Special ship markets in recovery and real progress on maritime digitalisation brought a feelgood finale to Europort 2019, as the last of 26,076 visitors from 93 countries departed from the biennial conference and exhibition after an energetic week of events at Rotterdam Ahoy on Friday 8th November.

PPG (NYSE:PPG) announced results from a study that concluded vessels using its fouling release and antifouling coatings show improved speed and power performance.

RINA has announced the signing of an important Memorandum of Understanding with the School of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering (NA & ME School) of the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA). RINA is one of the oldest classification societies and a founding member of the International Association of Classification Societies and the memorandum forms a framework to support young engineers in gaining professional experience, a vital supplement to their studies.

MAN Energy Solutions and Wessels Marine GmbH have announced a technical showcase whereby the 2017-retrofitted ‘Wes Amelie’, a 1,036-teu feeder container ship, will use liquefied SNG (Synthetic Natural Gas) produced from renewable electrical energy as drop-in fuel.

On 20th October, a handover ceremony was held at Albwardy Damen, in Sharjah, UAE, marking Damen’s delivery of thirteen tugs to Jawar Al Khaleej Shipping.

The launch of Europort 2019 at the Rotterdam Ahoy saw well-known journalist Geert Maarse bring four of the leading owners in Europe’s special ship segments to grips with the key challenges facing the maritime industries today and tomorrow.