Efforts to advance ship automation for fully independent operation are progressing, with HD Hyundai achieving a milestone by demonstrating autonomous operation and remote control integration on an 8,000 TEU containership. Certification from both the Korean Registry of Shipping and the Liberia State Flag Bureau marks progress towards commercializing third-stage automation.
Wallenius Marine in Sweden is conducting advanced wind tunnel tests to build the world’s first wind-powered PCTC. The tests in Gothenburg aim to confirm the ship’s design and develop new data simulation models. Collaboration with experts from KTH, RISE SSPA, and Oceanbird is pushing the boundaries of sustainable maritime transportation technology.
The upcoming FuelEU Maritime regulation, effective from January 1, 2025, presents challenges for vessel owners in terms of regulatory understanding and compliance costs. DNV’s white paper suggests strategies to reduce expenses, focusing on well-to-wake emissions calculations and wind-assisted propulsion. Shipowners are advised to prepare early and consider cost-effective compliance options to minimize financial impacts.
The UK government has allocated nearly $1 million in funding to support nine maritime clusters across the country, aiming to boost local economies, connect businesses with the industry, and attract more individuals to the maritime sector. The investment will help secure funding for industries, implement skills training, and revitalize coastal towns and cities.
AET, a leading maritime transportation owner and operator, has teamed up with the Singapore Maritime Foundation (SMF) to boost Singapore’s maritime workforce. A MoU will see AET sponsoring scholarships and internships annually from 2025 to 2027, aiming to groom the next generation of maritime talent. This collaboration underscores AET’s commitment to education and industry development.
On Thursday, a container ship collided with an inland vessel on the river Scheur near Rotterdam, causing containers to fall into the water. The incident involved an autonomous barge, possibly operating in autonomous mode. The Hebo Cat 7 was dispatched for salvage. The River Drone fleet represents a significant experiment in remote-controlled operation in Europe.
EUNAVFOR Atalanta, the EU mission in the Horn of Africa, confirms armed pirates boarded a Chinese fishing vessel in Somali waters, classifying it as armed robbery at sea. With no injuries reported, Atalanta is monitoring the situation and collaborating with Somali and Chinese authorities to address the heightened piracy threats in the region.
The Federal Government of Somalia has launched the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) at the Coast Guard headquarters in Mogadishu Port. This initiative, supported by EUCAP Somalia, aims to enhance maritime safety and response to emergencies at sea. The MRCC will provide 24/7 Search and Rescue services, strengthening Somalia’s ability to protect its waters.
Seattle-based maritime data analytics company ioCurrents has partnered with engine supplier Bergen Engine to offer its MarineInsight platform to customers in new builds, repowers, and overhauls. By combining data analytics with high-performance engine design, the partnership aims to optimize vessel performance and reduce operational costs. This collaboration signifies a step towards greater efficiency.
Over 30% of ballast water treatment systems fail Port State Control D-2 compliance inspections, despite passing commissioning tests. Global TestNet data revealed that 29% to 44% of operational systems are failing to remove invasive species, with over 100 organisms found in every 1m3 of treated water. Non-compliance reasons include contamination, regrowth, and human error.
A variety of industry organizations in Norway, such as the Norwegian Fishermen’s Association and the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association, have united to support an agreement promoting sustainability in maritime and fishing sectors. Sivertsen Næss highlighted the significance of this collaboration, emphasizing the shared ambition and expertise driving the partnership towards a sustainable future.
Six new electric tugboats, including the groundbreaking Volta 1, have recently arrived at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges. The Volta 1 is Europe’s first fully electric RSD tugboat, symbolizing the port’s goal of climate neutrality by 2050. With a bollard pull of 70 tons and rapid recharge capability, the Volta 1 is emission-free.
A Panama-flagged cargo vessel was abandoned near Hodeidah port in the Red Sea, triggering a rescue operation for the unknown number of crew members. Reports suggest engine problems or an internal explosion forced the crew to evacuate. The incident raises concerns about maritime security in the region amid ongoing Houthi activities targeting international shipping.
A recent study by UCL Bartlett Energy Institute and UMAS revealed the energy savings potential in the shipping industry through just-in-time arrival. By optimizing voyage speed to match berth availability, fuel consumption and emissions can be reduced significantly. This strategy could lead to substantial fuel savings without requiring additional capital investment, comparable to other energy-efficient systems.
More than three months after the Houthi attack on the laden tanker Sounion, the damaged vessel has been successfully unloaded, averting a potential catastrophic oil spill. Greek officials confirmed the completion of the oil removal process at the anchorage south of the Suez Canal, raising concerns about the extent of the Houthi’s actions.
