Wednesday, May 07, 2025

Inside the small US town where Elon Musk's supercomputers have left residents struggling to breathe

Story by Lauren Acton-Taylor For Dailymail.Com
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Musk's artificial intelligence company set up shop in South Memphis last year but has left residents visiting the emergency room for asthma most often in the state as it's revealed the supercomputer's pollution control measures don't meet federal guidance

Residents in Tennessee have been left struggling to breathe over Elon Musk's supercomputers as pollution is believed to have caused a surge in asthma.

Musk's artificial intelligence company set up shop in South Memphis last year but the supercomputer's pollution control measures don't meet federal guidance.

The area now leads the state in the most emergency room visits for asthma.

The company has no Clean Air Act permits, Politico reported, and none of the 35 methane gas turbines that help power xAI's supercomputer are equipped with federally-required pollution controls.

Now, the surrounding residents lead the state of Tennessee with the most emergency visits for asthma-related symptoms.

In 2024, Memphis was found to be the asthma capital of the nation by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

In the short eleven months that Musk's supercomputer has been running in the area, the company has championed as one of Shelby County's largest emitters of nitrogen oxide, according to the outlet.

The area was already suffering from unhealthy air quality due to smog, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

Musk's plant turbines spew an estimated 1,200 to 2,000 tons of nitrogen oxides, or NOx, further contributing to the smog issue in the area.

In the short eleven months that Musk's supercomputer has been running in the area, the company has championed as one of Shelby County's largest emitters of nitrogen oxide

The company has no Clean Air Act permits, Politico reported, and none of the 35 methane gas turbines that help power xAI's supercomputer are equipped with pollution controls federally required

The estimations, according to the Southern Environmental Law Center, are far higher than that of the gas-fired power plant across the street or the oil refinery nearby, the outlet reported.

Musk said in February that the turbines were a necessary addition for the third version of the AI chatbot.

At the time, he said: 'We have generators on one side of the building, just trailer after trailer of generators until we can get the utility power to come back in.'

Nearby Boxtown, three miles from the plant, is facing enough toxic pollution from xAI and 17 industrial facilities to require registration with the EPA's Toxics Release Inventory.

With the median household income at $36,000, the population face not being able to breathe to stay in their homes.

'I can't breathe at home, it smells like gas outside,' said resident Alexis Humphreys through tears.

'How come I can't breathe at home and y'all get to breathe at home?' she continued, holding up her inhaler at a public hearing on April 25.

At a protest in late April, Rep. Justin Pearson said: 'They put our lungs and our air on the auction block and sold us to the richest man in the world.'

'I can't breathe at home, it smells like gas outside,' said resident Alexis Humphreys through tears. 'How come I can't breathe at home and y'all get to breathe at home?' she continued, holding up her inhaler at a public hearing on April 25

The turbines Musk has implemented are only temporary, but the damage they can do is immense, as xAI's environmental consultant Shannon Lynn said during a webinar that they don't require federal permits for hazardous emissions.

As residential pressure built in January, xAI applied for permits for 15 of its turbines that will allegedly be permanent.

Lynn said, however, that the company will wait until the application process is approved before pollution control is installed on those turbines.

The strategy, former EPA air enforcement director Bruce Buckheit argued, violates the Clean Air Act.

'There needs to be a permit beforehand. You don't just get that first year for free,' he told Politico.

The competitive nature of AI leaves room for a dangerous set of practices to slide across the industry.

Amanda Garcia, senior attorney for the SELC, told the outlet: 'Data centers are a highly competitive space, and other companies are watching what xAI is doing. Right now, what xAI is doing is essentially running a power plant without a permit, and it has a real risk of harming people's health.'

The company's own version of an AI chatbot, Grok, has become famed for its relaxed regulations which allow users more freedom to generate potentially hateful or insensitive images.

The area was already suffering from unhealthy air quality due to smog, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Musk's plant turbines spew an estimated 1,200 to 2,000 tons of nitrogen oxides, or NOx, further contributing to the smog issue in the area

Multiple cases of asthma and cancer in local families are attributed to the air pollution, and many residents are calling the xAI's permits to be denied and the plant shut down

Musk referred to Grok as 'the most fun AI in the world.'

But local residents feel as though their health is suffering the sake of the 'fun' images.

Multiple cases of asthma and cancer in local families are attributed to the air pollution, and many residents are calling the xAI's permits to be denied and the plant shut down.

But Musk's history with environmental disregard has been equally problematic.

Tesla was cited for 33 air quality violations in 2021, SpaceX was fined by Texas after allegedly dumping industrial wastewater without a permit, and The Boring Co. was fined by Texas for failing to get a permit to discharge industrial stormwater.

Now, xAI has also been accused of being deceptive regarding the number of turbines running.

