Corporate News

“The IMO has a critical role in delivering a unified global framework, something the industry needs if we are to avoid the fragmentation and inefficiencies arising from a patchwork of regional regulation. This is important but it is equally important we get it right.” That was the message to the industry from ABS Chairman and CEO - Christopher J. Wiernicki in a keynote address to the Capital Link Conference at London International Shipping Week. Green fuel scaling and technology de...

“Shipping and the IMO are on different trajectories. There is no clear pathway for green fuel availability and scalability and infrastructure support. LNG and biofuels are mission critical to any success and should not be overlooked, over penalised or discarded in the Net Zero regulation. Quite frankly, achieving net zero for shipping by 2050 looks like a wildcard.” That was the message for the industry from ABS Chairman and CEO - Christopher J. Wiernicki at the launch of the 2025...

ABS has granted Approval in Principle (AIP) to Lemissoler Corporate Management Ltd. for its innovative watertight hatch cover design for bulk carriers. Lemissoler Corporate Management Ltd has developed a novel watertight hatch cover for Gearless Bulk Carrier vessels. The design improves hatch cover water tightness through an innovative seal arrangement, features an enclosed deck configuration that enhances crew protection from weather, reduces deck maintenance, and increases cargo capacity...

KR (Korean Register) brought together four major maritime digital solution providers, Avikus, LAB021, Mapsea, and Marineworks, through a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to promote digital transformation across the maritime industry.  As global decarbonisation regulations tighten and digitalisation advances, demand is rising sharply for sophisticated digital solutions that support efficient ship operations and ensure compliance with environmental standards. Through this partnership,...

ABS issued the CR-Ex cyber resilience notation to three Self-Elevating Units from Jana Marine Services, an industry first. The offshore units, JANA 505, 508 and 509, are the first Offshore Units to be awarded the notation that incorporates elements of IACS UR E26 Cyber Resilience (CR) requirements into existing (Ex) vessels to enhance cyber safety. Innovative opportunities for the future These units align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 – the Kingdom’s plan for sustained eco...

SAS Technology is a major Greek manufacturer of dual-use advanced unmanned systems, renowned for the SARISA II, the world’s first UCAV to successfully launch the laser-guided rocket (THALES FZ275) with sub-meter precision. Sigmund Naval & Marine Ltd is a premier British naval design studio with award-winning expertise in USVs, patrol boats and warships, having delivered state-of-the-art unmanned vessels ranging from 11 to 60 metres to international clients. Enhancing technological s...

ClassNK has issued an approval in principle (AiP) for a large liquefied CO2 carrier (50,000 m3) jointly developed by Dalian Shipbuilding Offshore Co., Ltd. (DSOC) and Nantong Offshore Design & Research Institute Co., Ltd (NODRI). The certification confirms the feasibility of the vessel from regulatory and safety perspectives. Advanced decarbonisation initiatives ClassNK reviewed the design concept of the vessel based on its 'Rules and Guidance for the Survey and Construction of Steel Ship...

Siemens has announced its collaboration with Bluegame, an Italian brand of the Sanlorenzo Group, specialising in the production of luxury yachts. As an 'Innovative Technology Partner', Siemens participated in the development of the new BGF45 yacht, the first model in Bluegame's BGF range of foiling multihulls, which has its world premiere at the 2025 Cannes Yachting Festival (September 9-14), Europe's largest on-water boat show. Maximum safety and reliability The SENTRON ECPD is one of the wo...

DNV and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on the development and verification of an optimised 200,000 cubic metre LNG carrier. The new design aims to deliver improved operational efficiency and enhanced terminal compatibility compared to previous vessel designs. Design verification of HD HHI Under the agreement, DNV will carry out design verification of HD HHI’s streamlined LNG carrier The MOU was signed by Vidar Dolonen...

Nor-Shipping has announced that its 2023 event, taking place in Oslo and Lillestrøm, 6-9 June, will feature a dedicated offshore wind pavilion for the very first time. Hosted by specialist cluster organisation Norwegian Offshore Wind (NOW), the area aims to showcase national expertise to a global audience, opening up business opportunity for stakeholders throughout the maritime and ocean industries. Floating offshore wind will be a key focus, highlighting the potential of an energy nich...

