Congo News

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...

KR (Korean Register) announced on September 10 at Gastech 2025 that it has granted an Approval in Principle (AIP) for an LNG Boil-off Gas (BOG) Treatment System jointly developed by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) and Donghwa Pneutec. The AIP, awarded in cooperation with the Liberian Registry (LISCR), is based on a concept proposed by HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE).  BOG treatment system Newly developed BOG treatment system is designed for installation an...

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...

KR (Korean Register) has granted Approval in Principle (AIP) for the ammonia-fuelled ship safety solution ‘Hi-CLEARS’ (Hyundai integrated Clean Liquid based Ammonia Release mitigation system with SCR). The system was developed in collaboration with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) and HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) and was announced on September 11 at Gastech 2025 in Milan, Italy.  Future international technical standards The approval is the re...

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...

KR (Korean Register) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with HD Hyundai Samho on September 9 at Gastech 2025 in Milan, the world’s largest gas and energy exhibition. The two companies will jointly develop a water circulation system for the double-wall pipe annular space of ammonia-fueled vessels, aiming to enhance the safety of next-generation ships powered by ammonia. Ship design and operation Ammonia is drawing watch as a next-generation carbon-free fuel, but its toxicity and...

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...

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...

Sensor solutions provider - HENSOLDT is now offering its Spexer radar family as naval solution. An initial contract has already been signed with the navy of a NATO country. The naval version focuses on the detection and defence against drones at sea. In addition, the Spexer radar scans the sea surface for anti-ship missiles and submarine periscopes. Ranges for the automatic detection The Spexer radar family offers high-performance surveillance radars for various ranges for the automatic detec...

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...

From monumental structures like wind turbines to heavy specialised commercial vessels like tugs or minehunters, out-of-gauge cargo presents unique challenges. Standard logistics is never enough for these high-value, complex projects. Requiring multi-purpose vessels with their own cranes, reinforced decks and the ability to submerge, project cargo transport calls for technical expertise, experienced decision-making capabilities and foresight every step of the way to mitigate risk and avoid hidde...

At Gastech 2025, HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) received approval in principle (AIP) from ABS for their concept design of a 16,000 TEU container ship with an electric propulsion system. ABS completed design reviews based on class requirements, analysing the power system, including key elements such as power generation, power conversion and propulsion motors. Electrical applications in the maritime industry ABS completed desi...

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...

Kongsberg Maritime has signed a contract to deliver a fully integrated equipment package for India’s first electric tug, marking a major step in the country’s Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP). The project represents the world’s first full electrical tug integration and is a significant step forward in India’s maritime decarbonisation efforts. Advanced electrical systems Awarded by Mandovi Drydocks in partnership with Ripley Group, the contract includes Kongsberg M...

RightShip, a major maritime digital platform for safety, sustainability, and supply chain due diligence, announced a new minority investor to accelerate the Company’s technology-led growth and mission of zero harm. Funds advised by Permira, the global investment firm, have agreed to acquire a strategic minority stake in the Company. The new investment will continue to see founding shareholders BHP, Cargill and Rio Tinto each retaining their equal stakes. Scale and expertise in technolog...

ABB will deliver 1,500 NINVA non-invasive temperature sensors approved for marine use to eMarine, a Swedish company dedicated to enabling efficiency and sustainability in the maritime industry. This marks the introduction of ABB’s NINVA technology to the global marine sector. NINVA will complement eMarine’s advanced energy management solutions already deployed on major cruise and cargo vessels worldwide. NINVA temperature sensors The insights will enable lower fuel consumption,...

The International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX), North America’s premier technical trade event for the recreational marine industry, announced the esteemed list of judges for the 22nd IBEX Innovation Awards Program. Managed by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and independently judged by Boating Writers International (BWI), the programme is one of the marine industry’s most prestigious honours recognising manufacturers and suppliers who brin...

Accelleron will launch a landmark Net Zero report at London International Shipping Week (LISW) this month, calling on shipping to join forces with other industries and pool demand for carbon-neutral fuels. The call to decarbonise shipping has sparked a technological renaissance in the past decade that has enabled vessels to slash emissions in a variety of ways and be powered by carbon-neutral fuels. But the production of such fuels at scale and at affordable prices has yet to materialise. IMO&...