Products & services

Auramarine selected to supply methanol fuel supply systems to Grimaldi Group's new ropax ferries

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Products & services Products & services; Published: 01 June 2026 01 June 2026

Auramarine, the Finnish technology company and trusted fuel supply and systems expert, has been selected to supply methanol fuel supply systems for six new ropax vessels ordered by the Grimaldi Group from China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Weihai). The vessels will operate in the Mediterranean under the Grimaldi Lines and Minoan Lines brands and will be equipped with engines capable of running on methanol to support the Grimaldi Group’s net‑zero ambitions.

Auramarine will deliver methanol fuel supply systems for all six vessels, ensuring safe, reliable and efficient methanol supply from bunkering to the main engine. Each delivery covers the entire methanol fuel supply system including control and emergency shutdown (ESD) automation. The systems are designed to support safe operation in hazardous areas, incorporating inerting and drainage concepts and meeting stringent class and regulatory requirements for methanol as a marine fuel.

In addition to methanol fuel supply systems, Auramarine will deliver main and auxiliary engine conventional fuel supply units to enable these dual-fueled vessels to operate reliably using HFO, MGO and biofuels. Dual-fuel engines offer fuel flexibility, helping operators switch between fuels and optimise costs as markets and fuel availability change. Dual‑fuel capability also supports compliance with tightening emission regulations, preserving chartering appeal and long‑term asset value as the energy transition accelerates.

These six ropax vessels will sail under Italian and Greek flags. All ships are scheduled for delivery between 2028 and 2030 and will feature a wide range of green technologies, including optimised hull and propeller designs, energy‑efficient power management systems, shore power readiness and silicon‑based hull coatings, together reducing CO₂ emissions per transported cargo unit by more than 50% compared to current tonnage on the same routes.

This new order further strengthens Auramarine’s cooperation with the Grimaldi Group and builds on the company’s previously announced contract to deliver methanol, biofuel and HFO fuel supply systems for three Finnlines "Hansa Superstar" ropax vessels operating on the Finland–Germany route.

“Auramarine is proud to support the Grimaldi Group’s ambitious decarbonisation roadmap with proven methanol fuel supply expertise,” says John Bergman, CEO, Auramarine. “These new vessels highlight how alternative fuels like methanol, supported by advanced fuel supply systems and other green technologies, can deliver substantial emissions reductions in the Mediterranean.

Telenor Maritime strengthens commercial focus with new CMO

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Products & services Products & services; Published: 27 May 2026 27 May 2026

Telenor Maritime has appointed Melinda Holmgren as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), strengthening the company’s focus on customer experience, digital growth, and commercial development.

Holmgren brings extensive experience from transformation, customer-centric development, and cross-functional leadership within the Telenor ecosystem. She joins Telenor Maritime at a time where the maritime industry is rapidly evolving and customer expectations are changing.

According to CEO Magnus Müller, the appointment reflects the company’s ambitions for the years ahead. “Melinda combines strong commercial understanding with the ability to bridge technology, people, and customer value. As we continue to strengthen our position in the maritime market, her experience and mindset will be important for how we develop both our customer journeys and our business moving forward,” says Müller.

Telenor Maritime has in recent years accelerated its focus on digital services, connectivity solutions, and platform-based offerings for the global maritime market. The company is working closely with customers and partners across cruise, ferry and offshore segments to develop smarter and more connected maritime operations.

Holmgren looks forward to contributing to the company’s next phase of growth. “What attracted me to Telenor Maritime is the combination of strong industry expertise, ambitious people, and the opportunity to create real value together with customers and partners. The maritime industry is changing fast, and I believe there is a lot of exciting potential ahead,” says Holmgren.

Holmgren officially joined Telenor Maritime earlier this year and will lead the company’s product, market, and commercial agenda, ensuring stronger alignment between customer needs, digital services, product development, and go-to-market priorities.

Foreship provides key design input for launch of first Four Seasons yacht

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Products & services Products & services; Published: 14 May 2026 14 May 2026

Foreship, RINA’s marine consulting company, has been a key force behind the creation of the very first Four Seasons Yacht, bringing its world-renowned expertise in cruise ship design to one of the most anticipated ultraluxury vessels of the decade. Beginning its work in 2019, Foreship helped shape the project from initial vision to technical reality, ensuring that the yacht’s bold design ambitions were matched by uncompromising engineering standards.

