Tag: Marine News

  • NYK Obtains Certification under Aichi Biodiversity Corporate Certification System

    NYK Obtains Certification under Aichi Biodiversity Corporate Certification System

    NYK’s Commitment to Biodiversity

    NYK, a global shipping company, has been recognized for its efforts to protect the environment. The company received the Aichi Biodiversity Corporate Certification, a special recognition given by Aichi Prefecture to companies that actively work to protect nature and wildlife. Yusuke Sasada, the general manager of NYK’s Nagoya Branch, accepted the award at a ceremony held on November 13 at the Aichi Prefectural Government Office.

    Supporting Seaweed Restoration on Sakushima Island

    Since 2023, NYK has been involved in various activities to help the environment. One of their main projects is the restoration of seaweed beds on Sakushima Island, located in Nishio City, Aichi Prefecture. Healthy seaweed beds are essential for marine life, providing food and shelter for many species. NYK has donated money and organized volunteer activities to support this important cause. This dedication has been recognized as an excellent example of how companies can make a difference in preserving biodiversity.

    Protecting marine biodiversity and decarbonizing shipping – industry alliance sets plans for 2024

    NYK’s Future Plans for Conservation

    NYK has pledged to continue its environmental efforts. The company will continue focusing on activities that protect the marine environment and preserve biodiversity. It is committed to making a positive impact not just locally in Aichi but wherever its operations reach.

    What is the Aichi Biodiversity Corporate Certification?

    The Aichi Biodiversity Corporate Certification is part of a broader plan called the Aichi Biodiversity Strategy 2030, which was launched in February 2021. This strategy provides a set of guidelines for various groups, including companies, universities, and environmental organizations. The goal is to promote the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity within Aichi Prefecture.

    To encourage companies to take part, Aichi Prefecture started the Aichi Biodiversity Corporate Certification System in 2022. This system acknowledges companies that take outstanding steps to protect nature. By highlighting these efforts, Aichi hopes to inspire more businesses to get involved in protecting the environment.

    Why This Matters

    Efforts like NYK’s show that companies can play a crucial role in protecting the planet. By participating in environmental conservation, businesses can set an example for others to follow. NYK’s recognition under the Aichi Biodiversity Corporate Certification System is a sign of their dedication to a healthier and more sustainable future.

  • NYK Conducts Short-term Study-abroad Program in Japan for Philippine Marine Students

    NYK Conducts Short-term Study-abroad Program in Japan for Philippine Marine Students

    Filipino Students Get a Chance to Explore Japan’s Maritime World

    NYK recently held a special exchange program that allowed Filipino students to learn about Japan’s maritime industry. This was the second time the program was held, running from October 20 to 26. It brought together students from top maritime schools in Japan and the NYK-TDG Maritime Academy (NTMA) in the Philippines. NYK, a leading shipping company, manages this academy to train future seafarers.

    Learning and Training in Japan

    For this program, eight students from the NTMA traveled to Japan. They took part in hands-on training, including onboard ship training and cutter boat lessons, at Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology. The students also visited the Hiroshima College of the National Institute of Technology. A special meeting was organized at NYK’s headquarters, where the Filipino students discussed their experiences with Filipino seafarers who are currently on shore duty.

    Exploring Japan’s Maritime Culture

    The exchange was not only about training. To help students understand Japan’s maritime world and its culture, they toured various places related to the industry. They visited the office of Japan Marine United Corporation in Tsu, the historical ship NYK Hikawamaru in Yokohama, and NYK Group companies like Nippon Yuka Kogyo Co. Ltd. and UNI-X NCT Corporation. The Filipino students also got to see the NYK Tokyo Container Terminal, gaining a deeper insight into Japan’s modern maritime operations.

    Scholarships announced for future Tassie mariners

    Building International Friendships and Skills

    The main goal of the exchange program is to help students develop an international mindset. It allows future seafarers from Japan and the Philippines to spend about a week in each other’s countries. They get to experience differences in language, culture, and learning styles through classroom sessions, practical exercises, and sightseeing. This year’s program was especially important because it restarted after a five-year break.

    How the Program Was Conducted

    Part 1: Japanese Students Visit the Philippines

    • From August 19 to 26, students from Kobe University, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, and Nagasaki University visited NTMA in the Philippines.
    • From August 23 to September 2, students from Toyama, Hiroshima, and Yuge colleges of the National Institute of Technology also studied at NTMA.

