GENERAL Archives - Page 25 of 68

Stena Pro Patria and Stena Pro Marine were each refuelled with over 2,000 tonnes of methanol during the bunkering operation, which comes as proof of the growing viability of methanol as a marine fuel (MMF). The bunkering was executed despite South Korea not being a methanol-producing country, and neither vessel was carrying methanol as cargo. The fuel’s availability in Ulsan comes as a clear indicator of the growing and already widespread availability of MMF for owners and operators that are interesting in combating shipping emissions.

The first bunkering in South Korea is even more strategically significant given the nation’s status as an important maritime hub. Ulsan is located adjacent to one of the world’s largest shipyards and South Korea neighbours two other leading global shipbuilding nations, China and Japan. Successfully bunkering MMF in Ulsan is a positive sign for the many of the other methanol newbuild vessels currently on order within the region.

The increasing global uptake of methanol as a marine fuel is aided by its current availability across 120 ports worldwide, including the major global bunkering hubs of Singapore, Algeciras, Houston and Rotterdam. Meanwhile, other key locations such as the Port of Gothenburg and Rotterdam are adopting or developing new simple methanol bunkering guidelines.

The status of methanol as a viable marine fuel, both now and into the future, is being further strengthened by the relative ease in which it can, as a non-cryogenic liquid, utilise existing bunkering infrastructure and storage in line with IMO regulations, considerably lowering the barrier to entry for interested owners and operators.

Erik Hånell, President and CEO of Stena Bulk, said:

“The combination of low emission methanol and fuel-efficient vessels are important steps towards more sustainable shipping, so we’re proud that Stena Pro Patria and Stena Pro Marine have successfully bunkered methanol for the first time. The Stena Sphere has extensive experience in bunkering methanol for passenger ferries and in transporting methanol as a cargo, and this bunkering of methanol in Ulsan is further proof that infrastructure and availability is not a barrier for turning our vision of methanol as a key decarbonisation solution into reality.”

Anita Gajadhar, MD of Proman Shipping, Marketing and Logistics added:

“This successful bunkering in Ulsan, combined with the fact that both Stena Pro Patria and Stena Pro Marine have commenced their first commercial methanol-fuelled voyages carrying various products for third party charterers around the globe, is another important and positive milestone for the JV and for our broader work in helping to develop methanol as a marine fuel.

“As these vessels show, methanol is already available and viable as an alternative fuel solution for shipping. Incorporating methanol bunkering into future fuel infrastructure regulations and policies that are currently being developed will help ensure guidelines are future-proofed as more low-carbon and renewable methanol sources come online, supporting the transition to lower emissions fuels across the industry.”

In 2020, Lloyd’s Register and the Methanol Institute launched a Technical Reference document to help shipowners, ports and bunker suppliers understand the processes and procedures for the safe use of methanol as a marine fuel.

Source: https://seawanderer.org/proman-stena-bulks-tankers-conduct-south-koreas-first-methanol-bunkering

That’s because of something that could be called zombie ice. That’s doomed ice that, while still attached to thicker areas of ice, is no longer getting replenished by parent glaciers now receiving less snow. Without replenishment, the doomed ice is melting from climate change and will inevitably raise seas, said study co-author William Colgan, a glaciologist at the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland.

Colgan said:

“It’s dead ice. It’s just going to melt and disappear from the ice sheet. This ice has been consigned to the ocean, regardless of what climate (emissions) scenario we take now.”

Study lead author Jason Box, a glaciologist at the Greenland survey, said it is “more like one foot in the grave.”

The unavoidable ten inches in the study is more than twice as much sea level rise as scientists had previously expected from the melting of Greenland’s ice sheet. The study in the journal Nature Climate Change said it could reach as much as 30 inches (78 centimeters). By contrast, last year’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report projected a range of 2 to 5 inches (6 to 13 centimeters) for likely sea level rise from Greenland ice melt by the year 2100.

What scientists did for the study was look at the ice in balance. In perfect equilibrium, snowfall in the mountains in Greenland flows down and recharges and thickens the sides of glaciers, balancing out what’s melting on the edges. But in the last few decades there’s less replenishment and more melting, creating imbalance. Study authors looked at the ratio of what’s being added to what’s being lost and calculated that 3.3% of Greenland’s total ice volume will melt no matter what happens with the world cutting carbon pollution, Colgan said.

