SAAM Towage Strengthens Fleet With New Tugs for Chile and Peru
SAAM Towage, the largest towage operator in the Americas, has added two new units to its fleet: the SAAM Petrel and the SAAM Charrán. These modern ships, designed by the firm Robert Allan and built at the Sanmar shipyard in Turkey.Their names—SAAM Petrel and SAAM Charrán—pay homage to seabirds native to the coasts of Chile and Peru, following a SAAM Towage tradition dating back 60 years to the company's founding.SAAM Petrel. © SAAM TowageThe SAAM Petrel is on its way to the Port of Arica in Chile.
Alternative Fuel Vessels Orders Continue to Grow Despite Slowing of Overall Newbuild Market
Ordering of alternative-fueled vessels is continuing to grow in 2025, despite a slowdown in the overall newbuild market. According to data from DNV’s Alternative Fuels Insight (AFI) platform, new orders for alternative-fueled vessels reached 19.8 million gross tonnes (GT) in the first six months of 2025, exceeding the 2024 figure by 78%. This marks a shift in capital allocation, as shipowners increasingly prioritize future-ready assets in response to regulatory pressure, fuel availability…
The Switch to Deliver DC-Hub, Electric PM Propulsion Machine Package to Bergen Tankers
Bergen Tankers and Equinor have signed a long-term charter agreement for two oil/chemical tanker newbuilds with an electric propulsion system, which aim to set a new standard for low emissions at the Norwegian Coast.The Norway-based companies selected Berg Propulsion as the system integrator for these DNV ice-classed tankers. The newbuild 6,500 dwt stainless steel tankers will be built by Zhoushan Dashenzhou Shipbuilding in China.The vessels will include two electric drive controllable…
Hempel Launches First Silicone Hull Coating For Newbuilds
Hempel announced expanding its market-leading Hempaguard range with the launch of Hempaguard NB, a high-performance silicone hull coating, designed specifically for newbuild vessels. For the first time, shipowners and shipyards can access Hempaguard’s trusted fuel savings and fouling protection during the construction phase, marking a step forward in hull coating innovation.Until now, applying advanced silicone coatings during the newbuilding process has posed logistical challenges for shipowners.