Memphis Light, Gas and Water and chamber officials suggested in the summer of 2024 that Musk's company had 18 turbines of varying sizes - xAI filed for permits for 15 turbines at 16MW each.

At the end of March, environmental groups flew over the facility and took photographs of the turbines. The aerial photos pictured 35 turbines onsite, Politico reported.

Tesla was cited for 33 air quality violations in 2021, SpaceX was fined by Texas after allegedly dumping industrial wastewater without a permit, and The Boring Co. was fined by Texas for failing to get a permit to discharge industrial stormwater

At the end of March, environmental groups flew over the facility and took photographs of the turbines. The aerial photos pictured 35 turbines onsite, Politico reported

However, Memphis Mayor Paul Young said only 15 were actually running and the remainder were backups.

Yet, in late April, the groups flew over the site again with thermal cameras and found 33 turbines were giving off significant heat signals which signify the generation of electricity and pollution.

In a webinar in April, Lynn said xAI did not need air permits for 35 turbines onsite because 'there's rules that say temporary sources can be in place for up to 364 days a year. They are not subject to permitting requirements.'

The loophole, Lynn argued, is that should the permit be approved, seven turbines will remain onsite while the 28 others would be 'temporary' and would be 'slowly' moved out as substations are constructed.

John Walke, a former attorney in EPA's Office of General Counsel who now works for the Natural Resources Defense Council, told the outlet: 'xAI's position is quite suspect - I mean they're huge. The temporary or not temporary argument is irrelevant.'

Yet, the Health Department had a consultation with EPA in August, during which the federal regulator agreed that the turbines do not require permits.

In November, EPA Region 4 Air and Radiation Director Denisse Diaz wrote to the Health Department director that although it was the understanding that 'the turbines are expected to cease operations in the next few months,' a more formal review process was necessary to confirm.

It was also suggested that the county set up air monitoring to confirm the turbines emissions.

The turbines Musk has implemented are only temporary, but the damage they can do is immense, as xAI's environmental consultant Shannon Lynn said during a webinar that they don't require federal permits for hazardous emissions

As Musk continues to grow the company, and Colossus - which added double the number of onsite computer chips - came online in September, he has pushed for more.

In October, xAI asked Memphis Light, Gas and Water to look into the possibility of adding 260 MW through a new substation on another piece of land xAI leased in the area.

But the residents of Boxtown are ready to have clean air again.

Easter Mayo Knox, 74 years old and with chronic obstruction pulmonary disease, lowered her KN95 mask to protect herself from the pollution.

She told the outlet: 'He may be a millionaire, a billionaire - whatever kind of 'aire' he is - but what we need her is clean air.'

Marinette Marine Hosts University of Wisconsin Chancellor

[By: Fincantieri]

Officials at Fincantieri Marinette Marine hosted University of Wisconsin-Madison Chancellor Jennifer L. Mnookin and members of her team May 2, in the bustling Marinette shipyard 50 miles north of Green Bay.

The purpose of the visit was to update the chancellor on the successful international internship program Fincantieri started last year with engineering students at University of Wisconsin – Madison.

FMM’s leader, Jan Allman, was joined by Fincantieri Marine Group CEO, Marco Galbiati, and together they led the chancellor and key university officials through the newly renovated shipyard. They also gave Mnookin an overview of the many naval programs being supported by Fincantieri in Northeast Wisconsin. FMM is currently building two different types of ships for the U.S. Navy, and four additional vessels for a foreign allied navy.

“Partnerships like this can be ‘eye-opening’ for students, many of whom may not be familiar with the maritime industry,” said Allman. “We have tremendous career opportunities for engineers of all specialties right here in Wisconsin, where they can do critically important work for our national defense or in the commercial shipbuilding and repair sector.”

Fincantieri has increased its internship programs and research efforts over the previous two years in an effort to engage top tier engineering programs, according to Dr. Gabriele Librandi, Fincantieri Marine Group’s director of research and innovation in the United States. Librandi has created similar research projects and relationships with the University of Michigan and Virginia Tech for Fincantieri. Librandi worked with the UW-Madison’s International Academic Programs office to help engineering students land study- and work-abroad internships.

“It was inspiring to see firsthand the scale and sophistication of the work being done at Fincantieri Marinette Marine,” said UW–Madison Chancellor Jennifer L. Mnookin. “This partnership creates meaningful opportunities for our students to apply their engineering skills in real-world, high-impact settings right here in Wisconsin and around the world. It’s a powerful example of how collaboration between industry and the university can help drive innovation, grow talent, and strengthen our state’s workforce.”

This year Fincantieri is sending four Badger students to Italy for two months where they will work with one of the world’s largest and most innovative maritime companies operating in the cruise, naval and offshore sectors. Once in Italy, the students will attend an abbreviated naval engineering course at the University of Trieste and then work alongside Fincantieri engineers in Trieste for the summer.

