DUMIT

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.

Borr Drilling has confirmed the recovery of a fourth body following the sinking of its Prospector 5 jack-up rig offshore Gabon, with search operations continuing for one person still missing.The company said on November 2 that the body of a fourth individual had been located during ongoing search and rescue operations, bringing the number of confirmed fatalities to four.All four bodies have been recovered and are being transported to Port Gentil, Gabon.The Prospector 5 sank offshore Gabon on October 24 while preparing for a drilling campaign on BW Energy's Dussafu Marine licence.Of the 115 people aboard the rig when it sank, 110 were rescued, leaving five initially unaccounted for.

French shipbuilder Piriou has secured a contract from France's Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) for 16 new-generation RP30NG tugboats designed to support French Navy port operations, including maneuvers involving nuclear submarines and major surface combatants.The vessels, derived from Piriou's civilian tugboat range and adapted for military requirements, will also undertake firefighting, pollution response, maritime surveillance, fisheries inspection and assistance missions.Designed to operate up to 200 nautical miles offshore for several days, each RP30NG tugboat will measure 26 meters in length and 9.