The Panama Canal has reported that the queue of vessels waiting to transit has shown improvement. Standing at 108 at both entrances to the waterway, there are 20% less vessels waiting in total since last week (135), which is normal for this time of year. 
An extended dry season and the El Niño phenomenon caused the Panama Canal to implement measures earlier this year to save water, in order to maintain high reliability levels. While these measures and the season’s high vessel demand have had an impact on waiting times for some –mostly for vessels without reservations— such demand underscores the maritime industry's continued preference for the route between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. 
Results to Date (Fiscal Year 2023 October 1st – September 30th)  
One month before the end of Fiscal Year 2023, the Panama Canal total transits are 799 above budget and 470 million tons have transited the Canal, on budget.  
The number of vessels on stand-by will depend on market demands. As we approach the peak season at the Panama Canal, and if diminished rainfall patterns remain within projections, a queue of vessels above the usual is expected, but measures taken by the Canal have proven effective. Those measures are: 

1. For the Neopanamax locks, 13.4 meters (44 feet) maximum draft levels (down from an average of 15.2 meters (50 feet) last year.  
2. For the Panamax locks, an average of 32 transits per day (down from 36) 

The Panama Canal urges its customers to make reservations to transit, as this allows them to secure a spot. Approximately 50% of transits (most of which use the Panamax locks) do not make reservations and transit on a first-come, first-served basis. The Panama Canal makes sure to provide timely information to all its customers.  
Lake Levels 
The lack of rainfall has impacted Gatun Lake, now at 24.2 meters (79.7 feet), compared to 26.6 meters (87.41 feet) in September of previous years.  
Generally, the lake ends a normal rainy season at 27.1 meters (89 feet) in November and ends the dry season at the end of April at 25.9 meters (85 feet). Measures taken will be maintained for the remainder of this year and throughout 2024, unless weather conditions change significantly from current forecasts. 

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The new North Star of the Celestyal fleet, Celestyal Journey, set sail on her maiden voyage around the Aegean, cruising in the expert hands of industry veteran, captain Angelos Vassilakos.
Departing from Piraeus, Athens on Saturday, 02 September, Celestyal Journey’s first guests are now enjoying her inaugural seven-night “Idyllic Aegean” itinerary continuing the company’s ethos of truly immersing guests deep into the destination culture, visiting Thessaloniki, Kusadasi, Heraklion (Crete), Santorini, Mykonos, and Milos.
Celestyal’s CEO, Chris Theophilides comments: “On 02 September, we successfully launched a new direction to our Celestyal product offering, as we celebrated our newest ship, Celestyal Journey, taking to the seas. It’s an extremely exciting time for us at Celestyal as we continue our investment into the fleet, with this occasion marking the start of a new chapter in the company’s vision to offer a new premium stay-in-style experience.”
To celebrate Journey’s inaugural voyage and to showcase the substantially increased premium balcony capacity onboard, Celestyal is extending its special promotion of a complimentary suite upgrade on all Journey bookings* made until 31 October, for travel for the rest of the year. This includes their award winning seven night, ‘Three Continents’ itinerary which commences on the new ship from 21 October, and the special 8-, 11-, 18- and 19-night festive sailings departing in December (on 16 December for the 11- and 19-night sailing, 09 December for the 18-night sailing, and 27 December for the 8-night sailing respectively).
Detailed information regarding The Celestyal Journey’s itineraries can be found on celestyal.com and more information on the current special offers can be found here and through their trusted global travel partners.
*The generous superior suite upgrade will be applied to all XD, SJA, SJB bookings made during this time.
About Celestyal
Celestyal has fast built an award-winning reputation and recognition as the number one choice for travellers to the Greek Islands and East Mediterranean thanks to its regional expertise and exceptional hospitality. The company operates two vessels, each one intimate enough to provide guests with a genuine and highly personalized experience.
The foundation of the company’s philosophy is built on a unique Greek heritage which combines outstanding hospitality with genuine cultural destination immersion and provides authentic, lifetime experiences both onboard and onshore.
Awards
Since 2014, Celestyal has received top honors in the Tourism Awards, one of the largest and most prestigious awards programs within the Greek tourism industry. These include one Platinum, 15 Gold, 10 Silver and nine Bronze awards covering Guest Experience Excellence, Solo Travel, CSR Initiatives, Contribution to National Economy, FAM and Press Trips, Communication Campaign and Multichannel Marketing Campaign.
In December 2022, Celestyal won a Bronze Award at the British Travel Awards in the ‘‘Best Operator for Mini Cruises’’ category and was named one of the top ocean cruise lines for ‘’Best Service’’ at the annual Cruise Critic Editors’ Picks Awards 2022, an award also received in 2018 and 2019.
Ιn 2019 and 2020, Celestyal was recognized for its overall contribution and commitment to the development of the cruise industry in the Eastern Mediterranean region at the MedCruise Awards.
Corporate Responsibility
Celestyal is deeply committed to sustainability and ethical business practices. The company actively supports the local communities in the destinations it visits, particularly in the field of education. Additionally, Celestyal supports cultural NGOs to promote youth entrepreneurship, marine student development and child welfare.
ISO Certification
The entire spectrum of Celestyal’s ship management, including technical, hotel and crew management, and offices, are certified in accordance with ISO 9001/14001 standards. The certifying authority is DNV, which is widely recognized as the biggest and most respected rating agency in the marine industry.

