AIRCAT Vessels, in partnership with ESNA, has delivered the first batch of three AIRCAT 35 Crewliners for the oil and gas industry. These vessels, utilizing SES technology, can reach speeds over 50 knots in challenging conditions. With advanced passenger comfort features, they are now part of the ENERGY CRAFT fleet in Angola.
The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) is ready to resume full operations and welcome major shipping companies as global trade begins to flow smoothly. Chairman Osama Rabie and IMO Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez discussed steps to ensure the smooth operation of trade routes, emphasizing stability in the region. Efforts are underway to revitalize traffic and revenue.
HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) received approval from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) for a new tank design for large-scale hydrogen transport. The tank features a vacuum insulation system for safer transport of liquid hydrogen. Collaboration with global energy and shipping companies ensured compliance and innovation in energy shipping solutions.
The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Mr. Arsenio Dominguez, expressed his relief at the release of the 25-member crew of the MV Galaxy Leader, who had been held captive for over a year. The crew was taken hostage in November 2023 while passing through the Red Sea.
The UK government is urging offshore developers to reduce noise levels during construction, as unexploded ordnance and underwater noise pose challenges. Dame Joanna Lumley leads the Stop Sea Blasts campaign for low-noise disposal methods. The Plan for Change aims to boost renewable energy and industry, with measures to fast-track clean power systems and minimize underwater noise.
The ECO2Fuel project is leading the way in developing a direct electrochemical CO2 conversion system that produces sustainable liquid e-fuels like methanol and ethanol. With the goal of creating the world’s first low-temperature 1MW CO2 electrolyzer by 2026, this operates without hydrogen, using water and renewable electricity to convert CO2 into valuable products.
Lloyd’s Register issued an apology for its involvement in the enslavement of Africans during the 18th and 19th centuries. The firm admitted to providing information on ships used in the Atlantic slave trade and acknowledged the role it played in supporting the slave economy. LR announced steps to address its historical ties to slavery.
Advances in thermal reactions involving sulphur, oxygen, and hydrogen can generate high temperatures for gas/air turbine engines. Byproducts can be decomposed and reused for multiple cycles. History dates back to the 1800s, with modern solar thermal power plants using molten salt storage. Pegasus consortium in Germany researches sulphur thermochemistry for turbine engines, aiming for repeated reuse.
In 2024, the delivery of new crude oil tankers hit a 36-year low, with only 17 new tankers totaling 2.5 million DWT. The recycling of tankers increased, resulting in minimal fleet growth of 0.2%. Despite a rise in earnings in 2022, new ship contracting fell by 83%, leading to increased age of tankers.
The latest Energy Cyber Priority report by DNV Cyber reveals that energy companies are ramping up investments in cybersecurity to combat cyber threats. Two-thirds of energy professionals see cybersecurity as the top risk, leading to over 70% of companies planning to increase cybersecurity spending. Challenges remain in the sector, with a focus on OT security.
The UK launched the latest round of the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC6) on January 16, 2025, with a focus on supporting clean maritime technologies like electric, hydrogen, and wind power. With £30 million in new funding, businesses are expected to benefit, driving economic growth and job creation.
Ocean Network Express (ONE) has launched a new gateway in Kolkata and Haldia, improving export/import cargo routing efficiency. Utilizing Balmer Lawrie CFS and rail services to connect with mainline vessels at Nhava Sheva Port, it offers direct access to global destinations. Fixed day train departures, eliminate waiting times at transshipment points, improving transit times and consistency.
The Maritime Technologies Forum (MTF) has released a new report advising the industry on implementing onboard carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology. The report stresses the need for a secure downstream value chain, societal acceptance, cost-effectiveness, and regulatory frameworks tailored for onboard CCS. Recommendations include collaboration, standardized guidelines, training programs, and technology advancements.
The maritime industry is making strides in gender diversity, but there is still work to be done. WISTA International President Elpi Petraki stresses the importance of breaking down barriers for true equity. The Women in Maritime survey, launched by the IMO and WISTA International, aims to measure progress and inspire action towards gender equality.
India and France are strengthening their maritime cooperation to enhance peace and security in the Indian Ocean Region. New Delhi will lead the Indian Ocean Rim Association in 2025. Both countries are working together to address threats like piracy, terrorism, and illegal fishing. They aim to ensure free access to sea lanes and protect maritime interests.
