Shipowners selected for 19 QatarEnergy LNG newbuilds - Splash247 QatarEnergy has solidified its ambitious LNG shipbuilding initiative, confirming contracts with Asian shipowners for 19 newbuilds to be constructed in South Korea. The state-owned LNG powerhouse has secured long-term charter agreements for six 174,000 cu m vessels from China Merchants Energy Shipping (CMES) LNG Carrier Investment, another six from Shandong Marine Energy, and three from Malaysia’s MISC, all to be built by Samsung Heavy Industries. Additionally, four newbuilds will be operated by the Japanese/South Korean joint venture between K Line and Hyundai Glovis, constructed at Hanwha Ocean. This program represents the largest LNG shipbuilding venture in the industry's history, supporting Qatar’s expanded LNG production from the North Field and Golden Pass in the US, while addressing long-term fleet replacement needs. The first phase involved contracting 60 ships at Korean and Chinese shipyards, while the second phase, initiated in September last year, saw deals worth nearly $4bn with South Korea’s HD Hyundai Heavy Industries for 17 LNG carriers. The recent signings mark the culmination of the conventional-sized vessel segment of the program, with plans for supersize LNG carriers, known as Q-Maxes, on the horizon. QatarEnergy's CEO, Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, emphasized the meticulous shipowner selection process, underscoring the company's commitment to expanding its modern LNG carrier fleet collaboratively and transparently.    

A U.S.-flagged Great Lakes freighter, the American Mariner, caused a disruption in the St. Marys River after colliding with a channel light. The incident, which occurred in Munuscong Lake, Michigan, involved the 714-foot bulk carrier owned by the American Steamship Company and currently operated by Grand River Navigation under a bareboat charter. Fortunately, the vessel was empty at the time, and no injuries or pollution were reported by the crew. Built in 1980, the American Mariner is presently anchored while the extent of the damage remains unclear. Responding to the incident, the Coast Guard closed a portion of the St. Marys River from Nine Mile Point to Point Aux Frenes until the ship can be safely moved from the channel. Coast Guard assets, including boats, helicopters, and the Cutter Katmai Bay, are actively involved in the response efforts.

Image Credit: instagram.com/salvage_and_wreck The container ship SANKT-PETERBURG has become stranded in the port waters of St. Petersburg, Russia, after running aground while navigating the Kronstadt ship fairway. An investigation into the incident has been initiated by the North-Western Transport Prosecutor’s Office. Preliminary reports suggest that the grounding occurred during the night of March 24 as the vessel was traveling from the Big Port of St. Petersburg. Despite ongoing efforts, the ship remains immobile. Fortunately, no injuries or oil spills have been reported, as confirmed by the transport prosecutor’s office. Currently, a diving survey is underway, and towing companies are awaiting clearance to begin vessel retrieval operations. The SANKT-PETERBURG was bound for Nhava Sheva, India, carrying various containers, including one containing hazardous cargo—turpentine. This incident comes after a similar grounding on February 3 involving the FLYING FISH, registered under the Panama flag, at the Bronka port near St. Petersburg. The Marine Rescue Service had sought to arrest the FLYING FISH through arbitration as an interim measure under the salvage agreement. However, the judges twice denied the rescuers this request. Consequently, the Hong Kong container ship departed from the port of Bronki on February 21.

Wallenius Wilhelmsen Expands Methanol and Ammonia-Ready Vessel Fleet with Four Additional Options. The Norwegian car carrier operator has exercised options for four more 9,300 CEU vessels at China Merchants Jinling Shipyard, augmenting its existing newbuild orders. These additions, alongside eight firm orders and four existing options, signify the company's commitment to environmentally sustainable shipping. Despite earlier delivery slots, Wallenius Wilhelmsen clarified that the new options do not indicate an increased ambition for their current newbuilding program. The vessels, part of the Shaper Class series, are slated for delivery starting mid-2026 and are designed to operate on methanol with readiness for future conversion to ammonia. With approximately 125 ships in operation, Wallenius Wilhelmsen continues its proactive approach toward greener maritime solutions.  

Carnival Corporation Secures Fifth Excel-Class Cruise Ship Amid Industry Resurgence. The cruise major finalized a deal with Meyer Werft shipyard for another addition to its Carnival Cruise Line fleet, scheduled for delivery in 2028. This follows the recent announcement of a fourth Excel-class ship set for spring 2027. With this, the corporation confirms its 11th Excel-class vessel across four brands and the fifth for Carnival Cruise Line. The 180,000-ton ship will be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and accommodate over 6,400 guests and 1,800 crew. However, the order is subject to financing, expected to be secured later this year, as the industry continues its rebound from pandemic challenges.

