You can keep up to date with the latest news on the ISSA website at www.shipsupply.org and send in your comments and views to the ISSA Secretariat either by phone on +44 (0)20 7626 6236; Fax +44 (0)20 7626 6234 or alternatively email secretariat@shipsupply.org
It is with an immense amount of pride and humility that I welcome the global ship supply industry to Seville in my beautiful country of Spain, to celebrate ISSA 66.
Judging by the numbers of delegates registered, exhibition booths booked, ‘Meet the Customer’ buyers and sponsors participating, it promises to be one of the most successful ISSA Conventions in decades. And the beginning, I hope, of even bigger Conventions to come in the future.
But as we all know, Convention is not just about the headline conference, or the Gala Dinner, it is about global ambassadors from our marvellous industry meeting each other, catching up on old times and networking at a level which should benefit their businesses and the industry at large.
And while we rub shoulders with our ISSA colleagues from around the world and meet new and existing customers, we must always remember that we are doing this because we believe in our industry, we believe in quality global ship supply, and we believe in ISSA and everything that it stands for.
ISSA 66 will prove to be the glittering showcase that our Association is proud of and will deliver the message to the world that ISSA stands for quality ship supply. Our headline conference will focus on key issues such as the role that ship supply plays in an efficient global supply chain and a collection of industry leading speakers will also focus on the issue that is gripping global shipping – namely sustainability and who should be setting the standards for a greener future. These are issues that should be at the heart of everything that we do.
I wish you all a very enjoyable Convention and invite those of you who were unable to be here in person to read about it in the next issue of The Ship Supplier magazine. u
Happy reading.
Rafael Fernandez ISSA President
Jim Costalos (ISSA Executive Vice President, ISSA Assembly Member for Australia and Chairman of the Australian Ship Suppliers & Services Association (ASSA) reports a solid year with positive results – by and large –for the country’s flourishing ship supply sector
Australia’s ISSA members confirm that 2023/2024 was a solid year with mostly positive results.
The Association is also pleased to announce that there was no code of ethics issues to address from any of its members.
The Australian Ship Suppliers & Services Association grew by one member (IBP Oceania) bringing the total number of members to 17 (13 Full, 2 Associate and 2 life members).
The 2023 ASSA AGM was held in Melbourne, whilst 2024 will be held on the apple isle (Tasmania) in the beautiful city of Hobart.
Discussions are in place to hold the 2025 ASSA AGM in Singapore, to show support to our northern neighbours, where the ISSA 2025 convention will be held.
Even though 2024 was a solid year for the industry, Australian members suffered a little with ever-increasing costs, making Australia a rather undesirable place to shop for ship owners.
It is in our favour that we are an island and there will always be demand for our services; furthermore the weak Australian Dollar has assisted.
It is by no means a gloomy picture across the board as the oil & gas business flourished in the West, where members announced excellent results.
Australian suppliers are very vigilant in relation to debtor control and we are happy to announce that very few bad payment situations arose.
Australian suppliers have not experienced serious problems with IHM reporting. However, this is to change in the near future, when Australian suppliers will be subject to international law and required to report.
The Military Exercise Pitch Black 2024 took place in Darwin recently. It was the largest iteration of the exercise in its 43-year history, with 20 participating nations and more than 140 aircraft flying as part of the exercise.
It included the first ever participation with aircraft from Italy, Papua New Guinea, Philippines and Spain.
Also attending were personnel from Brunei and Fiji for the first time.
Other participants included Australia, Canada, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Korea, Singapore, Thailand, United Kingdom and United States of America.
An impressive presence was the Italian aircraft carrier – CAVOUR – which also played a key role in the Exercise. u
reports Christopher Innes, Chair of the New Zealand Ship Supplier & Services Association and ISSA Assembly Member for New Zealand, but technical supplies are something of a beacon
This year is proving to be a challenging time for ship suppliers in New Zealand.
After many New Zealand Ship Supplier and Services Association (NZSSSA) members reported a very strong year in 2023, a combination of circumstances, both domestic and international, are conspiring to push numbers lower for the industry as we progress through 2024.
In 2023 and early 2024 the cruise ship industry saw a strong season with members benefitting from the steady return of this sector following Covid.
General shipping was also strong, and the inflationary bug had yet to bite in force. The country was also
benefitting from a change of government, with the electorate voting in a centre right coalition Government. This change brought with it a promise of more business-focussed politicians.
Unfortunately, the bite of the previous Leftist government’s policies, which impacted shipping significantly with the banning of oil and gas exploration and live animal exports, combined with a cost-of-living crisis (caused in part by world events, but also by heavy public sector spending) has combined with broader events to cause shipping to dip in our country.
Various shipping organisations report that shipping is down by as much as 30% this year and many NZSSSA
members report their own turnover is down by approximately 20%.
Provisions’ sales for many members are lower as foodstuffs’ prices have risen significantly over the last year. However, many report better sales of technical goods.
Reasons for reduced shipping and sales volumes are variously given as the high cost of food, the significantly higher costs of shipping due to events in the Red Sea region, lower demand for logs in China and, according to one recent report, the seeming Chinese expectation of a Trump victory in the US Presidential election.
Many Chinese exporters, it seems, are seeking to beat potential tariff rises that may flow from a Trump victory and are apparently shipping as much product to the USA as possible. This has seen a significant portion of the Handy sized shipping fleet chartered into the North American trade, meaning fewer vessels are available for NZ trade.
One member advised that a logging charter contact reports a 60% reduction in recent months of logging ships leaving NZ. Many members also report that they simply can’t predict what sales will look like from one
month to the next. One member experienced a month and a half’s turnover in the space of seven days during June and then not a single other job for the remaining three weeks of the month.
Members have also reported significant pressure from third party catering companies to reduce costs with an attitude amongst such companies that competition is ‘good for you’.
Whilst in general members agree that competition is a good thing, they are disappointed that some catering companies ignore their own codes of ethics and do business with unscrupulous industry participants that are not recognised by ISSA.
It has been noted that such companies may not have all the necessary certifications to operate a responsible business, and it is disappointing to see catering companies working with such organisations even after they have been made aware of the situation.
As we all know shipping is cyclical. Some “very quiet” members are cautiously optimistic that the coming spring and summer seasons will see a turnaround in shipping volumes. u
Merganser, a 0.5 MWp offshore floating solar pilot, has been successfully installed at the North Sea Farmers offshore test site in the Dutch North Sea.
Next steps include technical and environmental monitoring to investigate the technology further.
The pilot project aims to test and demonstrate the structural, mooring and electrical designs and acquire knowledge about manufacturing, assembly, offshore installation and maintenance methodologies required for large-scale commercial deployment of OFPV.
Merganser has a capacity of 0.5 megawatt peak (MWp) and is located in the Dutch North Sea, approximately 12 kilometers off the coast of Scheveningen.
