MUDDER 074

A new research project at the National University of Singapore (NUS) aims to accelerate the decarbonization of the global shipping industry through the development of next-generation ammonia-fueled marine engines with high efficiency and near-zero emissions.The project focuses on a novel in-cylinder reforming gas recirculation (IRGR) engine concept designed to address key limitations that have so far constrained the wider adoption of ammonia as a marine fuel.Project leader Associate Professor Yang Wenming said concept is designed to improve combustion efficiency while sharply reducing unburned ammonia and other pollutants.

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) has taken delivery of a new liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) dual-fuel very large gas carrier (VLGC), Energia Grandeur.The vessel was ordered by MOL group company MOL Energia from Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries, with delivery taking place off Mokpo port in South Korea on January 29, 2026.Energia Grandeur will operate under a time charter contract for CSSA Chartering and Shipping Services SA, a subsidiary of TotalEnergies.The vessel is a dual-fuel carrier capable of operating on LPG and heavy fuel oil.

Last month, the Saronic team completed a continuous, week-long, day and night test operation designed to push the limits of Corsair, their 24-foot Autonomous Surface Vessel currently under contract with the U.S. Navy.Conducted and funded by the company as part of ongoing independent research and development efforts, this exercise ran 24/7 with the goal of accomplishing two things:Deeply understand how our vessels perform at — and beyond — their operating limits in real-world environments, andIdentify improvement opportunities so our systems can evolve as quickly as the threats they are built to address.

Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited (SDHI), India’s largest shipbuilding and heavy fabrication company, won a defense export order from the Government of Sultanate of Oman to supply a state-of-the-art training ship. The vessel that will support the Royal Navy of Oman’s (RNO) advanced naval training and maritime operations, is expected to be delivered within 18 months.Measuring 104.25 x 13.88m and displacement of up to 3500T, the training vessel will be equipped with modern classrooms, training offices and accommodation facilities. It will house an auditorium to provide a world-class learning environment at sea for up to 70 officer cadets.

Tim Mooney is the third-generation family member at the helm of the iconic Fire Island Ferries. While the company’s primary focus has been moving people to and fro, from the Long Island, NY mainland to the Fire Island barrier communities and beaches, the business has evolved and grown since its start in 1948 via acquisition and organic growth. Mooney discuss the assets, the people and the priorities to safely, efficiently keep his cumulative operation of moving about one million people annually in good order.There are ferry operators, and then there are ferry operators whose names are inseparable from the place they serve. Fire Island Ferries falls squarely into the latter category.