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Recently, Headway Technology Group and China National Energy Group reached a cooperation agreement to provide “Methanol Fuel Supply System” for the latest built 10000DWT bulk carrier of methanol dual-fuel integrated electric propulsion. This project is the first set of actual ship orders in domestic market for methanol fuel supply system, marking another recognition by partners on Headway’s low carbon shipping solution, while also indicating that alternative fuels have officially entered the era of methanol for transportation in domestic trade.
The dual-fuel driven ship will be constructed by Yard in Hubei, classified under the CCS Classification Society. The main driving power configuration is four sets of methanol dual-fuel four-stroke generators. Headway will provide a one-stop solution including methanol storage tank, methanol Fuel handling module, auxiliary heat exchange module, methanol discharge and collection module, nitrogen generator module, double-wall pipes as well as the safety control system, etc. The whole package is expected to be delivered to the customer at the end of 2023.
Headway OceanGuard® Methanol Fuel Supply System has received orders from both low-speed engines and medium-speed engines. It was independently developed by Headway, suitable for sea or river-going vessels of methanol dual-fuel engines. With the modularized and redundant design, it features among others efficient operation, reliable security, flexible deployment, less energy loss, small space occupation, starting up with just one click of button, self-diagnosis. Up till now, it has obtained AiP approvals from DNV, RINA and other major classification societies.
In the future, Headway will continue focusing on maritime trends of zero-emission and vessel intelligence, providing green, safe, intelligent and one-stop decarbonization solutions to business partners.
Image: The picture shows the module of methanol fuel supplied by Headway.

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Neptune Lines ordered two next generation vessels, specially designed for its short sea trades. Fujian Mawei shipyard in China will build the highly efficient 4200 CEU DF PCTC vessels which will be both delivered in 2026.
The new vessels, under the Genesis Project, are the first two of a new series which reflects Neptune’s strategy to supplement its fleet over the next decade, increase relevant cargo capacity by 36% from current core fleet vessels, and reduce emissions to remain well ahead of global targets.  Both vessels have hybrid energy systems - designed and constructed to use battery installation to supply peak power - and are dual fueled able to utilize LNG or VLSFO as fuel for reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in a high pressure 2-stroke engine.  A controllable pitch propeller with shaft generator and multiple thrusters are utilized for the propulsion and efficient maneuvering of the vessels.  Shore power capability will be installed, able to connect to port grids when available to remove emissions when in port. The design has been developed together with Deltamarin and the vessels will be classed by DNV.
“We are proud that Neptune Lines has chosen us as the Designer for their next generation PCTC vessels and are pleased with the excellent co-operation between participating parties throughout the design development. Secondly, we look forward to working with Fujian Mawei Shipbuilding, providing them with engineering services and supporting them in the execution of this cutting-edge newbuilding program for Neptune Lines”, says Janne Uotila, CEO of Deltamarin.
“Neptune Lines continues to improve its environmental performance by using the latest advanced technologies, fuels, and scale improvements. We are determined to drive the energy transition of the shipping industry, while remaining committed to providing adaptable and sophisticated solutions to our customers’ needs and reacting swiftly to their demands. We remain dedicated to our mantra of Wake Forward.” states Neptune Lines’s CEO Craig Jasienski.