The scalable concept consists of six interconnected platforms that can withstand extreme offshore conditions. The floating platforms were successfully connected to the mooring system in water depth of 20 meters. RWE will continue to provide its offshore know-how and technical support to the pilot project.
Sven Utermöhlen, CEO of RWE Offshore Wind said: “Standalone or also in combination with offshore wind farms, offshore floating solar could open up further offshore renewable energy opportunities – especially for countries with lower average wind speeds but lots of sunlight. With Merganser, we are gaining unique insights and first-hand experience in one of the most challenging offshore environments in the world.”
Taking solar farms offshore requires technology that can withstand rough offshore conditions. SolarDuck´s triangularshaped platform is designed to float several meters above the water, following the waves like a carpet.
In this way, the design keeps critical components dry, clean and stable, as well as securing the structural integrity of the semisubmersible floating structure. The design recently received the world’s first certification for OFPV by Bureau Veritas.
Koen Burgers, CEO SolarDuck said: “The successful installation of Merganser is proof of the dedication of SolarDuck’s team to electrify the world with offshore floating solar.
“However, we are not doing this alone. Our project partner, RWE, is a supporter of our technology and vision, in addition to other partners such as TNO, TU Delft, MARIN, and Deltares. Together with numerous supply chain partners,
including Damen Shipyards, TMA, and Norsk Hydro, we have turned hard work into a positive change for the energy space.”
The combination of RWE´s leading global market position in offshore wind and SolarDuck´s technological ingenuity sets the perfect base for accelerating the deployment of OFPV.
Over the coming two years, Merganser will be monitored remotely with its more than 180 sensors fitted to monitor structural loads, connector and mooring loads and electrical performance, among other important performance criteria.
Further, Deltares - a Dutch independent institute for applied research - will support an extensive monitoring campaign on the ecological impact of OFPV. u
www.rwe.com
www.solarduck.tech
Wescom Group is celebrating the success of newly launched products with the sMRT ALERT winning the Innovation Award for Safety and Training category at Seawork. This follows its special mention DAME Award at METS (Marine Equipment Trade Show) in Amsterdam.
The sMRT ALERT is recognised as the first UK manufactured AIS MOB which meets the new 2025 Class M regulations. Its features include accelerated activation with combined DSC and AIS distress alerts, reassuring the user that the distress signal has been heard.
The sMRT ALERT is part of a family of Class M distress beacons that include the newly-launched V300 and AU11
beacons designed for commercial use. Also on display on the Wescom Group stand at Seawork were personal and survival solution products including the Eflare range of hazard warning lights, sMRT distress beacons, Comet and Pains Wessex distress pyrotechnics, survival rations and ANP medical kits.
Seawork saw the first public UK viewing of the V300, which was revealed internationally just a month earlier at shipping exhibition Navalia in Spain. Drawing on sMRT’s 25 years of distress frequency expertise, the V300 includes Class M AIS, DSC and 121.5 MHz. Designed specifically for commercial use, it features a true water activation system allowing automatic activation on immersion.
David Duffin, Wescom Group’s Vice President of Marine Sales said: “Being awarded Seawork’s Safety and Training Innovation award was a great recognition of the innovation our sMRT brand brings to the marine industry. With our products also on show with partners LGS and Charity and Taylor, the exhibition allowed us to showcase our new safety and survival capabilities and received positive feedback from partners and customers alike.’
The sMRT ALERT costs from £270 RRP and the sMRT V300 retails at £360 RRP. All products are now available to order worldwide through Wescom Group’s network of international distributors. u www.sMRTSOS.com
As the maritime industry increasingly embraces digital transformation, the need for advanced technological solutions has never been more critical.
Enter SmartSea – a new business backed by aviation IT giant SITA – which is leveraging decades of experience and cutting-edge expertise from the aviation sector, to make shipping smarter, safer and more streamlined.
SITA provides the IT backbone behind airport operations globally and SmartSea’s aim is to introduce the tried and tested technologies from aviation to bring improvements and encourage joined up thinking across all sectors of the maritime industry including ship supply.
With SmartSea, shipping is no longer just about moving goods from point A to point B; it’s about doing so with the precision, reliability, and foresight that modern technology enables.
The ship supply sector, historically reliant on manual processes and fragmented systems, can also get on board this technological revolution.
SmartSea’s vision is for ships, ports, and control centres to communicate seamlessly, sharing real-time data to transform decisionmaking and efficiency. Part of this aim is for its integrated maritime management platform (CMP) to provide a comprehensive suite of services that digitise everything from inventory management and procurement to logistics and delivery coordination.
This shift towards digitalisation promises to reduce costs, minimise errors, and significantly improve the speed and accuracy of supply operations, ultimately leading to more reliable and efficient ship supply chains.
These technologies will enable real-time tracking of supplies, predictive maintenance of equipment, and automated ordering systems, ensuring that ships are always adequately stocked and operational without the delays and inefficiencies that have traditionally plagued the sector.
Columbia Shipmanagement’s decision to adopt SmartSea’s technology underscores the platform’s potential to revolutionise ship supply operations. By leveraging SmartSea’s digital solutions, CSM can access end-to-end IT services that cater to both onshore and offshore needs. This integration will enable a seamless flow of information across all stages of the supply chain, improving decision-making, reducing waste, and enhancing overall operational efficiency.
Julian Panter, CEO of SmartSea, highlighted the strategic significance of this venture, emphasising how SITA’s aviation technologies will fast-track the maritime industry’s digitalisation.
“By introducing solutions that have been proven in the aviation sector, SmartSea is set to elevate the ship supply sector to new levels of technological sophistication,” he said.
The ship supply sector is also poised to benefit from advancements in data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI).
SmartSea’s platform will enable stakeholders to analyse vast amounts of data generated from ship operations and supply chains, offering insights that can be used to optimise inventory levels, predict supply needs, and reduce downtime.
AI-driven forecasting models can anticipate demand patterns, allowing suppliers to pre-position goods at strategic locations, reducing lead times and ensuring that ships receive necessary supplies without delay.
Mr Panter added: “The ship supply sector, often hampered by slow and manual processes, can now leverage digital tools to create a more agile and responsive supply chain that meets the demands of modern maritime operations.
Cybersecurity, a problem raised by many ship suppliers, is another critical area where SmartSea’s technology will make a significant impact. Drawing on SITA’s experience in safeguarding aviation’s complex digital infrastructure, SmartSea will implement advanced cybersecurity protocols to protect maritime supply chains from cyber threats.
“This will ensure the integrity and security of critical systems, reducing the risk of disruptions caused by cyberattacks,” explained Simon Fotakis (pictured above), Director of Sales at SmartSea.
SmartSea’s technology is also set to transform passenger experiences in cruise and ferry operations by integrating systems such as unified booking and
automated luggage transfer, which are common in the aviation industry.
