Tonga News

DNV has released a revision of its Maritime Simulator Systems Standard (DNV-ST-0033), reflecting the growing diversity of simulation technologies used in maritime training and certification. As vessel systems become more complex and alternative fuels gain traction, simulation is playing an increasingly central role in preparing seafarers and maritime professionals for operational realities. The revised standard responds to these developments by refining class definitions and expanding simulati...

Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (“Teledyne”) announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire the TransponderTech business from Saab AB. The acquisition includes a portfolio of connected commercial maritime products, including Automatic Identification System (AIS), VHF Data Exchange System (VDES), and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) technologies. Navigation solutions for commercial maritime The company is renowned for its high-quality, accurate effects that...

IMTRA, the globally renowned manufacturer and importer of quality solutions and products for the marine, energy and transportation markets, announced now it has been selected to be the exclusive distributor for Seaview Blinds in North America. Seaview is at the forefront of product innovation, bringing to market the next generation of shading products, including hatch blinds, venetian blinds, pleated blinds, roof blinds, roller blinds, and roman blinds, both manual and powered. Range of pleate...

Brunvoll Mar-El has signed a contract with Oma Baatbyggeri as system integrator and provider of electrical propulsion systems for a zero-emission catamaran ferry, commissioned by Rødne Fjord Cruise. The passenger and vehicle vessel will operate in the stunning Lysefjorden, Norway, with delivery set for June 2026.  The delivery from Brunvoll includes full system integration through the Triton Electric & Hybrid solution, featuring the Triton CPP controllable pitch propeller contro...

Maritime companies are stuck in the early stages of AI adoption, unable to scale beyond small experiments as widespread optimism collides with implementation reality, according to new industry research. The study “Beyond the Hype: What the maritime industry really thinks about AI” by Thetius in partnership with Marcura, a pioneering maritime technology and services provider, combines over 130 survey responses and in-depth interviews with maritime professionals. Benefits in reducing...

ABS awarded Classification to the Saildrone Surveyor, a fully autonomous deepwater unmanned surface vehicle (USV). At 20 metres long and capable of unmanned operations across all of the world’s oceans, the Surveyor breaks new ground.  The Surveyor is the largest class of USVs from Saildrone, a provider of maritime security, ocean mapping, and meteorological and oceanographic data using unmanned autonomous assets. Investments in ABS’ technical capability “ABS and Saildro...

Technology group - Wärtsilä has been selected as the electrical integrator for a major battery extension project for the Wasaline ROPAX ferry - ‘Aurora Botnia’. The project will increase the ship’s battery capacity by 10.4 MWh, from 2.2 MWh to 12.6 MWh, making it the world’s largest marine battery hybrid system in operation. The order with Wärtsilä was booked in Q3 2025. Hybrid propulsion systems Hybrid propulsion systems have emerged as a compellin...

Daphne Technology has released a new white paper: From Assumptions to Accuracy-Unlocking the Value of Direct Emissions Monitoring in the Maritime Industry. The publication examines the limitations of estimation-based emissions reporting and explains how direct measurement offers a more accurate, transparent, and future-proof approach. Quality of emissions data The quality of emissions data is becoming a financial and operational priority for shipowners and operators As regulations tight...

Wallem Group, a major global maritime partner, has launched a suite of support and consultancy services to protect IT systems onboard its clients’ vessels from disruption. Its new Vessel IT Security and Management Services (VITS) offer comprehensive support to enable smooth, secure and efficient IT at sea in an increasingly digitalised and regulated maritime world. VITS have been developed with a ship's entire digital ecosystem in mind – from its business networks to the Internet of...

OrbitMI, a globally renowned provider of maritime SaaS software, announced its acquisition of Gale Force, a respected provider of maritime advisory services. Gale Force specialises in voyage optimisation, environmental compliance, and voyage execution support. This acquisition represents a strategic step forward in OrbitMI’s mission to deliver a comprehensive, intelligent maritime platform that meets the evolving expectations of clients. Integrating Gale Force’s expertise OrbitMI...