A tragic incident occurred in Baltimore as the 9,962 TEU DALI containership collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge, resulting in fatalities. The Maryland Transportation Authority and US Coast Guard confirmed the bridge collapse, sparking a mass casualty event with numerous vehicles and individuals in the water. Collapse of Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore due to ship collision with "DALI" Container Ship, 95128 tons, 299m length IMO: 9697428 reprocessed and enhanced footage 4x slowmotion in reply pic.twitter.com/MJPazc8JIr — C Schmitz (@chrisschmitz) March 26, 2024 Reports emerged around 1:30 AM local time Tuesday, indicating approximately 20 people were on the bridge during the incident. Emergency personnel, led by Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, initiated rescue efforts, with no immediate casualties reported. However, seven individuals are believed to be missing. The DALI, owned by Grace Ocean Investment and registered in Singapore, departed Baltimore for Colombo, Sri Lanka, without any crew injuries or pollution reported. The collision has disrupted shipping operations, impacting Baltimore's vital port terminals, renowned for various cargo types, including automobiles, light trucks, and coal.

Hanwha Ocean, formerly DSME, has clinched a significant $1.84 billion LNG carrier order as part of QatarEnergy's expansive shipbuilding program. The South Korean shipbuilder announced plans on Monday to construct eight LNG carriers for an Oceania-based owner, slated for delivery by January 2028. While the client's identity remains undisclosed, QatarEnergy disclosed that eight of the 25 LNG carriers contracted with Nakilat will be built by Hanwha Ocean. This follows Hanwha Ocean's prior memorandum of understanding for 12 LNG carriers linked to the program. Priced at $230 million per carrier, these orders maintain competitive pricing compared to the current South Korean market rates. This latest contract further solidifies Hanwha Ocean's pivotal role in global shipbuilding endeavors, complementing QatarEnergy's efforts to bolster its LNG carrier fleet.

  The U.S. Central Command reported that the Houthis launched five anti-ship ballistic missiles targeting a Chinese-owned and operated oil tanker. One missile struck MV HUANG PU, flying under a Panamanian flag of convenience.  Despite sustaining minimal damage and a small onboard fire, the ship did not request assistance and reported no casualties. The vessel is owned by a Chinese company, though the Houthis had previously stated they would not target Chinese ships. This incident raises questions about the accuracy of such declarations, especially considering a reported change in the ship's registered owner in February 2024.  Notably, the Houthis have not commented on the attack. Additionally, USS Carney and other Central Command forces tracked six Houthi drones over the Red Sea, with five crashing into the water and one flying inland into Yemen. Since October 17, the Houthis have broadened their targeting scope, initially focusing on Israeli ships in solidarity with Hamas, then extending attacks to include vessels from the U.S., U.K., and other nations after strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen.    

Tragedy befell the Holland America cruise ship, NIEUW AMSTERDAM, as two crew members lost their lives in an engineering space incident while docked at Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas, sending shockwaves through the maritime community. The Bahamas Maritime Authority has launched a thorough investigation into the incident, which occurred on a serene day in the region. The Nieuw Amsterdam, renowned for its luxurious voyages, was on a seven-night journey departing from Fort Lauderdale on March 16. While anchored at Half Moon Cay, the ship became the scene of the unfortunate event. Details surrounding the incident remain limited, but Holland America Line has pledged full cooperation with authorities to ascertain the cause of the fatalities, reaffirming their dedication to onboard safety. In response to the tragedy, Holland America Line has enacted extensive support measures for the crew, including counseling services to assist them in coping with the emotional aftermath. The company's statement conveyed profound sadness over the loss and extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased crew members.  

A Panama-flagged crude oil tanker was struck by an unidentified projectile off the coast of Yemen on Saturday, resulting in a fire onboard. The incident occurred 23 nautical miles northwest of the Red Sea port of al-Mukha, according to British maritime security firm Ambrey. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency also confirmed the incident, stating that the crew managed to extinguish the fire and that both the vessel and crew were reported safe. The tanker, previously registered under Union Maritime Ltd, a UK company, in 2019, recently changed its registration details, including name and operator, last month. Ambrey reported that the vessel altered course to starboard and continued its journey to New Mangalore, India.

