Automated identification systems (AIS) News

Kongsberg Discovery has decided to start production of HUGIN, an autonomous underwater vehicle, in the U.S. This strategic decision reflects the commitment to supporting the growing demand for advanced subsea technology in the U.S. market. Kongsberg Discovery is a global pioneer in advanced robotics and sensor technology, enabling the mapping, monitoring, and surveying of the ocean environment. This is achieved using advanced hydroacoustic, optical, and scientific sensors, connected to sop...

NAVTOR is continuing its ambitious global growth with the launch of NAVTOR Middle East, the company’s 13th dedicated regional office. Following less than a month after the creation of NAVTOR Türkiye, the new Dubai centre will help local shipping companies take advantage of the latest smart shipping solutions, delivering greater efficiencies, safety, sustainability, and business and operational performance. Amitabh Sankranti, the pioneer of NAVTOR’s breakthrough Digital Logbook...

ClassNK has granted its Innovation Endorsement for Products & Solutions to ‘CMAXS LC-A’ an engine monitoring system and service, developed by MITSUI E&S Co., Ltd. and Mitsui E&S DU Co., Ltd. In order to promote the spread and development of innovative technologies, ClassNK has offered Innovation Endorsement for Products & Solutions. ClassNK supports the deployment of products and services through third-party certification for equipment and software technology wi...

The ordering of alternative-fuelled vessels is continuing to grow in 2025, despite a slowdown in the overall newbuild market. According to data from DNV’s Alternative Fuels Insight (AFI) platform, new orders for alternative-fuelled vessels reached 19.8 million gross tonnes (GT) in the first six months of 2025, exceeding the 2024 figure by 78%. This marks a significant shift in capital allocation, as shipowners increasingly prioritise future-ready assets in response to regulatory pressure...

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...

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...

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...

Peel Ports Group has officially unveiled its new £30m RoRo (Roll-on, Roll-off) berth at London Medway as it welcomed a key freight service to the facility. The UK’s second largest operator hosted guests at the port in Sheerness for a ceremony to mark the completion of the new in-river vessel berth and floating pontoon, which will boost capacity for RoRo cargo handling. As part of the official opening, the port welcomed one of Finnlines’ new Finneco-class hybrid RoRo vessels &...

NAVTOR has taken another step in its mission to ‘make life easier’ for shipping crews and companies, announcing a fresh strategic partnership with Sweden’s Chris-Marine. The agreement will see Chris-Marine integrate its acclaimed Trust-Ocean data collection system within NAVTOR’s NavBox and NavReporting platforms, empowering greater efficiency and data accuracy for users worldwide. Simple, seamless, accurate Jacob Clausen, Director of Performance, NAVTOR, says the move...

Seasearcher, the globally renowned maritime intelligence platform, launches Navtor Nautical Charts, a powerful new feature that integrates detailed nautical overlays into Seasearcher’s vessel tracking platform. Navtor Nautical Charts Designed for legal, insurance, and government professionals, Navtor Nautical Charts delivers complete and effortless situational awareness, helping users streamline claims investigations, reduce risks, and make faster, more accurate decisions. By seamlessly...

Advanced Navigation, a pioneer in navigation and autonomous systems, in collaboration with marine consultancy O2 Marine, has revealed an explicit visual depiction of Hall Bank - a small, nearshore reef off Fremantle in south-west Australia (32°S), located well beyond the typical latitudinal range for coral reefs. Using Hydrus, a microhovering autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV), the teams conducted a detailed survey of the reef, capturing geo-referenced high-resolution imagery and 4K video...

RightShip’s mission is to enable their customers to achieve Zero Harm in the global maritime value chain – zero harm to vessels, to people, and to environment – through unique data and actionable insights. They do this by constantly strengthening their market and product relevance, and augmenting their data and technology capabilities. RightShip’s growth As the need for safety in the global supply chain increases and the development of data and technology accelerates,...

As the shipping industry confronts its most complex decade yet – with decarbonisation, digital transformation and regulatory upheaval all accelerating – pioneers are being forced to rethink the fundamentals of their business. For global professional services firm PwC, that challenge presents both a mandate and an opportunity: to help clients sail through this transition not only with compliance in mind, but also strategic clarity and operational foresight. In a wide-ranging convers...

Hyundai Global Services (HGS) announces the signing of a contract to deliver its Smart Ship and Satellite Communications package to KSS Line's shipping fleet, supported by Inmarsat’s Fleet Xpress and digital solution Fleet Connect. This is the first time that the Integrated Smart Ship (ISS) solution from the world’s largest shipbuilder, Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), will be delivered as a single package with a satellite communications service. The Smart Ship and Satellite Communi...

ABS and HD Hyundai Mipo (HMD) have signed a joint development project (JDP) for digital manufacturing-based automation equipment for shipyards. The JDP establishes a collaborative framework focused on leveraging smart technology within HD Hyundai Mipo’s shipyard operations that include artificial intelligence, communication technologies, automation and robotics. ABS will utilise its Guide for Smart Technologies for Shipyards to help HMD identify opportunities for process improvement, foc...

Helm Operations, a global pioneer in maritime operations software, is proud to announce that it has been awarded a major contract by Washington State Ferries (WSF) to replace its legacy crew dispatching system with Helm CONNECT - a modern, web-based solution purpose-built for maritime operations. As the largest ferry system in the United States, Washington State Ferries operates 21 vessels across 10 routes and 20 terminals. Helm CONNECT’s dispatching platform will transform WSF&rsquo...

