Maritime Vessels Directory

Seatrium delivered the Floating Production Storage and Offloading vessel (FPSO), BW Opal, to BW Offshore."We would like to express our appreciation to BW Offshore for entrusting Seatrium with their projects over the years," said Marlin Khiew, EVP, Energy (Americas), Seatrium. "The successful completion and delivery of BW Opal marks our 18th FPSO for BW Offshore."Seatrium’s scope of work included installation and integration works of topside modules, deck equipment and the turret mooring system, as well as completion and commissioning support for BW Offshore.

China (again) Flexes Naval Muscle

5 hours ago

China has flexed its muscles this month by sending an unusually large number of naval and coast guard vessels through a swathe of East Asian waters, according to security documents and officials, in moves that have unnerved regional capitals.Since early May, China deployed fleets larger than usual, including navy, coast guard and other ships near Taiwan, the southern Japanese islands and the East and South China Seas, according to three regional security officials and documents of regional military activities reviewed by Reuters.On May 21 and May 27, for instance, China deployed nearly 60 and more than 70 ships, respectively, around three-quarters of them naval, the documents show.

Woodside to run North West Shelf LNG Plant to 2070

9 hours ago

Australia conditionally approved on Wednesday a request by Woodside Energy to extend until 2070 the life of its North West Shelf gas plant, following a six-year review dogged by delays, appeals and backlash from green groups.The facility on the Burrup peninsula in Western Australia is the country's oldest and largest liquefied natural gas plant and a key supplier to Asian markets, but concerns that its emissions could imperil ancient rock art held up a decision.In a statement, Environment Minister Murray Watt said the approval of project extension was subject to strict conditions, "particularly relating to the impact of air emissions levels.

As Vessel Sinks Off India, Race is on to Contain Oil Spill

yesterday

Authorities in the southern Indian state of Kerala are racing to contain an oil spill in the Arabian Sea after the Liberia-flagged container vessel MSC ELSA3 sank over the weekend, releasing fuel and more than 100 cargo containers into the water.The vessel was en route from Vizhinjam to Kochi when it capsized approximately 38 nautical miles off the Kerala coast on Saturday. All 24 crew members were safely rescued, according to local officials. The cause of the incident has not yet been disclosed.The Kerala chief minister’s office confirmed Sunday that the entire ship is now submerged.

Global Tensions Ratchet Up Shipping Sector Risk

yesterday

The global maritime sector is entering an era of heightened geopolitical and regulatory uncertainty that threatens to offset long-term safety gains, according to Allianz Commercial’s 2025 Safety and Shipping Review. While vessel losses have reached a record low, the industry faces a volatile landscape shaped by trade conflict, increased sanctions, shadow fleets, and ongoing security threats in key shipping lanes.The review underscores how fast-evolving global tensions — from attacks on commercial vessels and sabotage of subsea infrastructure to widespread protectionist policies — are reshaping the risk profile for shipowners, charterers, and underwriters alike.

Maritime Reporter and Engineering News (April 2025)