Surveillance & Maritime News for September 2025

Ulsan Port Authority (UPA) announced that it successfully completed Korea’s first methanol bunkering for a dual-fuel bulk carrier at Ulsan Port on September 28, 2025. This achievement follows Ulsan Port’s world-first successful methanol bunkering demonstrations for container ships (PTS/STS) in 2023-2024, reaffirming its role as a major hub for sustainable marine fuel supply. With this success, Ulsan Port has expanded its bunkering track record from container ships to bulk carri...

TOC Africa has wrapped up its highly anticipated 2025 edition with tremendous success, welcoming almost 800 attendees from across 52 countries, spanning five continents to Tangier. The event, which took place from 17 to 18 September 2025, solidified its position as Africa's premier maritime logistics gathering, providing an essential forum for industry professionals to connect, collaborate, and chart the future of port operations and supply chain management across the continent.  TOC...

The maritime intelligence landscape has become incredibly fragmented, making it difficult to discern credibility. This disconnected picture across different operating functions means that, more than ever, vessel operators require a technology platform to help them better manage the burden and enable them to focus on their core roles. The digital transformation in shipping creates operational challenges, but also creates opportunities. The need to harvest the right data for disparate func...

“Nuclear energy is no longer a distant possibility for maritime applications, it is emerging as a legitimate, practical, and scalable solution for a wide range of strategic uses. It is a credible long-term solution, not simply because of its potential to reduce emissions, but because it offers unmatched energy density, reliability, and strategic independence.” That was the message for the industry from ABS Chairman and CEO Christopher J. Wiernicki at the Core Power Argo Conference i...

Kongsberg Maritime has signed a contract with REACH Subsea ASA for the design, construction, and delivery of two additional unmanned surface vessels (USVs), expanding the pioneering REACH REMOTE fleet. The vessels will be based on Kongsberg Maritime’s UT5208 design, a purpose-built 24-metre platform engineered for remote and autonomous offshore operations. This agreement follows the success of REACH REMOTE 1 and 2, with the first vessel recently completing a series of fully remote-contro...

Kongsberg Discovery and Aker Solutions are joining forces to showcase a drone (UAV) detection system in Stavanger, using Kongsberg’s Drone Detection Radar. This marks the beginning of a broader rollout of infrastructure products in the North Sea to enhance situational awareness around offshore assets and transit lanes. Kongsberg Discovery develops subsurface, acoustic, navigation, and marine robotics systems, including AUVs and USVs. The company’s technologies are used in navigat...

ClassNK has released new guidelines for those involved in container shipping, aiming to enhance the efficiency of container stowage, while ensuring safety measures, such as preventing cargo collapse. These guidelines apply the latest expertise in weather forecasting, ship motion, and digital twin technologies. The newly released 'Guidelines for the Safety of Maritime Cargo Based on Weather Forecasts,' 'Guidelines for Anti-Rolling Devices,' and 'Guidelines for Container Stowage and Securing Arra...

RAD Propulsion, the UK-based innovator in next-generation electric marine propulsion systems, announced its expansion into the USA with the opening of an office in Charleston, South Carolina. This strategic move marks the next stage in RAD’s business plan, reflecting growing demand for sustainable, high-performance marine technology across North America. The expansion builds on RAD’s successful partnerships, including its ongoing collaboration with Zodiac of North America, a renowne...

Strategic Marine has laid the keels for a series of three new 43m Passenger Fast Ferries for new client Bintan Resort Ferries at its Singapore yard. The contract for these newbuild vessels establishes a new relationship between the provider of ferry services between Singapore and neighbouring Bintan Island with pioneering aluminium boat builder Strategic Marine to replace and expand its current fleet. IMO HSC Code requirements Bintan Resort Ferries currently operates three ferries, each...

Global law firm Reed Smith hosted a breakfast seminar as part of London International Shipping Week (LISW), bringing together insurers, financiers, and other key stakeholders across the maritime industry. The event, titled ‘Navigating Uncharted Waters: Legal Risk in a Changing World’s featured an interactive panel discussion by pioneering figures from the maritime and legal sectors. Speakers addressed critical challenges facing the shipping industry now, including international...

ABB has been recognised as a pioneer in the 2025 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Global Industrial IoT Platforms. ABB views the recognition as a reflection of the company’s continued commitment to delivering innovative industrial AI and IoT solutions that empower industries to operate leaner and cleaner.  Data-driven business outcomes “Being recognised by Gartner® four consecutive times and now positioned as a Leader is a proud moment for ABB and we see it is a tes...

Sallaum Lines has celebrated the European debut of its first LNG dual-fuel newbuilding, the Ocean Breeze, with a landmark ceremony in the port of Antwerp. The vessel’s launch underscores the company’s commitment to sustainability and marks an important step in its broader fleet expansion strategy. Event highlights The milestone was marked on 19 September with a celebration at Sallaum Terminal, attended by international guests The milestone was marked on 19 September with a celeb...

A groundbreaking collaboration to develop inspection technologies for Persona AI’s humanoid robot platform that enhances productivity and safety in shipyards was formalised now with the signing of an MOU between ABS and Persona AI. The initiative will focus on adapting Persona AI’s humanoid robots, based in part on NASA’s robotic hand technology, for a range of shipyard tasks. Unlike traditional industrial robots, humanoid robots are uniquely suited to operate in shipyards des...

