SHIP MANAGEMENT INTERNATIONAL ISSUE 102

38

Cover Story

Motivating an invisible workforce

ISSUE 102 MARCH/APRIL 2023 THE MAGAZINE FOR THE WORLD’S SHIP OWNERS & SHIP MANAGERS

STRAIGHT TALK 8 – An important first step to better

DISPATCHES

seafarer medical care

NOTEBOOK 10 – EU agrees to recognise training and certification of Filipino seafarers

11 – Shipping needs to ‘close

the gap between digitisation and digitalisation’ says OTG

22 – Wind power sets sail again 24 – IMO regulations ‘should include wind propulsion’

12 – Demand for fossil fuels in the future means more emphasis on carbon capture

HOW I WORK

13 – CSM conducting trial of Starlink satellite internet service

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Scan QR code and fill in your details to receive.

14 – Updated ICS Medical Guide vital for today’s vessels and shipmanagers

16 – Managing unplanned refits 20 – Grow Maritime stresses importnace of ESG

26 – ESM’s Silver Jubilee celebration

INTERMANAGER OUTLOOK 19 – Let’s flood the internet with positive images of shipping

P&I AND LAW 32 – Global inflationary trends influence cargo crime

Issue 102 March/April 2023

Ship Management International

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SHIP MANAGEMENT INTERNATIONAL – ISSUE 102 MARCH/APRIL 2023 THE MAGAZINE FOR THE WORLD’S SHIP OWNERS & SHIP MANAGERS

P&I AND LAW 32 – Global inflationary trends

TRAINING 45 – Blue Board Leadership:

AD HOC 80 – Our regular diary section

CREW TRAVEL

ANALYSIS 82 – Product tankers could be in

REGIONAL FOCUS

TECHNICAL 84 – Investment surge in

instilling confidence and resilience

influence cargo crime

33 – Headwinds hamper Poseidon Principles

50

CLASSIFICATION 36 – Impact of new EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime carbon pricing schemes

ROUND TABLE DEBATE

Scandinavia

CREW MANAGEMENT 38 – So what motivates a seafarer to pursue a career at sea?

60– Powered by partnerships 62 – Ferries serve as innovation testbed

63 – Optimarin looks to China 64 – Oslofjord prepares for emission-free future

NAVIGATION 42 – Weather and currents

66 – Scandinavian maritime growing on many fronts

for a bumpy ride ahead

ultra-luxury cruise segment

ALTERNATIVE VIEWPOINT 87 – Driven to distraction DIGITISATION 88 – How to harness AI’s potential for smarter and greener ports

key to voyage planning

44 – Avoiding weather-related

OBJECTS OF DESIRE 90 – Our pick of the most coveted

confusion in charterparties

creations

CREW WELFARE 46 – Danica’s decade of

Gibraltar Special Report

68 – Introductory address:

achievement

47 – Use of behavioural science can improve seafarers’ green performance

68 – Maritime centre of

& culture

excellence

54 – Dedicated helpline launched for Indian seafarers

The Hon. Vijay Daryanani

REVIEW 92 – Bringing you the best in arts

72 – Maritime Week Gibraltar 2023 76 – Q&A with Gibraltar law firm Hassans

LIFESTYLE 94 – Test Drive: Genesis GV60

Next issue In the May/June issue of SMI we are delighted to be working with Ganado Advocates in putting together an industry webinar on the important subject of “Sanctions – Impact on Shipping – Malta Focus”.

There will also be special Middle East regional reports on Dubai & the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

Also, a focus on the latest trends and technical developments in the field of Shiprepair & Conversion.

For advertising enquiries, please contact Sales by emailing sales@elabor8.co.uk You can also keep abreast of news and subscribe to our daily newsletter at shipmanagementinternational.com

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Ship Management International

Issue 102 March/April 2023

The shipping business magazine for today’s global ship owners and ship managers March/April 2023

|

Issue 102

STRAIGHT TALK Join the debate @ShipManInter

Visit our website www.shipmanagementinternational.com

Download our App Ship Management International

An important first step to better seafarer medical care

F

ollowing the effects of the

lack relevant and easy-to-use medical

COVID-19 pandemic and the

guidance to hand.

“Seafarers, shipowners and

crew change crisis it caused, as

Written in simple English, the Guide avoids the use of colloquialisms, has pictorial representation and highlighted

well as ongoing disruption of global

operators, unions such as the

quick actions, and contains pull cards that

supply chains since, seafarer health and

International Transport Workers

can easily be brought to the scene of an

wellbeing have been increasingly in focus.

Federation (ITF) and the ILO have

incident. It is intended to be user-friendly

“While port restrictions and reduced

argued that existing medical advice

and prescribes the most up-to-date

shore leave has led to an increased

available onboard, such as the WHO’s

internationally available medicines (see

use of telemedical services onboard,

International Medical Guide for Ships

also p.14).

as well as an evolution in the quality of

(Third Edition, 2007), is impractical

telemedical health services as a result of

and outdated for contemporary

medical assistance for seafarers, including

the pandemic, there remains an ongoing

circumstances,” said the ICS, “perceived

on mental health, say experts, as well as

concern regarding access to in-person

as too bulky and academic in nature,

greater ‘first responder’ training. Such

and emergency medical care,” the

making it difficult to use by seafarers

matters may be mandated in an updated

International Chamber of Shipping (ICS)

onboard, particularly those who are less

STCW Convention. Until that happens, the

pointed out mid last year.

comfortable with the English language.”

ICS publication is an important first step

Hence the ICS has just published

and merits its place in the Master’s cabin or

Concern is greatest over emergency situations on board, it noted, where

a new ‘International Medical Guide for

seafarers often find themselves having

Seafarers and Fishers (First edition)’,

to act as ‘first responders’, but find they

authored by Dr Sue Stannard.

Published by

Phone: +44 (0) 1296 682 089 Email: editorial@elabor8.co.uk Email: bjaques@elabor8.co.uk

Finance Lorraine Kimble Phone: +44 (0) 1296 682 051 Email: accounts@elabor8.co.uk

8

hospital aboard ship. l

Wingbury Courtyard Business Village, Upper Wingbury Farm, Wingrave, Bucks, HP22 4LW, United Kingdom

Sales Enquiries Julian Berry Phone: +44 (0) 1296 682 051 Email:jberry@elabor8.co.uk Editorial Bob Jaques

More still needs to be done in terms of

Ship Management International

Publisher: Editor: Sales Manager: Finance: Design and Layout: Regular Contributors:

Motoring Journalist: Technical Editor:

Sean Moloney Bob Jaques Julian Berry Lorraine Kimble Diptesh Chohan Michael Grey Felicity Landon Ian Cochran Margie Collins Ema Murphy Rob Auchterlonie David Tinsley

Editorial contributors: The best and most informed writers serving the global shipmanagement and shipowning industry.

Issue 102 March/April 2023

Printed in the UK by Warners Midlands plc. Although every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in this publication is correct, Elaborate Communications accepts no responsibility or liability for any inaccuracies that may occur or their consequences. The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced whole, or in part, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior permission from Elaborate Communications.

Notebook

Notebook EU agrees to recognise training and certification of Filipino seafarers

S

peaking at the CMA Shipping conference in late

T

he European Commission at end-March

of key importance such as seafarers’ qualifications,

announced its decision to continue to recognise

training, and certification.”

the certificates of Filipino seafarers, confirming

Guy Platten, ICS Secretary General added: “As a

March, the CEO of Ocean Technologies Group (OTG) Thomas Zanzinger outlined why he thought

many maritime businesses were not capitalising on the

In closing the gap between digitisation and digitalisation,

the compliance of the Philippines with the requirements

major seafaring nation, Filipino seafarers are a vital and

of the STCW Convention.

valued part of the seafarer workforce. This decision

He pointed out that digitising the analogue

leverage automation and drive continuous improvement

opportunities that digitalisation affords them.

he believes that companies can break down siloes,

made by the European Commission is a testament to

information in a business is only the first step and that

by connecting people, data and processes to improve

Community Shipowners’ Associations), ICS (International

the Philippines’ hard work to make sure seafarer training

companies need to rethink and redesign their business

performance and demonstrate operational excellence. l

Chamber of Shipping) and the Cyprus Shipping

complies with regulations.

processes to really take advantage of digital

Shipping bodies including ECSA (European

Chamber (CSC) have warmly welcomed the positive

“The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) is

development, pointing out that Filipino seafarers play

delighted to be convening partners to ensure these

a central role in global shipping and in keeping trade

standards are maintained globally. In January 2023 a new

markets to benchmark businesses against their

moving.

tools and new technologies.

With data increasingly used in global

advisory committee was launched to give expert advice

competitors, it’s never been more important to

The decision follows the response by authorities of

on major maritime issues affecting Filipino seafarers,

understand your information.

the Philippines to a report by the European Maritime

the IACGMA, which is supported by the Philippines

Safety Agency (EMSA) that explored the deficiencies in

government and in collaboration with ECSA and industry

connectivity and proliferation of application

the country’s standards of training and certification.

partners. By all of us working together on these issues,

programme interfaces (APIs) is connecting

Filipino seafarers represent 14% of the global

Zanzinger explained that the growth in

we can tackle the challenges ahead for our workforce.

previously disparate data sets and warned the

workforce in the sector and are instrumental in

Maintaining seafarer training standards globally ensures

conference audience that even if they were not

keeping global shipping running. Industry partners

a brighter future for our seafarers.”

on top of their data, then there is a good chance

remain committed to work with the industry, seafarers’

The CSC noted the contribution of ECSA and ICS

others will be, which could lead to financial and

representatives and the Filipino authorities to build

in creation of IACGMA, adding that “the European

continuity and sustainability in the Filipino system. For

Commission intends to provide, in the following months,

this purpose, ECSA and ICS along with other industry

the Philippines with technical assistance to further

investor relations around decarbonisation has

partners and the government of the Philippines have

improve its education, training and certification system

already begun to shape financial considerations

started working together in January under the newly

for seafarers, ensuring standards are maintained as per

in the supply chain, citing Xeneta’s Carbon

established International Advisory Committee on Global

global regulations.” l

Emission Index as just one example.

reputational consequences for their businesses.

He added that consumer pressure and

As the focus on Environment, Social and

Maritime Affairs (IACGMA).

“European shipowners welcome the recognition

PHILIPPINE TRANSMARINE CARRIERS

Governance (ESG) grows, shipping companies

of the training and the certification system of the

must adopt data-gathering processes that can

Philippines. We congratulate the country for their

build a positive picture of their operations,

commitment and their in-depth response to the

giving confidence to financiers, governments,

shortcomings identified by the Commission,” said ECSA

consumers and their own employees.

Zanzinger stated that this may be a challenge

Secretary General Sotiris Raptis.

“This is a positive development as Filipino seafarers

10

Shipping needs to ‘close the gap between digitisation and digitalisation’ says OTG

for shipping but also presents an opportunity

play a central role in European shipping and in

to innovate, an essential component of staying

keeping European trade moving. By engaging with

competitive. He also encouraged companies to

the authorities of the Philippines together with our

focus on their core competence and leverage

industry partners, ECSA strives to facilitate a productive

proven existing solutions rather than seeking to

dialogue between the country and the EU on matters

build their own.

Ship Management International

Issue 102 March/April 2023

Notebook

Notebook

Demand for fossil fuels in the future means more emphasis on carbon capture

CSM conducting trial of Starlink satellite internet service

L

eaders in innovation, the ship management arm of the Columbia Group, Columbia Shipmanagement (CSM), is conducting a trial of the new Starlink

satellite internet service on a number of vessels.

The Starlink service, provided by a constellation of lowearth orbit (LEO) satellites operated by SpaceX, is designed to deliver reliable and high-speed internet connectivity to ships

Mark O’Neil

and vessels across all sectors of the maritime industry.

Columbia Group CEO, Mark O’Neil said: “We are delighted to be trialing this technology to keep our ships better connected. Starlink has the potential to revolutionise the maritime industry by providing reliable and affordable internet connectivity to ships, even in the most remote parts of the world. This can help improve crew welfare, reduce costs, and enhance safety and security, making it a gamechanger for the industry.

W

hen you talk to the energy producers in the

the green revolution route for the wrong reasons bearing

“Columbia is committed to our excellent crew and as part

Middle East, there is definitely an upswing,

in mind that our vessel investments are long-term and the

of our ICARE philosophy, we focus on different aspects of crew

not a downswing, in their dedication to the

industry is crying out for flexibility of fuels,” he said.

welfare, connectivity being one of them, so we are very pleased

extraction and processing of fossil fuels, which means

He told delegates: “We need to be ready for all fuel

to be adopting this new technology among our fleet.”

shipping must question whether a fossil-free, carbon zero

types because we just don’t know what is out there,

Starlink is expected to also help cruise companies reduce

future is what is in front of it, according to Mark O’Neil,

and we don’t know what is coming but the problem is

costs associated with traditional satellite internet services, and

President and CEO of the Columbia Group.

that we have assets with a 20 year lifespan. But I firmly

provide better connection services for crew members, as well

believe that the future will be about fossil fuels being

as add a new level of guest experience, enabling them to

Shipping Forum in New York, Mr O’Neil said the

the dominant fuel, possibly alongside a carbon capture

enjoy high-speed connectivity while at sea.

decarbonisation proposition just didn’t stand up to

mechanism that still allows fossil fuels to be burnt in a

scrutiny “when you also look at the geopolitical situation

more environmentally friendly way,” he said.

Speaking at the 17th Annual Capital Link International

that we currently face, where you have relations between

In a separate move, the shareholders of Tsakos

It can also enhance safety and security by offering a reliable connectivity in remote areas, enabling better communication with stakeholders, emergency services and authorities, as well

the US and China, Europe, India and Russia coming ever

Columbia Shipmanagement (TCM) S.A., have announced

more into the fore. Do we really believe that this is an

the end of their successful Joint Venture. The Columbia

environment in which the Green Revolution can, or should,

Group decided to sell its shares in TCM to the existing

become a connected EDGE endpoint integrated into the

take place?”

Tsakos shareholders. Following this decision, the Tsakos

owners or ship managers operations. Ships are not anymore,

as enable real time data exchange and communication.

Real time data exchange is important so that a vessel can

Group has now acquired full ownership of TCM. This

the remote, disconnected endpoint that may or may not be

accused of jumping onto the decarbonisation bandwagon

leaves both companies free to pursue their own business

able to send and receive data.

for all the wrong reasons when the vast majority of the

development strategies.

Suggesting that the shipping industry could be

world is not ready to go to a carbon free fuel source in the

The decision marks the end of a 12-year successful

Starlink can facilitate remote monitoring of vessel performance and maintenance needs, allowing for proactive

near future, Mr O’Neil said the narrative should not be

joint venture from which both shareholders have

maintenance scheduling and reducing the risk of unplanned

one of decarbonisation or net zero “because that suggests

considerably benefited. The two Groups will continue to

downtime. This can help improve vessel availability and reliability,

no carbon”, but it should be about carbon capture and

cooperate on many existing and future projects.

as well as reduce costs associated with maintenance and repairs.

In a common statement the two Groups stated:

better fuel optimisation.

CSM is widely exploring Starlink in conjunction with

“If we can find the technology to capture that carbon

“We have enjoyed our collaboration and our continued

a SD WAN (Software defined wide area network) in

then there is a future for fossil fuels. We need to look at

friendship and future cooperation will not be affected by

order to combine proven satellite internet technology as

the wider picture because we are in danger of going down

this decision.” l

well as cellular 5G near shore connectivity into a unified communication package that will enhance every aspect of maritime operations. l

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Issue 90 March/April 2021

Ship Management International

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Notebook

Updated ICS Medical Guide vital for today’s vessels and shipmanagers

W

hen a medical emergency occurs on board a vessel, the immediate help – often rendered by a fellow seafarer who is not a medical

professional – is crucial. For this reason, all merchant ships (over 500GT) are required to carry a medical guide on board. But what does a ship owner or shipmanager do when the latest international medical guide is more than 15 years out of date?

Realizing the situation, International Chamber of Shipping tapped a team of medical experts more than a year ago and began creating a new, easy-to-use, practical guide to address shortfalls in the current medical guides in circulation, which were found to be out of date (the most commonly carried international medical guide dates to 2007), not practical enough, or, in the case of national guides, written for seafarers in particular regions of the world.

president of the International Maritime Health Association,

The result: In March, ICS published the landmark book,

who served as a member of the guide’s technical review

International Medical Guide for Seafarers and Fishers, First

team: “This guide was reviewed by a very international

Edition, in collaboration with the International Transport

group of maritime medical specialists to ensure the language

Workers’ Federation and the International Maritime Health

and terminology are international. Anything being done

Association. The guide’s content includes the latest medical

to improve the health care of seafarers must be done in an

knowledge on all injuries, illnesses, and health issues

international context.”

experienced on ships and fishing vessels.

Intended to accelerate the provision of medical care at the

The guide includes chapters devoted to: injuries and

place where it happens, the ICS medical guide is anticipated

traumas, such as head trauma; eye injuries; neck and spinal

to gain widespread adoption on vessels. ICS also hopes to

damage; wounds and bleeding; burns and bites; pain

see the guide become the textbook for medical training.

management; moving an injured person; and treating mental

Vessels that don’t have a doctor are required to have a

health issues.

seafarer on board who has received the required STCW

The guide’s easy-to-use format is designed for non-

certification and is designated to take charge of medical

medical professionals and includes 3D visual aids, tables,

care. “If they have the guide when learning, they will already

charts, and assessments to help crew follow procedures

be familiar with it when a medical emergency occurs on the

correctly. For example, 10 individual action cards that can

vessel,” says Natalie Shaw, MBE, director of employment

be carried in the ship’s medical bag to the incident scene

affairs at International Chamber of Shipping. l

include the recommended method for assessing an illness or injury, presented in a fixed sequence known as ABCDE: A for airway; B for breathing; C for circulation; D for disability; and

The International Medical Guide for Seafarers and Fishers,

E for exposure. Treatments and warnings are presented in

First Edition, is priced at £225 and is available in print and

color-coded charts.

digital ebook versions. More information can be found on

In developing the guide, ICS emphasised the importance of presenting the information in language that can be understood internationally due to the many nationalities that make up modern seafaring. Says Dr. Robert Verbist,

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the ICS Publications website: https://publications.ics-shipping.org

Notebook

Managing unplanned refits

By Chloe Townley, Senior Account Executive, ITIC

When it comes to unplanned refits, such as emergency

had to pay the costs to ensure the ship remained in class

dry docking due to damage, the responsibilities of the

regardless. To conclude the matter, at the minimum cost,

ship manager are often not recorded in much detail in

ITIC settled the claim at a fraction of the amount claimed.

SHIPMAN 2009 or agreed in advance. What are the

Although the ship owner’s allegations lacked merit, the

potential pitfalls a ship manager needs to look out for

situation may have been avoided or minimised if the

in this situation?

obligations had been clear from the outset. It is worth

The majority of the issues faced by a ship manager for

noting the urgency of the required works may too need

an unscheduled refit come down to the fact that the fee,

to be taken into account – if the work to keep Class could

scope of work or procedure for agreeing to the budget

have been done at a later date in a cheaper location, a

were not properly agreed in advance of the work. Whilst

ship manager could be criticised for arranging it sooner,

under SHIPMAN 2009, the ship manager can act in their

costing more. In this situation, the ship owner’s prior

absolute discretion to perform their management services

approval should be sought.

(including for example requirements of Class), if the costs

Protecting yourself as a ship manager should involve

go over-budget for any reason, this is typically where the

agreeing the initial budget at the outset of the project

relationship between the parties deteriorates. The ship

with the ship owner, and the process for subsequent

owner will look to put the blame on the ship manager,

revisions to the budget, i.e. each month to set out the

alleging the costs were unnecessarily incurred/high due

revised budget and request ship owners to pay funds in

to some alleged failing of the ship manager, even if the

advance. It is important that the ship manager adheres

repairs were unavoidable. This is especially true where

to any process agreed to demonstrate competent

ship owners find themselves with a shortage of funds for

management of the budget and refit.

Additionally, it is worth agreeing with the ship owner

unplanned works.

In reality, the ship manager should only face a claim if

the fee for the refit, including specifics such as how many

the costs over-run causing a loss (i.e. were unavoidable) and

visits the superintendent will make to the ship. Additional

were due to their negligent management of the budget (or

days will then carry a fee in excess to the contracted

failure to properly supervise the refit), but there are steps

number. Without this, if the work is more complex than

a ship manager can take to try and minimise exposure,

anticipated requiring excess visits, the ship owner can

regardless of whether the cost was avoidable or not.

dispute that the ship manager is entitled to charge more.

ITIC has seen a case where the refit budget overran

Taking care to formally agree details with the

and the ship owner brought a claim for EUR 900,000

budget and scope of work included in the fee, as

against the ship manager. There was no formal agreement

well as careful record keeping, clear and timely and

in place for the management of the refits. The majority

frequent communication both with the yard and

of the overspend was due to the works required by the

the ship owner, could go a long way in minimising

classification society and therefore the ship owner had

allegations of negligence on the part of the ship

not suffered a loss due the alleged negligence as they

manager for cost overruns. l

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Issue 102 March/April 2023

InterManager Outlook Let’s flood the internet with positive images of shipping Secretary General Capt Kuba Szymanski urges the maritime community to take part in InterManager’s #shippositive competition

S

hipping has long complained about negative

Of course there are some rules – in particular entrants

perceptions and a general focus on all that is bad.

must ensure they take their photos carefully and don’t

InterManager is attempting to address this by

breach any of their employer’s regulations regarding

running our own global “positivity campaign” across

confidentiality or social media. Full details are available on

social media. Let’s flood the internet with positive images

the InterManager website: www.intermanager.org

of shipping!

