ASENAV to Build Glosten-Designed RV

Chile's ASENAV won the contract to build its first oceanographic research vessel for export to the United States, signing an agreement to build a 38-meter hybrid-electric research vessel for the University of California San Diego's Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Designed by Glosten, the vessel will join the U.S. Academic Research Fleet as a Coastal Class Research Vessel, replacing the aging Robert Gordon Sproul. Construction is expected to take 24 months, with delivery scheduled for July 2028. The 38-meter monohull will feature hybrid battery-electric propulsion, twin azimuthing L-Drive stern thrusters, a bow thruster and dynamic positioning capability, enabling precise station keeping for scientific operations. The vessel is designed to support a broad range of oceanographic disciplines, including biology, chemistry, geology, geophysics and physical oceanography.

Its scientific outfit will include multibeam and sub-bottom mapping sonars, Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers, fisheries acoustics, USBL navigation for autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), and heavy-duty handling systems capable of deploying scientific equipment and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to depths of 4,000 meters.

Particular emphasis has been placed on acoustic performance. Glosten's subsidiary, Noise Control Engineering, will lead airborne and underwater noise analysis to ensure the vessel meets stringent underwater radiated noise requirements that minimize interference with scientific measurements and marine life. The vessel will be built to American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) class.

C&C Delivers New Walking-Spud Idler Barge

C&C Marine and Repair delivered a new 160-ft. idler barge to Orion Marine Construction, Inc. Designed by The Shearer Group, Inc., the unmanned steel barge will support Orion Marine's dredging operations by connecting with new and existing dredges in the company's fleet.

The barge features an integrated walking-spud system designed to advance the combined dredge and idler barge unit in increments of approximately 30 feet. The system incorporates a traveling spud carrier, a fixed stern spud, dedicated spud towers and electrically driven hoisting winches. A push-pull winch controls the longitudinal movement of the walking-spud carrier, allowing the barge to reposition the connected dredge efficiently during operations.

Construction of the idler barge was completed in approximately eight months.

Iskra Shipyard tapped to Build Firefighting Vessel

Croatian shipbuilder Iskra Shipyard has signed a €2.24 million contract to design and build a new high-speed firefighting vessel for the Zadar County Firefighting Association, with delivery scheduled within 12 months. The 15-m vessel will be built at Iskra’s shipyard in Šibenik and deployed for firefighting operations around Zadar County’s islands, ports and coastal areas. It will also support firefighting, emergency response and civil protection services during maritime emergencies.

The project is part of Zadar County’s EU-funded “Resilient Archipelago” program, aimed at improving emergency-response capabilities across one of Croatia’s most island-dense maritime regions. The newbuild will measure 15 meters LOA, with a 14.7-meter hull length, 4.7-meter overall beam and 1.35-meter draft. Propulsion will come from two Volvo Penta IPS950 units, each rated at 533 kW at 2,500 rpm, providing a maximum speed of 27 knots. Range at cruising speed is specified at 150 nautical miles.

Electrical power will be supplied by a 19.4-kW Sole Diesel generator, while deck equipment will include a 3.6-kW Italwinch Starplus anchor windlass.

The design builds on the search-and-rescue boat platform previously developed by Iskra, with modifications specifically targeting marine firefighting operations. Naval architecture and design work has again been assigned to the Croatian branch of U.S. boatbuilder Metal Shark, which collaborated with Iskra on the earlier SAR vessels delivered to Croatia’s Ministry of Health and harbor master offices.

120-m OESV Launched

Spanish shipyard GONDAN Shipbuilders has launched a 120-metre Ocean Energy Support Vessel (OESV) for Østensjø Rederi, the largest vessel built by the shipyard to date. The C513 OESV was launched at GONDAN's Figueras facility and will now undergo final outfitting and sea trials ahead of scheduled delivery in late 2027.

Designed by Salt Ship Design, the vessel has a beam of 23 meters and is intended for operations including walk-to-work personnel transfers, commissioning service operation vessel (CSOV) support for offshore wind, offshore construction, subsea installation, ROV inspection and cable laying and repair. The vessel has 1,400 square meters of open deck space, including the hangar, and accommodation for up to 173 people. Its diesel-electric propulsion system comprises six variable-speed main engines and Brunvoll permanent-magnet azimuth thrusters.

The vessel will also feature battery systems and shore power, as well as a Fuel Ready notation allowing for future operation with alternative fuels such as methanol.

Built to DNV classification standards, the vessel is the 23rd built by GONDAN for Østensjø Rederi during a relationship spanning more than 20 years.

Vard-Built CSOVs

Windward Offshore has taken delivery of the Windward Hamburg, completing its four-vessel series of purpose-built commissioning service operation vessels (CSOVs) ordered from shipbuilder Vard. The delivery brings the Windward Hamburg into the fleet alongside sister vessels Windward Athens, Windward Paris and Windward Munich, providing capacity to support offshore wind projects during construction, commissioning and long-term operations.