Fincantieri Marine Group CEO Marco Galbiati added, “Being a globally recognized maritime leader, we understand that the demand for talent, especially engineers, is increasingly competitive.” Galbiati added that attracting and retaining top talent is important to the company’s sustainability strategy. “I am sure that these students are going to enjoy working with the brightest minds in the business, and they will get an appreciation for the pride that comes with being a part of the Fincantieri team, even if for only the summer.”

The products and services herein described in this press release are not endorsed by The Maritime Executive.

Mexico Agrees to Phased-in Rollout of Lowered Cruise Passenger Head Tax

Cozumel Mexico cruise ships — Mega cruise ships lined up at the popular port of Cozumel, Mexico (Apiqroo - Comprehensive Port Administration of Quintana Roo)

After pressure from the cruise industry and concerns raised by local government in the states where cruises contribute to the economy, Mexico’s federal government has reportedly agreed to a lower amount and phased-in rollout to the hefty head tax planned for cruise passengers. News of an agreement is in the Mexican press after intense negotiations that started in December while the implementation was delayed for six months.

Citing the need to support the Mexican economy and for port development, the federal government announced in late 2024 that it would end an exemption for cruise passengers of the head tax charged to short-stay tourists known as a Non-Resident Duty. The fee was to be set at $42 per passenger as of January 1, 2025, with the potential of higher costs when the local port taxes were also factored into the cost.

The cruise industry complained saying that Mexico was jeopardizing the long-standing relationship and its economy with the costs. The government relented announcing a six-month delay till July 1, giving the industry time to adjust. At the same time, the negotiations began seeking a compromise with the industry. In April, it was reported that the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association was working hard to strike a compromise.

Mexican media reports indicate that the deal was struck so that the head tax will begin in July at $5 per person for the next 13 months. From August 2026 through July 2027, it will step up to $10 per person and then $15 in 2027-2028. As of November 2028, it will increase to $21 per passenger.

The reports said the intervention of the governor of the Quintana Roo state Mara Lezama was instrumental in reaching the compromise. Her state is home to the popular ports of Cozumel and Playa del Carmen and derives significant income from the cruise industry.

The cruise lines have also agreed to promote port infrastructure projects including the proposed fourth pier in Cozumel. They will also seek to increase the number of cruise passengers they bring to the Mexican ports and will promote Mexican goods aboard their ships. They will also increase the acquisition of supplies in Mexico.

Federal Tourism Secretary Josefina Rodriguez is reported to have called the agreement a major step to contribute to Mexico’s economic development.

The cruise industry executives speaking at the Seatrade Cruise Conference in April called for greater collaboration with ports around the world and said they hoped ports would discuss concerns with them. They cite the potential for collaboration while ports and popular destinations struggle with the influx of passengers and the impact of over-tourism. As cruise ships increase in size and capacity, many destinations are looking for ways to balance cruise passengers with onshore tourism and maintain the environment for residents.

The reports from Mexico said a joint announcement of the agreement will be released in the coming days.

National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions to Launch European River Cruises

European river cruise ship — Transcend is building river cruise ships in the Netherlands and will be focused on B2B marketing (Transcend Cruises)

One of the most storied names in expeditions and expedition cruising, Lindblad announced that it plans to launch its first-ever European river cruises with a multi-year charter running through at least 2028. The company looks to bring its co-branded approach with the National Geographic Society to the fast-growing European river cruise market.

Lindblad is partnering with a newly launched firm called Transcend Cruises which was started in 2024 as a charter-only river cruising company. Transcend focuses on B2B marketing offering customized group travel on its ships. It is focused on the affinity market, tour operators, travel advisors, and meeting and incentive planners.

Transcend in 2024 ordered its first river cruise ships to be built by Den Breejen Shipyard in the Netherlands. The first two ships, which will each measure 443 feet (135 meters) are due for delivery by early 2026. The ships will each have accommodations for up to 120 passengers.

"Our state-of-the-art newbuild river cruise ships offer both a luxury experience, as well as the opportunity to accommodate the lecturing and mind-enriching requirements essential for their travelers,” said Hans Rood, CEO of Transcend Cruises. “With a strong focus on wellness, sustainability and best of services, we are the perfect fit to deliver the programs Lindblad Expeditions require. By collaborating, we are able to create the most exclusive experiences on Europe's most spectacular waterways."

Transcend's first two river cruise ships are due for delivery by early 2026 (Transcend)

The European cruise market has been developed by leaders including Viking, AmaWaterways, Avalon, UniWorld, and others focusing on cultural and lifestyle experiences. The success of the market has attracted many brands and last year Royal Caribbean Group announced it would expand its Celebrity Cruises brand into river cruising.

