A further year of financial backing for seafarer training in the UK has been unlocked through the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).

The Support for Maritime Training (SMarT) has been secured for a further 12-month period and funding will be available until 31 March 2027.

SMarT has deployed a multi-million-pound budget, provided by the Department for Transport, to support cadets, junior officers and ratings gain the skills for safe and successful careers.

Sponsoring companies can apply to SMarT to claim up to half of the total training costs for eligible trainees.

The latest extension to the successful scheme follows a previous 12-month continuation agreed for the same period last year.

Ajit Jacob, MCA Chief Examiner and Head of Seafarer Technical Delivery, said: “Training is vital to sustaining our skilled, safe and professional workforce as the foundation of the UK’s successful maritime industry. 

“This funding reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting high quality training, ensuring cadets and junior officers have every opportunity to develop and progress. 

“I’m delighted SMarT will continue to unlock training opportunities for men and women who might not have considered it otherwise. We hope their careers flourish wherever their new skills take them.”

SMarT funds provide financial support to those who want to progress in the maritime industry by, for example, supporting self-funded UK junior officers to complete a Management Level Certificate of Competency.

The aim is to increase UK seafarers, drive recruitment by encouraging men and women to consider a career in maritime, and to create opportunities for new companies to access the scheme.

Funding was formally extended through Marine Information Note (MIN) 678 Amendment 3. Visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/min-678-m-enhancement-to-the-current-support-for-maritime-training-smart-fund-and-additional-support-for-junior-officers/min-678-m-enhancement-to-the-current-support-for-maritime-training-smart-fund-and-additional-support-for-junior-officers

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is a frontline emergency response agency of the Department for Transport. As well as delivering maritime search and rescue through HM Coastguard (one of the four UK emergency services), the MCA is responsible for maritime regulation, safety and counter-pollution.

For further information about this or any MCA news story, please contact the Maritime and Coastguard Agency Press Office on 020381 72222 or Public.Relations@mcga.gov.uk. You can also find us on the dedicated HM Coastguard website hmcoastguard.uk, on X @MCA_media, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Please note that the Maritime & Coastguard Agency will use your contact details to send you press releases about its work, as part of its functions as a government agency. Your information will be kept secure and will not be used for any other purpose without your permission. To find out more about how the MCA looks after personal data, your rights, and how to contact our data protection officer, please see the Department for Transport’s personal information charter. If you do not wish to remain on this list, please reply and let us know.

Το άρθρο UK seafarer training funds secured for another year through Maritime and Coastguard Agency εμφανίστηκε πρώτα στο Maritimes.

The first quarter of 2026 delivered one of the most active S&P periods in recent memory, with 351 transactions recorded across tankers and dry bulk, representing a combined investment of approximately $11.5 billion. Activity was front-loaded into January, which alone accounted for nearly 40% of total volume, reflecting a wave of positioning decisions as the new year opened against an already elevated geopolitical backdrop.

The tanker market was the unambiguous headline story, generating 164 transactions worth roughly $7.8 billion — with VLCCs accounting for a disproportionate share of both deal count and capital deployed. VLCC activity was extraordinary by any measure: 52 vessels changed hands at an average of $81 million, with modern units commanding significant premiums. A landmark package sale in mid-January saw eight 2016-built VLCCs trade at $104.2 million each, a clear benchmark for quality vintage tonnage. At the top end of the market, 2021-2022 built units fetched between $125 million and $130 million, reaffirming that scrubber-fitted, eco-specified vessels continue to command a premium even as earnings have moderated from recent peaks. Older units (2007 to 2010 vintage) cleared in the $51-70 million range, with buyers increasingly discerning on age and specification. Suezmax recorded 19 deals averaging $63.2 million, with newbuilding resales from Greek principals providing notable datapoints at approximately $99-100 million. Two pre-delivery contracts from Cyprus at $80 million each highlighted continued investor appetite for forward positions in this segment. Older 2005-2006 built units moved at $25-40 million, where the shadow fleet remains an active buyer. Aframax/LR2 produced 18 transactions averaging $49.2 million. The standout was a trio of 2023-2024 built LR2s changing hands at $84 million each, a level that reflects both the tightness in modern LR2 supply and sustained charterer demand on key East of Suez routes. MR2 was the most active mid-size segment with 38 deals, and notably, average prices climbed from $19.1 million in January to $30.3 million by March, driven by a shift toward younger, more competitive tonnage as the quarter progressed. Greek owners were the most active sellers across all tanker classes, accounting for 32 transactions, followed by Singaporean and Bermudan.

