News Digest 02-May-2022

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Following Stories compiled in this News Digest for the week from 25 Apr 2022 to 01 May 2022 in descending order:

 

India: Cochin Shipyard to invest Rs. 50 crore in maritime start-ups

01 May 2022
Union Shipping minister, Sarbananda Sonowal, announced on Saturday that Cochin Shipyard Limited has committed to invest an initial corpus of Rs. 50 crore in start-up companies engaged in the maritime sector.

Image Source: Cochin Shipyard Ltd.

The minister also unveiled the government’s plan to build hydrogen fuelled electric vehicles to keep pace with the Global Maritime Green Transitions at the Workshop on Green Shipping organised by the Ministry jointly with Cochin Shipyard Limited and The Energy and Resources Institute.

This is a part of India’s transformative efforts on innovation, green energy, sustainable and cost-effective fuel front.

Addressing the occasion, the minister said that the government is keenly focused on the development of the start-up eco-system in the country. With a view towards development of the maritime domain, the ministry is working on a start-up engagement framework which will be promulgated shortly.

Hydrogen Fuel cells can be used in a wide range of applications, including transportation, material handling, stationary, portable, and emergency backup power applications. Fuel cells operating on hydrogen fuel are an efficient, environmentally-friendly, zero emission, direct current (DC) power source already applied to heavy duty bus, truck, and train applications, and are now under development for marine applications.

Sonowal added that the project will be carried out by Cochin Shipyard Limited in collaboration with Indian partners and the ground work in this regard has already begun; Cochin Shipyard Limited has partnered with KPIT Technologies Limited and Indian developers in the areas of Hydrogen Fuel cell, power train and Indian Register of Shipping for developing rules and regulation for such vessels. Reference

 

OceanXpress Provides Next Level Crew Change Solution

30 Apr 2022
Damen Shipyards and Ampelmann have established the joint venture OceanXpress to provide offshore crew change solutions in The North Sea area. This collaboration will see the introduction of a new service to the offshore access market that neatly combines the engineering feats of Damen’s Fast Crew Supplier (FCS) 7011 Aqua Helix with the S-type motion compensated gangway system from Ampelmann. The vessel and state of the art gangway system have successfully passed offshore commissioning and will now start offering services to the offshore energy market.

Image courtesy of Damen. Image Source: The Maritime Executive

Continuing years of cooperation, the joint venture OceanXpress was established on 11 April 2022. Damen and Ampelmann will provide full logistical support to the operations of Aqua Helix and the S-type as a fully integrated crew supply solution for clients in the North Sea energy market. Experienced crew from Wagenborg Offshore will navigate the vessel along platforms. The fast and comfortable vessel can transport up to 120 people at once and the height adjustable gangway will facilitate rapid crew changes to and from Aqua Helix, allowing it to service multiple offshore installations during its tour. The extra time this may take for the offshore workers is compensated by the high-speed transfer from the Port of Den Helder and by the great comfort this transfer offers. Crew will arrive well rested.

Professionals in the offshore energy industry will find a large, adjustable and comfortable seat aboard Aqua Helix. They will get to their work and back to shore in comfort and at high speed in one of these 120 business class chairs. The FCS 7011 can sail at speeds up to 40 knots, even in rough conditions. The axe bow reduces slamming and pitching to great extent.

At destination, the Ampelmann gangway system enables offshore workers to safely walk to the offshore installation. Based on proven technology, the telescopic gangway can reach platforms and turbines up to 19 meters above sea level.

OceanXpress aims to upgrade crew change solutions in terms of comfort and efficiency. Successful sea trials have shown that the vessel and integrated gangway system are fit for the job. Reference

 

Container lines keep piling on multi-billion dollar profits

30 Apr 2022
Container lines are continuing to rake in the billions this year as the supply remains disrupted and record high freight rates.

Image Source: Seatrade Maritime News

For the financial year ended 31 March 2022, Ocean Network Express (ONE), reported a record net profit of $16.76bn, and increase of $13.72bn over the previous year.

ONE said it had continued to see strong cargo demand through January – March this year despite the seasonal factor of Chinese New Year, the war in Ukraine, and latterly Chinese Covid lockdowns. It said, “turmoil still remains within the entire global supply chain”.

