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Wärtsilä gas scrubber ready for volume production

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Products & services Products & services; Published: 16 June 2011 16 June 2011

The development of Exhaust Gas Scrubber technology for SOx emissions control has advanced to the point that it is now possible to quickly ramp up production volumes to meet the increasing demand in the marine market as regulations become more stringent. Wärtsilä and Metso have extensive experience of scrubber technology in land-based installation. In December 2010 Wärtsilä received its first commercial scrubber order for a marine application.

Wärtsilä Corporation, the global leader in complete power lifecycle solutions and services, and Metso Corporation have signed an agreement to co-operate in developing and delivering scrubber systems for marine applications. Under the terms of this agreement, Metso is to supply the scrubber unit, while Wärtsilä is responsible for world-wide sales and integration of complete, certified, documented marine scrubber systems, including automation, water treatment, and ancillaries. Both Wärtsilä and Metso have extensive experience in the use of scrubber technology for land-based installations.

Long co-operation and comprehensive experience

Wärtsilä and Metso have already for a number of years worked together in the development of scrubber technology. In 2005 the two companies, together with other companies within the Finnish maritime cluster, embarked on a programme to develop a feasible marine scrubber.

By autumn 2007, the project had reached the stage of being ready for a test installation. A tanker, the Suula, owned by the Neste Shipping division of the Finnish company, Neste Oil Oyj, was made available and the project-testing phase began in November 2008. During the test period, which was completed in mid-2010, the Suula operated primarily in the Baltic Sea but also visited many North Sea harbours. The sulphur removal efficiency was proven to be excellent and well within the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) most stringent limits. Furthermore, the discharge water was also proven to be well in compliance with IMO Washwater Guidelines.

This extensive development programme, from the establishment of the project group in 2005 until finalisation of the pilot tests on board a working tanker in 2010, culminated in the Wärtsilä SOx scrubber becoming the first such unit to be certified for marine applications. The classification societies Det Norske Veritas, Germanisher Lloyd and Bureau Veritas have granted the Wärtsilä unit a SOx Emissions Compliance Certificate.

First commercial order for Wärtsilä

In December 2010, Wärtsilä received its first commercial order for a scrubber for a marine application. Containerships Ltd Oy, a Finnish shipping customer, placed a contract for a turnkey installation onboard its vessel, Containerships VII, a ship equipped with a Wärtsilä W7L64 main engine The scope of the order includes a Wärtsilä fresh water scrubber. The scrubber will be delivered to the customer in August 2011.

The more stringent IMO sulphur regulations, which require strict sulphur oxides control, are due to enter into force in January 2015 and will apply to Sulphur Emissions Control Areas (SECAs). With this in mind, a rapid ramp-up and development of the scrubber market is foreseen. Following the systematic development of this technology, its successful validation, and the agreement between Wärtsilä and Metso, Wärtsilä is committed and ready to fulfil the needs of the shipping industry regarding scrubber technology. The units can be delivered both for new ships, and as a retrofit for ships already in service.

Global Ports Holding signs MOU with the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to manage Cruise Port

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 15 June 2026 15 June 2026

Global Ports Holding (GPH), the world’s largest cruise port operator and management company, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to enter into exclusive negotiations regarding the management, development and operation of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Cruise Port (SVG Cruise Port).

Under the MOU, the parties intend to negotiate and execute a concession agreement under which GPH would manage the cruise port on behalf of the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The port will remain under Government ownership, with GPH bringing its global cruise port management expertise, operational capabilities, and cruise line relationships to support the destination’s continued development.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines occupies a strategic location in the South-Eastern Caribbean near major cruise destinations such as Barbados, Saint Lucia, and Grenada. SVG Cruise Port currently welcomes over 200,000 passengers annually and is considered to have significant growth potential.

Subject to the execution of definitive agreements and the award of the concession rights, GPH plans to implement a two-phase investment programme designed to modernize the port’s infrastructure and operations, expand berthing capacity, serve larger cruise vessels, and enhance the passenger experience. This programme is intended to help position the country’s cruise tourism industry for the future, supporting sustainable growth, improving the destination’s competitiveness within the Southern Caribbean cruise market, and ensuring that future development is guided by environmental sustainability.

GPH also intends to support the development of shore excursion opportunities in collaboration with the Government and local stakeholders, with the goal of enhancing the country’s broader tourism product offering and creating additional opportunities for local businesses and communities.

Mehmet Kutman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Global Ports Holding, said: “We are delighted to have signed this Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and to have the opportunity to explore a long-term partnership in support of the country’s cruise tourism development. St. Vincent and the Grenadines is a beautiful and strategically located destination with tremendous potential. We look forward to working closely with the Government and local stakeholders to support national development, strengthen the destination’s cruise offering, and help create lasting value for the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.”