One of the study authors said that more than 120 trillion tons (110 trillion metric tons) of ice is already doomed to melt from the warming ice sheet’s inability to replenish its edges. When that ice melts into water, if it were concentrated only over the United States, it would be 37 feet (11 meters) deep.

The figures are a global average for sea level rise, but some places further away from Greenland would get more and places closer, like the U.S. East Coast, would get less. Although 10.6 inches may not sound like much, this would be over and above high tides and storms, making them even worse, so this much sea level rise “will have huge societal, economic and environmental impacts,” said Ellyn Enderlin, a geosciences professor at Boise State University, who wasn’t part of the study.

This is the first time scientists calculated a minimum ice loss—and accompanying sea level rise—for Greenland, one of Earth’s two massive ice sheets that are slowly shrinking because of climate change from burning coal, oil and natural gas. Scientists used an accepted technique for calculating minimum committed ice loss, the one used on mountain glaciers for the entire giant frozen island.

The team doesn’t know how long it will take for all the doomed ice to melt, but making an educated guess, it would probably be by the end of this century, or at least by 2150.

Source: https://seawanderer.org/zombie-ice-from-greenland-will-raise-sea-level-10-inches

Long-term ocean freight rates climbed yet again in August, edging up 4.1% month-on-month to stand 121.2% higher than this time last year. The latest global data, crowd-sourced by Oslo-based Xeneta for its Xeneta Shipping Index (XSI®), demonstrates that, despite softening spot rates, uneven demand and ongoing supply chain issues, the world’s leading carriers remain on course for another bumper year of profits.

Over the top?
Xeneta’s benchmarking and market analytics platform, which aggregates data from leading global shippers and freight forwarders, shows that new long-term contracted rates are actually starting to drop on key trading corridors, following on the heels of declining spot prices. However, due to the fact they’re replacing expiring agreements with considerably lower rates, the average paid by all shippers is still climbing. The question is, for how long?

“There’s no doubt the major carriers have had it their way in negotiations for some time,” notes Patrik Berglund, Xeneta CEO. “The spectacular results they saw in 2021 will no doubt be repeated, and even bettered, this year, as seen by the huge profits that defined many Q2 financial reports. But there is a sense that change is in the air.”

Uncertainty ahead
He continues: “Volumes are dropping and, as expected, long-term rates are beginning to follow the trend set by the spot market. When you add in an uncertain macroeconomic outlook, continuing supply chain issues – such as the industrial action we’ve seen occurring, or threatened, in major ports in Germany, UK, and the US – and disruption in China due to the zero-COVID policy, it’s an unpleasant cocktail for the industry to swallow.

“In addition, you also have problems seemingly exacerbated by climate change, with low water levels impacting both power and factory production, as well as hinterland logistics chains. How will this challenge the longer-term outlook for carriers that have begun to look ‘bulletproof’? The data will reveal all, so to get the best value in negotiations, stay tuned.”

Uniform trend
For the time being, however, the latest container rates intelligence follows a development path well-trodden over the last couple of years. According to the XSI®, all major indicators across all key routes are still resolutely pointing upwards.

In Europe, the import benchmark grew by 2% month-on-month, an 82.6% increase against August 2021. Exports were even stronger, climbing 7.3% from July. Exports out of the far East showed a 2.7% rise across August and have now rocketed by 90% this year alone. The curve in imports has not been so precipitous in 2022 (climbing by 40.4% this calendar year), but the last month saw a strong, 4.3% rates rise.

The US is an interesting market, states Berglund, as the shift in volumes from the West Coast to the East simply transfers an issue it was conceived to solve.

Difficult decisions
He explains: “Carriers and shippers looking to avoid West Coast port congestion moved East and, lo and behold, the congestion issues shifted coasts too. We now have a situation where schedule reliability is improving in the West, while container rates fall, whereas the opposite is true of the East. However, do stakeholders want to risk moving back West, especially when unresolved union talks may threaten any perceived benefits? It’ll be another case of watch this space.”

As far as August was concerned, both import and export indicators climbed for the region, with imports up 6% (a huge 183.2% year-on-year increase) and exports rising 7.1% (42.5% higher than August 2021).