The shipping company Baleària has reached agreements with the owner of Armas Trasmediterránea to acquire its operations in the Canary Islands and Alboran Sea, as well as part of the Strait of Gibraltar, which has been largely acquired by the Danish shipping group DFDS. The transaction, which is pending the implementation of resolutions from the National Commission on Markets and Competition (CNMC), would involve the management of 15 vessels and the operation of maritime lines, as...

The Centre of Excellence in Maritime and Shipbuilding (CEMS) has inaugurated an extension centre at Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. (GRSE), as part of GRSE’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative. The centre was inaugurated at the GRSE Taratala unit by Cmde PR Hari IN (Retd.), Chairman & Managing Director, GRSE, in the presence of Mr Saikat Roychowdhury, Head – Operations, Indian Register of Shipping (IRS), and Cdr Gopi Krishna Sivvam IN (Retd...

The International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX), North America’s premier technical trade event for the recreational marine industry, announced its slate of new presentations, panel discussions, and technical seminars as part of its world-class IBEX Education Conference. With a can’t-miss lineup of opportunities from Tech Talks to Main Stage events, the 2025 IBEX Education Conference features sessions for everyone from leadership to engineers. This year&rsquo...

Inmarsat Maritime, a Viasat company, has announced that Anglo-Eastern will upgrade Hadley Shipping Group’s fleet to Inmarsat’s fully managed bonded connectivity solution, NexusWave. Hadley Shipping Group is a long-standing Inmarsat Maritime user. Its transition to NexusWave represents a significant step forward in adopting a unified, bonded multi-orbit solution that will deliver enhanced performance, enterprise-grade cybersecurity, and a scalable platform for future operational nee...

Premier Singapore-based shipbuilder - Strategic Marine has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with US-based advanced naval innovation pioneer - Eureka Naval Craft to collaborate on the construction of the first-ever Aircat Bengal MC Modular Attack Surface Craft. The partnership will give a significant boost to the global maritime sector and brings together Eureka’s pioneering modular naval Surface Effect Ship (SES) design and Strategic Marine’s world-class shipbuilding expertise t...

Optrak Distribution Software has launched a new cloud-based route optimisation platform to help road freight operators manage fleet decarbonisation, while improving efficiency in existing operations. Optrak, a UK provider of route planning and load optimisation solutions, has developed the system to combine EV consumption modelling, en-route charging and alternative fuel support with advanced load and route optimisation. New system models EV energy use The new system models EV energy use by f...

RAD Propulsion, the Southampton-based marine electric propulsion specialists, announces the successful completion of a project with Williams Shipping, a globally renowned marine services provider, to deliver zero-emission vessel operations in Southampton waters. Electric vessel technology The venture saw RAD Propulsion provide cutting-edge electric vessel technology and propulsion expertise, while Williams Shipping contributed essential marine operations knowledge, harbour authority liaison, a...

ABS Wavesight™, the ABS-affiliated maritime Software-as-a-Service company, announces the appointment of Captain Stephen (Steve) Bomgardner as Chief Customer Officer (CCO). Captain Bomgardner brings more than 23 years of maritime leadership experience encompassing operations, regulatory compliance and environmental innovation. Most recently, he served as Vice President of Shipping & Offshore Solutions at Pole Star Global, where he directed strategic growth initiatives and oversaw...

OrbitMI, a pioneering provider of maritime SaaS software, has now announced the appointment of Egil Husby to its Board of Directors.  A seasoned shipping strategist and risk management professional, Husby brings more than two decades of experience shaping corporate strategy, managing freight risk, and pioneering transformation initiatives within the global shipping sector. Prior roles of Husby Husby served as Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer at Western Bulk, where he led busines...

Peel Ports Group has underlined its commitment to supporting UK steel and metals supply chains by becoming the first and only UK port operator to join the Aluminium Federation (ALFED). The UK’s second-largest port operator has signed up to the trade body as it aims to grow its presence in the aluminium sector, following a record-breaking year for steel imports at the Port of Liverpool. Use of coastal and short sea shipping This aims to reduce road miles and cut carbon emissions by makin...

