Laos News

Maritime digitalisation, decarbonisation and autonomy were the dominant themes at this month's Nor-shipping conference, where mariners from around the world gathered to discuss the industry's future. But beneath these headline topics, a fundamental shift in maritime navigation is quietly underway. S-100, the next generation of maritime data standards, will transform today's static navigation systems into dynamic, real-time communication networks that revolutionise everything from autonomous nav...

A new cybersecurity solution from Hanwha Ocean to protect critical infrastructure and operations on board floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) units received approval in principle (AIP) from ABS. Hanwha Ocean, in conjunction with SIGA Data Security, developed an Operational Technology (OT) cybersecurity solution that is specifically designed to protect critical OT systems from cyber threats, enhancing the overall cyber resilience on FPSO units. ABS completed design reviews based on...

ABS published a new technical paper that provides an analysis of the offshore technologies supporting carbon capture and storage (CCS), a much-publicised approach to support heavy industry’s journey to lower carbon energy solutions. In the research, ABS dissects the shift to dedicated carbon dioxide (CO2) injection and storage facilities from existing enhanced oil recovery processes, where CO2 is injected into a reduced pressurised oil reservoir to recover residual remaining oil. Floatin...

ABS opened the doors on its latest training centre, the Hellenic Ship Safety Centre in Athens, harnessing the power of new immersive training techniques, game-based learning and virtual reality environments for the Greek shipping community. Greek shipping pioneers joined ABS executives at the opening celebration for the new facility that features computer simulation stations, collaboration areas and a training room for virtual reality and game-based scenarios and interaction. Immersive learnin...

Bernhard Schulte Offshore (BSO) has taken delivery of the state-of-the-art, commissioning service operation vessel (CSOV) WINDEA Curie, yard number 320 from Ulstein Verft. Key features include a motion-compensated walk-to-work gangway and elevator tower, a helideck, and a 3D-compensated crane, making her ideal for diverse offshore projects, including wind, offshore oil and gas. This SX222 design has been developed by Ulstein Design & Solutions AS. Long traditions in maritime innovatio...

Accelleron has further simplified emissions reporting for users of its digital solutions after collaborating with Japanese class society ClassNK to establish a direct connection between Tekomar XPERT marine’s emissions module and the ClassNK MRV portal. Under European and IMO regulations, emissions reports need to be verified by an accredited entity before being submitted to the relevant authority. Tekomar XPERT’s emission module Tekomar XPERT’s emission module automates the...

Golden Arrow Marine has been appointed as an official Channel Partner for Alfa Laval, marking a significant step in both companies’ commitment to delivering high-quality, sustainable marine solutions across the UK and Ireland. The partnership was officially launched at Seawork 2025 on 10 June, where Golden Arrow Marine exhibited on stand Q21 as part of its 90th anniversary celebrations. The collaboration brings together Alfa Laval’s global expertise in heat transfer, separation...

The recent collision between the tankers Front Eagle and the Adalynn in the Strait of Hormuz is more than a tragic incident – it’s a stark warning to the maritime industry. Both vessels were operating in an area reportedly impacted by intense satellite jamming and AIS spoofing in the days leading up to the crash. The Adalynn is allegedly part of the so-called 'dark fleet' — a loosely connected group of tankers that operate without AIS transponders, often to obscure their movem...

Watson Farley & Williams (“WFW”) is delighted to announce that London Corporate Partner Damian Adams has been appointed as a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (“MBE”) in HM The King’s Birthday 2025 Honours List. This prestigious recognition is in honour of his significant contributions to the British Chamber of Commerce in Singapore. Damian has dedicated over 20 years to the British Chamber of Commerce in Singapore, serving as a Boar...

“Every owner’s playbook needs to keep a line of sight on three things – regulation, technology readiness timelines and boundary conditions – and must include the elements needed for a short-, mid- and long game such as energy retrofits, electrification and nuclear.” That was the message from Christopher J. Wiernicki, ABS Chairman and CEO, to Greece’s foremost shipowners, ship managers, and charterers at the ABS Hellenic National Committee Meeting. New e...

