US-based Conrad Shipyard recently announced the joint receipt of an Approval in Principle (AiP) with Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) for the design of a 12,000-cbm LNG bunkering articulated tug and barge (ATB). 

The achievement was announced as part of the Korea-U.S. Shipbuilding Partnership Center (KUSPC) opening event attended by government and industry representatives from both the United States and Korea on 23 July.

Conrad Shipyard said the AiP reflects the successful development of a vessel concept intended for construction in the United States and builds upon the cooperation framework established between Conrad and Samsung Heavy Industries for LNG bunkering vessel development.

“This achievement reflects Conrad’s commitment to combining proven shipbuilding expertise with innovative engineering and strong strategic partnerships,” said Cecil Hernandez, President and CEO of Conrad Shipyard. 

“By collaborating with global technology leaders while building capability here in the United States, we continue to strengthen American shipbuilding and advance practical solutions for the evolving needs of the maritime industry.”

Photo credit: Conrad Shipyard
Published: 28 July, 2026

Tsuneishi Solutions Tokyobay (T-SOL) on Friday (24 July) said it delivered the first Low-flashpoint Fuel (MeOH) Supply System (LFSS) for medium- and low-speed diesel engines at the end of May 2026. 

The LFSS received Approval in Principle (AiP) from ClassNK in April 2024. It is the first unit of T-SOL’s proprietary LFSS developed in-house and will be installed on a Kamsarmax bulk carrier, marking its first application on an actual vessel following the AiP granted by ClassNK.

An LFSS is designed to safely and reliably supply alternative fuels with low flashpoints, such as methanol, to a vessel’s main engine.

The LFSS delivered by T-SOL has been developed specifically for medium- and low-speed diesel engines and features a simple and compact design in terms of its main components, dimensions and weight. The system is equipped with key components manufactured by Japanese suppliers, enabling the provision of instruction manuals in Japanese as well as prompt and flexible responses to customer enquiries.

As the LFSS is assembled in Japan, customers adopting T-SOL’s LFSS are not required to attend Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) overseas or arrange for engineers from overseas equipment manufacturers to travel to Japan, thereby helping reduce both costs and operational burdens for customers. T-SOL also provides on-site technical support during commissioning and testing.

With the tightening and introduction of environmental regulations, marine fuels are entering a period of transition from heavy fuel oil to alternative fuels, including methanol. 

“The transition requires new expertise and considerable time for technical evaluation, increasing the burden on customers. Drawing on the expertise of its experienced engineers, T-SOL provides comprehensive support throughout each customer’s transition to alternative fuels,” the company said. 

Following the delivery of its first LFSS, T-SOL will continue to work to ensure a stable supply of LFSS units while advancing the research and development of technologies that contribute to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction, including engineering solutions for other alternative fuels. 

Photo credit: Tsuneishi Solutions Tokyobay
Published: 27 July, 2026

Shipowner and marine engineering solutions provider James Fisher and Sons on Wednesday (22 July) said it has marked another milestone with the naming of Orca Fisher, the first of its new Sealife class chemical tankers to enter service, on the River Thames in London. 

Orca Fisher is the first of four Sealife class vessels, alongside Narwhal Fisher, Tiger Fisher and Dolphin Fisher.

As customers across the energy and industrial sectors seek to reduce emissions across their supply chains without compromising reliability, the Sealife class vessels combine dual-fuel LNG capability with technologies that reduce fuel consumption, improve operational performance and enhance safety. 

The vessels incorporate a range of engineering innovations to improve efficiency both at sea and in port. An optimised hull form, propulsion optimisation systems and integrated rudder and propeller design enhance performance underway, while waste heat recovery technology captures energy from cooling water, exhaust gases and onboard systems to improve energy efficiency alongside. 

The naming ceremony also follows the recent appointments of Rob Hales as Head of Maritime Transport and Guy Barker, Product Line Director for James Fisher Tankships who will lead the next phase of the Fleet of the Future programme. 

Rob Hales, Head of Maritime Transport at James Fisher and Sons, said: “The naming of Orca Fisher represents far more than the introduction of a new vessel. Our customers are looking for partners who can help them move essential cargo safely, reliably and with a lower environmental footprint. 

“The Sealife class has been developed around those needs, combining operational resilience with technologies that improve efficiency and reduce emissions.

“By investing in a modern fleet today, we’re helping ensure coastal shipping remains fit for the future while continuing to deliver the expertise and dependable service our customers trust us to deliver.”

Jean Vernet, Chief Executive Officer at James Fisher and Sons, said: “The future of coastal shipping will be shaped by operators that can improve efficiency while reducing environmental impact. 

“Orca Fisher and her sister vessels are an important step in that journey, reflecting our commitment to investing in vessels that are ready to meet the evolving needs of our customers and the markets we serve.

“Fleet renewal is central to our strategy, enabling us to provide more efficient, lower-emission transport solutions while creating long-term value for customers, our people and our business.”

Photo credit: James Fisher and Sons
Published: 27 July, 2026