Dry bulk posted 187 transactions totalling approximately $3.7 billion, with March emerging as the strongest month, with 71 deals worth $1.39 billion, suggesting renewed confidence as the quarter closed. Handysize led in deal count with 40 transactions at an average of $14.2 million, while Supramax followed closely with 39 deals averaging $12.4 million, a segment where Greek sellers again dominated, offloading older tonnage averaging 17 years of age. Ultramax was the standout in value terms: 27 vessels traded at an average of $29.3 million against an average age of just 5.9 years, reflecting strong interest in modern, fuel-efficient mid-size bulkers. Kamsarmax produced 28 deals averaging $21.2 million, with modern units (2018-2020 built) consistently clearing above $30 million. Capesize activity was measured at 19 transactions averaging $28.7 million for vessels averaging nearly 17 years, buyers remain price-sensitive in a segment where freight rates have yet to provide sufficient support for aggressive asset acquisitions. Newcastlemax saw just four deals, though the spread, from $26 million for a 2006-built to $76.3 million for a 2021-built, illustrates the age premium at its most acute.

Greek principals were the dominant sellers in dry bulk as well, accounting for 44 transactions, underlining their continued role as the market’s primary liquidity providers across both segments.

S&P Activity:

Dry:

This week saw a firm flow of activity across the Kamsarmax, Panamax and handysize segments, with a notable volume of modern and vintage units changing hands. On the Kamsarmax sector, the modern vessels “SEACON VANCOUVER” – 85K/2023 CSSC Huangpu and “SEACON OSLO” – 85K/2023 CSSC Huangpu were both sold for USD 36 mills each. Greek buyers acquired the “JOHN M CARRAS” – 82K/2012 Daewoo for USD 18.2 mills, while the “DIAMANTINA” – 82K/2010 Tsuneishi Zhoushan achieved USD 19 mills. In the Panamax sector, the “N AMALTHIA” – 75K/2006 Universal was sold for USD 10.3 mills, while Chinese buyers acquired the “TAILWINDS” – 73K/2004 Jiangnan Shipyard for USD 8.5 mills. The Supramax “AQUAVITA BAY” – 55K/2014 JMU was sold for excess USD 20 mills, while the 3-year older “PLATON” – 58K/2011 SPP was sold for USD 15.4 mills. The Handysize segment continued to attract strong interest. Nova Marine acquired the logs fitted and Open Hatch “BERGE HALLASAN” – 38K/2016 Naikai for USD 21.3 mills basis purchase option declaration. The “NANAIMO BAY” – 34K/2016 Namura was sold for excess USD 19 mills. Further deals include the logger “STAMFORD PIONEER” – 32K/2012 Taizhou Maple at USD 8.5 mills, while the ice-classed loggers “COSCO KUNLUNSHAN” – 32K/2010 Fujian Mawei and “JIN WANG LING” – 32K/2010 Guangzhou Huangpu were sold for USD 8.2 mills each. Finally, smaller Handies saw steady demand with the “ITHACA PATIENCE” – 28K/2010 Shimanami achieving high USD 9 mills.

Tanker:

This week saw a healthy flow of activity across the suezmax and MR segments. Notably, two Suezmax units, “CAP FELIX” – 159K/2008 Samsung and “SIENNA” – 150K/2007 Universal were sold enbloc for a combined price of USD 95 mills. In the LR1 “PM MONARCH” – 77K/2007 Dalian achieved USD 20 mills. On the MR2 sector, activity was led by modern scrubber fitted tonnage, with the sister vessels “STI BLACK HAWK” – 50K/2015 HMD and “STI BROOKLYN” – 50K/2015 SPP both sold for USD 35 mills each, with delivery expected in Q2 2026. Finally, in the smaller sizes, the ice class II “RINELLA M” – 40K/2006 Santierul Naval was sold for USD 13.5 mills, while the “YC AZALEA” – 20K/2004 Shin Kurushima changed hands for USD 10.75 mills.