Strategic Marine is proud to announce the successful delivery of TMS Tah Muang, the latest 42-metre Generation 4 Fast Crew Boat (FCB) to join the growing fleet of Truth Maritime Services (TMS), a subsidiary of the Prima Marine Group. This marks the fourth high-performance vessel delivered by Strategic Marine to TMS since 2024, following the earlier handovers of TMS Ranod, TMS Raman, and most recently, TMS Chana. Purpose-built to meet the operational needs of offshore energy clients in Southeas...

Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) takes pride in the delivery of ‘INS Arnala’, the first in a series of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts (ASW SWCs), to the Indian Navy. The vessel was delivered by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd, marking a significant milestone in India's journey towards self-reliance in defence production. Naval underwater operations The primary role of the warship is to undertake naval aquatic roles, covering underwater survei...

The Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX) has announced a partnership agreement with the Joaan Bin Jassim Academy for Defence Studies to jointly host the Middle East Naval Commanders Conference (MENC). The MENC is a key feature of the ninth edition of DIMDEX which will take place from 19 to 22 January 2026 at the Qatar National Convention Centre. DIMDEX 2026 is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar,...

The London P&I Club has announced its financial results for 2024/25, reporting an operating surplus of US$21.3m, while also strengthening its free reserves to US$171.2m. Gross earned premium income increased 12% to reach US$159.8m. The Club’s combined ratio for the period was 101.7%, which contributed to an improved three-year weighted average combined ratio of 103.9%. Meanwhile, the investment return on assets under management and cash was 6.3%, contributing US$24.7m to the operating...

KR (Korean Register) has officially launched a joint working group to establish international standards for the safe discharge of toxic ammonia effluent generated from ammonia-fueled ships. The initiative brings together Korean major shipbuilders—HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI), HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE), HD Hyundai Samho, Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI), and Hanwha Ocean—as well as the Korea Testing & Research Institute (KTR), a national ce...

Fincantieri, a pioneer in complex shipbuilding, presented a series of papers focused on research and innovation activities in the maritime sector at the 21st edition of NAV, the International Conference on Ship and Maritime Research, held in Messina. These studies highlighted the company's role as a pioneer in the industrialisation of new digital solutions for the shipping industry, which, in addition to improving the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of its operations and produc...

As part of the Ammonia Energy APAC Conference 2025, Classification society DNV has awarded an Approval in Principle (AiP) to SeaTech Solutions International (SeaTech) in collaboration with Oceania Marine Energy (Oceania) for the design of a new 10,000cbm ammonia bunkering vessel. This AiP builds on a recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between DNV, SeaTech, and Oceania, initiated at Singapore Maritime Week and signed in April this year. Port of Dampier The Port of Dampier is emerging as...

Ulstein Group and Larsnes Mek. Verksted are working together to deliver 28 standard vessels for the Norwegian Navy. This marks the beginning of a close collaboration between two of Norway's most experienced and modern shipyards, aiming to deliver the future naval vessels. Joint response and close dialogue Ulstein and Larsnes submitted a joint response and have since had several meetings with NDMA Earlier this year, the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (NDMA) conducted a market survey to ass...

ABB and StarDream Cruises strengthen their longstanding collaboration with a new service agreement covering two of the cruise line’s luxury ships – reinforcing a partnership that has helped the evolution of cruise travel in Asia. The five-year agreement covers maintenance and lifecycle support for the cruise ships - Star Navigator and Genting Dream, measuring 269 and 335 metres, respectively. During this period, Star Navigator will undergo two, and Genting Dream one, drydocking proj...

ABS and HD Hyundai Samho signed a memorandum of understanding for the technical collaboration for an artificial intelligence (AI)-based smart shipyard. The agreement establishes a cooperative framework for both organisations to leverage smart technologies, such as AI, automation and robotics to identify opportunities for process improvement at HD Hyundai Samho shipyard. ABS will utilise its established Guide for Smart Technologies for Shipyards in the review process. Transforming shipyard...

