Eni, Fincantieri and RINA establish partnership for maritime transport decarbonization

Eni, a global energy company, Fincantieri, one of the world’s largest shipbuilding groups, the only one active in all high-tech marine industry sectors, and RINA, a multinational inspection, certification, and engineering consultancy, have signed an agreement to develop joint initiatives for the energy transition. The partnership formalises the commitment to develop joint projects, in line with the partners' strategies, to decarbonise the maritime sector in the medium to long term with the goal of Net Zero by 2050. Additionally, the establishment of a permanent global observatory regarding future technological, regulatory, and market developments will be evaluated.

The three companies will conduct a comprehensive analysis and evaluation of the most sustainable alternatives to support the maritime decarbonisation pathway. This will also be based on the development of complementary solutions to fuels already available for other hard-to-abate sectors. The partnership’s areas of interest also include an analysis of the reference energy infrastructure and the development of new logistic structures, including the investments that the sector requires.

Giuseppe Ricci, Chief Operating Officer for Energy Evolution at Eni, commented: “The collaboration with Fincantieri and RINA, two major Italian players, is a further step in our journey towards the transition and decarbonisation of maritime transport. To meet the objectives of the UN 2030 Agenda, it is important not only to manage what is immediate but also to act with a medium to long-term perspective, developing partnerships to create more sustainable solutions and products. The ability to network among the partners, with their wealth of skills and technological capabilities, can make a significant contribution to finding more effective solutions for decarbonising maritime transport and meeting the needs of shipowners and logistics operators, always leveraging a holistic approach”.

Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri, said: “We are highly committed to supporting our clients in addressing the industrial challenges of the maritime energy transition, and this initiative is aimed at initially creating a hub of study to harness Italy's extraordinary expertise in new technologies, novel fuels, and their profound industrial implications for the ship system. We are very pleased to join forces with Eni and RINA in an alliance to materialize existing solutions and to pave the way for the future with a proactive ecosystem approach. Indeed, new technologies must be industrialized on board ships, just as new fuels must be produced and distributed at the dock. Only with a concept of "operationalizing innovation" can we lead our industry and project our shipbuilding leadership into the future”.

Carlo Luzzatto, CEO and General Manager of RINA, said: “We strongly believe in the value of collaboration and the opportunities it brings, particularly when it involves players of international calibre such as Eni and Fincantieri. Together, we have the opportunity to share knowledge and experience and to contribute to more sustainable solutions that support the

shipping supply chain. RINA brings to the partnership its engineering and technological skills, developed across various sectors, to support shipping in its journey towards reducing its carbon footprint, without excluding any energy options”.

The understanding may be the subject of subsequent binding agreements that the parties will define in compliance with the applicable legislation, including that relating to transactions between related parties.

Liquid Wind, Umeå Energy and Wasaline sign Letter of Intent for the supply of eMethanol

Liquid Wind, Umeå Energi and Wasaline announce the signing of a Letter of Intent for the sale and purchase of eMethanol from the eFuel facility in Umeå, Sweden.

Pursuant to the Letter of Intent, Liquid Wind, Umeå Energi and Wasaline will explore opportunities to fuel the northernmost shipping line in the world, Wasaline, with eMethanol from FlagshipTHREE in Umeå. Wasaline’s hybrid ferry, Aurora Botnia, is already equipped with dual-fuel engines and batteries. The company’s goal is to fully decarbonize their ferry operations between Vaasa in Finland and Umeå in Sweden.

Claes Fredriksson, CEO and Founder of Liquid Wind, says: “We are proud to partner with Wasaline to power the Aurora Botnia ferry with eMethanol. The Letter of Intent showcases the strong possibilities and growing demand for eFuels in the Nordics and beyond. Together with Umeå Energi, we are now putting local and regional infrastructure and supply in place, in Northern Sweden.”

Jan Ridfeldt, CEO of Umeå Energi, continues: “I am delighted that we are expanding our alliance with Liquid Wind and welcoming Wasaline to our esteemed list of partners. This cross-border collaboration is pivotal for us as we strive to make the essential shift towards a sustainable future.”

Peter Ståhlberg, Managing Director of Wasaline, comments: “Together with Liquid Wind and Umeå Energi, we are investigating the possibilities and challenges in decarbonizing our route as part of a green corridor between Vaasa and Umeå. By using eMethanol as one option, we would use electrofuel that is locally produced, which also minimizes the transport distances. We are eager to investigate this option together.”

Production from Liquid Wind’s eFuel facility project FlagshipTHREE is expected to begin in 2027, with 100,000 tons per year of eMethanol.

Tillberg Design of Sweden appoints Martin Butler as Creative Director

Tillberg Design of Sweden (TDoS), renowned for its exceptional designs in cruise ship and cruise yacht vessels, and now a member of the Viken Group, has announced the appointment of Martin Butler as Creative Director.

“In his new role Martin will be steering design teams towards future innovation while ensuring client needs are met with exceptional creativity,” said Fredrik Johansson, Executive Director of TDoS and Partner. “This means overseeing every stage of the design process, from initial concepts to final execution. It also involves sharing design ideas and inspirations across teams and with clients, fostering a collaborative environment where everyone’s input is valued. Ultimately, at our company Martin will be guiding creativity, maintaining quality, and promoting teamwork to achieve outstanding design outcomes that exceed expectations.”

Before assuming his role at Tillberg Design of Sweden, Martin Butler served as an interior project leader within the superyacht design division at RWD, collaborating closely with esteemed clients like Feadship and Nobiskrug.