“As a result, the spot freight market in Q4 remained at a higher level than expected and significantly higher compared to the previous year,” ONE said.

Meanwhile alliance partner Hapag-Lloyd said it expects a Q1 2022 EBITDA of around $5.3bn. “The transport volume of around 3m teu was at the level of the previous year. At the same time, the average freight rate increased by approximately 80%,” the German liner company said. Reference

 

Seafarer happiness hits eight-year low

29 Apr 2022
The Seafarers Happiness Index report for the first quarter 2022 recorded happiness levels dropping across all categories to hit an eight-year low.

Image Source: Seatrade Maritime News

The index, published by the Mission to Seafarers, fell to 5.85 from 6.41 as seafarers were hit by the continued impact of COVID-19, the war in Ukraine and contractual concerns.

The report said that seafarers were already reeling from the tightening of COVID-19 restrictions as the Omicron variant spread, as seen in previous Seafarer Happiness Index reports, and were then further impacted by the war in Ukraine.

“We heard from seafarers who were concerned about their families and worried by tensions on board. Initially, there were hopes that relationships on ships with mixed nationality crews would not be too badly impacted. Indeed, there were many Russians and Ukrainians actively working together to try and ensure that relationships did not suffer, and that life on board could continue as “normally” as possible,” said the report.

“Alas, as the war has raged, and as news has reached vessels, that veneer of normality and continued camaraderie has been sorely tested, and in some cases destroyed. We heard some reports of Masters and Chief Officers unable to exchange work-related information or refusing to speak to each other. That has a very concerning implication not only for social cohesion on board, but safety too.”

Reports of rising tensions have also come from crew members from Ukraine, Poland, Romania and Bulgaria. “It seems the conflict in Ukraine threatens to destroy the delicate social fabric on board many vessels,” said the report.

The tensions add to the now-familiar pressure of shore leave disruption and restrictions from COVID. Contractual issues like contract extensions, lack of knowing when sign offs will happen, and fears of abandonment were raised by some respondents. Internet connectivity remained a key issue; the report stated that crews with good internet access were the happiest crews by far. Reference

 

Ports of Antwerp and Zeebrugge merge to create Europe’s largest export port

29 Apr 2022
The City of Antwerp and the City of Bruges have reached an agreement to merge their respective ports. The two-city agreement marks the start of a unification process that is expected to take a year to finalise. Once completed, the ports will operate under the name ‘Port of Antwerp-Bruges’. As a result of the merger, the ports will be able to strengthen their position within the global supply chain and continue their course towards sustainable growth. Furthermore, the unified port will be more resilient to the challenges of the future and will take a lead in the transition towards a low-carbon economy. The ambition is for Port of Antwerp-Bruges to become the world’s first port to reconcile economy, people and climate.

Image Source: portofantwerpbruges.com

The shared position of the ports of Antwerp and Zeebrugge within the global supply chain will receive a significant boost. The merged port will become the most important container port (157 million tonnes/year), one of the largest break bulk ports and the largest port for the throughput of vehicles in Europe. Furthermore, the port will account for more than 15% of Europe’s liquid natural gas transited and it will of course remain Europe’s most important chemical hub. Finally, it will be the largest port for cruise ships in the Benelux. With a total throughput of 278 million tonnes per year, the unified port will be able to consolidate its leading position in the world.

Unifying a port is more than a story of tonnes and volumes. The ambition is to become the world’s first port that reconciles economy, people and climate. The unification project is all about creating added value for the surrounding areas of Antwerp and Zeebrugge, for customers and stakeholders, as well as for the rest of Flanders. As part of a joint plan, the two ports have defined three strategic priorities – sustainable growth, resilience and leadership in the energy and digital transition.

Port of Antwerp-Bruges will combine the best of both worlds and will focus on the strengths of each site. The ports of Antwerp and Zeebrugge are largely complementary. For example, Antwerp specialises in the handling and storage of containers, break bulk and chemical products, while Zeebrugge is a major port for RoRo traffic, container handling and the transhipment of liquid natural gas.

