CMA CGM Seine: 24,000 TEU LNG dual-fuel Containership

Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (BV) announced the successful delivery of the CMA CGM SEINE, a new 24,000 TEU LNG dual-fuel container ship, by Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding (HZSY). This marks the completion of the first vessel in a four-ship series, with BV providing classification and BV Solutions Marine & Offshore (BVS) providing advisory services. The CMA CGM SEINE represents a leap forward in vessel performance and an advancement in the shipping industry’s shift toward more sustainable, low-carbon operations in the ultra-large container ship sector.

The CMA CGM SEINE plays a crucial role in CMA CGM’s low-carbon strategy. The vessel integrates a dual-fuel propulsion system supported by GTT Mark III membrane-type LNG bunker tanks, with a total capacity of 18,600 cubic meters, designed to enhance both environmental performance and operational efficiency.

Measuring 399.9 meters in length and 61.3 meters in beam, the vessel has a carrying capacity of 23,876 TEU and is equipped with a WinGD W12X92DF-2.0 dual-fuel main engine, incorporating the Intelligent Control by Exhaust Recycling (iCER) system.

This configuration significantly reduces methane emissions and enables compliance with IMO Tier III emission standards when operating in "Diesel + iCER mode." BV worked with the engine manufacturer and the shipyard to test the parent engine and issued the Engine International Air Pollution Prevention (EIAPP) certificate, establishing a foundation for compliance across the series. The iCER system optimizes energy efficiency, achieving an Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) reduction well beyond the IMO’s Tier III standards.

Throughout the construction stage, BV worked with the shipyard’s design and quality assurance departments to reinforce inspection procedures. BV conducted a comprehensive gap analysis between the existing vessel design and BV rules, guiding the shipyard to upgrade the cargo hold fire protection system, and enhance overall fire safety.

To address the critical sloshing challenges in large-volume LNG bunker tanks, BVS performed direct computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. The verified pressure data was provided to the design unit for structural strength checks, ensuring the safety of the cargo containment system and hull support structure.

The vessel features technologies to boost operational performance and energy efficiency. Equipped with the SmartEye intelligent monitoring system and the Total Command full-control system, it achieves automated precision control during berthing, significantly reducing berthing time and enhancing port operations.

Energy efficiency is further improved by applying variable frequency drive (VFD) technology to the engine room fans and seawater cooling pumps. Meanwhile, the WinGD Data Collection Monitoring (DCM) system offers real-time tracking and analysis for the dual-fuel main engine, supporting operational optimization.

BV also supported the upgrade of BV-certified boil-off gas (BOG) compressors by conducting sea trial tests and re-issuing product certificates, facilitating seamless system commissioning and vessel delivery.

First European-built Offshore CO₂ Carrier

The first European built CO2 carrier, dedicated for work at the Greensand carbon capture and storage (CCS) project, will be christened and launched on May 14, 2025. All ship sections of the vessel have now been successfully constructed and assembled at Royal Niestern Sander shipyard in the north of the Netherlands.

The dedicated CO2 carrier currently under construction at Royal Niestern Sander shipyard in the Netherlands is a cornerstone in Greensand’s mission to deliver EU’s first full-scale CCS value chain. The agreement between INEOS and Wagenborg for the delivery of the new-build CO2 carrier was signed in November 2024.

The vessel is specifically designed to transport liquefied CO2 from onshore capture sites to offshore storage in the Danish part of the North Sea. Once launched and operational, the carrier will sail regular routes from Port Esbjerg to the Nini West platform, where the CO2 will be injected for safe and permanent storage to the Nini reservoir approx. 1,800 meters beneath the seabed. These geological formations have securely contained hydrocarbons for millions of years and have been thoroughly assessed and certified for safe and permanent CO2 storage.

The ship itself is designed to the specific technical requirements of CO2 transport, including onboard cooling and pressure systems. With the completion of the ship’s hull, the vessel enters the next phase of construction, which includes retrofitting, commissioning, testing, and sea trials.

With the plan to initiate safe sand permanent CO2 storage in the Nini Field by late 2025/early 2026, Greensand is expected to become the EU’s first operational CO2 storage facility aimed at mitigating climate change.

