National Shipping Co. of Saudi Arabia

The world’s first hydrogen fueling of a commercial marine vessel was successfully completed, and the vessel is now beginning its final sea trials before delivery, SWITCH Maritime announced.The new 75-passenger ferry, called the Sea Change, received hydrogen into its 242 kg tanks on the upper deck on November 18 at All American Marine shipyard. It uses that hydrogen in fuel cells producing electricity to power electric motors for distances up to 300 nautical miles, and speeds up to 20 knots – similar capabilities as diesel-powered vessels – with the added benefits of zero exhaust smoke or other emissions and very little vibration and noise.

Caterpillar Marine said it has been selected to be the power solutions provider for Edda Wind’s four new commissioning service operation vessels (CSOV) being built at Astilleros Gondán and two new service operation vessels (SOV) to be built at Astilleros Balenciaga shipyards in Spain. The series of vessels six will be delivered in 2022-2024.Of the six confirmed units, the first four in the series have been contracted to work on offshore wind farms under long-term agreements with Ørsted, Vestas and Ocean Breeze.

Volvo Penta has secured a contract to provide quad IPS propulsion systems for the four new offshore wind farm crew transfer vessels (CTVs) that will be built at Blount Boats for American Offshore Services (AOS). The new 30-meter (99-ft.) twin-hull CTVs will be powered by four IPS900 propulsion drives, two in each hull. The fully integrated system will also include Volvo Penta’s GPS-based Dynamic Positioning System and integrated joystick controls, allowing for convenient and easy maneuverability even in conditions of strong currents and high waves. All subsystems will be connected by Volvo Penta’s Electronic Vessel Control (EVC) data network.

Hurtigruten Svalbard said it has teamed up with Volvo Penta to test a new hybrid vessel that will allow guests to experience the wonders of the Arctic archipelago without disturbing the habitat around them.The near-silent, Marell M15 cruiser called Kvitbjørn (polar bear in English) will allow for fully electric operation in the environmentally sensitive waters around Svalbard, which is hugely popular with nature-loving adventure travelers. Hurtigruten Svalbard plans to test the Marell M15 day cruiser starting in May 2022.

Maritime medical operations and public health provider VIKAND said it has entered into a multiyear agreement with Azamara to manage all medical operations aboard its four-ship fleet. Holistically designed for Azamara Quest, Azamara Journey, Azamara Pursuit, and the newest ship in the fleet, Azamara Onward, VIKAND’s comprehensive approach to cruise line healthcare includes medical facility operations, outbreak prevention and mitigation, emergency support, formulary and biomedical equipment management, medical staffing, and ongoing consultation.