Vard Aukra

As International Maritime Organization (IMO) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emissions requirements continue throughout the IMO Emission Control Areas (ECA), they are also forcing postponement of many new construction decisions as vessel owners and operators continue to tread cautiously along the path forward. The Marpol Annex VI program looked to correct emissions requirements while working with petroleum fuels. Technology developers continue best efforts to advance long-term solutions to reach the latest IMO zero emissions greenhouse gas (GHG) goals of 2050.

Dutch FPSO leasing specialist SBM Offshore has secured a firm deal with Petrobras to lease and operate a newbuild FPSO at its giant Buzios offshore oil field in Brazil.The firm contract, for the 26.25 years lease and operation of the FPSO to be named Almirante Tamandaré, follows the signing of the binding Letter of Intent announced back in February. SBM Offshore did not share the financial details.FPSO Almirante Tamandaré will be deployed at the Búzios field in the Santos Basin approximately 180 kilometers offshore Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. The FPSO is expected to be delivered in the second half of 2024.

The application period for this year’s MN100 edition is officially open and underway!Each year, Marine News magazine profiles 100 of the top firms in brown water, workboat space.Here's your chance to tell Marine News why your company is one of the best in the business. The selected 100 companies will be featured in the October edition of the largest BPA-audited b-to-b publication in this genre. OEMs, service providers, shipyards, operators and the full gamut of marine-related businesses are eligible. But, only those who apply will be considered for inclusion.Is your firm one of the best in your niche? Click here to get started. The deadline to apply is August 10, 2021.

BC Ferries’ new Island Class ferry arrived late last week in British Columbia, Canada, having departed Damen Shipyards Galati yard in Romania on May 19.The vessel, temporarily named Island 3, arrived under its own power, after a 64-day, approximately 10,700 nautical miles transatlantic journey. The Island Class are battery-equipped ships designed for future full electric operation. The ships are fitted with hybrid technology that bridges the gap until shore charging infrastructure and funding becomes available in B.C. From the exterior details to the engines, the design of the new vessels reduces underwater radiated noise, and lowers emissions.

Seanergy Maritime Holdings Corp. has taken delivery of the M/V Friendship bulk carrier.The vessel is a 176,952 dwt Capesize bulk carrier, built in 2009 by Namura Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. in Japan. "The M/V Friendship is the fifth Capesize delivery that Seanergy has successfully completed in 2021 to date," the company said.Seanergy also said that the has been fixed on a time charter with Japan's NYK Line, which is an existing charterer of Seanergy. The charter is expected to commence immediately, upon finalization of the customary transition process and will have a term of a minimum of 17 to a maximum of 24 months from the delivery.