New Letter

The possibilities of hydrogen as an energy carrier are creating a boost in innovation. Koedood Marine Group is researching how hydrogen can benefit the shipping industry. Sander Roosjen, research and development manager Koedood Marine Group: “We already have several clients that wish to implement hydrogen solutions on their newbuild vessels.” Hydrogen is a very small molecule that can be used as a sustainable fuel when it is produced with renewable energy. Koedood is researching hydrogen systems onboard of inland waterway vessels for already two years now. The company specialises in shipping, offshore, and industrial engines. To find the best solutions for their clients, Koedood extensively analyse every project. Because of the demand for sustainable solutions they look into new technologies like electrically and hydrogen powered ships. The company cannot do that by itself. “We are looking for collaboration and partners in the whole supply and value chain of hydrogen”, says Roosjen. “There are some missing links in the chain at the moment. They are essential for the success of green hydrogen as sustainable fuel so we have to work together.” Koedood is part of the Green Marine Area at Offshore Energy 2020. The main focus in this new area is collaboration together with sharing knowledge and innovations. Watch Sander Roosjen talking about hydrogen.(Credits: www.offshore-energy.biz)

Aker Solutions has received a letter of intent from Equinor to deliver the subsea production system for the next phase of the Askeladd natural gas development in the Barents Sea in northern Norway. The development of Askeladd Vest is phase two of the multi-phased Snøhvit gas development in the Barents Sea. The scope of the expansion of the Askeladd field includes one template with a manifold and two subsea trees with associated control systems. Aker Solutions said on Tuesday that it had estimated the value of the potential contract to be about NOK 400 million ($41.4Mn). This is expected to be booked as order intake in the second quarter of 2020. Luis Araujo, chief executive officer of Aker Solutions, said: “The Askeladd Vest subsea production system is based on our standard technology and products currently being delivered to several ongoing projects, including Johan Castberg, Troll phase three, Askeladd phase one and the recently awarded Breidablikk project”. The contract will include deliveries from the company’s sites in Tranby, Egersund, and Ågotnes in Norway as well as Brazil, Malaysia, and the UK.(Credits: www.offshore-energy.biz)

Belgium has surpassed Denmark in terms of the installed offshore wind capacity and is now ranked fourth in the world, Belgian Offshore Platform (BOP) said. Following the commissioning of the 219 MW Northwester 2 wind farm in May, Belgium now has 1,775 MW of installed offshore wind capacity, compared to Denmark’s 1,703 MW. The United Kingdom is at the top of the list with 10,428 MW of installed capacity, Germany is second with 7,659 MW, and China third with 7,000 MW. With its 1,775 MW production capacity, wind power in the Belgian North Sea provides the equivalent of the electricity consumption of 1.8 million homes, BOP said. If you compare the national installed capacity to the number of inhabitants, Belgium comes third, after Denmark and the UK. Belgium has 0.156 kW offshore wind capacity per inhabitant, whereas the United Kingdom, the number one worldwide in absolute numbers, has 0.158 kW offshore wind capacity per inhabitant.(Credits: www.offshore-energy.biz)

The UK Ship Register (UKSR), part of the Maritime & Coastguard Agency, has announced it is to open its first overseas sales hub as part of ambitious growth plans for the UK Flag.The new venture, which will see the launch of a sales office in Piraeus, Greece – a country with a rich Maritime heritage – will allow UKSR to build valuable long-term partnerships with local ship owners as well as strengthen the presence of the Flag in the Greek shipping industry.Late last year, UKSR launched a brand-new operating model with a focus on world-class customer service and commitment to expand its operations outside of the UK.With the Flag’s renewed focus on partnership working and international representation, Katy Ware, Director of UK Maritime Services at the MCA, said connecting with Greek Ship owners locally was a top priority. "We recognise the importance and influence of Greek shipping owners and believe as a flag we can add real value to their operations."There is a long history of Anglo-Greek collaboration in the maritime industry and that’s why we’ve chosen Greece as the location for our first overseas sales hub."Maritime Minister Kelly Tolhurst said: "For centuries, the UK flag has provided protection, identity and kinship to all bearers across the seas."This is now more important than ever, with the UK leading the repatriation of seafarers around the world through Covid-19."This new venture will enhance the flag’s appeal and extend our ability to demonstrate how the UK can benefit shipping companies."Currently, around 30 per cent of the world's shipping companies are Greek-owned and have strong ties with Piraeus.The UKSR have appointed Andriani Vodena, a sales executive with an extensive background in shipping, to oversee UKSR’s flag services on the ground in Piraeus. She will take an active lead on meeting with new and existing customers, giving the Greek and Cypriot market dedicated support and information on the advantages of the UK Flag.Andriani previously worked for Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA Europe) and has vast amounts of experience communicating closely with ship owners, Port Authorities and Government Bodies,"I am proud and delighted to serve as the first UKSR Sales Executive in Greece and I look forward to contributing to the UK Ship Register’s mission to become the world’s best-performing international flag,"Andriani said.“am confident that the Greek Shipping Community will embrace the UK Flag and its world-class standards."The exact timing of the opening of the sales office will be subject to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.