Select4newsletter

Kongsberg Maritime’s rim-drive azimuth thruster has made history by receiving the prestigious Silent-E notation from DNV. The thruster’s success was showcased on the Norwind Hurricane vessel, where it effectively reduced underwater noise pollution. This certification underscores the company’s dedication to environmental protection and highlights the thruster’s energy-saving benefits and operational efficiency.

Banks involved in the Poseidon Principles are weighing the option of reducing lending to shipowners who put their crews at risk. By monitoring safety commitments, financial institutions like ING and Citigroup are aiming to promote better treatment for seafarers. This initiative reflects a growing emphasis on social responsibility within the maritime industry.

Class society ABS is spearheading a project in Singapore to boost the use of additive manufacturing (AM) in the maritime sector. The aim is to streamline the approval process for AM parts through a “model-based qualification framework,” making it faster and more cost-effective. This initiative is set to make AM more attractive to boatbuilders.

Engineers at MIT have developed a groundbreaking physics-based model for accurately representing airflow around rotors, crucial for improving rotor design and wind farm layout. Led by MIT postdoc Jaime Liew, the study provides a new theory for rotor aerodynamics, revolutionizing wind turbine power optimization and performance. Supported by NSF and Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy, this research marks a significant advancement in the field.

The International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) has evolved into an Intergovernmental Organization (IGO) after years of effort and diplomatic conferences. This transformation will strengthen collaboration with governments, enhance global maritime navigation safety, and establish standards for navigation aids worldwide. The shift signifies a new era of cooperation and unity in maritime navigation.

In the first seven months of 2024, there was a significant increase in the contracting of product tankers larger than 10k DWT, with 194 tankers totaling 13.3m DWT ordered. The order book has rapidly expanded, with Chinese shipyards securing 72% of the orders. However, the industry may face challenges in balancing supply and demand in the near future due to strong market conditions and low recycling rates.