Friday, February 14, 2025

HD Korea Shipbuilding Advances Designs for Large Nuclear-Powered Boxship

HD Hyundai unveiled advancements to its concept for a nuclear-powered containership (HD KSOE)

Published Feb 13, 2025 by The Maritime Executive

HD Hyundai’s HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (KSOE) is advancing its efforts towards a large, nuclear-powered containership. The shipbuilding has been working on its project as one of several that believe the new generation of small nuclear reactors will be the solution to maritime decarbonization.

Interest in nuclear-powered propulsion for merchant ships dates back to the 1950s when it was seen to hold great promise. The United States was the first country to successfully build and operate a demonstration cargo-passenger ship, NS Savannah, which provided many insights into the industry but also showed the practical challenges of nuclear propulsion. Japan and Germany also tested concepts but Russia currently is the only country operating nuclear-powered commercial shipping with its icebreakers and one containership run by the state.

"Nuclear-powered vessels can be a game-changer in the current shipbuilding market, where carbon neutrality is emerging," said Patrick Ryan, Chief Technology Officer of ABS. The classification society has conducted studies for the U.S. on the future of nuclear propulsion. Ryan said, "ABS and HD KSOE will contribute to accelerating the commercialization of marine nuclear technology in the global shipbuilding market."

KSOE had proposed concepts and in 2024 obtained Approval in Principle from ABS for a design model applying Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology. It is one of several concepts the industry is looking at for the next generation of nuclear-powered merchant ships.

"HD KSOE is strengthening cooperation not only with major classification societies but also with international regulatory bodies to establish international regulations necessary for the commercialization of nuclear-powered vessels," said Park Sangmin, Head of HD KSOE's Green Energy Research Lab. "Starting with the land-based SMR reactor manufacturing project, we aim to develop a marine nuclear business model by 2030."

Since February last year, HD KSOE has been accelerating related technology development through joint research on next-generation SMRs with TerraPower. In December, the company secured an order to manufacture the main equipment for TerraPower's Natrium reactor, which is being constructed in Wyoming.

In the maritime sector, KSOE unveiled an advanced design for a 15,000 TEU containership using SMR technology. The new design model features enhanced economic efficiency and safety by incorporating actual equipment and safety design concepts KSOE reports.

HD KSOE has also optimized the space previously occupied by large engine room equipment to accommodate additional containers, enhancing the economic efficiency of the design concept. The company has also applied a marine radiation shielding system using a double-tank method with stainless steel and a coolant based on light water to ensure safety. The shipbuilder announced that in collaboration with global energy technology company Baker Hughes, they have applied a supercritical carbon dioxide-based propulsion system, which would improve thermal efficiency by approximately five percent compared to existing steam-based propulsion systems.

HD KSOE plans to establish a marine nuclear demonstration facility at its Future Technology Test Center in Yongin, South Korea to verify safety designs.

The company is committed to advancing the design concepts. HD Hyundai’s business strategy for the shipbuilding operation focuses on advanced technologies, green shipping, and automation. Using this approach it looks to maintain leadership in the high-value vessel segment of the shipbuilding market.

Korean SMR-powered container ship design revealed

Thursday, 13 February 2025

South Korea's HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering has unveiled a nuclear-powered container ship model utilising small modular reactor technology.

Korean SMR-powered container ship design revealed — A rendering of a 15,000 TEU-class SMR-powered containership (Image: HD KSOE)

The design was revealed on 12 February at the New Nuclear for Maritime Houston Summit, held at the Asia Society Texas Center in Houston, USA.

Previously, HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) obtained Approval in Principle (AIP) from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) for a 15,000 TEU-class container ship design model applying small modular reactor (SMR) technology.

HD KSOE - a subsidiary of HD Hyundai - says the newly unveiled design model features enhanced economic efficiency and safety by incorporating actual equipment and safety design concepts. Unlike conventional ships, nuclear-powered vessels do not require engine exhaust systems or fuel tanks. The company has optimised the space previously occupied by large engine room equipment to accommodate additional containers, enhancing economic efficiency. It has also applied a marine radiation shielding system using a double-tank method with stainless steel and light water to ensure safety.

Furthermore, HD KSOE, in collaboration with global energy technology company Baker Hughes, has applied a supercritical carbon dioxide-based propulsion system, improving thermal efficiency by about 5% compared with existing steam-based propulsion systems.

