Dr. Sanjay C Kuttan, Chief Technology Officer at Global Center for Maritime Decarbonisation, discusses the increase in biofuel blends in shipping, with insights on GCMD’s role in decarbonizing the industry alongside partners like BHP and Ocean Network Express. Trials on sustainable fuels and future challenges in adopting low-carbon fuels are also addressed.
Scorpio Tankers Inc. is set to sell five of its older MR product tankers for $179.1 million, completing in Q3 of 2024. The company will only operate vessels built in 2014 or later. Three buyers are purchasing the vessels, with STI Garnet, STI Onyx, STI Ruby, and STI Topaz equipped with scrubbers. CEO Lauro aims to boost cash flow and shareholder returns.
Kongsberg Maritime has expanded its Jet Control System to include the larger S-series stainless steel waterjets, offering improved maneuverability and easier installation for vessels up to 50 meters in length. The system, already available on the S3/CA steel series and the A5 aluminum series with over 100 installations, will now be compatible with the S4-series waterjets commonly used on ferries, super yachts, and coastal patrol vessels.
A new report by the World Shipping Council (WSC) reveals that the number of containers lost at sea will hit a record low in 2023. The annual report shows only 221 out of 250 million containers were lost at sea last year, a vast improvement from previous years. CEO John Butler emphasized the need for continued prevention efforts.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury has targeted two captains for assisting in transporting Iranian-linked oil, a departure from usual practice. Captains Vivek Ashok Pandey and Sandeep Singh Choudhary have been blacklisted for their involvement with tankers smuggling oil for Iran. The Treasury has also imposed sanctions on companies linked to these illegal activities as part of a broader crackdown on entities evading Iranian oil sanctions.
German shipping company Hapag-Lloyd anticipates a prolonged halt in shipping through the Suez Canal, even post-ceasefire between Hamas and Israel. The company cites ongoing Houthi attacks as a significant hindrance to normal operations. Both Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk faced substantial stock declines following this update, signaling broader disruptions in commercial shipping worldwide.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, maritime trade has shifted dramatically due to drone and missile attacks in the Middle East, leading to a 47% increase in crude oil and oil product flows around the Cape of Good Hope. This rerouting has impacted trade dynamics and increased transport times and costs significantly.
The container shipping industry has seen a decrease in containers lost at sea, thanks to efforts in managing parametric rolling and improving container safety. A project by the Netherlands’ Marin institute aims to enhance transportation safety, providing valuable data and education to mariners. With only 221 containers lost out of 250 million transported in 2023, the industry continues to prioritize safety measures.
The Panama Canal Authority is increasing capacity and reducing restrictions to address concerns of larger vessels. By July, the Neopanamax Locks will have nine daily transits, and the Panamax Locks will increase to 25 daily transits. The maximum draft will be increased to 46 feet, with plans for a new reservoir to accommodate more transits. Despite recent challenges, the Authority remains committed to maintaining canal operations.
Houlder has made progress in the SPINE maritime project with the design of a 10,000 cbm methanol bunkering vessel. This initiative aims to connect ships, control centers, port systems, and energy infrastructure for decarbonization and autonomy in the maritime industry. The vessel design includes semi-automated systems for methanol supply, optimized layout for efficiency, and digital twin technology for operational analysis and emissions reduction.
The Federal navigation channel for Baltimore Harbor was fully restored just 76 days after the Dali ship collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge. The US Army Corp of Engineers confirmed the restoration of the 700-foot wide and 50-foot-deep channel after extensive underwater surveys. Lt. Gen. Scott Spellmon commended the unified efforts that led to the reopening of the Federal Channel for port operations.
PSA Marine’s Ventus Marine secures a contract with Strategic Marine for four crew transfer vessels (CTVs) for offshore wind sectors in Europe and Asia. Designed by BMT, the 27m CTVs will be delivered by end of 2024. Two managed by Njord Offshore in Europe, two by Njord Marine in Taiwan, designed to withstand challenging conditions. Partnership aims to enhance crew transfer operations in offshore wind industry.
Two recent bridge incidents have raised concerns about maritime infrastructure vulnerabilities. The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore and a near-miss in Charleston Harbor highlighted the risks posed by cyberthreats. With increased incidents in critical infrastructure, the need for thorough investigations and robust defenses is crucial to safeguard against potential cyberattacks and ensure maritime security.
The maritime industry is adopting new fuel consumption measurement solutions, leveraging advanced machine learning algorithms for accurate and cost-effective results. LionRock Maritime and Techbinder collaborated to develop an affordable and precise measuring product, benefitting tugboats initially with potential for broader maritime sector applications. Early trials have shown impressive accuracy, crucial for managing costs and reducing environmental impact.
In collaboration with COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry, Lloyd’s Register is developing an 82,500 dwt bulk carrier design to meet the new UR E26 for cyber resilience in ships. This partnership marks LR’s first JDP focusing on E26 compliance, addressing shipowners’ concerns about cybersecurity. COSCO’s Director of Design & Research Institute expressed confidence in achieving UR E26 compliance with LR’s approval.
