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Brazil’s emerging offshore industry offers an alternative challenge for naval architects. The region’s shallow water will require redesigned vessels that will work in very different conditions to those experienced in Europe’s North Sea. Brazil’s offshore ships will look quite different from the platform supply vessels (PSVs) and anchor handlers (AHTS) currently in use there.

The levelised cost of energy has seen offshore wind dive well below fossil fuels. And following damage reports in the Middle East there is a chance that this situation will persist for some years. Oil is expected to remain around US$90/barrel, prompting European operators to develop electric solutions, charging support vessels on location at windfarm arrays.

Making American Shipbuilding Great Again is a challenge that has been accepted by South Korean Yard Hanwha, with its investment in the Philly Yard. To resuscitate the industry will need a major effort, but it could start with the smaller, less complex vessels operating in offshore wind and could provide an opportunity for naval architects too.

The shift from heavy fuel oil to low-carbon alternatives promises deep emissions cuts but it also introduces a new generation of safety challenges. The challenge now is ensuring the industry meets its decarbonisation goals without compromising on safety. 

Hydrogen is moving from pilot projects to mainstream maritime adoption, with landmark vessel orders and emerging bunkering hubs signalling growing industry confidence.

As vessel designers push the boundaries of space and efficiency, the humble anchoring system is increasingly caught in the squeeze.

DNV’s senior principal engineer, Hasso Hoffmeister, examines the evolution of wind-assisted propulsion systems, and what comes next.

Welcome to the latest edition of The Naval Architect. Eight months into my tenure as CEO, my initial focus has been on strengthening RINA’s foundations and accelerating delivery of the strategic changes required for our next exciting phase, outlined here.

UK’s first commercial biomethanol bunkering service launches at Port of Immingham.

Examining how energy saving devices have helped Odfjell slash its fuel costs across its chemical tanker fleet.

China is moving with unusual institutional weight to position itself at the centre of the global maritime energy transition. A blueprint backed by 10 central government ministries has set Shanghai on course to become a leading green bunkering hub by 2030.

RINA speaks to Edwin Pang, founder of consultancy Arcsilea, about his career to date and notable role as RINA IMO Committee chair.