Mike Maura, Jr., Regional Director, GPH Americas, said: “This MOU reflects our continued strategy of partnering with governments in high-potential cruise destinations where our global reach, operational expertise and industry partnerships can help unlock long-term growth. St. Vincent and the Grenadines is well positioned within the Southern Caribbean cruise itinerary, and we believe that with the right investment, modernized port infrastructure and operations, an environmentally responsible approach, and a destination-focused management strategy, the port can become an even more attractive call for cruise lines and guests.”

This partnership represents an important opportunity to support the continued growth and modernization of cruise tourism in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Through its experience in managing cruise ports around the world, GPH intends to work closely with the Government and local stakeholders to enhance the port’s infrastructure, improve operational efficiency, elevate the guest experience, support the development of shore excursion opportunities, and create broader economic opportunities for the destination. GPH is committed to ensuring that this work is conducted sustainably, with environmental responsibility and long-term destination stewardship in mind.

Sir Richard Branson joins local and cruise executives as Prince Rupert Cruise Port welcomes Brilliant Lady

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 09 June 2026 09 June 2026

On Tuesday, May 26, 2026, Prince Rupert Cruise Port welcomed Virgin Voyages for the first time as the cruise line’s newest ship, Brilliant Lady, made her inaugural call to the destination during Virgin Voyages’ first Alaska season.

Virgin Voyages is bringing Brilliant Lady to Alaska this summer with 17 new voyages spanning 12 destinations across Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. The season kicked off in May and will run through September 2026. Prince Rupert served as the final stop on the itinerary, adding a memorable close to one of the cruise line’s first Alaska voyages. The arrival of Brilliant Lady created excitement throughout the community, particularly with Virgin Group founder, Sir Richard Branson, in attendance for the milestone visit.

During the call, Branson met briefly with local and cruise industry executives, including Steve Finnigan, General Manager, Prince Rupert Cruise Port, and Erika Tache, Vice President, Business Development - Shorex & Landside, Global Ports Holding, along with representatives from the City of Prince Rupert and the Prince Rupert Port Authority. The welcome meeting marked the beginning of a new relationship between Virgin Voyages and Prince Rupert, while recognizing the destination’s growing role in Alaska and Pacific Northwest cruise itineraries.

Following the welcome, Prince Rupert Cruise Port team member Zosia Stevenson hosted Branson, Virgin Voyages executives, and guests for a curated day showcasing the best of Prince Rupert, including local excursions, food, beverages, and the region’s distinctive coastal scenery.

The group experienced a flightseeing excursion with Inland Air Charters, offering an aerial view of the dramatic landscapes that make Prince Rupert and the surrounding region one of British Columbia’s most striking destinations. The day continued with a meal at Fukasaku Restaurant, known for Japanese seafood and its commitment to locally sourced, sustainable ingredients. Branson described the meal as the best food he has eaten anywhere.

“Welcoming Virgin Voyages to Prince Rupert for the first time is an exciting milestone for our port, our partners, and our community,” said Finnigan. “The arrival of Brilliant Lady as part of Virgin Voyages’ first Alaska season reflects the growing recognition of Prince Rupert as an authentic, experience-rich cruise destination. We were proud to share our people, landscapes, local operators, and culinary talent with Virgin Voyages and Sir Richard Branson.”

“Excursions are essential to how guests connect with a destination, and Prince Rupert offers the kind of authentic, locally rooted experiences that today’s cruisers are seeking,” Tache explained. “From flightseeing and scenic outdoor experiences to sustainable seafood, local flavours, and warm community hospitality, Prince Rupert gives guests a true sense of place. This inaugural call was a wonderful opportunity to showcase the depth and quality of the destination’s shore experience.”

The inaugural call highlighted Prince Rupert’s strengths as a cruise destination, from its natural beauty and Indigenous culture to its locally led excursions, sustainable seafood, and welcoming community. As cruise lines continue to seek distinctive ports that offer meaningful guest experiences, Prince Rupert is well positioned to play an expanding role in Alaska and Pacific Northwest itineraries.

The visit also underscores the continued collaboration between Prince Rupert Cruise Port, the City of Prince Rupert, the Prince Rupert Port Authority, local tourism operators, and community partners in strengthening the destination’s cruise offering.

Photo: Erika Tache and Sir Richard Branson

AD Ports Group launches cruise and ferry terminal services in Egypt

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 09 June 2026 09 June 2026

AD Ports Group, a leading global enabler of trade, industry, and logistics solutions, last month announced the commencement of cruise services at its three terminals in Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, and Safaga in Egypt, in addition to facilitating ferry services connecting Safaga and NEOM ports to support transport of Hajj workers between Egypt and Saudi Arabia.

In 2024, AD Ports Group signed a 15-year concession agreement with Egypt’s Red Sea Ports Authority to manage, develop, and operate the three cruise terminals and associated ferry operations on Egypt’s Red Sea coast.

