The closure of the river Mosel in western Germany, a key transportation route for grains and rapeseed shipments, has caused concerns for traders. With the lock at Mueden damaged until spring 2025, alternative transportation methods are being considered. The blockage of 70 ships may lead to delivery disruptions, impacting the flow of goods.
The maritime industry is shifting towards decarbonization, focusing on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Measures like the EEDI and SEEMP have led to new operational performance indicators and a push for alternative fuels. The human element is key, along with Collaboration, technology, training and leadership are crucial to achieving sustainability goals.
A service boat with six crew members experienced flooding in its machinery space while heading to a vessel at anchor. Despite efforts to fix the leak, the water level rose, leading the crew to abandon ship into a liferaft. Another boat rescued them, highlighting the importance of emergency skills and preparedness at sea.
A joint study by GCMD and BCG projects annual CO2 shipping volumes in Asia-Pacific could reach 100 MtPA by 2050. Shipping plays a crucial role in facilitating cross-border CCUS initiatives in the region. Governments in APAC are actively pursuing partnerships to support CO2 transportation and sequestration.
Alphard Group recently celebrated its 15th anniversary at a heritage hotel in India, honoring its journey from a startup to a leading provider of maritime solutions. With a focus on quality and innovation, the company aims to expand its services globally and prioritize sustainability in the maritime sector.
SOLiTHOR has made significant progress in developing lithium solid-state batteries for aviation and maritime industries. Their advancements include improved cyclability, energy density, and industrial readiness. Recent testing showed impressive results with 1,000 cycles achieved at high efficiency. Their technology offers lighter, safer, and more powerful batteries, meeting the industry’s demands.
MAN Energy Solutions has successfully completed the retrofit of the main engine of the Very Large Container Vessel ‘Maersk Halifax’ to a dual-fuel MAN B&W ME-LGIM unit. This project, carried out by MAN PrimeServ, marks the first of its kind globally for a VLCV. The vessel was originally powered by an MAN B&W 8G95ME-C9.5.
Normec Verifavia has partnered with Eyesea to support ocean pollution clean-up efforts and develop certification standards. Eyesea’s Founder praised Normec Verifavia’s commitment to sustainability. CEO Nicolas Duchene highlighted the importance of collaboration for environmental change. Together, they aim to drive cleaner oceans and promote responsible practices in the maritime industry.
The Taiwan Coast Guard conducted a daring rescue operation to save the crew of a product tanker, the Liquid Gem, during a severe storm. Despite adverse weather, 14 crew members were rescued, with two pulled from the water. One crew member remains missing. The Coast Guard utilized creative methods to rescue the crew.
ShoreLink has successfully delivered its Shore Power Cable Management System at the Port of La Spezia, enabling cruise vessels to connect to shore power and reduce emissions while docked. The system, following a Factory Acceptance Test, is now in storage at the port and ready for deployment, in partnership with MONT-ELE.
Norwegian shipbuilder Vard recently completed the conversion of the IT Infinity vessel from a Platform Supply Vessel to a specialized Cable Laying Vessel for I.T. International Telecom Marine. The extensive conversion work included adding new accommodations, upgrading electrical systems, and installing modern HVAC systems. The collaboration resulted in a highly capable asset.
The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has delayed the approval of the new alliance proposed by Ocean Network Express (ONE), HMM, and Yang Ming. The FMC stated that more time and information are needed to assess the impact on competition. The carriers plan to form the Premier Alliance to replace their current arrangement, The Alliance.
A recent study by UCL and UMAS found that optimizing port arrivals to reduce waiting times could cut voyage emissions by up to 25% for certain vessels. Container ships and dry bulkers could save 10%, gas carriers and oil tankers 16%, and chemical tankers nearly 25%. Addressing port congestion is crucial for emissions reduction efforts.
Wallenius Marine is conducting advanced wind tunnel tests in Gothenburg, Sweden to create the world’s first wind-powered pure car and truck carrier. Experts from RISE KTH and Oceanbird are collaborating on the project, testing the interaction between the vessel’s hull and six high-tech wing sails. This innovative project aims to optimize design for sustainable shipping.
Fullers360, New Zealand’s largest ferry operator, has added the battery-electric hydrofoiling boat VS-9 to its fleet. This nine-meter vessel can reach speeds of 25 knots and has a range of up to 50 nautical miles. Certified by Maritime New Zealand, the VS-9 marks a shift towards sustainable marine transport in the industry.