    Part 2: Filipino Students Visit Japan

    • From October 20 to 26, NTMA students went to Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, Hiroshima College of the National Institute of Technology, NYK, and NYK Group companies.

    Feedback from the Students

    The exchange program received positive feedback from both Japanese and Filipino students. A Japanese student said, “It was exciting to experience the atmosphere of a foreign marine school. Everyone at NTMA was very welcoming.” Another student shared, “I was amazed at how much the Filipino students enjoyed traditional Japanese food like miso soup and natto.”

    Meanwhile, an NTMA student reflected, “It was a valuable experience. I didn’t just learn about a different culture, but I also practiced skills that I had only seen in movies before, like starting a ship’s main engine. This program meant a lot to me.”

    NYK’s Commitment to Future Seafarers

    NYK is dedicated to helping young people who are interested in the maritime industry. They aim to shape future professionals by working closely with schools and research centers in Japan and abroad. These efforts are focused on developing skilled seafarers who can lead the maritime world in the years to come.

  • AGCT achieves 2 additional milestones

    AGCT achieves 2 additional milestones

    The Adriatic Gate Container Terminal (AGCT) at the Port of Rijeka in Croatia has hit two big milestones! This terminal, operated by International Container Terminal Services (ICTSI), has broken records for both monthly cargo and single-ship cargo exchange.

    In July 2024, AGCT set a new monthly record. Now, they’ve managed to increase that by 11%! This new achievement shows how quickly the terminal is growing. It’s a sign that AGCT is handling more and more cargo smoothly.

    AGCT also set a record for the most cargo moved from a single ship. In a recent operation, the terminal exchanged 7,120 containers (called TEUs) from the Maersk Huacho. This ship is part of a special shipping group called the 2M Alliance, which includes two big shipping companies:

    and the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC). The alliance helps connect ports in China and other parts of the Far East directly to ports in the Adriatic, making trade quicker and easier.

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    But that’s not all! In the same month, AGCT broke another record with the Ocean Alliance, a group of four major shipping companies: CMA CGM, COSCO, Evergreen, and OOCL. They handled 3,193 TEUs, a new high for this group.

    Rail transport at the port has also been improving, especially after a problem in the Red Sea earlier this year. Now, almost 41% of all cargo at the terminal is moved by rail. This is good news because it means faster and more efficient movement of goods.

  • Seafarer training in need of comprehensive overhaul to ensure safe decarbonisation of shipping

    Seafarer training in need of comprehensive overhaul to ensure safe decarbonisation of shipping

    The maritime industry is moving toward using green fuels like ammonia, methanol, and hydrogen to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. These alternative fuels can help the industry cut pollution, but they also bring new risks. To keep seafarers safe, a report led by the Maritime Just Transition Task Force (MJTTF) has called for updated training. This report was prepared with help from Lloyd’s Register (LR) Maritime Decarbonisation Hub, the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) Ocean Stewardship Coalition, and the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

    Why New Training is Needed

    Seafarers today are trained to handle traditional fuel oil, but green fuels have different properties and risks. For example:

    • Ammonia is toxic and requires special emergency response training.
    • Methanol is highly flammable and needs advanced fire detection and safety measures.
    • Hydrogen has unique fire risks that need specific safety procedures.

    These new fuels demand more knowledge and skills to keep crews safe. However, current seafarer training standards don’t cover the use of these green fuels, which is why an overhaul in training is needed.

    Gathering Industry Insights

    The MJTTF held 12 workshops this year, where over 100 industry experts discussed the changes needed. These workshops helped identify the top safety risks of using green fuels and outlined the skills seafarers will need in the future. Key areas for training include:

    1. Emergency Response: Ammonia exposure requires immediate action and new personal protective equipment (PPE).
    2. Fire Safety: Methanol’s high flammability means that seafarers need better fire detection systems and updated fire safety training.
    3. Gas Detection: Hydrogen’s specific risks mean that flame detection and gas monitoring need to be improved.

    This project has set the stage for developing new training standards to ensure that maritime workers can safely use ammonia, methanol, and hydrogen on board ships.

    ‘Investments, partnerships needed’ to reduce carbon in shipping

    Next Steps for Training

    The MJTTF will use these findings to create a training framework for maritime training centers. The World Maritime University (WMU) plans to launch an Instructor Handbook for seafarer training in May 2025. This will help schools teach the skills that seafarers will need for these new fuels, supporting a safe shift to a cleaner future.