HD KSOE said it plans to establish a marine nuclear demonstration facility at its Future Technology Test Centre in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, to verify safety designs.

"HD KSOE is strengthening cooperation not only with major classification societies but also with international regulatory bodies to establish international regulations necessary for the commercialisation of nuclear-powered vessels," said Park Sangmin, Head of HD KSOE's Green Energy Research Lab, during a session at the summit. "Starting with the land-based SMR reactor manufacturing project, we aim to develop a marine nuclear business model by 2030."

In October 2023, a design for a floating offshore nuclear power barge from HD KSOE and Kepco Engineering & Construction (Kepco E&C) received approval in principle from ABS. Project collaborators included ABS, HD KSOE, Kepco E&C and the Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry. The floating SMR barge is intended to serve as offshore power generation for remote communities and island electrification.

In January 2024, a memorandum of understanding was signed between Lloyd's Register, Zodiac Maritime, HD KSOE and Kepco E&C for the development of nuclear-propelled ship designs, including bulk carriers and container ships. Under the joint development project, HD KSOE and Kepco E&C will provide designs for future vessels and reactors while Lloyd's Register will assess rule requirements for safe operation and regulatory compliance models.

The following month, HD KSOE announced plans to develop an SMR for use in shipping in cooperation with the UK's Core Power and the USA's Southern Company and TerraPower. In November 2022, HD Hyundai invested USD30 million in TerraPower. The reactor to be jointly developed centres around TerraPower's Molten Chloride Fast Reactor (MCFR) design. An iteration of the MCFR - known as the m-MSR - intended for marine use is being developed by TerraPower.

The shipping industry consumes some 350 million tonnes of fossil fuel annually and accounts for about 3% of total worldwide carbon emissions. In July last year, the shipping industry, via the International Maritime Organization, approved new targets for greenhouse gas emission reductions, aiming to reach net-zero emissions by or around 2050.

Dutch Project Advances Autonomous Operations as it Targets Large Ships

automation test on patrol boat — Damen patrol boat being used for the tests (F.A.S.T.)

A Dutch project contributing to the development of autonomous navigation continues to make progress. By 2023 it had developed critical data and demonstrated its concepts with a Damen patrol boat, and now the vessel is being upgraded for the next round of testing in the summer of 2025.

Known as the Fieldlab Autonomous Sailing Technology (F.A.S.T.) project, it is working with a Damen Stan Patrol 900 patrol boat at its core, as it works to lay the foundation for groundbreaking developments in autonomous ship technology. The boat is 8.6 meters (28 feet in length) and has an operating speed of 15 knots and a top speed of 21 knots.

The organizers highlight the ability to increase efficient, sustainable operations while increasing safety through autonomous operations. Critically they also point to the potential to help alleviate crew shortages.

Commenting on what makes the project unique, Eef Uittenbogaard, project manager at Alewijnse said,
“It’s the combination of innovation, close collaboration with the client, and the speed at which we adapt. This is truly a ‘fast’ project. As a company, we are contributing to progressive, rapid developments that will benefit not only the maritime industry but also the world.”

Alewijnse, a systems integrator that develops tailored electrical and automation solutions is one of the partners in the project. The project involves collaboration with Damen Naval, the Province of Zeeland, the Municipality of Vlissingen, the HZ University of Applied Sciences, TU Delft, and other companies. Together the companies report they will lay the groundwork for autonomous sailing using a remotely operated vessel at the testbed in the Port of Vlissingen.

During a prior phase of the testing (Alewijnse)

The main test bed is the Damen Stan Patrol 900, a 1990-built polycat. The test vessel is currently undergoing a transformation, with its two diesel engines being replaced with slightly more powerful electric motors. The boat will also be equipped with cameras, sensors, radar, Lidar, GPS, and wind and speed measurement instruments. These sensors will replace the traditional eyes and ears of a helmsman.

“As a co-creator, Alewijnse is excited to contribute to the electrical scope of the project,” said Uittenbogaard. “With our 135 years of expertise and experience, we can collaborate with Damen and provide the complete package, from engineering and panel construction to the efficient placement of electrical components for propulsion and energy supply.”

According to the companies participating in the project, it is just the beginning, with more ambitious programs designed to apply the technology to much larger ships to follow.

Seafarer Salaries Have Risen but so Have Retention Rates, Danica Reveals

In its survey of in-house crew managers in ship owning and ship management companies, almost 90% reported they had increased salaries in 2024, reveals Danica Crewing Specialists.

