Products & services

TT-Line selects Valmet to supply marine automation system to two new Green Ship 2.0s

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Products & services Products & services; Published: 03 November 2026 03 November 2026

TT-Line, one of Europe's leading ferry operators, has selected Valmet to deliver marine automation systems for two new Green Ships 2.0 that are currently being built at China Merchants Jinling Shipyard. The automation systems will help TT-Line to improve vessel efficiency, support reliable operations, reduce energy consumption, and advance its long-term decarbonization targets across Baltic Sea routes.

The order continues the successful cooperation between TT-Line and Valmet following the installation of Valmet’s automation systems for the award-winning Nils Holgersson and Peter Pan ferries. By unifying the automation platform across its fleet, TT-Line can standardize operations, simplify maintenance, and support consistent vessel performance throughout the ships’ lifecycle.

“Our partnership with Valmet has consistently delivered strong results since the introduction of Nils Holgersson and Peter Pan. The common automation platform has contributed to reliable vessel operations and efficient fleet management. For these two new ferries, we selected Valmet based on proven performance, project delivery capability, and lifecycle support. The new vessels will help us enhance passenger transport services while supporting our ambitions for more sustainable shipping in the Baltic Sea,” said Andreas Schaerli, COO of TT-Line.

The new 240-meter Green Ship 2.0 ferries are designed to carry 1,000 people and feature LNG-hybrid propulsion combined with battery systems and are capable of using shore power. Valmet will deliver a comprehensive automation package, including the Machine Automation System, Power Management System, Bilge Control System, and Cargo Control System.

The integrated automation architecture enables centralized monitoring and control of critical vessel operations. By improving visibility into onboard processes and power usage, the system helps optimize energy efficiency, support safe operations, and reduce operational complexity for vessel crews.

In addition to the onboard systems, TT-Line will benefit from Valmet’s lifecycle services, including remote support, maintenance services, software upgrades, training, and spare parts availability. The lifecycle approach helps maximize system availability, maintain cybersecurity and performance over time, and support cost-efficient vessel operation throughout the ships’ service life.

“We are proud to continue our cooperation with TT-Line as it invests in a new generation of energy-efficient ferries. Reliable automation is essential for managing increasingly complex vessel operations and optimizing energy use onboard. By combining proven automation technology with lifecycle services, we help customers improve operational performance, enhance safety, and achieve their sustainability targets over the long term,” says Gavin Wang, Sales Manager, Energy, Process & Marine Systems, Automation Solutions business area, Valmet.

The project further strengthens Valmet’s position as a supplier of mission-critical automation for the marine industry. The company will work closely with TT-Line and China Merchants Jinling Shipyard throughout the engineering, installation, commissioning, and start-up phases to ensure smooth project execution and vessel performance from day one.

The order is included in Valmet’s orders received for the fourth quarter of 2026. The value of the order is not disclosed.

Bureau Veritas launches Cruise Center of Excellence in Miami

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Products & services Products & services; Published: 30 October 2026 30 October 2026

Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (BV) has launched a new Cruise Center of Excellence in Miami, to connect customers in local proximity to a global network of BV experts dedicated to supporting operators as they navigate increasingly complex market environments.

The cruise hub joins BV’s global network of Centers of Excellence across sectors including Gas (Doha) and Offshore (Singapore, Shanghai, and Kuala Lumpur). With the launch of the dedicated Cruise Center of Excellence, BV is well positioned to support clients in turning ambitious concepts into viable designs, as well as helping operators to navigate evolving market requirements whilst improving performance throughout the life of their assets.

BV has extensive experience within the cruise sector and supports some of the largest cruise operators across a broad range of specialisms. Its expertise spans decarbonization strategies, from wind propulsion to bio-LNG capability for large cruise ships, alongside industry-leading advisory services covering fire safety, lifeboat arrangements, evacuation analysis, and smoke and fire propagation simulations. The Center also provides expertise in emerging technologies, digitalization and cybersecurity to support future-ready cruise operations.

Alex Gregg-Smith, President of Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore, said: “Cruise companies operate some of the most sophisticated businesses in the world. As the industry evolves, the launch of BV’s Cruise Center of Excellence helps stakeholders navigate today's challenges and shape tomorrow's opportunities. It reflects BV’s long-term investment in the future of the cruise industry and our ambition to help shape its future. By connecting people, knowledge and capabilities from across our organization, we are helping build safer, more sustainable, and more efficient cruise operations, enabling operators to focus on what matters most: delivering exceptional experiences and creating lasting memories for their guests.”