Based on VARD's 4 19 design, the Windward Hamburg is 87.5 meters long and 19.5 meters wide and can accommodate up to 120 people. Like the Windward Munich, it is also equipped with a helideck to provide an additional personnel transfer option.

The vessel features a height-adjustable motion-compensated gangway with integrated elevator, an electric motion-compensated crane, a height-adjustable boat landing system and battery-hybrid propulsion prepared for future operation on green methanol.

OPVs for Montenegro Launched

KERSHIP, a joint venture between PIRIOU and Naval Group, launched the PETAR NJEGOS I, the first of two OPV 60M offshore patrol vessels ordered by Montenegro, at its Lanester shipyard on Friday, September 11, 2026. Located at the gateway to the Adriatic Sea, Montenegro occupies a strategic position at the heart of the European maritime space. The new patrol vessels will enable the Montenegrin Navy to perform a broad range of military and civilian missions, including maritime surveillance, protection of strategic infrastructure, border control, counter-piracy and counter-trafficking operations, search and rescue, pollution response, humanitarian assistance and the deployment of Special Forces.

The Montenegrin OPV 60Ms feature specific adaptations designed to meet the operational requirements of the Montenegrin Navy, notably a CBRN cell and hull-mounted sonar, as well as dedicated capabilities for diver and Special Forces operations. They are also equipped with POLARIS mission management system by Naval Group.

The program for the two OPV 60M vessels is part of the defense agreement signed between France and Montenegro in April 2024. It benefits from the support of the French Defense Procurement Agency (DGA) and contributes to the broader European cooperation framework aimed at strengthening Montenegro's defense capabilities.

The construction of the vessels brings together the expertise of KERSHIP and PIRIOU, as well as Naval Group's expertise in combat systems and equipment. Throughout the program, a team from the Montenegrin Navy, supported by the DGA, is monitoring the construction alongside the French industrial teams, ensuring that the vessels fully meet the operational requirements of the Montenegrin Navy.

USCG Commissions Coast Guard Cutter Jeffrey Palazzo (WPC 1163)

The U.S. Coast Guard commissioned its newest Fast Response Cutter, Coast Guard Cutter Jeffrey Palazzo (WPC 1163), during a ceremony in New York City on Sept. 12. The event marked the ship’s entry into active service.

The cutter’s namesake, Jeffrey Palazzo, was a New York City firefighter and Coast Guard reservist who made the ultimate sacrifice while responding to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center.

The Jeffrey Palazzo is the 63rd Fast Response Cutter in active service. It will be the fifth vessel of its class homeported in Guam. It joins cutters Vincent Danz, Myrtle Hazard, Oliver Henry, and Frederick Hatch.

Adm. Kevin Lunday, Commandant of the Coast Guard, presided over the ceremony.

“As the nation marks 25 years since Sept. 11, Jeffrey Palazzo’s legacy reminds us of what service and sacrifice mean,” Lunday said. “He answered the call for his city, his country, and his fellow Americans. As this cutter enters service, its crew will carry his legacy forward by standing the watch, saving lives, countering threats, and protecting American interests across the region.”

Palazzo joined the Coast Guard in 1988 and was stationed in Rockaway, New York. During his career, he responded to multiple high-profile incidents and large-scale emergencies.

In 1993, Palazzo was on the first Coast Guard boat to discover the Golden Venture, a cargo ship that ran aground carrying more than 200 Chinese immigrants. He was credited with saving dozens of lives.

After eight years of active-duty service, Palazzo joined the New York City Fire Department while continuing to serve in the Coast Guard Reserve. In early 2001, he earned a position with Staten Island’s elite Rescue Company 5.

On Sept. 11, 2001, Palazzo responded to the World Trade Center as part of the city’s emergency response. He and 10 fellow members of Rescue Company 5 made the ultimate sacrifice that day.

“Swiss Army knife” OSV

C-Job Naval Architects and Glomar unveiled the design of a next-generation Offshore Support Vessel (OSV). Purpose-built as Glomar’s first vessel of its kind, the design eliminates the need for multiple specialized ships. Engineered for peak performance across diverse offshore tasks — from subsea inspections and cable trenching to ROV operations — this vessel sets a new industry benchmark as a “Swiss Army knife” for offshore work.

At nearly 80 meters, the vessel is optimized for offshore environments, featuring:

• DP2 positioning and Ice Class for precision in harsh conditions.

• ROV hangar, moon pool and dedicated trencher deck space for subsea operations.

• Accommodation for 60 personnel, with 42 comfortable single cabins, 9 double rooms, a gym and sauna.

• A sky and exposed lounge.

The OSV’s multifunctional design allows seamless transition between offshore roles, offering operators a cost-effective, future-ready solution. The vessel is also a showcase of environmental innovation, equipped with:

• Dual-fuel engines (methanol and MGO).