Το άρθρο [xclusiv] S&P Report 06th April 2026 εμφανίστηκε πρώτα στο Maritimes.

The buses were received at the Port of Piraeus by the Deputy Minister of Transport, Mr. Konstantinos Kyranakis, the Secretary General of Transport, Mr. Stelios Sakaretsios, the CEO of OSY S.A., Mr. Stefanos Agiasoglou, and on behalf of PPA S.A., the Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Angelos Karakostas.

As Mr. Karakostas stated, “the Port of Piraeus reaffirms its role as a vital link in the supply chain, and operating around the clock, 365 days a year, it is ready to respond with speed and high-level services even to the most demanding cargo. We are particularly pleased when the cargo we are called upon to handle comes to contribute to improving the quality of life of Greek citizens, as is the case with these electric buses.”

About PPA S.A.
Piraeus Port Authority SA is an Athens Stock Exchange listed company engaged in the management and operation of Piraeus port, Greece’s largest port and one of the largest integrated harbours in

Europe, providing a complete range of services. Some of the company’s activities involve cruise, coastal (ferry/passenger), container and car terminal services, as well as general cargo, ship repair, logistic and free zone services. The main shareholder of Piraeus Port Authority S.A., with a stake of 67 percent, is COSCO SHIPPING, one of the largest maritime companies in the world.

Over the last decade the company has experienced a remarkable growth in all port activities, which is still underway, largely contributing to the country’s economy, while driven by green development and increased digitalization, alongside a people-first approach and a spirit of giving back to the society.

PPA holds the ”ECO PORT” PERS status, is included in the Athens Stock Exchange ESG index and is one of the “Most Sustainable Companies in Greece 2026”.

For more information, please visit https://olp.gr

Το άρθρο PPA S.A.: Transportation of Electric Buses through the Port of Piraeus. εμφανίστηκε πρώτα στο Maritimes.

Afterwards, the elections of the 11member New Board of Directors followed. The President and the Board of Directors warmly thank: all the Members who continue to support the Club, the Electoral Committee and all the Participants with their presence at the 2026 Ordinary General Assembly.

According to the results, the New Board of Chios Marine Club established as follows:
1. ANTONIS PITSILOS President
2. MAKIS KASMAS Vice President
3. MARIA TRIPOLITIS General Secretary
4. KONSTANTINOS GEOMELOS Secretary Special
5. PANAGIOTIS KAMARADOS Treasurer
6. NIKOS KAKALIS Member of the Board (responsible for Scientific Affairs)
7. ATHINA KOLAKI Member of the Board (responsible for Events & Marketing)
8. KONSTANTINOS ACHLADITIS Member of the Board
9. SIMOS VARIAS Member of the Board
10. MARIOS BOUGIOUKAS Member of the Board
11. IOANNIS FARACLAS Member of the Board

Το άρθρο Chios Marine Club: General Assembly & Elections εμφανίστηκε πρώτα στο Maritimes.

More specifically, PPA S.A. donated seven portable defibrillators to the Hellenic Coast Guard, with the aim of further enhancing the operational readiness of its personnel and enabling the immediate response to emergency incidents.

The defibrillators are intended to be placed in Coast Guard service vehicles and motorcycles, so that first aid can be provided immediately to citizens and visitors within port facilities whenever and wherever needed.

This initiative is fully aligned with the guidelines of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy regarding the modernization and strengthening of first-aid equipment, reaffirming PPA S.A.’s commitment to making a meaningful contribution to upgrading the resources available to the Coast Guard.

As part of the donation, a presentation and hands-on training session was also carried out for Coast Guard personnel on the proper use of the defibrillators and the basic procedures of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), ensuring the effective use of the equipment in real emergency conditions.

This new donation follows the recent delivery of six motorcycles to the Hellenic Coast Guard, as part of the broader and long-standing cooperation between PPA S.A. and the Coast Guard of the Port of Piraeus, with the aim of strengthening their operational capabilities and protecting human life.