Recent examples of BV’s capabilities within the Cruise sector range from providing dedicated monitoring and validation support to MSC Cruises to secure independent verification and Flag State recognition of actual methane emissions from its vessels, MSC World Europa and MSC Euribia, to support FuelEU Maritime compliance. Furthermore, BV has partnered with Brittany Ferries and Adrena to demonstrate fuel savings of up to 6% through the deployment of an advanced digital twin-enabled routing solution

In addition, BV is at the forefront of advancing wind propulsion technologies and enabling their adoption across the maritime sector. Recently, BV provided classification services to support the delivery of the 220-meter Orient Express Corinthian, which represents the world’s largest sailing cruise ship. Equipped with three rigid sails with a total sail area of approximately 4,500 square meters, BV provided design review and construction surveying services, whilst also conducting noise and vibration measurements via BV’s advisory services.

Working closely with operators, designers, shipyards and industry stakeholders, the Centre brings together expertise from across the Bureau Veritas Group, connecting capabilities that span ships, ports, terminals, infrastructure and the wider cruise ecosystem. This integrated approach enables BV to support clients across the entire value chain, from concept development and design through to operations and the guest experience, helping transform ambitious ideas into successful and memorable voyages, while building trust behind every journey.

Leif-Christian Östergård appointed new CEO of Aboa Mare Ltd

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Products & services Products & services; Published: 22 October 2026 22 October 2026

Leif-Christian Östergård has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Aboa Mare Ltd, a provider of continuing education and training services for the international maritime industry.

Östergård is well acquainted with both the company’s operations and the maritime sector. In his new role, he aims to continue developing Aboa Mare Ltd together with its staff to meet the evolving competence needs of the shipping industry.

"Our personnel, our commitment to always keeping the customer in focus, and our cooperation with national and international partners are some of our greatest strengths. They will continue to be key drivers of our success in the future. By working closely with our customers, we can tailor the training they need, both today and tomorrow. Together with our partners, we can offer global training solutions that combine online learning, simulator-based training, and practical exercises. This enables course participants to develop their skills in a flexible and efficient way, regardless of where they are in the world," says Leif-Christian Östergård.

"Aboa Mare Ltd has developed strongly in recent years, and I look forward to continuing our collaboration with Leif-Christian, who has extensive knowledge of both the company’s operations and the market," says Örjan Andersson, Chair of the Board of Aboa Mare Ltd.

Östergård has extensive experience in the maritime sector. He began his career at sea as an able seaman and later served as a deck officer on RoRo vessels. After his seagoing career, he worked as an onboard training coordinator and has since been involved in maritime education, the sales and marketing of professional training courses, and business development. He holds a Bachelor of Maritime Management (UAS) qualification as Master Mariner and a Master of Science in Economics and Business Administration. Most recently, Östergård has worked at Aboa Mare Ltd since 2025.

Aboa Mare Ltd provides simulator-based training as well as courses in alternative fuels and the IGF Code, BRM and ERM, the Polar Code, EcoTraining, sustainable development, and azimuthing propulsion. Its services are aimed at shipping companies, ports, shipyards, and other stakeholders within the maritime sector.

The maritime industry is undergoing rapid change driven by new technologies, alternative fuels, and increasing demands for safety, competence, and sustainability. At the same time, these developments are creating new opportunities for how and where maritime training can be delivered.

RINA appoints Paolo Moretti Group CEO

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Products & services Products & services; Published: 23 October 2026 23 October 2026

At its meeting today, RINA S.p.A.’s new Board of Directors appointed Paolo Moretti, currently General Manager, as Group Chief Executive Officer. Moretti succeeds Carlo Luzzatto, who had served as Chief Executive Officer since December 2023. The Board of Directors extends its sincere thanks to Luzzatto for his dedication to the Group’s development. Ugo Salerno will continue as Executive Chairman, with responsibility for communications and institutional relations.

The leadership transition marks a further step in RINA’s development, in line with the growth strategy agreed with its shareholders, Registro Italiano Navale and Fondo Italiano d’Investimento.

The Board of Directors of RINA S.p.A. now comprises Barbara Caputo, Marco Cecconi, Nazareno Cerni, Simonetta Di Pippo, Guido Figliola, Roberto Martinoli, Paolo Moretti, Paolo Pierantoni and Ugo Salerno.

Under the new organisational structure, Giosuè Vezzuto has succeeded Paolo Moretti as Chief Executive Officer of RINA Services, the Group company operating in the marine and certification sectors.