By joining forces, the ports of Antwerp and Zeebrugge will be more resilient to the challenges of the future. That resilience is essential to secure the prosperity and well-being of our society and the future of our economy. Reference

 

Nanoyacht Releases the World’s First Revolutionary Motorized Folding Boat

29 Apr 2022
The recent release of the Nanoyacht, the world’s first revolutionary motorized folding boat, has caused ripples of excitement in the boating world. Nanoyacht’s design presents endless possibilities for boating, an affordable boat that folds compactly, is rigid and safe, and jets stably at up to 45mph (depending on the motor and model.) No trailer or ramp is needed, as Nanoyacht can easily fit into the trunk of your car. You can be ready and set to go in an instant.

Image Source: thenanoyacht.com

Recreational boating and fishing continue to be a passion for people who want to have a great time on the water, whether they live near a body of water or not. Boat ownership has several advantages, including enjoying family and friends and endless exploration possibilities.

However, there are several disadvantages to owning a boat. Parking, maintenance, cleaning, and moving one around can set their owners back thousands of dollars annually, meaning that this often limits their ability to enjoy excursions and water adventures further away.

“It took us two years to develop these four exciting designs for boating enthusiasts to enjoy their adventures,” says Allen Law, Nanoyacht founder. He adds, “The idea was born from a desire to own a boat that was stronger than a kayak so that I could go anywhere, but more affordable and portable than a traditional boat. An idea started forming one day as I watched my little sister playing the several layers of her Russian matryoshka doll. I suddenly saw how a foldable boat design could fit the specs of just about every car!”

Nanoyacht comes with some fantastic features, giving it the lead from its closest competitor, Portabote. Extremely tough materials provide better safety and performance. The solid materials used on a steel frame mean that the structure is impossible to break or puncture. PPR material makes up the body panels because it is corrosion-proof, durable, and robust.

Buoyancy is important out on the water, and the boat won’t sink, even when the cabin fills with water. The design, including the deep V-shaped hull, guarantees speed. The multi-paneled understructure ensures stability in deep water and at speeds of up to 35 mph. Safety on the water is always of concern, and the non-slip interior design of the Naonyacht protects users from slips and falls.

Nanoyacht has some of the best capacities of all the folding boats with their average capacity of 1,000 lbs. The Nanoyacht SDN fits into the trunk of a Mini Cooper yet can haul 662 lbs. Reference

 

Keppel and Sembcorp Marine Reach Merger Deal

28 Apr 2022
Sembcorp Marine Ltd. has agreed to merge with Keppel Corp.’s subsidiary in a deal that will create the world’s biggest builder of oil rigs and push the business further into renewables and alternative energy solutions.

A view of a Keppel Corporation shipyard in Singapore January 19, 2016. REUTERS/Edgar Su. Image Source: gCaptain

Sembcorp Marine and Keppel Offshore & Marine will be wholly owned by a new holding entity, which will be listed on the Singapore stock exchange, the two companies said in a joint statement Wednesday. A shareholder meeting is expected to be held in the fourth quarter to seek approval for the transaction, which is subject to various regulatory sign offs.

“The signing of a win-win agreement on the proposed combination of Keppel O&M and Sembcorp Marine marks a strategic milestone for the offshore and marine sector,” Keppel Chief Executive Officer Loh Chin Hua said. “It brings together two leading O&M companies in Singapore to create a stronger player that can realize synergies and compete more effectively amidst the energy transition.”

The merger will help the resulting company seek opportunities not just in the oil and gas sector, but also in renewable energies, such as offshore wind and alternative sources including hydrogen, according to the statement.

“Growing commitments by governments and companies around the world seeking to achieve net zero carbon emissions are driving increasing demand for renewable and clean energy solutions,” the companies said. “These include areas such as offshore wind, hydrogen and ammonia, in which both Keppel O&M and Sembcorp Marine have built their respective capabilities and track records in the past few years.”

Under the agreement, Keppel will receive S$500 million ($363 million) from Keppel O&M and a 56% share of the new company on a post-issue basis. Keppel will distribute 46% of the combined entity’s shares in-specie to its shareholders and retain a 10% stake. Keppel O&M has entered into a commitment letter with DBS Group Holdings Ltd. to raise the funds.