ClassNK has released ‘Prime Shipmanagement Guidelines’, which aim to achieve sustainable ship management with safety as the highest priority. Given the evolving environment surrounding ship management, including fuel transition, stricter regulations, and crew shortage, ClassNK aims to enable flexible responses to unexpected situations by drawing on lessons learned from successful case studies that had not received much attention before. ClassNK's ‘Prime Shipmanagement Guideli...

As GPS jamming and spoofing incidents escalate across Europe, disrupting aviation and posing security risks, the maritime sector faces similar vulnerabilities that threaten global trade and safety. AST Networks, a pioneering provider of satellite communication solutions and marine electronics, warns that vessels relying on GPS for navigation are increasingly at risk and must seek advanced countermeasures to ensure operational integrity. The growing threat of GPS jamming and spoofing GPS jammi...

RightShip, the digital maritime platform providing expertise in safety, sustainability and social responsibility practices, has announced a strategic partnership with marine technology company Mapsea to integrate RightShip’s Safety Score and GHG Rating directly into Mapsea’s advanced navigation and voyage optimisation platform. This collaboration empowers both onshore decision-makers and crew onboard vessels to access real-time safety insights, enhancing operational safety and effic...

ABS and Monohakobi Technology Institute (MTI) have successfully completed a landmark collaboration advancing the development of fully autonomous vessels. The Action Planning and Execution System (APExS-auto) maritime autonomy framework from MTI received approval in principle from ABS. The project utilised the System-Theoretic Process Analysis (STPA) method, an innovative hazard analysis technique. System-Theoretic Process Analysis (STPA) method “ABS is leading the industry in forward-th...

The Switch, a pioneer provider of innovative power electronics for the marine industry, has signed a multimillion-euro contract with Ålesund-based Vard Electro. It marks a significant step in the company’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge products for innovative system integrators. Future-proof power systems DC-Hub technology holds its role in next-gen maritime electrification for flexible power solutionsThe Switch will supply its DC-Hub technology to multiple vessels on orde...

Windsor Port Authority, one of just 17 national ports created by the 1999 Canada Marine Act, has enhanced waterway safety and security across its jurisdiction on the U.S.-Canada border with state-of-the-art cameras from Axis Communications. These cameras, combined with radar solutions from Accipiter Radar Technologies Inc., provide the port with the visibility needed to prevent collisions, better detect illegal activity, and save lives along the river. Windsor Port Located on the Detroit...

Kongsberg Digital and PSA Marine Pte. Ltd. have entered into a strategic collaboration to enhance maritime harbour pilot training, leveraging cutting-edge simulation technology to equip PSA Marine’s harbour pilots with advanced skills to navigate the growing complexities of maritime operations, including autonomous ships and sustainable propulsion systems. Integrated marine services Headquartered in Singapore, PSA Marine provides integrated marine services, which are primarily pilotage a...

“Viking Vela”, the first of a new series of cruise ships that Fincantieri is building for the shipowner - Viking, has been delivered at the yard in Ancona. The unit is placed in the small cruise ship segment. She has a gross tonnage of about 54,300 tons, is equipped with 499 cabins and is able to accommodate 998 passengers on board. Navigation and safety regulations Viking Vela is the 13th ship delivered to Viking by the Fincantieri Group, including the two expedition cruise vesse...

Kongsberg Discovery and Kongsberg Maritime have been chosen as the exclusive suppliers of marine scientific equipment, oceanographic handling systems, and deck machinery for two new National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) charting and mapping vessels, the Surveyor and Navigator. The vessels are being constructed by Thoma-Sea Marine Constructors, a shipbuilding company based in Louisiana, USA. Ships feature The ships feature an advanced array of technology from Kongsberg Discove...

Intellian Technologies Inc., a global provider of resilient multi-constellation, feature-rich satellite user terminals and communications solutions, and Eutelsat Group, the only GEO-LEO operator in satellite communications announce the launch day of Intellian’s Compact Flat Panel Series of active electronically scanned array, which are available to buy globally and will deliver service from the OneWeb constellation. Compact Flat Panels Designed exclusively for use on Eutelsat Group&rsquo...

Global safety solutions provider - VIKING Life-Saving Equipment and firefighting systems supplier - FAIN Co., Ltd. have signed an exclusive worldwide agreement for VIKING to provide certified services for marine fire systems and equipment delivered and installed by FAIN. FAIN supplies the full spectrum of firefighting systems for marine use, including CO2, foam, DP, water mist, sprinkler, alternative gases, and more. Headquartered in Yangsan, South Korea, the company is a major supplier to ship...

Cummins Inc., a global pioneer in power solutions, will exhibit its latest marine technologies at the International Workboat Show 2024, in New Orleans, from November 12-14, 2024.  QSK38 EPA Tier 4 solution Visitors to Booth 3001 will have the opportunity to examine the QSK38 EPA Tier 4 solution, designed with repower flexibility in mind.  This innovative engine provides clean power in a compact package, leveraging trusted technology that operators can depend on for their fleet. Dur...

ABS helped bring together industry and government pioneers for a U.S. Maritime Strategy Workshop to help stakeholders align on key policy and commercial priorities. This was the third in a series of workshops organised to inform a U.S. national maritime strategy and was done in collaboration with the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), the Office of Senator Mark Kelly, and the Office of U.S. Representative Michael Waltz. Challenges and recommendations The U.S. maritime industry faces seve...

Babcock has been awarded a two-year contract extension by the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) to continue to provide technical support services across the armed forces. The extension will see us continue to deliver a range of essential critical services to the Royal Air Force (RAF), Joint Aviation Command and Strategic Command at 16 stations across the UK. Babcock attains MOD contract extension This full-service partnership provides the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) with a safe, cost-effective wa...