At least two supertankers, Kelly and Marbella, have departed Venezuelan waters carrying crude oil, marking a significant shift after months of halted exports. Controlled by PDVSA, each tanker is transporting approximately 1.8 million barrels of Merey heavy crude. Their destinations and ties to a U.S. supply deal remain unclear.
Hanwha Ocean has delivered the Wind Mover wind turbine installation vessel (WTIV) to Cadeler ahead of schedule. The formal handover occurred on November 28, with the vessel departing on December 2. Wind Mover, featuring a 2,600-tonne crane, will operate in Europe, expanding Cadeler’s fleet to ten vessels.
Nigeria has proudly launched its first locally owned floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) vessel, the FPSO Emem, by Oriental Energy Resources. This milestone signifies local producers’ growing capabilities in managing offshore developments, traditionally dominated by international companies. The FPSO aims to enhance production in the Okwok field, targeting 30,000 barrels per day.
On October 29, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a strategic vision for India’s maritime future at the Maritime Leaders Conclave in Mumbai. Addressing over 85 nations, he announced significant investments and legislative reforms, including a Rs 70,000 crore initiative for shipbuilding, emphasizing India’s growing global maritime confidence and infrastructure advancements.
The Seafarers Advice and Information Line (SAIL) has received an additional £30,000 from Trinity House, enabling the hiring of a part-time adviser. This funding will enhance support for seafarers and their families, addressing issues like debt and welfare benefits. SAIL uniquely caters to the needs of the maritime community in the UK.
Thirty students and trainers from across Australia will set sail on CSIRO’s research vessel Investigator for a 10-day voyage around Tasmania, part of the CAPSTAN program. This initiative promotes hands-on marine science education, enabling students to engage in activities like seafloor mapping and sediment sampling, while forging future marine experts.
Amasus, a European shipping company, is partnering with Spain’s bound4blue for a second installation of the eSail technology on one of its cargo ships. This installation will feature the largest suction sail system on a general cargo vessel, with a 22-meter unit being retrofitted on a 90-meter cargo ship.
Orix Corporation and Sumitomo Heavy Industries are collaborating on a new project to explore the feasibility of using soft sails for wind-assisted propulsion on a larger bulker ship. This innovative approach represents a departure from traditional methods, with North Sails Japan developing a furling sail made of UltraPE laminated cloth for testing.
The St Vincent and the Grenadines Sailing Association, along with the French Embassy and Blue Life Yacht Charters, are offering local youth training and work experience in the yacht charter industry. This program aims to prepare them for careers in this growing sector, with training taking place in Bequia over 8 weekends between October 2024 and May 2025.
Wind-assisted propulsion technology, pioneered on bulkers and tankers, is now advancing to LNG gas carriers in a joint effort by MOL and Chevron. The innovative rigid sail, known as Wind Challenger, promises significant fuel savings without major vessel modifications. Chevron’s upcoming gas carrier will be the first to showcase this cutting-edge technology, with plans for further expansion in the future.
Japan’s MOL introduces innovative Wind Challenger design for LNG carriers, collaborating with Hanwha Ocean. The plan includes two 160-foot rigid sails on a 938-foot vessel, aiming to reduce fuel consumption and achieve decarbonization goals. ClassNK grants approval for the design, with plans for 25 vessels by 2030 and 80 by 2035.
Japan’s NYK Group has installed its first suction sails on the NBA Magritte, a bulk carrier chartered by Cargill. Developed by Econowind, these sails aim to reduce vessel emissions by creating additional propulsion force through a suction port. The trial will assess the effectiveness of wind-assisted propulsion, aligning with the industry’s shift towards sustainable shipping methods.
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) is expanding its use of wind-assisted propulsion for decarbonization efforts. They are testing new technologies and plan to retrofit their first bulker with the Wind Challenger rigid sail. With strong industry interest, MOL aims to launch 25 vessels with wind propulsion by 2030 and expects installations to continue growing.
French sail shipping company TOWT announced ambitious plans for carbon-free cargo shipping, with strong demand and support from investors for six additional vessels. The vessels, each 1,000 tons, will carry up to 1,100 tons of cargo. TOWT aims for 500 ships by 2050, reducing carbon emissions by 95% compared to conventional ships.
Norwegian architecture firm YSA Design created a sustainable luxury catamaran cruise ship with sail power, catering to environmentally conscious travelers. The innovative design includes 164-foot sails for propulsion, bio-methane fueled engines, and batteries for silent navigation in sensitive areas. The unique vessel offers 100 cabins, private balconies, and immersive ocean experiences.
