KAUST Research Vessel Keel Laid at Freire Shipyard
The keel laying of the new research vessel, Thuwal II, for the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) at the Freire Shipyard marks the beginning of a new chapter in marine research in Saudi Arabia, driving innovation in this crucial field for the country. The contract for the newbuild was announced in August 2024.“The RV Thuwal II represents a decisive step in our commitment to strengthen Saudi Arabia's scientific infrastructure and protect the Red Sea ecosystem. This new addition will open the door to high-impact technology collaborations in the region. Its commissioning
First Dutch Navy Mine Countermeasure Vessel Starts Sea Trials
Kership (a joint venture between Piriou and Naval Group) as industrial prime contractor.Several sea trials campaigns will follow before delivery at the end of 2025.The first vessel, Oostende, intended for the Belgian Navy is currently undergoing trials of its combat system in Naval Group Lorient shipyard. It will be delivered during the summer 2025.The first sea trials of the Tournai, third vessel of the program and second unit intended for the Belgian Navy, are planned for the end of the summer 2025. The fourth vessel, the Scheveningen, second vessel intended for the Royal Netherlands Navy, was
Fugro’s Geophysical Survey Vessel Brought Safely to Port
Dutch geological data specialist Fugro, has reported that its Fugro Mercator vessel, which run aground off Italy, has been safely towed to a shipyard for inspection.The 42-meter long geophysical survey vessel had run aground on the north coast of Elba on March 22.With no injuries to people and no harm to the environment, Fugro is thankful that the impact of the incident has remained limited.The vessel will now be fully inspected at the shipyard. Fugro will also conduct a full review of the event to learn what caused the ship to run aground."We are very grateful to the Italian coastguard and our
JAMSTEC Launches Japan’s First Arctic Research Vessel
The Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC) has launched Japan’s first Arctic research vessel, named Mirai II.The construction of the Mirai II vessel began in 2021, at Japan Marine United Corporation’s shipyard.The vessel is 128 meters long, with the with of 23 meters, and draft spanning 8 meters.The vessel’s tonnage stands at 13,000 tons, and is said to be capable of continuously breaking 1.2m of flat one-year ice at a ship speed of 3.0kt.Mirai II will be capable of accommodating 97 people on board, including 34 crew members and 63 researchers.The ship is of
MacGregor to Deliver Crane for Dive Support Vessel
MacGregor, part of Cargotec, has been awarded a contract to deliver a 100T AHC crane for a dive support vessel owned by Jana Marine Service Company.The crane delivery to the Guangzhou Salvage shipyard is scheduled in the second quarter 2026, with vessel delivery later that year..MacGregor's local sales team will work in close cooperation with Guangzhou Salvage throughout the project to ensure the crane's seamless integration into the vessel and optimise its performance."Our 100T AHC crane is a proven solution that offers superior performance and reliability. We are confident that it will
Asso.subsea Introduces Marine Technology Business Unit
our mission statement. Specially designed for shallow-water operations, the Althea will enable Asso.subsea to access areas that larger vessels cannot, ensuring efficient and environmentally responsible cable laying and protection.“Our collaboration with the esteemed China Merchants Heavy Industry shipyard ensures that this vessel will set new standards in efficiency and sustainability, strengthening our ability to meet the growing demand for offshore power cable installation,” said Ioannis Togias, Executive Director of the newly established Marine Technology Business Unit
Elomatic and Thyssenkrupp Ink Ship Design Contract for New Polarstern Icebreaker
and Finland-based consulting and engineering company Elomatic have signed a design and engineering contract to support the development of a new Polarstern ship, bound to become the largest and most advanced research and polar logistics icebreaker.The ship will be built at the large and modern shipyard of tkMS in Wismar. The shipyard has a remarkable track record in developing complex icebreaking ships, with more than 120 ships built for polar regions.In December 2024, tkMS was awarded the public tender for the construction of the new Polarstern by the Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine
Subsea Global Solutions Appoints Eric Smith as CCO
as Director of Shared Resources at Resolve Marine, overseeing worldwide assets, vessels, and facilities across six countries.His previous experience includes key leadership roles such as CCO for Hendry Marine Industries, where he managed operations for multiple subsidiaries, including Gulf Marine Repair Shipyard.Smith also held a senior leadership position at Overseas Shipholding Group (OSG), where he was responsible for business development, chartering, and commercial operations.As CCO for Subsea Global Solutions, Eric will be responsible for shaping and executing the company’s commercial strategy
Support for Jones Act, Concern about China Voiced at Maritime Infrastructure Hearing
mariners that the US relies on to transport goods and its military, in times of peace and war.“Unfortunately, the rise of the shipbuilding industries of global competitors has led to a decline in our own shipbuilding capacity. Coastal Mississippi and the Gulf Coast as a whole, is home to several shipyards employing thousands of Americans. I look forward to discussing ways to reinvigorate this critical industry.”Giving witness testimony, Joe Rella, President, St. Johns Ship Building, Inc., on behalf of Shipbuilders Council of America, pointed out that when the Jones Act is not enforced or is
February 2025
