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Smart Green Shipping (SGS) in the UK has launched a £5 million research and development project for its FastRigs wing sail technology and digital routing software, aiming to deliver fuel and emissions savings for the shipping industry through wind power and optimised voyage planning.

The funding for the three-year programme comes from a £3.2 million investment from the private sector and a further £1.8 million grant from Scottish Enterprise.

Over the course of the project SGS will test its FastRig wing sails at a land-based site at Peel Ports Hunterston Port and Resource Centre in Scotland, in collaboration with Clyde-based engineering partner Malin.

Its TradeWind weather routing software will also be further developed and updated over the course of the testing programme. The application has been optimised to gather data that will allow vessels to maximise the use of wind for a journey and optimise routing to minimise fuel consumption and arrive at a port at a designated time.

Data from the software can be used to underpin charter agreements as well as secure private funding to lease the technology, SGS says. Following successful land-based tests, a demonstrator on board a vessel is expected to begin in 2023.

“Scotland’s decision to support this project shows that wind technology has the might of a maritime nation behind it,” said SGS founder Diane Gilpin.

“Shipping has a long history of harnessing the power of wind, but digital technologies are allowing us to work towards making zero emission vessels a reality. Smart Green Shipping’s FastRig wing sail technology offers a financially and technically robust solution to help support shipping’s green transition.”

Modelling tests, undertaken by SGS in conjunction with the University of Southampton’s Wolfson Unit, show that the technology could create 20% fuel savings and GHG reductions for retrofits, with up to 50% fuel savings possible for small and medium sized new build ships.

Lloyd’s Register has already granted first stage Approval in Principle for the technology.

The United States’ Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) on Friday announced it creating a new bureau to handle its enforcement and compliance activities.

The agency, which is responsible for the regulation of oceanborne international transportation of the U.S., said it is consolidating its investigative and prosecution functions into a newly created Bureau of Enforcement, Investigations, and Compliance (BEIC) effective immediately.

FMC Chairman Daniel B. Maffei said the reorganization “enhances FMC’s capacity to closely scrutinize the conduct of the ocean carrier companies and marine terminal operators to ensure compliance with the law and fairness for American importers and exporters”.

“Robust enforcement of the Shipping Act is absolutely key to the effectiveness of the Federal Maritime Commission. This reorganization has the support of all five Commissioners and creates a structure better suited to meeting the mandate the President and Congress have given this agency to prioritize enforcement,” Maffei said.

In June, President Joe Biden signed into law the Ocean Shipping Reform Act, which, among other things, boosts the FMC’s investigatory authority by allowing it to launch probes of the business practices of ocean common carriers and apply enforcement measures. The Biden Administration said the legislation is designed to improve oversight of ocean shipping, which will help curb inflation and ease export backlogs.

The BEIC is being created after an internal examination of the agency’s enforcement and compliance activities determined a restructuring and merging of enforcement and compliance programs would result in a more efficient, coordinated and responsive operation from initiation to conclusion of an investigation, FMC said.

The newly established bureau will be headed by an attorney in the Senior Executive Service with regulatory, prosecutorial and investigatory experience. The Commission’s Managing Director, Lucille M. Marvin, will also serve as Acting Director until a permanent Director is hired.

The bureau will be divided into three sections: the Office of Enforcement, the Office of Investigations and the Office of Compliance. These offices will each be led by an Office Director. The BEIC Director will supervise and manage the activities of the three offices and will be supported by a Deputy Director who will assist with program management. The BEIC Director will report to the Managing Director.

As part of the reorganization, the Commission is converting the positions of Area Representatives to Investigators, placing them in the Office of Investigations. Additionally, the Commission will increase the number of investigators it has on staff. Investigators will now focus exclusively on enforcement activity and the public outreach function formerly handled by the Area Representative role will be handled by the Commission’s Office of Consumer Affairs and Dispute Resolution Services as part of their broader public assistance work.

Source: https://www.marinelink.com/news/us-federal-maritime-commission-creates-498401

Stena Line’s RoRo passenger vessel MV Stena Hollandica is to implement a new dual-band network for IoT connectivity based on LoRa technology, in collaboration with Semtech Corporation, SkyLab and HeNet.

