her green ambassadorial role…

Aalund Named International Propeller Club's President

Niels Aalund was elected at the 93rd International Convention and Conference in New Orleans on October 17th.New Orleans, LA: Prominent maritime industry stakeholder Niels Aalund has been elected President of the International Propeller Club. Mr. Aalund will serve a two-year term, commencing from October 17th. Aalund, a well-known maritime subject matter expert and executive, currently serves as an Officer and as Senior Vice-President of the West Gulf Maritime Association (WGMA).

Diversity, Tech on Tap at WISTA Conference

A top hostage negotiator, the CEO of a company which supplies environmental products to ship owners and operators and the heads of two maritime technology firms are all part of an impressive line-up of speakers scheduled to speak at the 2019 Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA) AGM & Conference which takes place next week from Tuesday, October 29, to Friday, November 1. The four-day event is being hosted by WISTA Cayman Islands and is expected to bring over 200 maritime experts from 30-plus countries.

Atkins Updates US Offshore Market Guide

Engineering and project management consultancy Atkins, together with law firm K&L Gates LLP, has released an updated Offshore Wind Market Handbook to help guide investors through technical and regulatory issues in the US offshore wind market.The US offshore wind market has quickly evolved over the last year, with extensive updates in policy and regulatory environment, and several states entering or strengthen their commitment to the industry, Atkins a member of the SNC-Lavalin Group…

A.P. Moller-Maersk Center of Excellence in Tamil Nadu

Maersk, a global integrator of container logistics, has laid the foundation stone of its planned ‘A.P. Moller – Maersk Center of Excellence’ facility at Thenpattinam (Tamil Nadu), to support skill development and training needs for Maersk cadets across job functions (deck, electrical and engine). Maersk signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Academy of Maritime Education and Training (AMET) University to jointly operate this facility with an aim to maintain steady channel of Indian seafarers for its operations.The A.

Australian Cruise Industry on Expansion Mode

The total domestic trips by sea in Australia are set to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.36% from 3.9 million in 2018 to 5.1 million by 2023, holding the highest growth rate among all other transport means.Traveling by sea throughout Australia is becoming a popular past time for the domestic travelers. As a result, cruise operators are increasingly joining forces to offer ‘bite-sized’ breaks along the coast for the domestic travelers, says GlobalData.Johanna Bonhill-Smith…

RECSO Hosts First Global Oil Spill conference

The Regional Clean Sea Organization (RECSO), an oil industry co-operative organisation in the Middle East, has hosted First RECSO Enviro Spill Conference and Exhibition.In delivering the keynote speech at the opening ceremony, Abdulhakim A. Al-Gouhi, vice president of Industrial Services with Saudi Aramco, called on members to collaborate to protect the pristine Gulf environment through prevention, preparedness, and response.“We come together to demonstrate our unlimited commitment toward protecting the marine environment from any harmful effects of pollution…

EU to Launch Ocean Tracker

The European Union (EU) is set to launch a new interactive map, dubbed The Ocean Tracker, to follow the commitments, made by governments, businesses and NGOs, worth more than €10 billion ($11.13bn) so far.EU Commissioner Karmenu Vella, responsible for Environment, Maritime affairs and Fisheries said: "With the delivery of The Ocean Tracker, the EU demonstrates its leadership in ocean sustainability”.The Ocean tracker, itself a commitment made in 2017, when the EU hosted the Our Ocean in Malta…

Corporates Pledge for Healthy, Productive Ocean

30 companies and institutional investors have signed up to the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) Sustainable Ocean Principles committing to take action to secure a healthy and productive ocean.UNGC is a special initiative of the UN Secretary-General, the United Nations Global Compact works with companies everywhere to align their operations and strategies with ten universal principles in the areas of human rights, labor, environment and anti-corruption.The signatories to the principles include the container ship and supply vessel operator A.P.

