Pacific Grebe, a UK Government-operated ship designed to transport spent nuclear fuel, is set to become the first vessel to trial a new wind-assisted propulsion technology. On October 21st, the 4,900dwt ship arrived in Southampton, showcasing the installation of the FastRig, a retractable rigid wing sail developed by Scotland’s Smart Green Shipping.

Seatrium Limited has secured contracts worth a total of SGD 100 million (USD 76 million) for vessel repairs and upgrades, solidifying its position as a leader in maritime services. The projects, scheduled for completion by the first quarter of 2025, include complex tasks such as carbon capture and storage (CCS) retrofits, repairs on yachts, cruise ships, LNG carriers, offshore vessels, and tankers.

In further wind propulsion news, a consortium is reviving Japan’s leadership in the sails segment with a new project to use soft sails on a geared bulk carrier.

A second Amasus general cargo vessel is set to be retrofitted with a bound4blue eSail, following an installation on Eems Traveller.