SmartSea has identified synergies with cruise terminals too and by bringing airport technology into the terminals, it can streamline the boarding and check-in process for passengers such as enabling them to walk through smart gates and use facial recognition as their tickets and to verify their identity, thus reducing time spent at the terminal.
Through the adoption of similar technologies, the maritime sector can provide passengers with a seamless and efficient experience, further aligning the industry with other technologically advanced sectors.
By driving digitalisation, improving operational efficiency, and implementing advanced cybersecurity measures, SmartSea is poised to set new industry standards, making the ship supply sector more resilient, efficient, and responsive to the demands of the modern maritime world. u
SmartSea (smart-sea.com)
For the past 30 years one thing you can be certain of: news and views of the ever-changing but always exciting world of ship supply has been faithfully reported by The Ship Supplier magazine.
Official journal of the International Shipsuppliers & Services Association (ISSA) the vibrant world of the maritime industry’s essential supply sector has been faithfully reported upon.
Not just ship supply though. Our quality magazine has reflected the dynamic and changing maritime world as a whole.
ISSA enjoys NGO status at IMO and has been a presence there for more than 30 years. Indeed it has taken a full and active part - in that generational time span of several IMO initiatives - including half funding the IMO/UNCTAD web site of abandoned vessels.
Our web site – www.theshipsupplier.com – has been active for many of the past 30 years when the glitterati scoffed and said the Internet was a passing fad and would never catch on. That went well didn’t it?!
Harnessing the latest web technology and coupling that with the design flair of our own in-house team, one thing that is never compromised: quality.
Our easy-to-follow user-friendly navigational interface puts the magazine content – both past and present –seamlessly at your finger-tips.
Any on-line presence these days has to ensure it is able to be accessed across all display platforms: phone, iPad, PC, Laptop and the variants of these. Our new web site ensures that wherever you are and whenever you need and want to access our content it is ready and waiting 24/7/365.
This accessibility is vital because our global readership is in all time zones.
The latest edition of The Ship Supplier is always to be found here and with its user-friendly electronic version you can move seamlessly from one page to the next. These days this technology is the preferred way in which to access information as well as entertainment. Our popular magazine caters for both!
However - and here is the exciting part – you are cordially invited to take an active part in the magazine’s success and utilise the latest and brightest technology of the brand new web site to access information and contact the team direct.
We have created a Direct Contact Form to enable you to interact with our friendly and knowledgeable sales team so that our global reach can be used to bring your own marketing and sales messages to the attention of our eager readers.
The magazine is always looking for news of ship suppliers and related firms and if you link this editorial reportage to advertising there is no better way to trumpet your success and demonstrate perfectly the supply and other services your operation offers.
We have a new and dynamic range of advertising opportunities. As you can see from the latest edition many others in the industry are already taking advantage of this service and publicise what they do to a willing audience.
Finally we really thank you for visiting the new web site and any team member will be happy to help you to take sales advantage of your business from the wide variety of offerings we have laid out for you.
Ally this to editorial coverage and you cannot fail to increase business and prestige from supporting The Ship Supplier – your route to the sunlit uplands of our amazing industry.
Thank you! u
By Roger Symes, Director, Marine Debt Management
In the last issue of ‘The Ship Supplier,’ I reported on a new breed of ship manager, operating vessels outside the norms of vessel registration, classification and insurance. The ships managed by such companies frequently conduct STS (ship-toship) cargo operations offshore, so are not often seen in port.
Of course, they still need the services of ship suppliers but, with no intention of paying the resultant invoices, they have adopted new strategies to obtain credit.
A common technique is to wait until the very last moment before placing orders, so the ship supplier is rushed into action. Suppliers are well used to operating under time pressures, bringing together a multitude of items from diverse stockists and delivering day or night. It is a highly skilled activity and one many suppliers are rightly proud to excel at. Some may even relish the opportunity to show their abilities by snapping into action straightway to beat an almost impossible deadline.
In such situations, it is worth asking why the order has been placed so late? Without a sensible explanation, alarm bells should start ringing.
One way such companies ramp up pressure on suppliers is to communicate by WhatsApp instead of email. This helps them in three ways. Firstly, it increases urgency, as most people react to WhatsApp messages quicker than email. Secondly, WhatsApp messages are seen by a single person, making it less likely someone else in the supplier’s office will raise concerns. Thirdly, WhatsApp messages are brief, usually without footers or attachments, so it is harder to know who is liable for payment. A customer insisting on using WhatsApp or another instant messaging service instead of email, should be an instant red flag.
Another device used by the unscrupulous is to place enquiries with third parties, who then send the vessel’s requirements to suppliers. Such third parties are typically small companies trading spare parts or marine electronics equipment. Suppliers receiving the enquiries often assume the third-party will purchase for their own account and re-sale to the vessel. The third parties never see it that way. Their view is they are acting without liability for the ship owner or manager.
Regardless of the arrangement, one thing is certain, the third parties cannot pay, unless they receive payment from the ship owner or manager. It is pointless for the ship supplier to argue their contract is with the third-party. Such companies are typically located in countries where legal action is prohibitively expensive, with no prospect of recovery if the claim succeeds.
Lastly, we have the most insidious trick – the personal recommendation. For example, Tom works for a first-class ship manager. He knows Jerry but knows nothing about the new company Jerry has just joined. Jerry asked Tom to introduce him to a certain ship supplier. The supplier is very happy to hear from Tom and promises to meet Jerry’s requirements despite the shortage of time. Surely this special effort will be appreciated by Tom and Jerry, cementing future relations with both?
Sadly, Jerry does not pay and no longer replies to WhatsApp messages. The Supplier turns to Tom for assistance. Tom says it is sad but nothing to do with him or his employer. He was only trying to help the supplier get more business.
The deceived suppliers have lost their money, but others can learn from the mistakes made.
As always, vigilance is key. u
Hailey counsels caution and reminds members of the need to employ ISSA Conditions to safeguard their operations
This article serves as a reminder to ISSA members of the considerations that should be made, when it is agreed to handle customers own goods. “Handle” may mean simply undertaking the last mile delivery, or undertaking a period of storage, or even undertaking some element of work to the goods. It might also involve customs clearance work.
In all such cases, this work is outside the traditional scope of a ship supplier, and historically would have been undertaken by ships’ agents or freight forwarders. ISSA members are often perfectly positioned in the supply chain to undertake that work, and to do so more efficiently.
ISSA members may charge less than an agent or a freight forwarder for the same task and can efficiently combine deliveries with the delivery of their own stores, reducing the costs of the “last mile”.
This work is becoming a core part of the service that some chandlers provide, and in some cases we have seen businesses pivot away from traditional ship supply and focus more generally on logistics services.
