ABB Set to Power Caledonian Maritime Assetsâ New Electric Ferry Fleet
ABB has secured a contract to supply power distribution and propulsion systems for seven all-electric double-ended ferries being built by Remontowa Shipbuilding in Poland for Caledonian Maritime Assets (CMAL).The 50-meter vessels, part of CMALâs Small Vessel Replacement Program, are scheduled for delivery between late 2027 and early 2029. They will operate on nine routes across Scotlandâs Clyde and Hebrides region, each carrying up to 200 passengers and 24 cars, with one vessel configured for 250 passengers and 16 cars.ABB will equip the ferries with its Compact Onboard DC Grid systemâŚ
Nuclear-Powered Ships on Distant Course to Net-Zero Horizon, DNV Finds
Growing environmental pressures are reviving interest in nuclear propulsion as a potential long-term route to decarbonize shipping, DNV said in a new paper, despite there being no civilian nuclear-powered vessels built for more than four decades.DNVâs latest report, Maritime nuclear propulsion: Technologies, commercial viability, and regulatory challenges for nuclear-powered vessels, highlights how maritime nuclear technologies differ from land-based reactors, and emphasizes the need to address technologicalâŚ
WinGDâs Ethanol-Fueled Two-Stroke Marine Engine to Hit Market in 2026
Swiss marine power company WinGD will offer the first ethanol-fueled two-stroke marine engine next year, with deliveries for newbuild and retrofit applications starting in 2027.The announcement follows a decade of investigation into ethanol fuel, including full-scale engine tests in 2018, and the successful launch of a methanol-fueled engine that uses the same combustion concept and is subject to the same safety regulations as the new ethanol engine.The new engine will be adapted from the X DF-M methanol-fueled engineâŚ
Hybrid Patrol Boats Offer More than Emissions Savings
Interest in hybrid government and patrol boats is growing as boat builders demonstrate their many benefits.Launched last year at Seawork, Sweden-based Marell Boats says its M17 Patrol was the star of the show with its hybrid powertrain from Scania and propulsion system by Marine Jet Power.Like others in the patrol boat market, Project Manager Mario Celegin is seeing increasing interest in hybrid patrol boats. Thereâs a lot of reasons why: near-silent patrolling in electric modeâŚ
Next-Gen French OPV with Wind-Assisted Propulsion Starts Taking Shape
The next generation offshore patrol vessel (OPV), featuring hybrid propulsion and wind sails, has started taking shape as the first steel is cut for the Directorate General for Maritime Affairs, Fisheries and Aquaculture (DGAMPA) vessel, designed by the SOCARENAM-MAURIC consortium.On September 18, 2025, the steel cutting ceremony was held for the New Generation Maritime Affairs Patrol Vessel (PAM) with wind-assisted propulsion.The transition from the design to construction phase follows the tender win by the SOCARENAM-MAURIC consortium in December 2024âŚ
Wärtsilä to Supply Electric Propulsion System for Molslinjenâs New Ferries
Technology group Wärtsilä has been selected to deliver a fully integrated electric propulsion system with waterjets for two new high-speed catamaran ferries being built for Danish ferry operator Molslinjen.The battery-electric vessels are being built at the Incat shipyard in Tasmania, with Wärtsilä supplying the integrated electric propulsion system, the DC power conversion system, its energy management and automation systems, eight electric propulsion motors and waterjets, as well as the Wärtsilä ProTouch propulsion control system.The two ferriesâŚ
Wasaline Hits Carbon Neutrality Mark
Wasaline says it has become the first carbon-neutral shipping company in the Baltic Sea, reaching its original 2030 climate target six years ahead of schedule. The milestone comes as the Finnish-Swedish operator signed a biogas supply contract with Gasum and entered a FuelEU Maritime pooling agreement with Stena Line, enabling its VaasaâUmeå service to run entirely on biofuels.The agreement makes the route the first international green shipping corridor in operation, an achievement supported by the DNV-led Nordic Roadmap.