With a career spanning across continents, Martin has honed his expertise at renowned design firms worldwide. His journey includes impactful roles at David Collins Studio in the UK and Matteo Thun and LTW Designworks in Italy. His international experience extends to Dubai, where he was part of the dynamic design scene at RMJM, and to Australia, where he made significant contributions to projects at BatesSmart. Martin’s diverse background and rich exposure to varied design contexts equip him uniquely to drive innovation and excellence in his role as Creative Director at TDoS.

“I have about 30 years of professional experience executing concept designs for the superyacht industry, as well as for high end hotels, resorts, restaurants, bars, and premium airport lounges,” commented Martin Butler. “I am confident that my accumulated experience and skills will provide a new impetus to the company’s development. We have many exciting projects ahead in the realm of superyachts and luxury cruise yachts and all other exciting cruise brands. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to become part of the TDoS and Viken Group.”

First hybrid electric vessel built in South America will use a Corvus battery system.

Corvus Energy will supply the battery energy storage system onboard the Magellan Discoverer— the first hybrid diesel-electric vessel to be constructed in South America.

The vessel is a luxury polar expedition cruise ship to be built at the Chilean shipyard, Astilleros y Servicios Navales S.A. ASENAV for cruise operator Antarctica 21. Corvus Energy will supply an Orca Energy Storage system to be used for zero-emission operation mode. The battery system will be part of ABB's full power plant delivery onboard the ship. The 93-meter, 163-passenger vessel will have all the latest technology onboard for sustainable operation like solutions for regenerating energy from the lifts, and heat exchangers that will collect warmed air before it is expelled outside. Along with the cutting-edge hybrid-electric propulsion system, the Magellan Discoverer will be able to operate within the stringent Tier III emission standards.

Marine electrification milestones in Latin America

“We are very proud to have been selected by ASENAV and Antarctica21 to be part of the very first hybrid vessel built in South America and to collaborate with Corvus Energy, ensuring the vessel achieves full performance,” says Dick Bjorkqvist, Global Segment Manager, Cruise, ABB Marine & Ports. “This truly innovative project further strengthens our contribution to the marine industry with leading technologies for improved efficiency.”

As with other regions, the interest in hybrid and electric vessel propulsion in Latin America is increasing. In recent months, Corvus Energy has secured projects for battery systems onboard vessels planned for operations both in Panama and Argentina as well as ongoing sales projects in other Latin American countries.

Ole-Jacob Irgens, Executive Vice President of Corvus Energy states “It means a lot for us to be a supplier for such an important project in the region. Going forward, we do expect a significant uptake of electric and hybrid projects across segments in South America. With our unsurpassed experience from more than 1,000 projects worldwide, we will do our best to serve as an expert resource and reliable partner when ship owners, operators, designers and shipbuilders pursue the electrification of shipping.”

Expanding a sustainable fleet

The Magellan Discoverer is planned to join the Antarctica21 fleet for the 2026-27 Antarctic season. The vessel will be operating from King George Island around the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas), South Georgia and Antarctica. It will be the second sustainable expedition cruise ship for Antarctica21, joining its sister vessel, the Magellan Explorer, currently in operation.

Wärtsilä Lifecycle Agreement to support optimised low-emission operations for two P&O Ferries vessels

Technology group Wärtsilä has signed a Lifecycle Agreement with UK-based P&O Ferries. The five-year agreement covers two vessels, the Pioneer and the Liberté, and is designed to optimise and ensure minimal impact on their operations, while providing maintenance cost predictability. The order was booked by Wärtsilä in January 2024.

Ferries have a huge role to play in meeting the growing demand for environmentally sustainable transport options. That’s why it is especially crucial for ferry operations to run smoothly and efficiently, in order to avoid unnecessary costs, fuel consumption and emissions.

The scope of the Lifecycle Agreement with P&O Ferries includes parts and maintenance services, as well as maintenance planning, operational support and Wärtsilä’s unique Expert Insight predictive maintenance service. This means issues can be identified before they cause a delay in the schedule. Delays are a big pain point for ferry operators because delays mean they need to make up the time through increasing speed which, consequently, results in higher fuel bills and emissions.

“We are focused on making P&O Ferries the best ferry company in Europe and this includes doing everything possible to reduce our carbon footprint and protect the environment,” says Stephen Pitt, Senior Procurement Manager, P&O Ferries. “The ability to leverage Wärtsilä’s advanced digital solutions is central to this – helping us to improve vessel uptime, save fuel and decrease emissions.”

Both vessels feature hybrid propulsion with battery power and four high-efficiency Wärtsilä 31 main engines. They are expected to produce 40 percent fewer emissions than the ships they replace. By ensuring their optimal performance, the agreement will further enhance the ships’ environmental sustainability.

“Wärtsilä shares P&O Ferries’ commitment to decarbonising shipping operations. We are, therefore, extremely pleased to support these two environmentally friendly ferries by optimising their operational performance. The Lifecycle Agreement represents a partnership for highest operational efficiency, and the experts supported by digitals tools to ensure minimal interruption, as well as reliable and sustainable operations,” comments Lee Martindale, General Manager, Sales for UK & Ireland, Wärtsilä.

The Pioneer commenced commercial operations in June 2023, while the Liberté is scheduled to enter service in early 2024. The 230-metre long ships are the world’s largest double-ended ferries, and sail between Dover, England and Calais, France.