Oslo-based Xeneta’s unique software platform compiles the latest ocean, and air freight rate data aggregated worldwide to deliver powerful market insights. Participating companies include ABB, Electrolux, Continental, Unilever, Nestle, L’Oréal, Thyssenkrupp, Volvo Group and John Deere, amongst others.
Source: Xeneta

Data usage on commercial maritime vessels has jumped more than threefold since 2019, according to new communications analysis that underlines the shipping industry’s reliance on digital connectivity to enhance operating efficiency and safeguard crew welfare during a period of unprecedented disruption to seaborne trade.

The internal study undertaken by Inmarsat, the world leader in global, mobile satellite communications services, which connects more vessels than any other provider, reveals that maritime demand has continued to rise as commercial shipping recovers following the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic – with data usage among Inmarsat maritime customers rising almost 70 percent in the 12 months to mid-2022.

Analysis of data usage by leading vessel operators shows year-on-year demand for data was highest among container shipping companies, more than doubling (108%) in June 2022 compared to June 2021, while use of connectivity increased by 70% among oil tanker operators and by 47% on bulk carriers over the same period.

Ben Palmer, President of Inmarsat Maritime, said: “Maritime data usage is a leading indicator of economic activity and international trade in the shipping industry, which carries 90% of all global trade. More and more shipping companies are upgrading their satellite communications services and adopting new technologies for applications including route-planning, ship-to-shore broadband data transfers and to maximise fuel efficiency. They are also ensuring that their crews remain connected with family and friends while at sea, the mandatory requirement now recognised by the Maritime Labour Convention. Our study shows data usage is on the rise among all commercial vessel types.

“The success we’re seeing in our order book is due to our understanding of the commercial maritime industry and the needs of ship owners and operators. This appreciation led directly to the development of our unique service proposition for shipping companies, which combines two wholly-owned and operated global networks in our market leading Fleet Xpress service. Our strategy is to continue to innovate at pace, supporting the rapid digitalisation the industry is experiencing, which in turn is being driven by industry-wide targets for decarbonisation and the imperative of ensuring crew welfare.”

Ben Palmer, President of Inmarsat Maritime.

Inmarsat’s maritime data usage study comes amid a record order book for the company’s Fleet Xpress satellite communications systems. The Fleet Xpress installed base rose by 17% in the second quarter of 2022 compared to Q2 2021, to almost 13,000 ships, with an order book of over 1,000 vessels.

Earlier this year, Inmarsat completed technical proof of concept tests for the terrestrial 5G mesh component of its new ORCHESTRA network. The tests took place in Singapore, one of the world’s busiest container ports. ORCHESTRA provides innovative spectrum-management and connectivity technology to deliver additional data capacity at key shipping hot spots via a unique, shore-based terrestrial networks. The 5G mesh network has the potential to integrate seamlessly with Inmarsat’s geostationary satellite constellations and a highly targeted low earth orbit (LEO) fleet to deliver the lowest average latency and fastest average speeds with unique resilience of any planned global service.

“As data demand continues to grow in the shipping industry, our ORCHESTRA testing in Singapore has shown in real-world cases how to enhance ship-to-shore and ship-to-ship connectivity, including distances, range, throughput and link availability,” continued Palmer. “We are innovating with this technology because connectivity demand in key ports and shipping lanes is only going to increase further and lead to growing congestion.”

The figures on data usage and maritime orders coincide with continued planning by Inmarsat for its combination with Viasat of the US, which also serves a range of customers in the maritime sector. On completion of the transaction, the enlarged company will drive greater customer choice in B2B satellite communications serving maritime customers, as well as aviation, government and enterprise users, by providing a strong multi-layered, global architecture, and uniquely in the space sector, the ability to bring together multi-orbital satellite and terrestrial 4G and 5G assets.
Source: Inmarsat

An industrial scale concept for a floating production unit to produce green ammonia at sea has secured Approval in Principle (AiP) from DNV, affirming the technical feasibility of the design.

The so-called P2XFloater concept, developed by Norway-based H2 Carrier, is based on the conversion of an existing Very Large Gas Carrier into a floating, production, storage and offloading unit (FPSO) that can serve to produce environmentally friendly ammonia for the local or for the world market.