    Support from Industry Leaders

    Industry experts and organizations like IMO, LR Foundation, and UNGC are committed to helping seafarers through this transition. IMO Deputy Director Ismael Cobos Delgado emphasized that proper training for alternative fuels is essential for meeting climate goals, while Natassa Kouvertari of Lloyd’s Register explained that building new skills is critical for safety on ships using green fuels.

    The IMO and Lloyd’s Register Foundation are funding this project to make the maritime sector safer and cleaner. By upskilling workers, they aim to protect seafarers and make sure the transition to green fuels benefits everyone.

    What This Means for Seafarers

    The shift to green fuels is transforming the maritime industry, and seafarers are at the heart of this change. As the industry moves to safer and cleaner energy sources, investing in seafarer training will protect workers and ensure smooth operations on board.

    This report marks the first step in a long-term commitment to creating a cleaner, safer future for maritime workers. As green fuels become standard, the industry must keep up with the training needed to keep its workers safe and confident.

  • LR MDH joins call to accelerate adoption of zero-emission fuels by 2030

    LR MDH joins call to accelerate adoption of zero-emission fuels by 2030

    At COP 29, global leaders from the shipping industry and beyond have taken a bold step forward in the fight against climate change. More than 50 influential companies and organizations, including Lloyd’s Register Maritime Decarbonisation Hub, have signed a “Call to Action” to support the use of zero-emission shipping fuels. The goal is to increase the share of these green fuels to at least 5% by 2030, with a hope of reaching 10%. This commitment marks a significant push toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the shipping industry, which is a major contributor to global pollution.

    Strong Support for Green Hydrogen and Zero-Emission Fuels

    The Call to Action was organized by respected groups such as RMI (a climate organization), the UN Climate Change High-Level Champions, the UCL Energy Institute, and the United Nations Foundation. By gathering the voices of e-fuel producers, ship owners, cargo companies, and port operators, this Call to Action shows a unified effort to create cleaner fuel options for the shipping industry. Green hydrogen is one of the main fuels promoted, as it has zero emissions when used.

    James Forsdyke, Managing Director at Lloyd’s Register Maritime Decarbonisation Hub, spoke about the importance of this commitment: “We’re proud to support the production of green hydrogen for shipping. Building a reliable green hydrogen supply chain will make zero-emission fuels accessible and safe for ships around the world. This shift will not only benefit shipping companies but also seafarers and local port communities.”

    The Lloyd’s Register has led important initiatives such as the Silk Alliance green corridor project, which aims to strengthen green fuel networks across regions. These efforts help make green hydrogen and other zero-emission fuels a practical reality for shipping companies.

    A Call for Clear Regulations

    The maritime industry now awaits an important meeting in April 2025, when the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) will gather to set new global standards on fuel emissions. This committee will discuss creating a standard for fuel emissions and setting a price for greenhouse gas emissions. The goal is to reach net-zero emissions in shipping by 2050, as outlined in the International Maritime Organization’s Revised 2023 GHG Strategy.

    Industry leaders are pushing regulators to set clear rules. This regulatory support is critical for businesses that want to invest in zero-emission fuels confidently.

    Key Steps to Speed Up the Use of Zero-Emission Fuels

    To achieve this ambitious vision, the Call to Action outlines several key recommendations:

    1. Set Clear Mid-Term Goals: The signatories request specific and ambitious targets to guide the industry toward using zero-emission fuels.
    2. Fair Cost Sharing: Transitioning to zero-emission fuels is expensive. The signatories propose a balanced plan to make these fuels cost-competitive with traditional fossil fuels.
    3. Proven Milestones: The industry needs clear proof that zero-emission fuels are moving toward practical use. Setting milestones will help ensure that hydrogen-derived fuels are a realistic option soon.

    Growing Demand for Green Hydrogen

    For the shipping industry to help meet the global goal of keeping warming under 1.5°C, green hydrogen production needs to double by 2030. This means at least 5 million tonnes of green hydrogen should be used in shipping by that time. Achieving this will require coordination across the entire supply chain, from green hydrogen producers to port operators and shipping companies. Working together is crucial to make zero-emission fuels like e-ammonia and e-methanol widely available, creating a balanced and fair transition that benefits everyone involved.

    Thetius Study Highlights Clear Emissions Reduction Advantages of e1 Marine’s Methanol to Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology

    Partnerships for a Sustainable Future

    The Green Hydrogen Catapult, a global coalition of green hydrogen leaders, is one of the main supporters of this initiative. Oleksiy Tatarenko, who leads RMI’s hydrogen initiatives, emphasized the importance of working together: “To create a fair and quick transition to renewable fuels, we need collaboration throughout the maritime industry. Strong partnerships keep our momentum going.”