By demonstrating shipping’s positive side, particularly

I’ve been involved in the shipping industry for my

the camaraderie and opportunities of a life at sea, I believe

whole working life and can honestly say that shipping

we can reach out to the next generation and show them the

has consumed me. I’m proud of my industry and, while I

myriad of opportunities available in shipping. We have to

acknowledge that we sometimes make mistakes, I believe

fight for the talented men and women of tomorrow against

that shipping has much to be proud of.

strong competition from shore-based industries like IT so it’s

Using social media to spread the word, I’m urging members of all aspects of the maritime community –

important to show young people that we can offer exciting, interesting, and rewarding careers.

including seafarers, shore workers, and their families – to

InterManager’s #shippositive competition runs to June

post a positive image of shipping alongside the hashtags

30th and the iPad winners will be announced during London

#shippositive #intermanager

International Shipping Week (#LISW23) in September. l

To add some extra excitement we’ve made the campaign into a competition with five brand new iPads which will be awarded to the five photographs our judges decide best demonstrate a positive image of shipping.

The judges are drawn from across the international shipping community and include: Associate Professor Lars Lippuner, Director Warsash Maritime School; Christina Liviakis, Director of Business Development, American Ship Repair and President WISTA USA; Bjorn Jebsen, ship and crew manager and former InterManager President; and Jean Pontila, Second Officer sailing with Jebsen PTC Maritime, alongside me (InterManager Secretary General Capt Kuba Szymanski).

The campaign is up and running now. Please join in and also encourage your colleagues to. All you have to do is to share a photograph which you feel illustrates a positive image of the shipping industry or life at sea. Post your image on either Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter or TikTok using the competition hashtag #shippositive as well as #intermanager.

The photo can show anything positive about shipping, such as how great a life at sea can be, happy colleagues, workplace satisfaction, an enjoyable meal, fabulous scenery, awe-inspiring weather, wildlife . . . whatever you think illustrates the positive reasons you enjoy being in shipping.

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19

Notebook

Grow Maritime stresses importance of ESG

E

nvironmental, Social & Governance (ESG)

There are various ways a company can structure its

awareness and challenges have been gaining

sustainability governance, the company says, with key

growing prominence at a global level in recent

considerations including the Board’s composition, roles

years. Within an evolving regulatory framework, all

and responsibilities, as well as related policies that need

corporations need to adapt and comply accordingly,

to be introduced. “A top-down approach to sustainability

points out Cyprus-based Grow Maritime, a

and good governance is extremely important to

consultancy specialising in ESG matters that was

ensure leadership buy-in, but is not effective if it is not

formed late last year.

supported bottom-up by a culture that revolves around

Grow Maritime employs an accelerated approach to initially assess organisations’ current sustainability

ESG initiatives.”

Companies should therefore educate their

framework and maturity level with regards to ESG

employees to understand the importance of

policies, and subsequently proposes services that

sustainability, states Grow Maritime, and be in a

respond directly to their requirements. It has developed

position to understand global developments, principles

an easily accessible tool to analyse and rate an

and practices. They must “develop, report and

organization’s sustainable practices and helps to jointly

communicate ESG policies to stakeholders, implement

assess the status quo of sustainability readiness, identify

and evaluate action plans, and secure that compliance

gaps as well as opportunities, and develop appropriate

is achieved within applicable regulations.” l

responses to key challenges.

Issue 102 March/April 2023

Ship Management International

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Dispatches

Dispatches Anemoi Rotor Sails

Wind power For ship propulsion a case of ‘back to the future’ as commercial sets sailit’sagain

vessels start once more harvesting the free renewable energy source of the wind.

Neoliner 136 Orcelle Wind

W

ind or wind-assisted propulsion has always retained

wind-assisted propulsion installations could be in place by 2030

moving ship creates the pressure differential and forward pull.

its allure for leisure craft, a smattering of boutique

covering 50% of the bulker market and up to 65% of tankers.

Finland’s Norsepower is already enjoying considerable

Sails hoisted

Wind can never be the sole form of propulsion on a

success with its proprietary Rotor Sail design, with multiple units

like dhows, still used in certain parts of the world. But for well

commercial ship, concedes ISWA, but when retrofitted as an

already installed on various different types of large commercial

system – WindWings - this year, as will Mitsubishi Corp

over a century it has no longer been seen as an attractive

auxiliary system can deliver up to 20% of a vessel’s propulsive

vessel operated by reference clients including Bore, Sea-Cargo,

aboard its vessel Pyxis Ocean, chartered by Cargill. Designed

proposition for large commercial vessels. Until now, that is.

needs, thereby decreasing emissions by the same amount. On

Scandlines, Vale, CLdN, Nippon Marine, and Socatra. Claimed

by UK naval acrhitects BAR Technologies and produced by

cruisehips, and traditional wooden cargo boats,

Berge Bulk is also to start trialling another wind-assisted

newbuilds, however, wind technology can act as the primary

to offer 5-20% fuel savings, the systems are described highly

Yara Marine Technologies, an arm of clean tech giant Yara

and the clock ticking on various emission-reduction deadline,

source of propulsion generating 50% or more of the power

automized in order to reduce crew workload and increase

International, the system is described as combining dynamic

still no clear and obvious alternative to diesel propulsion has

needed, it claims, with engines reduced to an auxiliary role.

efficiency; they also can be tilt-lowered to cope with low air

multi-element wings, deck-fitted but able to be stowed away

presented itself, while those first movers exploring carbon-

Various different types of wind system exist that can be

draft situations such as bridges.

at the press of button, with advanced route optimization to

lowering pathways such as LNG and methanol require deep

characterised as follows: sails normally of rigid hard-shell or

Norsepower recently successfully completely several

pockets. By contrast, harnessing free-to-use wind energy

‘wing’ (i.e. as in aircraft) design, either rig- or square-mounted

rounds of fundraising to ramp up production of its system,

increasingly seems a low hanging fruit.

on rotatable masts to catch the wind; towing kites; ventilated foil

as we as securing landmark newbuild contracts with

systems; and rotor-type sails.

Brazil’s Vale and IIENO Lines of Japan to install systems

of car carrier giant Wallenius Wilhelmsen (WW) to produce a

on newbuild Capesize bulker and Very Large Gas Carrier

primarily wind-powered large RoRo vessel, Orcelle Wind, the

vessels respectively.

first of its new Oceanbird concept for an armada of new wind-

With decarbonisation top of the shipping’s industry’s agenda

According to the International Windship Association (IWSA), - which now numbers over 100 full members, including leading class societies, global trading houses (e.g. Cargill) and shipping

Rotors on the spin

UK-based company Anemoi also produces its own

harness the power of the wind and reduce fuel consumption by around 1.5 tonnes per WindWing per day.

But perhaps the most ambitious wing sail project is that

majors (including MOL, “K’ Line and Louis Dreyfus Armateurs) –

All types work by either harnessing the ‘push’ force of the

some 22 large commercial ships totalling 1.9m DWT were sailing

wind directly, or acting like an aeroplane wing to increase the

foldable Anemoi Rotor Sails, and last October secured an

Orcelle Wind will be a 220 metre-long Pure Car Truck

with wind energy systems installed by the end of last year, a total

pressure between their upwind and downwind sides, thereby

agreement with Chinese shipyard major COSCO Heavy

Carrier with 7,000 units, also able to carry breakbulk and other

it predicts will swell to 50 units of over 3m DWT by end 2023.

generating a ‘pull’ effect; rotor-type sails - also called Flettner

Industries for installation or retrofit of these systems aboard

RoRo cargo. WW believes that sailing at speeds of 10-12

If this rate of growth were to continue, it’s clear that the

rotors after the initial designer of the concept back in the 1920s

vessels built or drydocked at the group’s nine yards. Berge

knots, the design will be able to emit 90% less emissions

number of wind-assisted ships could soon become very

- are a variation of the latter in that they utilise the ‘Magnus

Bulk of Singapore also signed up last year to have four rotors

than conventional vessels if all emissions-influencing factors

sizeable indeed - EU research has forecast that up to 10,700

effect’ where wind hitting a rotating vertical cylinder onboard a

apiece retrofitted on a 388,000 DWT Valemax and 210,000

onboard are aligned, to which end it is working with a team of

powered vessels.

DWT Newcastlemax bulk carrier.

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23

Dispatches

technology partners to have a prototype ready by later 2026 or

company Airseas (see also box), a subsidiary of aircraft

early 2027 at latest – ahead of its ambition is to introduce the

manufacturer Airbus, on its 2004-built Ville de Bordeaux

automotive industry’s first zero-carbon end-to-end supply chain

ro-ro cargo ship that is used to transport elements

by 2030.

of the giant A380 aircraft between different Airbus

Meanwhile, Wallenius has a rival in the France’s Neoline

manufacturing sites. LDA has already tested a reduced-

consortium that is also chasing wind power for use on

scale model of the Seawing on one of its vessels in 2018

RoRo vessels. Leading yard Chantiers de l’Atlantique has

and says it now hopes to achieve fuel economies in the

come up with a Solid Sail foldable rigging system design

order of 20% with the full-scale version.

consisting of a traditional triangular main sail and jib, a

“K” Line and energy group J-Power have also decided

version of which is to be installed on twin 76-metre masts

to install Seawing aboard an 88,000 DWT coal carrier being

aboard a 136-metre RoRo ‘Neoliner’ prototype vessel, early

chartered by the Japanese utility (pictured below), again

construction of which is reported underway at RMK Marine

with expected fuel savings of 20-plus percent.

shipyard in Turkey for planned 2025 delivery. Interestingly,

Finally, examples of a ventilated foil system include

Chantiers’ Solid Sail design with a total 3,000 square metre

Netherlands-based Econowind’s sail type that features

of rigid sail was preferred over the 4,200 square metre of

an oval-shaped rigid column body that can pivot around

flexible sail initially envisaged for the duplex rig on the

its vertical axis similar to other hard sails. The system can

grounds of improved performance.

be retrofitted as a permanent installation or supplied in

Two vessels are planned, intended to operate between Saint-Nazaire, France, and Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon in

Flatrack or containerized unit versions that can quickly be placed and removed.

Newfoundland, Baltimore, Maryland, and Halifax, Nova Scotia.

In short, a host of new designs for wind-assisted

The company lists Renault Group, Beneteau Group, Manitou

propulsion are now either under trial or finding their

Group, Michelin, Jas Hennessy & Co, Clarins, Longchamp or

way onto the water. It remains to be seen how effective

Rémy Cointreau as being among its first customers, with French

each will prove but one thing seems clear, as Neoline

liner giant CMA CGM is also among investors in the project.

CEO Jean Zanuttini puts it, that “wind propulsion for

French design house Zephyr & Boree has meanwhile come

commercial ships is becoming more and more of a

up with an innovative design for a wind-assisted containership,

pragmatic solution to an increasingly complex energy

something of novelty given the constraints of available deck

issue. Wind is certainly intermittent, but it is more

space on boxships to mount wind technology systems.

predictable than the prices and availability of many other energies. This is an unprecedented opportunity to do our

Kites flying high

part in the energy transition and to pick up the thread of

Elsewhere, France’s Louis-Dreyfus Armateurs (LDA)

history of maritime transport under sail.” l

plans to install Seawing kite technology developed by the

IMO regulations ‘should include wind propulsion’

L

Introduction of IMO’s Carbon

ast year marked a “pivotal milestone” for wind propulsion,

Intensity Indicator (CII) regulation

“Converting

believes Stephanie Lesage

at the beginning of this year further

wind into

(pictured right), General Counsel

presses the case for wind power, she

electricity,

& Corporate Secretary at Airseas,

contends, with emissions regulations

then fuel, then

with over one million DWT of cargo

now a strategic priority for not only

transporting

having been transported on vessels

vessel owners but also – for the first

it and using it

using wind propulsion technologies.

time – charterers.”

for fuel is far less efficient than simply

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Ship Management International

For this reason, regulators like

capturing wind in the first place,” she

the IMO should begin looking not

concludes. “Wind propulsion may not

only at fuel but at propulsion energy

be a total power solution, but when we

as a whole, she urges, and recognise

consider buying propulsion – not just

the role that these technologies

fuel – the case for inclusion in shipping’s

have to play.”

future is obvious.” l

Issue 102 March/April 2023

How I Work

How I Work

of the learning from running a ship

solutions, supply, and repair of

tribute to ESM’s in-house professional

from ESM.”

marine assets, within a span of

teams and employees “who trusted

Silver Jubilee celebration On the occasion of Executive Ship Management’s 25th anniversary, founding partners CEO B.S. Teeka and Deputy CEO Ms. Sikha Singh speak exclusively with SMI in this special interview.

Strategic directions that the group of

our intentions and aspirations, more

companies collectively and individually

probably than our business acumen,”

pursue, she says, include embracing a

he quips, “and worked hard to achieve

culture of innovation and digitalisation;

what we are today.”

selecting, nurturing and retaining diverse

SIMS training institute Given that lack of outside investment the company’s

decade and a half.”

human capital; sustaining operational excellence and a safety culture; and strengthening customer trust.

“In 2012, ESM was inducted

achievements in pursuit of necessary

into the Palladium Balanced

growth have been “nothing short of

Scorecard (BSC) Hall of Fame for

in diverse and eclectic mixture of

extraordinary”, he feels, particularly

the breakthrough results achieved

experiences - technical expertise,

the USD30m investment in building

by using the BSC system - a Harvard

power of good communication,

the SIMS (Samundra Institute of

origin management tool, a rare

creative and critical thinking and,

Maritime Studies) training school and

achievement for a ship management

overall, a die-hard pursuit of

campus, complete with a full-scale

company,” she relates.

professionalism to make our unique

replica ship bridge and engine room,

brand of management.

in Lonavala, just north of Mumbai.

of companies use BSC as its

Similarly, the company had

management tool displaying a

“Passion for learning, going the

“O

self-reliant and here Mr Teeka pays

“In fact, our entire group

extra mile and caring for the people

developed its own integrated software

strong and transparent corporate

that we work with and work for are

programme Phoenix, a technological

governance. It has assisted a

our basic premise of doing business.

tool assisting a ship manager to

singleton ship manager, ESM,

These guiding principles of business

record, process and collate entire data

evolve into an ensemble of eminent

have made our partnerships with

and information at the click of mouse,

companies, providing its own

leading business houses including

he continues, as well as Arc Marine

unique set of maritime services

BP, Shell, Shoei Kisen, CIDO and

Engineering, a ship repair service in

such as professional maritime

many others, along with our top

Singapore and Adhart, a commercial

training, premier ship management

Passion for learning, going the extra mile and caring for the people that we work with and work for are our basic premise of doing business B.S. Teeka, CEO

Quality and sustainability remain

urs is a story of sheer

in unrelated bureaucratic red tapes,

management and employees, last for

management entity. All have been

services, high-end offshore solutions,

perseverance and

as exists in most other developing

over 20-plus years and counting!”

created in order to provide “a unique

international chartering, commercial

the Group’s watchwords. “Our

consistent focus on

Asian countries.”

In short, the CEO describes

value chain proposition to those ship

management, integrated software

investment in technology, professional

The company started out with

developing a superior quality service

ESM as a ship manager “who

owners looking for a comprehensive

training and nurturing human

in the shipping industry starting with

a 3,000 DWT mini bulk carrier,

understands and empathises with

package of services with extra benefits

capital as well as our involvement

ship management from Day One,”

providing crew, technical and even

every pain point of a ship owner

of economies of scale.”

in the community and industry are

says Executive Ship Management

commercial management, he relates,

and take steps or advise to address

(ESM) Founder and CEO B.S. Teeka on

which allowed it to become “extra

them effectively.”

the eve of the company’s concluding

savvy commercially to run a shipping

Silver Jubilee gala celebrations. “Our

business from end to end.

manifestation of that inherent policy

Ms. Singh takes up the story, elaborating on the previously

and guidelines,” she says. “Today,

He adds: “What we have also

mentioned ‘backward integration’

the ESM presence is felt across 12

understood and learnt is that besides

process by which the ship manager

cities around the world, with more on

your sharp professional and technical

shares in the ecosystem of the

the way towards the progress of the

produced an unprecedented package

200 odd ships and with 50 years of

knowledge, what makes a business

owner in order to provide real

organisation, the community, and each

with ancillary services needed to run

lifetime spent between the two of

sustainable is a moral and ethical

value-added services. Manager and

employee who are associated with this

a ship efficiently, keeping in mind the

us partners, the challenges we faced

compass at the core. For a family-

owner “operate under the same

evolving requirements of the industry.”

taught us to understand the industry

run business like ours, quality and

value system and business ethics and

from a holistic point of view.”

reputation outweigh our profit interest

above all, benefit from knowledge

at any given time.”

sharing and complementing each

backward integration as a ship manager

The CEO also pays tribute to the

“Looking back, after 25 years with

A marine engineer by training

“business-friendly environment of meritocracy” in Singapore which has

himself and partner Ms. Singh a

allowed ESM as a small enterprise

specialist in mass communications,

own instincts in this respect as it never

“ESM benefits from the quality

We are proud that 80% of officers on board the ESM-managed fleet are SIMS alumni

to grow and flourish, “enabling us

Mr Teeka describes the duo as “self-

became over-leveraged with investors

training from SIMS, while SIMS’

Ms. Sikha Singh, Deputy CEO

to concentrate on what we can do,

taught entrepreneurs and accidental

or external shareholders to answer to.

reservoir of knowledge is the result

rather than getting bogged down

business owners. “We brought

Rather the company has always been

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The company was able to follow its

other’s strength,” she says. Likewise,

Issue 102 March/April 2023

Ship Management International

27

How I Work

Cadet classroom (left) on SIMS campus in Lonavala (above) growth—all together and not at the

reducing emissions, enhance the skills

and counsellors who are available

cost of one another.”

and wellbeing of our people as well

24/7 to ensure both seafarers

Returning to the subject of SIMS,

as increasing diversity in the seafarer

and shore employees receive full

Ms. Singh points out that the maritime

pool, and last but not least, to ensure

physical and mental health support.

institute has seen the graduation of

transparency and ethical governance

Another major successful initiative

over 4,000 cadets since its inception in

from top management.”

has been the Maritime Wellness

2005. “We are proud that 80% officers

“Long before it was even called for,

Ambassador Training programme

on board ESM fleet are occupied by

the Executive Group had recognised

- developing a pool of seafarers

the SIMS alumni,” she notes, with

the importance of crew welfare with

well trained to recognise the need

many more “joining as Technical and

their family being a core component of

of mental health counselling and

Marine superintendents at our shore

it. We designed our strategies for the

assistance amongst the seafarers

offices in Singapore and India.”

people, from the people. By keeping up

on board. The programme was

an accessible and interactive feedback

curated in-house with professional

provides an extra edge to selected

system via our superintendents, senior

guidance as an added support for

SIMS marine engineers, exposing

officers onboard, and our in-house

seafarers’ mental wellbeing that

them to the ship repair industry in

counsellors, it has helped us craft

equips seafarers onboard to provide

Singapore. “With this invaluable

measures to enhance wellbeing.

psychological first aid and ensure

In addition, Arc Marine Engineering

experience and training, when these

“All along, our policies and

timely intervention.

The Group has also established a

junior engineers later step into an

measures are geared towards

ESM ship their value addition is much

implementing all-rounded support

seafarer-shore engagement platform,

higher – almost equivalent to a senior

from the shore offices in addressing

OnExecutive, that allows employees

engineer on board,” she says.

seafarer’s concerns when it comes to

and their families to share experiences

their health, career, family and more.”

through physical and virtual events, while

Apart from a group of medical

constantlyworking to improve quality and

Likewise, the company’s Phoenix software has brought “high-end computer technology to the daily

doctors, ESM has appointed in-

bandwidth of onboard internet access for

operation of a ship manager as never

house professional psychologists

better connectivity.

before,” she adds. “Overall, the synergy has brought immense contribution to services finally offered to the clients.

‘ESM Live’ is another cutting-edge technology, through which the ship shore communication has been brought closer to real time and decision making is made easy with sensors and analytics.”

Workforce welfare As regards ESG activities, the CEO says that Executive’s key priorities are “to protect the environment by

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‘ESM Live’ vessel monitoring system

Issue 102 March/April 2023

ESM ‘family’ in Singapore

Executive Intensive Care Complex

Community engagement

gives them the energy to keep the group

“But where challenges abound,

In addition, ESM tries to instil the

forward and allows them to manage their

opportunities are aplenty,” she says,

busy schedules?

noting that the Group already addressed

importance of social responsibility and ‘giving back’ in its workforce by

“Being passionate about what we do

the looming manpower problem

encouraging community engagement

keeps us motivated each day and we work

by establishing SIMS, while on the

activities. “Our Patna office has been

around keeping our body and mind active,”

environmental front ESM, SIMS and

consistently recognised by the local

replies B.S. Teeka. “We are pretty conscious

Arc Marine have anticipated the need

seafarer association for its extraordinary

about our health and physical fitness through

to reduce clients’ GHG emissions by

support to the community,” notes Mr.

various regular activities and appropriate

jointly working on implementation of the

Teeka approvingly. Generally, when it

diet. Everything in moderation - from food

diagnostic tool Ship Energy Efficiency

comes to ESG policies, he adds, the same

to a wide range of exercises ranging from

Monitoring System (SEEMS).

company philosophy underlies them all:

outdoor hiking, cycling, golfing, yoga,

“Be a conscious and proactive player.”