The 2025 edition of the Future of Maritime Safety Report from Inmarsat Maritime, a Viasat company, reveals that distress calls at sea remain high, underlining the vital role of human factors in safe shipping. According to the report, the number of Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) distress calls registered on the Inmarsat Maritime network increased from 788 in 2023 to 801 in 2024, broadly in line with the 2018-2023 annual average of around 800 calls. Implementation of new syst...

New insights from DNV’s Maritime Forecast to 2050 show that shipping’s energy transition is entering a new phase: One defined by strategic investment, accelerating fleet readiness, and emerging regulatory developments. With the IMO’s Net-Zero Framework (NZF) approved but pending adoption in October, and the number of alternative-fuel-capable vessels in operation set to almost double by 2028, shipowners are shifting from preparation to action. Consumption of low-GHG fuels By...

The latest offshore production facility from SBM Offshore has earned approval in principle from ABS. SBM’s floating offshore ammonia production and storage design opens new ways to valorise offshore gas by converting extracted natural gas into ammonia, while capturing the CO2 via Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technology. Innovation and new developments The ammonia will ultimately serve as decarbonised energy for the power and maritime transport sectors The ammonia will ultimately se...

Fukui Seisakusho Co., Ltd. and ClassNK have signed an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) for joint consideration of ultra-high pressure safety relief valves designed for the use in hydrogen dual-fuel engines, and hosted a signing ceremony at the 'Gastech 2025' exhibition being held in Milan, Italy.  Both parties agreed in 2023 to jointly conduct study for installation of safety relief valves for cargo tanks of liquefied hydrogen carriers on actual ships, and signed a MOU in 'Gastech 2023'....

Vestdavit, the renowned European supplier of advanced davit systems, has entered a new phase in its development through a landmark transaction under which it will be wholly acquired by Fairbanks Morse Defense (FMD), a portfolio company of Arcline Investment Management. The acquisition provides Vestdavit with a stronger commercial platform to drive growth and expand globally across its core naval and offshore energy markets. Offshore energy operators Fairbanks Morse Defense a pioneering provid...

ABB has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Swedish nuclear energy company - Blykalla to support and accelerate the deployment of small modular lead-cooled reactors to the maritime industry. Building on the terms of an existing MoU between Blykalla and ABB signed in October 2024, which targets developing lead-cooled SMR technology to support Sweden’s clean energy requirements, this agreement expands the partnership and aligns with growing momentum for nuclear energy as a marin...

Kongsberg Maritime will supply fuelling at sea (FAS) and replenishment at sea (RAS) equipment for two Portuguese naval replenishment and logistic ships that will be designed and built by Turkish naval shipbuilder - STM. The Portuguese navy currently operates a single replenishment vessel, which will be replaced by the two new vessels. Helicopter and UAV operations The new 137m AOR+ vessels will displace 11,000 tonnes, have a top speed of 18 knots, and be capable of operating at sea for 90 day...

Inmarsat Maritime, a Viasat company, together with distribution partner - Station Satcom have secured an order to install NexusWave on a bulk carrier managed by Singapore-based Norse Ship Management as the ship manager looks to meet the growing demands for crew and business connectivity across its fleet. In line with Norse Ship Management’s digitalisation objectives, NexusWave provides uninterrupted remote access to business-critical applications and real-time engine-monitoring, ensuring...

Kongsberg Discovery announced that its Mobile Broadband Radio (MBR) MK3 series has received DD1494 certification from the United States Department of Defence (DoD), authorising the systems for use across U.S. military operations. The DD1494 approval confirms that the MBR MK3 series, operating in the frequency range between 4.400-5.000 GHz (Nato Band IV), meets the DoD’s stringent requirements for spectrum-dependent equipment. Deployed within DoD programs Certification ensures the system...

Technology group - Wärtsilä has been selected to deliver a fully integrated electric propulsion system with waterjets for two new high-speed catamaran ferries being built for Danish ferry operator - Molslinjen. The battery-electric vessels are being built at the Incat shipyard in Tasmania, with Wärtsilä supplying the integrated electric propulsion system, the DC power conversion system, its energy management and automation systems, eight electric propulsion motors and waterj...