LoRa, from the words ‘long range’, is a method of radio communication using spread spectrum technology to create low power, low bandwidth connectivity over a wide area. The technology is overseen by a non-profit organisation with more than 500 members and is aimed primarily at supporting M2M and IoT applications.

Using Semtech’s LoRa 2.4GHz gateway reference design, the ship will be installed with a dual-band gateway to provide sub-GHz LoRaWAN standard coverage in the 2.4GHz band, which will be used for asset tracking and condition monitoring at sea.

“As a result of the joint collaboration, we’re offering a unique dual-band network that is perfect for maritime companies, such as Stena Line, to assist with the approximately 28,000 departures yearly while ensuring client/customer satisfaction and safe tracking/monitoring of the millions of tons of cargo on the vessel,” said Remy de Jong Sr, Technical Director, SkyLab.

Source: https://smartmaritimenetwork.com/2022/07/29/stena-line-vessel-to-implement-lora-iot-network/

A cargo of nickel matte shipped on an Ocean Network Express (ONE) vessel from Australia to China has been the subject of the first ever electronic Bill of Lading (eBL) transaction governed by Singapore law, following an electronic document amendment to legislation in the port city last year.

Singapore’s 2021 amendment to its Electronic Transactions Act (ETA) adopted the UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records (MLETR), which grants eBLs the same legal status as paper equivalents.

The process was facilitated by tech firm essDOCS’ CargoDocs digital platform, which updated the terms of its eDocs Services & Users Agreement (DSUA) last year to align with the changes in Singaporean law and ensure the validity of eBLs on its system.

The transaction involved the sale of nickel matte in containers by BHP to Jinchuan Group, under a letter of credit (LC). The trade was supported by National Australia Bank (Hong Kong branch) acting on behalf of BHP and a Chinese trade finance bank acting as issuing bank on behalf of Jinchuan Group.

The parties were able to collaborate online in real-time to draft and approve the eBL and relevant supporting docs, before digitally exchanging the files to be signed, issued, transferred and electronically presented. The end-to-end documentation process was completed electronically in under 48 hours.

“At BHP, we are committed to continuously exploring avenues, together with our customers, to digitalise trade processes across the value chain with the adoption of the latest innovations enabled by technology,” said BHP’s Chief Commercial Officer, Vandita Pant.

“Regulatory reform will play a critical role during this transition and we firmly support efforts such as Singapore’s ETA. We were pleased that essDOCS enabled the first ever electronic Bill of Lading (eB/L) transaction governed by Singapore law between BHP and Jinchaun.”

“This transaction is a significant milestone for digitalising global commodities trade and we are thrilled to lead the way on a journey with the aim of achieving digital trade at scale.”

Source: https://smartmaritimenetwork.com/2022/07/29/first-ebl-transaction-under-new-singapore-law-completed/

Transport for NSW (TfNSW) has recognised volunteer Ian Baker of Marine Rescue NSW with the NSW Maritime Medal 2021 for Safety.

The Safety Medal is awarded every two years to a person or group demonstrating outstanding and sustained effort that promotes safety for the boating and/or maritime community of NSW.

Transport for NSW Deputy Secretary Safety Environment and Regulation Tara McCarthy congratulated Mr Baker for his outstanding and sustained contribution to the boating and maritime community.

“The selection panel agreed that Mr Baker, who has volunteered for more than 45 years in maritime safety, was the stand-out nominee for the Safety medal,” Ms McCarthy said.

“He joined the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association in 1975 – one of three services which later merged to form Marine Rescue NSW – and has been dedicated to saving lives on NSW waters ever since.

“As an operational Search and Rescue Support Officer and Coxswain, Mr Baker has participated in more than 400 rescues – which is an amazing achievement.

“He has served in every unit role and earned the respect of everyone he has volunteered with, including members he mentors.

“His passion for boating safety is evident in his running of boat licence and radio courses for the public, as well as courses for Marine Rescue NSW members, plus his devotion of entire weekends to conducting training or rostered boat duty as a skipper.

“TfNSW thanks Mr Baker for his professionalism, dedication and extensive maritime safety expertise.

“These valuable attributes inspire other volunteers to maintain and extend their skills and knowledge in maritime safety for the benefit of the wider community.”