Funnel Fire on Carnival Freedom Cruise Ship After Possible Lightning Stike Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Freedom encountered a funnel fire while sailing in the Bahamas on March 23. The cruise, en route from Port Canaveral, Florida, to the Bahamas, had canceled a port call due to stormy weather. Passengers reported hearing a loud boom, possibly from a lightning strike, before the fire broke out. The fire, located on the port wing of the ship's funnel, prompted the captain to activate fire teams and caution passengers to stay indoors. Despite efforts to extinguish the fire, a portion of the funnel's wing fell onto the deck before it was brought under control after two hours.   From Stormy Lee: “Tail on fire on Carnival Freedom. We were headed toward Freeport but it has now turned around headed back toward Princess Cays Bahamas” The fire has been extinguished and the passengers are safe. pic.twitter.com/fe1yipiq5Z — James Spann (@spann) March 23, 2024 Carnival stated that the vessel altered course into nearby rainstorms to aid firefighting efforts. Carnival Freedom continued its voyage to Freeport, Grand Bahama, and is expected to return to Port Canaveral as scheduled, with no anticipated impact on the next voyage. This incident echoes a similar event two years prior when the ship experienced a funnel fire while docked at Grand Turk. After temporary repairs, Carnival Freedom resumed service until the funnel was fully restored during a recent dry dock.  

Image credits: United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations A merchant vessel came under attack approximately 109 nautical miles south of Yemen's Nishtun, as reported by British security firm Ambrey on Thursday. According to Ambrey, four armed individuals aboard a skiff approached the vessel and opened fire. In response, a private armed security team aboard the merchant vessel returned fire. Fortunately, the vessel managed to increase its speed, successfully evading the skiff, and sustained no damage or injuries, Ambrey confirmed. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency corroborated the incident report on Thursday.   UKMTO WARNING INCIDENT 056 SUSPICIOUS APPROACH #MarSec pic.twitter.com/48AukSvvGc — United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) (@UK_MTO) March 21, 2024 This incident occurs amidst escalating threats from Yemen's Houthis to expand their operations against shipping in the Indian Ocean region. The Iran-aligned group has been targeting ships in the Red Sea since November, citing solidarity with Palestinians during the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. Additionally, Somali pirates have exploited the situation, with over 20 attempted hijackings reported since November, as confirmed by industry representatives.

Security forces in Gwadar, Balochistan, thwarted an attempted attack on the Gwadar Port Authority complex by killing eight armed assailants. The port, a key component of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), was targeted by attackers believed to be associated with the separatist group, Majeed Brigade. The assailants were engaged in a two-hour firefight with security forces before being neutralized. Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti praised law enforcement for their bravery. Gwadar, a significant maritime location undergoing Chinese-backed development, has previously been targeted in attacks. The city, home to the country's sole deep-sea port, is vital for CPEC, linking southwestern China to the Arabian Sea. The attack underscores security concerns in the region, where previous incidents have targeted Chinese nationals working on port construction. However, ongoing efforts by security forces aim to ensure the safety and stability of maritime operations in the area

Credits: www.instagram.com/salvage_and_wreck/ The tanker BORNEO PERKASA ran aground off Waer Village in the Kei Besar Utara Barat District of Southeast Maluku Regency (Malra) on Monday morning, March 18, 2024. Assigned to transport fuel oil (BBM) from Timika, Papua, to Tual, Maluku, the vessel encountered engine trouble near Waer after departing Timika on Saturday, March 16. Harsh maritime conditions, characterized by high waves in the Kei Islands, contributed to the ship's stranding. Local residents aided by securing the vessel's ropes to trees and rocks along the shore of Waer Village. Despite their efforts, the ship remained grounded. At 17:00 WIT, the tugboat Wesley, owned by Pertamina Tual, arrived to execute an evacuation plan. However, as of now, the BORNEO PERKASA remains grounded, awaiting further assistance.

South Korean Tanker Capsizes Off Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi Pref.; 4 of 11 on Board Rescued (Update 1) - The Japan News The Moji Coast Guard Office responded to an emergency call on Wednesday at approximately 7:05 a.m., reporting a distressing situation involving the South Korean-flagged tanker Keoyoung Sun. The vessel was located near the west side of Mutsure Island off Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi Prefecture, stating that it had tilted due to adverse weather conditions and required immediate assistance. Upon arrival, four patrol vessels discovered the tanker capsized in the area. It is reported that eleven non-Japanese sailors were aboard the vessel at the time of the incident. Subsequently, four individuals, including one Indonesian national, were successfully rescued via helicopter. However, their current health status remains undisclosed. The situation is under ongoing investigation, with authorities working diligently to assess the circumstances surrounding the capsizing and ensure the safety of all individuals involved.