The company worked alongside shipowner and operator Marc Henry Cruise Holdings Ltd. and architectural partner Tillberg Design of Sweden to develop a vessel that blends distinctive luxury design with the highest technical standards.

Foreship was responsible for delivering the outline concept design of the vessel and contributing expertise in several areas, including structural and naval architectural items, as well as providing energy‑efficiency studies. Throughout the project, Foreship reviewed the shipyard’s design documentation to ensure alignment with the owner’s vision, regulatory requirements, and long‑term operational expectations.

“Our deep know‑how in cruise‑ship newbuilding allowed us to seamlessly translate industry best practices into this ultra‑luxury yacht project. Our role extended far beyond reviewing drawings, we worked proactively to make sure the vessel is safe, technically robust, and built to perform optimally throughout its lifetime.” says Santeri Ihalainen, Head of the Project Department at Foreship.

Passenger comfort was also a priority. To support an optimal onboard experience, Foreship ensured that the safety solutions were integrated smoothly into the vessel’s architecture, without affecting guest comfort, and carried out additional wind‑comfort studies to optimise the design of the windbreakers.

Among the vessel’s unique design features, two elements stand out: the four‑deck‑high Funnel Suite and the innovative covered lifeboat arrangements. Both required risk assessments and developing alternative design solutions to meet safety and regulatory standards while preserving the owner’s and architects’ design intent, with Foreship providing support throughout the process

“This project has been a collaborative journey between the owner, Foreship, the shipyard, and the designer,” Ihalainen concludes. “We are proud to have supported the owner through every phase, from concept to delivery, to bring this remarkable vessel to life.”

MXP365 enables guest chat on Mein Schiff fleet

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Products & services Products & services; Published: 14 May 2026 14 May 2026

MXP365 Mein Schiff Chat is now live on the whole TUI Cruises Mein Schiff fleet enabling guests to communicate easily throughout their cruise. Integrated directly into Mein Schiff mobile app, the MXP365 chat feature allows one-on-one and group conversations – without requiring external messaging services.

Guests coordinate plans, share experiences, and stay connected with family, friends, or fellow travelers in real time. The result is higher guest satisfaction and a more connected onboard experience, delivering clear benefits for both guests and operations:
– Stronger guest engagement - Digital communication enhances interaction and creates a more connected onboard experience
– Effortless coordination - Guests organize activities, meeting points, and plans directly within the app
– Private and secure communication - Dedicated chat groups ensure a controlled and seamless environment

This rollout reflects the close collaboration between MXP and TUI Cruises, with continuous development driven by real guest needs and operational requirements.

Finnlines selects Valmet’s integrated automation systems to optimize performance of three new ropax vessels

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Products & services Products & services; Published: 27 April 2026 27 April 2026

Valmet has received an order to deliver integrated automation systems for three new ropax vessels for Finnlines. The new vessels will strengthen Finnlines’ capacity on their key routes while supporting their long‑term sustainability and efficiency ambitions.

When planning the next generation of ropax vessels, Finnlines set a clear requirement: the crew needed to have access to all critical information in real time. Fragmented systems, each with separate interfaces, data sources, and maintenance practices, were no longer sufficient.

“Automation plays a central role in ensuring safe, reliable and energy-efficient operations across our fleet. We wanted a modern, integrated view of the vessels’ systems that will simplify daily work, reduce the risk of misaligned information, support consistent operating procedures, and make the vessels easier to maintain throughout their lifecycle. We evaluated our options with these objectives in mind and chose Valmet because of their proven technology and long track record with Finnlines,” says Juha Ahia, Manager, Newbuildings & Projects, Finnlines.

“We are proud to continue our long-standing cooperation with Finnlines. Their commitment to high operational standards and sustainable shipping aligns well with our capabilities in marine automation. Our integrated automation solution will provide a strong technological foundation for the new RoPax vessels and support their performance throughout the vessels’ lifetime,” says Hédi Azzouz, Vice President, Energy, Process and Marine Systems, Automation Solutions Business Area, Valmet.

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

About the delivery

Valmet’s delivery includes the Valmet DNA Integrated Automation System (IAS), covering machinery and power management automation, alarm and monitoring, and a full suite of operational tools to support safe, efficient, and environmentally sound vessel operations.

The systems will be delivered to the shipyard during 2026–2027, with commissioning aligned with the vessels’ construction schedules.