Dual-Fuel LR2 Tankers to Sport Wind Propulsion, too
BAR Technologies confirmed an order for its WindWings propulsion system to be installed on a pair of new LR2 dual-fuel tankers, marking one of the first confirmed large-scale wind propulsion deployments on this vessel class, building on the integration of WindWings aboard the UML-operated Brands Hatch.The new 250-m-long tankers, Suzuka and Long Beach, will each be equipped with two 37.5m WindWings. The ships are being designed by SDARI and constructed by Xiamen Shipbuilding Industry (XSI)âŚ
Vertomâs Four New Cargo Ships to Sport Wärtsilä Hybrid Propulsion Solution
Technology group Wärtsilä has secured a contract to supply an integrated hybrid propulsion solution for four new 10,700 DWT geared tween decker vessels being built for Dutch ship owner and maritime service provider Vertom Group.Combining the Wärtsilä 25 medium-speed four-stroke engine with a hybrid propulsion drive train with PTO/PTI/PTH, the package is designed to optimize vessel propulsion efficiency, while enabling sailing modes on batteries without using combustion power.The 10âŚ
WinGD Secures First Hybrid Integration Job for Wind-Assisted Vessels
Swiss marine power company WinGD has secured a contract to integrate hybrid power and energy systems on four 113,600 DWT, wind-assisted tankers under construction for Union Maritime (UML).The agreement marks the first time that WinGDâs X-EL Integrated Energy solution will be deployed with wind-assisted propulsion systems, with the aim of ensuring optimal use of power generated by the main engine and the sails onboard.The vessels will be built by Xiamen Shipbuilding Industry, with WinGD configuring the hybrid power systemâŚ
Kongsberg Bags Equipment Supply Order for DOFâs New OSV
Kongsberg Maritime has secured a contract to supply an integrated package of equipment for a new Offshore Support Vessel (OSV) being built for ship owner DOF.The new 110-meter OSV, with a capacity to accommodate 164 people, is designed by MMC Ship Design and constructed at CRIST shipyard in Gdynia in Poland. The vessel will operate offshore Newfoundland, known for its harsh environmental conditions.It will be equipped with a comprehensive range of Kongsberg Maritime systems, including the DC main switchboardâŚ
WinGD Reports âExceptional Resultsâ for Ammonia Engine Test
WinGD reports it has confirmed key parameters for its X-DF-A ammonia-fueled engine design after full-load testing at its Engine Research and Innovation Centre in Winterthur in Switzerland.The performance and emission measurements deliver timely assurance as the first users prepare their vessels and auxiliary systems for ammonia fuel.The tests confirm engine performance data that WinGD has published in its General Technical Data (GTD) software, available online, and guaranteed to customers.Operation on ammonia achieved the same thermal efficiency as for diesel fuelâŚ
WSF Hybrid-Electric Ferry Conversions Put on Ice
In a move to restore full domestic ferry service by summer, Governor Bob Ferguson said that Washington State Ferries (WSF) will delay the hybrid-electric conversion of two of the stateâs largest ferries. The decision comes as WSF works to increase its operational fleet, ensuring that 18 vessels are in service simultaneously for the first time since 2019. Restoring full domestic ferry service requires 21 vessels, with at least 18 running at any given time. By postponing the hybrid-electric upgrades until after the 2026 FIFA World CupâŚ
Schottel Propulsion LNG Bunkering Vessel Trio
Schottel was selected to supply full propulsion packages for three new LNG bunkering vessels (LNGBV), each consisting of a controllable pitch propeller, a retractable rudder propeller, and a transverse thruster. The ships, with a loading capacity of 20,000 cbm, are currently under construction at the Chinese shipyard Nantong CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering Co. Ltd. and are scheduled for delivery in 2026 and 2027. Two vessels have been ordered by UK-based LNG bunkering provider Avenir LNG Ltd and one by Singaporean Vitol International Shipping Ltd.