Sharm El Sheikh Cruise Port welcomed the arrival of Aroya, the largest mega cruise ship ever to dock directly in the coastal city, marking the beginning of a new era for cruise tourism in the Red Sea.

Aroya’s arrival at Sharm El Sheikh was enabled by the Egyptian Ministry of Transport and the Red Sea Ports Authority’s upgrades to the port’s docking capabilities, delivered in close collaboration with AD Ports Group.

Noura R. Al Dhaheri, Chief Executive Officer of Cruise Business, AD Ports Group, said: “The launch of AD Ports Group’s cruise and ferry terminal services in Egypt underscores our commitment to advancing cruise tourism across the Red Sea, while driving sustainable economic value in the markets where we operate. Through close collaboration with our partners, we will continue to elevate passenger experience by delivering world-class facilities and seamless services.”

The arrival of Aroya in Sharm El Sheikh marks the first of several scheduled calls by the mega cruise vessel in 2026, reinforcing Sharm El Sheikh’s position, alongside Hurghada and Safaga, as regular destinations on regional and international cruise itineraries. Aside from its main cruise terminal operations in the UAE, the Group also manages and operates the Aqaba Cruise Terminal in Jordan through a partnership with the Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC).

Egypt and the Red Sea are a focus of AD Ports Group’s expanding global network of integrated trade, transport, and logistics facilities. Beyond its container feeder shipping and stevedoring services, the Group in Egypt this year will inaugurate Noatum Ports Safaga Terminal, a US$ 200 million multipurpose cargo terminal and major trade gateway for southern (Upper) Egypt. The Group is also developing the 20 km2 KEZAD East Port Said Industrial and Logistics Park with Egyptian partners at the Mediterranean mouth of the Suez Canal.

In November 2025, AD Ports Group invested 13.2 billion Egyptian pounds (US$ 279 million) to acquire a 19.3% stake in one of Egypt’s largest container terminal operators, Alexandria Container & Cargo Handling Company (ALCN), and subsequently moved to acquire a majority stake in the company.

The commencement of passenger ferry and cruise terminal services in Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, and Safaga, marks the latest milestone in the Group’s ongoing investment in Egypt, and its support of Egypt’s cruise tourism and maritime connectivity ambitions.

Global Ports Holding granted 30-year concession to develop Ferrol Cruise Port

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 07 June 2026 07 June 2026

Global Ports Holding Limited, the world’s largest independent cruise port operator, has announced that the Port Authority of Ferrol-San Cibrao has granted Global Ports Ferrol S.L. a 30-year concession for the construction and operation of the cruise terminal at the Port of Ferrol.

The concession follows GPH’s successful award of a 30-year concession for Ferrol Cruise Port in November 2025, marking an important milestone in the Group’s continued expansion across Spain and the Atlantic region.

The concession covers a total area of 960 square meters on the Outer Breakwater Wharf and will be developed in two phases. The first phase will include the construction of a 480-square-meter terminal building, with a second phase planned once the wharf is fully operational for larger cruise vessels. A mobile facility will also be available to support calls berthed further from the main terminal, enabling the port to handle multiple cruise calls simultaneously.

Following the concession award, Global Ports Holding will submit the construction project for the first phase within three months, with works expected to begin within six months, subject to the necessary approvals from the Port Authority.
The new terminal will provide services for cruise lines, shipping agents, passengers, and port service providers, including passenger guidance, baggage control, gangway operations, and related services. The development will be carried out in line with energy-efficiency and environmental sustainability criteria.

Mehmet Kutman, Chairman & CEO of Global Ports Holding, commented: “Ferrol represents another important milestone in our continued growth across Spain and the Atlantic region. We are delighted to move into the development phase of this project and look forward to delivering a modern cruise terminal that enhances the passenger experience while supporting the long-term growth and international positioning of the destination.”

Francesc Grau, GPH Regional Director West Med commented: “Ferrol holds strong potential as an emerging cruise destination in Northern Spain, with a unique combination of maritime heritage, cultural appeal, and access to the wider Galicia region. This concession marks an important step in our commitment to developing modern, efficient, and sustainable cruise infrastructure that will support the port’s long-term growth. By investing in the new terminal, we aim to enhance the passenger experience, strengthen Ferrol’s position on cruise itineraries, and create lasting value for the city, the Port Authority, and the local community.”

Strategically located on Spain’s northwest coast along key Atlantic cruise routes, Ferrol further strengthens GPH’s presence in Spain and the wider Atlantic region. Leveraging GPH’s global operating expertise and cruise line relationships, annual passenger volumes are projected to increase from approximately 23,000 in 2026 to around 80,000 by 2034.

Global Ports Holding looks forward to working closely with the Port Authority of Ferrol-San Cibrao and local stakeholders to support the sustainable growth of cruise tourism in Ferrol and contribute to the city’s wider economic development and international visibility.

Photo: An archived image of Ferrol Cruise Port