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What’s new this week?

Dear readers, India and France are strengthening maritime ties through a JNPA-Marseille Fos MoU focused on green ports and digitalization. In Mexico, Hutchison Ports is deploying a $40 million electrified yard to ease Manzanillo congestion. A new EDF report quantifies the compelling economics of Florida port electrification, while ZEPA releases practical tools to scale zero-emission equipment globally. On the water, Norway's Brim Explorer has ordered record-efficient electric trimarans, China is accelerating its electric waterways push, and Wasaline has installed the world's largest RoPax battery. The enabling ecosystem is also maturing, with Wärtsilä electrifying Danish ferries, Steerprop powering hybrid tugs, and Lehmann Marine expanding its European footprint. Enjoy this edition!

Port News

  • JNPA & Marseille Fos Sign Strategic MoU: Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority and Grand Port Maritime de Marseille Fos sign an MoU to enhance India–Europe maritime cooperation. The partnership focuses on smart port platforms, data interoperability, and technical exchanges for digital transformation. Joint initiatives will advance alternative fuels like LNG and hydrogen, plus Onshore Power Supply infrastructure. READ MORE

  • Hutchison Invests $40M in Manzanillo Yard: Hutchison Ports TIMSA invests MX$690 million (US$40.16 million) in a 15,000-TEU off-dock yard near the Port of Manzanillo. The facility, located 1.5km from the port entrance, features electric RTGs, terminal tractors, forklifts, and empty container handlers. The expansion aims to ease congestion and logistics costs, which COMCE warns are rising up to 20% due to delays. READ MORE

  • EDF Report: Florida Port Electrification Pays Off: A new EDF-commissioned AECOM report finds port electrification strengthens Florida's global competitiveness and delivers long-term savings. Electric RTGs cost 30% more upfront but save over $60,000 annually per unit across a 20-year lifespan versus diesel models. Seven Florida ports have shore power installed or underway, with 72% of cruise ships expected to be shore power-capable by 2028. READ MORE

  • ZEPA Launches Zero-Emission Port Tools: The Zero Emission Port Alliance marks its two-year milestone by releasing practical tools to scale battery-electric container handling equipment. New offerings include updated Voluntary Standards, a step-by-step Transition Plan, and a Load Profile Explorer for managing charging demand. TCO assessments show BE-CHE, especially terminal tractors, approaching cost parity with diesel in some regions.
    ZEPA's 2026 priorities include accelerating BESS integration and scaling shore power solutions across its 14-member alliance. READ MORE

    Vessel News

  • Brim Explorer Orders "World's Most Efficient" E-Vessels: Norwegian tourism company Brim Explorer orders two 24-meter, 180-passenger battery-powered trimarans for delivery in spring 2027. The vessels achieve a 100-nautical-mile range at 20 knots, making them the world's most efficient zero-emission passenger ships. Built by Herde Kompositt and Horten Shipyards, the NOK 200 million (US$20M) project showcases Norwegian maritime technology.
    READ MORE

  • China Amps Electric Waterways Push: China is leveraging its EV battery prowess to electrify inland waterways, with over 485 e-vessels now operating nationwide. CATL has partnered with Jining Energy to develop 2,000-tonne cargo vessels with 270km range, with 55 units ordered. Fujian Shipbuilding launched a 1,000-tonne pure-electric cargo ship on the Min River with 200km range on February 7. READ MORE

  • Seasats Raises $20M for Autonomous Vessels: San Diego-based Seasats closes a US$20 million Series A financing round led by Konvoy Ventures. The funding will scale production of its small uncrewed surface vehicles, including the 3.5m solar-electric Lightfish. The Lightfish has demonstrated 12,000 km autonomous Pacific crossings for port security, coastal patrols, and subsea mapping. The company is preparing to launch the 4,082 kg Heavyfish platform in autumn 2026 for longer-range missions. READ MORE

  • Porsche & Frauscher Launch 850 Fantom Air: Porsche AG, Porsche Engineering, and Austrian boatbuilder Frauscher jointly develop the 850 Fantom Air electric sports boat. The vessel uses the 800V powertrain from the Porsche Macan Turbo, delivering 400 kW and over 85 km/h top speed. The 100 kWh lithium-ion battery is specially mounted with steel cable damping to withstand wave impacts and vibration. A limited series of 25 boats is now in production, with the first units already delivered to customers worldwide. READ MORE

  • Grimaldi's Grande Svezia Calls Le Havre: The Grimaldi Group's next-generation PCTC Grande Svezia makes its inaugural call at HAROPA PORT's Le Havre terminal. The 220m, 9,000 CEU vessel is "Ammonia Ready" and features a 5 MWh lithium battery system for zero-emission port calls. Advanced efficiency technologies include 2,500 sqm solar panels, air lubrication, gate rudder, and IMO Tier III compliance. READ MORE

  • World's Largest RoPax Battery Installed: Wasaline completes a major battery upgrade on Aurora Botnia, expanding capacity from 2.2 MWh to 12.6 MWh. The system, supplied by AYK Energy with integration by Wärtsilä, is now the largest battery installation on any RoPax vessel worldwide. The upgrade was executed during normal operations with minimal disruption, finalized at BLRT Repair Yards in Finland. READ MORE

  • Auckland Hybrid Ferry Excels on Sea Trials: Auckland's first plug-in hybrid electric fast ferry achieves 36 knots on all-electric mode during successful sea trials. The 32m, 299-passenger Incat Crowther-designed vessel features four Danfoss electric motors and Hamilton water jets. The vessel, operated by Fullers360 for Auckland Transport, is expected to reduce carbon emissions by 750,000 kg annually. READ MORE

OEMs

  • Oslo Havn Selects ShoreLink Mobile Power: Oslo Havn KF selects ShoreLink's CruiseLink Mobile S shore power system for the centrally located Filipstad cruise berth. The mobile unit features a near-zero turning radius and 55m cable reel, enabling vessels to connect without interfering with quay activity. The system allows cruise ships to shut down auxiliary engines, reducing local emissions and noise in sensitive urban areas. READ MORE

  • Wärtsilä to Electrify Danish Catamaran Ferry: Wärtsilä will supply a fully integrated electric propulsion system for Molslinjen's new high-speed catamaran ferry. The 129m, 1,483-passenger vessel is the third in a series of battery-electric ships being built at Incat Shipyard in Tasmania. Wärtsilä's scope includes electric motors, DC power conversion, energy management, and electric-driven waterjets. READ MORE

  • Steerprop to Power Østensjø Hybrid Tug: Steerprop will supply dual-end SP 50 W D propulsors for a new hybrid tugboat being built for Norwegian owner Østensjø Rederi. The 150-ton bollard pull vessel, designed by Skipsteknisk and built at GONDAN Shipbuilders, will feature DP2 capability. Most operations will use electric motors, with diesel engines providing additional power when higher bollard pull is required. READ MORE

  • Lehmann Marine Expands in Norway & Benelux: Lehmann Marine, a Sunlight Group company, opens new offices in Trondheim, Norway, and Eindhoven, Netherlands. Ola Staverløkk leads Norwegian operations while Ruben Wansink heads Benelux activities, both bringing 20+ years maritime experience. The expansion strengthens local support for Lehmann Marine's safe, compact LFP battery systems in two key European markets. READ MORE

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