“We know that 'how you see it' matters, and that's why we've curated these river voyages with the same depth, care, and expertise that define all of our expeditions,” said Natalya Leahy, CEO of Lindblad Expeditions announcing the plans for European river cruising. “With National Geographic naturalists and historians, and exclusive events woven into each journey, our guests will explore Europe's storied rivers in truly meaningful ways.”

The European river cruise program will start in 2026. The company said details including which rivers it would be sailing will be released in the coming weeks.

According to Lindblad, each voyage will be staffed by one of the brand's veteran Expedition Leaders, several knowledgeable Field Staff, and at least one National Geographic Expert. Staff will guide guests on private tours, exclusive tastings, and expertly curated synonymous with the co-brand. Lindblad and National Geographic have been partners for over 20 years and more recently the company’s ships have all taken on the National Geographic brand identity.

Lindblad launched its first expedition in 1966 with the first non-scientific civilian expedition to Antarctica. Today, the company reports the largest, most diverse fleet of expedition ships in the industry, consisting of 22 owned and chartered mission-built vessels ranging in size from 16 – 148 guests. Lindblad Expeditions offers over 100 unique itineraries across six continents, selling and operating over 600 annual departures on behalf of the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions co-brand.

Ukraine Plans to Lease Out the Black Sea Port of Chornomorsk

Ukraine has unveiled a 40-year concession plan for its Black Sea port of Chornomorsk. The details of this project were presented by Ukrainian government officials at an investment forum in Warsaw, Poland last month.

The Ministry of Development delegation said that the lease initiative is aimed at modernizing and expanding terminal infrastructure in Chornomorsk port. The concession will cover two terminals - a container terminal and a multipurpose terminal - with a potential of handling up to 760,000 TEU and over 5 million tons of cargo annually. The concession auction will be held in the second quarter of 2025, and a contract with the winner is expected to be signed in the fourth quarter of this year.

The lease project has been prepared with the help of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). Tender documents are ready outlining the terms of participation, risk structure and guarantees of state support.

“Despite ongoing military threats, the seaport sector has demonstrated exceptional resilience, maintaining significant cargo volumes. The concession of the container terminal in the port of Chornomorsk is an opportunity for investors to become part of the new logistics system in the Black Sea,” said Andrii Kashuba, Deputy Minister for Development of Communities and Territories.

The lease will complement the progress made with the new Black Sea corridor, as the government plans to diversify cargo routes and improve customs efficiency. Ukraine launched the Black Sea corridor in August 2023 after Russia withdrew from the UN-brokered Black Sea Grain Initiative. This alternative trade corridor has proved resilient, with Ukraine using it to export almost 73 million tons of grain for the last two years.

As part of the greater ports of Odessa, Chornomorsk is a strategic maritime hub and a lifeline for Ukrainian global trade. The ports of Greater Odessa - including Pivdennyi, Chornomorsk and Odessa - continue to handle the highest cargo volumes for Ukrainian trade. For instance, out of 23 million tons of cargo handled by Ukrainian ports in the first quarter of 2025, 20.7 million tons was processed by the ports of Greater Odessa, according to data by the Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority. This includes 10.6 million tons in Pivdennyi, 6.6 million tons in Chornomorsk and 3.5 million tons in Odessa.

As Philippine Trade Grows, DP World Expands Manila Terminal

DP World and the Asian Terminals Inc. (ATI) have announced the completion of the Manila South Harbor (MSH) expansion. Located in Philippines’ largest port of Manila, the modernized MSH is poised to take up more trade in the rapidly growing Southeast Asia corridor.

The MSH expansion project cost approximately $100 million, according to DP World and ATI. This went into the extension of a pier, dredging to a depth of 13 meters, yard expansion to accommodate 20,000 TEU and the purchase of two additional ship-to-shore (STS) cranes.

In addition, the expansion will see MSH’s annual capacity rise to two million TEUs, a jump of over 25 percent from the current 1.45 million TEUs. Notably, the two neo-post-panamax STS cranes are the biggest among MSH’s 11 quay-side equipment and among the biggest ever deployed in the Philippines. With an outreach of 58 meters, each crane can handle vessels carrying up to 20 containers wide.

In the past decade, cargo throughput at MSH has been on the rise. Last year, MSH handled 1.3 million TEUs, 8 percent higher than 2023. MSH handled 350,000 TEUs in the first quarter of 2025, over 25 percent higher compared to the same period in 2024.

Besides MSH, DP World is also an operator in Batangas Port, Cavite Barge Terminal and several inland logistics terminals. ATI is the local partner of DP World in the Philippines.