Published Feb 14, 2025 by The Maritime Executive

[By: Danica Crewing Specialists]

Retaining seafarers has improved slightly over the past year, thanks in part to salary raises, the annual Crew Managers’ Survey by Danica Crewing Specialists has revealed.

In its survey of in-house crew managers in ship owning and shipmanagement companies, almost 90% reported that they had increased salaries in 2024. Only seven per cent said they had not raised crew wages over the past year. Companies were more generous too – with increases above those reported in the 2023 survey, except for junior ratings.

In the companies responding to the survey:
• 75% of senior officers benefited from an increase in remuneration in 2024, up from 63% in 2023.
• 67% of junior officers got an increase, against 59% in 2023.
• 65% of senior ratings (Bosun, Fitter, Cook) saw their wages increase, compared to 54% in 2023.
• A little over 50% of other ratings also enjoyed increases in both 2023 and 2024.

Not surprisingly, retention rates are reported to have improved. The survey reveals that the fluctuation of seafarers has generally reduced, with 41% of crew managers reporting that the retention rate has improved during the past 12 months, compared to only 29% in the previous survey period. However, 23% of companies did say they felt the retention rate has worsened, although this is a decrease compared to the 36% in the 2023/24 survey.

Overall, the findings of Danica’s Crew Managers’ Survey 2024 showed a positive improvement, with fewer respondents saying the recruitment situation had worsened over 2024. However, still about a third (31%) found that the intake of new competent hands has become worse or much worse in the past 12 months, although this is down from the 46% saying the same in 2023. Henrik Jensen, CEO of Danica Crewing Specialists, commented: “This indicates that it is not a shortage of seafarers which concerns crew managers but rather a shortage of competent seafarers.”

Crew managers are mitigating risk in their crew supply chains by expanding the number of countries they recruit from – a strategy also identified in Danica’s 2023 survey and a result of global issues such as the Covid-19 pandemic.

Crew managers responding to Danica’s survey came from a range of company sizes and a wide geographical spread, with particular input from Greece, UAE, Denmark and Germany. They were largely working within crewing departments and in a senior position, 83% having worked in crewing for more than six years. There was a notable increase in the number of respondents working in larger crewing departments, compared to those taking part in the 2023 survey.

From the detailed data, it appears that 80% of the crew managers/directors report to the highest level in the organisation and are on the same level as technical and financial heads. This is an increase compared to the 2023 survey. Henrik Jensen remarked: “This could indicate a trend that shipping companies have elevated the prioritising of the crewing of their vessels.”

Danica’s 2023 survey identified that crew managers were finding their job harder than in the past. In the 2024 results 38% reported they felt the complexity of their job had not increased, while only 4% said their job had become easier. Only 4% responded to say they felt crewing vessels had become easier. Henrik Jensen commented: “Of course this doesn't mean that finding crew has become easy!”

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

Port of Oakland to Benefit Wetlands Through Sustainable Dredging

[By: Port of Oakland]

The Port of Oakland deepens its commitment to sustainability by sending more dredged sediment from the Oakland Seaport to a Solano County wetland restoration site. Montezuma Wetlands will receive an approximately $2.1 million grant over the next three years to allow more Port-dredged sediment to go towards restoring wetlands and endangered species habitat. Regulations require a minimum of 40% of sand, silt, and mud dredged from berth maintenance to go towards beneficial reuse. Berths and approach channels must be up to 50-feet-deep to accommodate the big vessels that call the Port today.

“We are committed to expanding our sustainable dredging initiative,” said Port of Oakland Director of Environmental Programs and Planning Colleen Liang. “Restoring and maintaining the Bay’s ecosystem provides many environmental benefits to the region.”

Montezuma Wetlands LLC, located in Suisun Bay, is a private initiative focused on wetland restoration using the millions of cubic yards of sediment dredged annually from Bay Area ports, harbors, and shipping channels. Due to its one-of-a-kind location within the SF Bay Estuary, restoration of tidal wetlands at the Montezuma Wetlands Project has been described by scientists as vital for meeting the regional recovery goals of many listed species. Some of these special-status species include the salt marsh harvest mouse (Reithrodontomys raviventris), California least terns (Sterna antillarum browni), Delta smelt (Hypomesus transpacificus), longfin smelt (Spirinchus thaleichthys), and various salmonids.

