Connect with us

Decarbonisation

WK NatPower and Shandong Port to partner on shore power and ship electrification

Partnership will not only advance shore power and electric propulsion in China but also set the foundations for global green corridors that connect Asia and Europe.

Admin

Published

on

WK NatPower and Shandong Port to partner on shore power and ship electrification

Wah Kwong NatPower Holdings Limited (WK NatPower) on Monday (15 September) announced the signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Shandong Port Group (SPG) to develop large-scale shore power and ship charging projects.

WK NatPower is a new joint venture between Hong Kong shipowner Wah Kwong Maritime Transport and global clean infrastructure developer NatPower Marine launched early this month. 

The agreement begins with Qingdao Port International Co., Ltd., one of the world’s most automated terminals, and will explore new business models for electric vessels, establish technology and knowledge exchange, and lay the foundations for global green shipping corridors linking China and Europe.

A central objective of the MOU is to drive the electrification of ships, not only through the expansion of cold ironing to improve efficiency, but also by pioneering new applications for propulsion charging that will reduce reliance on fossil fuels at berth and at sea. 

Equally important is the commitment to share technology and experience, ensuring that the expertise developed at Shandong’s world-class ports and through WK NatPower’s global clean infrastructure projects can be exchanged to accelerate scalable and commercially viable solutions.

Under the agreement, WK NatPower and Shandong Port Group will collaborate in leveraging Shandong Port Group experience in shore power supply and support the further expansion of NatPower’s global shore power services network, connecting SPG’s ports in the global Green Corridors, delivering integrated, one-stop solutions for international shipping clients. 

This initiative will play a pivotal role in reducing carbon emissions across the maritime industry and accelerating the energy transition. The partnership will also prioritise the export and wider application of these solutions, starting with joint projects in Hong Kong and Mainland China and extending into Europe. Together, these efforts will enable the creation of interconnected green shipping corridors, transforming major trade routes into low-emission supply chains.

The partnership will accelerate the establishment and expansion of a global shore power services network, integrated, one-stop charging solutions for international shipping lines, reducing carbon emissions at scale and accelerating the energy transition across key global hubs.

“The strategic alliance with Qingdao Port is a major step in decarbonising global supply chains. By integrating our expertise and networks, we are building an ecosystem for green shipping and providing the industry with solutions towards net zero,” said Vincent Ni, General Manager of WK NatPower.

“This partnership with Shandong Port Group marks a pivotal moment in the journey to decarbonise global shipping. By combining NatPower’s international expertise with SPG’s leadership and scale, we are not only advancing shore power and electric propulsion in China but also setting the foundations for global green corridors that connect Asia and Europe. Together, we are turning ambition into action and creating the infrastructure that will power the next era of sustainable shipping,” said Stefano D.M. Sommadossi CEO, NatPower Marine UK and Joint Director, Wah Kwong NatPower Holding.

“This agreement strengthens our partnership and allows us to expand our cooperation in green energy. It is our shared vision to develop green port infrastructure and reduce emissions in shipping, which is central to establishing Qingdao as a leading international shipping centre,” said Zhang Baohua, General Manager of Qingdao Port International Co., Ltd.

Related: Wah Kwong and NatPower Marine launch Asia’s first zero-emission port power venture

 

Photo credit: WK NatPower
Published: 16 September, 2025

Continue Reading

Alternative Fuels

MPA and MSC ink MoU to support adoption of alternative bunker fuels

MPA and MSC will explore new routes and services to strengthen connectivity, support the adoption of alternative marine fuels such as bio-LNG, and advance technologies to improve vessel energy efficiency.

Admin

Published

on

By

MPA and MSC ink MoU to support adoption of alternative bunker fuels

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Wednesday (3 June) said it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company to strengthen collaboration in maritime decarbonisation, digitalisation, innovation, and manpower development. 

The MoU was signed on 25 May 2026 by Mr Ang Wee Keong, Chief Executive of MPA, and Mr Soren Toft, Chief Executive Officer of MSC.

The MoU underscores the shared commitment of MPA and MSC to foster a sustainable, digital, and future-ready maritime sector, while enhancing MSC’s operational and business activities in Singapore. This year also marks the 30th anniversary of MSC establishing its Asia Regional Office and local office in Singapore.

Under the MoU, MPA and MSC will explore new routes and services to strengthen connectivity, support the adoption of alternative marine fuels such as bio-LNG, and advance technologies to improve vessel energy efficiency and operational performance.

MPA and MSC will also collaborate on maritime digitalisation initiatives to improve operational efficiency, including streamlining vessel arrivals and port operations. 

On manpower development, MSC will support internship and scholarship opportunities through Singapore Maritime Foundation’s Maritime Outreach Network (MaritimeONE) platform, an industry-led tripartite partnership comprising industry, government and institutes of higher learning that aims to raise awareness of the maritime industry and attract quality talent into the maritime sector.

Mr Ang Wee Keong, Chief Executive of MPA, said: “This partnership reflects the strong collaboration between MPA and MSC in driving sustainability and digitalisation in the maritime sector. By working together on decarbonisation, operational efficiency and talent development, we aim to strengthen Maritime Singapore’s position as a trusted and future-ready global maritime hub.”

Mr Soren Toft, Chief Executive Officer of MSC, said: “Singapore is a strategically important hub for MSC and a key gateway to the broader Asia region. As we mark 30 years in Singapore, this MOU reinforces our long-term commitment to strengthening our presence here. MSC and Singapore are closely aligned on the priorities shaping the future of global shipping, and we look forward to deepening this partnership to drive the continued growth and resilience of the maritime industry.”