    Ports and companies that provide port services, along with investors, are also backing this Call to Action. They are committed to building the infrastructure needed to support hydrogen-based fuel. This includes creating safe fueling stations for e-fuels, ensuring that zero-emission fuels are accessible and safe for all ships.

    The Path Forward for Shipping

    This global Call to Action represents a big step in the effort to cut emissions from the shipping industry. By investing in zero-emission fuels, building partnerships, and encouraging clear regulations, the maritime sector aims to make meaningful progress in reducing its impact on the environment.

    As the world looks to a cleaner future, this commitment from global shipping leaders shows that the industry is ready to play a key role in tackling climate change.

  • Bureau Veritas embarks with Selar to certify its Pioneering Wind and Solar Powered Polar Expedition Vessel

    Bureau Veritas embarks with Selar to certify its Pioneering Wind and Solar Powered Polar Expedition Vessel

    Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (BV), a major global company in testing, inspection, and certification, is working with Selar, a cruise ship owner, to build a new kind of polar cruise ship. This new ship, called Captain Arctic, is designed to create almost no carbon pollution. It’s a unique project that brings together ship designer Cormoran/Ship-ST and the CNOI shipyard to make a sustainable, eco-friendly vessel for polar exploration.

    This ship, now being built by CNOI, will be the first polar cruise ship with almost zero emissions. Captain Arctic will use natural power sources like wind and solar energy instead of regular fuel, making it much kinder to the environment. The ship is 230 feet long, featuring five strong sails designed by Cormoran/Ship-ST, as well as 20,000 square feet of solar panels. Together, these sails and solar panels let the ship move silently, without polluting the air. With this setup, Captain Arctic can reduce carbon emissions by up to 90% compared to normal cruise ships.

    To ensure that this design is safe and works well, Bureau Veritas conducted a deep inspection of the ship’s rigid sail system. BV tested it to confirm it follows all safety and performance rules, including the BV NR206 rules for wind propulsion systems. In 2023, BV granted these sails an “Approval in Principle” (AiP), meaning they meet high standards and are ready for use.

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    Sophie Galvagnon, CEO and Co-founder of Selar, explained why they are creating this type of ship. She said, “The maritime industry creates around 3% of all global CO₂ emissions, so it’s urgent to make big changes, especially in growing areas like expedition cruises. At Selar, we aim to show that exploring nature can be done in a sustainable way, and it can be exciting too!”

    This partnership between Bureau Veritas, Selar, Cormoran/Ship-ST, and CNOI marks a major step forward in green exploration. Captain Arctic is not just a ship—it’s a sign of hope for the future, showing that polar travel can be clean, quiet, and sustainable. This project may inspire other shipbuilders to focus on eco-friendly designs, setting new standards for low-carbon exploration.

  • Ferry Evacuated After Running Aground in the Central Philippines

    Ferry Evacuated After Running Aground in the Central Philippines

    The Philippines Coast Guard recently carried out a rescue operation to safely evacuate passengers from an interisland ferry that got stuck on November 11. The vessel, called Maria Oliva, ran aground near Romblon Port, creating some dramatic scenes as passengers were taken safely to shore. Thankfully, all 156 passengers, along with 38 crew members and 26 trucks, were evacuated without any harm.

    Maria Oliva, a 371-gross-ton ferry built in Japan in 1973, has been in service in the Philippines since 1997. It operates on a six-hour route in the Romblon region, part of the central Philippines. The ferry is known as a “RoPax” vessel, which means it carries both passengers and vehicles, making it a crucial transport option for many travelers.

    The Coast Guard Station in Romblon quickly sent out a rescue team on a rigid-hull inflatable boat. They received additional support from the provincial government of Romblon, which deployed a speedboat, and the local disaster management office, which sent another rescue boat to help.

    All passengers were safely brought to Romblon Port, except one dialysis patient and his companion. This patient needed his dialysis machine, which was still on the ferry, so the Coast Guard made sure he was safe while staying on board.

    Third ship spills oil in same area of the Philippines

    Officials have reported that there are no signs of an oil spill or flooding from the grounded ferry, but they continue to monitor the vessel’s movement carefully. Investigators are also trying to figure out the reason for the grounding to prevent such incidents in the future.