The San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority granted the funds, which will make it more cost-effective for the Port to send additional sediment to the project site.

“We’ve had a wonderful relationship with the Port and its staff dating back to the 1990s,” said Doug Lipton, Chief Scientist for the Montezuma Wetlands Project, and Owner and Principal Scientist of the Lipton Environmental Group. “Our relationship developed into a strong and trusting business collaboration when Montezuma became the Port’s preferred alternative disposal site for the 50-foot channel deepening project, which diverted a total of 2 million cubic yards of sediment. That project essentially launched Montezuma, as it was the very first project that delivered sediment to us (in December 2002).”

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

Australia and China Square Off in Latest Case of Pacific Expansionism

Australia P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft — Australia is accusing China of an unsafe and unprofessional interaction with its maritime partol plane (Australia Defence)

The government of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is taking steps that it sees as countering China’s expansionist move across the region. Australia is moving to increase its influence in the region to counter China and today China responded angrily after an incident in the air over the South China Sea where China says Australia “deliberately infringed upon China’s rights and interest.”

“We urge Australia to abandon its fantasy of speculation and adventure, strictly restrain the actions of its frontline naval and air forces, and not be willing to be a follower and thug, stirring up trouble in the South China Sea and harming others and itself,” said Defense Ministry Spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang answers reporters' questions.

The exchange of words came after Australia yesterday expressed its concerns following what it called “an unsafe and unprofessional interaction,” between a Chinese plane and a Royal Australian Air Force maritime patrol aircraft. Australia contends for decades it has undertaken maritime surveillance activities in the region over the South China Sea, but on Tuesday, February 11 a Chinese aircraft encroached and released flares close to its aircraft.

“Australia expects all countries, including China, to operate their militaries in a safe and professional manner,” said the Australian Government Department of Defence. Other nations including the Philippines, which is dealing with its own assertions of Chinese expansionism, quickly responded also expressing concern over the incident.

China responded saying Australia “complained first and spread false narratives.” Zhang asserted that the Australian aircraft had “ignored the main road in the South Chian Sea,” and intruded into Chinese airspace.

Kimbe Port, West New Britain Province, Papua New Guinea

The Albanese government has been working to reign in China to protect Australian interests. At the end of last week, it was announced that the government through the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific would be providing loans to the Government of Papua New Guinea for a port infrastructure upgrade program. Speculation is that the step was taken to block attempts by China to lead the port upgrades. China has been currying favor and increasing influence through its port projects worldwide, including the operations of terminals at the Panama Canal which led to Donald Trump’s assertions China is now running the Panama Canal.

Australia is providing an A$95.7 million (US$61 million) loan which will support the upgrade of Kimbe Port in West New Britain Province. The port plays a critical role in trade handling 90 percent of the palm oil trade in the Province, which is one of the country’s largest exports. The work is scheduled to begin in early 2025 and conclude in 2026, and it will increase resilience against climate impacts and enhance freight services.

“The project reinforces Australia’s commitment to supporting PNG’s economic growth and regional connectivity and will improve infrastructure reliability, strengthen supply chain efficiency, improve connectivity, and boost local economic opportunities,” said Australian officials announcing the project.

The Kimbe Port project is the first of five major upgrades Australia is supporting in Papua New Guinea, with Oro Bay, Daru, the Lae Tidal Basin, and Kavieng also set to benefit from improved port facilities. The project to upgrade ports across Papua New Guinea is expected to cost A$621.4 million (US$395 million).

U.S. Navy Carrier Collides With Bulker off Port Said

USS Harry S. Truman under way (USN file image)

The carrier USS Harry S. Truman has collided with a merchant vessel in the Mediterranean Sea, according to U.S. 6th Fleet. The carrier was minimally affected, a spokesman said.

At about 2345 hours, Truman was operating in traffic just off Port Said when she collided with the bulker Besiktas-M. Cmdr. Timothy Gorman, a spokesman for 6th Fleet, confirmed that the collision "did not endanger" Truman, and no injuries or flooding have been reported. The vessel's nuclear propulsion plants are not affected, he said, and are in a "safe and stable condition."

The Navy did not release information about the status and condition of the bulker, but AIS data suggests that Besiktas-M is currently at anchor off Port Said. Besiktas-M is a 2003-built Handymax, and is managed by Synergy and owned by a holding company in the Marshall Islands.

