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Donut Lab, a Finland-based technology company, is drawing attention for its work on next-generation solid-state battery systems. Unlike conventional lithium-ion batteries that use liquid electrolytes, solid-state designs replace them with solid materials, improving safety, energy density, and thermal stability. Donut Lab aims to integrate its battery technology with highly compact electric motor solutions, targeting applications in electric vehicles, robotics, and aerospace. Finland’s strong clean-tech ecosystem and engineering expertise support this development. If successfully scaled, Donut Lab’s solid-state approach could enable lighter batteries, faster charging, longer lifespans, and reduced fire risk, accelerating the transition to high-performance electrification.

Core Performance Metrics:

Energy Density: ~400 Wh/kg

Far higher than most current lithium-ion packs (~250-300 Wh/kg).

Charging Capability: Full charge to 100 % in ~5 minutes (no “80 % cap”).

www.thelocal.com

The rail connection between Denmark and Germany currently being constructed across the Fehmarn Belt faces delays of several years, according to reports in both countries.

The Fehmarnbelt Tunnel project faces significant delays, pushing its expected opening beyond the original 2029 target. The main cause is the late readiness of the immersion vessel IVY, which is more than a year behind schedule and still awaiting full approval. Construction has also been slowed by seabed problems: parts of the trench were deeper or more unstable than anticipated, requiring extra geotechnical work. In addition, Germany’s connecting rail and road infrastructure is running several years late. Together, these issues have put the project timeline under pressure, and authorities now expect completion to slip into the early 2030s.

https://interestingengineering.com/energy/lithium-deposit-found-in-germany

Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL) has unveiled its groundbreaking Naxtra battery, marking a major leap in energy storage. At the core is CATL’s dual-power architecture, a system designed to seamlessly combine high-energy density with high-power output. This innovation enables electric vehicles to achieve both longer range and faster acceleration, addressing two of the industry’s biggest challenges. By pioneering the multi-power era, CATL sets a new benchmark for next-generation mobility, offering flexibility across performance, efficiency, and sustainability. The Naxtra breakthrough reinforces CATL’s leadership in global battery technology and paves the way for a smarter, cleaner energy future.

Reference:

https://www.catl.com/en/news/6401.html

Maritime Performance B.V. and VSO Zwerver I B.V. have discriminated against a Filipino seafarer and an Indonesian seafarer by paying them significantly less than seafarers from Europe because of their country of residence.

Link to decision here:

https://oordelen.mensenrechten.nl/oordeel/2025-75

Landmark Ruling on Wage Discrimination Could Reshape Global Shipping Practices

A recent decision finding Maritime Performance B.V. and VSO Zwerver I B.V. guilty of wage discrimination against a Filipino and an Indonesian seafarer is sending ripples through the maritime industry, potentially reshaping pay structures and employment practices on vessels worldwide. The ruling, which concluded that paying crew based on nationality or country of residence constitutes unlawful discrimination, sets a strong precedent for how shipping companies operate in an increasingly regulated and globalized sector.

The Case

Halted Ørsted Wind Project in the USA: A Major Renewable Energy Setback

The U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) issued a stop-work order halting construction of the Revolution Wind offshore project, developed by Danish energy giant Ørsted, off the coasts of Rhode Island and Connecticut.

The $1.5-billion project, approximately 80 percent complete, had already seen 45 of 65 turbines installed. It was expected to power more than 350,000 homes across the two states by early next year.

The administration cited unspecified national security concerns, as well as the need to avoid interference with the United States' exclusive economic zones, high seas, and territorial waters, as the basis for the abrupt order.

Governors of both states—including Rhode Island’s Dan McKee and Connecticut’s Ned Lamont—vehemently condemned the decision, vowing to pursue every available legal avenue to overturn it .

Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy denounced the move as politically motivated and tied…

A serious fire broke out on board the ultra-large containership Marie Maersk off the coast of Liberia, raising concerns over crew safety, cargo damage, and potential environmental impact. The vessel, part of Maersk’s Triple-E class fleet and among the largest in the world, was en route on a scheduled service when the incident occurred.

According to initial reports, smoke was detected in one of the cargo holds, prompting the crew to activate firefighting systems and follow emergency protocols. Rescue coordination centers were alerted, and nearby vessels were placed on standby to assist if necessary. While the extent of the fire and the cause remain under investigation, early indications suggest it may have originated from hazardous cargo stored in containers.

Fires at sea pose unique challenges, with crews often battling blazes for days in confined and volatile conditions. The incident recalls previous high-profile container ship fires that disrupted supply chains and led…