Pilates, swimming, are our favourite activities

types of managed ships,” she adds, “which

depending on time and place.

include new technology vessels like Dual

Indeed, to celebrate ESM’s Silver

The company has also expanded the

Jubilee it has launched and participated

“We encourage the same for our

in a whole slew of community, health and

entire workforce. Employees are advised

whose main engine is fitted with an exhaust

fitness activities that started a whole year

to maintain their appropriate BMI (Body

gas recirculation system. There are also

before the actual Founding Day anniversary

Mass Index) and participate in all types

software upgradations to the in-house fleet

on May 05, 2023.

of company activities ranging from walks,

management system, Phoenix, where more

“For the community, we have seen

beach cleaning, kayaking, hikes, tree

functions are incorporated into the system

overwhelming enthusiasm from our offices

plantation, cricket competition, that our

allowing for paperless documentations and

across the globe in contributing directly and

employees organise and conduct round

modules to monitor EEXI and CII ratings.”

indirectly to their local communities through

the year.

blood donation drives, environmental

“As we speak today, I am on my way to

Fuel Vessels, LNG vessels, and vessels

Nevertheless, the ESM CEO and Deputy CEO share their concern that

restoration, tree plantations, providing

hike the 4,100-metre-high Kota Kinabalu

the number of seafarers across the world

manpower and fundraising for welfare

and Sikha has already adventured to the

is not increasing proportionate to the

charities and organisations, and more,” says

Arctic at the beginning of this year, after

requirement of the industry, with the

Sikha Singh.

completing an Antarctic call two years back.

Ukraine war having merely exacerbated the

Also, as grandparents of a three-year-plus

problem. This needs to be addressed by

and recovery ward at the Tata Memorial

and one-year-old we do have very fulfilling

“all stakeholders taking the responsibility

Cancer Hospital in Mumbai called Executive

regular babysitting jobs!”

of contributing towards a steady growth of

“In February this year, a brand-new ICU

Intensive Care Complex was inaugurated.

Built with the donation of USD 2 million for its full construction and equipment cost,

Future focus Going forward, ESM faces plenty of

that workforce,” they believe.

After all, when a ship budget is cut “the first casualty is almost always the

the advent of which is projected to benefit

challenges, such as the advancement

training cost”, suggesting training is not a

thousands of underprivileged cancer

of new technologies onboard ships,

priority, while at the same time the majority

patients whose treatments will be free or

increasing gender diversity in the seafarer

of “accidents costing millions in our seas

highly subsidised.”

pool and the overarching environmental

and oceans” are attributed to human

concerns facing the shipping industry,

error. Haven’t we failed to ‘join up the dots

notes Ms. Singh.

properly’, they muse. l

On a personal level, what is it that motivates the ESM’s two leaders and

ESM Patna tree-planting initiative

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P&I and Law

P&I and Law Global inflationary trends influence cargo crime

Headwinds hamper Poseidon Principles The Poseidon Principles provide a platform for financing shipping’s sustainable future, but the technical guidance underpinning the initiative remains under scrutiny, writes James Clayton, Director, Campbell Johnston Clark.

I

n July 2023, the International Maritime Organization’s

products where a vessel or vessels fall under the purview of the

Maritime Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) will

IMO. They also commit to sharing ‘climate alignment’ scores on

consider revising the UN agency’s strategy on greenhouse

an annual basis.

gas emissions from ships. Moving on from a current target to

T

Banks are already actively evaluating the environmental

he latest Annual Cargo Theft Report for 2022 from

reduce CO2 emissions from ships by at least 50% by 2050,

credentials of owners before investing in newbuilds and

partners TT Club, TAPA EMEA and BSI SCREEN

based on 2008 levels, influential administrations seek to

retrofitting older vessels. Société General’s global head of

Intelligence shows an overall decline in global incidents

accelerate towards net-zero or even zero by 2050.

maritime industries, Paul Taylor, told January’s Marine Money

The modification would also apply to the ‘decarbonisation

over the previous year but with increasing emphasis on basic

Ship Finance Forum, in London, that every shipping client is

goods, food and beverages, fuel and auto parts linked to the

trajectory’ observed by The Poseidon Principles – launched

rated for commitment to net zero and quality of reporting on

inflationary effect on the value of such items. Theft of high

in 2019 as a framework for financial institutions to assess the

sustainability issues.

value electronics remains constant.

alignment of their shipping portfolios with IMO goals for GHG emissions.

By the end of 2022, 30 shipping banks representing around

The salient conclusions of this year’s report are:

With IMO rules themselves evolving, aligning also requires the ability to adapt. The Poseidon Principles were updated in September 2022 to anticipate an MEPC shift towards a Net

•

Consistent level of theft from facilities

$200bn of available ship finance (two thirds of the market) had

Zero 2050 target for ships. However, headwinds are expected

•

Increase in container and trailer theft

signed up to The Poseidon Principles. Signatories include

at the coming MEPC for a proposed switch from ‘tank-to-wake’

•

Global reduction in hijackings

a standardized loan covenant clause in each new finance

accountability on GHG emissions from ships to a broader ‘well-

•

Easing of international losses from unsecured parking

agreement, requiring shipowners to provide specific data to

to-wake’ evaluation that takes account of the entire fuel value

their financiers. To measure and manage progress, lenders and

chain - a change already anticipated by another revision made

lessors will apply a principle of ‘climate alignment’ to all credit

to the Poseidon Principles last year.

and from areas adjacent to port facilities • • •

Inflationary trends effect black market demand for more

cost-of-living crisis affecting consumers in many countries,” said

basic goods

Thorsten Neumann, President & CEO of TAPA EMEA.

Food and beverages, auto parts and fuel all increasingly

“We gathered intelligence on fuel losses in 28 countries

targeted

across EMEA, but mostly in Germany and the United Kingdom,

High-end electronics remain a frequent target

which accounted for 72%,” he added. “Higher value fuel crimes also signalled the involvement of bigger organised crime

The over-arching trend is for criminals to adapt to inflation and lessened port congestion and evolve more fraudulent

groups, notably thefts from fuel depots.”

Consistent with past publications, advice on steps that can be taken to mitigate the risk of theft are offered in the report. “In

methods of targeting specific goods.

“Our report explores these themes in more detail by way

particular, we are keen to give guidance on how operators can

of case studies that look at how social unrest in Latin America,

combat the practice of fictious pick-ups and the threat of insider

particularly Chile, Peru and Brazil, has provided a weakness

influence in cargo crime,” said David Fairnie, BSI’s Principal

exploited by thieves,” points out Mike Yarwood, MD Loss

Consultant on Supply Chain Security.

Prevention at TT. “Also, how in South Asia crime involving

“Our guidelines are extensive and they can help to reduce

fraudulent practices, like fictitious pickups to target cargo, are

risk and enhance the overall security and resilience of the supply

manifest.”

chain,” he concluded. “However, it’s important to recognize that

Of the increases in various types of commodities stolen, as

there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Each organization must

illustrated above, TAPA EMEA identified a significant year-on-

develop a tailored risk management plan based on its specific

year rise in the number of fuel thefts recorded in the region, one

risks and circumstances.”

of the most prominent trends recorded. “This is clearly driven by the impact of the war in Ukraine on global oil prices and the

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The full 2022 Cargo Theft Report is available for download free of charge on the TT Club website. l

James Clayton

P&I and Law

Aspiration and accountability

Waiting for answers

While the true ambition of shipping’s environmental

Even though the CII is now in force, owners from

aspirations may once more grab headlines post-MEPC, the

different industry segments continue to highlight perceived

way climate alignment is assessed will also continue to test

shortcomings. A leading bulk carrier owner has pointed

a set of Principles tied to the data types, sources, service

out that, since ships burn more fuel laden than in ballast,

providers and technical guidance established by the IMO.

a ship sailing continuously unladen could achieve A-band

Classification Societies and other Recognized

performance where the same ship sailing laden for fewer

Organizations are obliged to derive carbon intensity

days would create equivalent emissions but achieve a

performance for Poseidon Principles participants in an

C-rating. Clearly not anticipated in reality, the scenario

unbiased way so that signatories can assess and report

nonetheless highlights the system’s vulnerability to

climate alignment. In practice, portfolios are assessed for

manipulation: a ship waiting to load and possessing a

carbon intensity based on IMO’s approach of establishing

tender notice to enter port might take the opportunity to

a Carbon Intensity Indicator for each ship to measure

clock up miles in ballast to boost its CII rating.

efficiency in transporting goods/passengers by grams of CO2 emitted per carrying capacity and nautical mile.

IMO’s CII became mandatory under MARPOL Annex VI from January 1, 2023, rating existing ships on an A-E scale which reflects CO2 emissions against transport miles.

In theory, the IMO approach would reward owners on

Again, as a calendar-based system, a ship’s CII rating might be penalised arbitrarily due to days in port within the limits of a given year, where a rolling format could accommodate a standard deviation.

The methodology underlying the CII is subject to review, even though the instrument is now in force. Last year, relevant

the favoured ‘decarbonization trajectory’ with a better

committee work limited a review of the way carbon emissions

CII rating, with lower carbon performers outperforming

were estimated to ro-ro vessels. In doing so, however, notice

other ships of their type/size to and proving attractive

was also given that correction factors to address adverse

to charterers. Similarly, a portfolio financed under the

weather and waiting times would be reviewed in 2025.

Poseidon Principles would be distinguished by a high

MEPC’s intersessional working group on greenhouse

volume of aligned ships, high loan values associated with

gasses has already had sight of a World Shipping Council

aligned ships, or a combination of these factors.

(WSC) commentary on the IMO Data Collection System (DCS) used to derive the CII. In one passage, it proposes

Real world impacts

“disaggregating reporting of fuel use when ships are

In fact, the scheme’s own assessment mechanism has

underway and at rest, for different fuel consumers (main

exposed the way shipping’s aspirations for sustainability

propulsion engines, auxiliary engines and boilers) and to

can be quickly thwarted by real world events. The recently

index emissions to cargo carried in preference to nominal

published Poseidon Principles Annual Disclosure Report for

capacity”. In another, it advocates “recognizing that when

2021, for example, indicated only seven of the 28 signatory

quantifying cargo carried it is essential to recognize the

institutions as meeting their aims on alignment, with an

fundamental differences between ship types and, by

average score of 9.7% above target an increase over the 7%

extension, the vital importance of using appropriate cargo-

achieved in 2021.

units for each ship type.”

The poor alignment scores were reputed to have been

The Poseidon Principles Technical Guidance is expected

strongly driven by the impact of Covid-19 on the cruise

to evolve as and when the IMO creates new policies, or if

industry. During lockdown, many cruise operators put their

the Poseidon Principles Association decides to interpret the

ships in warm lay-up and powered them using conventional

IMO’s Initial Strategy differently.

carbon-based fuels. With transport miles limited, or sometimes

However, other questions are also in play which

zero during a lay-up, carbon intensity performance necessarily

challenge the basis for decisions being made at IMO and,

deteriorated, even though the cruise ships were generating far

by extension, for The Poseidon Principles. Some wonder

fewer emissions in absolute terms.

whether CO2 emissions can truly be considered the sole

Where cruise ships were declared separately for 2021,

gauge of environmental impact in the shipping context.

they were on average 46% above alignment, while cargo

Poseidon Principles Chairman Michael Parker has

vessel portfolios that were reported separately were nearly

already suggested that entry into force of IMO’s long-

aligned at just 0.8% above target.

awaited convention on ship recycling would logically prompt additional action points for signatories. l

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Classification

Classification

easiest way to see the impact is to model the compliance costs

potential to offset an entire fleet or pool’s penalties with just

next to each other.”

a few over-performing vessels. This opportunity arises from the EU’s decision to allow vessels with emissions verified by the same verifier to be pooled together. This can be done regardless of shipping companies, meaning it applies to the company’s fleets or to pools of vessels owned/chartered by

Impact of new EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime carbon pricing schemes

several companies.

The ability to pool emissions penalties and surpluses has important consequences. For example, a pool of ten boxships could avoid around €277 million in FuelEU Maritime penalties in five years (2030-2034) if they are joined by a single vessel fuelled with e-methanol. That saving far outweighs the likely cost of building the methanol-fuelled containership.

The pooling option in FuelEU Maritime means that companies investing in a zero-emission capable ship would be in a very strong bargaining position when offering to pool with other non-compliant vessels. However, depending on the type of charter party agreement the vessels were under, and

Recently confirmed carbon pricing for ships calling European Union ports offers significant competitive advantage to owners and charterers that understand the incentives, explains Lloyd’s Register in this contributed analysis.

Luke Shu

Modelling compliance costs

especially where charterers are responsible for buying the fuel,

The results are clear. For a large handy bulk carrier emitting

care will be needed. The regulation does not define whether it

9,725 tonnes of CO2 equivalents (CO2e) on voyages to and from

is the owner or charterer who owns the surplus associated with

the EU, and 1,399 CO2e tonnes on intra-EU voyages or at berth

a vessel, meaning that parties entering into such arrangements

in EU ports, the cost of EUAs in 2026 would be €0.58 million,

will need to be sure that they understand the implications to

while the FuelEU Maritime penalty would be €0.20 million if

maximise their advantage.

the ship keeps using the same fossil fuel. But by 2035, the FuelEU Maritime penalty would be €0.71 million, while the EUA price would stay similar assuming the carbon market is stable.

Looking to 2050, the FuelEU Maritime penalty reaches €3.60

E

The other mechanism is FuelEU Maritime, which will come

million, six times the EUA spend needed to cover emissions.

some ship owners and charterers. The aim, after all, is to

into effect in 2025. The regulation sets targets for reducing the

Although EU ETS foresees providing the right to shipping

encourage a switch to green fuels that will likely be more

yearly average GHG intensity of the energy used by a ship (or,

companies to pass on the financial cost under certain

expensive than fossil fuels, accompanied by costly changes to

crucially, by a fleet or pool of ships). The required GHG intensity

conditions to commercial operators or charterers, a significant

operations. But these incentives and penalties can also offer

reduction starts small, at -2% in 2025 (compared to a 2020

amount of work remains to be done.

wide scope for profit to those that understand them fully.

baseline), reaching -6% in 2030 and -14.5% in 2035, through to

xposure to carbon pricing may seem like a threat to

Most of the current commercial contracts are not yet ready

Knowledge is power

The two EU carbon-pricing schemes that shipping will soon

-80% by 2050. A penalty or reward is then calculated based on

to cover the multitude of scenarios of ‘who pays what’, so for

“Whoever has more knowledge in such a negotiation will win

be subject to are a case in point. Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions

the extent of under- or over-performance against the vessel or

both charterers and shipping companies starting with a sound

the battle,” says Shu. “If you are an owner without that knowledge,

from ships ≥5000GT in 2024 reported under the EU’s Monitoring,

fleet’s target for the year, and the cost of low-carbon fuel that

understanding of regulatory impact and an understanding who

you may just think that a long-term charter is good. But if you sign

Reporting and Verification (MRV) system will also be included in

would have been needed to meet the target.

owns operational exposure is fundamental prior to any updates

the contract without looking into all the clauses, you may find that

to their commercial and risk management framework.

all the FuelEU Maritime compliance surpluses go to the charterer.”

the regional Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). Those vessels in

At first glance, it is easy to believe that the ETS, covering

scope of the ETS will need to buy EU Allowances (EUA) to cover

100% of in-scope 2026 emissions by 2027, will have the bigger

half of their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to and from EU,

impact of the two mechanisms. FuelEU Maritime, by contrast,

efficiently, exposure to FuelEU Maritime penalties can only be

yet to be finalised, and some of these potential opportunities and

Norwegian and Icelandic (EEA) ports, and all emissions for intra-

covers only a small percentage of emissions even as late as

reduced significantly by changing fuel technologies. Further, Shu

challenges are likely to change once the draft is settled. But they

EEA voyages and while at berth at EEA ports. In 2025, 40% of the

2035. But analysis by Lloyd’s Register reveals that by that stage,

notes that FuelEU Maritime effectively rewards early adopters

highlight some of the new commercial considerations that are likely

CO2 emissions from voyages and at berth stays in 2024 will be

the financial impact of FuelEU Maritime could already have

by decreasing the surplus for over-achieving compliance over

to come into play as carbon pricing becomes a reality for both ship

subject to the ETS, ramping up to 100% in 2027.

overtaken the EU ETS. By 2050, the cost in FuelEU penalties

time, while multiplying the penalty for failing to meet the target.

owners and charterers.

Just as the ETS phase-in ends there is a financial double-hit

could be six to eight times greater than the cost of buying EUAs.

Understanding the relative significance of each measure, and

for shipowners. In 2026, the MRV will also require the reporting

“I think ETS is easier to understand,” says Luke Shu, Technical

the optimal means and timing of compliance, is an important

to carbon pricing and other market-based measures, Lloyd’s

first step in successfully navigating carbon pricing.

Register’s Advisory Team can offer expert support, leveraging its

While EUA costs can be reduced by operating vessels more

of CH4 (Methane) and N2O (Nitrous Oxide) emissions from

Manager - Maritime Commercial Markets at Lloyd’s Register. “If

ships, with EUAs to be paid on 100% of the CO2 equivalent of

you emit one tonne of CO2, then you buy one allowance and you

There are other opportunities too for those that grasp

those emissions, in addition to CO2, within the ETS from 2027.

pay for that. Whereas FuelEU Maritime is entirely technical. The

the full implications of the EU measures. One example is the

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The pooling elements of the FuelEU Maritime regulation have

For operators and charterers looking to develop their response

industry know-how and regulatory insight to identify cost-effective compliance solutions and commercial opportunities. l

Issue 102 March/April 2023

Ship Management International

37

Crew Management

Crew Management So what motivates a seafarer to pursue a career at sea?

A

gym, and a good diet that is not just burgers and chips. And they want tailored diets, so they can get fit and send nice photos back to their loved ones of what they are doing and their various fitness challenges. And they will want all of the benefits as I said, that would wrap around a normal shoreside job. So, I think gone are the days where you distinguish between shoreside and shipside. This is a taskforce, and they want proper

ccess to shore leave and being able to communicate with your family and friends while at sea

human resource management, not just a crewing department

remain key to making a seafaring career more attractive, according to a high-level panel of industry

that sends them from one ship to the next. They want human

experts.

resource management, which we as an industry have learnt a lot

And while the debate over the first two years of Covid was driven and shaped by the effects that the

about over the last three, four, five years. No more a personnel

pandemic had on the seafarers’ ability to do their job effectively and travel home to see their loved ones,

department or a crewing department, but a proper human

according to Mark Nestlehutt, President Executive Director of the Seamen’s Church Institute, what the seafarers

resource that involves career planning, that involves mentoring,

were really pushing for most, was universal internet access to all vessels.

and involves training.”

“And I think that is something that was campaigned for, but pretty dismissively they just wanted to ask, “Well

According to Martin Bennell, Managing Director for Europe,

they only want to be able to stream Netflix videos while they are at sea,” he told delegates attending the

Middle East, Africa and the America at the recruitment specialists

recent Connecticut Maritime Association Shipping 2023 conference in Stamford.

Faststream, a survey of seafarers it recently undertook showed

“But really if you think about the mental health concerns that were exacerbated because

that 27% of seafaring crews professionals felt valued by their

of Covid, what we really want is the access to these resources, so the seafarer does have

employer. “Only 27%. So, that is not good enough, nowhere near

access to mental health support while at sea, and that also requires universal internet

good enough. And as you said, everything is covered, but as

access,” he said.

Mark O’Neil mentioned, they want to feel valued and liked in the

This point was taken up by Mark O’Neil President and CEO of the

office, and what is missing, what we haven’t discussed is pension

Columbia Group, who said that the Covid pandemic helped to develop the

and performance bonus, and actually they want to feel like they

whole seafarer welfare cause. “What seafarers wanted through Covid, was

are a member of staff as well. So, that is high on the list. A total

identification. The most important point they said, is that as an industry, you

of 41% actually went for the performance bonus, actually more

get it, you understand us, and you understand the trials and tribulations that

than Wifi,” he said.

we have day in, day out. They wanted better communication,” he said.

Mr O’Neil told delegates that he gave his mobile number to every one of

An important factor that has been evident, according to Heidi Heseltine, Founder of the Diversity Study Group, revolves around

Columbia’s 15,000 seafarers, and I get 10 to 15 WhatsApp messages during

the duration of contracts at sea, linking also with family friendly

the week, which I answer. “They need to be able to communicate even to

policies. “When you look at the make-up and demographic

the CEO of the business, and that is really important. They want to know

of the contractual side of things, the contracts are not really

that they are not invisible. The press releases that came out right at the start of Covid was that the seafarers were an invisible workforce. They certainly don’t feel invisible anymore,” he said.

“I think all of the shipping industry has really rallied around that. Wifi is a given. No more can we deny seafarers access to Wifi. They need to be able to communicate with their families. And that is a good thing too when we talk about some of the recruitment issues going down the line. We have to provide our seafarers with the basic welfare packages we provide our employers in the office,” he said.