DCA to U.S. House: Fully Utilize HMT Fund

The U.S. House of Representatives is set to consider H.R. 2440, Full Utilization of the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund bill on Monday October 28, 2019. The bill may be presented in the House under “suspension of the rules.”“We strongly support the Full Utilization of the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund for intended purpose,” said William P. Doyle, CEO and Executive Director of the Dredging Contractors of America (DCA). “This bipartisan bill makes it easier for Congress to appropriate any funds collected in the Trust Fund for authorized harbor maintenance needs…

VLGC for Astomos Energy Named

A naming ceremony was held in Kumamoto Prefecture at the Ariake Shipyard of Japan Marine United Corporation for a new VLGC (very large gas carrier) that NYK will charter under a long-term contract to Astomos Energy Corporation,  pre-eminent liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) company.The ship was named “Lily Promenade” by Kazuhisa Otsuka, senior operating officer of Astomos Energy Corporation, and the ceremonial rope holding the vessel in place was cut by Mariko Kurokawa of Astomos.

Total, Zhejiang Energy Establish Bunkering JV

French oil and gas company Total has signed a deal with Chinese state-owned Zhejiang Energy Group (ZEG) to create a joint venture company to supply and delivery marine fuels in the Chinese region of Zhoushan.Total China Investment (TCI)  will hold a 49% share in the new company while Zhejiang Zheneng Petroleum New Energy (ZZPNE) will hold the remaining.Zhoushan region covers both Ningbo and Shanghai ports, the busiest shipping hub in the world in terms of cargo tonnage.By combining…

Yxney, Grieg Connect Team Up with NOx Fund

The data analytics duo Yxney Maritime and Grieg Connect are partnering with the Norwegian NOx Fund to develop a data-driven digital solution for automated NOx emissions reporting. Solstad Offshore and ferry operator Fjord1 will participate in the pilot phase of the project.The Norwegian NOx Fund records NOx emissions from all vessels operating in Norwegian waters and collects a fee for emissions per vessel. Calculating and reporting emissions has historically been a manual chore for shipowners…

Siemens Gamesa Buys Senvion Wind Biz

German-Spanish  wind turbine manufacturing giant Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy (SGRE) has agreed a $225m deal to buy 8.9GW of the European onshore service business of embattled Germany-based rival Senvion along with its smaller rival’s blade factory in Portugal.Senvion´s European service assets will strengthen Siemens Gamesa´s capacity and potential in an important segment. The acquisition of a Service fleet of 8.9GW from Senvion will take Siemens Gamesa to a total of nearly 69GW under maintenance…

Blue Fund to Combat Ship Pollution

A proposed “Blue Fund” to help combat illicit ship pollution in the Mediterranean is set to be studied by States and stakeholders working to protect the Mediterranean marine environment.According to a press note from  International Maritime Organization (IMO), this was agreed at a meeting of the regional network for law enforcement officials of the Mediterranean, known as Mediterranean Network of Law Enforcement Officials relating to MARPOL within the framework of the Barcelona Convention (MENELAS) - organized by REMPEC…

CAA Welcomes MSC 's Shelving Arctic Routes

Clean Arctic Alliance has welcome MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company's decision to avoid Arctic shipping route as a new short cut between northern Europe and Asia.Clean Arctic Alliance lead advisor Dr Sian Prior was responding to the announcement that shipping company MSC “will not explore or use the Northern Sea Route between Europe and Asia for container shipping” and that it believes that shipping lines should focus on reducing the environmental impact of existing shipping…

BunkerTrace Goes Live

On Friday, BunkerTrace, the unique blockchain and DNA- based fuels tracking solution, announced its commercial launch shortly after a successful trial in the Netherlands on Thursday, October 3, which was conducted in partnership with Cooperative Bebeka. Announcing the launch at Aracon, BunkerTrace is now ready to receive requests for commercial partnerships and adoption by bunker suppliers, ports and operators.The solution, which adds DNA markers to fuel at every stage of the supply chain and records each transaction in a blockchain-based system…

SMT’s Tech Division Offers Polar Code Training

The adoption by the IMO of the International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters (Polar Code) makes it mandatory for ships sailing into Artic or Antarctic waters to demonstrate that extra precautions have been taken in relation to safety, protection of the environment and seafarer competence.In anticipation of the increase in maritime traffic in the polar regions both for leisure and commercial purposes, Stream Marine’s Technical Training division has developed the world’s…

Inmarsat Publishes ICT Field Guide

As day-to-day operations at sea become ever more reliant on information and communication technology (ICT), mobile satellite communications company Inmarsat has published a practical guide to help ship managers build onboard networks that are resilient and reliable.The Best Practice Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Recommendations, published by the Inmarsat Research Program, offers guidance on maximizing uptime and minimising cyber-vulnerabilities of onboard networks and automated systems.