 

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 4 June, 2026

Continue Reading

Emissions reporting

StormGeo and OceanScore link emissions data, compliance workflows

Cooperation combines StormGeo’s expertise in operational vessel and emissions data with OceanScore’s expertise in emissions compliance workflows across EU ETS, FuelEU Maritime and UK ETS requirements.

Admin

Published

on

By

StormGeo and OceanScore link emissions data, compliance workflows

Weather intelligence and decision support solutions provider StormGeo and Hamburg-based technology platform OceanScore on Wednesday (3 June) said they have deepened their ongoing cooperation through the signing of a collaboration agreement during Posidonia 2026 in Athens on 2 June.

The cooperation combines StormGeo’s expertise in operational vessel and emissions data with OceanScore’s expertise in emissions compliance workflows across EU ETS, FuelEU Maritime and upcoming UK ETS requirements.

Together, the companies aim to help shipping companies seamlessly navigate increasing regulatory complexity more efficiently — from emissions reporting and data validation to compliance exposure management, pooling and financial settlement.

As emissions regulation becomes an increasingly important part of commercial shipping operations, the need for reliable operational data and streamlined compliance processes continues to grow. The cooperation between StormGeo and OceanScore is designed to support shipping companies with more connected, transparent and actionable processes across operational and commercial teams.

“From the outside, companies like StormGeo and OceanScore may sometimes be perceived as competitors because both operate around emissions and compliance workflows,” said Albrecht Grell, Managing Director at OceanScore. 

“But in reality, the industry increasingly needs both perspectives working together: trusted operational emissions data on one side and commercial compliance execution on the other. Our cooperation reflects that shipping companies are no longer looking for isolated solutions — they need connected processes, automated across different systems and reliable decision-making throughout the full compliance chain.”

By connecting validated operational emissions data with commercial compliance management, the cooperation supports workflows across:

  • emissions reporting and validation 
  • compliance management across EU ETS, FuelEU Maritime and upcoming UK ETS requirements
  • exposure visibility and cost transparency
  • pooling, settlement and financial processes 

The cooperation also aims to improve commercial transparency and coordination across operational and commercial stakeholders.

“StormGeo plays a central role in helping shipping companies turn operational vessel and emissions data into trusted, decision-ready insights,” said Espen Martinsen, Chief Commercial Officer at StormGeo. 

“As emissions regulations become more complex, this data is essential for transparent and efficient compliance management. By working with OceanScore, we can help customers connect StormGeo’s validated operational data with commercial compliance processes, creating a more integrated and practical approach to emissions management.”

The signing ceremony took place at the StormGeo booth during Posidonia 2026 in Athens and was attended by representatives from both companies.

Both companies expect the cooperation to continue evolving alongside upcoming regulatory developments, including FuelEU Maritime, EU ETS, the upcoming UK ETS and future emissions-related frameworks affecting global shipping.

 

Photo credit: StormGeo
Published: 4 June, 2026

Continue Reading

Methanol

Seaspan and Hapag-Lloyd complete first of five methanol vessel retrofit

Following “Seaspan Yangtze”, the remaining vessels planned for retrofit under the methanol retrofit programme are “Seaspan Amazon”, “Seaspan Ganges”, “Seaspan Thames”, and “Seaspan Zambezi”.

Admin

Published

on

By

Seaspan and Hapag-Lloyd complete first of five methanol vessel retrofit

Seaspan Corporation (Seaspan) and Hapag-Lloyd on Wednesday (3 June) announced the successful completion of the first of the five vessel conversions under their methanol retrofit programme with the delivery of Seaspan Yangtze.

From the early SAVER (Seaspan Action for Vessel Energy Reduction) programme to today’s CleanBlue initiative, Seaspan has committed over USD 230 USD million across 86 vessels, executing more than 550 efficiency and retrofit projects.

Following Seaspan Yangtze, the remaining vessels planned for retrofit under the programme are Seaspan Amazon, Seaspan Ganges, Seaspan Thames, and Seaspan Zambezi. Each retrofit is expected to reduce well-to-wake CO₂e emissions by approximately 30,000 to 50,000 metric tonnes per vessel annually when operating on low-carbon methanol, while also extending vessel lifespan and enhancing fuel flexibility.

“Decarbonisation is not just about building the fleet of tomorrow, it is also about unlocking the full potential of the fleet we have today. Retrofitting and upgrades on existing fleets play a practical, immediate, and economical role in accelerating shipping’s decarbonization journey,” said Bing Chen, Chairman, President and CEO of Seaspan. 

“Project SAVER CleanBlue highlights Seaspan’s strong customer partnerships, deep technical expertise, and unique platform integrated with JV partners, such as WattSpan Maritime Technology, in executing complex and large-scale retrofit projects.”

“The successful conversion of the Seaspan Yangtze together with the planned retrofit of its four sister vessels is another important step on our ambitious path towards net-zero fleet operations by 2045,” said Silke Lehmköster, Managing Director, Fleet, Hapag-Lloyd. 

“Together with Seaspan, we are demonstrating that retrofitting existing vessels for low-carbon methanol can be a practical way to reduce emissions in shipping.”

 

Photo credit: Seaspan
Published: 4 June, 2026

Continue Reading

Trending