“The modernization projects at MSH are a testament to the long-standing private-public-partnership to enhance the country’s trade facilities and capabilities. We extend our gratitude to our partners from ATI and DP World for bringing in the operational knowledge, expertise and resources,” said Vince Dizon, Department of Transportation Secretary.

With a growing economy, the Philippines has committed funding to modernize its key ports. In December, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) rolled out 66 port expansion projects worth over $420 million. Some of the upgrades earmarked under this initiative are almost complete, according to PPA general manager Jay Daniel, who visited some of the sites last week. One of the projects is the $10 million upgrade of the Banago port in Bacolod city. The project is on track for completion by the end of June 2025. It represents one of the largest port infrastructure investments on Negros Island by the Philippine government. The project involves expansion of the road network connecting to the port, upgrade of the roro marshalling yard to accommodate up to 50 trucks, and construction of a three-story passenger and operations building.

DESANTISLAND

Russian Immigrant Tries to Steal Luxury Yacht From Florida Marina

Police believe the suspect was attempting to flee to the Bahamas

Police intercepted the stolen yacht and forced it into a mangrove swamp to halt it (Martin County Sheriffs Office)

After an extended chase, police in Martin County, Florida have arrested a Russian national on charges of attempting to steal a vessel to flee to the Bahamas - twice.

On Monday evening, Russian citizen Nikolai Vilkov, 29, was apprehended aboard a stolen 68-foot luxury yacht near the town of Hobe Sound, Florida. Local police units pursued him on the Indian River for an hour before pushing the vessel into the mangroves to force it to a stop.

According to the local sheriffs' office, Vilkov made a circuitous journey to get there, and he likely stole more than one boat.

At about 0100 hours Monday morning, Vilkov arrived at a restaurant parking lot in Jupiter, Florida, and was captured on surveillance camera walking down to a marina. At about 0200 hours, a TowBoat US response boat at that marina started up without authorization, and its GPS tracker showed it moving north. It then ran aground on a sandbar, and the unauthorized operator abandoned it. The thief was not immediately identified.

At 0300 hours, police for the town of Jupiter found Vilkov, who was on foot and walking down a highway near the site of the grounding. They had no evidence to connect him to the missing TowBoat US vessel, so he was allowed to go.

At about 1200-1300 hours, Vilkov arrived at a different marina, located about three hours to the north, police said. Bystanders spotted him aboard a 68-foot luxury yacht, preparing to get under way. At about 1555 hours, the dockmaster for the marina called police to report that the yacht had been stolen.

Marine units from multiple police agencies pursued the yacht until about 1730 hours, when they pushed it into a mangrove thicket near Hobe Sound Bridge, about six miles north of the marina where the theft began.

Courtesy Martin County Sheriffs' Office

The police believe that Vilkov was attempting to make it another eight miles north to St. Lucie Inlet, then head for sea and make a run for the Bahamas. His motives are unclear; he had been in the U.S. since 2022 after legally claiming asylum status. His wife and child flew back to Russia last week, police told local WPTV.

The yacht sustained damage from the brief grounding and from its encounter in the mangroves. Vilkov has been charged with grand theft, aggravated fleeing, and resisting arrest for the theft of the yacht, and he will likely be charged in connection with the theft of the TowBoat US vessel as well.

The Department of Homeland Security is assisting in the investigation, and has provided a Russian interpreter. Whether Vilkov is convicted or not, he will likely be deported to Russia after his time in police custody, Sheriff John Budensiek told WPTV.

Gibraltar Finds Cocaine on Bulker Using New Underwater Drones

Gibraltar is highlighting its success in stopping drug smuggling with its newly acquired underwater drones. HM Customs made a sizable drug bust from a bulker in the anchorage by deploying drones that were acquired in December 2024.

The Chinese-owned bulker Great Zhou (39,744 dwt) arrived in Gibraltar on April 30 on a bunkering stop after a voyage from Santos, Brazil. HM Customs undertook a routine check of the vessel while also using its newly acquired drones.

The survey of the underwater areas of the vessel raised suspicions at one of the vessel’s sea chests on the port side of the hull. Divers ultimately retrieved four packages that had been hidden in the sea chest and the investigation found they contained 120 kg of cocaine.

HM Customs detained the vessel and interviewed the crew. It was later permitted to proceed to a scheduled port call in Italy.

The Chief Minister, the Hon Fabian Picardo congratulated HM Customs for the successful operation. He noted, “This is why my Government has made serious investment in HM Customs to support their crucial work in combatting drug crime, with real results for Gibraltar and for other countries that these drugs are intended for."

Officials in Gibraltar believe the crew was not aware of the drugs hidden on the outside of the hull. They also believed that the drugs were not meant to be offloaded in Gibraltar but would have proceeded to another country in Europe but through their efforts interrupted a smuggling operation.