Boxship Fires: Time for Action, says IUMI

This year has already seen an alarming number of container ship fires including Yantian Express, APL Vancouver, Grande America, E.R. Kobe and KMTC Hong Kong.The escalation is of growing concern to IUMI (International Union of Marine Insurance) who used a recent forum to call for an urgent improvement to onboard firefighting systems.At a conference in Arendal, Norway, organised by marine insurer and P&I Club, Gard, and attended by IMO, flag states, shipowners, salvors, class, and insurers…

Exxon, Trafigura Tap Lower Freight Rates

U.S. crude exports to Asia, which have slumped due to record freight costs, stirred on Thursday as rates slid and the premium in Asia for Russia's ESPO Blend oil sent buyers back to U.S. grades, according to market sources.Oil shipping costs for United States Gulf Coast to Asia cooled this week from record highs on the prospect of more vessels becoming available. Nearly 300 oil tankers globally were placed off limits due to U.S. sanctions on Iran and Venezuela.Seventeen supertankers returned to service in October after being sidelined for overhauls, as 11 entered drydocks.

Interview: Tore Morten Olsen, President Maritime, Marlink

Tore Morten Olsen, President Maritime, Marlink, discusses the pace and direction of high speed comms in maritime.Using metrics of your choice, put in perspective where we are today in terms of getting shipowners to adopt high speed communication solutions.The term broadband has been used in the maritime industry for at least a decade and if we are to follow the FCC’s definition which was upgraded to 25mbps from 4mbps (download) in 2015, then those high speed internet services are nothing of the sort.However, everything is relative.

Fincantieri Fits New Midsection in Star Breeze

The most complex cruise ship lengthening ever undertaken is clipping along at Fincantieri’s Palermo yard.The final welding cut to Windstar Cruises’ Star Breeze was completed and  the ship’s 25.6-meter/84-foot prefabricated midsection was glided into place between the two halves in the drydock, an operation that took just half an hour.Overnight, Shipyard crews at Fincantieri Palermo had carefully split the ship, pulling the 4,000-ton bow forward centimeter by centimeter while a…

MSC Rejects Northern Sea Route

Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), the world’s second-biggest container shipping line, has decided not to use the Arctic as a new short cut between northern Europe and Asia and will instead focus on improving environmental performance on existing global trade routes.In declaring the northern sea route out of bounds, MSC follows CMA CGM and Hapag-Lloyd that have similarly eschewed the commercial benefits of an Asia-North Europe option that is 30 percent shorter than the southern…

Lloyd’s Maritime Academy Adds New Tech Courses

Lloyd’s Maritime Academy launched a new portfolio of courses focusing on Technology and Innovation. “Digitalization is becoming part of everyday life within shipping where techniques from other industries such as big data and cyber security are being adopted," said Paul Napper, Course Developer at Lloyd’s Maritime Academy. "It’s important that people working within maritime have a strong understanding of these techniques and the positive impact they can have. Maritime assets such as ships are expensive therefore…

Cruise Ships in French Waters Agree to Pollute Less

The main cruise ship operators in French waters have agreed on measures to limit pollution caused by their vessels, including hooking up to the power grid instead of keeping their engines running during stopovers.The "Blue Charter" agreement signed in Marseille by Costa Cruises, MSC Cruises, Royal Carribean Cruises and Ponant also pledged to use less-polluting fuel when manoeuvring in harbours as well as other measures to reduce emissions.The four signatories transport 95% of the passengers and account for 85% of the stopovers in Marseille…