However, it is important to understand that different risks arise out of what are essentially logistics services, and different expectations can arise from customers. Those risks must be carefully managed and correctly insured. It may be that in your country, different business licences are required before you can undertake such work.
When you accept the task of receiving, storing and delivering goods (and possibly the task of arranging customs clearance) you do so as a professional, and are expected to discharge your duties with due “skill and care”. The precise extent of your obligation will depend upon the law of the contract and/or the law of the country in which you reside. However, in all cases you will be required to act professionally, and you may be liable for losses that arise from a failure to do so.
This will include the risks that the goods may be lost or damaged whilst in your care, or the risk of losses from a failure to deliver as instructed. Consider the situation where you are late with a delivery and miss the vessel or cause a delay in the vessel’s departure. Perhaps you take on the role of customs clearance but make an error that causes the goods to be seized, delayed or additional import duties or taxes imposed then a claim may be
made against you. Claims arising out of customs clearance errors can be very large, and difficult to handle.
In such cases, your customer is likely to turn to you with a claim for the losses that they have incurred. This may include “off hire” time for the vessel. As you will appreciate, these can quickly run to hundreds of thousands of dollars for the largest and most costly vessels.
It is highly unlikely that the insurance arrangements that you may have had in place for your traditional work as a ship chandler will also cover you for the risks that arise when you provide logistics services and handle your customers own goods. It is crucial that you advise your insurance broker of the changing nature of your business activities and identify any gaps that may exist in your insurance coverage.
ISSA’s Conditions of Sale were updated, to include some important provisions that will serve to offer some protections and limits to your liability when undertaking such tasks. However, you should review the ISSA Conditions of Sale in the context of your own activities and consider whether they adequately protect you for the activities that you undertake. It is possible that if “logistics services” form a significant part of your business that you consider whether specialist logistics conditions should be incorporated, perhaps with the assistance of membership of your national logistics association.
ISSA members who do not have their own “T&Cs” should ensure that they contract on the basis of the ISSA Conditions of Sale. To do so, it is ESSENTIAL that your customers are told, when the contract is formed, that the ISSA Conditions of Sale will apply. The easiest way to do this is to ensure that on every QUOTATION and on every email issued by your company that you state clearly:
All business and contracts undertaken or entered into by us is subject to the ISSA Conditions of Sale, available at https:// shipsupply.org/services/conditions-of-sale/.
It would be good practice to make a similar reference on your invoice and delivery notes. The protection afforded by the ISSA Conditions extend beyond the handling of third-party goods and provide many important provisions including those that will assist in cases of delayed or evaded payment.
This column has repeatedly stressed their importance and will continue to do so. u
www.salvuslaw.com
This Guide details the requirements and preparations for Masters and Navigating Officers on vessels intending to transit the Panamax or Neopanamax locks of the Panama Canal. Bromley Abbott reports.
It is some years now since I spent a fascinating afternoon close up and personal with mega ships skilfuilly navigating their way through the locks of the Panama Canal.
I thought to myself then: soon they’ll need a bigger lock!
Not just bigger infrastructure but a definitive instruction manual as to how to prepare for and navigate your multi-million dollar vessel through the complexities of a Panama Canal transit.
And now it is published: Passage Planning Guide: Panama Canal - (PPG - Panama, 2024-25 Edition).
It is, without doubt, the most comprehensive operational and navigational Guide to the Panama Canal.
The goal for Ship Operators, Masters and the Panama Canal Authority (ACP), is that vessels arrive fully prepared to transit and with no unnecessary delays.
This Guide will help operators achieve that goal.
As an example, in 2024, sophisticated tankers are still arriving for canal transit with mooring wires presented on arrival for transit, rather than the synthetic mooring lines that are required under ACP’s ‘Vessel Requirements’, Section 9 Mooring Lines.
Additional Information:
Number of Pages: 144
ISBN: 1914993833
Book Height: 300 mm
Book Width: 210 mm
Weight: 1.2 kg
Author: Witherbys
Published Date: June 2024
Publication Date: June 2024
This Guide provides emphasis on:
• The documentary submissions required by the Master
• the operational aspects of a transit of the Panama Canal
• the navigational elements and necessary contingencies.
Shipmasters will know that a canal transit means a very long day and that there are any number of potential situations for stress, surprise and unexpected or unannounced occurrences.
This Guide is the best available tool to prepare the Master and their officers for a successful transit, by instilling in them the knowledge and confidence necessary for proper preparation and the high level of situational awareness and readiness required for each stage of the transit. u
© and published by Witherbys https://shop.witherbys.com/
Amid tightening environmental regulations and emerging carbon costs, the value of selecting the right hull coating has never been higher, writes Yigit Kemal Demirel, Hull Performance Solution Manager, Hempel.
Keeping a clean hull has never been just about good housekeeping. As well as accelerating corrosion and facilitating the movement of harmful invasive species, the buildup of marine organisms on a ship’s hull also increases a ship’s power demand by adding to frictional resistance as the vessel moves through the water.
With the emergence of international regulations on energy efficiency and, through the European Union, the arrival of the first direct carbon costs on shipping, selecting biofouling solutions for their impact on fuel consumption has become critical.
Hempaguard, developed by Hempel, is a highly innovative and advanced marine coating solution designed as an eco-friendly fouling control coating for underwater hulls.
Incorporating cutting-edge technology, it enhances fuel efficiency, reduces maintenance costs, and minimises the environmental impact associated with traditional antifouling coatings.
For vessel owners and operators, investing in a high-performance coating like Hempaguard is a proven way to reduce emissions and, in doing so, improve vessel efficiency ratings.
Hempaguard X7 offers scientifically proven ‘Out-ofDock Power Savings’ of an average of 6% compared to conventional antifouling coatings, and 1.4% speed loss over five years.
Combined, these features provide up to 20% fuel savings compared to the market average of conventional antifouling coatings, with remarkably low emissions to water.
Hempaguard exemplifies environmentally conscious innovation in the marine industry by merging antifouling and fouling release technologies through the biocidal activation of a hydrogel layer.
This results in exceptional fouling control performance while minimising biocide release into the environment.
The limited amount of biocide used in Hempaguard efficiently prevents biofouling and significantly improves fuel efficiency even after prolonged operation times.
With operators facing several choices of energy efficiency investment, a robust decision-making procedure is paramount.
Hempel has developed a framework that can enable owners and operators to establish the impact of any energy efficiency measure on both vessel performance and cost before they make a purchase decision.
The framework considers environmental, sustainability and regulatory requirements against total cost overall and payback, resulting in a ship-specific impact assessment that can support effective investment decisions.
To illustrate: the decision-making framework has been applied to the case study of a typical 40,000 DWT bulk carrier. Four scenarios were tested: three using self-polishing antifouling coatings with varying regimes of hull and propeller cleaning; and one using Hempaguard X7, a silicone-based low friction coating, accompanied by two propeller polishings a year.
