Products & services

REV Ocean selects V.Ships Norway as ship management partner for world’s largest research and expedition vessel

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Products & services Products & services; Published: 24 February 2025 24 February 2025

V.Ships, part of V.Group, has tannounced that it will partner with REV Ocean to provide a tailored suite of ship management services for the world’s largest and most advanced research and expedition vessel, the REV Ocean.

The vessel, which is currently at Vard Søviknes, Norway, will be equipped to conduct research across the entire marine ecosystem, using advanced technology systems developed by world-leading knowledge clusters in Norway. It will be used by scientists and other experts for innovative research expeditions to find solutions to issues such as the impact of CO2 emissions, plastic pollution, and unsustainable fishing on the ocean.

The vessel is constructed to run on diesel electric engines, with an additional 3MW lithium-ion battery pack for peak shaving, ensuring optimum efficiency onboard.

Dag Christoffersen, Managing Director of V.Ships Norway, said: “REV Ocean’s decision to build the biggest vessel of its kind in the world, featuring the world’s most advanced technology and scientific equipment, necessitates ship management support from a partner with unmatched capacity to deliver.

“In addition to V.’s global reach and service offering, REV Ocean will benefit from the local expertise of our Norway office, which has strong ties with the Kjell Inge Røkke group of companies, and extensive knowledge of working within the guidelines set out by the Norwegian Maritime Authority.”

Per Bjørnsen, CEO of V.Ships Leisure, added: “We are delighted to welcome the REV Ocean – which in addition to being a research vessel is the world’s largest yacht – to our fleet at a time where we see an increased demand for our yacht management services. Many owners of very large yachts in private use are looking for a global partner combining the safety culture, operating platform, global reach and scale of V. with our dedicated yacht management team providing bespoke services.

“This exciting new partnership with REV Ocean will allow us to leverage V.’s unique range of expertise and experience, and our powerful digital ship management platform, ShipSure, to contribute to vital scientific research. In doing so, we will maximise our positive impact on a vessel that is at the cutting edge of green ship technology.”

Nina Jensen, CEO of REV Ocean, commented: “At REV Ocean, our mission is to make a true difference in improving the state of our ocean. To achieve this, we are establishing partnerships with other leading organisations with similar goals and values, and especially those that hold a commitment to sustainability and the future health of our planet.

“V.’s unrivalled experience across a range of maritime sectors means they are well equipped to handle the need for versatility and specialisation that will be required for REV Ocean. Their excellent track record in expedition cruises, including those operating in polar waters, will ensure that our vessel, and the crew onboard, will be able to tackle the most demanding of environments. At the same time, their digital platform will play an integral role in ensuring that all operations are efficient and optimised, with the benefit of 24/7 real-time data which will help to inform decisions and actions on each expedition.

“Together we will make sure that the ocean continues to thrive and can provide oxygen, food, and jobs for mankind for generations to come. After all, there is no alternative.”

An independent science and innovation board will evaluate and recommend research projects for REV Ocean to pursue and ensure the highest level of scientific standards and research quality onboard. The vessel has the capacity to take 106 people, of which around 50-65 will be crew depending on the planned operations. The ship features state-of-the-art scientific equipment, such as echo sounders and sonars to study fish and other marine species, an advanced eco-harvesting trawl sampling system for selective live catch of biomass and pelagic samples, a submarine, an advanced ROV, and multiple on-board laboratories.

REV Ocean will sail from Vard Søviknes on 2 March 2025 to Damen Shiprepair in Vlissingen, the Netherlands for final yacht outfitting work, before being put into full operation from the beginning of 2027. V. commenced management of the vessel from December 2024, and amongst the organisation’s first tasks was the sourcing of experienced crew for this initial voyage.

V. will manage the vessel during outfitting in the Netherlands, as well as when the ship enters full operation at the beginning of 2027.