PPA S.A. recognizes the vital role of the Hellenic Coast Guard in protecting citizens, safeguarding maritime transport, and ensuring the smooth operation of port facilities, and remains firmly committed to providing tangible support to its work.

About PPA S.A.
Piraeus Port Authority SA is an Athens Stock Exchange listed company engaged in the management and operation of Piraeus port, Greece’s largest port and one of the largest integrated harbours in

Europe, providing a complete range of services. Some of the company’s activities involve cruise, coastal (ferry/passenger), container and car terminal services, as well as general cargo, ship repair, logistic and free zone services. The main shareholder of Piraeus Port Authority S.A., with a stake of 67 percent, is COSCO SHIPPING, one of the largest maritime companies in the world.

Over the last decade the company has experienced a remarkable growth in all port activities, which is still underway, largely contributing to the country’s economy, while driven by green development and increased digitalization, alongside a people-first approach and a spirit of giving back to the society.

PPA holds the ”ECO PORT” PERS status, is included in the Athens Stock Exchange ESG index and is one of the “Most Sustainable Companies in Greece 2025”.

For more information please visit https://olp.gr

Το άρθρο PPA S.A.: Donation of Seven Portable Defibrillators to the Hellenic Coast Guard. εμφανίστηκε πρώτα στο Maritimes.

DroneQ Robotics has made a strategic decision to deploy the Mintis as ROV Support & Survey Vessel, offering the platform as a combination of vessel, ROV equipment and services, and drone equipment and services. Mark Offshore and DroneQ Robotics have already collaborated for many years, and have built a strong relationship based on mutual trust.

Mark Offshore, specialized in maritime consultancy, vessel brokerage & management, and subsea support services, has recently taken a new step by handling the management and operations of the multi-functional research and survey vessel R/V Mintis for its owners, Klaipėda University from Lithuania.

New ROV systems on board:

·         The powerful X-SV, OCROV Class I ROV system (2026) rated for 350m working depth with 4K inspection camera, 4K electronic pan-tilt 220° hemispheric panoramic camera, 4.5 knots speed, DVL, built-in adjustable Obstacle Detection & Avoidance system, USBL, imaging sonar, Side Scan Sonar, UT and CP probes, underwater cavitation cleaning system, water sampling system and a 2-function gripper system.

·         The advanced Argus Rover, OCROV Class II ROV system (2025) with WCROV capabilities rated for 1000m working depth, advanced station keeping system with Sonardyne SPRINT-NAV INS + DVL, USBL, subsea 3D imaging capabilities powered by Voyis Discovery Stereo with VSLAM technology, imaging sonar, UT, CP and FMD NDT probes, onboard High Pressure and Flexiclean underwater cleaning systems, and a HydroLek 5600 manipulator skid (50 kgs lifting capacity at full reach). The 3D system comes with a luxurious 20ft Control Room/Workshop DNV certified Offshore container and a 10ft Winch DNV certified Offshore Container.

In addition, R/V Mintis will be equipped with industrial Maritime Inspection Drones, designed to take-off and land on vessels at open sea, for Offshore Wind turbine and Offshore Oil & Gas installation aerial inspections.

John Troch, Co-founder of DroneQ Robotics and Director Marine Services: “The partnership with Mark Offshore and this vessel is a big leap forward in the growth of DroneQ Robotics in general, and our Advanced Unmanned Robotics Services, AURS, proposition for the offshore market in particular! The market is beginning to realize that Big, Bigger, Biggest is not always the best solution.”

R/V Mintis

R/V Mintis is a DP1 vessel with a long track record in combining operational and cost efficiency in shallow and deep waters. It has the capability to conduct a wide variety of AURS services for the Ports, Offshore Oil & Gas, Offshore Wind and Salvage markets. DroneQ Robotics will deploy the vessel for projects such as subsea inspection and construction work with ROV’s, and magnetic crawler robots, offshore drone inspection, salvage support and survey tasks. It is often deployed for bathymetric surveys, UXO campaigns, pipeline and cable sub bottom surveys and ecological oceanographic research.

