In China, researchers at Westlake University have made a “soft robot” by combining pig gelatin and cellulose derived from cotton. Inspired by Kresling origami, the 240-mm robotic arm features a flexible, modular design made of four connected segments, each capable of bending and twisting in various directions. Movement is controlled by three internal threads adjusted […]
In China, CGTN reported that a team of Chinese researchers has achieved a record solar hydrogen production efficiency of 10.36%, sustained for over a month, paving the way for large-scale green hydrogen production. According to a study recently published in Nature Communications, researchers from the University of Science and Technology of China and Wuhan University […]
In Singapore, Manifold Times reports Chinese green energy firms have announced over 100 biomethanol projects totaling 30 million t/yr to supply the maritime sector, but high investment costs and a slowing economy pose challenges, according to speakers at the Argus Green Marine Fuels Asia conference in Singapore held February 18-19. “Securing long-term offtake agreements with […]
In China, Shanghai Observer reported China State Shipbuilding Corporation’s WinGD and CSSC Marine Power delivered the world’s most powerful methanol dual-fuel marine engine in Shanghai. The 2,000-ton low-speed main engine, which will be used on a 16,000-TEU container ship, was developed in just two years, significantly shorter than the usual three-year cycle. “According to engine […]
In The Philippines, ISAAA reported that Chinese scientists have identified two specific genes in sorghum, SbSLT1 and SbSLT2, that confer resistance to Striga, a major parasitic plant responsible for major crop losses. When the two genes are knocked out, the plant’s resistance to Striga, commonly known as witch-weed, significantly increases, the report stated. This discovery […]
In China, International Petroleum Network reports China Petroleum International completed its first domestic biofuel bunkering at Shenzhen’s Chiwan Port in mid-February, supplying approximately 500 metric tons of biofuel to the YM Certainty container ship. Biofuel is being adopted in shipping for its flexible supply and ease of use. To execute the operation, the company utilized […]
In China, Southeast Net Xiamen reports the Zhong Hai Asia completed a 2,500-ton biofuel bunkering operation on February 18 at Xiamen Yuanhai Terminal, marking the first marine biofuel bunkering in Fujian Province this year and the first under Xiamen’s new biofuel safety guidelines. This was the vessel’s first biofuel operation, with the bunkering amount covering […]
In China, Xinde Marine News reports COSCO Energy signed a contract with COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry to build six tankers—two Aframax, two LR2, and two Panamax vessels—all designed for methanol dual-fuel operation or methanol-ready compliance. According to COSCO Energy, methanol-fueled ships can cut annual CO₂ emissions by approximately 24,000 tons, aligning with EU carbon tax […]
In China, International Ship Network reports Evergreen Marine has placed a $1.4 billion order with Guangzhou Shipyard International for five LNG dual-fuel 24,000 TEU container ships, marking the yard’s first contract for vessels of this scale. This deal signals GSI’s entry into the ultra-large container ship market. Additionally, Evergreen has ordered six similar vessels from […]
In China, researchers from the Central South University of Forestry and Technology in Changsha have developed an alternative to plastic straws made from de-lignified natural wood infused with chitosan. To create the all-natural straws, a delignified wood slice was cut into strips measuring 3×15 cm and then soaked in a chitosan solution. The chitosan slowly […]
