From AHTS to drone deployment
Norway’s Green Yard Kleven has been awarded a fifth ship conversion contract with Brazilian shipowner Oceanica. The yard will convert the vessel Oceanicasub XVII from an anchor-handling tug supply (AHTS) vessel to a ship capable of performing ROV operations. Oceanicasub XVII will be equipped with mezzanine decks for ROV equipment, extended crew capacity and designated areas for charterers. The ship will also undergo a general upgrade and class re-approval.
Oceanicasub XVII, a UT712L-type AHTS, was originally delivered from Green Yard Kleven in 2007 as Rem Balder. The design of the conversion is being undertaken by another Norwegian firm, Marin Teknik. Currently, Green Yard Kleven has ongoing conversions for Geoquip and Sea Shipping, as well as a newbuilding project for OMV Petrom.
Cochin Shipyards will handle its first Maersk vessel later this year
Repair collaboration targets India
Containership operator Maersk and Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) have signed an MoU to explore collaboration opportunities with regards to ship repair and maintenance activities in India. According to Maersk: “This collaboration comes at a crucial time when the global shipping industry is expected to face capacity constraints in ship repair yards around the world. This partnership signifies a strategic step towards establishing India as a premier maritime service centre.”
Under the MoU, Maersk will use its expertise to strengthen CSL’s capabilities, primarily focusing on containership maintenance, repair and drydocking operations. The first Maersk vessel repair at CSL, planned for later in 2025, will mark the beginning of what the partners envisage as a long-term collaborative relationship. This collaboration will initially focus on vessels up to 7,000teu for afloat repairs and up to 4,000teu for drydocking, with CSL’s capabilities expected to expand over time.
Spanish ferry contract for Wärtsilä
Technology group Wärtsilä has signed a 10-year lifecycle agreement with Spanish ferry operator Baleària. The agreement covers Baleària’s new high-speed aluminium catamaran Margarita Salas, which recently entered service, having been built at the Astilleros Armon Gijon yard in Spain. It operates with four Wärtsilä 31DF dual-fuel engines and four Wärtsilä WXJ hydraulic waterjets, and features two Wärtsilä LNGPac fuel storage and supply systems.
The lifecycle agreement includes maintenance planning, spare parts and scheduled maintenance support, as well as Wärtsilä’s Expert Insight digital service.