The scenarios were assessed for their impact on the ship’s required power, fuel consumption, fuel costs, and total CO2 emissions over a five-year docking cycle.
Another fresh application
The first step - a required power change assessmenttraces the power needed to deliver a specific ship speed. Compared to the baseline of a clean hull coated with a self-polishing coating (SPC) Hempaguard X7 scenario implies 8.5% less power initially, i.e. freshly coated and out of dock, with the required power gradually increasing towards the end of the study period, in accordance with the guaranteed speed-loss. But the result is that the Hempaguard X7 option always generates a saving against self-polishing coatings.
This saving is quantified when the vessel’s fuel consumption based on a typical operating profile is considered. The siliconebased coating scenario, i.e. Hempaguard X7, offers far lower fuel consumption across the five-year cycle – a difference of up to 11,000 tonnes, or around US$6.75 million (based on a fuel price of US$572.5/tonne). That is more than enough to outweigh the higher initial cost, delivering a fast payback compared to the SPC option.
That fuel saving affects cost as well as compliance. Specifically for this case study, assessing the impact of the measures on the vessel’s IMO Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) attainable rating – another crucial calculation for any efficiency measures – shows that only the Hempaguard X7 option leaves
the shipowner with a CII rating that does not require corrective measures by the end of the study period.
CII is not the only measure that demands an impact assessment beyond the cost of purchase and maintenance. The European Union’s Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), for example, imposes an extra cost on greenhouse gas emissions in the form of EU Allowances that need to be purchased to cover emissions on voyages to, from and between European Economic Area ports.
Assuming an EUA price of US$90 per tonne of CO2e emitted, over five years the Hempaguard X7 option’s greater fuel savings lead to a total saving of around US$2.45 million in EUA purchases compared to the base self-polishing option.
Overall, the silicone-based coating delivers a saving of more than US$6.35 million compared to the baseline self-polishing coating, with a payback period of around 12 months.
The saving becomes US$8.8 million when the savings in the EU ETS carbon cost are included, which lowers the effective payback period.
It is clear that this calculation will vary dramatically depending on the other energy efficiency measures considered, the vessel operating profile and the resulting exposure to regulatory regimes. However with a rigorous decision-making framework such as the one described above, owners can make effective investments for each vessel in their fleet. u
www.hempel.com
For the bargain seekers amongst us, the much-missed duty-free trips to Continental Europe may soon be available once again. Expert Andrew Hunter explains why
Ah the full English breakfast; the raucous cry of the seagulls; the gentle throbbing of the powerful engines steadily bringing our destination nearer.
Yes – those were the unmissable sounds, sights and smells of the much-missed “booze cruise”.
Brace yourselves: because despite everything they might just be making a welcome return.
First some history.
There are some who think that duty-free purchasing abroad died with Brexit. Not so. Duty-free shopping, pre-Brexit, no longer existed. There simply was no such thing if you were travelling from the United Kingdom to another EU country.
Post-Brexit, however, the UK is treated as a third country that is not part of the European Union and as such passengers can purchase goods duty-free both on board a ship or an aircraft.
Until recently this had not been known nor understood. However, ferry operators are gradually increasing momentum and sales volumes will correspondingly increase in the coming months.
The saving to passengers will be phenomenal – but not to those with a white van eager for a return to the old days.
The reason for this apparent anomaly is simple: taxfree allowances.
Presently individual travelers are allowed the following tax-free:
• 4 Liters of Spirits or 9 Liters of Fortified Wine
• 42 Liters of Beer
• 18 Liters of Table Wine or Still Wine
• 200 Cigarettes or 50 Cigars or 250 grams of tobacco
It is the price differential between UK and, for example, France that makes travelling there economically viable. In addition, it is also an enjoyable day out with added benefit.
My own firm – Premia Global Travel Retail – is unique amongst UK distributors because of its holistic supply chain across all sectors:
• UK diplomatic sales – serving London embassies
• Ship supply sector
• Cruise & Ferry Supply
• Airports & Airlines
Its geographical reach is impressive: from the Channel Islands to the North of Scotland.
With a dedicated administration team, we manage the complex import of products from Europe.
We are an active player in the ship supply sector, encompassing all markets of that industry.
One interesting area we cover is the superyacht sector, where we supply top-end malt whisky brands.
Where we score favourably with our wide range of customers is our ability to unravel the Gordian Knot that is Customs and Excise rules.
We have bespoke software and technology in place that simplifies order processing.
Returning to the start: I repeat that the duty-free renaissance will be confined to the personal traveler and there will be no such bright future for White Van Man.
Another point to bear in mind is the advent of e-cigarettes which will challenge the traditional cigarette business.
The rise in popularity of zero alcohol products amongst the 18 – 30 generation is continuing, opening yet another target market for us – and for ship suppliers.
So really all we can say is “Cheers!” and to the pioneers seeking a fresh bargain opportunity: “Bon voyage!”.
Andrew Hunter is General Manager – Travel, Retail and Duty Free Markets for Premia GTR. He is based in Dover, Kent, UK. u www.premiadutyfree.com
The beautiful city of Seville is waiting to welcome the ISSA family between October 26th and 27th this year as the host venue for the 66th ISSA Annual Convention.
So, with only a few small weeks to go until Convention starts, don’t forget to book now. Nip onto the ISSA 66 website and book your spot https:// shipsupply.org/seville-66/
Well over 300 delegates have already registered alongside buyers from up to 25 companies, as part of ISSA’s very exciting ‘Meet the Customer’ initiative. Delegates attending Convention will enjoy the highestlevel networking and business debate. Don’t miss out: book your spot now.
Purchasers who will be attending Convention this year as part of ISSA’s ‘Meet the Customer’ initiative, include Aegean Shipping; Anthony Gisvridis; Arcadia Shipmanagement Co Ltd; Bs Ship Management; Densay Ship Management; Eolos Ship Management; Gen-Pro;
Globus Maritime; Grehel Shipmanagement Co; Interorient Marine Services; Intership Navigation; Island View Shipping Services; Lomar Shipping Limited; Marcas International Limited; Newport SA; Oldendorff Carriers Gmbh & Co; Onn Denizcilik; Safety Management Overseas; Torm A/S; T Soechi Lines Tbk; and Island View Shipping Services.
The 5-star Barceló Sevilla Renacimiento hotel is wellknown for its architecture and design that evokes the Guggenheim Museum in New York, capturing the interest of the visitor at first sight. Situated on the banks of the Guadalquivir River, a short walk from the Alameda de Hércules, famous for its bars and restaurants, and just a few minutes from all the historic sites of interest. The high-speed train station (AVE) is just 2.5 km away and the San Pablo airport is 10 km away.
