Maritime Vessels Directory

Kraken Robotics Inc. announced the passing of founder and former CEO, Karl Kenny on February 11, 2025, at the age of 64. Karl founded Kraken in 2012 and was instrumental in building the company into a leading player in subsea robotics over his 10-year tenure, before retiring in December 2022.  “An ideas man and a builder, Karl’s energy was as relentless as his passion to compete against the bigger industry players,” said Greg Reid, President and CEO of Kraken Robotics. “He was an incredible force that drove Kraken to success. On behalf of the Board of Directors, management and employees, he will be sorely missed.

Austal Limited said that Austal Australasia has been awarded a contract valued between A$265 and A$275 million by Gotlandsbolaget of Sweden for the design and construction of a 130-m combined cycle, ‘hydrogen-ready’ vehicle passenger ferry. Part of Gotlandsbolaget’s ‘Horizon X’ program, the high-speed ROPAX catamaran will be the largest vessel ever constructed by Austal, and feature a unique, highly efficient combined cycle propulsion system that includes both gas and steam turbines – reportedly a first for high-speed craft.

Seatrium and BP have signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in preparation for a second project, the Tiber Floating Production Unit (FPU), in the U.S. Gulf of America.Under the MOU for the Tiber project, Seatrium would provide services to carry out the engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning (EPCC) of an FPU designed to support the development of BP’s deepwater assets in the U.S. Gulf of America.The Tiber FPU would be equipped with advanced technologies to enhance operational efficiency and safety, ensuring it meets the stringent requirements of deepwater production.

Russia may be forced to reduce its oil production in the coming months as U.S. sanctions restrict access to tankers needed for exports to Asia, while Ukrainian drone attacks continue to damage key refineries.Last month, the U.S. imposed sanctions targeting 180 Russian tankers, coinciding with an escalation in Ukrainian drone strikes aimed at strengthening Kyiv’s bargaining position. These developments come amid growing expectations that U.S. President Donald Trump will pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine. Trump has indicated that ending the conflict is a top priority, with the potential for additional sanctions if progress is not made.

Shares in South Korean shipbuilders HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and Hanwha Ocean rose more than 15% and 16%, respectively, today, after two U.S. senators debuted a bill to allow the U.S. Navy to build naval vessels in a shipyard located in a U.S. allied country.Senators Mike Lee (R-UT) and John Curtis (R-UT) have introduced two new bills aimed at enhancing the readiness and capabilities of the United States Navy and Coast Guard. The "Ensuring Naval Readiness Act" and the "Ensuring Coast Guard Readiness Act" seek to modernize shipbuilding processes and strengthen partnerships with allied nations to expedite maritime procurement.