Ugo Salerno, Executive Chairman of RINA S.p.A., said: “We have achieved an extraordinary growth trajectory, more than doubling our revenues over the past five years to well over one billion euros. Today, we are entering a new phase, with the aim of further accelerating our development. Paolo Moretti’s extensive experience, his deep understanding of the markets in which we operate, and the significant contribution he has made to the Group’s growth provide a strong foundation for guiding RINA forward, building on the quality of our services and the expertise of our people.”

Paolo Moretti, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager of RINA S.p.A., said: “I have spent much of my career at RINA and have seen first-hand the calibre of our people and the company’s ability to evolve and anticipate change. I take on this new responsibility with great enthusiasm and a clear understanding of the commitment it entails. Our challenge is to continue turning our strategic objectives into tangible results, simplifying the way we operate and investing in the development of more advanced and increasingly digital services.”

Paolo d’Amico, Chairman of Registro Italiano Navale, added: “Paolo Moretti’s appointment marks the beginning of a new chapter for RINA. We will continue to support the Group and its management team, with full confidence in those entrusted with its leadership. Paolo Moretti’s extensive experience in RINA provides a strong foundation for addressing the challenges and making the most of the opportunities ahead.”

Domenico Lombardi, Chief Executive Officer of Fondo Italiano d’Investimento SGR, said: “In recent years, RINA has undergone significant growth and transformation, strengthening its competitive position and its ability to create long-term value. As shareholders with a distinctive approach, focused not only on generating investment returns but also on creating value for the country as a whole, we have seen the strong results achieved by the Group, underpinned by a clear strategic vision, high-quality expertise and a continued drive for innovation. We are confident that Paolo Moretti’s experience and leadership will enable RINA to successfully continue its development, building on the solid foundations already in place to capture new opportunities and tackle the challenges that will shape its markets in the years ahead.”

A naval engineer, Paolo Moretti joined RINA in 1997. During his career, he has held positions of increasing responsibility in Italy and internationally, with a focus on strategic and commercial development. Within the Group, he has led several business areas and held senior positions, including General Manager Marine, Executive Vice President Marine Strategic Development and Chief Commercial Officer. From 2020 to 2026, he served as Chief Executive Officer of RINA Services.

Qtagg upgrades propulsion and power control of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ flagship Bolette

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Products & services Products & services; Published: 21 October 2026 21 October 2026

Qtagg completed a major propulsion control upgrade on Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ 62,735-gross-ton flagship Bolette, replacing the DEGO III engine governor with the latest DEGO IV platform. The upgrade gives the vessel more precise propulsion control and significantly greater visibility into system performance, while adding advanced diagnostics and remote support capabilities.

DEGO IV builds on the proven DEGO platform with a connected digital architecture that allows the control system to control engines more effectively and respond rapidly to changing operating conditions.

For the crew, the upgrade also means significantly greater visibility. Digitalized propulsion control translates into real-time information, performance trends and detailed logging that make it easier to understand how the system is performing.

DEGO IV continuously adapts its control to different engine speeds and loads, helping keep the propulsion engines at the required speed while operating within safe limits. This provides precise and responsive engine control across a wide range of operating conditions.
Together with the upgraded actuator system, DEGO IV provides accurate control of the fuel rack and responds quickly as propulsion demands change. High-frequency logging and real-time operating data also give engineers greater insight into engine and propulsion system performance, supporting more effective tuning and troubleshooting.

For Bolette, the result is a propulsion control system that combines precise engine control with better visibility and greater opportunities to optimize performance.

DEGO IV has the same physical size and electrical interface as DEGO III, making it possible to retain much of the existing installation while moving to the new platform.

This provides a practical upgrade path for other operators who want access to modern control, monitoring and optimization capabilities without replacing the entire installation.

DegoAid simplifies commissioning and service of DEGO IV by bringing configuration, tuning, monitoring and diagnostics into one engineering tool. High-frequency operational data allows engineers to see how the governor responds to rapid changes, making it easier to optimize performance and identify problems that slower monitoring can miss. Configuration data can also be stored and reused, supporting faster commissioning and more efficient long-term service.

Bolette is the flagship of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines and carries up to 1,273 guests. The upgrade is part of the cruise line’s continued investment in the performance and reliability of its onboard systems.

“We continuously review opportunities to improve our onboard systems where they support reliability, safety and the guest experience,” says Håvard Næss, Senior Superintendent at Fred Olsen Cruise Lines. “The DEGO IV upgrade gives Bolette a modern platform that supports the high standards we expect from our vessels.