Troubled Ferry Glen Sannox Has Vibration Issues

The long-delayed Scottish ferry Glen Sannox had another setback in March, when a failed weld seam put the ship out of commission for two days - and resolving the matter fully could take even longer. The ferry just entered operations after six years of construction delays.

The five-inch crack in Glen Sannox's hull had relatively minor effects on operations, and it was quickly repaired with welding. The cause, however, may be associated with a previously undiscovered source of vibration. The brand new ferry has a vibration problem that "only occurs near where the crack appeared," operator CalMac told The Scotsman.

“Further investigation into the root cause of the vibration is underway and CalMac, Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (Cmal) and Ferguson Marine are working together," a CalMac spokesperson told the outlet.

It is just one of the post-delivery issues affecting Glen Sannox. In April, an unspecified control issue took out all but one of Glen Sannox's passenger elevators. The sole remaining elevator must be operated by a crewmember manually, reducing throughput during loading and unloading. CalMac has hired in contractors to address the problem.

The Scottish government is currently negotiating with Peel Ports to buy and nationalize Ardrossan Harbor, on the east side of the Firth of Clyde, with plans to revamp the facilities to serve Glen Sannox and sister ship Glen Rosa. The Sannox currently sails out of Troon, making for a longer transit than she would if she were operating out of Androssan. The port sale could proceed by next summer.

“There is a requirement to agree heads of terms . . . before any change of ownership could be confirmed, following a fair and negotiated settlement, and due diligence undertaken by Cmal," Scottish Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop said last week.

More delays for Glen Rosa

Sister ship Glen Rosa is nearly seven years overdue and four times overbudget, and the official schedule from Ferguson Marine suggests that she will finally be ready by September. However, Scottish MPs have complained that they have not received a timely update from Ferguson on construction progress and final cost, and rumors in the Scottish press suggest that the ferry's delivery could now be delayed again - until early 2026.

The government-owned shipyard says that it is committed to providing the Scottish Parliament with an update in due course. Ferguson is on its third chief executive in little more than a year, and the latest - former Babcock executive Graeme Thompson - took up his post just last week.

Poland Sells Derelict Russian Tanker for Scrap After Seven Years in Gdynia

Polish authorities confirmed that a deal has been reached and pending final documentation a derelict Russian-owned product tanker will finally be departing after more than seven years at the dock in Gdynia. The vessel had drawn new interest after safety and security concerns were raised in January 2025 which led to a government order to remove the vessel.

A Port of Gdynia Authority spokesperson confirmed to the media on May 5 that the tanker Khatanga (23,000 dwt) is ready to leave the port but said they had requested additional time from the Maritime Directorate in Gdynia. In February, an order was issued requiring the removal of the ship from the port within three months. Port officials said they had been trying for months to gain the authority to remove the ship which they noted had broken away from the dock on two occasions and which they believed was a safety threat.

Media reports at the time highlighted that the cargo tanks had not been properly vented for years increasing the risk of an explosion. There was also speculation that the Russians might be using the ship as a base to spy on NATO activities in the port.

The Khatanga arrived in Gdynia in October 2017 but was detained after issues were identified during a Port State inspection. The owners, Murmansk Shipping Company, promised repairs to address structural issues identified during the inspection and to take steps to correct issues identified regarding the training and competence of the crew. Instead, the tanker languished in the port before the owner declared bankruptcy in 2020. A court-appointed receiver checked on the vessel on several occasions, but it was otherwise abandoned without a crew or maintenance. However, because it was involved in a bankruptcy the port lacked the authority to have the vessel removed.

Port officials report following the government order that the tanker has now been sold to a qualified scrapyard in Denmark licensed for the required remediation and dismantling of the vessel. However, because the European Union has classified the vessel as waste, and because it is incapable of navigation, they require documentation before the ship can be towed from the port.

Currently, they are waiting for the necessary documentation from the Danish Ministry of the Environment. In preparation, the port spokesperson said that technical and environmental activities have been completed, and the fuel onboard has been removed.

The Maritime Directorate in Gdynia also authorized the port to seek reimbursement from the Russian shipowner for the costs incurred while the ship had remained at Gdynia. In February 2025, port officials estimated the costs at nearly $3.5 million.

(Top photo in Gdynia harbor in July 2020 by Braveheart - CC BY-SA 4.0)

US energy companies seek exemption from Trump plan to move LNG on US-built ships

MAY 7, 2025

REUTERS

FILE PHOTO: An LNG tanker is guided by tug boats at the Cheniere Sabine Pass LNG export unit in Cameron Parish, Louisiana, U.S., April 14, 2022. REUTERS/Marcy de Luna/File Photo© Thomson Reuters

By Lisa Baertlein and Jarrett Renshaw

LOS ANGELES/WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. energy groups are asking President Donald Trump's administration to exempt liquefied natural gas tankers from a new rule that will require producers to move an increasing percentage of their exports on U.S.-built vessels as part of a broader push to revive domestic shipbuilding

The U.S. is the world's No. 1 LNG exporter at $34 billion annually and the Trump administration has been a supporter of the industry in his push for energy dominance.

