Fortnightly maritime news for the industry and PortXL community
Training simulators ‘more relevant now than ever’ in post-pandemic bounce-back
Training simulators will be more relevant than ever as ports seek to upskill workers and help the UK economy bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic. Port congestion, full deployment of tonnage on key routes, and delays to supply chains means port terminal operators will need to “increase that skill and headcount” of terminal operatives to meet demands of immediate peaks through the marketplace according to speakers at an online webinar hosted by Antycip.
Developing Unique Methanol-to-Hydrogen Technology for Marine Sector
Ardmore Shipping Corporation has signed a Letter of Intent with Element 1 and Maritime Partners to establish a joint venture to launch a unique methanol-to-hydrogen technology to the marine sector. The unique technology, developed by Element 1 produces hydrogen on demand at the point of consumption, eliminating the logistical challenges and costs inherent in distributing compressed hydrogen.
Wallenius Wilhelmsen to build wind-powered RoRo ship by 2025
Wallenius Wilhelmsen is planning to build a wind-powered Pure Car and Truck Carrier that is expected to achieve up to 90% reduced emissions compared to today’s best vessels. Named the Orcelle Wind, the vessel design is scheduled to be ready for contracting with a shipyard by mid-2022, and a finished vessel ready for the high seas by 2025.
Maersk will operate the world’s first carbon neutral containership by 2023 in big methanol breakthrough
“A.P. Moller – Maersk’s ambition is to lead the way in decarbonising global logistics. Our customers expect us to help them decarbonise their global supply chains, and we are embracing the challenge, working on solving the practical, technical and safety challenges inherent in the carbon neutral fuels we need in the future. Our ambition to have a carbon neutral fleet by 2050 was a moonshot when we announced in 2018. Today we see it as a challenging, yet achievable target to reach,” said Søren Skou, CEO of A.P. Moller – Maersk.
Vestas takes stake in wood tower start-up
As part of Vestas’ commitment to reduce carbon emissions across its supply chain by 45% per megawatt-hour delivered to the market by 2030, Vestas said it will use its role as an investor to support Modvion’s scale-up strategy. Modvion specialises in the development and manufacturing of wind turbine towers made from laminated veneer lumber (LVL), a biocomposite material sourced sustainably from a supplier network, and validated to “uphold robust reforestation strategies”. When compared directly with the value chain of a conventional steel tower, Modvion towers are expected to reduce carbon emissions by 80%.
Bechtel and Hexicon form floating wind partnership
Bechtel offers engineering, construction, and project management services while Hexicon is mainly engaged in the design, development and engineering of floating multi-turbine wind power platforms. The partnership aims to develop the design and constructability of a 35 to 40 MW floating wind project. The team will also explore how the technology could be brought to market and the roles that local suppliers could play in shipbuilding, mooring, and installations, as well as the long-term serving needs of floating offshore wind.
Port of Antwerp and PSA Antwerp upgrade Europa Terminal as part of sustainable growth
To enable Europa Terminal to handle the largest container vessels, Port of Antwerp is planning to deepen the quay wall of this terminal in dialogue with PSA Antwerp, the operator of the terminal. To this end, the current quay wall will be completely demolished and replaced by a new one. In order to limit the operational impact, the works will be carried out in three phases. With this deepening project, Port of Antwerp and PSA Antwerp confirm their ambition to make the best and most sustainable use of the existing space at the port.