This investment decision has paved the way for expected investments exceeding $150 million across the Greensand CCS value chain to scale up storage capacity.

Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Christens Car Ferry KEYAKI

Mitsubishi Shipbuilding christened and launched the first of two large car ferries ordered by Shinnihonkai Ferry Co., Ltd. and Japan Railway Construction, Transport and Technology Agency (JRTT). The ceremony took place at the Enoura Plant of MHI's Shimonoseki Shipyard & Machinery Works in Yamaguchi Prefecture. The new ferry will serve on a shipping route between the city of Otaru in Hokkaido and Maizuru in Kyoto Prefecture.

At the ceremony Shinnihonkai Ferry President Yasuo Iritani christened the new ferry KEYAKI" the Japanese word for a species of native Zelkova trees. The ceremonial rope cut was performed by soprano Ayako Tanaka. The ship's handover is scheduled for December 2025 following completion of outfitting work and sea trials. KEYAKI is the ninth ferry built by Mitsubishi Shipbuilding for Shinnihonkai Ferry.

KEYAKI is the first ferry in Japan to adopt the latest energy-saving hull form, including a KATANA BOW and buttock-flow stern hull (a hull design that reduces water resistance by optimizing the shape of the stern) with with stern protruding like a duck's tail. Propulsion resistance is suppressed by an energy-saving roll-damping system combining an anti-rolling tank and fin stabilizers. Together these innovations enable a 5% savings in energy compared to earlier vessels.

KAUST RV Keel Laid at Freire Shipyard

The keel laying of the new research vessel, Thuwal II, for the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) at the Freire Shipyard marks the beginning of a new chapter in marine research in Saudi Arabia, driving innovation in this crucial field for the country. The contract for the newbuild was announced in August 2024.

RV Thuwal II was designed by Glosten, a renowned U.S. naval architectural firm with long roots in the global research vessel market. The oceanographic vessel, scheduled for delivery in 2027, will have a capacity for 30 people, a 50-m beam, a 12.8-m beam and a draft of 3.6m. Designed to operate for more than 30 years, its modular structure will allow the incorporation of various experimental laboratories, adapting to current and future marine technologies for the exploration of the Red Sea. This modularity will also facilitate the implementation of new eco-friendly propulsion technologies, reducing its carbon footprint over time.

Thuwal II will be the most advanced regional-class research vessel in Saudi Arabia and will represent a significant advance in the scientific study of the Red Sea.

Dong Fang Offshore Orders Another CSOV from Vard

Vard secured a new contract with Taiwanese-based Dong Fang Offshore (DFO) for the design and construction of one Commissioning Service Operation Vessel (CSOV), a sister vessel to the two CSOVs ordered in May 2024.

After sealing the contract for two CSOVs in May 2024, Taiwanese DFO is adding a third vessel of the same design, the VARD 4 39. The design is the result of collaboration between DFO and Vard.

Upon delivery, the CSOV will start a minimum 15-year service contract for an undisclosed wind farm customer in Taiwan. The CSOV has been developed with large design flexibility to accommodate future operational demands.

The design has focus on low environmental footprint with efficient machinery and propulsion set-up for high station keeping capabilities, improved workability, and operational reliability, and a hull shape that supports the fuel efficient CSOV operation.

The 102.7-meter-long vessel, with a beam of 19.5 meters, is further prepared with a large external deck for future integration of a modular power and fiber optic cable lay and repair spread. The design includes a full electrical equipment package as part of a forward-leaning strategy in environmentally friendly design, allowing for the delivery of enhanced reliable operations onboard the ship. This includes a battery package, crane and W2W gangway system. The CSOV is also prepared for future fuels. The vessel has an aggregated hotel capacity of 120 people, whereof 90 is allocated in large single cabins. Operational centers such as offices, briefing rooms, conference room and dayrooms have been designed to meet a high standard in the market.

CTV Delivered to Tokyo Kisen

Japanese operator Tokyo Kisen has taken delivery of the first of two new bespoke crew transfer vessels (CTVs), designed by Incat Crowther, which will be put to service Japan’s growing offshore wind energy sector.

Built by Cheoy Lee shipyard in China, the first 26.4-meter-long vessel completed sea trials in late 2024.

The two ClassNK 26-metre catamaran CTVs have been developed with Tokyo Kisen to comply with strict local regulations.