John Troch adds: “We truly believe that our strong partnership with Mark Offshore, which draws on both our fields of expertise, will add value to our existing and new customers, and our partner Intertek. With the R/V Mintis we now operate a cutting-edge, fully outfitted vessel, both as to offshore inspection equipment and expert personnel.”

Mark van der Star, Managing Director Mark Offshore, adds: “Due to our long-standing relationship with John, and our shared drive to deliver results, our cooperation already translated into a concrete project in the very first week of our commercial management of R/V Mintis. This underlines our commitment: when shipowners partner with Mark Offshore, we don’t just manage vessels, we actively turn them into revenue-generating assets from day one. To see that becoming reality with R/V Mintis is something we’re really proud of.”

About DroneQ Robotics

DroneQ Robotics is a Dutch based global next-generation Advanced Unmanned Robotics Services provider, with over 40 years’ experience in the industrial sector and maritime industry, including maritime disaster response & salvage and Offshore Energy.

Advanced Unmanned Robotics Services, AURS, is a global DroneQ Robotics service, which deploys dedicated and trained professionals and cutting-edge unmanned robotics equipment. AURS deliver worldwide ultrahigh-resolution inspections and surveys, 3D imaging and Non-Destructive Testing: underwater, on the water and from the air. Helping clients in Industry and Ports, Offshore Oil & Gas and Offshore Wind to assess the integrity condition of their valuable assets, supporting advanced analytics for Lifespan Extension strategies, Fitness for Service analysis and many more.

About Mark Offshore

Mark Offshore is a rapidly evolving offshore services company specializing in inspection support, subsea operations, ecological research support, and project facilitation. Rooted in years of practical marine experience and an extensive global network, we are transforming into an asset-based offshore inspection contractor equipped with our own vessels and subsea capabilities. We deliver reliable, efficient, and safety-driven solutions for clients operating in offshore wind, subsea infrastructure, environmental monitoring, and marine energy environments.

Το άρθρο DroneQ Robotics signs exclusive deal with Mark Offshore | first project RV Mintis | new ROVs and drones εμφανίστηκε πρώτα στο Maritimes.

Effective 1 April 2026 the following individuals will serve as members of the IBIA Board of Directors.

Please join IBIA in welcoming Adrian Tolson, Jeroen de Vos and Mustafa Aslan to their roles:

Chair: Adrian Tolson, 2050 Marine Energy LLC

Adrian Tolson is the owner of 2050 Marine Energy and is widely recognised as one of the shipping industry’s leading marine energy experts. With more than 35 years of experience, he has both detailed knowledge and unique insight into the bunker supply chain and its many related infrastructure developments.

Vice Chair: Jeroen de Vos, Head of Global Operations, Peninsula

Jeroen De Vos, Head of Operations at Peninsula, began as a marine engineer, gaining experience with the Royal Dutch Navy. He joined DNV Petroleum Services in 2000, became Global Technical Director at VPS in 2015, and moved to Peninsula in 2019 to lead Quality and contribute to ISO 8217 groups.

Hon Treasurer: Mustafa Aslan, Chaiman of Asmira Group

Mustafa Aslan is the Chairman of Asmira Group. He was educated at American Collegiate Institute, Dokuz Eylül University, where he studied Economics, and later earned an MBA from Izmir University of Economics. He began his professional career in 1998 within his family’s business and went on to found Asmira Group in 2001. Active in the oil and energy sector, he also serves on several industry boards. He is also a board member of the Turkish Chamber of Shipping, and TurkCham Montenegro. He is married and has one daughter.

Newly elected Board Members:

Gianmichele Campanella, Fratelli Cosulich Monaco Sam
·         Calvin Chung, CPN (Chimbusco Pan Nation), Singapore

Continuing Board Members:

Claudia Beumer, C4 fuel B.V
Constantinos Capetanakis, Star Bulk and Immediate Past Chair
Nigel Draffin, Consultant and Lecturer
Ufuk Erinc, Unerco Petrol Urn. Denizcilik ve Tic. A.S.
Deanna MacDonald, Aveera Energy
Valeria Sessa, Reseaworld

Adrian Tolson states “I approach the role of IBIA Chair with both caution and optimism at a time when the bunkering community, alongside the wider shipping industry, is facing disruption and risk on multiple fronts. Ours is a resilient and adaptable sector, and IBIA has a crucial role to play in navigating this period. I thank my predecessor, Constantinos Capetenakis, for his efforts in building a sound foundation of both professionalism and excellence within IBIA. This legacy will be invaluable as we address current challenges and continue to expand the breadth of our membership across the bunker value chain.”

