Editor's note [11 February 2025]: Photo updated.

Qingdao-based maritime technology firm Headway Technology Group (Headway) has recently successfully delivered a newly constructed fixed offshore platform with an automatically back-flashing filtration skid solution, developed independently.

This comes following a partnership between Headway and a central state-owned enterprise. 

This collaboration marks Headway's breakthrough in the “first-of-its-kind” offshore platform filtration skid products, making it one of the few domestic companies with the capability to independently research, develop and produce offshore platform filtration skids. 

The successful implementation of this project has laid a solid foundation for Headway to further expand into multiple fields and improve its product solution system.

The automatic back-flashing filtration skid solution delivered this time is mainly used for the filtration of seawater for fire-fighting and cooling on offshore platforms, effectively removing impurities from seawater and significantly reducing the risk of blockage of key equipment such as valves and nozzles. 

The solution features high-standard design in aspects such as the material of the filter body and pipelines, and the protection rating of the control box. Its core control module has passed the IP56 certification and obtained product recognition from China Classification Society (CCS).

Relying on its rich experience in the fields of ballast water management systems and alternative fuel supply systems, Headway has a deep technical accumulation and mature R&D and production capabilities in the field of filtration and separation. 

The skid solution features a unique filter screen structure with higher filtration accuracy and a larger effective filtration area. It can operate stably in global waters, especially in water with much sand and high biological content. It can also automatically perform efficient back-flashing on a timer or based on differential pressure, ensuring stable system flow and pressure. 

In addition, Headway can also provide customised filtration and purification solutions for material such as fuel oil and methanol.

Related: China: Headway and Yuchai Marine ink deal on ammonia fuel supply system
Related: Headway unveils innovative carbon cycle value chain in SMM 2024
Related: China: Headway to provide methanol fuel supply systems to Fujian Guohang and Fratelli Cosulich
Related: Fratelli Cosulich orders its first methanol dual-fuelled bunker tanker to serve Singapore
Related: Headway methanol LFSS contributes to successful testing of China’s first methanol DF engine
Related: China: Headway and CEEC Group join forces in green hydrogen, methanol and ammonia integration project
Related: China: Headway gains CCS approval for intelligent energy efficiency management system
Related: Headway Technology Group hosts seminar on low carbon solutions in Singapore

Photo credit: Headway Technology Group
Published: 10 February, 2025

Commodity pricing provider General Index recently announced its partnership with online bunker trading platform XMAR to integrate its marine fuel pricing data into their platform.

General Index said the partnership aims to provide XMAR's users with accurate and timely bunker pricing information, enhancing their decision-making processes in the maritime industry.

“Our comprehensive bunker pricing data covers various fuel types and global ports, ensuring that XMAR's users have access to the most relevant and up-to-date information,” it added. 

By incorporating its data into XMAR's platform, users can benefit from:

• Real-time Pricing: Stay informed with the latest bunker prices across key ports worldwide.
• Market Transparency: Gain insights into market trends and price fluctuations to make informed purchasing decisions.
• Customised Data Feeds: Access tailored data solutions that meet specific operational needs.

This integration will empower maritime professionals to optimise their operations and fuel procurement strategies.

“At General Index, we are committed to delivering high-quality, transparent, and independent pricing data to support the maritime industry's evolving needs.

Photo credit: General Index
Published: 7 February, 2025

Voyage optimisation and weather intelligence solutions provider StormGeo on Thursday (6 February) announced the expansion of its partnership with G2 Ocean, as its voyage optimisation solution will be deployed across the company’s fleet of 120 vessels. 

The new agreement builds on the success of a long-term collaboration between the two maritime companies, further solidifying G2 Ocean’s confidence in StormGeo’s ability to support their goals of operational efficiency and decarbonisation.

G2 Ocean has selected StormGeo’s Voyage Optimisation solution, which empowers both shoreside and onboard teams to plan and execute optimised, safe voyages. 

By integrating AI-driven insights, advanced technology, weather analytics, and the expertise of StormGeo’s route analysts and operational support professionals, this solution provides comprehensive, data-driven support at every stage of the voyage. 

As a recognised leader in maritime innovation, G2 Ocean is committed to accelerating their digitalisation and decarbonisation efforts in the coming years, with StormGeo as a trusted partner in driving sustainable growth.

Phil Curran, Director Fleet Operations, at G2 Ocean, said: “The foundation for optimising a sea passage is accurate weather prediction coupled with best-in-class routing advice.”

“StormGeo has been the industry leader in providing weather routing service for 25 years and has added to their expertise a suite of innovative tools to ensure we have the most accurate data and decision-making capability.”

“We are confident that their applications are the right combination to enable significant cost and emissions reductions on every voyage.”

Petter Andersen, Senior Vice President, Shipping, at StormGeo, said: “The expansion of our partnership with G2 Ocean is a testament to the strong trust and collaboration we've built over the years.”

“G2 Ocean’s confidence in our Voyage Optimisation solution underscores the value we bring to their fleet in supporting both operational efficiency and sustainability goals.”

StormGeo’s Voyage Optimisation solution for G2 Ocean combines features such as onboard voyage planning, routing advisory, speed optimisation, emissions monitoring and reporting, commercial and technical performance optimisation based on High-Frequency sensor data, and advanced APIs.

Related: Resorts World Cruises selects StormGeo bunker planning and procurement solution
Related: StormGeo markets Bunker Management module at Singapore event
Related: StormGeo and FuelBoss in new partnership to support digitalisation of bunker workflow

Photo credit: StormGeo
Published: 7 February, 2025