Products & services

Toyota’s Woven Capital invests in Corvus Energy to expand zero-emissions energy and international reach for maritime industry

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Products & services Products & services; Published: 19 January 2024 19 January 2024

Corvus Energy, the world leader in zero-emissions energy solutions for maritime, offshore and port applications, announced today it has secured an investment from Woven Capital, Toyota’s growth fund, to accelerate the development of its growing product portfolio in battery storage and hydrogen fuel cells, and to support expansion into new geographies. Woven Capital invests alongside leading strategic investors including BW Group, Equinor Ventures, Hydro and Shell Ventures.

“Hydrogen is a fast-growing sector with established applications in many industries and is playing a pivotal part in decarbonizing shipping, energy, transportation and heavy industry,” said Nicole LeBlanc, partner at Woven Capital. “With major maritime players embracing clean energy commitments and technologies, the market is growing rapidly. Our investment and strategic support are well-positioned to help Corvus expand its reach and solutions to continue leading the zero-emission maritime market.”

“We are very excited about this strategic investment from Woven Capital, which validates our leading position in a fast-growing market,” said CFO of Corvus Energy, Mette Rokne Hanestad. “Woven Capital and Toyota will bring valuable expertise from green mobility, in both fuel cells and batteries. With new key partners, we are strengthening our Asian presence which will be one of the most important markets going forward. Having strong and active owners will continue to be important for our future success. Woven Capital makes the shareholder group even stronger.”

Corvus and Toyota have collaborated since 2021 to develop safer and more advanced marine fuel cell systems in the industry. Corvus has engaged in more than 1000 projects so far, and more than 50 percent of the world’s vessels with zero-emission technology now run on Corvus systems. This investment will provide Corvus with even fuller access to Toyota’s cutting-edge expertise in both fuel cells and battery technology, strengthening Corvus’s ability to bring innovations to a rapidly evolving industry.

VIKING expands marine evacuation portfolio with ‘Undertun’ acquisition

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Products & services Products & services; Published: 09 January 2024 09 January 2024

VIKING Life-Saving Equipment, a global leader in maritime safety solutions, has acquired rights to manufacture and supply ‘Undertun’ marine evacuation systems (MES). The solution commands a leading position in part of the small ferry market due to its easy installation and use.

Catering for up to 150 persons, Undertun MES are especially appealing when installation heights and crew numbers are low. The VIKING acquisition has been agreed with Sverre Undertun, whose Norway-based company offers solutions which include its well-known Undertun ship gangways.

VIKING has been the exclusive distributer of compact Undertun MES for several years, where its expertise and support have proved key to market penetration in Norway’s small ferry segment. Following the deal, the acquired will be rebranded VIKING Undertun MES, extending VIKING’s owned portfolio of marine safety products and complementing its current activities in the specialized evacuation systems market.

“The VIKING Undertun MES is a world beater in small vessel safety and we are delighted to acquire this unique system at a time when its capabilities are increasingly significant for passenger ships,” said Benny Carlsen, Senior Vice President Sales & Service, VIKING. “Easily installed onboard ships with height restrictions, the system is especially popular with commuter ferry owners. It’s a perfect match for its market and has potential for strong uptake by owners with similar needs worldwide.”

Carlsen added that the shift by Norway’s small ferry operators towards electric propulsion, more automation and smaller crew complements over recent years may also be prophetic. “The VIKING Undertun MES is highly compatible with unmanned ships or scenarios where passengers need to deploy the system,” he said.

Approved to perform in significant wave heights up to 3.0 m, the Undertun MES is available in versions to evacuate 101 or 153 persons within 30 minutes, depending on requirements. It includes its own power source, with deployment triggered by a single user from the bridge or a control unit on deck. DNV-certified for SOLAS/MED and relevant flag states, its walkway is accumulator-controlled to absorb motions between ship and liferaft. Walkway surfaces are also divided - with ‘walking grip’ for low evacuation angles and a smooth surface for sliding into the raft.

Supplied in a stowage unit integrated in the shipside, Carlsen said the VIKING Undertun MES arrives “ready to go”. “This acquisition strengthens VIKING’s comprehensive safety solutions portfolio, also reaffirming our commitment to innovation in maritime safety and growth opportunities.” The move wholly aligned with VIKING’s ‘BP25 strategy’ to grow its presence in passenger ship safety, building on its established market leading position, added Carlsen.

