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.
CSSC Power (Group) Corporation Ltd. and BASF collaborate to implement OASE blue gas treatment technology in LNG carriers’ carbon capture systems. The OCCS, using BASF’s technology, supports low-carbon shipping. The partnership signed an agreement at the Shanghai Carbon Neutrality Expo, with plans to optimize OCCS design for various ships. CPGC and BASF aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable shipping.
The Canadian-flagged M/V Michipicoten, a bulk carrier carrying taconite, was safely escorted to Thunder Bay, Ontario after significant flooding in Lake Superior. The US Coast Guard responded to a distress call, successfully reducing the ship’s list from 15 to 5 degrees. All crew members were safely evacuated, with no reported injuries.
A small container feeder vessel sank off the coast of Sihanoukville, Cambodia due to severe weather conditions. All 10 crew members were rescued safely by a nearby fishing vessel. Concerns about potential pollution risks from the floating containers remain. The vessel, Chiang Laan, had no record of international port state control inspections, a common characteristic among locally-trading vessels in Southeast Asia.
World Ocean Day on June 8 calls for urgent action to address environmental challenges, like the loss of marine ecosystems and rising sea levels. In response, DP World unveils its Ocean Strategy for 2024-2030, promoting a Sustainable Blue Economy. Focused on biodiversity restoration and reducing plastic waste, the strategy aligns with UN goals and emphasizes community engagement and industry standards.
Tototheo Global and Neuron have partnered to implement Neuron’s AI-powered QoE management platform on vessels. The collaboration aims to enhance connectivity on ships interacting with multiple satellite providers, ensuring seamless transitions between services. Successful proof of concept tests have shown that Neuron’s solution improves connectivity robustness, providing insights for optimizing onboard operations. This partnership emphasizes transparency and cost-effective connectivity for the maritime industry.
ExxonMobil’s MobilgardTM 540 AC, a high-performance cylinder oil, has been validated by WinGD for use in dual fuel engines with conventional fuels, including LNG and methanol. Approved by MAN ES for two-stroke engines, Mobilgard 540 AC is designed for slow-speed marine engines operating on various fuels. This validation highlights ExxonMobil’s commitment to providing top-tier solutions for vessel operators.
The New Zealand government is set to reverse the ban on offshore petroleum exploration to address energy security challenges. The Minerals Amendment Bill aims to boost economic contributions from the petroleum and mineral sectors. The reforms include changing the allocation process for exploration permits to encourage investment. Minister Shane Jones emphasized the importance of supporting the resources sector with the right policy settings.
Britain’s Ministry of Defence debunked the Yemeni Houthis’ claim of firing ballistic missiles at a British destroyer in the Red Sea. The attack was deemed false and denied by the Ministry. Allegations of attacks on two merchant ships were also dismissed as the Houthis continue to disrupt shipping traffic in solidarity with Gaza.
Two ships caught fire off the coast of Yemen in Aden after being hit by missiles, as reported by British maritime authorities. The ships sustained damage but managed to contain the fires and no injuries were reported. The Iran-aligned Houthi militia has been targeting ships in the region in solidarity with Palestinians.
The ocean, a source of sustenance and wonder, holds a crucial role in Bangladesh’s maritime future. Embracing marine spatial planning (MSP) is essential for sustainable resource management, balancing economic growth with environmental preservation. Despite challenges, Bangladesh has made progress in delineating its maritime boundaries, paving the way for responsible marine governance and the protection of marine resources for future generations.
GRSE is expanding its presence by developing patrol boats for Bangladesh’s Sustainable Coastal and Marine Fisheries Project. The contract for dredgers is worth USD 16.6 million. The dredger will be 58.70 meters long, reach speeds of up to 10 knots, and designed to be resilient in various marine environments.