The FPSO would source electricity from a wind farm or other renewable source to provide power for electrolysis of seawater to produce the hydrogen as input to the so-called Haber-Bosch process which produces liquid ammonia by combining hydrogen and nitrogen of under high pressure and high temperature. The required nitrogen would also be produced onboard the FPSO.

DNV’s Vice President, Business Development for Floating Production, Conn Fagan, said the AiP covers all aspects of the integrated vessel concept including structural integrity, mooring, ammonia production, ammonia storage and cargo handling.

“The AiP assessment has looked at the technical challenges associated with offshore ammonia production and has concluded that there are no insurmountable difficulties to preclude future classification of the design,” said Fagan.

“For application of the concept in future projects, detailed engineering studies will of course need to be carried out with particular attention to addressing the hazards associated with ammonia and hydrogen for a particular layout and location.”

The presentation ceremony during ONS 2022 (L to R): Erik Henriksen (Director of Business Development – Offshore Classification, DNV) and Sebastian Kihle (Chief Technology Officer, H2Carrier)

“The innovative P2XFloater™ concept provides a low-cost, fast-track and flexible solution to produce green ammonia on an industrial scale and at a competitive price. Market demand is rapidly increasing primarily due to the decarbonisation of the industrial and maritime sectors,” says Mårten Lunde, CEO of H2Carrier AS.

Mr. Lunde added: “We are very pleased to have been awarded the AiP from DNV, which is a significant technical milestone that gives us a springboard for further development towards commercial realisation of this concept.”
Source: DNV

The Government says a vessel from Brazil that appears to be headed towards the Strait carrying reportedly toxic materials will not be permitted to enter British Gibraltar Territorial Waters if it attempts to do so.

The vessel, named Sao Paulo, is said to be laden with toxic paints, asbestos, and cancer-causing chemicals. It’s on its way to Turkey to be scrapped.

The Government says that unless a vessel (or its tug) schedules a call at the Gibraltar Port, the Port Authority is unable to prevent its transit through the Strait.

The shipping of the vessel goes against an injunction from the Brazil Federal District Court and international laws, according to several NGOs.

For its part, the Environmental Safety Group says it has been contacted by an NGO from Brazil hoping to raise maximum awareness of the passage. The ESG has also contacted the Port and local environmental authorities about this.

Some recent reports say that Turkey has refused entry to the vessel, however it has not agreed to turn around and appears to be slowly heading towards the Strait. It is being towed by another vessel named Alp Centre.

Source: https://www.gbc.gi/news/ship-carrying-toxic-cargo-would-not-be-permitted-enter-bgtw-says-government

Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah Port recently received a maiden call from leading global container shipping company MSC’s Indus 2 service. The port expects that the new service will help to further develop the Kingdom’s export market while also facilitating trade between North America and the Indian subcontinent.

King Abdullah Port will provide services for containers transported on MSC vessels for goods imported from Mundra port, in addition to exported goods moving to major European ports, the Port of Halifax in Canada and major ports on the East Coast of the United States.

Commenting on the new port call in the Indus 2 liner service, Jay New, Chief Executive Officer, said: “The addition of King Abdullah Port to MSC’s liner service reaffirms our role as a major enabler of international Saudi trade and one of the world’s most important ports. In keeping with our vision to be an advantageous and sustainable world-class port that delivers long-term value to its stakeholders, we have been constantly upgrading our facilities and improving our service offerings through the adoption of the latest technologies and innovative solutions. “

King Abdullah Port’s partnership with MSC dates back to September 2013 with the berthing of the first vessel from the company’s fleet at the port. With MSC as a key customer, the port handled 1.5 million TEU over the first half of the year, an increase of 6.69% compared to the same period of 2021.

APM Terminals Pipavav terminal recently received a first block train for Maersk, carrying goods for rice exporter D.D. International, from ICD Panipat. The new service, operated by DP World, is expected to help hinterland customers connect with global markets.

The train was flagged off from ICD Panipat in the first week of August and reached the port less than two days later. The containers, all carrying rice, are destined for Jeddah and Dammam in the Middle East.

Commenting on the occasion, Jakob Friis Sørensen, Managing Director, APM Terminals Pipavav, said, “The connection helps our customers in moving their containers safely, quickly and sustainably and offers our hinterland customers an additional mode to expand their business in the global markets. Moving the consignment by rail not only reduces congestion on the road but also helps in reducing carbon footprint.”