ALMACO delivers galleys and provision stores for Silver Nova

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Products & services Products & services; Published: 27 December 2023 27 December 2023

ALMACO Group, a global leader in the supply of catering solutions for the marine and offshore industries, has successfully completed the delivery of galleys and provision stores for Silversea’s Silver Nova, the eleventh ship in the ultra-luxury travel brand’s fleet. The delivery was made on July 4, 2023, as a visual turnkey project including pre-development, design, supply, construction and commissioning.

ALMACO’s galleys and provision stores are designed to match the high standards of quality and sustainability that Silver Nova represents. The galleys are equipped with state-of-the-art appliances and systems that ensure optimal performance, energy efficiency and hygiene according to USPH standards. The provision stores are customized to meet the specific needs of each restaurant and bar onboard, providing ample storage space and optimal preservation conditions for food and beverages.

“We are very proud to be part of this remarkable project and to deliver our catering solutions for Silver Nova, one of the most spacious and sustainable cruise ships ever built. Our galleys and provision stores are tailored to enhance the gastronomic experience onboard, while making the catering areas a functional and ergonomic workspace for the galley crew,” says Frédéric Vasseur, President of the Catering Systems division at ALMACO.

The delivery of galleys and provision stores for Silver Nova was carried out in close collaboration with Meyer Werft, one of the world’s leading shipbuilders. ALMACO and Meyer Werft have a long-standing partnership that spans over two decades and several projects.

“We are very grateful to Meyer Werft for their trust and cooperation throughout this project. As always, we have worked together as one team to achieve a great result,” says Eric Guiot, Project Manager at ALMACO.

Paf to deliver the gaming experience on Gotland Alandia Cruises' Birka Gotland

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Products & services Products & services; Published: 02 January 2024 02 January 2024

Paf will deliver the gaming entertainment onboard the Birka Gotland. The cruise ship belongs to the newly founded cruise line Gotland Alandia Cruises. The ship will offer its first cruises in the spring of 2024.

The shipping companies Viking Line and Gotlandsbolaget have embarked on a joint investment in cruise traffic between Stockholm, Mariehamn and Visby. Together they have founded a new shipping company Gotland Alandia Cruises AB, which owns the cruise ship Birka Gotland. Paf will deliver the gaming entertainment to the shipping company.

“We are really looking forward to starting our cooperation straight away. We want to contribute with a good concept for the games onboard. It will be an exciting challenge to get all the new gaming machines and table games in place in the coming months,” says Jannik Svahnström, Head of New Sales at Paf.

The entertainment offer onboard Birka Gotland will include a variety of restaurants, shopping, spa and entertainment. Paf will manage the slot machines and table games onboard which will be part of the overall passenger experience.

“Paf is a well-established company and a natural partner for us. We are convinced that Paf can deliver a good package for the gaming experience onboard,” says Susanne Kaarnimo-Knight, CEO of Gotland Alandia Cruises AB.

The company will start the cruise traffic between Stockholm and Mariehamn at the end of March 2024. Thereafter, the ship will also operate via Visby on Gotland, and include popular destinations such as Härnösand and Ystad in Sweden, Bornholm in Denmark and Riga in Latvia.

China’s first domestically built large cruise ship features Wärtsilä solutions

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Products & services Products & services; Published: 25 December 2023 25 December 2023

Wärtsilä ANCS, part of technology group Wärtsilä, has delivered to the Adora Magic City, China’s first domestically built large cruise ship, a suite of solutions including the NACOS Platinum Valmatic automation and control system, valve control system, low location lighting, navigation system, engine and bridge control room console, and smart motor control unit. Additionally, Wärtsilä has contributed to the vessel's excellence with the delivery of its bow thruster system, as well as its dynamic trim system and cable and steel parts supply.

This integrated system not only enhances the efficiency and safety of the cruise but also positions the Adora Magic City as a pioneer in the Chinese cruise industry. All equipment has been successfully delivered to the customer in 2021 and 2022 and now the vessel is preparing for its maiden voyage on the 1st of January 2024 from Shanghai.

“The cruise industry has always been a key focus for ANCS in providing innovative automation and making navigation capabilities possible. The Adora Magic City not only represents a leap forward for China's shipbuilding industry but also allows new opportunities for the cruising industry in China,” says Thomas Heldarskard-winnerskjold, Director, Automation & Navigation, ANCS.

“The project's importance lies in its role as a symbol of China's prowess in shipbuilding and Wärtsilä ANCS, with their innovative products and continuous support, have allowed us to set new standards in China for the luxury cruising industry” mentioned Zhou Qi, Project Manager, Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding, CSSC.

Adora Magic City is based on the same design, as 133,500 gross ton Carnival Vista class.