Figures in Wednesday’s presentation show the combined entity will have revenue of S$3.9 billion based on 2021 figures, a net loss of S$1.3 billion and an order book of S$6.4 billion. Reference

 

Seaspan and Anglo-Eastern team up on procurement

28 Apr 2022
Containership owner Seaspan Corp and ship manager Anglo-Eastern Univan Group have announced a new procurement joint venture based in Singapore.

Image Source: seaspancorp.com

The new venture named Sea Sourcing aims to enhance competitiveness through economies of scale, forge long-terms partnerships with suppliers, and provide increased volumes and stability.

Sea Sourcing will be jointly led by Seaspan Director of Procurement Gareth Hartlett and Jesper Larsen, who has headed up Anglo-Eastern’s procurement arm, Ocean Sourcing, since 2018. Sea Sourcing will commence operations in May 2022.

“Sea Sourcing is a partnership between one of the world’s largest container ship owners and ship managers,” said Carsten Ostenfeldt, COO of Anglo-Eastern. “Through this joint venture, supplier prices, as well as associated terms and conditions, can be fully optimised for the benefit of our clients.”

“Sea Sourcing represents a great opportunity for Seaspan and Anglo-Eastern to truly leverage scale in a transparent and efficient manner, ultimately benefitting our respective customers and partners,” added Torsten Holst Pedersen, COO of Seaspan;

“We foresee exciting developments in the digital space as a consequence of our combined forces and look forward to embracing next-generation digital procurement as a way to further add value for our clients,” added Ostenfeldt. Reference

 

Panama and Japan ink agreement on seafarer cert recognition

28 Apr 2022
Panama and Japan are to mutually recognise the other country’s seafarer training certificates for the first time.

Image Source: Seatrade Maritime News

The Panama Maritime Authority (AMP) and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan (MLIT) have signed a Bilateral Cooperation Agreement concerning the mutual recognition of training and certification under Regulation I/10 of the International Convention on Standards of Training,

The Agreement was signed by the Minister of Maritime Affairs, Noriel Araúz, and Japan’s Director General of the Maritime Affairs Bureau of MLIT, Ichiro Takahashi.

The AMP said the agreement underscores its commitment for the recognition of Panamanian seafarers’ qualifications by other Maritime Administrations. Panamanian seafarers will have opportunities to embark on Japanese flagged vessels, thanks to the agreement.

Japan has high standards of education and certification for seafarers, as well as being the world’s second country in number of ships per shipowner.

“The Panama Ship Registry is the registry of choice in Japan, for which we are grateful for the trust placed in us and we will continue strengthening it. The signing of this agreement comes at a significant moment, since it represents the culmination of approaches and related activities between both Administrations,” said Minister Arauz. Reference

 

Zero emission handymax design concept launched

28 Apr 2022
Eco Marine Power has revealed its design concept for a zero-emission handymax bulker, improving on its low-emission design.

Image Source: Seatrade Maritime News

The concept vessel uses fuel-cell powered electric propulsion for its main propulsive power, with a range of supplementary renewable energy and propulsion systems.

Named the Aquarius Eco Handymax II, the concept uses integrated rigid sails for wind propulsion and solar panels on the hatches and sails to generate power. An air lubrication system and propellor boss cap fins are among energy saving devices on the vessel concept.

Eco Marine Power said that all of the technologies used in the design are either available or under development.

“The Aquarius Eco Handymax is the result of years of research & development including shore-based & ship-based trials. The design focus is not on any one solution or technology however, but rather how various alternative power sources and energy saving devices can work together to achieve the zero emissions operation of a large ship,” said Greg Atkinson, President & Chief Technology Officer at Eco Marine Power.

The company said that some of the technologies proposed for the concept will be installed on handymax bulkers this year for evaluation, with further deployments as the project evolves. Reference

 

Ulstein Proposes Molten Salt Reactor Ship to Achieve Zero Emissions

28 Apr 2022
Norway’s Ulstein Group presented its unique vision for the future of zero-emission shipping with a design that would become the first ship to use a Thorium Molten Salt Reactor as its power source and would act as a replenishment vessel for expedition cruise ships. The concept of the MSR is drawing interest for multiple potential applications on land and sea as it is viewed as a safe technology that reduces the dangers of traditional nuclear reactors providing the potential for vast amounts of clean, safe electric power.