ALMACO Group describes Aroya refurbishment

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Products & services Products & services; Published: 15 February 2025 15 February 2025

ALMACO Group has announced the successful completion of a comprehensive refurbishment project on the cruise vessel Aroya, owned by AROYA Cruises. The vessel, which underwent extensive renovations while in Bremerhaven and Rotterdam for several months, reached its home port in Jeddah at the beginning of December and has since then operated cruises. The project was completed in collaboration with MJM.

ALMACO Group’s scope of work on the Aroya, formerly known as World Dream, included the installation of two completely new galleys, the creation of a new kids cooking school, major modifications in the main galley, and the addition of four completely new bars and cafes. Additionally, the company replaced catering equipment in 12 different back and front of house areas and fully refurbished 800 square meters of public areas. Over 38 metric tons of new catering equipment were installed, sourced from 112 different material suppliers.

This extensive project was carried out between May 2024 and November 2024 in Bremerhaven and Rotterdam, involving participants from several of our ALMACO offices.

Esko Ryyppö, Project Manager at ALMACO, commented on the project’s success, stating, “The fantastic end-result is a testament to the hard work and collaboration between MJM, the owner and our team. The teamwork has truly transformed the Aroya into a state-of-the-art cruise vessel.”

Navantia UK completes the acquisition of Harland & Wolff

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Products & services Products & services; Published: 27 January 2025 27 January 2025

Navantia UK, the British subsidiary of Navantia, has completed today the acquisition of the activities of Harland & Wolff in its four work centres, Northern Ireland (Belfast), England (Appledore) and Scotland (Methil and Arnish).

With this operation, Navantia ensures compliance with the FSS shipbuilding programme for the British Ministry of Defence and is equipping itself with industrial capabilities in the United Kingdom, taking a leap in its internationalisation.

Navantia UK will manage the four units, providing the group's extensive experience in shipbuilding, manufacturing and management of complex programmes, modernising and adapting its capabilities to the current needs of the naval and green energy sectors in the United Kingdom.

“This operation marks a significant milestone for Navantia. “It demonstrates our commitment to the FSS programme and Navantia UK's commitment to collaborating with UK industry to strengthen local capabilities,” said Navantia President Ricardo Domínguez.

“This new Navantia UK, with a workforce of 1,000 people, the track record and facilities of Harland & Wolff and Navantia's global experience, is a strategic asset for our company and a platform for growth,” he added.

The acquisition, which was completed once the necessary regulatory updates were obtained, was advised by independent firms to ensure that the operation was concluded in accordance with market business criteria. Alantra, Clifford Chance, TLT and KPMG, among others, have assisted Navantia in the negotiations and have prepared the necessary documents for the transaction.

Palfinger Marine bags contract for fourth Icon-class ship

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Products & services Products & services; Published: 04 February 2025 04 February 2025

Palfinger Marine has secured a major contract with the Finnish Meyer Turku shipyard to provide lifesaving appliances (LSA) for Royal Caribbean International’s fourth Icon-class ship, set to debut in 2027. As one of the largest projects in the cruise segment to date, it reinforces Palfinger’s role as a trusted partner for marine safety and innovation.

Passengers aboard a cruise ship entrust their safety to the vessel and its crew. For years, Palfinger Marine has consistently demonstrated its expertise by equipping some of the world’s largest and most advanced cruise ships with lifesaving appliances (LSA). Having delivered lifesaving appliances for the world’s best family vacation ship, Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, as well as the upcoming Star of the Seas debuting in summer 2025 and the soon-to-be-named third Icon-class ship, Palfinger has now been selected by Meyer Turku to outfit the fourth addition to the revolutionary Icon Class lineup.

Advanced lifesaving appliances

The fourth Icon-class vacation ship, built at the renowned Finnish Meyer Turku shipyard, will be equipped with a comprehensive package of state-of-the-art LSA. This includes 18 lifeboats, which are one of the largest totally enclosed lifeboats on the market, each with a capacity of 450 passengers. Complementing this, 18 hydraulic pivoting davits ensure the secure and seamless deployment of the lifeboats. Additionally, Palfinger Marine will supply two fast rescue boat A-frame davits for rapid response in emergencies, as well as two fast rescue boats, built for speed and agility.