In a move that shocked the industry, the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced April 17 that LNG producers would have to transport 1% of their exports on U.S.-built ships starting in April 2028. That percentage would escalate to 15% in April 2047 and beyond.

That could put the U.S. LNG industry at a disadvantage to its peers around the world because there aren't enough U.S.-built ships to meet the requirement, the American Petroleum Institute (API) said in an April 23 letter to U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright and National Energy Dominance Council Chair Doug Burgum seen by Reuters. Burgum is also U.S. Interior Secretary.

It "risks counteracting the significant progress the Trump Administration has made towards reducing uncertainty and unleashing U.S. LNG," API CEO Mike Sommers wrote in that letter. API counts as members some of the world's largest energy companies, such as Exxon Mobil, Chevron and Cheniere Energy.

Individual exporters that do not comply could lose their export licenses, even though the percentages apply to the overall industry and to ships that exporters do not own or control, industry groups warned.

"They have little control over their ability to comply with USTR's new requirements but ultimately face the consequences of not doing so," Sommers said in the letter.

"We will continue working with USTR and the Department of Energy in support of feasible and durable policies that benefit consumers and advance American energy dominance," Aaron Padilla, API's vice president of corporate policy, told Reuters in a statement late on Tuesday.

Representatives from the USTR and White House press office did not immediately respond to requests for comment. USTR proposed the rules as part of a larger effort to counter China's growing commercial and military dominance on the high seas

There are now 792 LNG carriers in operation globally, according to shipping consultancy AXSMarine.

LNG ships from South Korea and Japan dominate that group with 703 combined. China, which aims to become a LNG tanker powerhouse, built 58. Five come from U.S. shipyards - though those 1970s-era American made vessels are laid up and not currently in use, AXSMarine said.

South Korea remains the dominant builder with 232 LNG carriers currently on order. China, while still behind, is rapidly expanding its footprint with 101 LNG carriers on order, AXS Marine said.

U.S. shipyards cannot turn out vessels fast enough to meet the USTR deadline, the Center for LNG told Reuters in a statement.

"There are no such vessels in existence today, and building them would take decades, making compliance impossible for the industry," Charlie Riedl, executive director at the Center for LNG, said in a statement on Wednesday.

The USTR requirement for 1% of LNG exports to be transported on U.S.-built vessels would require as many as five American-built ships by the end of the decade, which is not feasible, API CEO Sommers said in the letter.

That's because it would take as long as five years to build one LNG carrier at either of the two U.S. shipyards with docks long enough to build such a ship, Sommers said.

"We urge the Administration to exempt crude oil and refined product imports and exports - consistent with this Administration's approach to exempt these same products from baseline and reciprocal tariffs," Sommers wrote.

Vehicle carrier operators also hope to win relief from new rules that would levy hefty U.S. port fees on all of their foreign-built vessels. USTR also announced those unexpected rules on April 17.

(Reporting by Lisa Baertlein in Los Angeles and Jarrett Renshaw in Washington; additioanl reporting by Arathy Somasekhar in Houston; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama)

Indian Registry Continues Growth as MOL Transfers LPG Carrier

Shipping under the Indian flag is continuing to grow as international companies move ships to the registry. It comes as India seeks to become a powerhouse in international shipping, shipbuilding, and repairs.

Japan’s Mitsui O.S.K. Lines is continuing the trend by expanding its fleet under the Indian flag. According to India’s Economic Times, MOL (India) has emerged as the country’s fourth-largest ship owner. It has a fleet of 11 ships operating under the Indian flag and staffed with Indian crews as per the requirements of the flag.

In April, the company reflagged its LPG carrier Yamabuki (58,811 dwt) to India and renamed the ship Green Sachi. Built in 2010, the vessel became the eighth LPG carrier the company has flagged in India. The ship had previously been registered in Liberia. Its move followed its sister ship, which became Green Sanvi under the Indian flag in November 2024.

The company, in March, when the management was transferred to the Indian company, highlighted it as a “valuable addition significantly expands our fleet capabilities and strengthens our commitment to serving the Indian subcontinent.” They said the vessel would play a crucial role in enhancing our regional operations, providing reliable and efficient maritime transport solutions.”

India’s government the Economic Times highlights is taking steps to encourage the growth of its domestic fleet. The cabinet approved a subsidy scheme for vessels registered in India after February 2021 and budgeted a subsidy for moving crude oil, LPG, coal, and fertilizer for state-run firms on Indian ships.