The 41st annual Asia Pacific Petroleum Conference (APPEC) by S&P Global – Asia’s pioneering energy conference - will take place from September 8 to 11, 2025, at the Raffles City Convention Centre in Singapore. A cornerstone of the energy industry for the past 40 years, this premier gathering of close to 1,500 industry pioneers, experts and executives across 65 countries aims to explore the evolving landscape of the oil and gas sector, discussing critical issues such as energy tr...

With under four weeks to go until the inaugural Container Terminal Automation Conference Asia (CTAC Asia), the agenda has everything ports and terminals are looking for! Seeing as Asia’s ports are facing growing pressures from congestion and the rising demand for increased logistics, the agenda presents strategies, insights and new technology presentations from major industry figures. Bringing together expert figures, the agenda will examine the region’s unique challenges across, d...

The Coast Guard Foundation has been named the official charitable partner of the Chicago International Boat Show, a new event coming to Navy Pier Marina August 22-24, 2025. This partnership gives boaters a unique opportunity to support the Coast Guard Foundation while enjoying the best in boats, gear, and lakefront experiences. The three-day event will feature more than 150 luxury boats and yachts, 70 exhibitors showcasing the latest in marine technology and services, and a full schedule of...

Xeneta AS announces the acquisition of fellow maritime and supply chain data company eeSea, furthering customers’ ability to evaluate and optimise containerised freight. Gaining visibility into freight rates, managing contracts and suppliers, and de-risking delivery delays have always been a challenge for those responsible for getting goods shipped efficiently around the world.  Recent trade tariffs, wars, and geopolitical changes have caused carriers to adapt trade patterns: blank...

Thordon Bearings Inc., a global major in water-lubricated and grease-free bearing solutions, is pleased to announce the appointment of Progreen as its exclusive distributor for Azerbaijan. The formal arrangement strengthens Thordon's strategic presence across the Caspian region and marks another important step in delivering its high-performance bearing and seal solutions to key sectors, including marine, hydro power, and industrial markets. Range of heavy industries in Azerbaijan Progreen has...

Oceanology International, the world’s renowned forum for ocean science, engineering and technology, returns to London’s ExCeL from 10th to 12th March 2026, to connect the global ocean community for three unmissable days of innovation, networking and thought leadership. Welcoming engineering, survey and science professionals from ocean industries including offshore energy, ocean observation and defence, the 2026 edition will spotlight breakthrough solutions driving the future of ocea...

Watson Farley & Williams (WFW) advised a consortium of lenders on an ECA-backed JOLCO financing for Ocean Network Express Pte. Ltd. (ONE) to finance four newbuild container vessels. The consortium comprised BNP PARIBAS (acting through its Tokyo Branch and as ECA Coordinator), The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, Tokyo Branch and Citibank, N.A., Tokyo Branch (as mandated lead arrangers) as well as Japanese export credit agencies Japan Bank for International Cooperation (&l...

Concordia Damen has delivered yet another CDS Tanker 110, the tanker type it builds on stock, due to its reliability and cargo capacity. VOF Generation, formed by Dutch inland shipping entrepreneurs Danny and Wim Mourik and Sergei Mulder, has taken delivery of their new vessel, mts Generation, and will deploy it for the transport of mineral oils on the Rhine River. CDS Tanker 110 The CDS Tanker 110 has been developed with a focus on efficiency, operational reliability The CDS Tanker 110 ha...

Sunderland Marine, part of global marine insurer - NorthStandard, has announced its contribution to the release of 'The Lifeboat', a stirring new single by Celtic music icons - Skipinnish, featuring renowned sea shanty group - The Fisherman’s Friends. The song is a tribute to two centuries of bravery by Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RNLI) volunteers, honouring their courageous service saving lives at sea under the most challenging conditions – including the North East shores....

Strategic Marine, a major builder of high-performance aluminium vessels, is proud to announce the successful delivery of two Generation 4 Fast Crew Boats (FCBs) to Aesen, an integrated marine solutions provider with more than 120 offshore vessels operating globally. This landmark achievement marks the commencement of a new partnership, reinforcing Strategic Marine’s growing footprint across key markets. As the first delivery to Aesen, this contract demonstrates Strategic Marine’s ab...