Representatives from ABS, University of Michigan, Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) and Sea Forrest Technologies (S) Pte Ltd. signed a memorandum of understanding to explore batteries and electrification in maritime applications. The agreement establishes a cooperative framework for the organisations to collaborate on academic and scientific projects related to battery technologies and electrification capabilities, with activities to include the development of publications and reports alo...

KR (Korean Register) has awarded Approval in Principle (AIP) to HD Hyundai Mipo and HD Hyundai Samho for their Internet of Things (IoT)-based Smart Accommodation System, announced on September 9 at the Gastech exhibition in Milan, Italy.  The approval highlights KR’s leadership in supporting the safe adoption of smart ship technologies, while showcasing the innovation of next-generation accommodation design. Advancing safe technology standards The Smart Accommodation System employs...

Brownell Boat Stands & Equipment, manufacturer of the highest-quality, safest boat storage equipment on the market, now in its 70th year of operation, announced the expansion of its leadership team with the addition of Matt Duggan in the role of VP of Sales & Business Development. Duggan joins Brownell with a wealth of marine industry experience, having most recently spent the last three years with Edson Marine in New Bedford, Mass., where he worked with both OEM and retail customers as...

ABS issued approval in principle to HD Hyundai Mipo for its design development of a 30,000 CBM liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrying and bunkering vessel. The design is intended to carry LNG as cargo as well as bunker fuel for a wide variety of receiving vessels. ABS completed design reviews based on class and statutory requirements. “LNG continues to be an important option in the alternative fuel mix. We are proud to support pioneering clients like HD Hyundai Mipo whose design has the po...

PortXL, the world's first maritime start-up accelerator, is proud to announce its 2025 cohort, marking a significant milestone as the organisation celebrates 10 years of fostering innovation and driving technological advancements in the maritime industry. Since its inception in 2015, PortXL has been at the forefront of connecting start-ups and scale-ups with industry-renowned corporations, investors, and mentors, creating an ecosystem for growth and collaboration. PortXL’s acceleration...

Kongsberg Maritime has secured contracts with Irving Shipbuilding Inc. to supply Fixed Built Propellers (FBP) for the River Class Destroyer (RCD) program for the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN). The contract is part of Canada's National Shipbuilding Strategy to replace the existing Halifax-class ships. Kongsberg Maritime will supply twin Fixed Built Propellers for each of the first three ships in the program. River Class Destroyer platform Björn ten Eicken, Vice President – Naval, at Kon...

BW Epic Kosan (BWEK), a world pioneer in LPG, petrochemicals and speciality gas transportation, has signed an agreement with bound4blue for the installation of a 24 metre tall eSAIL® suction sail on the 2007-buit Helena Kosan. The autonomous wind propulsion system, to be installed in 2026, will allow BWEK to save fuel, cut emissions, reduce costs and simplify regulatory compliance, as the Singapore-based company invests to support industry decarbonisation goals. Safe, simple sailing &ldqu...

ABS has granted approval in principle to an innovative liquefied carbon dioxide (LCO2) floating storage and injection unit (FSIU) designed by MODEC, Inc. (MODEC) in collaboration with Mitsui OSK Lines Ltd. (MOL). Tailored to the growing demands of the global carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) value chain, the design eliminates the need for onshore facilities, bringing LCO2 storage and injection offshore. With a design capable of injecting up to 10 million tonnes of CO2 annually and...

ClassNK has issued an approval in principle (AiP) for an ammonia fuelled LPG/NH₃ carrier, applied for jointly by Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. and MITSUI E&S Co., Ltd. The certification demonstrates its feasibility from regulatory and safety perspectives. Ammonia, which does not emit CO₂ during combustion, is expected to see wider use as a zero-carbon fuel for ships. At present, various studies and development efforts are underway to bring ammonia fuelled ships into practical use. Intern...

Inchcape Shipping Services, a global pioneer in port agency and marine services, is proud to announce the opening of its newest office in Las Palmas, Spain. This strategic expansion reinforces Inchcape’s commitment to delivering world-class maritime solutions across key global trade routes. Dynamic and versatile ports The port serves as a vital hub for container transshipments, break-bulk cargo, bunkering, and ship repairs Located at the crossroads of Europe, West Africa, and the Ameri...