    The Maria Oliva is operated by Montenegro Shipping Lines, a major ferry company in the Philippines. This company has 59 vessels in its fleet and serves 39 ports across three islands, providing vital transportation services for both passengers and goods.

    The Coast Guard’s quick and effective response highlights their commitment to passenger safety and environmental protection, especially as they work to safely refloat the vessel and assess any risks to the local area.

  • Japanese Minesweeper Ukushima Sinks After Fire, One Crew Member Missing

    Japanese Minesweeper Ukushima Sinks After Fire, One Crew Member Missing

    On the morning of November 11, a Japanese Navy minesweeper, Ukushima, caught fire and sank off the coast of Japan. Ukushima, a wooden-hulled ship measuring 54 meters long, was conducting a training exercise when a fire started in its engine room. When the incident occurred, the ship was about 2.5 kilometers off Oshima Island in Sagami Bay.

    The crew on the Ukushima tried to stop the fire immediately, but their first attempts to contain the flames were unsuccessful. As the fire spread quickly through the wooden hull, the crew requested help. The Japan Coast Guard immediately sent a fire-fighting vessel to the area, while the Japanese Navy redirected another minesweeper, named Toyoshima, to assist.

    For several hours, the team fought to control the fire, and at one point, it seemed like the fire was under control. However, soon after, the flames reignited and spread throughout the vessel.

    As the situation became more dangerous, authorities decided to evacuate all crew members from Ukushima. The crew safely transferred to the nearby Toyoshima minesweeper. During the evacuation, the crew realized that one petty officer, who had been on duty in the engine room, was missing and still on the Ukushima.

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    Reports say that the fire completely engulfed Ukushima, and eventually, the ship capsized and sank beneath the waves. The Japan Coast Guard sent divers to inspect the wreck and search for the missing crew member. Another crew member, who was also on duty in the engine room, was reported injured from breathing in smoke.

    An investigation has been launched by the Japanese Navy to understand what caused this tragic incident. According to officials, only one other Japanese minesweeper has been lost to fire since 1966.

  • GTT receives an order from China Merchant Heavy Industry-Jiangsu for the tank design of a new LNG Carrier

    GTT receives an order from China Merchant Heavy Industry-Jiangsu for the tank design of a new LNG Carrier

    Paris, November 12, 2024 – GTT recently received an order from China Merchant Heavy Industry-Jiangsu, a Chinese shipyard partner, for designing the tanks of a new LNG carrier with a capacity of 180,000 m³. This vessel will feature GTT’s Mark III Flex containment system and is set for delivery in the third quarter of 2027.

    GTT specializes in cryogenic membrane containment systems for liquefied gas transport and storage. The group is committed to sustainable innovation, providing technologies that enhance vessel performance and support a decarbonized future. GTT’s subsidiary, Elogen, also advances green hydrogen through proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzers.

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  • ClassNK Launches New Green Steel Certification Service for Safer, Greener Industry Choices

    ClassNK Launches New Green Steel Certification Service for Safer, Greener Industry Choices

    Tokyo — ClassNK, a well-known maritime certification body, has started a special certification service for green steel products. This new service allows ClassNK to certify individual green steel items made by steel manufacturers. Each certified product receives a unique logo on its mill certificate, which is a document that confirms the quality and specifications of the steel. By adding this logo, buyers can easily identify and trust the green steel they are purchasing, making the process safer and more reliable for everyone.

    Green steel is steel produced with fewer greenhouse gas emissions, helping reduce pollution and fight climate change. ClassNK has been active in supporting green steel and other eco-friendly products to help make industries more sustainable. In the past, ClassNK has checked and certified the amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduced during the production of green steel. It has also given special marks, known as notations, to ships that use green steel, showing they are helping the environment.

    Ministry of Steel organizing an event Greening Steel: Pathway to Sustainability

    With this new certification, each green steel product gets individually verified. Steel manufacturers that meet ClassNK’s standards for lower emissions can now have their products marked as green steel. When customers see the certification logo on the product’s certificate, they can feel confident that they are buying an eco-friendly product.

    This certification applies not only to green steel for ships but also to green steel used in other industries, like automotive and construction. So, manufacturers in different fields can use certified green steel, which could make a big difference in the push for cleaner and greener materials.

    ClassNK says it will continue improving its services to support decarbonization. By expanding the reach of this certification, they aim to support global efforts to reduce pollution and make eco-friendly choices easier for both buyers and manufacturers.