RIDGEBURY JOHN ZIPSER

Researchers in South Korea at the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM) have reportedly developed a hull-attached sensor-based system for predicting underwater radiated noise (URN), a key factor in naval stealth operations.KIMM Develops First Hull-Attached Sensor System for Predicting Underwater Radiated NoiseNew algorithm predicts underwater noise in real timeBoosts naval stealth and operational efficiencyThe new technology allows real-time monitoring of underwater noise levels generated by naval vessels, enabling early detection of abnormal vibrations and improving operational efficiency while reducing maintenance costs.

A towing incident has occurred on Saudi oil and gas drilling contractor ADES Holding’s jack-up barge Admarine 12, which capsized offshore Eqypt, killing four people, while three remain missing.The incident occurred on Tuesday, July 1, while the barge was being towed to a new location in Egyptian territorial waters.At the time of the incident, 30 personnel were on board, involving 18 from ADES personnel.According to the latest information, 23 have been safely rescued, while remain missing and subject to intensive ongoing search operations by the relevant authorities.

Australia’s BHP Group has signed contracts with COSCO Shipping Bulk, a subsidiary of COSCO Shipping, for the charter of two ammonia dual-fueled Newcastlemax bulk carriers.The new vessels to be built under the arrangement will be two of only a handful of vessels in the world capable of using ammonia as a marine fuel.The two vessels, expected to be delivered from 2028, will primarily transport iron ore from Western Australia to Northeast Asia.When run on lower or low to zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions ammonia, these vessels will be capable of reducing GHG emissions by at least 50% and up to 95% on a per voyage basis compared to a conventionally fueled voyage, according to BHP.

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson announced he has selected the $714.5 million bid from Florida-based Eastern Shipbuilding Group to build three new 160-vehicle hybrid-electric ferries. “We’re restoring domestic service to pre-pandemic levels years ahead of schedule, improving crew retention, and soon will bring our first hybrid-electric vessel into service,” Governor Ferguson said. “After careful consideration and conversations with legislative leaders, I believe Eastern is the best option to build these critically important vessels at a fair cost to our taxpayers.

Ordering of alternative-fueled vessels is continuing to grow in 2025, despite a slowdown in the overall newbuild market. According to data from DNV’s Alternative Fuels Insight (AFI) platform, new orders for alternative-fueled vessels reached 19.8 million gross tonnes (GT) in the first six months of 2025, exceeding the 2024 figure by 78%. This marks a shift in capital allocation, as shipowners increasingly prioritize future-ready assets in response to regulatory pressure, fuel availability, and long-term decarbonization goals.LNG was the clear fuel of choice, accounting for 87 new vessels ordered, totaling 14.2 million GT so far in 2025.