Newbuilding

Wärtsilä signs agreement for first zero-emission high speed ferries in US

Group has signed a strategic partnership agreement to provide its Fleet Electrification and Systems Integrator Services for a project to build the first zero-emission high speed ferries in the United States.

Published

1 year ago

November 29, 2023

Admin

Wärtsilä signs agreement for first zero-emission high speed ferries in US

Technology group Wärtsilä on Tuesday (28 November) said it has signed a strategic partnership agreement to provide its Fleet Electrification and Systems Integrator Services for a project to build the first zero-emission high speed ferries in the United States.

The fully electric vessels will be built for San Francisco’s Water Emergency Transportation Authority (WETA), the operator of the San Francisco Bay Ferry system.

The project, and several others Wärtsilä will work on under this partnership, are a part of the agency’s Rapid Electric Emission-Free (REEF) Ferry Program, a phased decarbonisation of high-speed, high-capacity ferry service in the San Francisco Bay.

Wärtsilä will work within the WETA project team to finalise vessel and charging system concepts.

“We’re proud to operate the cleanest high-speed ferry fleet in the nation, but a zero-emission future for our system is within reach,” said WETA Executive Director, Seamus Murphy.

“Wärtsilä’s expertise and experience will be incredibly valuable given the complexity our ferry decarbonisation program entails.”

“This is a major project within the maritime sector’s journey towards decarbonisation, and we are proud to be a part of it,” said Hanno Schoonman, Director of sales for AMER region, Wärtsilä Marine Power.

“Wärtsilä joins an industry leading team tasked to develop newbuild battery electric vessels that combine innovative technology and sustainable practices. Wärtsilä is well qualified to provide this project support, and this agreement is a clear endorsement of our strong track record in systems integration and emission-free propulsion.”

After completing the conceptual phase, WETA will move on to the initial construction phase of a multi-vessel programme. This phase will involve the building of three smaller ferries with a capacity of approximately 150 passengers each and two larger ferries capable of carrying at least 300 passengers.

Additionally, the scope of this phase will encompass the inclusion of battery charging floats. The construction of the first electric-powered vessel is slated to commence before the conclusion of 2023, with commercial operations expected to launch in 2025.

Photo credit: Wärtsilä
Published: 29 November, 2023

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Newbuilding

Höegh Autoliners latest LNG dual-fuel PCTC en route to Shanghai for bunkering

The 9,100 CEU “Höegh Sunrise”, currently sailing the seas, is on its way to Shanghai for bunkering before sailing to Japan and then towards Europe.

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May 22, 2025

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Höegh Autoliners latest LNG dual-fuel PCTC en route to Shanghai for bunkering

Höegh Autoliners on Tuesday (20 May) said its latest liquefied natural gas (LNG) dual-fuel pure car and truck carrier has departed China Merchants Heavy Industry’s yard, ready to commence its commercial operations.

The 9,100 CEU Höegh Sunrise, currently sailing the seas, is on its way to Shanghai for bunkering before sailing to Japan and then towards Europe.

The PCTC is the fifth in a series of 12 Aurora Class vessels built by the shipyard in China. The first eight Auroras are or will be equipped with engines primed to run on LNG and low-sulphur oil.

These vessels can be converted to run on ammonia later. By 2027, Höegh Autoliners said the four last vessels of the series will be able to run net zero on ammonia directly from the yard when delivered.

Manifold Times previously reported the naming ceremony of Höegh Autoliner’s fourth Aurora Class newbuild, Höegh Sunlight, at Taicang Haitong Auto Terminal.

Photo credit: Höegh Autoliners
Published: 22 May, 2025

Ammonia

Singapore-based Seatrium receives AiP from ABS for ammonia bunker vessel

Vessel has a 25,000m³ liquefied ammonia capacity, constructed using IMO Type C containment, designed by Seatrium Marine & Deepwater Technology.

Published

2 days ago

May 21, 2025

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Singapore-based Seatrium receives AiP from ABS for ammonia bunker vessel

Singapore-headquartered marine engineering firm Seatrium on Tuesday (21 May) said it has secured an Approval in Principle (AiP) from classification society American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) for a 25,000m³ ammonia bunker vessel.

The company said the vessel has a 25,000m³ liquefied ammonia capacity, constructed using IMO Type C containment, designed by Seatrium Marine & Deepwater Technology.

The vessel is capable of dedicated ammonia bunkering with optional carrier functionality.

It is designed to operate with a deadweight tonnage of 19,500 mt at 14 knots, allowing for 55 days of operation without the need for refuelling.

The vessel’s features include enhanced safety architecture focused on preventing open-deck leaks, compliant with IMO standards, the IGC Code, and ABS regulations as well as integrated systems allowing a seamless switch between ammonia and diesel fuel.

“The ABS AiP verifies the technical viability and regulatory compliance of our vessel, creating a foundation for detailed engineering and construction,” the company said.

“This approval marks a crucial step towards timely delivery and positions Seatrium as a leader in maritime energy transition. Together, we are building a robust fuel infrastructure for the ZeroCarbon fleet of the future!”

Photo credit: Seatrium
Published: 21 May, 2025

Newbuilding

CMA CGM takes delivery of new methanol dual-fuel boxship “ARGON”

Vessel, which was built by Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries is the second in a series of 12 dual-fuel methanol vessels with a capacity of 13,000 TEUs with the first being “CMA CGM IRON”.

Published

2 days ago

May 21, 2025

Admin

CMA CGM takes delivery of new methanol dual-fuel boxship “ARGON”

Shipping giant CMA CGM on Saturday (17 May) said it has taken delivery of a new methanol-powered 13,000 TEU container ship on 15 May.

CMA CGM ARGON was built in Mokpo, South Korea by shipbuilder Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries.

The vessel is the second in a series of 12 dual-fuel methanol vessels with a capacity of 13,000 TEUs with the first being CMA CGM IRON.

“CMA CGM ARGON is part of a new series of containerships named after elements from the Mendeleev table — COBALT, PLATINUM, MERCURY, HELIUM, KRYPTON, THORIUM, OSMIUM, SILVER, COPPER and GOLD — to be progressively delivered in 2025 and 2026,” the company said in a social media post.

“Their deployment reflects the strength of our long-term industrial partnerships and our ambition to decarbonise shipping at scale.”

Manifold Times previously reported CMA CGM IRON, the Group’s first dual-fuel methanol vessel, making its maiden call on 4 March at the Port of Singapore.

Photo credit: CMA CGM
Published: 20 May, 2025