We can all look forward to high level networking and debate at the Main Conference, Gala Dinner as well as the highly successful ‘ISSA Meet the Customer’ event which will, once again, pair ISSA members opposite specially invited procurement officers from our list of ISSA Honorary Members of shipowners and managers.
The Gala Dinner, which will be held in the evening of Sunday October 27th, is a firm favourite of ISSA Convention attendees and offers the perfect opportunity for excellent dining and socialising.
And what a treat it will be for visitors to this year’s Convention, with top quality business networking, excellent debate and discussion at the headline ISSA Conference; a stunning
industry exhibition; amazing Gala Dinner; as well as the much-heralded ISSA ‘Meet the Customer’ event.
ISSA 66 Convention will comprise a Headline Conference, ‘Meet the Customer’, Gala Dinner and Industry Exhibition. The ISSA conference will be held in the mornings of the 26th and 27th, with the ‘ISSA Meet the Customer’ being held in the afternoons, all guaranteeing two days of the best networking and business interaction.
“The chosen venue is perfect and it will prove to be the excellent backdrop to the industry-leading headline conference, ISSA 66 exhibition, headline Gala Dinner and the piece de resistance the ISSA ‘Meet the Customer (MTC)’. Over 20 of our buyer customer companies have agreed to participate in MTC and you can read their profiles in this issue of the magazine,” said Rafael Fernandez, President of ISSA.
“The ISSA Executive Board recently held its Spring board meeting in Seville and used the trip as an opportunity to meet the hotel management and conference organisers to discuss plans for ISSA 66.
“And interest is growing significantly with many companies agreeing to take centre stage at ISSA 66 in Seville as sponsors and our sincere thanks go out to them all.
“You can see, and follow, all of our sponsors by clicking the ISSA Seville 66 tab on the homepage of the ISSA website (www.shipsupply.org/seville-66).
“I will also remind you all that you should now be thinking about booking your seats at Convention if you haven’t already. ISSA 66 will be the largest collection of ship suppliers and buyers assembled for many years and the networking will be of the highest quality. So don’t delay booking your seat, again by visiting www.shipsupply.org/ seville-66.” u
Expanding its global reach to South Korea Wrist, the world’s largest supplier of provisions, stores and spare parts logistics to vessels and offshore locations, has acquired Komasco, a recognised ship chandler in Busan, South Korea.
With this acquisition, Wrist is further expanding its global coverage in Asia, gaining foothold at a strategically important maritime hub.
With this strategic acquisition, the firm is expanding its global operational, commercial and procurement network to pastures new.
Jens Holger Nielsen, Group CEO Wrist, says “We’re looking forward to working with the Komasco team at the strategically important maritime hub of Busan and accelerating the development of the company.
“Komasco, one of the largest stand-alone ship chandlers in South Korea, has a strong and respected name in the South Korean market and with South Korean as well as international customers, and their management team is experienced and competent.
“I am certain that our customers will benefit from the synergies and combined capabilities of Wrist and Komasco.
“As part of Wrist Ship Supply, there is a significant upside for Komasco as we gain access to Wrist’s global coverage, scale and digital platforms, offering significant opportunities for our South Korean as well as international customers.
“Historically, Komasco has been focusing mostly on customers in South Korea, but this two-way
potential in connecting overseas Wrist customers with Komasco and for Wrist to obtain knowledge of South Korean customers is a strong match,” says Johnny Jeong, CEO Komasco.
Komasco will be renamed “Wrist Komasco”.
Komasco serves all major South Korean ports, providing customers with maritime provisions, technical goods, bonded as well as owners’ goods and spare parts handling.
The company’s commercial activities and operations are based around Komasco’s headquarters and warehouses located at the main port of Busan.
Peder Winther, CEO Wrist Ship Supply, adds
“In acquiring Komasco in Busan, one of the most important maritime hubs in Asia, we substantially improve our customer value proposition through an expanded global reach and service scope.
“We’re looking forward to embarking with Komasco and our customers on this exciting journey, and we’re pleased to have the opportunity to welcome the entire Komasco team aboard.”
It is part of Wrist’s strategy to take a leading role in the global consolidation and digital transformation of the maritime supply industry.
Consequently, the firm is continuously exploring new opportunities for serving customers through innovation, technology, geographical and service scope and scale, thereby fueling both organic growth and acquisitions.
Further acquisitions are planned and expected in 2024.
Wrist is one of the world’s leading ship and offshore supplier of marine provisions and stores with a market share of approximately 12%.
It leads the digital transformation and evolution of the marine supply industry, not least through the founding of the Source2Sea marine supply platform that currently serves around 1,000 vessels.
All year round, Wrist offers global sourcing and logistics providing data transparency, automation and convenience to customers. It continuously works on reducing its own climate impact while at the same time proactively addressing customers’ growing demand and need for responsible solutions and services.
Komasco is a well-established ship chandler supplying maritime provisions, technical goods, bonded and marine spare parts and logistics.
The company, founded in 1990, is located in Busan, South Korea and is one of the largest and most wellrecognised stand-alone ship chandlers in South Korea.
The firm’s operational activities are based around their 1,900 m2 warehouses, providing operational excellence and a broad portfolio of customised services at one of the most important maritime hubs in East Asia. u
www.wrist.com
Zelim’s SWIFT man overboard recovery device has received full type approval from Lloyd’s Register, paving the way for the maritime industry’s widespread use of the sea survival safety system.
A Certificate of Type Approval was presented to Zelim following the successful completion of extensive inwater performance tests at Fleetwood Testing Laboratory and Heavy Weather Sea Trials (Sea State 4).
The SWIFT Rapid Man Overboard Recovery system, a rescue conveyor that pulls to safety conscious and unconscious individuals from the sea in less than one minute, was successfully demonstrated in May 2023 at a windfarm offshore Ramsgate, in the Southern Bight of the North Sea.
During the three-day trials, the Zelim SWIFT recovered a test dummy two nautical miles offshore, in high sea states, and more than twenty times faster than it takes to save souls using conventional man overboard equipment.
“Type approval certification assures the global maritime and offshore industries that SWIFT is compliant with SOLAS and can be adopted as a primary means of man overboard recovery for ships and offshore installations,” said Zelim CEO, founder and innovator Sam Mayall.
Developed by operational SAR personnel, SWIFT is treadmill-like conveyor belt system of various sizes hinged to a rescue crafts’ stern or side. Once the rescue vessel nears the casualty, SWIFT is lowered into the water and the conveyor belt activated. Casualties are simply and quickly pulled
free of the water upon traction with the conveyor belt system, which is powered by a 240v motor.
“Sea survival is hugely dependent on the time it takes to retrieve individuals from the water, but often high sea states make recovery difficult,” said Mayall. “When rescue vessels approach, many survivors do not have the strength to pull themselves to safety. It is staggering the number of souls lost that could have been saved.”
