Ocean Network Express (ONE) proudly announces the Approval in Principle (AiP) for a cutting-edge Ammonia Dual-fueled vessel, solidifying its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. This achievement follows ONE’s strategic investment in 12 methanol dual-fueled vessels, reflecting the company’s significant strides toward sustainable shipping practices.
The National Energy Regulatory Council (NERC) in Lithuania has initiated its second tender to select a developer for a 700 MW offshore wind farm in the Baltic Sea. Interested parties must submit their applications by April 14, 2024. Concurrently, substantial preparatory work is underway at the Port of Klaipėda, where an offshore wind installation terminal is being constructed to facilitate the development of two Lithuanian wind farms and other Baltic Sea projects.
Klaipėda Port is set to embark on a comprehensive investment strategy, aligning with its four-year Strategic Plan to enhance port infrastructure, boost competitiveness, and implement eco-friendly initiatives. With planned investments totaling EUR 234 million between 2024 and 2027, the focus is on adapting the port to evolving market trends and ensuring its competitiveness.
Ocean Network Express (ONE) unveils the latest “ONE INITIATIVES” marking the conclusion of FY2023 Q3. Despite the encouraging signs of economic recovery in North America and Europe, driven by a rebound in consumer spending, recent geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and an extended drought at the Panama Canal have emerged as significant factors impacting global liner markets.
In a remarkable turn of events, the Port of Gdańsk, Poland’s largest port, has experienced a significant surge in cargo handling, reaching a staggering 81 million tonnes – an impressive increase of over 12.7 million tonnes from the previous year. The spike can be attributed to the geopolitical situation, with agro goods leading the charge with a notable 60% surge. Grain terminals, operating at full capacity throughout the year, played a crucial role in this increase, driven by the blockade of Ukrainian ports on the Black Sea, redirecting the transit of Ukrainian grain through Polish ports.
In collaboration with Truckparkings Rotterdam Exploitatie (TRE), the Port of Rotterdam Authority inaugurated the inaugural electric truck charging station within the port. Located at the Bodaanweg truck park in Waalhaven, this facility accommodates up to eight electric trucks simultaneously, marking a significant stride towards sustainable road transport. Recognizing that approximately 70% of regional container journeys involve short distances, the introduction of electric trucks aims to enhance environmental cleanliness and contribute to achieving CO2-neutral freight transport.
Antwerp port has successfully completed a three-year initiative to enhance its infrastructure, enabling it to accommodate container ships with a draft of 16 meters. This significant achievement positions Antwerp as the premier port of call for the world’s largest ships. The collaborative effort involved six meticulous test voyages, with the final trial featuring the MSC Raya on November 10, 2023. Today, MSC Aurora marks the first container ship to navigate Antwerp with a 16-meter draft under the regular admission policy, signifying the official implementation of this crucial advancement.
A recently launched container cargo line is now connecting four prominent European ports along the route Riga (Latvia) – Hull (Great Britain) – Rotterdam (Netherlands) – Helsinki (Finland). Managed by the Dutch company Samskip, the Samskip Multimodal B.V. container ship line operates two medium-sized container ships, BF Cartagena and Dornbusch, which make weekly stops at the Port of Riga. The berths at SIA “Rīgas Centrālais Termināls” (RCT), a terminal within the JSC “Riga Port” group, accommodate these Samskip vessels. In 2023, RCT witnessed a remarkable 2-fold increase in containerized cargo volume, with containers constituting nearly 50% of the terminal’s cargo portfolio.
The Port of Gdańsk, situated in the deep-water area next to the Ore Pier, has unveiled a unique investment opportunity as it opens a tender for the long-term lease of a nearly 24-hectare property. Unprecedented on a European scale, the site, with a valid building permit for an agricultural cargo handling terminal, is earmarked for grain handling development. Port of Gdańsk Authority seeks bids that diversify cargo groups and leverage the property’s strategic location within the port’s deepwater segment.
The inaugural methanol-powered container ship, “Ane Mærsk,” was officially christened at a ceremony held at the HD Hyundai Heavy Industries shipyard in Ulsan, South Korea. Named after Ane Mærsk Mc-Kinney Uggla, the Chair of the A.P. Moller Foundation and A.P. Moller Holding, the vessel was christened by Ane’s eldest granddaughter, who broke a champagne bottle over the bow to mark the occasion.