Source: https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/news-and-events/media-releases/volunteer-of-more-than-45-years-awarded-nsw-maritime-medal-for

Honolulu-based transporter Pasha Hawaii and Texas-based shipyard Keppel AmFELS announced the delivery of the MV George III, the first LNG-fuelled vessel to fuel on the West Coast and the first to serve Hawaii.

Pasha Hawaii, Keppel AmFELS announce delivery of first LNG-fuelled vessel to serve Hawaii — Courtesy of Pasha Hawaii

The 235-metres long LNG-fuelled containership is the first of two new ‘Ohana Class containerships to join Pasha Hawaii’s fleet. It will be serving the Hawaii/Mainland trade lane.

Operating fully on LNG from day one, the new Jones Act vessel surpasses the International Maritime Organization (IMO) 2030 emission standards for ocean vessels. Therefore, this represents the most technologically advanced and environmentally friendly vessel to serve Hawaii, according to the company.

Energy efficiencies are also achieved with an engine, an optimized hull form, and an underwater propulsion system with a high-efficiency rudder and propeller.

The ‘Ohana Class vessels are named in honor of George Pasha, III and Janet Marie, the late parents of The Pasha Group president and CEO George Pasha, IV, marking three generations of service to Hawaii.

George Pasha said: “As we welcome the new MV George III to the Pasha Hawaii fleet, we stand incredibly proud of the perseverance and commitment of our partners at Keppel AmFELS, and the skilled men and women at the shipyard on this tremendous accomplishment. We look forward to beginning service to Hawaii in August and taking delivery of the Janet Marie later this year.”

“We are pleased to deliver Pasha Hawaii’s first LNG-powered containership,” said David Wedgeworth, president of Keppel AmFELS. “By working closely with Pasha Hawaii, we were able to resolve operational challenges posed by COVID-19 and deliver the vessel to their satisfaction.”

Pasha Hawaii is a wholly owned subsidiary of the family-owned global logistics and transportation company, The Pasha Group, one of the nation’s Jones Act shipping and integrated logistics companies.

Source: https://www.offshore-energy.biz/pasha-hawaii-keppel-amfels-announce-delivery-of-first-lng-fuelled-vessel-to-serve-hawaii/

A 100-year-old, out-of-service passenger ferry Tourist No. 2 capsized in the Columbia River while moored near Astoria, Ore. on Thursday. There were no passengers on board.

The U.S. Coast Guard said it is responding and that an investigation into the cause of the sinking is underway.

A good Samaritan deployed a boom to contain an initial oil release and minimize potential impact to the environment, said Petty Officer 3rd Class Diolanda Caballero, 13th Coast Guard District External Affairs, who added no oil is being discharged currently.

Photos shared on social media show the vessel listing badly to its starboard side.

The amount of oil spilled and quantity still on board is unknown, Caballero said.

The Coast Guard opened the Oil Liability Trust Fund to hire Global Diving and Salvage to help assist in the cleanup effort, which is set to begin on Friday.

Built in 1924, the wood-hulled ferry Tourist No. 2 has carried passengers throughout the Pacific Northwest, and was even used by the U.S. Army during World War II.

The historic vessel, which is listed on the Washington Historic Register and the National Register of Historic Places, has undergone several refurbishments and a number of name and ownership changes throughout the years. It is currently owned by Christian Lint and had been moored near Wilcox fueling pier in Astoria for approximately a year.

Source: https://www.marinelink.com/news/yearold-ferry-sinks-astoria-ore-498400

The U.S. Navy announced it has accepted delivery of the lead ship of its new class of fleet replenishment oilers, USNS John Lewis (T-AO 205), built by General Dynamics NASSCO in San Diego.

T-AO 205’s July 26 delivery follows the completion of Acceptance Trials with the Navy’s Board of Inspection and Survey to test the readiness and capability of the craft and to validate requirements.

“USNS John Lewis will provide much needed capability to the fleet as the primary fuel pipeline at sea,” said John Lighthammer, program manager, Auxiliary and Special Mission Shipbuilding Program Office. “This is the first of a 20-ship class providing the Sailors and merchant mariners another tool to support at-sea operations.”

The new John Lewis-class T-AOs will be operated by Military Sealift Command to provide diesel fuel and lubricating oil, and small quantities of fresh and frozen provisions, stores, and potable water to Navy ships at sea, and jet fuel for aircraft. The new T-AOs will add capacity to the Navy’s Combat Logistics Force and become the cornerstone of the fuel delivery system.