ABS issued approval in principle (AIP) to HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) and HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) for a concept of a floating small modular reactor (SMR)-powered power module. The design is intended to generate electricity offshore and near shore, supporting port facilities and onshore communities. ABS completed design reviews based on the ABS Requirements for Nuclear Power Systems for Marine and Offshore Applications. Advanced nuclear technology...

KR (Korean Register) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with HD Hyundai Samho on June 11 to jointly develop AI-based solutions for innovation in ship design and analysis. This partnership is a part of a broader digital transformation strategy aimed at enhancing design productivity and strengthening the capabilities of ship design engineers in the rapidly evolving shipbuilding landscape. The collaboration focuses on leveraging artificial intelligence to build a more efficient and accurat...

Proteus Energy, headquartered in Singapore, has developed the Proteus® Maritime Fuel Cell Solution, a modular hydrogen fuel-based system for ports and vessels. The first offering is the Proteus®75. Each fuel cell stack is 75 kW output, and these can be combined for larger power requirements. Offshore support Symbio is jointly owned by global industrial groups Michelin, Stellantis, and Forvia The vessel types being targeted are harbour craft, and vessels in the coastal, offshore...

Unseenlabs, the pioneer in space-based radio frequency (RF) detection, announces the upcoming launch of its latest satellite, BRO-18. This new asset will expand Unseenlabs’ existing constellation and further strengthen its operational capabilities in tracking illegal and unreported maritime activity. The launch is scheduled for NET June 2025 aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-14 mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, with the support of Exolaunch. A concrete response to g...

Global technology pioneer - Kongsberg Discovery announced on June 17, 2025, the signing of an agreement to acquire Sonatech, a prominent expert in the field of underwater acoustics. This strategic move will support Kongsberg Discovery’s growth ambitions and enhance access to the U.S. Navy for the company’s product portfolio. The acquisition is expected to close later in 2025, subject to the necessary governmental approvals. Strengthening the presence in the USA For Kongsberg Disco...

Höegh Autoliners has revolutionised maritime transport with its Aurora Class vessels, marking significant progress toward sustainable deep-sea shipping. These Pure Car and Truck Carriers (PCTCs) are designed to be the largest and most environmentally friendly in their class. Notably, the final four ships in this 12-vessel series are set to operate on sustainable ammonia, a zero-carbon fuel, upon their delivery in 2027. Aurora Class vessels Aurora Class vessels are initially running on L...

The International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF), in partnership with Lloyd’s Register Foundation, has launched the first-ever Global Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR) Systems Review in order to understand, evaluate and help strengthen maritime SAR systems worldwide. This strategic review will assess the current effectiveness of SAR capabilities at local, national, and international levels, identify emerging risks and critical gaps, and deliver long-term, evidence-based recommendations...

Ocean Network Express (“ONE”) announced today the naming of ONE Singapore, the sixth vessel in a series of 20 ammonia/methanol ready container vessels. The naming ceremony took place at the Hiroshima Shipyard of Imabari Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. in Japan, marking another milestone in ONE's fleet expansion program. The 13,900 TEU vessel, which is methanol and ammonia-ready, is another demonstration of ONE's commitment to sustainable shipping practices. Authority comment ONE Singapore...

Nor-Shipping has confirmed that its 60th anniversary programme, which ran from 2-6 June in Oslo and Lillestrøm, broke all previous records for the event week. Total visitor numbers were up an impressive 23%, to 63,698 (from 51,948 in 2023), while greater global engagement saw a 24% rise in visiting countries (with decision makers gathering from 104 nations). The number of national pavilions climbed an eye-catching 31%, anchored by major presences from clusters such as India, China and G...

ABS Chairman and CEO Christopher J. Wiernicki was honoured by The Seamen’s Church Institute (SCI), receiving the 2025 Silver Bell Award for lifelong service and outstanding leadership in the maritime industry. Lives of mariners and seafarers SCI is a nearly 200-year-old charity headquartered in New York that serves and protects the personal and professional lives of mariners and seafarers, both internationally and domestically, by partnering with the maritime industry to ensure dignity w...