IBIA – The International Bunker Industry Association is the voice of the global marine energy value chain, representing a diverse membership of fuel suppliers, traders, shipowners, brokers, surveyors, port authorities, and maritime professionals across more than 70 countries. Established in 1993, IBIA promotes transparency, quality, and high standards in marine fuel operations and supports the industry’s transition to low and zero-carbon fuels. Through advocacy at the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and its global network of training, events, and working groups, IBIA connects the industry to drive safe, sustainable, and practical solutions for the future of marine energy.

Το άρθρο IBIA announces new Board of Directors εμφανίστηκε πρώτα στο Maritimes.

The Maritime Technologies Forum (MTF) today announced the publication of new guidelines to support companies in developing and implementing Safety Management Systems (SMS) for ships equipped with Wind Assisted Propulsion Systems (WAPS). The guidelines offer a structured approach to managing the operational, technical and organisational aspects unique to WAPS‑equipped vessels.

Interest in wind‑assisted propulsion, as a viable solution for reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, is growing. While wind has powered ships for millennia, modern WAPS, including rotor sails, suction sails, and wing sails, introduce new safety principles that must be integrated into a company’s SMS. The MTF guidelines help companies identifying procedural gaps and, thus, strengthen the SMS for both newbuilds and retrofitted ships.

Developed collaboratively by MTF members who have experience in WAPS technologies and the International Safety Management (ISM) Code, the guidelines provide practical recommendations based on current industry practices. The report emphasises the importance of structured risk assessments and highlights key operational implications of WAPS, including effects on manoeuvrability, visibility, emergency preparedness and maintenance practices.

The guidelines underscore the importance of learning and continuous improvement during the early phases of technology uptake. Companies are encouraged to adjust reporting templates to capture WAPS‑specific non‑conformities, near‑misses and hazardous events, enabling trend identification and procedural refinement. Noting the absence of WAPS‑specific certifications, the guidelines encourage role‑specific training focused on system functionality, operational limits and emergency procedures.

By offering clear, experience‑based guidance aligned with the ISM Code, the new MTF guidelines aim to support safety management of ships using WAPS as both technologies and regulations continue to evolve.

Cristina Saenz de Santa Maria, Interim CEO Maritime, DNV, said: “As the industry’s decarbonization efforts introduce new technologies and fuels, safety must remain the priority. These guidelines reflect the collective effort of MTF members and industry stakeholders in rising to that challenge. By providing the targeted recommendations needed to operate wind-assisted propulsion systems safely, the guidelines aim to support the industry during this major time of transformation.”

Lars Lippuner, Director, UK Customer Maritime Services of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, said “Wind‑assisted propulsion systems offer significant potential, as part of the wider technology mix, to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. I welcome the publication of the MTF’s latest guidelines as a further step in our shared commitment to supporting industry through a safe transition to a decarbonised future. These guidelines give companies clear, practical recommendations for managing the operational, technical and organisational aspects of these systems within their SMS.”

View the report by downloading here: https://www.maritimetechnologiesforum.com/#publications

About MTF

MTF is a forum of Flag States and Classification Societies, established to provide technical and regulatory expertise to benefit the maritime industry. The role of the Forum is to work together on research that it publishes to the maritime industry and draw on regulatory expertise to be able to offer unbiased advice to the shipping sector. It seeks to give guidance on the use of alternative fuels and increased levels of automation in the industry. Furthermore, it allows for the safe testing and adoption of new technologies and it helps shape world-leading regulation.

The Flag State administrations include Maritime Bureau, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure,
Transport and Tourism, Japan; the Norwegian Maritime Authority; the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, United Kingdom; and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).
The Classification Society members are ABS, DNV, LR and ClassNK.

Το άρθρο Maritime Technologies Forum Announces New Guidelines to Strengthen Safety Management for Ships Using Wind Assisted Propulsion Systems εμφανίστηκε πρώτα στο Maritimes.