These include mental health support as well as retirement investment opportunities, and medical health support. Mark O’Neil again: “They will want all of these things that we take for granted. They will want a properly equipped

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Ship Management International

39

Crew Management

GET ON BOARD

for the next generation of

AUTO ROUTEING

family-friendly, particularly when you add in the fact

culture, particularly onboard ships, and we are seeing

that people quite often feel disconnected from the

some really interesting work being done to actually

family because they don’t have the right internet

understand that a little bit more, and to collect the

connection. And I think that is one of the things we

data. I think there is understandably an immediate

have really been seeing.

reaction in terms of trying to draw up processes

“And also, coming back to that career development as well that we have already

speak up. But of course, behind that, there has to

highlighted, it is also transitioning from sea to shore.

be a culture that supports it, and I think we are all

So, seafarers are probably not going to want to sail

acknowledging it on this panel.

for their entire life. So, what are the opportunities

“You must have a culture that encourages

for me to move ashore? Where is the progression?

people to speak up, but the action when something

So, there has been a lot of that reported as well,”

happens that is taken to build the trust. And I think

she added.

at the moment part of the elephant in the room is

“I think pay, like for most of us, is one of the lesser

the trust doesn’t exist yet to really get people to

“Once you achieve a certain level that is

where it is a case of, “Well, I said this to someone”

competitive, it is much more sophisticated than that.

and they were told. “Oh, it’s just the way that person

One of the biggest positive moves we did over the

works onboard the ship.” And this is whether we

last year or two, was that we put £1.5 million of our

are looking at males, females, and the LGBTQ+

own money into a charity to set up sanctuaries in

community. It is across the board, and I don’t think

Poland and Romania for the wives and the children

we have started to even scratch the surface to really

of our crew suffered during the war. Not just for

unearth exactly what it is we need to be addressing

Ukrainian seafarers, but for Russians as well.

and doing it thoroughly. The great news is there is

“This was, and is an unlimited commitment, and we have an army of 320 psychologists working in the

some really good work that is starting to be done on it,” she said.

Ukraine for traumatised children. That was the right

Mark O’Neil added: “It wasn’t too long ago,

thing to do, and as a result the number of crew, not

when I was a lawyer, that I was advising a shipping

just Ukrainian crew or Russian crew that come to us,

client on policies they needed to have. I said, look,

but crew of all nationalities, has been terrific. So, we

you need a harassment policy,” and they replied,

have got to remember these crew are people, and

why do I need a harassment policy? That is surely

emotions drive what these people do, and having a

going to encourage people to file claims for

strong culture, and having a strong family, and doing

harassment. But as I replied, that is the wrong way

the right thing, and being seen as the good employer

of looking at it. It’s quite the reverse, and it’s going

matters. It matters to all of us. I think we distinguish

to show you as a modern company and educate

too much between crew and people ashore. We are

people as to what harassment is.

“So, I think it is education, education, education,

all people,” he said.

Beth Wilson-Jordan, Vice President/Senior

and we have got some terrific models. We have got

Associate CMA/Flagship Management, then changed

many different internet learning capabilities out

the subject matter to cover what she said was the

there now that keep crew very connected and able

elephant in the room, namely the cultures that need

to have tailored training on all of this. It is education,

to change regarding sexual assault at sea.

it is training, it is lifelong learning. All of these things

Heidi Heseltine, was the first to respond: “So, in terms of elephant in the room, I do think it is

Ship Management International

From any position to any position The new integrated Auto Routeing module in NavStation prepares a route suggestion in seconds. It provides an overview for distance and duration and can be used as a foundation for further detailed route planning.

be opening up, because there has been incidences

incentives,” added Mr O’Neil.

40

to offer protection and to encourage people to

Issue 102 March/April 2023

are really, really important shoreside and shipside,” he stressed. l

Read more: navtor.com/auto-routeing

Navigation Weather and currents key to voyage planning

O

ne way of reducing a vessel’s

also monitored for the CII and other

which could mark the beginning of the

emissions footprint, including

emissions facets.

end of charterparty warranty clauses,

reducing the carbon intensity

Using AIS (Automatic Identification

Vecchione added.

indicator (CII), is to optimise and plan a

System), voyage data AIS can be used by

Worldwide weather data is run

voyage taking into account the weather

vessel owners, managers and operators/

every six hours and WNI has specialist

patterns and currents to be encountered

charterers to monitor and optimise

centres in Oklahoma, Japan, Athens and

en route, while still maintaining safety.

performance. This could involve voyage

Copenhagen.

briefings with the Master if necessary.

To date, the company has around

times where the incidence and severity

By using cloud technology and

10,000 vessels on its books and caters

of extreme weather has been increased

software tools, data can be collected

for owners, managers and operators/

by the effects of climate change, most

and analysed, either prior to a voyage,

charterers among others. Many of

experts would agree.

or following its completion. Statistical or

the vessels act as weather ships by

engineering models can be produced for

communicating real time data back to

each voyage.

WNI on a regular basis for analysis.

And that is particularly so in current

Claimed to be the largest independent weather service provider,

Vecchione also said that collaboration

Weathernews Inc (WNI) has developed

Jesse Vecchione, WNI’s Head of

various platforms to help achieve the

Regional Sales and Marketing for the

between shipping’s stakeholders was

optimum voyage length to allow fuel

Americas stressed that safety was

vital to monitor emissions and thus go

savings and thus cut emissions.

“number one” when deciding upon the

some way towards decarbonisation,

correct route.

which will face significant challenges,

For example, WNI’s all in one

He revealed that WNI is developing

platform - Sea Navigator - allows

due to the complexity involved, while at

the operators to monitor the fleet’s

a system whereby if the company’s

the same time maintaining safety while

status; plan a voyage by using a CII

weather data proves to be totally

at sea.

simulator, a voyage planner and a

inaccurate, then the company will pay

Achieving decarbonisation goals

sea margin calculator; monitor the

up. Vecchione likened it to an insurance

requires innovation and investment in

voyage its optimisation by using

scheme. This initiative should be

new technologies and fuels, alongside

the onboard logbooks and analyse

introduced by the end of this year.

WNI also has an agreement in place

the voyage by using an emissions dashboard, thus giving a performance

with NAVTOR whereby route planning

evaluation and highlighting any

meteorological data can be overlayed

charterparty warranty issues.

on its electronic map system/ECDIS -

Last October, WNI announced that it

NavStation. Both vessel Masters and

had upgraded its optimum sea routeing

operators can also be contacted through

and performance monitoring services

NAVTOR’s communications systems.

to include CII and CO2 environmental

Due to the push for new shipboard

content in the ship performance

environmental compliance, vessels’ data

models. Time spent in port should be

can be displayed online in real time,

42

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Issue 102 March/April 2023

Jesse Vecchione

Navigation

regulatory support and the willingness of

extreme weather events that have

satisfaction and safety despite the

stakeholders to work together towards a

been occurring.

impacts of climate change.

“Traditional optimization

common goal, he stressed.

Climate change impact

“This approach involves

techniques based on deterministic

incorporating human expertise and

forecasting are no longer sufficient

insight into our automated routing

Addressing the subject of climate

to achieve real optimization due to

processes, ensuring that we have

change, Vecchione told SMI: “At WNI,

the unpredictability of the weather

a human in the loop concept to

we recognize that climate change is a

phenomena and the dynamically

complement our automated systems.

real and pressing issue that is affecting

changing weather patterns.

By doing so, we can help our customers

the shipping industry in a significant

“In response to this challenge, we

make informed decisions based on more

way. We have observed trends that

have adopted probabilistic forecasting

accurate weather data and mitigate the

show longer distances and travel

techniques to properly adapt our

risks associated with climate change.” l

times due to the more frequent and

services and ensure customer

Instilling confidence and resilience The virtues of the new Blue Board Leadership Programme at Copenhagen Business School (CBS) are explained by Anne-Christine Ahrenkiel of DFDS, part of the 2023 cohort.

E

Avoiding weather-related confusion in charterparties Based on a longer article by Capt. Milind J Karkhanis, Master Mariner and Maritime Arbitrator, which first appeared first in the London Maritime Arbitrators Association (LMAA) Bulletin and the Nautical Institute’s magazine Seaways earlier this year.

xecutives in the maritime and

CBS’s Executive MBA in Shipping &

known as ‘greenwashing’ – is “to be

logistics sectors must deal with

Logistics (‘the Blue MBA’).

open about the starting point of the

the often-severe impact of

“I was keen to take a Board

company, and be explicit about how

complex global issues. Anne-Christine

education and get some academic

the company gradually is dealing

Ahrenkiel, who is in the executive

inspiration – and when I saw the

with it, for instance through a five or

management team of major ferry and

curriculum of the Blue Board

10-year action plan which describes

logistics group DFDS, is among those

programme, the ‘Blue twist’ appealed

a long term vision but also sets out

who have found participating in the new

even more, especially with its focus on

intermediate steps.”

Blue Board Leadership Programme to be

geopolitics and Environmental, Social,

valuable in enhancing their approach to

and Governance (ESG) principles,”

is a must, “it is important to allow

determining the right pathways through

says Ms Ahrenkiel.

oneself to make assumptions about

ever-changing scenarios.

How does a company cope with

While adherence to ESG principles

how to interpret relevant new

such matters as rapidly evolving

legislation,” she adds. “If not – and

much success in her chosen field

legislation and regulation, and with

if trying to deal with all legislation in

– since 2019 she has been EVP

the exacting question of setting policy

great detail at once - it will overtake any other activity of a company. Hence,

Ms Ahrenkiel already can claim

M

Charterparties invariably contain

warranty clause and the good

and Chief People Officer of the

over present and future green fuels?

contemporary natural

an express clause that provides the

weather condition limits, it is

Copenhagen-listed group, which

Ms Ahrenkiel explains: “As a

science element, which

vessel’s warranted performance in

essential that the wordings stated

has some 12.000 employees and

European transportation service

take an assumptions-based and risk

is anything but perfect. It keeps

terms of its speed and performance

therein are unambiguous, in

was voted the world’s leading ferry

provider, we have a lot to deal with

management-based approach.”

evolving as Mother Nature

within certain good weather

particular, if any such reference is

operator for 2022 at the World Travel

to react to geopolitical trends such

Reflecting on her participation in

undergoes changes due to various

condition limits related to the wind

made to obsolete Douglas scales.

Awards for the 12th consecutive year.

as Brexit and the Russian invasion of

the eight-day session (in two modules)

reasons, including its abuse by

and state of the sea, in terms of the

Rather than getting mired in

She previously worked for Maersk and

Ukraine. Topping that is the whole ESG

in the Danish capital of the Blue Board

mankind - land reclamation,

sea wave and the swell wave heights.

meteorological tables / guides,

also has senior business experience

agenda which is driven by expectations

Leadership Programme, Ms Ahrenkiel

deforestation, emission of harmful

Both are subject to careful distinction,

given their record of getting revised

in other sectors such as media &

of employees, financial investors,

remarked on the high quality of the

gases, biodiversity loss, etc.

as they survive jointly in open waters.

or some even becoming outdated

entertainment, IT and government.

and EU legislation. Lots to deal with

CBS professors, and of the external

The Blue Board Leadership

eteorology is a

one needs to a certain degree to

– so every day demands a careful

faculty members “who were very good

have come up with theories

is a common practice to make

while drafting the charterparty

Programme initiated its sessions in

assessment of what is most critical and

at elucidating the academic approach

which a few of them stood to be

reference to meteorological tables

performance warranty clause, would

late 2022 and early 2023, drawing

by when, while asking oneself how it

into real-life examples.”

adjusted or even debunked, with

such as the Douglas scale and/or

it not impose certain uniformity in

on expertise from CBS Executive

will impact the company over the next

the advent of time. The Admiralty

the Beaufort scale.

its interpretation, if the parties keep

Fonden, which designs and runs senior

five to 10 years.”

Over the years, meteorologists

To quantify these limits, it

with time, moving forward,

She adds: “the ‘Blue twist’ I have been describing here is

Ms Ahrenkiel stresses the

relevant also outside the shipping

it simple by directly mentioning

executive and board governance

Meteorology Organization etc.

claims as to whether a vessel’s

the sea wave height and the swell

educational programmes, and the

importance of the ESG element, and

industry and might even make this

have come up with updated data

speed and performance complies

wave height, while stating the good

Blue MBA Alumni Association, whose

says that a good place for a company

programme somewhat of an early

at different times.

with the charterparty performance

weather condition limits? l

members have graduated at various

to begin proving it is not just paying

front runner compared to other similar

times over the past two decades from

lip-service to a slogan – what is

programmes.” l

However, to avoid conflicting

Weather Bureau, the World

44

Training

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45

Crew Welfare

Crew Welfare

Danica’s decade of achievement

Use of behavioural science can improve seafarers’ green performance

On his company’s 10th anniversary, Danica Crewing Specialists’ Founder and CEO Henrik Jensen explains why ‘the days of very cheap crew are over’.

Harriet Johnson

W

hen Danish master mariner Henrik Jensen started

currently opening one in the Philippines. “We’re in the process

Danica Crewing Specialists 10 years ago this April,

of developing from an Eastern European crewing company into

his motivation was a very simple one.

an international one,” says Jensen.

U

K-based software company Signol is using

Harriet Johnson, Head of Maritime at Signol, says: “As

behavioural science to cut fuel consumption,

a former mariner myself, I recognise that the behaviour

operating costs and emissions. In recent

of seafarers on board vessels is an important and often

months it has concluded pilot projects with both BSM

overlooked component of vessel performance. Vessel

simply because of problems surrounding Ukrainian crews

(Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement) Deutschland and

optimisation teams throughout the industry have rightly

at present, he continues, but rather to a globalisation and

Hawaiian Islands freight transporter Young Brothers with

focused initially on the performance of the steel through the

manning director in shipping companies, I fully understand that

increased transparency of the crewing market in general, linked

encouraging results, yielding fuel savings of upwards of

water yet can sometimes forget the importance of engaging

to have the proper crew onboard is very important for the whole

to the growing role of internet-based recruitment and salary

five percent.

with and motivating the crew to be proactive around efficiency

success of a shipping company.

comparison information.

“Having a seafaring background on bulk carriers, container

The reason for this geographical diversification is not

ships, ferries and eventually captaining offshore vessels before coming ashore as marine superintendent and moving to be

Under Signol’s programme enrolled Masters receive

and carbon emission reduction initiatives.

“In 2013 I had a vision to do something about this,” he

“The competition for good talent is much stronger and

personalised goals, motivational reports on their performance

continues. “I saw that there were few companies concentrating

more difficult today,” he says. “What the shipping industry in

and impromptu notifications via email, as well as having access

experience unlike anything previously seen in the industry,” she

on quality crew supply specifically for Eastern European

the future has to realise is that, while for a long time it was easy

to the Signol web app, where they can review and reflect upon

adds, “which is why we are seeing significant fuel savings from

seafarers, and I thought there was a need for a new provider

to find ratings at very inexpensive rates from countries like the

their own individual performance.

re-energised and enthusiastic mariners.”

of talent that was not involved in technical matters but would

Philippines, for lower ranks like these in particular the living

support shipping companies that didn’t have their own

standards shoreside have become much higher. The days of

trial improved their performance, with the most significant

its managed vessels not only improved crew decisions

manning agencies.”

very cheap crew are over.”

gains coming from those toward the bottom of the historic

with regards to fuel consumption, but also aimed to

performance bell curve.

boost seafarers’ morale and wellbeing due to ongoing

Working for Nordic Hamburg Shipmanagement at the time,

Meanwhile, on the officer side Jensen sees that

The vast majority of Masters involved in the Young Brothers

“Signol offers a friendly, positive and engaging user

BSMD says that the test of Signol’s app onboard

he already had manning contacts in Ukraine and this led to

competition from shore-based industries like IT is also

Hamburg-headquartered Danica opening its first overseas office

creaming off the top talent. “Before a good way to have a high

carbon-saving targets to 30 Masters and Chief Engineers across

Harriet Johnson adds: “The partnership with BSM

in Odessa (now Odesa) in 2013. The company today has in total

income, in Easter Europe in particular, was to go to sea, but in

23 BSMD-managed vessels. Calculated on the seafarer’s prior

Deutschland has shown the significant potential of Signol’s

some 1,500 crew employed, of which about 1,200 are Ukrainians.

future this will be a challenge. In India perhaps not, because

performance from analysis of operational data, Signol provided

software solution in shipping. At this critical time for the maritime

there are so many people.”

personal milestones and achievements via its app and direct

industry, these results are evidence that decarbonisation need

emails, nudging participants toward fuel-efficient behaviours

not be capital-intensive and slow-moving. We look forward to a

Events of the past year and more have clearly had a dramatic effect on Danica’s operations, with the company’s staff in Odesa

One way that Danica plans to stay ahead of the competition

In the BSM pilot, Signol says it delivered individualised

communication and personal interaction.

having had to work in shelters for long periods, and many now

is in making greater use of the internet and social media itself,

and letting them review their voyages and send feedback

continued partnership with BSM as it helps the sector navigate

having been relocated to a new office in Limassol, Cyprus that

to target quality seafaring talent. Here it will be employing

related to their performance outcomes.

toward a sustainable future.” l

opened last year. Likewise, the company has been highly active

algorithms to reach out not only to those actively seeking

in helping take care of the welfare of its Ukrainian seafarers

employment, he adds, but to those whose profiles suggest they

and their families and relatives. Henrik Jensen adds “I am

might be open to doing so.

impressed how our staff continued to work under these difficult

In short, the war in Ukraine may have accelerated Danica’s

circumstances. Apart from a temporary shortage of Ukrainian

move towards true internationalisation and greater use of

seafarers last spring, our Ukrainian operations continued without

digitalisation, but these are trends in the wider shipping industry

major interruptions.”

that the company would have adopted anyway as it moves into

This year Danica has opened a new office in India and is

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Use of the app also aims to boost seafareers’ morale and wellbeing due to ongoing communication and personal interaction

its second decade. l

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Crew Travel Round Table Debate

CREW TRAVEL ROUND TABLE DEBATE

Sean Moloney

perspective and from the crew manager’s

Welcome, everybody. First question, what are the

perspective and how that is impacting on you as

challenges and opportunities facing the crew

the challenge?

travel sector at the moment against a backdrop of the industry emerging from the ravages of the

Nikos Gazelidis

COVID pandemic and the continuing impact of

Yes, the priorities now for ship companies and

the Russia/Ukraine war?

ship managers on seafarer wellbeing have been raised significantly. Even before COVID

In the latest of our series of round table debates we focus on the changing face of crew travel at a time when established patterns of air transport and crew repatriation have been disrupted by the global pandemic and ensuing supply chain disruption, as well as considerations of decarbonisation.

Panellists included: Konstantinos Oikonomou, CEO, Marine Tours Group; Melanie Quinn, Head of Sales and Customer Relations, Clyde Travel; Mark Taylor, Global Operations Director, Global Marine Travel; Nikos Gazelidis, Chief Commercial Officer, ATPI Marine Division & MD - Operations, Greece & Cyprus; Thorsten Kirkegaard Winther, Vice President BCD Travel; George Kyvernitis, Managing Partner, Kyvernitis Travel; Sverre Husby, Global Solutions Director, G Travel International. Moderated by Sean Moloney, CEO of Elaborate Communications.

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Nikos Gazelidis

priorities were more into efficiency savings but

The challenges started even before COVID. The

now more than ever seafarer wellbeing is on top.

sector was being impacted by ongoing changes in the

Decarbonisation is coming close as well so we

regulatory environment, environmental concerns and

don’t look at the fewer parameters but rather

there was so-called digitalisation coming in for three

more complex parameters that will affect the

or four years before COVID. Some of those challenges

cost. But definitely it’s the seafarer challenge that

were delayed, and some of the others really enforced,

needs to be tackled because we need to embrace

during COVID. So now the sector is trying to get

these people and to incentivise these people.

back into normality where everything is different now.

The contracts need to be more appealing and,

But the real challenge that still exists is the status of

of course, to attract new nationalities because

a seafarer and I don’t think that during COVID we

experience has shown that the existing ones are

managed to change that. And on top of that there are

not enough.

challenges in terms of shortage of crew and with the Russia invasion this has deteriorated. Increased cost

George Kyvernitis

of operation, not only the air travel but the overall. In

I think Nikos covered pretty much most of it. If I

the future, the opportunity with those challenges is to

was to pinpoint the stragglers and the increasing

have leaner crewing operations.

costs in the entire chain that would be something that would stand out for me. Obviously, the

Sean Moloney

war was something that increased the cost and

Could you give an idea though, Nikos, on how

created part of the shortage. I think the shortage

that situation has changed from the seafarers’

has a lot to do with the growth of each sector

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Crew Travel Round Table Debate

and the way segmentation in the shipping

the coin from a TMC site perspective as well.

industry has grown. We see new ships coming

So one of the biggest challenges, as Nikos

in, like the LNGs, which require a different

said as well, is actual crew retention, which

specialisation.

at the moment is a huge problem. Not only retaining the existing crew but also attracting

And then there was the crisis that we saw

new talents as well, and so obviously the

coming in with Russia and Ukraine - we

investment that comes from ship management

personally faced a lot of difficulties. We had

companies in training and ideas like loyalty

to disembark people with both nationalities

schemes is huge at the moment. And welfare

being on the same ship so that created some

come on top of that and is something that’s

turbulence and we had to repatriate seafarers

being accelerated by the whole coming out of

and provide shelter for those families. So it

COVID as well.

was quite challenging, I think the scope of

K ons

tan

no

ti

sO

ik o n o m ou

my work changed during that time. But let’s

Among opportunities, the cruise industry

not forget that wherever there are challenges

is really alight at the moment, with a lot

there are also opportunities. I think safety and

of newbuilds coming on and a lot of new

security in this industry is becoming the new

companies setting up as well. Obviously,

norm and we need to provide high quality

there’s bigger opportunities with the cruise

services and prioritise these aspects.

ships because they’re a lot more crew.

Melanie Quinn

Sean Moloney

I don’t disagree with either George or

Konstantinos, can I bring you in and get your

Nikos’ comments but I would add that the

views, have you got anything that you want to

shortages in human resources are not limited

add into what’s been said already?

to the shipping industry. The travel industry

nie

I would say that the challenge we all faced

pandemic during peaks at airports and airlines

during COVID is almost over, we are back to

alike. So I think that’s probably the biggest

normality as regards to restrictions at least.

