Maritime Industry Roundup: North Sea Platform Removal, LNG Deals, and Sustainable Grinding Technology

## North Sea Platform Removal Project Awarded to AF Offshore and Heerema In a significant decommissioning project, a consortium of AF Offshore Decom and Heerema Marine Contractors has been tasked with removing a 39,500-ton offshore platform from the North Sea. The platform, which has reached the end of its operational life, will be carefully dismantled and recycled in an environmentally responsible manner. 'This is a complex and challenging project, but our team has the expertise and capabilities to handle it safely and efficiently,' said Svein Ove Haugen, CEO of AF Offshore Decom. 'We are proud to work alongside Heerema on this important North Sea infrastructure removal.' ## Korean Firm Secures 20-Year LNG Supply Deal with Venture Global Venture Global, a leading American LNG producer, has signed a long-term offtake agreement with Hanwha Aerospace, a core affiliate of the Hanwha Group in South Korea. The 20-year deal will see Hanwha Aerospace purchase LNG from Venture Global's North American facilities, strengthening energy ties between the two countries. 'This agreement demonstrates the growing global demand for reliable, affordable LNG supplies,' said Mike Sabel, CEO of Venture Global. 'We are pleased to partner with Hanwha Aerospace to meet Korea's energy needs for the long term.' ## Metso and Loesche Introduce Transformative Dry Grinding Technology In a move to advance sustainable mineral processing, Metso Corporation and Loesche GmbH have announced a partnership to introduce the Metso Loesche VRM dry grinding technology. This innovative solution combines Metso's expertise in comminution equipment with Loesche's pioneering dry grinding systems, offering a more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional wet grinding methods. 'By working together, we are setting a new benchmark in sustainable comminution,' said Sami Takaluoma, President of Metso's Minerals business area. 'This transformative technology will help our customers in the mining, cement, and other industries reduce their carbon footprint and energy consumption.' The new Metso Loesche VRM dry grinding technology is expected to be widely adopted across the maritime industry's diverse mineral processing applications.