Thor would be powered by a molten salt reactor serving as a replenishment base for the crusie ships (Ulstein). Image Source: The Maritime Executive

The concept vessel, Ulstein Thor is a 488-foot ship that would be powered by the MSR reactor and server as a “replenishment, research, and rescue” vessel (3R) to support the operation of Ulstein designed expedition cruise ships.

Ulstein says that the vessel concept is capable of making the vision of zero-emission cruise operations a reality. They believe that Thor, “may be the missing piece of the zero emissions puzzle for a broad range of maritime and ocean industry applications.” Using the MSR reactor, Thor would never need to refuel. As such, Ulstein says the design is intended to provide a blueprint for entirely self-sufficient vessels of the future.

The MSR concept works by dissolving Thorium, an abundant, naturally occurring metal with low radioactivity, in liquid salt. The ensuing chain reaction heats the salt, producing steam to drive a turbine and create electricity. In the advent of a failure in the reactor, the concept is that the Thorium would become encased in the cooled salt preventing the spread of radiation.

Several concepts have been presented to leverage the capabilities of MSR in the maritime world. South Korean shipbuilder Samsung Heavy Industries said it would undertake a joint research and development project with the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute for modern nuclear-powered ships. Recently, Samsung and Seaborg also detailed a concept to create floating power barges using MSR to create electricity.

Ulstein developed Thor’s charging capacity scaled to simultaneously satisfy the power needs of four expedition cruise ships. They said the design would enable replenishment of energy and supplies on site, while also boasting the technology to facilitate rescue operations, as well as conducting research tasks. Reference

 

Indian ports fast-track efforts to increase cargo handling capacity

27 Apr 2022
The country’s major ports are speeding up projects to raise their cargo handling capacity as they anticipate a jump in export and import traffic in the current financial year and next.

Representational Image. Source: Reuters. Image Source: Money Control

Officials at Kolkata’s Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Chennai Port, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), Mundra Port, Thoothukudi’s V.O. Chidambaranar Port and Cochin Port said they are looking to improve cargo handling efficiency and get rid of supply chain bottlenecks in order to handle more capacity.

Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port or Kolkata Port chairman Vinit Kumar said that the port was working to advance the timelines of the projects, worth nearly Rs 1,700 crore, for augmenting capacity, modernising infrastructure, monetisation of assets and digitisation of operations and creating infrastructure over the next two years.

The port is also expected to expedite the process of issuing tenders to modernise more berths at Haldia and to construct an extended gate to the port at Balagarh 80 km from Kolkata.

While these projects will take time to be implemented, the port has also made some operational changes to lower the waiting time for ships and augment cargo handling. “We are looking to start night navigation of vessels between the pilotage point at Sagar and the Kolkata Dock System in the next six months. Ships will be saving nearly seven to eight hours between Sagar and Kolkata if night navigation is started and this will help increase cargo handling at the port,” another official from the Port Authority said.

JNPT, which operates the country’s largest container port located in Navi Mumbai, has also drawn up ambitious plans for increasing its cargo handling capacity, including adding more railway lines to the port.

Officials from JNPT also said that they are also looking at avenues to modernise the port further and to improve efficiency along with reduced dwell time as part of the port’s long-term expansion plans.

Additionally, JNPT authorities want to revisit their master plan to augment the port’s cargo handling capacity and improve efficiency through remedial measures.

In Tamil Nadu, Chennai Port is working with the National Highways Authority of India to expedite the construction of an 8-km bridge between Chennai Port and Manali Road-Thiruvottiyur Junction, an official from the port authority said.

He added that the port authority was working to begin execution of the project in the current quarter and complete execution within a year or so as part of decongestions measures.

On the west coast, Mundra Port run by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) is also preparing to increase cargo handling capacity this fiscal. Reference

 

India: Paradip Port to become ’mega’ maritime facility by 2030: Sonowal

27 Apr 2022
Union Minister for Shipping Sarbananda Sonowal on April 25 said Paradip Port will become a ‘mega’ maritime facility and the area surrounding it will emerge as a prominent industrial hub in Asia.

Image Source: Money Control

The Paradip Port Authority (PPA) came into existence after Independence. “Under Maritime Vision 2030, the PPA will become a mega port and for this, employees as well as stakeholders, including exporters and importers, will have to play a crucial role,” Sonowal said.