The report finds that ferries emit as much CO2 as 6.6 million cars annually, and that port cities, including Dublin, Barcelona and Naples, experience higher levels of harmful air pollution from ferries than from road traffic.

NatPower Marine, a global developer of maritime charging infrastructure, says the findings point to a tipping point for the industry the barrier to decarbonisation is no longer vessel technology, which is growing rapidly, but the lack of scalable charging infrastructure at ports.

Electric ferry vessels are already operating across full routes in Europe and China, demonstrating that maritime electrification is no longer theoretical, it is happening at scale. China’s latest five-year plan signals a major acceleration, targeting the electrification of ferries and container feeder vessels by 2030. In doing so, it is positioning itself to lead in electric shipping, much as it has in electric vehicles.

This creates a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the UK and EU to co-lead maritime electrification — not only in vessel innovation, but in the infrastructure, services and energy systems that will define the future of the industry.

“Ferries are one of the most viable segments to electrify. The technology is ready and the economics are increasingly favourable what’s missing is infrastructure at scale.” said Stefano D.M. Sommadossi, CEO of NatPower Marine UK

UK and Irish Sea / Channel routes highlight immediate opportunity

The findings are particularly relevant for the UK and Ireland, where high-frequency ferry routes such as Dublin–Holyhead and Belfast–Heysham, and the Channel routes with France, Belgium and the Netherlands, which  are among the most intensively used in Europe.

These routes account for thousands of annual crossings and significant emissions at berth, yet they are also among the most suitable for electrification due to predictable schedules and regular port dwell times.

“Short-sea ferry routes like those across the Irish Sea or the Channel are one of the most practical starting points for maritime decarbonisation,” Sommadossi added. “With the right charging infrastructure in place, emissions reductions can be achieved quickly and at scale.”

Infrastructure — not ambition — is now the constraint

While the T&E report suggests that up to 60% of Europe’s ferry fleet could be electrified by 2035, with many routes already cheaper to operate using battery power, deployment is being held back by limited grid access and insufficient port-side charging capacity.

NatPower Marine is addressing this challenge by developing a global network of fully financed maritime charging infrastructure      combining      shore power, battery storage, and smart grid integration.

In the UK, NatPower Marine is investing over £100 million in partnership with Peel Ports Group to deploy e-ship charging infrastructure across eight major ports, supporting the creation of one of the first green shipping corridors between the UK and Ireland.

This model removes the need for upfront capital investment from vessel operators and enables ports to scale clean energy provision without compromising grid stability.

Turning ports into energy hubs for clean shipping

Ports are at the centre of the maritime energy transition, but selling electric fuel is not their business, in fact the ones which tried are losing money, and are now wanting to pass the risk to operators like NatPower. “Ports do not drill, pipe, refine and sell traditional fuels, they make money with logistic and real estate services instead. Operating electric fuel is our mission.”

With the average age of Europe’s ferry fleet at 26 years, hence the sector is entering a critical renewal cycle and that aligning vessel investment with infrastructure deployment will be essential to avoid locking in emissions for decades.

“The data is clear, the technology is proven, and the economics are immediately viable,” Sommadossi added. “Since there is not enough infrastructure and access to electricity for marine electrification is in competition with higher payers like data centres, the ferry operators that will secure access to electricity will create a competitive advantage in both service and cost, leading to larger market shares and higher profits for them.”

Link to T&E Report https://www.transportenvironment.org/articles/ferry-pollution-worse-than-cars-in-many-european-port-cities

For the UK, this is not a niche transport issue. Around 95% of the country’s trade moves by sea, with the maritime sector contributing over £100 billion to the economy. While ferries represent a smaller share of total shipping by volume, they are among the most operationally intensive and economically critical segments, connecting key trade routes, supporting regional economies, and operating at high frequency in and out of major ports. Their fixed routes, regular schedules and extended time at berth make them one of the most immediate and cost-effective opportunities for decarbonisation, with emissions concentrated where they have the greatest impact on air quality, energy demand and the cost of moving goods.