Besiktas-M has accumulated 55 deficiencies in three years, with multiple issues found during nine out of her last 10 port state control inspections. Her most recent inspection was in Aqaba last week. Upon boarding, Jordanian PSC officials found problems with her fire pump and with her voyage data recorder, both useful in the event of a collision. A previous inspection in Ravenna last year found deficiencies with abandon-ship drills, the ship's stability booklet, lifebuoys, MARPOL records and the ship's muster list.

Photo Shows Damage to USS Harry S. Truman After Collision

damage to aircraft carrier Harry S. Truman — US Navy photo showing damage to the observation point below the flight deck on USS Harry S. Truman

The U.S. Navy released the first official photo showing the acknowledged damage to the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman, although some reports indicate further surveys were still underway.

The picture shows damage below the flight deck near one of the carrier’s elevators and observation points. A spokesperson for the Sixth Fleet told Stars & Stripes that the elevator was not damaged, but the picture shows portions of the underside of the observation point ripped open and large scrapes.

Well-known industry commentator Sal Mercogliano posted pictures of the damage to the bulk carrier Besiktas M (53,000 dwt). Mercogliano highlighted the “mooring line spool which has been sheared off and the damage to the starboard forward hatch combing.” The vessel is registered in Panama and managed by Synergy Ship Management. Built in 2003, she has been operating for Black Hawk Shipping of the Marshall Islands since 2015.

U.S. Sixth Fleet Public Affairs issued a brief statement acknowledging that the collision took place at approximately 11:46 p.m. local time, on February 12, while operating in the vicinity of Port Said, Egypt. Both vessels were reported to be maneuvering in the busy area north of the Suez Canal. The carrier was returning to the Red Sea area after a working port visit to Crete to give the crew some badly needed R&R after two months of intense engagements with the Houthis.

“The collision did not endanger the Harry S. Truman as there are no reports of flooding or injuries. The propulsion plants are unaffected and in a safe and stable condition,” said the Sixth Fleet spokesperson.

Stars & Stripes is reporting that the Harry S. Truman has remained in the Mediterranean with the damage surveys ongoing and while Navy command determines the next steps. She was traveling with the guided-missile destroyer Jason Dunham which was reported to be close by but not involved in the collision.

Earlier reports erroneously said the Besiktas M was continuing on its trip to Constanta, Romania. Her current AIS signal shows her docked in Alexandria, Egypt.

The Suez Canal Authority has not released an official comment on the incident.

EU

MEPs call for more action for gender equality on company boards

By Paula Soler

Published on 14/02/2025 -

MEPs welcomed European Commission's recent launch of infringement proceedings against 17 member states, but they say more action is needed to create positive environment for change.

Infringement action by the European Commission against member states failing to implement EU rules designed to encourage gender balance on corporate boards has been welcomed by MEPs from the Parliament's women's rights committee, but more action is needed, key lawmakers have told Euronews.

An EU directive stipulating gender balance on the corporate boards for listed companies is delayed or has only been partially implemented in more than half of the EU's member states.

The European Commission recently launched infringement procedures against 17 member states for failing to fully transpose the directive or some of its measures—a move welcomed by MEPs from the women’s rights parliamentary committee (FEMM).

“The EU must re-evaluate its existing policies and introduce progressive measures, such as discouraging involuntary part-time work, which disproportionately affects young women,” MEP Carolina Morace, from Italy’s The Left group, told Euronews.

“Additionally, enhancing parenting support services, like day nurseries, and considering the allocation of these costs within member states' budgetary constraints could foster a more balanced and equitable environment,” she added.

Since last August, Spain has had a parity law aimed at achieving gender balance in leadership bodies. For MEP Lina Gálvez (Spain/S&D), chair of the committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality (FEMM), it should serve as “a model for a more equal Europe” beyond corporate boards.

“Otherwise, we risk repeating what happened with the Commission’s formation this summer or seeing the European Parliament end up with more men than in the previous term,” Gálvez told Euronews.

The directive on gender balance on company boards sets tarets for EU large-listed companies: 40% of non-executive directors and 33% of all directors must be from the under-represented gender.

The legislation took effect in December 2022. Member states had two years to incorporate its provisions into national law, and companies must meet the targets by June 2026.

However, Bulgaria, Denmark, Ireland, France, Poland, and Portugal have only partially transposed the directive, while another 11 countries—including Belgium, Luxembourg, Hungary, the Netherlands, and Austria—have yet to notify the relevant measures.