The proposed industrial hub will attract large projects worth around Rs 10,000 crore, he said.

Sonowal on April 24 asked the port authorities to augment its cargo handling capacity to 500 million metric tonnes per annum by 2030. He also thanked Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for the state’s support in the development of Paradip port.

The PM Gati Shakti plan aims at providing systematic, multimodal connectivity to various economic zones for seamless movement of people, goods and services, resulting in the efficient conduct of logistics and economic activities.

The natural, deep-water port is 53 km from Odisha’s Jagatsinghpur city. The port is located at the confluence of the river Mahanadi and the Bay of Bengal. Reference

 

Flag state’s role in decarbonising the shipping industry

27 Apr 2022
A major challenge facing shipowners today is: how are we going to meet the new MARPOL Annex VI requirements? This debate around maritime decarbonisation will shape the course of the industry for decades to come. The maritime industry has to decide now how to best address these upcoming regulations; whether they implement new technologies, switch to new fuel sources, and/ or change their existing operational methods. Many ship owners have serious concerns regarding this, but some see this as an opportunity to transform the maritime industry along the lines of environmental sustainability, paving the way for a future with emission-free international shipping.

The Liberian Registry has taken a leading role, from the flag state perspective, to work in close collaboration with high-quality shipowners/operators, engine manufactures, shipyards, and designers, as well as classification societies and other key stakeholders toward a zero-emission sustainable future. Yet doing so along the lines of a common-sense approach, and with a level playing field. Liberia has proactively built a world-renowned Global Gas Team, which has made the Registry the go-to flag for shipowners. This is evidenced not only in the continuous fleet growth of the Registry, but also by the fact that Liberia has the most dual-fuelled, deep-draft vessels in the world and the fastest growing gas carrier fleet in the world.

At the Marine Environment Protection Committee meeting (MEPC 76) in June 2021, the IMO adopted new requirements for Energy Efficiency Existing Ships (EEXI), Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) and Enhanced Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP) Part III effective from 1 January 2023. The EEXI requirement is a technical measure for existing ships similar to the EEDI requirements for new-builds that have been in force since 2013, whereas the new CII requirement is an operational measure that will get stricter and stricter each year from 2023 to 2030 to ensure international shipping follow the decarbonisation strategy that was adopted by IMO in 2018.

Latest developments from the IMO include the consideration of the complete GHG footprint of marine fuels in the regulatory framework through a well-to-wake lifecycle assessment approach. The draft Guidelines for Lifecycle GHG and Carbon Intensity for Maritime Fuels (LCA Guidelines) have been prepared and should be finalised as soon as possible.

Vessel owners and operators now have to decide on how they are going to meet these requirements. For existing vessels, are they going to do retrofits, use energy efficiency devices, or engine power limitation/shaft power limitation (EPL/ShaPoLi)? On new-builds are they going to use alternative fuels such as: LNG, hydrogen, ammonia, bio fuels, and/or methanol?On new-builds are they going to use alternative fuels such as: LNG, hydrogen, ammonia, bio fuels, and/or methanol? The Liberian Registry is actively involved in supporting the industry through its involvement in joint industry projects with focuses on innovative ship designs with new technologies and alternative fuels. In these projects the Registry works in close collaboration with shipyards, designers, classification societies, shipowners, and other key stakeholders applying the provisions in the regulatory framework that allows for alternative and innovative designs to be approved, often through a comprehensive risk assessment approach leading to an approval in principle being granted. Reference

 

Wärtsilä rolls out future-proof dual-fuel engine

27 Apr 2022
Finnish technology group Wärtsilä has launched a new dual-fuel engine to accelerate the shipping industry’s journey towards decarbonized operations.

Photo: Wärtsilä. Image Source: Offshore Energy News

The Wärtsilä 46TS-DF engine — the latest addition to the company’s multi-fuel engine portfolio — can run on LNG, which reduces air pollutants as well as offers a viable platform for further decarbonization through the use of bio- or synthetic methane in the future.

According to the technology company, the engine is designed with a focus on efficiency, environmental performance, and fuel flexibility signaling a new era of medium-speed marine engines.