Across Europe, this is equally not a niche transport issue. Maritime transport underpins the continent’s economy, carrying around 75% of external trade and nearly a third of intra-EU freight, while supporting millions of jobs across ports, logistics and industry. While ferries represent a smaller share of total shipping by volume, they are among the most operationally intensive and socially critical segments, connecting islands and coastal regions, enabling cross-border trade, and operating at high frequency in and out of major port cities. Their fixed routes, predictable schedules and extended time at berth make them one of the most immediate and cost-effective opportunities for decarbonisation — with emissions concentrated in urban port environments where they have the greatest impact on air quality, public health and regional economies. can we back this up with creditable links if challenged

About NatPower Marine

NatPower Marine, part of the NatPower Group, is developing the largest independent network of ship charging facilities to provide clean electricity for propulsion and a cold ironing solution to the global maritime sector. The company develops the essential end-to-end infrastructure required for the decarbonisation of global supply chain routes, providing shore power to support the electrification of ships for propulsion and cold ironing at berth, at anchor, and offshore.

The NatPower Group is a global energy transition developer with approximately 30 GW of natural power projects, operating in the UK, USA, Italy, Kazakhstan, and other countries. The company has an ambitious expansion plan to become the largest and fastest-growing enabler of the global energy transition. NatPower H, a subsidiary of NatPower Group, is currently building the world’s first green hydrogen refuelling station infrastructure for pleasure yachting.

NatPower UK is a sister company of NatPower Marine. NatPower UK has one of the largest clean energy development portfolios in the UK. It will bring over 100 GWh of battery storage online by 2035, integrating large-scale, smart, clean energy generation and distribution with large-scale, intermittent, clean energy demand.

Το άρθρο Ferry emissions outpace cars in major European ports — charging infrastructure gap now the critical bottleneck, says NatPower Marine εμφανίστηκε πρώτα στο Maritimes.

Mr Hosaka will assume the role from April 1st, 2026. He succeeds to the position following three years as Director of Corporate and Innovation for the Europe and Africa region.

Prior to this, he served as Vice President of Corporate and Innovation in ONE’s Latin American region, and earlier as President of ONE Chile, where he first joined the company in 2019.

With extensive experience across the Americas and China, Mr. Hosaka brings a vital global perspective to ONE during a period of industry upheaval. His background includes leading NYK Line’s marketing expansion in China and overseeing RORO operations across the Americas.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Hosaka said “I am honoured to take on this new leadership role at such a dynamic time for ONE. While the industry faces significant global challenges, my main priority is ensuring our service standards remain lean and agile, meeting our customers’ evolving needs at the very highest level.

He added: “Shipping remains the heartbeat of global trade, delivering essential everyday items that sustain lives around the world. At ONE we have a great and diverse team of people focused on innovation, customer satisfaction and sustainability. By building on the strong foundations laid over the past 8 years, together we will ensure ONE remains a strong, reliable, and future-ready organization, with the adaptability to thrive through 2030 and beyond. As ONE, We Can.”

Mr Hosaka succeeds outgoing Managing Director Takahiro Kikuchi who steps down from this position to take on a new leadership role in Asia after 3 successful years leading the region.

In his new role, Mr Hosaka will be supported by ONE Europe and Africa Board Directors Stanley Smulders (Product and Network), Dan Miura (Marketing and Commercial), and Masashi Hamada (Corporate and Innovation).

About Ocean Network Express (Europe) Ltd.

Launched on April 1, 2018, Ocean Network Express (Europe) Ltd. is the regional headquarters and a subsidiary of Ocean Network Express (ONE), headquartered in Singapore.

About Ocean Network Express (ONE)

Ocean Network Express (ONE), headquartered in Singapore, is one of the world’s leading liner shipping companies.

It operates a fleet of over 230 vessels with a capacity exceeding 1.8 million TEUs. Through its extensive global network, ONE provides reliable container shipping services to over 120 countries.

The company was established by integrating the container shipping businesses of Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (“K” LINE), Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), and Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK).

For more information, please visit www.one-line.com

Το άρθρο Tomohiro Hosaka appointed Managing Director for Ocean Network Express (Europe) Ltd bringing decades of industry insight εμφανίστηκε πρώτα στο Maritimes.