• Integrated methanol tanks and battery power systems.

• Methanol Ready and Green Plus notations for top-tier sustainability compliance.

Conoship Adds 40-MWh Battery-Electric Option to CIP3800 Coaster

Conoship International has expanded its CIP-Series with a fully electric version of its CIP3800 general cargo vessel, pairing the established 3,800-dwt coaster platform with a 40-MWh battery energy storage system.

Designed for short-sea routes, green shipping corridors and emission-restricted coastal operations, the CIP3800 Fully Electric measures 89.43 meters LOA with a 13.2-meter molded breadth and 5.2-meter draft.

Rather than developing a new hull specifically for battery propulsion, Conoship retained the CIP3800's existing hull geometry, which has undergone model testing, sea trials and commercial operation. Minimizing hydrodynamic resistance is particularly important for battery-powered vessels, where reducing propulsion demand directly extends operating range.

The 40-MWh battery installation provides a projected range of 350 nautical miles at 10 knots or approximately 640-650 nautical miles at 8 knots, including allowances for sea margin and hotel loads.

Battery capacity is divided between dedicated forward and aft compartments to maintain vessel trim without requiring additional water ballast.

Despite the battery weight, the vessel retains a 3,200-ton cargo intake at 5.20-meter draft. Conoship said weight associated with the energy storage system is substantially offset by eliminating conventional heavy fuel oil and marine gas oil storage, along with lubricating oil and sludge tanks.

Cargo capacity remains 4,737 cu. m. (167,300 cu. ft.) in a single box-shaped hold designed for general, bulk and project cargoes.

For trades where charging infrastructure remains under development, Conoship can incorporate a smaller generator set operating on fuels such as HVO or biodiesel as a range extender or backup power source.

In full-electric operation, the vessel produces zero direct CO2, NOx, SOx and particulate-matter emissions.

The electric configuration joins diesel-electric, methanol-ready and wind-assisted options available on the modular CIP3800 platform, allowing owners to select propulsion technology according to specific routes and available energy infrastructure.

ABB to Power Allseas’ Heavy Transport Vessel Grand Tour

ABB will supply the integrated power and propulsion system for Grand Tour, a new 230-meter semi-submersible heavy transport vessel being built by Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI) for offshore contractor Allseas.

Scheduled for delivery in 2028, Grand Tour is designed to transport large offshore wind converter stations from fabrication facilities in Asia and Europe and transfer them directly to Allseas’ heavy construction vessel Pioneering Spirit for offshore installation.

Converter stations play a central role in long-distance offshore wind power transmission, converting AC electricity generated by wind turbines into DC power for transmission to shore.

Grand Tour will be capable of carrying loads of up to 40,000 metric tons on its stern deck. During transfer operations, the vessel will position alongside Pioneering Spirit and submerge its main deck below the waterline, allowing converter stations to be floated directly onboard the construction vessel.

ABB’s propulsion package centers on four 3.5-MW nozzled Azipod units, providing a combined 14 MW of propulsion power. The 360-degree rotating units are designed to meet both bollard pull and dynamic positioning requirements while providing the maneuverability needed to position Grand Tour at Pioneering Spirit’s bow during transfer operations.

The Azipod units will incorporate optimized nozzles designed to maintain efficiency during transit. Their gearless configuration also reduces mechanical losses, lubrication requirements, noise and vibration compared with conventional mechanical thrusters, according to ABB.

ABB’s scope additionally includes a medium-voltage AC power plant featuring closed-ring topology, its PEMS power and energy management system and enhanced power plant protection system. Remote condition monitoring and maintenance capabilities are also included.

“Projects like this demonstrate how advanced, integrated systems can make operations leaner, cleaner and more efficient,” said Rune Braastad, President of ABB’s Marine & Ports division.

Grand Tour will ultimately serve as a specialized logistics link supporting Allseas’ growing role in Europe’s offshore wind construction market.

Corvus Energy Wins 40-MWh Battery Contract for BC Ferries

Corvus Energy will supply battery energy storage systems for four new hybrid-electric Summit Class ferries being built for BC Ferries, with a total initial installed capacity of 40 MWh.

Each double-ended ferry will receive a 10-MWh Corvus Dolphin NxtGen battery system. Corvus will also provide battery interfaces and control systems designed to accommodate significant additional capacity, supporting a future transition toward near-zero-emission electric operation as shore charging infrastructure becomes available.

The four vessels — Summit Arbutus, Summit Cedar, Summit Maple and Summit Spruce — will carry up to 360 vehicles and 2,100 passengers and crew each.

Designed with LMG Marin, the ferries will feature diesel-battery hybrid propulsion and compatibility with biofuel or renewable diesel.

The first vessel is scheduled for delivery in 2029 from China Merchants Shipbuilding Industry Group Weihai Shipyard in China, with all four expected to enter BC Ferries service by 2031.