The design of the vessels has been future-proofed, with each vessel to begin its operational life carrying 12 technicians, yet with the flexibility to increase to 24 as Japan’s regulatory framework evolves.

The main deck of each vessel features a large mess area, two bathrooms and an internal storage and change area.

The vessels’ upper deck features an elevated, spacious wheelhouse, as well as a private mess and pantry.

The lower decks contain two twin cabins, a workshop space and a utility room. The vessels’ operational capabilities are also enhanced by the inclusion of Incat Crowther’s resilient-bow technology which reduces impact forces when the vessels are at wind turbine boat landings.

A large forward deck provides a dedicated space for transporting cargo to offshore wind farms with the vessels capable of carrying a deadweight of 35 tons.

The vessels are capable of speeds of up to 28 knots and are powered by two Yanmar marine diesel engines with a twin Controllable Pitch Propeller (CPP) propulsion system provided by Servogear.

Next-Gen Wind Component Carriers Delivered

Danish logistics specialist deugro and its partners Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy A/S and Amasus Offshore B.V. are moving full steam ahead with the next generation of purpose-built transport vessels for the offshore wind sector. In a key milestone for offshore project logistics, the Rotra Futura was delivered on March 30, 2025, and just four days later, her sister ship Rotra Horizon was launched from Zhenjiang Shipyards in Jiangsu Province, China. The Rotra Horizon is slated for delivery in July 2025.

The delivery and launch represent a significant expansion of the “Rotra concept,” a pioneering vessel design and logistics model first introduced in 2016 to meet the specialized transport needs of the offshore wind industry. The concept was born from a collaboration between deugro—a long-established project logistics provider—and Siemens Gamesa, a leading player in global wind energy. Together with vessel operator Amasus Offshore, the partners are pushing the envelope on maritime efficiency, operational flexibility, and emissions reduction.

The original Rotra Mare and Rotra Vente, which debuted in 2016 and were later reconfigured in 2022, have together transported more than 7.8 million freight tons of offshore wind components. That total corresponds to over 9 gigawatts of installed offshore capacity. Both original vessels remain in active operation, supporting Siemens Gamesa’s ongoing global rollout of offshore wind farms.

Now, Rotra Futura and Rotra Horizon are poised to extend that legacy, designed from the keel up to meet the increasing scale of next-generation offshore turbines. Each measures 167.6 meters in length with a beam of 26 meters. Bridge and accommodations are located forward to maximize deck space and cargo intake without line-of-sight limitations—a crucial design consideration for safely loading increasingly large and delicate components.

“These newbuilds have been tailored to match the evolving size and weight of offshore wind turbine components,” said Christian Johansen, Global Commodity Manager for Ports & Transportation at Siemens Gamesa. “With our offshore order backlog now exceeding 16 GW, this added capacity ensures we can meet global demand while maintaining safety, reliability, and cost-efficiency.”

Both vessels feature an integrated roll-on/roll-off (RO/RO) ramp, three Liebherr cranes, and a gantry system allowing for three-tier blade stowage. This unique configuration enhances flexibility in cargo composition and enables the simultaneous transport of varying component types—key for modular wind farm construction.

Under the hood, Rotra Futura and Rotra Horizon are also built for environmental performance. The optimized hull form, combined with low-drag coatings and fuel-efficient Wärtsilä engines, results in a 15% reduction in fuel consumption compared to industry norms. The ships are outfitted with hybrid propulsion systems, exhaust gas cleaning compliant with IMO Tier III standards, and waste heat recovery technology—elements that reflect a broader push to decarbonize maritime logistics.

“Driving sustainability in offshore logistics isn’t just about reducing emissions—it’s about rethinking how we move cargo from the drawing board,” said Anders Moeller, Country Manager Denmark for deugro. “Our trilateral Rotra vessel collaboration, rooted in mutual respect and innovative thinking, shows how the shipping industry can lead the energy transition.”

While Rotra Futura has now officially joined the global fleet, her ceremonial naming will take place in Europe later this year, underscoring the project’s transcontinental scope. With both ships expected to enter full operation by mid-2025, deugro and its partners are reaffirming their role in shaping the future of offshore wind logistics—one shipment at a time.