Industry reports indicate that only 17% to 25% of passengers that fall from cruise ships’ voyages survive. And of all the 308 man overboard incidents reported to the UK’s Marine Accident Investigation Board (MAIB) between 2015 and 2023, 40% lost their lives.
Zelim COO Stewart Gregory (pictured above), a former Vice President for Innovation & New Product Development at Survitec, said: “The maritime and offshore industries now have a fully type approved certified system capable of rapidly rescuing people from the sea in all weather conditions.
“Lives lost to man overboard incidents could be reduced substantially if every rescue boat, crew boat, pilot boat or tender was equipped with SWIFT as a matter of course.” u
ePropulsion, a global leader and market innovator in marine electric propulsion systems has announced that it has established a new business unit – ePropulsion Commercial.
The new unit will deliver comprehensive system integration solutions, both electric and hybrid, for applications ranging from 50 kW to 1000 kW.
The firm’s customers benefit from a dedicated project management and delivery team to ensure efficient, high-quality project completion. This team oversees the entire process, from conceptual design, prototype approval, procurement, production, testing, installation, and commissioning to final delivery.
The various components of the new business unit include ePropulsion’s proprietary electric propulsion and electronic control systems, Energy Storage System (ESS), DC Bus technology, Power and Energy Management System (PEMS), charging solutions, automation, and intelligent technology.
The solutions are highly flexible and scalable, able to be customised to meet specific functional requirements such as speed, range, and shore power conditions, as well as tailored to different vessel types without compromising compatibility.
The H-Series electric inboard motor, ePropulsion’s flagship commercial product, exemplifies the company’s commitment to innovation and adaptability.
Featuring advanced flat wire technology, the motor ensures efficient conversion between electrical and mechanical energy. Designed specifically for commercial vessels, the H-Series offers a modular design for scalable power solutions.
Using vector control, the advanced Power Control Unit provides precise control in various scenarios while maintaining compatibility with external interaction systems.
ePropulsion’s Energy Storage System (ESS) incorporates an in-house developed Battery Management System (BMS), offering multiple communication interfaces and bespoke application software for optimal flexibility and compatibility.
The modular battery packs can be customised to save space and reduce weight. The multilevel distributed battery system is engineered for a multitude of commercial marine applications,
supporting up to 1000V DC and 2000kWh of energy. The ESS can be integrated into ePropulsion Commercial’s system solutions or offered as a standalone product.
To date, ePropulsion has completed over 20 projects for its commercial marine clients, with an additional 20 projects currently underway.
Last year alone, ePropulsion successfully delivered 10 commercial marine projects worldwide, ranging from passenger ferries and luxury power catamarans to workboats, patrol vessels, and bulk cargo ships.
The company aims to meet and exceed the evolving demands of the commercial marine sector, leading the way towards a cleaner, more efficient, and technologically advanced maritime future.
“Establishing a business unit dedicated to developing our commercial offerings was obviously the next evolution of our brand.” said Danny Tao, CoFounder and CEO of ePropulsion.
“Our technology has always been designed with safety, durability, efficiency and scalability in mind, allowing us to reach customers regardless of their needs or mission. We look forward to the projects on the horizon and our growth in this vital segment.” u
www.epropulsion.com
CM Technologies (CMT) has strengthened its global sales and distribution network with the appointment of Singapore’s Junma Services, a leading marine engine sales, repair, and services company, to facilitate increasing demand for CMT’s machinery and fluids testing, measuring and analysis solutions.
Junma Services joins an established CMT network of 10 distributors across the Asia Pacific region, with specific responsibility for increasing the Germanyheadquartered company’s presence across the Lion City’s maritime cluster. The development is part of a wider strategy to ensure that all major maritime hubs are stocked with CMT’s PREMET range of diesel engine performance optimisers to help shipowners and managers curtail their ships’ CO2 emissions in line with carbon reduction requirements.
CMT Director Uwe Krüger said: “As an established and experienced engine servicing company with a reputation for quality and reliability, Junma is an ideal network partner for us.
“With more than 60 certified technicians capable of working on all types of marine engines, Junma is well-placed to increase greater awareness of how our monitoring solutions can optimise engine performance to reduce a fleet’s overall operational and maintenance spend.”
While Junma will focus on CMT’s PREMET range of engine performance and efficiency solutions, the company has taken inventory of stock across its entire product portfolio. This includes
testing, monitoring and analysis solutions for fuel, lube oil, potable and waste waters, including ballast and scrubber discharge water, and machinery and pump vibration.
“Our new distributor’s network and closely forged ties with maritime leaders has already resulted in the securing of a number of fleet agreements and PREMET Cloud subscriptions with a number of high-profile Singapore-based operators,” said Krüger.
Junma Services Managing Director Yulin Ma said: “CMT has a long, storied history in engine and system performance monitoring and analysis. With CMT’s stellar track record in advanced condition monitoring and sensor technology, we are honoured to partner with them collectively to deliver reliable, optimised, and long-lasting engine performance for customers.
“We have a strong inventory of CMT stock with favourable lead times. With nearly two decades of maritime servicing experience, we are confident that we can
meet the needs of all market requirements promptly.
“Our strong industry links have already led us to supply multiple ship operators with PREMET diesel performance indicators. We anticipate more fleet agreements in coming months for CMT’s new PREMET Cloud analysis platform.”
CMT founder and CEO, Matthias Winkler, added: “We are seeing a surge of interest across Southeast Asia’s maritime industry for condition monitoring solutions capable of optimising engine performance or assessing the quality of fuel and lubricating oils, and potable and waste waters, including ballast.
“With Junma as the latest member of the CMT distributor network, Singapore’s shipowners, ship managers, and yards, have the potential to keep their engines and machinery compliant and reliable, running cleanly and cost efficiently.” u
www.cmtechnologies.de www.junnma.biz
Aphrase much used on the London Underground (to the great amusement of transiting tourists)
Nordic Fender have used “Mind The Gap” to good effect launching their new strategic partnership.
They assure customers that their link-up with Red Rock will enhance maritime safety.
Nordic Fender is a leading supplier of marine fenders and allied equipment and take pride in announcing a strategic partnership with Red Rock, a well-known engineering company specialising in cranes and davit systems for the marine and offshore industries.
Through this collaboration, Red Rock’s davit systems will complement Nordic Fender’s pneumatic fenders, providing customers with an integrated solution for enhanced safety and efficiency.
Fender davits offer better control over the raising and lowering of fenders, ensuring a smoother process and reducing the risk of mistakes.
“By using fender davits, we can reduce the number of crew members needed to handle the fenders, which can lead to lower labour costs and better resource utilisation.
“By offering Red Rock’s davit systems alongside our own fenders, we can now provide a complete solution that improves both operational efficiency and overall safety for our customers,” says Åsmund Lilleaas, CEO of Nordic Fender.