Q

challenge for crew movements, getting the

The markets are opening, China included.

capacity back and getting the people back

That is the good news. At the same time,

into travel to service that part of the sector.

I think there are quite a few challenges as

nn

Konstantinos Oikonomou

recovering and we saw the chaos post-

ui

M e la

has suffered in the same way and it’s still

regards to cost. And the infrastructure that In terms of opportunities, we’re fortunate on

the airline industry has in the market at the

this panel because we operated throughout

moment, including all the new travellers out

the pandemic and continue to be specialists

there, corporate and leisure, has increased the

in crew movements. Whereas perhaps other

demand for travel, and this drives up costs.

agencies who have a more diverse portfolio M ark

Ta y

or

l

of customer haven’t fared as well or have as

I would definitely agree that our own internal

much experience resources as this group of

challenges that have affected the service level.

people. At Clyde Travel Management we’ve

The sustainability of that service level brings

got an employee retention rate of 93% and I

its own challenges in relation to crew travel

don’t think there’s many Travel Management

services as there is a shortage of personnel,

Companies (TMCs) out there that have that

and we need time to attract people, to train

retention rate post pandemic.

people. Technology is definitely going to play

.

an important role there.

Mark Taylor

52

I agree with everything people have said

Sean Moloney

so far. We’re part of a larger group, V.Ships,

Sverre, let me bring you in and then I’ll bring

which is actually a ship management company

in Torsten. Do you think the failure to reach

so we have the benefit of seeing both sides of

global consensus during Covid that seafarers

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Crew Travel Round Table Debate

Crew Travel Round Table Debate

are key workers was an opportunity lost?

I think we have done that and what we do see

own crew department did earlier.

have adopted integration or not.

now is actually a significant need for technology, Sverre Husby

integrating current system with the technologies

Thorsten Kirkegaard Winther

It was an opportunity lost definitely but also there

that we utilised for travel bookings.

A good point as well but I think what we potentially

But this only addresses a part of the cost issue.

was a lost opportunity during Covid for TMCs to find

do is actually integrating the crew technologies and

In the future our role will be to manage the travel

a way to ease the cooperation between us. Last year

And there is an appetite out there from the crewing

taking already existing information like crew data,

patterns of the shipping companies more than

and the year before we talked about it but no one

companies, absolutely. We see clients going up to

home airport, embarkation port etc. and bringing

just managing travel. What we’ve seen, especially

ever took up the gauntlet of actually starting to work

a 70% online adoption rate for crew travel. I’m not

that into the flow. We see a significant reduction

after COVID is that the level of complexity and the

towards it. But there are new challenges coming

saying that we should not offer the expertise but we

in time consumed in the logistic task that is being

constant re-bookings of travel makes us wonder

up. Today we also see a renewed capacity problem

see the need to ring-fence the travel ecosystem with

performed around it.

if shipping companies have the resources to do it

for airlines and a challenge that might impact a lot

online/offline and 24 hours service. But the ramp-

of us sitting here is that Amsterdam has decided to

up in online adoption rate for crew travel has been

Sean Moloney

communication data analysis in order to predict the

reduce the flights operating in and out of Schiphol

impressive and this has unlocked the potential in the

Let me bring in some of the earlier speakers,

ETA, the exact ETA or not of vessels. There are tools

by 25%, which will definitely limit one of the major

industry which is really nice to see.

Nikos and Mel, on this whole movement towards

that we can work with together in order to make

digitalisation and AI technology, chatbots and how

the shipping company more proactive, for instance

the industry is going to be adapting.

following ship patterns to anticipate ticket demands

European hubs for seafarers as Schiphol offers

54

the communication between companies even if they

important connections to places like the Philippines

Sverre Husby

and South America.

On the question of online adoption for crewing,

themselves. And whether they have the right level of

for different nationalities and therefore obtain

I guess that basically means some of the smaller

Nikos Gazelidis

reduced ticket prices. I believe that in the future we

Thorsten Kirkegaard Winther

clients will do more of the booking themselves. But

System integration is already happening. And we

can contribute more as a crew travel sector to the

With the reduction of capacity another issue that

in our market, not only in the Nordics but also in

need to have even more to that, not only on the crew

shipping community as long as they are open for this.

we are facing is the rise in corporate travel. Not

Poland and the UK, our clients are actually asking

management systems but also in other systems. For

everything aboard a vessel can be run on video

us to do more, take on more services so they can

the moment the crewing departments of shipping

Melanie Quinn

conference and we still need to bring people from

reduce the cost of their operation. So we are now

companies are working in silos so we need to

I think Nikos makes a good point about predictive

A to B. During Covid we were looking into the abyss

providing several other services for especially the

enhance this coordination between the manning,

AI, the algorithms to not just help with the mapping

and saying how can we utilise the time to maybe

crew companies and the ship owners that we didn’t

the port agent and of course with the shipping

of the routes and the schedules of the vessels but

bring new technology to play in the industry. And

earlier. They basically pay us to do part of what their

companies. This will create efficiencies and enhance

to help with budgeting as well. Increasingly we’re

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Crew Travel Round Table Debate

being asked to provide an indication of what the costs

trying to get more new ones. But how do you square

will be over the coming years. Having seen costs rise

that with rising costs?

by over 40% last year it’s hard to say, nobody knows how long the Russia-Ukraine war is going to continue.

Mark Taylor

IATA is probably the best indication but costs are

As the parent group looks at it, it’s all about offering

predicted to continue to rise but by how much, we just

additional services, looking at the full spectrum,

don’t know. I think the kind of predictive technologies

whether we’re doing full ship management or,

mentioned would be useful but, as Nikos has pointed

technical management. For us, there is a lot of

out, there has to be an open collaboration between

investment in how do you offer optimum services and

the customer and the TMC to make that happen.

how do you sell catering, as in onboard catering or do full bunkering services etc. There’s even the aspect of

At Clyde, for the moment we’ve digitalised as much

if a ship is half-way across the Atlantic, how do they

as we can influence so workflow management for

order spares while they’re on the move and not having

crew movements is all digitalised within our own

to send out a superintendent to fix a part. So I think

technology. We have digitalised invoicing so that it’s

we’re at the dawn of a huge change as far as concerns

touchless. But those are the areas that have been

digitalisation, which at the moment is just being

open to improving the efficiencies and that’s the

dragged kicking and screaming basically.

challenge going forward, to keep up that pace and make sure that we can optimise the opportunities that

You need to optimise, as Nick said as well, and that

digitalisation present.

means your crew planning. I don’t think you’ll get to the point where you can type into an AI and a chatbot

56

Sean Moloney

will do a full crew change for you but there may be

Mark, let me bring you in as part of V.Group because

elements that can be automated, for example leisure

the way big management groups are now operating

vessels for the cruise industry, at least they’re on fixed

it’s all about offering more to existing clients as well as

schedules.

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Crew Travel Round Table Debate

N ik o

sG

Sean Moloney

and budget for a shipping company. And

George let me bring you in, and then Kostas as

I believe that with a reasonable deviation

well, on this whole issue of costs, how easy or

a budget can be set up for 2023. It wasn’t

difficult it is to stick to budgets and the impact

my thought for 2022, things were quite

of the airlines as well.

unbalanced then. But I think that for 2023 and onwards things are balancing and we can

az

el id

is

George Kyvernitis

definitely help certain companies address their

I think the word budget is everyone’s

budget and average cost.

nightmare these days. I don’t think I’ve seen,

Th or

ste

n

at least for the last year, a budget that’s been

Again, my primary concern comes from the

maintained among the lines that’s been

supply side, unfortunately for two-and-a-

discussed in the past. Obviously - and this

half years the majority of the travellers were

is a personal opinion - looking at costs how

crew travelling or shipping related travellers.

the entire supply chain of operations within

Airlines cover quite a few reports and analyses

crew transportation has changed, there’s no

on the trends, on the level of fares that these

way back for me. I think we’re going to be

travellers and their companies are willing to

seeing costs that will stay at these levels if not

pay. And I think that they have established and

increase even more.

will establish specific pricing policies for them.

K

This is a true challenge because we don’t know

ir k eg

a a rd W i n t h e r

Obviously technology is something that will

what we’re going to see in front of us from the

be all the talk for the years to come but let’s

supply side.

not forget that for a crew change to take place efficiently and as seamlessly as we want

Sean Moloney

it to happen, it’s very difficult as there are so

Nikos, can I get your closing comments too?

many obstacles to that. And the adoption rate

G e or

ge

K yv er

nit is

of technology for the airlines to make their

Nikos Gazelidis

content available is one of the biggest ones.

I’m not going to pick a fight with airlines

So for me, as mentioned by Nikos and Mark,

because we can’t really influence. An industry

I think collaboration is extremely important.

that represents only four percent of the total

Being able to understand what the needs

airline business it’s difficult to influence. We,

of the shipping company are and TMCs

of course, need to follow what’s going to

becoming the advisor on how to better create

happen and somehere we can do more is

efficiency within the budget streams.

towards improving the efficiency of the crew change cycle. I think this is important also to

Sver

re

Sean Moloney

help with the decarbonisation because the

Kostas, can I please get your closing

need will increase. And to end with a happy

comments on this?

note, the transfer to luxury tourism is expected to grow very fast so crews in the three mega

Hu

sb y

Konstantinos Oikonomou

yachts which is part of our business will be

I believe that the budget and cost is a very

good in the next coming years. And, of course,

technical discussion. At the moment we are

mercantile will continue to grow.

definitely seeing a scale-down as regards prices from specific destinations that clearly

Sean Moloney

has to do with supply, new aircraft coming

That seems a positive note on which to end.

in. But for 2023 I do believe that demand is

Thank you all very much for your time and for a

what’s going to drive cost and prices. We are

most stimulating debate. l

professionals, there are ways to address cost

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Scandinavia Report

SCANDINAVIA:

Powered by partnerships

Equinor, Grieg Star, Kværner and

containerships able to run on green

Wärtsila – was nominated for the 2023

Ship Design in Kongsberg Maritime,

methanol as well as conventional low

Thor Heyerdahl International Maritime

commented that the company was

sulphur fuel. Under construction by

Environmental Award.

excited to work on a project that

Hyundai Heavy Industries, the first vessel is due for delivery in early 2024.

Norway-headquartered Wallenius

incorporates so many energy-saving

Wilhelmsen (WW) is another

and clean technologies in one vessel.

environmental frontrunner, not least

Kongsberg Maritime’s cooperation with

will operate the on carbon neutral

with its ‘Orcelle Wind’ project to build

Tärntank began in 2013, when it designed

e-methanol or sustainable bio-methanol

a sail-mounted RoRo ship as the first of

four LNG-powered chemical tanker

as soon as possible, to which end

its Oceanbird range of wind-powered

vessels for the company, later followed by

Maersk has entered into a number of

cargo vessels, adjudged winner of the

a contract for two more vessels in 2019.

partnerships and collaborations with fuel

above-mentioned Heyerdahl Award (see

Tärntank is a leading tanker operator in

producers in order to ensure ramp-up

also Cover Story). Mercedes Benz joined

the North Sea and Baltic Sea, with 10 ice-

of proper carbon neutral methanol

the project in February, WW’s CCO Pia

strengthened vessels.

production at scale. The vessels’

Synnerman remarking at the time: “To

methanol propulsion system has been

succeed in zero emissions, we need

in a joint development project (JDP)

developed in collaboration with engine

partnerships. I am glad that Mercedes-

with Singapore-based Berg Bulk to

and equipment makers MAN ES, Himsen

Benz will join us on this journey.”

advance maritime decarbonisation by

The company says the vessels

Kongsberg Maritime is also working

WW CEO Lasse Kristoffersen has

exploring concepts for a clean energy

a significant step-up in size of the

likewise explained how Nor-Shipping’s

bulker fleet. Berge Bulk, which operates

technology, which was previously limited

theme of #PartnerShip was a major

over 80 vessels, has been testing a

to container carriers of around 2,000 TEU.

reason for WW deciding to become

number of technologies including

Lead Partner this year, the event

different wind-assisted propulsion

Moller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping,

providing a physical environment for

systems to meet its aim of becoming

also Copenhagen-based, is involved in

“global stakeholders to meet, exchange

carbon-neutral by 2025 at the latest and

(Hyundai) and Alfa Laval, representing

Separately, the Maersk Mc-Kinney

S

Rune Ekornesvåg, Sales Director

into a slew of dual-fuel 16,000 TEU large

candinavian countries have long

autonomous emission-free containership,

Part of Sweden-based Stena Group

a wide range of alternative fuel projects,

ideas, build understanding and form

to have a zero-carbon ocean-going dry

been known as environmental

now coming up to the end of its first year

with its long track record of innovation,

covering areas such as fuel cell power

the partnerships that we need to help

bulk carrier by 2030.

leaders, thanks to their technical

shipping evolve.”

Finally, at government level

of commercial service, carrying shipments

Stena Bulk is currently blazing a trail in

solutions, biofuels, ammonia safety, green

prowess and keen desire to preserve

of fertilizer across across the fjord from

the use of methanol as a marine fuel in

corridor pre-feasibility studies, and vessel

In another example of intra-

the region’s pristine environment.

Yara’s Porsgrunn plant to Brevik port.

a tie-up with global methanol producer

emission reduction technologies. Earlier

Scandinavian collaboration on cutting-

Singapore and the IMO on assisting

But also, no doubt, partly to their

Yara International worked with various

Proman. The joint venture company

this year it released a freely available ‘ESG

edge emissions reduction work, Norway’s

with maritime decarbonisation

societal values of egalitarianism and

Norwegian partners on the design and

Proman Stena Bulk took delivery of its

Playbook for Shipping’, co-developed

Kongsberg Maritime announced in March

worldwide. The collaboration will be

transparency that have encouraged

development of the battery-driven ship,

fourth methanol-fuelled tanker, the 49,990

with Boston Consulting Group and

that it is to supply design, engineering,

achieved by integrating the IMO-

the sharing of information and fostered

including Marin Teknikk, Kongsberg

DWT Stena Prosperous built in China, last

piloted by the Navigator Gas fleet,

and equipment for three MGO/Biofuel

Norway GreenVoyage2050 Project,

joint endeavours.

Maritime and shipbuilder Vard, while

December and the quartet of vessels are

advising companies on the shaping and

and methanol-ready tanker ships being

established in May 2019 to help

Norway is also co-operating with

the Norwegian Ministry of Climate and

now all actively trading and bunkering

implementation of ‘focused, actionable

built for Danish tanker operator Tärntank.

developing countries decarbonise,

greatest ever challenges in the form of

Environment’s Enova provided funding of

fully on the low-emission future fuel,

and ambitious’ Environmental, Social and

The highly advanced, low emission

with the IMO-MPA NextGEN Connect

decarbonisation, many believe that the

NOK133.5m ($14.2m) for construction of

helping drive its wider adoption by the

Governance strategies.

industry as a whole now needs to adopt

the new electric ship.

marine industry.

With shipping now facing one of its

15,000dwt tanker vessels will feature wind

initiative, established in April 2022,

Meanwhile, leading pan-European

assist technology plus Tärntank’s own

designed to help the setting up of

ferry operator DFDS is another long-time

battery-powered Hybrid Solution®.

alternative fuel bunkering facilities.l

such a co-operative spirit. Knut Ørbeck-

Yara is involved in a host of other

Erik Hånell, President and CEO

Nilssen, Maritime CEO at Norway-based

projects, including the pre-ordering

of Stena Bulk, comments: “These

environmental pioneer. It is currently

class society DNV, has coined the phrase

of 15 floating bunker terminals from

vessels are truly pioneering and

working with English Channel ports to

that “collaboration is the true fuel of the

fellow Norwegian company Azane Fuel

meet the highest standards of safety,

establish the UK’s first ‘green corridor’

future”, while ‘#PartnerShip’ has been

Solutions to establish what it says will

sustainability and efficiency, laying down

between Dover and Calais, Dunkerque

chosen as the theme of this year’s Nor-

be the world’s first carbon-free fuel

a marker for what is already possible

and Boulogne, and in 2019 was a founder

Shipping event taking place in Oslo in

bunkering network delivering green

today through progressive partnerships

partner of the ZEEDS (Zero Emission

early June.

ammonia in Scandinavia.

like ours with Proman.”

Energy Distribution at Sea) initiative to

Other examples of longstanding

Maersk, of course, has been the

investigate the setting up of a series of

collaboration to achieve high-tech

environmental pioneers in the region

industry’s highest-profile proponent of

offshore platforms to make zero emission

environmental results comes in the form

include the likes of Sweden’s Stena and

the fuel, back in August 2021 ordering

fuels available to the shipping industry.

of the Yara Birkeland, the world’s first

Denmark’s Maersk and DFDS.

the first eight of what has since turned

ZEEDS - whose other partners are fellow

A good example of intra-Norwegian

Scandinavian companies Aker Solutions,

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Ferries serve as innovation testbed

advantage and may provide the basis for new jobs, while

was deemed the most viable solution to supply the power

also making it even more exciting to work in the maritime

these vessels require. The ferries – each with a capacity of

industry,” said Norway’s Director General of Shipping and

599 passengers and 120 cars - are scheduled to operate

Navigation, Knut Arild Hareide.

from October 2025 as part of a replacement programme for

Norway’s position as one of the countries spearheading global shipping’s advance towards decarbonisation has been underlined by a couple of recent developments in the domestic ferry sector.

Meanwhile, the same month leading hydrogen fuel

similar sized and operable fossil energy-powered ferries.

cell supplier PowerCell was awarded a contract to deliver

Richard Berkling, CEO of PowerCell, commented:

hydrogen fuel cells to two ships operating on Norway’s

“This is a ground-breaking project not just for PowerCell

longest ferry connection operated by Torghatten Nord. The

or Norway, but for the entire marine industry, and one that

order, valued at €19.2 million, was described as the world’s

we are very happy and proud to be part of. Norway led

largest hydrogen project to date in the marine industry.

the development in the introduction of liquefied natural

PowerCell will work with Norwegian systems developer

gas in the marine industry and now the country is taking

and integrator SEAM, which will be responsible for the

an important step to establish green hydrogen as a clean

delivery of propulsion, control, and safety systems. Final

energy source for our hard to abate sector. Our solutions

delivery of the fuel cells, which will enable the ferries to

are perfectly suited for demanding applications where

t end March, Norway began operating Norled’s

A

Norled began carriying out extensive system tests on

new liquid hydrogen-powered ferry MF Hydra.

Hydra at quayside in Hjelmeland from the start of the year

produce approximately 6 MW of power each, is scheduled

operational reliability, high power density and compact

‘Today will be a historic day, both for Norled

onwards, followed by sea trials, resulting in final approvals

to take place in the fourth quarter of 2024

format are important parameters.

and for Norway as a leading shipping nation as we

from the Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA). The vessel is

are witnessing the world’s first ship sailing on liquid

classed by DNV.

The ferries, to be predominantly powered by green

“The transition to electrification and emission-free

hydrogen, are expected to reduce their combined CO2

energy is accelerating and is supported by supranational

emissions by 26,500 tonnes per year, corresponding to the

initiatives such as the EU’s Green Deal and the large-scale

in the development of new green maritime solutions,”

amount of CO2 emissions produced by 13,000 diesel cars

investments to reach the Paris Agreement. In Norway

hydrogen as a fuel,” added CTO Erlend Hovland. “These

commented Ada Jakobsen, CEO of Maritime CleanTech,

per year.

alone, there are roughly 800 ferry lines and ferries are a

are Norled with the MF Hydra, and then the space industry

the Norwegian-based business cluster that works closely

using it as fuel for launches.” Inaugural passengers would enjoy “a zero-emission journey between Hjelmeland and

hydrogen,” commented ferry company CEO Heidi Wolden.

“There are only two parties in the world that use liquid

Nesvik,” he said.

More than 20 years of innovation in the Norwegian

“MF Hydra confirms Norway’s world-leading position

The PowerCell announcement comes as part of a

segment where we can expect great interest in hydrogen-

with the maritime industry and encourages the use of

Norwegian government initiative that aims to see all ferries

electric solutions. Starting next year, the maritime sector

new zero-emission technology. “By putting the world’s

crossing the Vestfjorden between Lofoten and Bodø in

will be included in the EU Emissions Trading System,

first hydrogen ferry into operation on a Norwegian ferry

Northern Norway being emission-free. With a long and

which will increase the demand for net zero, hydrogen-

connection, we are once again showing how purchasing

demanding crossing of up to four hours, green hydrogen

powered solutions.” l

ferry sector preceded the latest landmark event. In 2000,

power and good public-private partnerships can be used to

MF Glutra became the first car ferry in the world to run

develop new and ground-breaking technology.”

off liquified natural gas (LNG), and then in 2015 Norled

NMA had been closely involved in the project from

launched the world’s first battery-operated, propeller-driven

an early stage, as it was when the first battery-operated

ferry, the MF Ampere. This led to a veritable electric ferry

car ferry was to be put into operation. “The fact that we

‘revolution’ in Norway with the country today having around

work together, businesses and authorities, to facilitate new

70 such vessels in operation.

technology development will give Norway a competitive

Optimarin looks to China

N

orwegian-based ballast water treatment

solution, comes with a full documentation package

system (BWTS) supplier Optimarin is

and verified compliance with the IMO’s Ballast Water

concentrating on the retrofit market ahead of

Management Convention, as well as with US Coast Guard

the IMO’s installation cut-off date at end 2024. It aims to sell around 700 retrofit systems over the next two

Asian shipyards have secured 70% - 80% of orders

years, backed by a fast-track delivery model to meet

for various types of vessels, with scheduled deliveries

the IMO deadline.

between 2025-27 in a newbuilding boom. They will have to

Tore Andersen, EVP Sales & Marketing, said many ships had gained retrofit extensions to 2024, which will put a strain on the shipyards. He also thought it possibe the cut-off date could slip into 2025.