Extending a trusted partnership

“This is one of our largest boats and davits orders in the cruise segment yet, reinforcing our role as a global partner for deck equipment and lifesaving appliances”, says Klaus Schreiber, Vice President Sales & Service at Palfinger Marine. “Our long-standing relationship with Royal Caribbean ensures that we understand their needs. Each solution is designed to perfectly fit into the design of the state-of-the-art ships and exceed the safety and performance standards in the industry. We are proud to now equip their fourth Icon-class ship with our innovative solutions.”

The project timeline includes delivery of the davits between 2025 and 2026, followed by the boats in 2026 and 2027.

Silverstream and Carnival Corporation expand partnership with new installations to drive efficiency

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Products & services Products & services; Published: 15 January 2025 15 January 2025

Maritime clean technology leader Silverstream Technologies has signed an agreement with Carnival Corporation & plc, the world’s leading cruise company, to install the Silverstream System on another two cruise ships. These will be the third and fourth new build Excel-class vessels to be fitted with its air lubrication system. The 180,000 gross ton vessels, with a capacity of over 5,000 passengers, will be built at German shipyard Meyer Werft and feature key sustainability technologies to support Carnival Corporation in meeting its decarbonisation goals.

The LNG-powered newbuild vessels, among the most environmentally advanced ships in their class, will integrate Silverstream’s technology onboard, unlocking net fuel savings potential and paving the way for the next generation of low-emission passenger vessels. Previously, the system delivered approximately 5% net fuel and emissions savings onboard Princess Cruises’ Diamond Princess. This aligns with Carnival Corporation’s focus on minimising its carbon intensity by 40%, a target the company aims to achieve by 2026 – four years ahead of initial projections.

The two newbuilds, scheduled for delivery in 2027 and 2028, will result in a total of 16 vessels in Carnival Corporation’s fleet with the Silverstream System advancing the company’s decarbonisation aspirations. Like their predecessors, these latest additions to the fleet will also feature a broad range of other energy efficiency improvements, such as waste heat recovery, sophisticated HVAC systems and hull form optimisation, helping Carnival Corporation further minimise its environmental footprint and operating costs.

The emissions savings generated by the Silverstream® System support decarbonisation goals that help further the sustainability leadership positioning of cruise operators. Underpinning these efforts is Silverstream’s close collaboration with shipyards to seamlessly meet the industry’s growing demand for clean technology solutions, as well as comprehensive operational data obtained from many years of system operations.

Noah Silberschmidt, Founder & CEO, Silverstream Technologies, commented: “Cruise operators have consistently been frontrunners in embracing advanced technologies across their fleets. Since 2016, we have proudly partnered with Carnival Corporation, the industry’s largest operator, to support their decarbonisation journey with our proven air lubrication technology. The need of the hour is to raise decarbonisation ambitions, and we are committed to building large-scale partnerships that advance sustainability across the entire sector.”

Carnival Corporation’s Chief Maritime Officer, Vice Admiral (Ret.) William R. Burke, added: “Silverstream’s ability to deliver proven, verified GHG and fuel cost savings sets them apart in a crowded marketplace. Our continued partnership has thrived thanks to our shared commitment to advancing sustainability in the maritime sector. As we work towards net zero by 2050, we look forward to many more years of collaboration, driving energy efficiency, reducing fuel consumption and cutting emissions throughout our fleet.”

The Silverstream System works by reducing frictional resistance between the water and the hull surface, minimising net fuel consumption and associated greenhouse gas emissions by 5-10%. The system has been independently verified by Lloyd’s Register, HSVA, the University of Southampton, Carnival Corporation, and Shell. It can also be retrofitted in 10 days or less, minimising disruptions to vessel operations.