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VIKING Norsafe Life-saving Equipment HELLAS has secured orders from Greece’s Ministry of Shipping & Island Policy to deliver 31 patrol boats and three high-speed boats to the Hellenic Coast Guard. The orders, covered in three separate contracts with the VIKING Life-saving Equipment subsidiary, are part of an EU-backed Hellenic Coast Guard procurement program which was initiated four years ago.
Two of the contracts cover 31 boats based on VIKING Norsafe’s proven Munin S1200 hull form, with the design adapted to meet client requirements. All of them feature 2X inboard diesel engines to support service speeds of 35 knots and top speeds of 50 knots.
In the first, co-funded by the Operational Programme for Fisheries and the Sea, VIKING will supply 10 x 11.3m length, 12-person patrol boats. In the second, co-funded by the Internal Security Fund (ISF), VIKING will deliver 21 boats to uphold border controls; in this case, one boat is also being co-funded by the Ionian Islands Regional Operational Programme.
The third contract, also co-financed by ISF, covers the supply of three high-speed ‘Metis 750’ RHIBS, which will be loaded onboard Hellenic Coastguard vessels to provide rapid patrol and rescue capability. These 7.5m length, 5-person vessels will be equipped with twin outboard 200hp engines, to achieve service speeds of 35 knots and top speeds of 45 knots.
“Given the multiple stakeholders involved and the different situations these vessels will need to handle, it is especially significant that VIKING Norsafe patrol boats are once again the preferred choice for Hellenic seaborne forces,” said John Georgiadis, General Manager, VIKING Norsafe Life-saving Equipment HELLAS. “Today, as well as designing and marketing a complete portfolio of boats from 5m in length up to 60-knot interceptors, we are building the full range, including in-house GRP manufacturing and assembly: we are in very good position to have worthwhile discussions with all types of clients.”
In a period of extraordinary activity for VIKING in Greece, the contracts continue a run of success for VIKING Norsafe in support of Hellenic seaborne forces. An initial four Munin S1200 boats have recently been delivered to the Hellenic Army Special Forces, with three more to follow this summer as part of an extensive frame agreement. VIKING recently delivered eight ambulance boats to the Hellenic Coastguard and 11 VIKING Norsafe METIS RIBs to the Hellenic Navy.
“Securing these contracts is a huge achievement and a major endorsement of the reputation for excellence VIKING Norsafe continues to consolidate in Greece for the development, production, service support and crew training of its patrol and rescue boat portfolio,” added Eirik Møllergaard, Senior Sales Manager Defence & Professional, VIKING Life-Saving equipment.
About VIKING
VIKING Life-Saving Equipment A/S is a global leader in maritime, offshore and fire safety solutions.
We manufacture, market and service safety and firefighting equipment for passenger and cargo ships, offshore installations, offshore wind turbines, fishing vessels, navies, helicopter services, fire departments and leisure yachts around the world.
VIKING’s products protect passengers and crew on many of the world’s largest cruise liners and cargo ships, and we help to ensure safe conditions for workers on some of the world’s most advanced offshore platforms.
We also enable shipowners and owners/operators of offshore installations to focus on their business by managing their service tasks and ensuring the regulatory compliance of all their products and solutions.
VIKING is a privately held corporation, founded in 1960. In recent years, VIKING acquired the Norwegian company Norsafe, whose lifeboats have been used around the world since 1904, and Drew Marine’s FSR division, one of the world’s three largest providers of Marine Fire Service. Headquartered in Esbjerg, Denmark, VIKING products are manufactured in Denmark, Norway, Bulgaria, Greece, China and Thailand.