The first order for this engine type was placed by shipbuilder Chantiers de l’Atlantique for cruise company Royal Caribbean Cruises in April 2021. The engines will be installed on the company’s latest Oasis-class ship Utopia of the Seas. The ship is under construction and will feature six Wärtsilä 46TS-DF engines with Gas Valve Units, NOx Reducer SCR systems, LNGPac and Transverse thrusters.

As explained by Wärtsilä, the overriding basis for this new engine launch is to be able to offer a future-proof solution for owners and operators to reach decarbonization targets.

The Wärtsilä 46TS-DF has a two-stage turbocharging to deliver efficiency and power density across a wide operational range for vessels in all segments of the industry. This level of efficiency reduces fuel consumption and lowers emissions while being easily retrofittable for future carbon-neutral and carbon-free fuels as they become widely available. Reference

 

Electric boats chart a course for sustainable sailing

26 Apr 2022
The recreational boating sector is being urged to embrace sustainability at sea and traditional gasoline- and diesel-powered boats are under the spotlight for their impact on the planet.

The industry appears to be responding by looking to sustainable energy sources for both propulsion and on-board systems in order to cut the carbon emissions of boats and yachts.

Solutions include electric propellers and turbines, solar plates, environmentally-friendly batteries and waterjet propulsion, alongside the use of recyclable shipbuilding materials and filters to reduce noxious substance output.

With zero emissions, solar-powered hybrid boats are emerging as an attractive alternative to conventional boats, with the added advantage of noise reduction. In addition to clean, vibration-free power, digital ecosystems can monitor key values such as volts and temperature to extend the lifecycle of propulsion systems.

Previously, propulsion systems in electric boats were powered by lead-acid batteries; the disadvantages of lead-acid batteries include added bulk and low battery cycle time. The latest trend is for lithium-ion batteries, which use phosphate technology. They have up to 10 times longer battery life than lead-acid batteries, plus they’re quick to charge, lightweight, low in toxicity levels and more easily disposed of in line with environmental best practices. As a result, more boat manufacturers are looking to these batteries in their designs.

Faro Boats charging dock removes the need of solar panels on the boat.Faro Boats. Image Source: euronews.com

On Norway’s scenic Telemark Canal, an all-electric fleet of Greenline Yachts is available for hire. The boats have a range of 50 nautical miles on a full battery charge, with a network of 10 fast-charging stations onshore. Recharging takes a maximum of three hours.

Whether for hire or purchase, as electric boat availability increases, consumers are more able to take a stand by choosing sustainable models – though some in the industry are clear that time is running out. Reference

 

Seven Indian Sailors Captured By Yemen Rebels Released

25 Apr 2022
Seven Indian sailors were among 14 foreigners released on Sunday from the Houthi-controlled Yemeni capital of Sanaa, Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi said.

The Indian sailors were among 14 foreigners released from the Houthi-controlled Yemeni capital (File). Image Source: NDTV

The Indian sailors and at least seven other people from different countries were held captive by Yemen’s Houthi rebels after they seized a UAE-flagged merchant vessel over three months back.

Albusaidi confirmed the release of the 14 people including the Indians.

“Delighted to confirm that Captain Carlos Demata, Mohammed Jashim Khan, Ayenachew Mekonen, Dipash Moota Parambil, Akhil Reghu, Surya Hidayat Pratama, Sreejith Sajeevan, Mohammed Munwar Sameer, Sandeep Singh, Luke Symons and his wife and child, Maung Than, and Veera V S S G Vasamsetti have been released from custody in Yemen earlier today,” he said in a statement posted on Twitter.

The Omani foreign minister said the people who were freed are now in the care of Oman.

“We are deeply grateful for the noble and humanitarian efforts made by many parties in good faith, not least the Yemeni leadership in Sanaa, to bring this to fruition,” he said.

Oman’s foreign ministry said all 14 people were taken on an Oman Royal Air Force plane to Muscat.

Responding to Albusaidi’s tweet, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar thanked him for Oman’s assistance in the matter.

“Thank you my friend @badralbusaidi for your help and assistance. Look forward to their safe homecoming,” Mr Jaishankar tweeted. Reference

 

Note: All above news items compiled in this digest should be considered as news in brief. For detailed news, please refer to reference link, mentioned with each item.

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