Corvus ESS Powers the World's First Fully Electric Offshore Vessel
Corvus Energy will deliver a mega-size battery system for the first fully electric offshore vessel ever to be built. The vessel is an electric Commissioning Service Operation Vessel (eCSOV) that will be constructed by Armon shipyard in Spain for UK-based shipowner Bibby Marine Ltd.For the project, Corvus Energy will supply its Blue Whale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) delivering close to 25MWh of power for the vessel. According to Corvus, it will be the largest LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery system ever delivered to a maritime project.UniqueâŚ
WinGDâs New Ammonia-Fueled Engine Passes Initial Trials
Swiss marine power company WinGD has conducted early testing of its new X-DF-A ammonia-fueled engine design, proving that the key parameters are in line with expectations.A 52-bore single-cylinder version of the X-DF-A engine is running at the companyâs Engine Research and Innovation Centre (ERIC) in Winterthur, with final validation to be completed in time for the first engine deliveries in June 2025.Single-cylinder testing will allow rapid validation of the ammonia combustion system under engine conditionsâŚ
Hybrid Waterjet Passenger Ferries Launched for Savannah, GA
Marine Jet Power (MJP), a global provider of waterjet propulsion, and Derecktor Shipyards New York announced the launch and christening of two groundbreaking passenger ferries for Chatham Area Transit (CAT) of Savannah, Georgia.These vessels represent a significant milestone as the first hybrid passenger ferries in the United States powered by waterjet propulsion.The two 65-foot ferries, The Juliette Gordon Low II and The Susie King Taylor II, powered by MJP UltraJet 305 waterjets, incorporate cutting-edge hybrid technology, marking a new era in sustainable maritime transportation.
INSIGHTS: Timo Vesala, ABB Marine & Ports
Timo Vesala, Account Manager, Americas, at ABB Marine & Ports, is responsible for newbuild sales in the Americas market. Since joining ABB in 2018, he has gathered extensive experience in the marine industry with a focus on electrification and propulsion systems. He holds a Masterâs Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Aalto University, Finland, and has a passion for clean technology and maritime decarbonization. This month, in our annual Power & Propulsion edition, he weighsâŚ
ABS CEO Wiernicki Emphasizes Sustainable Shipping
Donât Overlook Shippingâs Critical Role in U.S. Sustainable Transport Future, ABS Chairman and CEO Urges Washington.âMany of our sustainable transportation programs and initiatives tend to become mode-centric, but it is critically important to optimize the overall sustainable freight transportation across modes from origin to destination, which requires a system of systems focus.âThat was the message to U.S. transportation industry and Government leaders from ABS Chairman and CEO Christopher J.
X-DF-M Engine Completes Full-Load Running on Methanol
WinGD hit a milestone with its X-DF-M methanol-fuelled engine design, running the first commercial engine at full load on more than 95% methanol fuel. The 10-cylinder, 92-bore 10X92DF-M engine was run on a testbed at CSSC-MES Diesel (CMD) in Shanghai in mid-December.The engine will be installed on the fourth of a series of 16,000 TEU container vessels being built for COSCO Shipping Lines at COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry (Yangzhou) shipyard. Te single-fuel 10X92-B engines on earlierâŚ
WinGD to Supply 16 Dual-Fuel Engines for Eight LNG Carriers
Swiss marine power company WinGD has received an order for 16 X-DF dual-fuel engines for eight liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers, after a late-stage switch by a major ship owner.The order was received relatively late in the newbuilding planning phase as operational and delivery concerns arose around the engines originally selected, according to WinGD.Despite the timing, close collaboration with engine builder, yard and shipowner â which already uses X-DF engines on severalâŚ
France's First Hydrogen-Electric Powered Fishing Training Vessel Ready to Set Sail
The LPMA: Maritime and Aquaculture Professional School of Bastia will on November 15, 2024, inaugurate France's first hydrogen-electric powered fishing training vessel, dubbed Alba, which was designed by a MAURIC-led consortium.Alba vessel has been specifically designed to include fishing training capabilities such as longline and seine techniques.The vessel can accommodate up to 12 students and 2 instructors (crew).With an overall length of 19.95 meters, the maximum length allowed by the LPMA specificationsâŚ
AYK Energy to Supply Batteries for Mureloil's New Diesel Electric Tanker
Marine battery manufacturer AYK Energy reports it has secured a contract to build a new 4,200 KWh battery for Spanish ship owner Mureloil. The agreement will see AYKâs Aries + battery supplied on a new 7999 DWT diesel-electric product tanker being built for Mureloil at Astilleros Murueta shipyard near Bilbao.AYK founder Chris Kruger said the vessel will be able to operate on zero emission battery power while entering and exiting port immediately improving air quality and cutting emissions in built up port areas.