Sperry Marine, a global major in navigation solutions for seagoing vessels, has been selected to supply the complete Integrated Bridge Systems for two highly innovative container vessels under construction for Samskip. Built by Cochin Shipyard Limited, the groundbreaking vessels will be delivered, achieving zero-emission propulsion and ready for future autonomous navigation. Green corridor initiative The two ships combined are expected to reduce CO₂ emissions by approximately 25,000 tons annu...

Strategic Marine is pleased to announce the successful Technical Acceptance for a pair of two 40m 550-Passenger Aluminium Catamaran Ferries being for the Government of Bermuda. This important milestone marks the vessel’s readiness to progress toward final delivery and deployment in Bermudan’s waters. Bermuda’s public transport Designed by One2Three Naval Architects, the ferry incorporates modern features to enhance passenger experience, comfort, accessibility, and operationa...

“We must design for safety, train for safety, and lead with safety. If we don’t, the consequences can be profound, not just for business, but for lives. Every innovation, every operational change, must be tested against one question: Does it make us safer?” This was the message from ABS Chairman and CEO, Christopher J. Wiernicki in a welcome address to attendees at the Gala Reception for London International Shipping Week 2025 (LISW25). Wiernicki emphasised the importance of h...

Norway-based maritime technology business, Shipnet has announced consistent growth since its launch in 2021 for its dry docking software with project numbers at an all-time high. The technical project management tool which aids businesses create efficiencies while their vessels are in dry dock has seen year-on-year growth since 2021 and has now conducted a total of 486 projects. Sustainable product growth Anil Bhardwaj, web and mobile product owner of Shipnet said: “We released our dry...

Honda Marine Europe is announcing significant enhancements for its powerful 4-cylinder and V6 outboard engines at this year’s Genoa International Boat Show. Ideal for large boats for leisure, sport and commercial use, Honda Marine’s inline four line-up and large V6 engines are renowned for their cutting-edge technology, smooth power, precise control and reliability. Integrating several new components Offered in the signature Honda Marine colours of Aquamarine Silver, Grand Prix Wh...

Brunvoll has signed a contract with Astilleros Zamakona S.A. for the delivery of a complete propulsion, manoeuvring, and positioning system for a live fish carrier. The shipowner is Trident Aqua Services, which already has two vessels with similar specifications under construction. The propulsion system comprises a controllable pitch shaftline propeller and a twin-in–single-out reduction gearbox, powered by two electric motors with a combined output of 3,000 kW. The propeller measures 3.4...

The Switch, a globally renowned supplier of permanent magnet shaft generators, celebrates its 500th shaft generator order. This milestone underscores the company’s pivotal role in supporting the maritime industry’s transition to cleaner, more efficient shipping. Green transition in shipping "Reaching 500 orders is a milestone not just for The Switch, but for the shipping industry as a whole," said Jussi Puranen, Product Line Director for Electric Machines, adding "Every shaft gene...

NorthStandard has appointed Matt Holmes and Andrew Carter to lead its newly created Upstream Energy and Marine & Energy Liability sectors, expanding the insurer’s specialty portfolio into significant adjacent markets. Holmes and Carter join from Dale Underwriting Partners on 29 September, bringing decades of expertise in energy and complex liability risks. Integrated marine and energy solutions Matt Holmes will head NorthStandard’s Upstream Energy sector, with Andrew Carter pi...

Japanese shipowner Nissen Kaiun has become a shareholder in Dutch Wind-Assisted Shipping Propulsion pioneer Econowind. This move highlights growing industry interest in fuel-neutral technologies. The Imabari-based shipping company, which operates a diversified fleet through several subsidiaries, said it had chosen Econowind for its technology. Wind-Assisted Ship Propulsion solution “We recognised that Econowind has a mature Wind-Assisted Ship Propulsion solution in the market,”...

Technology group - Wärtsilä has signed a strategic training partnership agreement with GigaMare Inc., a major provider of tailor-made training in maritime operations, repairs and maintenance. The agreement makes GigaMare an official Wärtsilä training partner with the right to deliver crew training on selected Wärtsilä engines in the Philippines. The Philippines plays a significant role in the global maritime industry, home to a large percentage of the world's seafa...

Hanwha Ocean, one of the major shipbuilders in South Korea, has awarded ABB the contract to supply a complete electric power and propulsion system for Singapore’s first floating liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal. The contract is the latest milestone in the long-standing collaboration between ABB and Hanwha Ocean. ABB’s remote control ABB’s integrated electrical system on board the Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU) will comprise a medium voltage generator, 6....

bound4blue has taken another step forward in its mission to accelerate and simplify the adoption of wind power, with the validation of its ‘wind propulsion system force matrix calculation methodology’ by Lloyd’s Register (LR). The validation gives shipowners a robust, credible and compliant means to calculate the Pwind value of installations, ensuring they unlock full regulatory (and cost) benefits under frameworks such as FuelEU Maritime, and EEDI/EEXI. Advanced CFD-based ca...

Accelleron unveiled its maritime decarbonisation report at London International Shipping Week (LISW25) with a call on the shipping industry to join the global hydrogen economy by working with other sectors to pool demand for carbon-neutral fuels. In its first report on maritime decarbonisation, Accelleron’s Deadlock: What’s Stopping Shipping’s Carbon-Neutral Fuel Transition? argues that “viral” efficiency measures, such as vessel retrofits and digital solutions acr...

“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,...