Looking ahead, Optimarin is also seeking to establish

Optimarin also operates a 24/7 after-sales service worldwide with spare parts available. Each BWTS has a 2.5-year service interval, while on board maintenance can also be performed by the crew, due to its simple construction.

OptiLink, a cloud-based digital application,

components at reasonable cost, although Optimarin will

developed in co-operation with Kongsberg, enables

keep its ‘dual-supplier strategy’ in place to mitigate the risks

real-time BWTS monitoring, data generation for

of potential delivery issues.

improved planning of ballasting operations and remote

System, which can be delivered as a compact skid-mounted

Issue 102 March/April 2023

regulatory requirements.

a regional level. Partnerships with Chinese suppliers are

For newbuildings, the company’s Optimarin Ballast

Ship Management International

be delivered with IMO-compliant BWTS to meet the new

a Chinese manufacturing base to tap into the market at being pursued to focus on high-quality production of BWTS

62

type approval.

connectivity for online software updates of the system, as well as data-sharing for compliance. l

Issue 102 March/April 2023

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Scandinavia Report

Scandinavia Report

Oslofjord prepares for emission-free future

of dollars in investment ensured that as

is to connect the first container ship to

early as 2014, shore power was available

from the EU require all container ships

shore power at one of the ports in 2024.

for large container ships calling at ports in

over 5,000 GT to connect to shore power

By 2025, it is hoped that 10 container

San Pedro Bay.

at European ports by 2030, including

ships might have been converted in

feeder ships transporting containers

order to access to shore power - a

between Europe and Oslofjord.

process that the Port of Oslo says will

As Neilson’s research trip ended and

Emission-free Oslofjord is an environmental collaboration between the ports of Oslo, Drammen, Moss, Borg, Larvik, Grenland, Kristiansand and Arendal, which hopes to set a blueprint for the reduction of shipping emissions across Northern Europe ports, as this contributed article by Port of Oslo explains.

Meanwhile, new legislative proposals

her flight home took off from the runway at LAX, she got a clear view of the port

Therefore in autumn 2022, Neilson

cost around $50,000 per ship thanks to an

facilities. From the air, it was impossible to

and her colleagues from Emission-free

innovative collaboration it has taken with

tell where the Port of Long Beach ends,

Oslofjord began to visit central ports in

a shore power provider to cut the normal

and the Port of Los Angeles begins. And

the Netherlands and Belgium, to spread

conversion cost by some 75%.

so the Oslofjord vision took shape.

the word about the Norwegian initiative

Common standard

The Oslo region already boasts

with a view to encouraging cross-border

an impressive list on pioneering

ports to choose cooperation, standard

environmental initiatives, which include

regulations, and common guidelines.

retail giant ASKO’s electric sea drones

he ports in Oslofjord all

“T

Shipping in Oslofjord has already cut

have ambitious climate

emissions by 85% compared to 2009, he

Emission-free Oslofjord, whose goal is

began with a conversation with

Their message, she says, was simple

shuttling between Moss and Horten

and environmental

continues. Renewable energy sources

emission-free shipping from the wide-

shipping companies. “What can we

and as follows: “Our solution for shore

as ASKO phases out the transport of

targets,” says Ingvar M. Mathisen,

power international ferries. Local ferries

open sea lanes to Kristiansand in the

contribute for you to convert the

power is tested and ready to use.

goods by truck through the Oslofjord

Port Director for Port of Oslo and

have been electrified for several years.

south to the narrower passages into Oslo

container ships to shore power,”

Together, we can establish a seamless

tunnel, battery-powered, autonomous

Chair of Norske Havner (Ports of

Within five to 10 years, the last diesel-

in the north.

Neilson asked the container shipping

and effective charging infrastructure for

container ship Yara Birkeland transporting

Norway). “We must shift cargo

powered ships will be retired. “The zero-

companies that regularly call in the

feeder ships in Northern Europe well

fertilizer between Herøya and Brevik,

transport from road to the more

emission vision is within reach.”

2017, Heidi Neilson, Head of Planning

Port of Oslo. The answer: All Oslofjord

before 2030.”

and BuksérogBerging (BB) next year

environmentally friendly energy

On the origins of the project,

and Environment at Port of Oslo, saw

ports must offer a common standard

Mathisen explains that the ports in

how the two rival and neighbouring

for shore power facilities.

Oslofjord have been inspired by the

ports work together in two critical

efficient seaway.”

The city of Oslo aims to reduce

the vision of port collaboration for

On a study trip to Los Angeles in

The next chapter in the story

That response led to the birth of the

Leading ports in northern Europe

introducing an electric tugboat in Oslo

have welcomed the message: this year

harbour powerful enough to tow the

the Oslofjord project hopes to formalise

largest cruise and container ships.

95 % of greenhouse gas emissions by

experience of the two American mega

areas - environment and safety – both

Emission-free Oslofjord project. Three

a common environmental commitment

2030, he continues. The Port of Oslo

ports, Los Angeles and Long Beach,

ports choosing cooperation, standard

years after the visit to Los Angeles, port

with the ports of Hamburg, Rotterdam,

history of emission-free shipping

aim to reduce the emissions by 85% in

which have always competed intensely

regulations and guidelines, instead of

directors for the eight largest ports

and Antwerp. The agreement will set

in Oslofjord is a joint investment in

2030. “We will achieve this goal through

to be the biggest and best on the US

competition.

in Oslofjord signed an agreement to

timelines for establishing shore power

renewable fuels for ships and land

cooperation and dialogue among the

West Coast. Theirs has been a story of

These US mega ports are powerful

cooperate on the environment.

infrastructure in all ports – by 2025 in the

transport. The ports grouping will also

ports in Oslofjord and the most important

cooperation and joint environmental

and can influence shipping companies to

In meeting its target of reducing

Oslofjord and 2030 at the latest for the

facilitate at least one green corridor in

European hub ports.”

solutions and this lesson helped create

meet environmental challenges. Billions

greenhouse gas emissions by 85% by

European ports – as well as help reduce

Oslofjord in 2025, the same year that

2030, it is hoped Emission-free Oslofjord

the technical and financial barriers to

it hopes to see the first containership

will spread knowledge about the

shore power and renewable fuels.

operating on compressed hydrogen,

Ingvar M. Mathisen

Heidi Neilson

potential for reduced emissions from maritime transport and enable decision-

Existing initiatives

The next step in the evolutionary

sailing from Rotterdam to Oslo.

“When that vessel docks and connects to shore power, the first green

makers to choose green solutions, at the

International ferries, local ferries, and

same time forming a model for European

cement ships already use shore power in

corridor in Oslofjord will be a reality,”

port cooperation.

some Oslofjord ports and now the goal

concludes Nielsen. l

With support from financing body Enova, Oslofjord ports have already

Shore power installation

established, or are in the process of building, several shore power solutions based on a common standard.

“The port collaboration Emissionfree Oslofjord will help simplify the transition from fossil fuels to renewable fuels for shipping companies and other customers,” underscores Neilson.

“We want to break down barriers to the green shift by offering common solutions and share a common environmental policy.”

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65

Scandinavia Report

Scandinavia Report

facilities themselves but also to the myriad support vessels

the benefit of guests. Combine that with the more challenging

working with them, whether Offshore Supply Vessels, Crew

environments of the Arctic and it’s easy to understand why high-

Transfer Vessels or Floatels. They each place high demands on

quality connectivity is vital for this sector too.

communications systems to ensure the smooth running of key operations such as navigation and weather forecasts.

Another dynamic sector for Norway in particular is fishing.

Vessels are in operation 24/7, often remaining at sea for a month or more, with crews working up to 12 hours a day. For those working in the Barents Sea or even further north, conditions are icy, dark, cold and windy. This is an area where it is extremely difficult for satellite companies to operate, but in fact Telenor Satellite is one of the very few whose satellites are ideally situated to provide reliable and constant VSAT connectivity up to 79 degrees north.

Again, there are strict regulations and mandatory reporting requirements which need to be transmitted back to shore but equally important is the safety and wellbeing of crew who need access to emergency assistance as well as links to home.

Expedition cruising, one of the fastest growing cruise sectors, is also taking off in Scandinavia with well-travelled guests looking for more adventure. These are sophisticated passengers who take for granted that there will be good

Scandinavian maritime growing on many fronts Jan Hetland, Norwegian company Telenor Satellite’s Director Data Services, explains how demand for connectivity is ramping up in key maritime sectors.

T

he Norwegian offshore oil and gas sector is

staff, both onboard and onshore, place far greater demands on

currently experiencing a new lease of life as the

high-speed connectivity than previously but also ensure that the

Ukrainian conflict leaves many countries facing

vessel suffers far less down time.

energy shortages. When coupled with the rising number

The Internet of Things has enabled the transfer of

of offshore wind projects, we are looking at a flourishing

information between sea and shore, allowing for remote

industry with a growing need for connectivity.

upgrades to equipment and crew to be alerted of potentially

These offshore energy sites are becoming more complex and much bigger with a need to comply with increasingly strict

hazardous conditions, meanwhile operational data can be collected offshore for analysis onshore.

regulatory controls requiring intelligent and uncompromised

When considering the hard-to-reach nature of these sites

communications to support the high levels of digitalisation

and the harsh environments that they are operating in, it’s easy

now in use. Tracking, reporting and real time monitoring by

to appreciate that critical systems are not limited to the offshore

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connectivity onboard.

The complexity of these ships and the sheer quantity of people add to the requirement for communications links that can process large amounts of data both operationally and for

In short, the changing shape of today’s vessels, with increased digitalisation and IoT, has made the requirement for extensive and high-powered communications a must-have rather than a nice-to-have for all maritime operations. l

Gibraltar Report

Gibraltar Report

A

s Gibraltar has come out of the pandemic, we have seen our Port and Maritime Services returning to business as usual. I am sure you know that Gibraltar is a

GIBRALTAR

Special Report

port of choice, largely in part to its geographical position as a gateway to the

Mediterranean but also because of the level of service provided.

Apart from being a port of choice, Gibraltar is also recognised as a centre of excellence as borne out during the pandemic when cruise ships were able to pay technical calls when so many other ports were closed, where yachts could find safe harbour and stock up on provisions and fuel, where crew changes could still continue albeit with strict protocols in place and where maritime operations continued with little interruption.

Very few other ports around the world were able to offer all of these services during that period and this just goes to show that while being small, Gibraltar is big when it comes to meeting unprecedented global challenges.

This goes to the heart of what Gibraltar’s maritime industry is about. It is dynamic, evolutionary and able to adapt very quickly to what is required.

In February 2023 His Majesty’s Government of Gibraltar hosted ‘Gibraltar Maritime Day’ in London. This allowed us to engage with organisations and individuals with an interest in learning about and doing business with key maritime entities in Gibraltar.

We are not only about efficient and well-regulated bunker deliveries in a controlled environment, with a world leading regulatory regime. The services on offer at the port go beyond bunkering and include a host of other services delivered in an integrated, time efficient and safe manner. From Commercial ship to Ship transfers, to underwater services, to ship repair facilities and services, to ship agency services, and many other services on offer.

But Gibraltar’s maritime offering is not only the port, rather it’s about how we bring together solutions and services in an integrated way, in a unique location and how we build on our success to further develop a maritime hub.

We are so much more than the biggest bunkering port in the Mediterranean, we have a thriving and well-respected legal fraternity and a University which is developing at fast pace and with huge pride

Introductory address by the Minister for Business, Tourism and The Port for Her Majesty’s Government of Gibraltar, The Hon. Vijay Daryanani

and excellent regulatory conditions steeped in good governance and approach.

Gibraltar’s intention is to grow and we will keep on engaging with all stakeholders to achieve this. l

Gibraltar’s maritime industry is dynamic, evolutionary and able to adapt very quickly to what is required

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Gibraltar Report

Maritime centre of excellence ver the past year the Gibraltar maritime authorities

O

Tyrone Payas, MD of ship agent GAC (Global Agency

have been wrestling with continued fallout from the

Company) Gibraltar, comments: “An accident is obviously

accident that occurred in the last August when the

not good for any port and although the maritime industry

35,362 DWT bulk carrier OS 35 clipped an empty 162,000

in general was badly affected, I do believe that the rapid

cbm LNG carrier while exiting the port. The 1999-built

response and commitment shown by everyone involved

bulker sustained more serious damage than her captain at

and headed by the GPA was incredibly well handled. No

first thought and upon instructions from the Gibraltar Port

doubt that lessons have been learnt and I do expect the

Authority (GPA), was beached off Catalan Bay.

GPA to put additional measures in place for this not to

All 24 crew were safely evacuated, a boom immediately placed around the vessel to contain pollution, and

happen again.”

Ernest Morillo, Branch Manager of fellow agent Aflaship

preparations made for salvage’. But the vessel has suffered

Gibraltar, concurs, saying: “As in any accident lessons are always

further damage in adverse weather conditions and at

learnt, but I believe the handling was impeccable and I am sure

presstime the wreck remained visible, awaiting removal

some positives would have come from it for the future.”

by appointed salvage company Koole Contractors, an

Meanwhile, the Gibraltar Maritime Administration

operation due to be completed by end-May. The ship’s

continues to focus on a partnership approach to registering

master was meanwhile under detention by the Gibraltar

ships and yachts on the Gibraltar Ship Registry, stressing the

authorities awaiting trial.

many benefits its registers and Gibraltar as a jurisdiction has

Heavy weather occurred around in early April causing

to offer to owners and the wider shipping industry thanks

the wreck to shift on the seabed and the further leaking

to its wide range of stakeholders involved in the business of

of oil residues occurred. But within a matter of days the

ship and mortgage registration.

Captain of the Port reported that the heavy swell had

“In terms of the upcoming period, the GMA will

subsided enough to enable the safe redeployment of

continue to look at further developing its systems and

the boom around the OS 35, and that there had been no

technology with the aim of further enhancing the quality

further reports of free-floating residues. The monitoring

of service we provide,” says Dylan Cocklan, Maritime

and cleaning of remaining residues along Gibraltar’s

Administrator. “This includes enhancing our online services

coastline was said to be ongoing, with beach users

via our new website. We will also continue to consider new

warned to exercise caution and report any sightings of

initiatives and schemes which are aimed at making our ship

oiled wildlife.

and yacht register more competitive.”

The GPA has remained understandably reticent to comment further while wreck removal and clean-up works are still ongoing but others have been quick to praise the

70

881 yachts and 334 small ships at end 2022.

On the subject of the maritime cluster as a whole, GAC’s Payas believes Gibraltar has “great potential to expand in

Authority’s efforts.

Ernesto Morillo

Latest figures show the Registry numbered 153 ships,

Tyrone Payas

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Gibraltar Report

Gibraltar Report

many sectors” but he feels “investment in infrastructure

ports” and therefore ECA status should not have any

has been lacking for many years. If we are to prosper, GPA

significant impact. “Gibraltar has always been very proactive

and the Government of Gibraltar (GoG) need to realise

towards innovative way of helping decarbonisation of the

that investment is needed and some port tariffs require

shipping industry,” he adds, “and GPA and service providers

modification in order to attract vessels to call at our port.

have been working together in this common cause.”

“Port investment is needed to create additional

Payas feels that Gibraltar benefit from having another

footprint,” he continues. “This will allow for service provider

bunker supplier, however, and that the GPA/GoG “should

to establish a base whilst at the same time create berth

be encouraging other suppliers to set up in Gibraltar. I do

availability for vessels. Furthermore, we should make

understand that the storage facility at Gibraltar is limited,

better use of the Eastern anchorage by attracting clients

however, GPA should work with new players and find a

with reduced competitive port charge in order to carry out

way forward.”

certain activities i.e. afloat repairs/maintenance, underwater

Gibdock moves ahead under new ownership

On the thorny issue of Russian sanctions, Payas adds that these “have affected the market in general and continue to

cleaning/inspection etc.”

Alfaship’s Morillo takes a more sanguine view. “I would

do so. We have seen a considerable drop in vessels calling

say one of the strengths of the Gibraltar cluster is the ability

at Gibraltar which obviously affects the bunker and local

to carry out multiple services to a ship at Anchorage. There

service provider/supply market. Screening is very strict and

is a clear indication that certain services are growing and are

probably greater than any other EU country,” he notes.

being requested more frequently than before.

Morillo elaborates that currently no vessel carrying

“Obviously there is always room for improvement,” he

Russian cargo, related to Russia or with a last/next port of

continues, “but in my opinion we are managing well with

call in Russia can enter Gibraltar under any circumstances.

the resources available.”

“Unfortunately, this has affected directly the numbers of

Regarding bunker suppliers in the port, and on

ships calling Gibraltar for bunkering or any other service

implications of the last December’s decision by the IMO

for that matter,” he says, but adds: “We understand the

that the Mediterranean will become an Emissions Control

position of the GPA/GoG and will support them in this

Area from 2025 onwards, Morillo points out that “Gibraltar is

critical scenario.” l

already enforcing the low emission protocol for all European Richard Beards

specialist Gibdock enjoys a full workload and

U

layer Nexans Skagerrack that involved the yard’s heaviest

his year’s third edition of the biennial Maritime

continues to be an integral member of the Gibraltar

ever crane lift of over 200 tonnes. In addition. there was

Week Gibraltar will once again provide a global

maritime cluster.

the drydocking of Solstad’s Normand Samson offshore

Maritime Week Gibraltar 2023

T

showcase for one of the most efficient, secure, and

nder new ownership by the UK’s Balaena Group

involving application of a silicone paint as well as anti-

for one year this May, shiprepair and conversion

fouling, as well work on the Norwegian-flagged cable

“Like for everyone else business was difficult during

support vessel, which Beards describes as a welcome return

professionally managed ports in the world. The event,

Covid, but over the last 18 months things have been very

of Offshore vessel business that had dried up during the

created and organised by Petrospot, is jointly hosted by

busy,” Managing Director Richard Beards tells SMI in an

pandemic.

HM Government of Gibraltar (HMGoG), the GPA, GMA

exclusive interview. “Now we’re back to pre-Covid levels

and University of Gibraltar Maritime Academy.

and even surpassing those. Dock occupancy over the last

regulations. “A lot of the work Gibdock undertakes is

year has been 85-100% and we’re still fully booked through

driven by environmental standards and aspirations of our

until early summer.”

clients,” says Beards. “I think on pretty much every vessel

The Week starts on Monday 26 June with an Evening Opening Reception hosted by HMGoG, followed by the event’s Flagship Conference on Tuesday 27 June, finishing with an Evening Reception.

Much of the retrofit work is now driven by environmental

The yard has three drydocks, the largest a panamax-

we drydock we’ve seen the installation of a Ballast Water

size one measuring 272m x 38m, the second 184m x 29m,

Treatment System, and currently we’re undertaking two

and the third a covered drydock measuring 154m x 29m

scrubber installations.” Also, there’s been LNG fuel system

short introductions to more in-depth breakout sessions that

which is predominantly used for superyacht business. All are

retrofit work for Balearia Ferry.

will take place on Wednesday 28 and Thursday 29 June.

supported by 10 cranes. In addition, Gibdock has the best

“There’s been a good blend of defence work, ferries,

These include a full day of training and an Introduction to

part of 1km of wharf frontage in the same industrial area

container, tanker-type vessels, superyachts and offshore,”

Shipping & Bunkering on Wednesday; and a brand-new

of the port, meaning it is able to carry out work afloat, in

he notes. “We try to keep a blend across these different

Alternative Fuels Course from ship.energy on Thursday. l

drydock or a mixture of the two.

markets.”

Some of the conference presentations will serve as

Recent reference projects have included a installing a complex coating system on three Navigator Gas tankers,

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Like all other local maritime businesses Gibraltar was briefly impacted by the temporary closure of the port

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Gibraltar Report

The Governor of Gibraltar visits Gibdock

immediately following the OS 35 accident last year, but

Beards views Balaena’s expertise in renewables and

otherwise has not been specifically impacted, says Beards.

platforms as potentially opening an exciting new era for

“We did have a level of involvement when the accident first

the yard.

happened, and have also assisted salvor Koole Contractors, but it’s really been ‘behind the scenes’ minor involvement.”

Gibdock forms a key player in the local maritime

Once underway, steady platform design and production work will help smooth out the inevitable “peaks and troughs”of shiprepair business, the MDs says. Construction

cluster, which in turn is an integral contributor to Gibraltar’s

will be carried out at the yard’s steelwork area and it is

economy at large, continues Beards, who this September

envisaged that Gibdock will then send travelling teams or

will mark his 25 years at the yard. “It’s not just the business

riding squads to complete and carry out maintenance of the

itself but the trickle-down effect on hotel stays, restaurants,

platforms at, or on route to, their final destinations.

flights and the like,” he points out, Gibraltar being involved

Gibdock is already involved in construction work on a

in such a lot of husbandry work as a major hub for crew

new tank storage farm in the North Mole part of the port,

changes and ship supply.

for local bunker supplier Gib Oil, a subsidiary of World Fuels

Indeed, the yard has for some time operated a

Services. Gibdock is responsible for fabrication of the tanks

four-year apprenticeship scheme together with the

in its steelwork fabrication area and then floating them over

Gibraltar Government, designed to boost local skills

to the tank farm location for installation, thereby increasing

and employment.

Gib Oil’s land-based storage capacity and ability to serve marine and other clients.

