Singapore-based container operator Pacific International Lines (PIL) on Tuesday (25 March) said it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with classification society ABS at Singapore Maritime Week that establishes a framework to collaborate on projects related to maritime technology, sustainability and safety management systems.

As part of the overall strategic partnership, the MoU allows PIL and ABS to exchange technical knowledge and jointly explore innovative maritime technologies. The ABS Technology and Singapore Innovation Research Center will provide modeling and simulation to support PIL’s new vessel constructions and existing vessel retrofits.

ABS Sustainability specialists will work with PIL to develop an energy-efficiency strategy including techno-economic studies, and the implementation of practical decarbonisation measures that enhance environmental performance.

Safety is another key focus area of the agreement, with ABS providing guidance for Port State Control improvement and aligning safety standards with global best practices.

Christopher J. Wiernicki, ABS Chairman and CEO, said: “We look forward to capitalising on our unique strengths and capabilities in maritime compliance and cutting-edge technologies to advance safety, emissions reduction and operational efficiency.”

Lars Kastrup, CEO of PIL, said, “This MoU reinforces our commitment and supports our plans to future-proof our fleet. Partnering with ABS allows us to leverage world-class expertise to drive innovation, advance decarbonisation, and enhance safety management.”

“This long-term collaboration is a testament to our dedication to driving progress, ensuring that we stay ahead of regulatory changes while maintaining operational excellence and environmental responsibility.”

The MoU will enable PIL to advance the resilience and competitiveness of its fleet by exploring innovative solutions, fostering technical knowledge exchange, and assessing emerging maritime and decarbonisation technologies. PIL has recently taken delivery of four new LNG dual-fuel container vessels and has another 14 on order that can benefit from this partnership.

Related: Singapore-based PIL names fourth 14,000 TEU LNG dual-fuel boxship in China
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Photo credit: Pacific International Lines
Published: 26 March, 2025

Cummins on Thursday (6 March) said it has received Approval in Principle (AiP) from DNV for its methanol-ready QSK60 IMO II and IMO III marine engines.

The engines are available in power ratings from 2000 to 2700 hp (1491 – 2013 kW). 

The company said the approval, granted in June 2024, validated Cummins’ retrofittable methanol dual-fuel solution for the global marine market, ensuring compliance with the highest standards of safety and performance.

Following extensive field testing, Cummins plans to launch the retrofit kits for the QSK60 post-2028 to align with market demand and infrastructure readiness. Designed for diesel-electric systems, these kits can be integrated with battery technology to optimize efficiency and sustainability.

Dawn Wehr, Cummins Executive Director – Strategy, Product Planning & Digital, said: “Using a retrofittable solution dismisses the need for a major vessel overhaul and creates an immediate positive impact on carbon-emissions reduction. With our continual work on developing solutions for other alcohol fuels, including ethanol, we are committed to providing solutions that work for different operations and fuel infrastructure availabilities to ensure ease of adoption.”

The approval builds on Cummins’ August 2023 announcement permitting the use of renewable diesel, such as hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), across its high-horsepower engine range. By leveraging renewable diesel in dual-fuel solutions, ship operators can make significant progress towards reducing carbon emissions.

Photo credit: Cummins
Published: 7 March, 2025

Shipowner Matson on Friday (13 December) announced that its containership Kaimana Hila is back in service after completing the company’s third LNG conversion. 

A new bow windshield was also added for improved aerodynamics and fuel conservation.

Kaimana Hila is the latest vessel to operate on LNG, joining its sister ships, Daniel K. Inouye and Manukai. 

Manukai underwent a complete repowering, replacing its engine with a dual-fuel engine like those powering Daniel K. Inouye and Kaimana Hila. 

These conversions are part of Matson’s long-term strategy to reduce Scope 1 fleet greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030 and achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

Matson has ordered three new Aloha Class containerships from Philly Shipyard. The first, Makua, is under construction and scheduled for delivery in 2026. 

All three vessels will join the fleet LNG-ready but can operate on conventional fuels as needed. 

Like their sisterships Daniel K. Inouye and Kaimana Hila, each vessel will boast numerous “green ship” technology features, such as a fuel-efficient hull design, environmentally safe double-hull fuel tanks, and freshwater ballast systems.

Photo credit: Matson
Published: 17 December, 2024