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DNV has granted a letter of professional opinion categorising ERMA FIRST BLUE CONNECT as an energy-saving device and verifying its positive impact on Carbon Intensity Indicator performance in the field of sustainable maritime solutions provider.
Following a thorough review, DNV has issued a letter of professional opinion confirming that ERMA FIRST’s alternative maritime power (AMP) system, BLUE CONNECT, meets the requirements for categorisation as an ‘energy-saving device’ (ESD). In the same document, DNV recognises BLUE CONNECT’s ability to improve vessel Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) ratings in line with regulations set out by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). 
Dimitris Tsoulos, BLUE CONNECT Director, ERMA FIRST, said: “BLUE CONNECT’s official recognition as an energy-saving device that can help ship owners to improve their CII rating is a significant milestone for the product and for ERMA FIRST as an organisation. This letter of professional opinion from DNV provides evidence of the benefits BLUE CONNECT can deliver as we strive to offer solutions that facilitate regulatory compliance and support the decarbonisation of shipping and the protection of coastal environments.” 
By plugging into an onshore power supply and shutting down its diesel auxiliary engines while berthed, a vessel equipped with BLUE CONNECT not only saves energy but eliminates the emission of greenhouse gases including carbon dioxide in port, thereby reducing its overall carbon intensity per transport work, Tsoulos explained. In addition to improving CII ratings in accordance with IMO requirements, the solution allows ship operators to comply with port regulations as authorities worldwide continue to develop and implement requirements for the use of shore power at berth. 
As the leading global manufacturer of ballast water treatment systems (BWTS), ERMA FIRST considers the protection of marine ecosystems as its primary objective. In developing BLUE CONNECT, the company drew on the experience gained through its industry-leading ERMA FIRST FIT BWTS, to create a product that goes far beyond regulatory compliance in terms of environmental benefits. Specifically, BLUE CONNECT helps improve air quality and reduce noise and vibrations in ports, enhancing health and quality of life in surrounding communities while minimising impacts on aquatic fauna. 
The solution is suitable for retrofit and newbuild installations and is available in containerised or stand-alone formats. Standard models currently cater to Ro-Ro, Ro-Pax and pure-passenger ferries as well as container ships, cruise ships and tankers, but the system can be tailored to the needs of other vessel types. 
Learn more about the benefits of BLUE CONNECT and AMP in general in ERMA FIRST white paper Alternative Maritime Power: The Key to Greener Ports, available to download now.
ABOUT ERMA FIRST: ERMA FIRST - Preserving and Protecting the Marine Ecosystem 
Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Greece, ERMA FIRST is a leading manufacturer of ballast water treatment systems (BWΤS) and sustainable marine equipment solutions. Our robust systems and solutions ensure worldwide compliance, provide operational simplicity and reduce operational expenditure. 
ERMA FIRST's customer-centric approach offers flexible and convenient servicing through a trusted network of certified engineers worldwide. ERMA FIRST provides sales, maintenance and training to clients via a network of offices in 46 countries. 
ERMA FIRST offers a complete range of ballast water treatment solutions (BWTS), holding USCG & IMO Type Approvals. In addition, ERMA FIRST is an experienced manufacturer of pioneering sustainable marine equipment solutions. 
ERMA FIRST won the Lloyd’s List Technical Achievement Award (2013), the GREEN4SEA Technology Award (2016) and GREEN4SEA Sustainability Award (2023). 

Image: Dimitris Tsoulos, BLUE CONNECT Director, ERMA FIRST

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In the context of further strengthening the cooperation between the two organizations, the Cyprus Shipping Chamber signed a “Cooperation Agreement” with the University of Cyprus, on Friday 4 August 2023.
The signing ceremony took place at the Chamber's offices in Limassol, and the “Cooperation Agreement” was signed by the President of the Cyprus Shipping Chamber, Mr. Themis Papadopoulos, and the Rector of the University of Cyprus, Dr. Tasos Christofides. 
The Agreement formalizes the cooperation between the two organizations in areas of common interest and aims to facilitate the further strengthening of the existing excellent cooperation.  
With the signing of the Agreement, the two parties formally agreed to cooperate in areas such as Students’ Practical Orientation Learning Experience, Training and Education in Shipping Related Courses, Research & Development activities, Information Exchange & Knowledge Sharing, and joint public relations activities for the benefit of both the University and Cyprus Shipping.

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The Columbia Group proceeds to its expansion into Indonesia with the aim of delivering its first-class manning solutions directly.
Columbia Shipmanagement (CSM) Indonesia will offer manning solutions in Indonesia and its surrounding regions, diversifying the crew pool on Columbia managed vessels and utilising the vast wealth of personnel resources that can be found there.
With more than 12million people employed in the maritime sector in the country, Columbia Group is proud to further its commitment and investment in its people with the expansion to Indonesia.
The news comes at an exciting time for the Indonesian maritime sector with a number of recent investments and developments in the region. The Indonesian commercial fleet has doubled in size since 2005, with shipping related business emerging as a leading sector of the Indonesian economy. These trends indicate the increasing offshore crewing supply emerging from the region - an opportunity that Columbia recognises and looks to utilise with the creation of CSM Indonesia.
President and CEO of Columbia Group, Mark O’Neil said: ‘It’s long been our ambition to fully establish the CSM brand in Indonesia, having utilised manning operations there for many years through third-party arrangements. We are excited to invest and foster the Columbia brand with strong local staff that share our vision.
"The Columbia Group is all about investing in the people within it, and the benefits of providing the best level of quality and welfare of our crew through our network of manning agencies are vast. We look forward to the launch of CSM Indonesia.”

