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After its first year of transatlantic service, NEOLINE's wind-powered cargo ship demonstrates the potential for substantial fuel savings, while technical issues highlight the challenges of bringing sail propulsion into mainstream commercial shipping.For all the discussion surrounding shipping's decarbonization, the commercial equation for alternative propulsion technologies remains relatively straightforward: How much does the technology cost, how much fuel can it save, and how quickly can the investment be recovered?Wind Assisted Propulsion Systems (WAPS) remain a small fraction of the global commercial fleet

Italian shipowner Fratelli Cosulich has taken delivery of Carlotta Cosulich, the third of four methanol-ready bunker tankers being built under its fleet expansion program.The 8,585 deadweight tonne (DWT) vessel was officially delivered at Taizhou Maple Leaf Shipyard in China on October 28, following the earlier deliveries of sister vessels Anna Cosulich and Lucia Cosulich.The new IMO II bunker tanker is designed to support a range of bunkering operations, with features including MarineLINE cargo tank coating, Single Point Mooring (SPM) capability and a 5-tonne crane.

With only a few weeks remaining in the calendar countdown, the largest collection of U.S. Maritime owners. operators, seafarers, shipyards and supply chain manufacturers will assemble again in New Orleans, La., during the first week of December. Much like a Hollywood production, the week can be a prequel, sequel, saga or franchise blockbuster. Standing with the US Maritime industry we should hope for a long running franchise.The attendees visiting the city this year will be faced with more than several important dates and activities forcing decisions prior to their arrival. Decisions determining their anticipation or anxiety when answers are received.

Singapore-based OMS Group has secured $1.0315 billion in corporate and export credit agency-backed financing facilities, supporting a fleet expansion that includes four new fibre-optic cable-laying vessels scheduled for delivery in 2027 and 2028.The financing package comprises $911.5 million in corporate, trade and export credit agency (ECA)-backed facilities, together with an additional $120 million in trade facilities pending financial close.The ECA-backed portion, supported by Atradius Dutch State Business and Export Finance Norway (Eksfin), will help finance the four newbuilds, expanding OMS Group's capacity to install and maintain subsea telecommunications networks.

Singapore-based Asia Break Bulk (ABB), part of Hamburg-based COLI Group, has signed long-term agreements with Schoeller Holdings for four new multipurpose heavy-lift vessels, with the first scheduled for delivery in October 2028.The four 12,600-DWT Octopus-type vessels, designed by CSSC-SDARI, will each feature two 250-tonne cranes capable of tandem lifts of up to 500 tonnes, expanding ABB's project cargo transportation capabilities.Each vessel will have a single box-shaped cargo hold measuring more than 89 meters in length, alongside a bridge-forward layout providing additional deck space for oversized cargo.