Red Rock, a leader in marine and offshore engineering, supplies cranes and davit systems essential for the safe handling of heavy maritime equipment.
“The partnership with Nordic Fender allows us to reach a new customer base with a product type that we have extensive experience with and that complements our existing production.
“Together with Nordic Fender, we will deliver fender davits that not only improve operational efficiency and safety but also provide shipyards and operators with a complete package. We have great confidence in this collaboration,” says Thomas Holte, CEO of Red Rock. u
www.nordicfender.com and www.redrock.no
We bring you the dates of significant maritime events…
October 2024
• SNAME 2024 Maritime Convention (Norfolk, Virginia, USA) 14th to 16th October
• Breakbulk Americas (Houston, Texas, USA) 15th to 17th October
• The Global Maritime Forum Annual Summit 2024 (Tokyo, Japan) 15th to 17th October
• 30th Maritime HR and Crew Management Summit (London, UK) 16th & 17th October
• International Conference on Port & Maritime Security (CPMS) (Athens, Greece) 17th October
• Asean Ports & Logistics 2024 (Bahru, Johor, Malaysia) 22nd to 24th October
• International Conference on Port & Maritime Security (CPMS) (Bali, Indonesia) 24th October
• ISSA 66 Convention & Trade Exhibition (Seville, Spain): 26th & 27th October
November 2024
• International Conference on Ocean Offshore & Arctic Engineering (ICOOAE) (Amsterdam, Netherlands) 4th November
• International Conference on Maritime Transport (ICMT) (Venice, Italy) 11th November
• International Conference on Marine & Naval Engineering (ICMNE) (Paris, France) 18th November
• European Sustainable Biofuels Summit (Düsseldorf, Germany) 27th November
Have you ever dreamt of stepping into a painting? Take an awe-inspiring journey into the incomparable universe of Van Gogh, one of the greatest artistic geniuses of the 19th century. Explore his life, his work, and his secrets as never before through cutting-edge 360-degree digital projections, a one-of-a-kind VR experience, and a unique atmospheric light and sound show. This impactful experience has already thrilled visitors in Naples, Italy, Brussels, Belgium, and the UK. Become completely immersed in the works of art around you and feel the shift in reality as you dive deep into the world created by Van Gogh’s brush strokes. Book for Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience in London!
Van Gogh London
106 Commercial Street, London E1 6LZ
Through to November 2024
John Grisham is known worldwide for his bestselling novels, but it’s his real-life passion for justice that led to his work with Jim McCloskey of Centurion Ministries, the first organisation dedicated to exonerating innocent people who have been wrongly convicted. Together they offer an inside look at the many injustices in our criminal justice system. A fundamental principle of our legal system is a presumption of innocence, but once someone has been found guilty, there is very little room to prove doubt. These ten true stories shed light on Americans who were innocent but found guilty and forced to sacrifice friends, families, and decades of their lives to prison while the guilty parties remained free.
In each of the stories, John Grisham and Jim McCloskey recount the dramatic hard-fought battles for exoneration. They take a close look at what leads to wrongful convictions in the first place and the racism, misconduct, flawed testimony, and corruption in the court system that can make them so hard to reverse. Impeccably researched and told with page-turning suspense as only John Grisham can deliver, Framed is the story of winning freedom when the battle already seems lost, and the deck is stacked against you.
www.booklistqueen.com
Yes it’s official: the best restaurant in the world for 2024 is Disfrutar (in English “Enjoy”) in the fabulous City of Barcelona, Spain.
Open since December 2014, the restaurant arose after years of intense work at elBulli, where Mateu Casañas, Oriol Castro and Eduard Xatruch met and trained professionally, and after reaffirming the work done at Compartir opened in April 2012 in Cadaqués.
Located in the Eixample, just in front of the Ninot Market, the premises are also surprising due to their design. Respect for the history and legacy of the Mediterranean are the inspiration and ceramic is the common theme marking the interior. The entrance area is inspired by Barcelona, by the wrought iron of the Ninot Market and the colours of Mironian ceramics. In Barcelona the gastronomic offer revolves around the tasting menu, with clearly avant-garde cuisine and where the dishes stand out for their great, markedly Mediterranean identity. In short, a restaurant with daring, fun and modern cuisine searching for taste as the main proposition.
© www.disfrutarbarcelona.com
“If
People tend not to talk about the original OnePlus Watch: at least, not kindly. However rather than giving up in shame and slinking into the smartwatch shadows, OnePlus defiantly released a sequel – which has met with critical acclaim thanks to much-improved functionality, a beautiful design, and seriously impressive battery life. Enter, then, the Nordic Blue Edition of the Watch 2, which elevates things further with a vibrant blue/white dial and a hybrid leather strap that combines the look of pure hide with the durability of rubber. Sharing the same specs as its non-Nordic brother, it’s the perfect wrist upgrade for anyone in search of something a little different… for only £30 more than the standard model.
© www.stuff.tv
If you miss having a physical keyboard on your smartphone, the Clicks case might be the solution for you. It comes with a built-in physical QWERTY keyboard that you can use with your iPhone. The best part is that the virtual keyboard won’t appear unless you force it to, so you get back that screen real estate as you type. It does add some height to the phone, but it’s super cute and has backlit keys. It also supports Mac and iPad keyboard shortcuts. The downside: The case is only available for the iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max.
© www.wired.com/Brenda Stolyar
Matthew Lewin and Mica Tenenbaum, a.k.a. Magdalena Bay, have long been a force to reckon with. The synth-prog pop duo has been blending ethereal melodies with over-the-top production for years, writing about love, identity, and mostly the internet. Their 2021 acclaimed debut, Mercurial World, shocked the indie music scene and earned them a huge and dedicated following. With their sophomore record, Imaginal Disk, it is almost certain that this following will expand even further. This record follows a similar direction but is definitely more expansive, avant-garde, and full of ideas that work perfectly together throughout the 15 tracks.
© https://whenthehornblows.com
Sony Classical has released a new recording of the piano trios of Felix Mendelssohn, performed by violinist Joshua Bell with two of his favourite collaborating artists and friends — cellist Steven Isserlis and pianist Jeremy Denk. This new recording follows an all-Brahms collection “For the Love of Brahms” released by Sony Classical in 2018, which also featured a collaboration of Bell, Isserlis, and Denk.
Mendelssohn’s two piano trios — No. 1 in D Minor, Op. 49 (1839) and No. 2 in C Minor, Op. 66 (1845) — are viewed as among the composer’s best and most beloved works. After the premiere of Mendelssohn’s Piano Trio No. 1, Schumann wrote that “Mendelssohn…has soared so high, that we may venture to say that he is the Mozart of the nineteenth century, the brightest among musicians, the one who looks most clearly of all through the contradictions of the time and reconciles us to them.”
© https://theviolinchannel.com