Source: https://www.themaritimestandard.com/apm-terminals-pipavav-receives-block-train-from-icd-panipat/

The United States will keep looking for ways to increase gas products going into Europe in the face of Russian energy cuts after its invasion of Ukraine, the White House said on Wednesday.

“President Putin again is weaponizing energy,” White House national security spokesman John Kirby said at a news briefing.

REGENT announced it has received an Approval in Principle (AIP) from Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore for its 12-passenger, fully electric, wing-in-ground effect (WIG) seaglider, the Viceroy. This AIP marks an important certification milestone for seagliders, offering a clear path for the vehicle’s classification as a wing in ground effect (WIG) maritime vessel and the commencement of commercial seaglider operations. REGENT currently has a backlog of $7 billion in provisional orders for their seagliders from ferry and aviation operators.

The AIP is a validated third-party technical assessment for the seaglider completed by Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore. The AIP is the culmination of a 10-month long engagement between REGENT and Bureau Veritas engineers, which included a series of workshops encompassing aspects of the vehicle’s structure, mechanical systems, avionics, propulsion, and safety systems. Throughout the process, Bureau Veritas provided preliminary expert advice with a focus on the early identification of rules and regulatory framing for the seaglider’s classification.

“This certification milestone is an extremely important moment for the seaglider’s design and technical maturity. It is the first major outcome of our maritime certification process. The Approval in Principle confirms we are on an achievable certification path towards the ultimately making progress towards the commercialization of seagliders,” said Billy Thalheimer, co-founder and CEO of REGENT. “Bureau Veritas and their deep bench of engineering talent with complex maritime vessel experience, has proven a tremendous partner in our certification activities to date, and we are excited to deepen the relationship as we look ahead to the next phase of our design approval process.”

The AIP will be followed by a design appraisal process, a series of technical studies that are now underway that will allow the implementation of the seaglider’s design and operation without significant risk of compliance or qualification issues. In conducting a Design Appraisal, Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore will provide an independent, safety-based certification of REGENT’s seaglider design. REGENT will also be leveraging the AIP in support of a Design Basis Agreement (DBA) with the US Coast Guard, which is expected this fall. The AIP and DBA form a classification and certification basis with both Bureau Veritas and the U.S. Coast Guard, similar to the G-1 and G-2 issue paper used in FAA aircraft certification.

This AIP marks an important milestone for REGENT before it commences serial production of the new vessel. It’s a significant step forward to enabling seaglider operations in countries around the world.

“Society is accelerating its move toward highly digitalized, decarbonized transportation solutions. Our work with Seagliders has been an opportunity for Bureau Veritas to further share and develop our expertise in new systems and technologies including electric propulsion systems, high-speed hydrofoils, and digital fly-by-wire control systems whilst also assessing the safety of these systems,” said Laurent Leblanc, Senior Vice-President, Technical & Operations, Bureau Veritas, Marine and Offshore.

Source: https://www.marinelink.com/news/regent-receives-bv-aip-a-winginground-499148

Newer Posts

Older Posts

GENERAL Archives - Page 25 of 68 - SHIP IP LTD

Proman Stena Bulk’s tankers conduct South Korea’s first methanol bunkering

Zombie ice from Greenland will raise sea level 10 inches

CONTAINER RATES ALERT: Long-term shipping rates stand strong, for now, in the face of softening global demand

Inmarsat study reveals surge in maritime data usage as shipping industry seeks increased connectivity

DNV awards AiP for green ammonia floating production unit developed by H2 Carrier

Ship carrying toxic materials would not be permitted to enter BGTW, says Government

KING ABDULLAH PORT RECEIVED MAIDEN MSC SERVICE CALL

APM TERMINALS PIPAVAV RECEIVES BLOCK TRAIN FROM ICD PANIPAT

US Looking to Increase Gas Products Into Europe Amid Russia Cuts

REGENT Receives BV AIP for a Wing-in-Ground Vessel

News

IHM Maintenance Requirements: Ensuring Compliance with Ship Recycling Regulations

Maritime Electronic Log Book: Digital Record-Keeping for Ships

MARPOL Electronic Book: The Future of Ship Compliance

Quick Menu

Company DETAILS

ISO 9001:2015 CERTIFIED