News items selected for weekly newsletter
An oil spill off Gran Canaria has led to beach closures and an environmental emergency declaration. Three tonnes of oil leaked during a ship’s refueling, creating a 2km long slick moving towards Telde. Authorities closed beaches and are using helicopters and boats to contain the spill. Prevention measures are being taken to avoid further damage.
Maharashtra’s economic growth is on the rise with new projects from both central and state governments. The Vadhavan Port, inaugurated by PM Modi, will boost the rural economy with its impressive capacity. It will accommodate large vessels, setting it to become a global trade hub. This project will create jobs and drive economic growth in the region.
The negative impact on maritime shipping and global supply chains due to attacks in the Red Sea has escalated, leading to rerouting of traffic away from the Suez Canal. Attacks by Iran-aligned Houthi militants have disrupted a crucial trade route, causing freight rates to increase and congestion in ports in Asia and Europe.
MAN Energy Solutions has unveiled a new generation of its Common Rail injection system for medium-speed, four-stroke engines. The CR 2.2 system offers increased rail pressure, longer intervals between overhauls, and fewer high-pressure connections. With a focus on in-house production and modular design, the system aims to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
Bound4blue’s eSAIL® has received Type Approval from DNV for its innovative wind-assist technology. The autonomous suction sails enhance propulsive efficiency by reducing engine loads, fuel consumption, and emissions. Shipowners like Odfjell and Eastern Pacific Shipping are already interested in this lightweight and easy-to-install system, which offers significant benefits for vessel types.
Marine pump specialist Svanehøj has unveiled the world’s first high-pressure centrifugal pump for ammonia fuel applications. The compact HP NH3 Booster Pump boasts a fuel injection pressure of up to 100 BAR, with a hermetically sealed design and optional fail-safe mechanism. With innovative features and reliable performance, it is set to revolutionize the marine industry.
PowerCell Group has received approval in principle (AIP) from DNV for its methanol-to-power solution, combining a methanol reformer from RIX Industries with the PowerCell Marine System 225. This innovative system supports the maritime industry’s shift to cleaner energy sources, with methanol emerging as a promising alternative fuel alongside hydrogen for decarbonization and electrification.
Niels Rasmussen, BIMCO’s Chief Shipping Analyst, predicts a stronger year for crude and product tankers in 2024 despite weaker cargo volumes in the first half of the year. The Tanker Shipping Market Overview & Outlook for August 2024 highlights muted fleet and supply growth as key factors contributing to the predicted strengthening of the supply/demand balance.
The FuelEU pooling mechanism, highlighted by OceanScore, incentivizes the adoption of biofuels in the maritime industry. Companies can generate surpluses by burning biofuels, leading to savings on compliance costs with FuelEU Maritime regulations. This approach allows companies to benefit financially from exceeding carbon intensity reduction targets and avoid penalties for non-compliance.
During the 8th edition of the Maritime Forecast to 2050 Webinar, DNV Maritime CEO, Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, expressed concerns about the slow progress of maritime decarbonization. He highlighted the challenges posed by the reliance on conventional fuels and the obstacles hindering further decarbonization efforts, such as high production costs and limited infrastructure. Despite these challenges, Ørbeck-Nilssen suggested measures that operators can take to reduce emissions.
The world’s first accreditation for “Machinery Room Safety for Ammonia” (MRS) will be granted by ClassNK for the ammonia-fueled medium gas carrier (AFMGC) developed by a consortium including NYK and NSY. MRS signifies exceptional safety measures for handling ammonia, meeting the highest safety standards for ammonia-fueled ships. The consortium aims to deliver the AFMGC by November 2026 under Japan’s Green Innovation Fund Project.
Hyundai’s HD Hyundai is making significant investments in hydrogen fuel cells to strengthen its position in the shipping industry. By establishing a new division, HD Hydrogen, and acquiring a majority stake in a Finnish company, the company aims to tap into the growing market for hydrogen fuel cells and electrolysis technologies. Initial focus will be on stationary power generation, followed by applications in the marine fuel cell market.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways plans to host an annual maritime strategy dialogue in November or December, aiming to become a leading maritime power in the next two decades. Modeled after the successful Raisina Dialogue, this event will bring together global shipping ministers to discuss key maritime issues. Discussions and plans for the dialogue are set to finalize by early September, showcasing their commitment to advancing maritime objectives and regional security.
The International Maritime Pilots’ Association (IMPA) is partnering with the Canadian National Centre of Expertise on Maritime Pilotage (NCEMP) and the Canadian Coast Guard to study the feasibility of remote pilotage in enhancing safe navigation practices. This collaboration aims to provide evidence-based guidance for the future of maritime trade.
The container shipping industry is experiencing a significant increase in fleet expansion, with strong demand for new ships despite a slight slowdown at the end of 2023. Contracts signed in 2024 have surpassed the total for the previous year, indicating a potential 44% rise in new capacity compared to 2021. Ship recycling rates and cargo volume growth will play a crucial role in determining actual fleet growth in the coming years.