“It’s no coincidence there are delays or partial transpositions of the directive, given that it was blocked in the Council for 10 years before its approval,” Gálvez argued.

Last year, women accounted for 39.6% of board members in countries with binding gender quotas, compared to 33.8% in countries with soft measures and just 17% in countries that took no action.

The directive includes measures such as the introduction of effective, proportionate, and dissuasive penalties for non-compliant companies and a requirement to prioritize equally qualified candidates of the underrepresented sex.

The 17 notified member states have until early April to respond to the Commission’s request for information. If the EU executive finds a member state in breach of its obligations, it can issue a formal request for compliance, typically within two months.

As a last resort, the Commission can refer the case to the European Court of Justice, but in 90% of cases, countries comply before reaching this stage.

Marta Iraola contributed to this story.

ITS NOT A FILM RESTIVAL WITHOUT CONTROVERSY

Berlinale Jury President Todd Haynes on Trump’s return: ‘We’re in a particular crisis right now’

By David Mouriquand s

Published on 13/02/2025

The 75th edition of the Berlinale officially kicks off tonight. Prior to the opening film, the jury led by US filmmaker Todd Haynes spoke to the press about the importance of festivals like the Berlinale, as well as the threats posed by Trump and the looming elections in Germany.

The 75th Berlinale’s International Jury convened this morning to talk about their new roles and inevitably, the main topic of conversation gravitated towards politics.

No surprises there, as the Berlin Film Festival prides itself on being a political festival, and considering the looming elections in Germany and the top topic issue of Trump’s return to the White House and how it may affect the cultural landscape of the US, the jury were asked a series of questions about the current political climate.

“We’re in a state of particular crisis right now in the US but also globally,” said director, screenwriter and producer Todd Haynes (Far From Heaven, Carol, May December), who heads this year’s jury. “Everyone I know in the US and friends abroad are witnessing this barrage of actions in the first three weeks of the Trump administration with tremendous concern and shock.”

He continued: “I think that’s been part of the strategy - to create a sense of destabilization and shock among the people. How we proceed to coalescing different forms of resistance are still in the works and still being figured out among Democrats.”

“I have no doubt that there will be many people who did in fact vote for this President who will be quickly disillusioned by the promises he made about economic stability in the US,” added the celebrated director.

Regarding the impact the Trump presidency will have on culture and the filmmaking community, Haynes said: “How the return of the Trump presidency will affect filmmaking is a real question hanging over all American filmmakers. I think it’s a question that extends beyond the world of filmmaking. How do you maintain and protect your own integrity and point of view and speak out to the issues around us? That remains to be seen.”

Haynes did offer a solution, however: “It’s about the financiers who are willing to take risk and willing to support strong voices.”

Haynes was joined by fellow jury members German costume designer Bina Daigeler (The Room Next Door, Tár), Chinese actress Fan Bingbing, Argentinian director Rodrigo Moreno (The Delinquents), American film critic and author Amy Nicholson, and German director Maria Schrader (I’m Your Man, She Said).

Schrader was asked about the German national elections coming up and the far-right gaining more ground.

“I am affected by this like everyone else,” she said. “It’s hard for an artist, specifically a filmmaker, to not react and do something. It affects my work and elevates the stakes for the stories that need to be told right now.”

Schrader also stressed the fact that festivals like the Berlinale are spaces for questions to be asked, even if “we don’t need to come up with blunt answers.”

“The more binary and extreme our thinking and discussion becomes, the more there is escalation,” said Schrader.

Her calls to celebrate the imaginary world and championing people coming to develop and see differences through cinema were echoed by Haynes, who stated that the Berlinale has “always had a strength of conviction.”

On a lighter note, new festival head Tricia Tuttle ended the press conference by sharing that her first word she said in German was “gemütlich”, meaning cheerful and referring to a warm, cosy atmosphere.

She said that this sense of warmth is felt in the inclusivity of the festival, which is not a bubble.

“This is not a bubble – we invite the outside world. Conversations are complex and we shouldn’t be scared of conversations and the fact that the world is a troubled place.”

The 75th edition of the Berlinale officially opens tonight with the premiere of Tom Tykwer’s new film, Das Licht (The Light). Stay tuned to Euronews Culture for our review of this year’s opening film.

