Czechoslovakia, a landlocked country, once had a notable maritime presence through the Czechoslovak Ocean Shipping Company. The company operated 44 vessels, including Třinec, which was known for its efficiency in transporting bulk materials. Despite ceasing operations in 1998, efforts are underway to salvage Třinec’s legacy and reclaim pieces of its history.
Martek Marine, a leading company in Rotherham, recently completed a successful £12m management buyout. Specializing in safety equipment for the maritime industry, Martek has a strong reputation for quality products. With backing from Foresight Group, the company is poised for growth. Awards and certifications attest to Martek’s excellence and commitment to innovation.
The Indian government is prioritizing self-reliance in shipbuilding and repairs to bolster its maritime industry. With a target of tapping into a USD 237 billion opportunity by 2047, India aims to reduce its dependence on imports and strengthen its position in the global maritime market. This initiative aligns with the broader goal of fostering economic growth and creating more opportunities in the maritime sector.
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.
Sharrow Marine’s revolutionary Sharrow™ Propeller has been recognized with a Fast Company 2024 World Changing Ideas Award for its innovative design that improves efficiency, reduces noise pollution, and minimizes carbon footprints in the marine industry. The propeller’s unique blade design combats drag, turbulence, and cavitation, setting a new standard for marine propulsion.
ClassNK has reshuffled its executives to navigate the maritime industry’s transformation. President & CEO Hiroaki Sakashita and SEVP Junichiro Iida continue in their roles, with EVP Hayato Suga promoted. Dr. Toshiro Arima, Masaki Matsunaga, and Dr. Yoshiya Yamaguchi are new EVPs. ClassNK aims to support customers in decarbonization and digital transformation.
Stena Line has acquired 49 percent of shares in ferry company Africa Morocco Link (AML), operating routes between Tangier and Algeciras. CEO Niclas Mårtensson sees the strait of Gibraltar as a strategic location for growth in global trade and freight volumes. The agreement is pending approval by Moroccan authorities.
Airseas, the French company with the lofty goal of helping to propel cargo ships with giant kites, ended 2023 with successful sea trials. The next step is to outfit giant ocean haulers with the wind catchers to save fuel and reduce air pollution. If successful, the Seawing kites could reduce fuel usage by an average of 20%.
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan announced the re-designation of the Houthis as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist group. This decision is a response to the militants’ attacks on US military forces and international maritime vessels. The aim is to hinder their access to funding and hold them accountable. The designation will be effective in 30 days.