NASSCO is currently in production on USNS Harvey Milk (T-AO 206), USNS Earl Warren (T-AO 207), and USNS Robert F. Kennedy (T-AO 208). The future USNS Lucy Stone (T-AO 209) and USNS Sojourner Truth (T-AO 210) are under contract.

Source: marinelink.com/news/us-navy-takes-delivery-usns-john-lewis-498394

Deck cadet Burak Kinayer, 19, is waiting to hear when he will set sail home to Turkey after five months of being stranded by the war in the Ukraine now a grain export deal has been signed.

As clashes between Russian and Ukrainian forces echoed off the coast of Odesa last weekend, he became concerned, but Kinayer said his nervousness gave way to excitement as the Kaptan Cevdet gets ready to leave, potentially in the coming days.

“The way back does not scare me,” the trainee navigational deck officer told Reuters via videolink from aboard the ship.

“We can say that our excitement and hopes have been through the roof in the recent days,” he said.

Kinayer’s ship is one of dozens preparing to depart from three Black Sea ports blockaded by Russia after its invasion of Ukraine. The opening came after Moscow, Kyiv, Ankara and the United Nations signed a grain-and-fertilizer export deal meant to ease concerns over a growing global food crisis.

Ukraine’s shipments via sea have stalled since February, stoking global prices for grains, cooking oils, fuel and fertilizer. Moscow has denied responsibility for the food crisis, blaming Western sanctions for slowing exports and Ukraine for mining the approaches to its ports.

A coordination centre will be unveiled on Wednesday in Istanbul to oversee ships departing Ukraine and inspect incoming ships for weapons. It will include U.N., Russian, Ukrainian and Turkish delegations.

A Turkish official said on Wednesday all the details had been worked out, including a safe route for ships that will not require the clearing of sea mines, with the first ship likely to depart from Black Sea ports in a few days.

“There is a slight uneasiness but it is good for us that controls will be made and that other ships will be escorting us. This makes us feel safe,” said Kinayer, when asked how he was anticipating a journey with mine sweepers and military escorts.

He and his crew-mates have lived on the ship for the past five months, required to stay on board by the vessel’s operators, given the potential difficulties of returning should they leave.

Kinayer said they were frightened when Russia launched its invasion in February, with people fleeing the nearby city of Odesa and growing concerns about to how to find food.

The nerves returned on Saturday when another Russian strike hit Odesa’s port. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the strike had been aimed at military infrastructure.

“We were a bit scared by the attack a couple of days ago thinking, ‘What will happen to the deal?’,” he said.

“Our emotions are complicated. As the final days arrive, we feel both excitement and joy,” Kinayer said.

Although his first experience as a deck cadet, learning how to be an officer in charge of a navigational watch, was overshadowed by war, Kiyaner said his love for sea trumped everything.

“It is bad that my first experience turned out to be this way and it will have a scar on me. But since I build my future with the sea, I don’t think about quitting (this profession) because this happened,” he said.

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Washington State Ferries said one of its vessels suffered “significant damage” as the result of a “hard landing” at the Fauntleroy terminal in Seattle on Thursday.

The Cathlamet, which was traveling from Vashon Island to West Seattle during a 7:55 a.m. sailing, reportedly struck an offshore dolphin (pilings, not the aquatic mammal) before alliding with the dock.

Photos shared to social media show considerable damage to Cathlamet’s port bow above the waterline. No injuries or pollution were reported, though several cars on board the ferry have been damaged. All but two cars were able to exit the ferry, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.

The Coast Guard said it is working with Washington State Ferries to investigate the cause of the incident.

Meanwhile, the Fauntleroy terminal is closed until further notice. “The dock structure will be examined and if it’s determined to be usable, we’ll restore service there,” Washington State Ferries said.

The state ferry operator said it is working with Kitsap Transit and King County Metro to coordinate passenger-only services while its Fauntleroy service is affected.

Cathlamet is a 328-foot Issaquah class ferry with capacity for 1,200 passengers and 124 vehicles. It was built by Marine Power and Equipment in Seattle in 1981.

(Photo: U.S. Cost Guard)