Island Utility Platforms

The work underscores “just what Gibdock means to the

To this end the yard’s buyout by The Balaena Group, which also incorporates Balaena Offshore Utilities as well

shipping cohort of Gibraltar,” concludes Beards, “and in turn what that means to Gibraltar plc.” l

as now Gibdock, is seen as a very positive and exciting step. The latter company has come up with the concept of producing Island Utility Platforms (IUPs) – floating platforms powered by renewables that will supply services such as fresh water, wastewater and energy solutions to small islands and coastal communities lacking the necessary onshore infrastructure. Each platform will be of bespoke design according to the user’s needs.

Balaena judged Gibdock’s skills base and strategic location to be a perfect fit for its new business and has moved its operational headquarters to the yard ahead of starting IUP production there.

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Gibraltar Report

???

Q&A

HullWiper

by SCAMP

with Gibraltar law firm Hassans

Yvonne Chu

Tania Rahmany

Lewis Baglietto

Now available in Gibraltar and Algeciras Caroline Lane

C

M

Y

Q) What advantages does Gibraltar offer in terms of

CM

legal jurisdiction and/or the legal framework on offer?

A) The Gibraltar Ship Register is a Category 1

MY

register so is open to all types of ships irrespective of

CY

size (with some exceptions for fishing vessels, ships

CMY

propelled by nuclear power and ships not classed with

K

one of the recognised Classification Societies). The

Q) The OS 35 accident and wreck removal have

accessibility of registering a vessel in Gibraltar has been

loomed large over the local maritime scene in recent

expanded to reflect the same eligibility requirements

months. What observations are you able to offer?

as the UK’s ship registry, meaning owners from a wide

A) The response of the Gibraltar Port Authority

range of nationalities are able to register their vessels

and Emergency Services to this collision, including

in Gibraltar. The Registry was established in its present

stabilising the wreck, and implementation of effective

form in 1997 and since then has seen steady growth.

oil pollution prevention measures, together with a plan

It has also achieved ‘White List’ status under the Paris

for the orderly removal of the wreck and the cargo on

MoU on Port State Control. Additionally, as a British

board is yet another striking example of Gibraltar’s ability

Overseas Territory, Gibraltar forms part of the Red

to effectively meet the requirements of all applicable

Ensign Group.

international maritime conventions and obligations to the

Gibraltar is exempted from the payment of VAT,

Hullwiper by SCAMP, is a hull cleaning machine which utilises High Pressure Water Jet cleaning system, which preserves vessel’s top coating and proactively removes marine fouling ranging from slime to calcareous growth, which is automatically recollected by means of a filtered inbuilt recovery system.

The ROV is powered by a 37Kw electric motor converting it into hydraulic power to operate the ROV to allow an in-depth hull cleaning on all areas required. The ROV can also carry out photographic and video inspections of vessel’s hull and marine fouling condition, providing instant photographic and video imagery onsite.

highest standards and in a timely manner.

therefore, Gibraltar flagged ships are able to navigate EU waters free from the payment of VAT within an 18

Q) Are disputes relating to bunker fuel quantity and/

month-temporary admission timeframe.

or quality common in Gibraltar and if so, how are

Gibraltar also provides a favourable tax climate for shipping companies as Gibraltar has a territorial

these resolved?

A) Such disputes are not common. We are not aware

based tax system and therefore only income derived

of any disputes over quality having to be resolved,

and accrued in Gibraltar is subject to tax through a

whether in or out of court. As regards disputes as to

corporate tax rate of 12.5%.

quantity, we understand that there have occasionally been some, but of a very low level and that these have

76

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SCAMP Worldwide Coordination Centre Europort, Building 7 PO Box 51, Gibraltar Tel: +350 200 79015 / Fax: +350 200 79065 Email: scamptrading@scampnetwork.com

• Remotely operated • Collects fouling • Ecological system • Latest generation • ROV • Powerful water jetting cleaning

Gibraltar Report

been commercially resolved. It is possible that in other

Gibraltar’s ability to make significant changes to the

cases, the bunker suppliers’ terms require any disputes

maritime sector at present.

to be determined in a jurisdiction outside Gibraltar or

The use of renewable fuels and availability of onshore

by arbitration. We consider that the rarity and low level

energy for cruise liners and superyachts is something

of any such disputes in relation to bunkers supplied in

that is gaining popularity in other jurisdictions and

Gibraltar is largely due to the highly regulated bunkering

would be an important investment into the sustainability

regulatory regime which the Gibraltar Port Authority has

of Gibraltar’s maritime offering. This is something the

put in place.

Government is already actively pursuing.

Q) Is there any more that HM Government of Gibraltar could or should be doing to attract new maritime business to Gibraltar and to support the existing cluster?

Q) Are there any other points that you would like to bring to the attention of SMI readers?

A) We would like to emphasise that the Gibraltar Maritime Administration (GMA) is extremely user

A) Due to the ongoing nature of the Brexit

friendly and have a very quick turnaround time, with

negotiations, the extent of Gibraltar’s future relationship

an approximate 24- to 48-hour turnaround time when

with the EU remains uncertain. This uncertainty impacts

registering a vessel or requesting a report. l

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Ad Hoc

Ad Hoc

ICS marks new era of collaboration with China

Intermodal South America bounces back

A delegation from the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) led

The three-day Intermodal South America event in late February/early March this year

by Chairman Emanuele Grimaldi met with Mr Feng Bo, the Executive

ended with a record attendance of 40,238, more than double the 20,100 who attended

Vice President of COSCO Shipping, representing China Shipowners’

last year, the first intermodal show since two years of Covid lockdowns, and 33% more

Association (CSA), to pave the way forward for a closer working

than the previous record of 30,000 back in 2019. Several logistics conferences, such as

relationship between the ICS and China. Mr Feng Bo was accompanied

Interlog Summit, were held simultaneously, helping boost numbers. Brazil’s new Minister

by new ICS Board Director of China and Chairman of COSCO Bulk Mr

for Shipping and Ports, Márcio França, and Transport Minister Renan Filho, officially

Gu Jinsong, EVP of CSA Mr Zhang Shouguo, and other representatives

opened the 27th edition of the trade show, said to be the biggest logistics gathering in

from CSA. The ICS Chairman also met with high-ranking Shanghai

the world. “Brazil today invests less than 2% of its GDP in infrastructure, which is very little

officials, including Mr Chen Jining (pictured), Member of the Chinese

given our size,” said the Minister. “A new tax reform will help favour the development of

Communist Party Political Bureau and Secretary of the Chinese

the sector and this year alone, we will have the investment of resources proportional to

Communist Party Shanghai Standing Committee. Mr Grimaldi said

four years for the transport sector.” Shipping companies exhibiting at the event included

the meetings would help ICS “gain a deeper understanding of China’s great shipping industry, and I look forward to our close

MSC, Norsul, Log in, BBC Chartering, Wilson Sons plus ONE and Svitzer. “It was great

collaboration with the CSA going forwards.” The ICS welcomed the CSA to full membership on 1 January 2023 in a move re-

to see the numbers returning to Intermodal,” Mark Juzwiak, Director for Institutional

confirming its role as the voice of the global shipping industry. l

Relations in Brazil at Svitzer’s parent group Maersk, told SMI. l

APMT to complete Maasvlakte II expansion

Tuas passes one million TEU mark

Officials of the Port of Rotterdam Authority and APM Terminals, part of A.P. Moller - Maersk, signed an agreement for a €1 billion-

PSA Singapore officials, workers, customers and trade unions celebrated the one millionth TEU handled at Tuas Port, just six

plus expansion of the Maasvlakte II container terminal in Rotterdam. The project involves a site of approximately 47.5 hectares with

months after the official opening ceremony for Phase One of the new port on 1 September 2022. Commemorating this milestone,

1,000 metres of deep-sea quay. The Port of Rotterdam Authority

Regional CEO Southeast Asia Ong Kim Pong said: “With five operational berths at Tuas, we now operate one of the world’s most

is now constructing the new quay walls, which will be completed

advanced and automated ports. Such achievements are made

by mid-2024. The expansion will increase the terminal’s capacity

possible by the strong partnership and commitment of our team and

by about 2 million TEU and the new section is expected to be

the Unions. “Besides developing Tuas Port into an extensive and

operational in the second half of 2026. APM Terminals opened at

well-connected Maritime Hub, we will be developing an adjacent

Maasvlakte II in 2015 as a fully automated facility with zero carbon

cargo hub – the Tuas Port+ Hub – offering container freight station

emissions. The additional section of the terminal will also operate

(CFS), warehousing and flow centre services in the immediate

with net-zero emissions and be fully automated and prepared for

future.” The Tuas development is intended to become heart of

shore power installation. It will completes the last remaining vacant

Singapore’s marine ecosystem. When fully completed in the 2040s,

site for APM Terminals in the Amaliahaven area of the port. l

Tuas Port will have a handling capacity of 65 million TEUs annually, close to double the volumes being handled in Singapore today. l

IRI senior team visits Korea

DP World taps into cricket fervour

Senior leaders from International Registries, Inc. and its affiliates (IRI) visited

DP World has signed a long-term partnership with Delhi Capitals as Global

the Korean maritime community in early April, underscoring their continued

Logistics Partner of the popular cricket franchise. The new agreement is

commitment to the local maritime market. IRI President, Bill Gallagher

part of DP World’s growing global portfolio of cricket partnerships. The

and Chief Commercial Officer, Theo Xenakoudis joined Annie Ng, Head

company is the title partner of the DP World ILT20 in the UAE, the DP

of Asia in Seoul this week to meet with Korean ship owners, operators and

World Lions and the DP World Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg,

shipyards in Busan. “We have strong relationships with Korea’s maritime

as well as of the DP World Asia Cup that took place in the UAE in 2022.

community thanks to our long-term commitment to providing local support

Twenty20 (T20) is a shortened format of traditional cricket that has grown

and representation,” said Mr. Gallagher. “Capt. Young Kim has been a key

rapidly in popularity in recent years. The 2022 T20 season was viewed by

figure in our success. He has built a highly experienced, capable, and client-

over 400 million fans across the globe, making it one of the largest sporting

focused team, which has strengthened our position in the market. This

events in the world. Rizwan Soomar, CEO & MD India Subcontinent &

success allowed us to expand representation to Busan and bring on additional technical resources.”

Sub-Saharan Africa, DP World, said: “Over the years, cricket has transformed itself, with ever evolving formats unlocking

IRI’s commitment to serving the market through local representation resulted in the registration of 500 Korean owned vessels

enormous potential for players across the world and making the game engaging and exciting for a diverse set of audiences.

over the last 15 years. Today, the Registry supports the Korean maritime community from full-service flag State offices in Seoul

Similarly, DP World is relentlessly focused on innovation, constantly seeking out new opportunities to revolutionise global

and Busan. l

trade and open opportunities for our customers to grow.” l

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Analysis

Analysis Product Tankers could be in for a bumpy ride ahead

By Ian Cochran

Another category that has become popular down the years is the coated Long Range 2 Aframax size range (LR2s).

These are of between 80,000 dwt and 120,000 dwt.

LR2s often iship naphtha from the Middle East or from Europe to Japan and South Korea, mainly for use in

the G7, the European Union and Australia, set caps on the

In general, the product tanker market has firmed thus

petroleum products (CPP). According to the

far this year, according to figures produced by Genoa-

refinery distillation processes, CPP are light

based shipbroker Banchero Costa.

value products, such as fuel oil were capped at $45 per barrel.

By 10th March, the cap had been in place for just over a month and the changes in trade flows were stark, Gibson

in the space of a month, a major change was observed.

Unsurprisingly, exports to Europe dropped to almost

contamination, while facilitating ease of tank cleaning

zero, as Africa and East of Suez emerged as Russia’s

between one loaded grade to the next.

largest buyers, followed by non-EU/exempt markets in the

In size, they range from intermediates (10,000 dwt to Moving up the tonnage list, we come to the coated

Mediterranean (ie Turkey).

Long Range 1 Panamax tankers (LR1s), which were

Despite the need to find new markets for over 1 million

originally designed to lift the maximum cargo that could

barrels per day of clean products, early signs indicated

transit the Panama Canal. Since the canal’s expansion, their

that Russia had been relatively successful, as volumes for

cargoes have increased to up to around 70,000 tonnes per ship, thus creating more earning power.

They have become increasingly important, due to the recent significant refining capacity expansion in the Middle East, India and China, which has led to a rise in petroleum

For example, during the first two months of this year,

February were higher than the average for the whole of last

12-month timecharters were averaging $35,100 per day for

year. By the second week of March, Gibson had tracked

LR1s (+148% year-on-year), $28,638 for MR2s (+119% y-o-y)

over 120 MRs and Handies involved in Russian refined

and $24,300 per day for MR1s (+107% y-o-y).

product exports and at least 21 LR2s. More vessels were

Proving their popularity, 18 MR2s were ordered during

signalling Russian load ports as destinations.

product exports from the areas, both to Western and

the period, 14 of which were contracted in February alone.

Much of the cargoes heading East was destined for

Eastern destinations. They are deemed to be ideal for

The average newbuilding price per ship has risen to $45.25

the Middle East, most notably unfinished products and

both long haul and shorter haul trades.

million, while a five-year-old vessel commanded an average

blending components.

of $41 million, a rise of 23% y-o-y. Two MRs were recycled during the period.

This could lead to the region becoming a blending hub, in which Russian cargoes are transformed into on spec products for re-export worldwide.

As a result, traditional Western export markets could

coated Handymax tankers.

These include medium range tankers (MRs of between

see Middle East derived gasoline competing with US and

35,000 dwt - 55,000 dwt), which are sometimes split into

European supplies, maybe even into the US, despite the

MR1s and MR2s by tonnage.

origin of the components.

MRs typically operate in the Atlantic and the Pacific

82

and gasoline, were capped at $100 per barrel, while lower

Russia’s primary market for refined product exports; however,

The vessels’ main characteristics include epoxycoated cargo tanks that protect the cargo from

the worldwide workhorses of the products tanker market -

For example, high value Russian exports, such as diesel

Until the cap came into place, Europe had remained

(diesel and jet fuel) products.

The next size category is the most numerous and are

price of seaborne Russian oil products.

Shipbrokers noted in a report.

(e.g. gasoline and naphtha) and middle distillates

The intermediates are often operated in regional pools.

In a move which could turn the market upside down, effective 5th February, the Price Cap Coalition, involving

from the Middle East refineries.

19,999 dwt) up to Suezmax (LR3s of up to 160,000 dwt).

Russian price cap

jet fuel from Middle East and India to the West.

In addition, there are a handful of coated Suezmax

P

product carrier sector were for two LR2s.

petrochemical production plants as feedstock. They also lift

tankers (LR3s), which are used to lift large jet fuel cargoes roduct Tankers are designed to carry clean

The only other orders reported during the period in the

Looking ahead, the trends which have emerged are

basins and are often chartered to carry gasoline to

likely to become established for the foreseeable future.

the US (Gulf and East Coasts) from Caribbean and

The refined products price cap has created additional

European refineries, as well as diesel from US Gulf to

inefficiencies in the products trade, which are unlikely to be

Europe and the Mediterranean.

reversed anytime soon, if ever, Gibson concluded. l

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Technical

Technical

Lindblad Expeditions, are well established in the sector, offering itineraries throughout the world.

A recent entrant to the market is the US hotel group Marriott

Project Sama. ultra-luxury, yacht-type cruise vessel code-named Project Sama. (credit: Aman Group)

Canadian international hotel and resort company Four Seasons is also entering the top end of the cruise market, having ordered a 207-metre, 14-deck ship in Italy that will have

International, which has made its debut in the ultra-luxury

just 95 suites and a one-to-one staff-to-guest ratio. The contract

segment through a new entity named The Ritz-Carlton Yacht

award to Fincantieri calls for delivery towards the end of 2025,

Collection. The brand’s first vessel, the 298 passenger-capacity

with prospective operation under the banner of Four Seasons

Evrima, made her debut in November 2022. The company is a

Yachts. Tillberg Design of Sweden has been appointed lead

collaboration between Marriott’s Ritz-Carlton Group, Oaktree

architect for the vessel’s interiors and exteriors, with a distinctive

Capital Management and The Yacht Portfolio, an investment

feature being an exceptionally large funnel amidships.

group owned by entrepreneur Douglas Prothero, who is also CEO of the new venture.

Four Seasons Yachts will be led by cruise industry veteran Larry Pimental, whose career spans Azamara, SeaDream,

The 190-metre Evrima was originally ordered at the Hijos

Cunard and Seabourn. The hotel group’s partner for what is

de J.Barreras yard in Vigo in January 2018, but the construction

planned as a three-ship fleet is the Malta-registered company

project suffered many delays and in March 2021 the newbuild

Marc Henry Cruise Holdings.

was transferred around Finisterre for completion by Astilleros de Santander.

The ship can accommodate 298 passengers in 149 suites,

Italy’s shipbuilding industry again showed its mettle in luxury passenger vessel construction by landing the debut order from a further new joint venture market entrant. Under the code

and her restricted draught facilitates access to destinations

name Project Sama, the 183-metre newbuild of about 23,000gt

Investment surge in ultra-luxury cruise segment

that cannot be reached by most cruise ships. In fact, one of the

has been booked from the T.Mariotti Shipyard at Genoa to

tenets of the new venture is that no two journeys will be alike, as

the account of the Neptune Company, a partnership between

the vessel roams from region to region around the world while

hotel and resort group Aman and Cruise Saudi, in which Saudi

offering individual cruise voyages typically of seven to 10 days

Arabia’s Public Investment Fund(PIF) has a stake.

By David Tinsley

W

From the outset, the interests behind The Ritz-Carlton Yacht

The vessel will have just 50 suites, and is expected to be ready for service in 2026. The exterior profile and guest

Collection envisaged an initial three-ship flotilla. Larger than

accommodation spaces have been developed by the Dutch

Evrima, the second and third vessels, Ilma and Luminara, have

consultancy SINOT Yacht Architecture & Design, and dual-fuel

been contracted from Chantiers de l’Atlantique at Saint-Nazaire,

propulsion system has been specified.

for respective deliveries in September 2024 and 2025. Each will

Mariotti is a well established producer of bespoke cruise

incorporate 228 suites for up to 456 guests, and will provide

ships in the medium and smaller ranges. The Genoese yard’s

hile newbuild ordering among the volume

continue to be introduced by the major operators, accentuating

nearly one staff member for every passenger, constituting one

2022 output included the 170-metre Seabourn Venture, the

players in the cruise market has been at

the role and perception of such tonnage as floating resorts

of the highest staff to guest ratios in the luxury cruising category.

first of two expedition-type, PC6 polar-class cruise vessels for

a virtual standstill since the onset of the

with ever-more extensive and innovative passenger facilities.

pandemic, the ultra-luxury and expedition-type segments

However, developments in the field of comparatively small

of the business have generated a raft of new investments,

cruise ships are closely allied to sectors of society where the

with further projects under discussion.

requirement is for vacations in which the voyage experience

Recovery is clearly taking place across-the-board, but

which encompass itineraries entirely different from those of the

protracted Covid-induced hiatus, and are as yet seeing through

mainstream cruise market.

an earlier implemented, unprecedented level of newbuild

These 5- to 6-star smaller ships provide more space per

contracts rather than entering into new commitments with

passenger, command some of the highest ticket prices in the

shipbuilders. By contrast, many of the latest orders for small,

industry, and generally cater to what are described as ‘high

bespoke vessels emanate from organisations and individuals

net worth’ individuals, looking to more specialised, exotic

entirely new to the cruise scene.

and longer itineraries and onboard services offering culinary

Well before Covid-19, investment in the adventure,

excellence and often geared to wellness, fitness and personal

exploration and polar cruise categories, and in the so-called

healing. The target market segment appears to be growing,

yacht-style cruise vessel sector, generally ships under 200

seemingly insulated from the economic and geopolitical events

passenger-capacity, had been growing rapidly. Subsequent new

affecting most of the populace. Significantly also, demand

initiatives in the latter area especially have assumed particular

emanates not only from an older demographic, but also from

importance for shipbuilders seeking to ensure high value-added

well-heeled Millennials around the world.

production continuity in the years ahead.

Realising orders placed some years ago, ever-larger vessels

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Distinctive form: 95-suite newbuild for Four Seasons Yachts. (credit: Tillberg Design)

and/or the highest standards of luxury are paramount, and

the major operators have been financially badly hit by the

84

duration.

A number of companies, including Silversea Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Seabourn Cruise Line, Ponant Cruises and

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Technical

Alternative Viewpoint

A Portuguese yard is set to realise the Norwegian-designed Northern Xplorer. (credit: Sverre Hjornevik/Multi Maritime).

Driven to distraction

By Michael Grey, MBE, is an internationally respected maritime commentator

M

ost people will be familiar with the sad case in

at the crucial moment, as his ship surged forward.

2022 of the big container ship Ever Forward,

Inadequate Bridge Resource Management was identified

which failed to make a turn as she transited

in the inquiry, but this oversight in a simple switch was

Chesapeake Bay en route to the open sea, plunging into

surely contributed to by too few people, trying to do too

the glutinous mud of the shallows, where she obstinately

much, in too short a time.

stayed for more than a month.

People as old as this writer will remember when

Seabourn Cruise Line, part of the Carnival

resort group Accor and providing a

growing niche market segment, and

Corporation. Sister Seabourn Pursuit is

reference for Chantiers de l’Atlantique’s

one that is a source of business for

intense focus upon his mobile phone, with its use almost

cathedral-like calm, the silence broken only by helm orders

due this year.