CMA CGM recently transferred the first of four containerships to the Indian flag (IRS)

Major shipping companies are responding to India as they look to increase business with the subcontinent. At the end of March, BW LPG announced it was selling two VLGCs acquired in the Avance Gas transaction, BW Pampero and BW Chinook (each 53,500 dwt), to BW LPG India. The ships are currently registered in the Marshall Islands. The deal valued each vessel at $75 million, with delivery set for the third quarter of 2025.

BW LPG India was established as a joint venture in 2017 and currently has seven ships. It reports transporting approximately 20 percent of India’s gas imports. BW cited the opportunities tied to India’s continued growth in LPG demand.

The newest arrival to the Indian ship registry is CMA CGM, which became the first major foreign carrier to reflag a containership to the Indian flag. CMA CGM Vitoria was officially transferred on April 28. The company said it will register three more vessels in the coming months in India. They highlighted that the efforts underscore CMA CGM’s commitment to India and its ambition to further develop its presence in the country.

The Indian Registry of Shipping commented that this milestone, with the transfer of the CMA CGM vessel, marks a significant achievement in IRS’s growing engagement with major global shipping companies. They said it reinforces its standing as a trusted and recognized classification society on the international stage.

Germany Adds FSRU and LNG Terminal as it Works to Manage Import Suppl

FSRU arriving Germany — Excelsior arrivied in Germany to expand the LNG import capacity (DET)

Germany’s federally owned Deutsche Energy Terminal GmbH (DET) announced the arrival of its third FSRU unit and the second to be placed in the port of Wilhelmshaven. Coming a little over two months after another German company terminated an FSRU contract in the east, the country continues to work to balance the imports of LNG and plan for the country’s long-term energy needs.

With the support of the German government, the LNG import projects were started in 2022 to replace the flow of gas from Russia after the start of the war in Ukraine. Five FSRU units were chartered with the first going to Wilhelmshaven and later ones placed at strategic points around the country. The first LNG cargo arrived in January 2023.

“This winter, we saw how quickly German natural gas storage facilities are depleting. The discontinuation of pipeline-based gas deliveries via Ukraine at the turn of the year put our European neighbors under pressure,” said Dr. Peter Röttgen, Managing Director of DET. “Past experience has shown us: As long as renewables do not yet fully cover our energy needs, a reliable natural gas supply remains crucial.”

A specially developed second terminal was built in Wilhelmshaven to support the arrival of the second FSRU unit. It is a purpose-built island jetty in the Jade Stream with the company highlighting the unique structure. While it is in the seabed of the Jade Stream, the steel structure has no physical connection to the dyke 1.5 kilometers away. It is connected to the onshore transfer station underwater via various pipelines.

“In order to reliably fill the storage facilities for next winter and keep natural gas prices as low as possible for industry, commerce, and, last but not least, households, we need the capacity of LNG terminals to strengthen the resilience of our energy supply – especially in crisis situations,” said Röttgen.

On April 28, the FSRU Excelsior reached Wilhelmshaven. The 277-meter-long Floating Storage and Regasification Unit built in 2005 and owned by the shipping company Excelerate Energy will be operated by DET. In the coming weeks, the floating regasification vessel will be connected to the long-distance gas grid and prepared for commissioning under strict safety requirements.

Wilhelmshaven02 is DET's second terminal in Wilhelmshaven and, together with Brunsbüttel, DET's third terminal. The FSRU Excelsior has a storage capacity of 138,000 cubic meters of LNG.

In 2025, the regasification ship will feed up to 1.9 billion cubic meters of natural gas into the German gas grid. This corresponds to the natural gas consumption for heating 1.5 million households in apartment buildings. In each of the two subsequent years, the regasification and grid feed-in capacity of the Excelsior will then reach up to 4.6 billion cubic meters, which is equivalent to the heating energy required by up to 3.7 million four-person households.

Deutsche ReGas in February terminated its charter for the FSRU Energos Power. The 174,000 cbm vessel had been operating since February 2024 as one of the two FSRUs on the 13.5 bcm/year Deutsche Ostsee LNG import terminal, located in the port of Mukran (Rügen Island), Germany. Reports suggested the vessel would be going to Egypt, but the 145,000 cbm FSRU Neptune which is 50 percent owned by Hoegh LNG and sub-chartered by Deutsche ReGas from TotalEnergies remained operational at the terminal in the eastern part of the country.

Data from the German Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur), highlighted that the FSRUs now represent about eight percent of the country’s LNG imports. Approximately 69 TWh of natural gas were imported via the LNG terminals in Wilhelmshaven, Brunsbüttel, Lubmin, and Mukran during the 2024-2025 season.

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