The conversion of ships to dual-fuel methanol capabilities continues to gain momentum with COSCO Shipping Lines, the China Classification Society, and Everllence (formerly MAN), working together to undertake the first methanol conversion of a large two-stroke engine.

A Grimaldi Euromed vehicle carrier, Grande Roma, suffered an engine room fire while transiting the English Channel on October 25, leaving the vessel without propulsion and requiring emergency towing assistance.

It was a big week for the cruise industry as the flow of new ships continues to accelerate. Disney Cruise Line and Celebrity Cruises both took delivery of their next ships, while work is underway at Meyer Werft and Chantiers de l’Atlantique for the companies' next ships.

Mitsubishi Shipbuilding celebrated the naming and launch of the new training ship Wakashio Maru at its Enoura Plant on October 23. While it while be the fifth training ship for the National Institute of Technology at Toyama College, it will be the first new vessel built for the program in 31 years.

In a rare setback for the Mediterranean Shipping group and the Aponte family, the company is being forced to divest its investment in Moby, an operator of ferries between Italy and the islands of the Mediterranean. The Italian Competition Authority announced on October 24 that it has accepted and made binding a commitment offered by MSC’s Shipping Agencies Services, Moby, and Grandi Navi Veloci that sets the terms of the divestment.