The primary cause, said the authorities, was the pilot’s

the bridge of a ship in pilotage waters was a place of

innovative SolidSail system. In a hybrid

shipmanagement specialists. Among the

constant after the vessel left the berth. This distraction from

and their acknowledgment, and the quiet conversation

In response to the Norwegian

powering arrangement, the three

latter, the Columbia Group’s Hamburg-

his main task of navigation was understandably criticised

between pilot and master. But then came the noisy

Government having mandated a ban

sail rigs will complement a dual-fuel

based Columbia Cruise Services has

and the authority reacted by banning the use of these

arrival of VHF and hand-held radios and the age of the

on fossil fuel-powered ships from its

propulsion plant.

constantly developed its offering,

devices on the bridge of ships under way in pilotage waters.

electronic alarms, noise levels rising exponentially with the

As a joint undertaking of Accor and

embracing full husbandry or individual

This policy was not unreasonably objected to by

distraction of too many alarms sounding in most modern

starting in 2026, a newly-formed cruise

the shipbuilder, Orient Express is looking

or combinations of services including

pilots around the world, who, while not condoning the

bridges, with engine room alarms being duplicated on the

venture has implemented a project for

to a March 2026 handover date for the

technical management, crewing, marine

preoccupation of the Ever Forward’s pilot, pointed out

bridge. These require investigation and cancelling, often

an emission-free newbuild designed to

envisaged first, seminal vessel, with a

and port operations management, and

that their smart phones were an important operational

when other more important evolutions are taking place,

take up to 250 passengers into the most

sister to come from Saint-Nazaire the

hotel management, currently spanning

tool with many justifiable uses in pilotage waters. These

with the problems exacerbated by the ‘lean manning’

environmentally-sensitive waters. Under

following year.

an extensive fleet mainly in the 155-2,200

devices were useful in their interaction with tugs, agents

common aboard most vessels, with the bridge ‘team’

passenger-capacity range. l

and others, while almost instant navigational information

reduced to the absolute minimum.

World Heritage-designated fjords

Ultra-luxury vessels accommodating

the Northern Xplorer initiative of Rolf Andre Sandvik, a letter of intent has been

100 to 400 guests thereby constitute a

would pop up on their screens, more quickly than any reliance on VHF channels.

signed with the northern Portuguese yard West Sea, at Viana do Castelo, for

Orient Express Silenseas, an all-French initiative using SolidSail technology. (credit: Orient Express)

At the same time there is a widespread recognition of

Then, of course, one cannot ignore the ‘external’ distractions of endless communication from ashore, with those firing off their important messages having little

the attention-grabbing facility of the mobile phone, with

idea of the current circumstances of the recipients. It was

Maritime of Norway and incorporating

several severe grounding accidents now attributed to their

a few years ago that a container ship master expressed

battery and fuel cell plant and technology

inappropriate use aboard ship. Nevertheless, discipline in

his concerns that his primary role of operating his ship

developed by ABB. West Sea is no

their use and a strict attention to navigation at critical parts

was being increasingly subordinated to dealing with

stranger to the sector, its portfolio having

of the passage, it has been suggested, represented more

the endless and often pointless demands for reports

included three 200-passenger polar

practical advice for professionals than any blanket ban.

from ashore, all issued with a peremptory urgency

a fully-electric vessel designed by Multi

Distraction, in the dynamic world of ship operation,

expedition-type ships.

and requiring action. That, along with burgeoning

Giving new dimension to the

comes in many forms. There have been accidents

bureaucracy, was conspiring to keep him in his office

current enthusiasm for investment

caused where people handling ships have been just

for hours on end, when he should be around his ship,

in yacht-grade, ultra-luxury cruising,

overwhelmed by ‘too much going on’ at the critical

mentoring his less experienced officers and ensuring

a letter of intent was signed during

moment. Distracted and pre-occupied people are more

that his ship was both safe and efficient. He felt that his

January this year for the construction

likely to make mistakes.

job was becoming unbalanced, weighted in favour of responding to external distractions at the expense of the

by Chantiers de l’Atlantique of two

A recent inquiry into the sinking last year of two

120-passenger, sail-equipped vessels.

tugs berthed in the Tasmanian port of Devonport by an

The Orient Express Silenseas project

out-of-control cement carrier, concluded that a failure

is of both substantial commercial and

to successfully transfer manoeuvring controls from the

communications effectively making a ship into a ‘branch office’

technological significance, denoting a

wheelhouse to the bridge wing left the master powerless

on-call 24/7, his situation is unlikely to have improved. l

real needs of his ship.

Now, with the amazing improvements of global

diversification by the French hotel and

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Digitisation

Digitisation

new roles in the sustainable supply chains of the future, and

How to harness AI’s potential for smarter and greener ports

By Grant Ingram, Innovez One CEO for the UK and EMEA

In practice, we do this with regression algorithms, where we

continue to improve commercially in an unpredictable market.

get MarineM to predict the duration of a job, and then check

Meanwhile, current experience tells us that AI can be

this prediction against the real duration of the movement.

successfully applied to sectors where safety and accuracy are

Knowing whether its initial prediction was right or wrong, and by

also critical, such as healthcare, finance, e-commerce and

what margin, helps the algorithm ‘learn’ from its mistakes and

agriculture.

improve its accuracy.

Therefore, the key question isn’t whether we should use AI

On the scheduling stage, we also define what a good

in maritime, but how we can make the right choices to ensure

solution is, as one that minimises time and the number of

that AI-powered solutions are adapted to our sector, and most

resources used. The algorithm then faces a ‘reality check’ where

importantly, reliable. The reality is that not all AI is the same,

its suggested scheduling is assessed against actual results. Did

and there are ‘horses for courses’. Algorithms vary enormously

the pilots get on board on time? Did they also get to the next

depending on how they are trained, and on the type, quantity

ship on time? Answers to these questions help the algorithm

and quality of data that they are fed.

fine-tune its solutions moving forward, while the clear framework also guarantees that MarineM will not come up with unrealistic

AI’s maritime track record Machine learning is already generating a wave of change

or off-track solutions.

This process of continuous learning also means that the

in ports around the world, helping automate and optimize tug

algorithm will continue to sharpen its accuracy with time, as new

and pilotage operations from Portsmouth to Tanjung Priok and

data comes in. The other implication is that the solutions offered

Singapore. In practice, our MarineM algorithm ‘learns’ from

will be unique and tailored to each port, as the algorithm has

these ports’ past experience to predict the duration of each

been trained on their specific dataset and learnt about their

job, based on which it assigns resources in the most efficient

particular operations and constraints.

way possible.

In technical terms, we input data on different features of a

More smart tasks

ship’s visit, such as the vessel’s location, destination berth and

We can imagine a future where the power of AI will be

the type of jobs required, together with other port-specific

expanded to more areas of port operations. Machine learning has

parameters like tidal restrictions. We then use regression

the potential to help optimise berth management, ensuring that

algorithms to get MarineM to predict the duration of each job.

ships are allocated to the right berth at the right time – solving

As a second step, the algorithm uses the predicted duration

complex puzzles with multiple variables such as the vessel size

of all jobs to deploy resources in the most efficient way given

and type, tidal restrictions, the availability of cranes, and the

multiple constraints, such as the need to assign pilots to specific

need for offshore power, for instance. Getting this allocation

vessel types and sizes depending on their licence, the types

right is going to become even more important moving forward,

and number of tugboats required for each job, and the shuttles

as vessels will be powered by different types of fuels and clean

needed to take the pilots to the correct boarding grounds.

technologies, making their needs for port services more specific.

This is crucial to ensure that all the moving pieces fall into

Other potential applications of AI include the monitoring

place seamlessly to welcome ships exactly when they arrive in

of port congestion. Algorithms could be trained to assess and

port – which has tangible impacts on idling times for visiting

predict levels of port congestion from aerial images, which could

ships, congestion, and the port’s overall emissions. For example,

help ports identify critical situations, and take early action to

sed wisely, artificial intelligence can help ports

applications: how can we use AI in such safety-critical settings as

in Tanjung Priok, MarineM reduced the overall distance travelled

ease congestion.

decarbonise and reduce ships’ emissions in the critical

ships and ports? With maritime operations, there is no room for

during tug and pilot operations by 20% and slashed average

Models could also help predict actual vessel arrival times

first and last mile of their journey yet the algorithms

mistakes. Unlike conversation algorithms, we can’t experiment

waiting times for visiting ships from 2.4 hours to 30.6 minutes.

more accurately, which would support key initiatives such as

U

delivering on this are fundamentally different to that of The launch of ChatGPT, a chatbot that uses deep learning to

just-in-time arrivals. Combined with congestion predictions,

with maritime efficiency and safety.

Training secrets

chatbots that have grabbed global headlines in recent months.

Reconciling ambition and safety

So what makes port management AI different from an

this could be used to advise ships to slow down and delay their arrivals, which would help reduce congestion and

Yet, failing to seize the immense potential of AI in the

occasionally temperamental chatbot? Fundamentally, it

potentially their emissions – supporting more sustainable

awe about its creativity, to derision about some of its blatant

maritime sector would be a mistake. In particular, machine

goes down to how they are developed and trained. While

and smarter shipping.

mistakes. Sure enough, algorithms can answer questions, write

learning, a subset of AI which enables software to learn

conversations delivered by a chatbot, and the vast amounts

songs, and do homework, but for many who have engaged with

from data without being explicitly programmed, is already

of text used to train it, are inherently subjective, with ports

way we work, create and trade. It can help solve one

the chatbot, the experience has highlighted an uncomfortable

demonstrating its ability to improve the efficiency and reduce

operations we can be objective. In other words, there are

of the most pressing issue of our times: decarbonising

reality: AI is not always foolproof.

the carbon footprint of port operations. This is an opportunity

right and wrong answers, and we can teach the algorithm

supply chains. There is no need for fear: AI can transform

that ports must seize, and one that comes precisely at a time

what a good answer looks like using clear parameters and a

ports for the better, and we know how to use - and train -

when they face unprecedented pressure to decarbonise, play

carefully curated dataset.

it wisely. l

simulate human conversation, has fuelled reactions ranging from

For the maritime sector, this raises a fundamental question as AI-powered solutions are promised for a range of

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Around the globe, AI is already revolutionising the

Issue 102 March/April 2023

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89

Objects of Desire

Objects of Desire » Arcade retro

» Time discovery

Get excited about this highly customisable, internet-ready home arcade machine, Including 300 preloaded games, or what’s more you can add your own! This machine featuring arcade-quality hardware, comes with two sets of controls and a trackball. This piece of kit is extremely expandable and customisable with a 12-month warranty. It also comes with easily accessible tech support. The standard size of the machine is 169cm x 55cm x 76cm with a 24” monitor, Wi-Fi, HDMI and USB.

The new Day-Date 36 welcomes dials made of decorative stone in tones that evoke the atmosphere of the Mediterranean coast. In a range of colours including this one in 18 carat Everose, yellow and white gold. With three versions of the Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 36, each with dials in decorative stone studded with diamond-set hour markers and Roman VI and IX. 18 carat Everose gold, this version is crafted from 18 carat yellow gold with a dial cut from carnelian, an orangey-colour stone. Endowed with a bezel set with 52 cut diamonds, fitted on the iconic President bracelet with a concealed crown clasp. Like all Rolex watches, this one carries the Superlative Chronometer certification.

Editorial credit: Atmosphere1 / Shutterstock.com

Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 36 Price from £40,000 rolex.com

Games Legends Ultimate 300 Game Arcade Machine £859.00 Amazon.com

» Immersion, comfort » NEOM

The Emperor XT is the ultimate work environment for people who strive for performance and productivity spending long hours in front

Witness the future of luxury travel destinations, where enhanced nature meets

of the computer. Combining elegance and ergonomics with its

responsible design, advanced technology and inspirational architecture. Neom,

signature Emperor scorpion shape and outline, an industrial steel

which partly stands for ‘new’ and ‘the future’ is a destination in Saudi Arabia,

structure, tilting capabilities, integrated sound system and lighting,

intended for unforgettable experiences for inhabitants and travellers alike.

a configuration with up to 6 monitors, the Emperor is the future of

Sindalah, as this one is named, is one of three areas being developed, featuring

high-end home and office work environments. You can build your

outstanding beauty. Be amazed by activities under and above the water,

own with endless possibilities

spectacular golfing, with offerings that are diverse. Taking high-end tourism to new levels, the resort will include a beach club, yacht club, spa, luxury retail outlets,

Emperor XT

hotels and a large marina. Visitors can expect only the best where the weather is

From $4,950

always good. Another three amazing resorts are also in the planning. This has got

mwelab.com

to be seen to be believed.

» Legendary racer

Sindalah Island neom.com/en-us/regions/sindalah

» Milk machine

The first new Bentley Blower in 90 years has been created with the delivery of Car Zero - the prototype car for the Blower Continuation

Kitchen tech can often fall into the category of cool, and generally unhelpful. However, this milk machine is extremely useful, by eliminating

Series. Consisting of an exclusive run of 12 pre-sold cars designed from the drawings and tooling used for the original Blowers built and

the need for expensive milk alternatives, as with this you can make

raced by Sir Henry ‘Tim’ Birkin in the late 1920s, the 1,846 parts have

your own. This healthy, planet-friendly alternative to traditional dairy

been designed and hand-crafted to create the new Blower Car Zero;

or store-bought milks, is super useful, designed to work with a variety

a dedicated test and development prototype, subjected to months

of ingredients enabling users to create plant-based, tasty, nutritious

of durability and performance testing. Finished in gloss black, with an

nut milk everyone is growing to love! Making milk in minutes, such as

interior in Oxblood red leather from Bridge of Weir, Car Zero is a pre-

almond, oat, cashew, walnut, coconut or rice for starters! A perfect

sold sniff at just under 2 million pounds.

solution for making hot and cold milk-based beverages and smoothies.

Bentley Blower Car Zero Nutr Milk Machine

£1.8 million

£139.00

bentleymotors.com

thenutr.com

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Issue 102 March/April 2023

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91

books, theatre, dining, events, culture, films, festival, music, art, dvd, wine

Review

KOL 9 Seymour St, London W1H 7BA kolrestaurant.com

Nocturn Live Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxon, England 14-18 June 2023 Editorial credit: f11photo / Shutterstock.com

Witness world class acts within the grounds of one of Britain’s iconic attractions

The Balboa Theatre

Blenheim Palace, which this year welcomes the 125 million-selling international pop superstar, Lionel Richie. The Oscar, Golden Globe and Grammy-winning

868 4th Ave., San Diego, California, USA

singer, who was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is a true music icon famed for a vast array of seminal hit songs including Endless Love,

Home to the award-winning cuisine

Lady, All Night Long, Stuck on You, Hello, Say You, Say Me, Dancing On The

Adding something of architectural interest and following a recent facelift

of Chef Santiago Lastra, KOL is a

Ceiling, Three Times a Lady, Still, and Easy. Joining Lionel in this year’s line-up,

to the tune of $26 million, The Balboa Theatre, built in 1924 is named after

restaurant and Mezcaleria, (taken

pioneering dance music DJ and Pete Tong will bring his globally acclaimed Ibiza

Spanish explorer Vasco Nuñez de Balboa, the first European to discover

from the ancient Aztec Nahuatl

Classics show to the quintessentially British countryside. Featuring the 65-piece

the Pacific Ocean. Falling into disrepair its major restoration began in 2002.

language meaning ‘cooked agave’),

Essential Orchestra the evening will mix worlds of classical and clubbing.

This elegant Vaudeville theatre has now been fully restored complete with

with bold menus that celebrate

Gregory Porter and Emeli Sande will also be performing.

its one-of-a-kind, fully operational interior waterfalls. The replica theatre

Santiago’s homeland of Mexico.

sign, depicting Vasco’s ship, was created using original colours and stencils.

Rich in cultural tastes, aromas, and

It has been said that the beauty of the City of San Diego is summed-up,

textures with meticulously sourced

within this single, masterpiece of a design.

seasonal British produce, his cuisine

Held annually, Nocturn is certainly topping the bill this year.

Visit blenheimpalace.com/whats-on/events/nocturn

Editorial credit: Featureflash Photo Agency / Shutterstock.com

is a contrast of elegance and balance that uniquely interprets

The Natural Order of Money Chelsea Green Publishing

By Roy Sebag

We Don’t Recognise What We Don’t See - Rirkrit Tiravanija STPI Creative Workshop & Gallery 41 Robertson Quay, Singapore, 238236

Britain through a Mexican lens, melding the diverse landscapes and seas of both. The cuisine is celebrated by a wine list that boasts 100% biodynamic and organic wine from Central and Eastern Europe. Just five minutes from London’s Marble Arch, with a main

Referring to the intrinsic relationship between people, money and

Hugo Boss prize-winning

dining room at ground floor level,

nature, the book begins by asking: Why do we in our modern society

contemporary artist, Rirkrit

The Chef’s Table and Mezcaleria

expect food as if it were a given? What makes cooperation between

Tiravanija, is pleased to present

downstairs. The restaurant features

the farmer and other members of society possible, and what, in the

his solo exhibition in Singapore,

a central show kitchen where guests

long run, renders it sustainable? The Natural Order of Money tries to

to mark his 21st Anniversary.

can observe, in décor inspired

challenge traditional thinking about the economy and how it works. The

Curated by Hans Ulrich Obrist, the

by the streets of Mexico. Make

author’s proposed solution affirms the importance of the farmer and

show amplifies STPI’s core values

reservations on 020 3829 6883,

the food he harvests and argues that only a natural money can serve to

of collaboration and innovation,

email: contact@kolrestaurant.com

assure ecological accountability and sustainable prosperity. In a time of

bringing to the fore a renewed focus

uncertainty plagued by wealth inequality, inflation and environmental

on the diverse creative exchanges that take place between artists, curators, and the

stress, this book looks at financial elitism and re-establishes society in our

Workshop’s expert team. The exhibition consists of 40 artworks in a compelling series

shared home of nature, by giving readers the compass to find ‘true north’

that explores themes of extinction, humankind’s destruction of the natural world, and

in a sea of economic confusion.

our impending demise as a civilisation, designed to engage the mind and senses.

Catch this formidable exhibition until 4 June 2023. stpi.com.sg.

Editorial credit: saiko3p / Shutterstock.com

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Lifestyle

Lifestyle

Genesis offers new beginning for EV owners

J

ust about anything that takes the stress out of car ownership has to be a serious consideration – and the concierge service offered to Genesis owners is just that.

No longer the need to worry when the next service is due – every

customer gets their own on-call personal assistant to take you through the ownership experience. And when it comes to service time, they’ll arrange to pick it up, do the necessary and then pop it back to you. Fully valeted too.

Though if the key in your pocket is for their all-electric GV60 AWD Sport plus, you might be a bit reluctant to hand it over in the first place. It has to be one of the more interesting electric vehicle (EV) cars around at this moment in time.

Genesis is a luxury offshoot of Hyundai, and models have been on sale in the US and South Korea for the past 14 years or so, so it’s not their first attempt at making luxury cars. And with a backing group of Kia/Hyundai that has a pedigree of evolving rapidly from making cheap runabouts to very acceptable vehicles in all sectors of the market, there’s a lot of knowledge and expertise to draw on.

GV60 is the first step on the brand’s path to becoming fully electric by 2030 and the design is clean, with smooth shapes and few fussy details. Its split LED lights are a Genesis signature and it retains the family grille up front as well.

The GV60 range is relatively simple: there are three trim levels: Premium uses a single rear motor, while Sport and Sport Plus have dual motors (both equally powerful to help balance) and all-wheel drive. All versions use the same 77.4kWh battery pack.

GV60 is the third car to use Hyundai and Kia’s dedicated E-GMP electric car platform, after the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6, cars where the technology has already been proven to use energy efficiently and recharge rapidly.

Sampled here is the Sport Plus range-topper, which has identical 241bhp motors on each axle, for totals of 483bhp and 516lb ft.

It’s a fast car, then, that features active noise cancelling, adaptive suspension, a rear limited slip differential and four-piston brakes.

Where it really stakes its claim for ownership is inside the cabin, which is a high point. Nearly everything feels high quality, with soft-touch materials even down to the door bins. There’s some typical Far Eastern shiny silver finish evident but also a lot of leather, alcantara and decent

Genesis GV60 AWD Sport plus 94

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quality tactile plastics.

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Lifestyle

GENESIS GV60 SPORT PLUS AWD DUAL MOTOR

Price: £65,405 Electric motor/s: Two permanent magnet synchronous motors, four wheel drive Drive battery: 77.4kWh Lithium-ion Power: 429bhp (483bhp on overboost)

And there are so many neat finishing

time. It’ll hit 62mph in just 4 seconds,

mere box), the crystal ball gear selection

11.5seconds to hit 110mph.

The GV60 Sport Plus tops out at

drop your mobile into to charge it (and

146mph and doesn’t feel it would

the audible warning if you leave it there)

have issues getting there... Some have

to name a few.

referred to it as ‘giggle inducing and I

Two large screens stretch two

wouldn’t disagree...

thirds of the way across the dash and

The rear has good leg room and

are clear, responsive and easy to use.

decent head room, and the seatback

There’s a rotary selector, shortcut

has the ability to be be reclined quite a

buttons and dedicated controls for

long way.

climate control.

The front seats have a wide range of adjustment, including side bolsters

The absence of a centre tunnel allows for a floating centre console that leaves storage room beneath.

which close in to grip you better when

GV60 behaves like a good EV should

you hit warp factor via the boost button

and the steering wheel paddles let you

on the steering wheel.

vary the amount of brake regeneration

To access all of the available kilowatts, it will unleash the full 483bhp Ship Management International

for a maximum of 10 seconds at a

touches – the huge glove tray (formerly a that pivots round on start up, the slot to

96

Torque: 516lb ft Top speed: 146mph 0-62mph: 4.0sec Emissions: 0g/km Range: 289 miles

Issue 102 March/April 2023

through five levels, from frictionless coasting to one-pedal driving. l