Image: Mark O'Neil, President and CEO of the Columbia Group

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Ongoing investments in Athens office reaffirm LR’s commitment to Greek owners, ensuring access to the right people, knowledge, and support. 
Lloyd’s Register (LR) has further enhanced its capabilities in Greece and deepened its commitment to Greek clients, with the appointment of several additional global experts to its Athens office.  
Leading the charge is Elina Papageorgiou, LR’s Global Strategic Growth Director, who has been named LR’s Greece Vice President. In addition to leading our business in Greece, Elina manages a dedicated global strategic growth team spread across key maritime hubs. She has a wealth of global experience, having spent 20 years at LR and across the industry in a variety of roles in several different worldwide locations. Elina returns to Greece after leading LR’s UK & Ireland business. 
As part of LR’s drive to deliver technical excellence across its global network, Theodosis Stamatellos will now become the Global Technical Client Care Director, a newly created role that will see him and his global team support clients with around the clock technical assistance and guidance. 
Elina Papageorgiou, LR Greece Vice President, said: "I am delighted to be taking on this hugely important responsibility in Greece, especially at a time when the maritime industry is going through a fundamental transition. I am personally committed to strengthen relationships and connect our global capability to our local clients."
Trusted maritime advisers, partnering with clients to drive performance across the ocean economy.
Lloyd’s Register (LR) is a global professional services group specialising in marine engineering and technology. Created more than 260 years ago as the world’s first marine classification society, to improve and set standards for the safety of ships.
Today Lloyd’s Register (LR) is a leading provider of classification and compliance services to the marine and offshore industries, helping our clients design, construct and operate their assets to accepted levels of safety and environmental compliance.
It also provides advice, support and solutions on fleet performance and optimisation, voyage optimisation, enhancing its clients’ digital capability. LR’s digital solutions are relied upon by more than 20,000 vessels.
In the race to zero emissions, its research, technical expertise and industry-firsts are supporting a safe, sustainable maritime energy transition. 
Lloyd’s Register Group is wholly owned by the Lloyd’s Register Foundation, a politically and financially independent global charity that promotes safety and education.  

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Currently used by Shell Marine Lubricants customers, LubeMonitor will become available to shipowners and operators through Kongsberg Digital's marketplace for maritime applications, an ecosystem of numerous powerful applications supported by Vessel Insight SaaS-based data infrastructure.
The marine industry faces significant uncertainty as it navigates the energy transition. A focus on engine condition and reliability is key to supporting customers in managing this safely. LubeMonitor combines the data from onboard oil testing, engine operating conditions, Shell LubeAnalyst laboratory results, engine inspection photos and measurements. These are used to deliver insights based on OEM recommended guidance at a total fleet, vessel or cylinder level, supporting better management of reliability and informed decision-making for customers.
Last year, Kongsberg Digital and Shell Marine penned a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signifying their shared commitment to expedite decarbonisation initiatives and support the maritime industry's energy transition.
“This strategic collaboration expands the range of applications available to industry professionals on our marketplace and consolidates our collaboration with Shell. We are proud to work together with Shell, sharing a passion for digital innovation and commitment to decarbonisation. Offering Kongsberg Digital clients Shell’s LubeMonitor app is a testament to our close collaboration,” says Anders Bryhni, Vice President Maritime Products in Kongsberg Digital.
“Through this agreement we are not only broadening our collaboration, but also merging our digital innovation capability with industry expertise from both companies,” says Hariharasudhan Ramani, GM Digital Innovation at Shell.
Adding LubeMonitor to the app ecosystem is an initial step of a continuous shared innovation between Shell and Kongsberg Digital, who plan to develop and introduce further marketplace applications in the future.

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