The Berlinale takes place from 13-23 February. The winners will be announced at the Berlinale Palast on 22 February.

Berlinale 2025: Tilda Swinton on attending the festival despite boycott calls over Gaza

By David Mouriquand

Published on 14/02/2025 -

Celebrated actress Tilda Swinton attends the Berlin Film Festival and accepts her Honorary Golden Bear. She explains why she decided to come, despite calls for boycott over Gaza and freedom of expression.

Any time with Tilda Swinton is precious and with her, a press conference very easily turns into something more. A masterclass. An articulate conversation. A thoughtful meditation.

The Academy Award-winning actress, who is in Berlin to accept the Honorary Golden Bear, has been a Berlinale regular for decades now, having starred in close to 30 films in the festival’s selection. These include Caravaggio, the first film she made with Derek Jarman.

During her press conference, she spoke about how she started working in a collective with Jarman and shared how her “drug of choice” was community and working collectively. She added that Jarman was a vital figure for her and her career, sharing two pieces of advice that he gave her: “Hold your own light” and “be prepared not to sleep.”

Swinton stated that she was not shooting a film for the rest of the year (“Filmmaking is a merciless mistress and I’ve been under the lash for a while. I need a break so I’m going to have one!”) and also went on to echo her Golden Bear acceptance speech, in which she movingly and passionately called out the “state-perpetrated and internationally-enabled mass murder is currently actively terrorizing more than one part of our world.”

“The inhumane is being perpetrated on our watch. I’m here to name it without hesitation or doubt in my mind and to lend my unwavering solidarity to all those who recognize the unacceptable complacency of our greed-addicted governments who make nice with planet-wreckers and war criminals, wherever they come from.”

Today, she shared her motivations for attending this year’s Berlinale calls for a boycott by BDS over the war in Gaza, saying it was “more useful to our causes” for her to show up.

“I’m a great admirer of and have a great deal of respect for BDS and I think about it a lot,” said Swinton, who has been a long time advocate for Palestinians. “I am here today and yesterday and tomorrow and the next day because I decided to come, I decided it was more important for me to come. I was given, thanks to the festival, a platform which I decided in a personal moment was potentially more useful to all our causes than me not turning up.”

“It was a personal judgment call, that I take full responsibility for,” she added.

Swinton went on to say that she has “enormous respect and understanding for the need for people to find ways of feeling powerful.”

“Because what we’re all up against is this feeling of powerlessness and this is the most difficult thing we’re all having to deal with right now. So any powerful action, gesture we can make feels like a good option. I understand absolutely that boycotting can feel and very often is the most powerful thing we can do.”

The Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI) movement has called for the boycott of this year’s Berlinale, stating that “the Berlin International Film Festival is complicit in the German government’s partnership in Israel’s genocide in Gaza and fails to protect filmmakers standing in solidarity with Palestinians.”

“Echoing the call and demands of international film workers and Berlin-based activists, PACBI – a founding member of the BDS National Committee, the largest Palestinian coalition leading the global BDS movement – urges all participants, including filmmakers, jury members, industry members and all others to withdraw from Berlinale to avoid artwashing the German state’s partnership in Israel’s genocide.”

Their statement went on: “Last year, the German political and media establishment viciously attacked filmmakers participating in Berlinale who called for ceasefire in Gaza, and who criticised Israel’s regime of military occupation, apartheid and settler-colonialism against the Palestinian people. The German federal culture minister Claudia Roth, Berlin’s mayor Kai Wegner and cultural senator Joe Chialo, and even the German head of state Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned filmmakers who refused to remain silent on Israel’s genocidal assault on besieged Gaza, with a government spokesperson stating that Scholz agrees it "cannot be allowed to stand."”

You can read the full boycott statement here.

The Berlinale has clarified its position on freedom of expression in a FAQ post on dialogue and exchange, in which organizers addressed the situation: “All of our guests have a right to free speech within the bounds of the law. We also stand by the right of our filmmakers to talk about the impulses behind their work and their experiences of the world. The Berlinale welcomes different points of view, even if this creates tension or controversy. At the same time, we aim to create an environment in which we can listen and learn from each other, and we ask for respectful dialogue and a certain cultural sensitivity. We also ask guests to understand that when they speak out as is protected under free speech, people may disagree. This is also free speech.”

The Berlin Film Festival takes place until 23 February.

LA REVUE GAUCHE - Left Comment