Prime movers News

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...

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...

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...

Swiss marine power company - WinGD is to deliver X-DF-A ammonia-fuelled engine designs for four newbuild medium gas carriers (MGC) to be built by HD Hyundai Mipo for Trafigura, a market pioneer in the global commodities industry. The 45,000 cubic.metres vessels will each be powered by a six-cylinder, 52-bore 6X52DF-A engine with high-pressure selective catalytic reduction. WinGD ammonia-carrying vessels The order is one of several that WinGD has received for ammonia-carrying vessels The Traf...

Marcura and Dataloy Systems have announced a new phase in their long-standing strategic partnership, adding deeper automation and embedded insights into Dataloy's Voyage Management System (VMS). The expansion is designed to give chartering and operations teams direct access to key Marcura products, including DA-Desk, Portlog and Marcura Claims (formerly ClaimsHub), without the need to switch systems. Marcura’s workflows For many maritime professionals, Dataloy i...

Bolidt has acquired a majority stake in Florida-based Boteka, in a move intended to consolidate Bolidt’s major position in the global cruise industry. As a specialist in prefabricated elements for cruise ships, Boteka has worked exclusively with Bolidt products during a 14-year relationship that has seen the two parties serve major operators including Norwegian Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean Group, and Celebrity Cruises. The collaboration has covered both newbuild and retrofit projects....

EV Maritime, New Zealand’s pioneering electric ferry design and technology company, announced the launch of its first fully electric passenger ferry. The new vessel will operate between downtown Auckland and the suburb of Half Moon Bay. This is the first of the EVM200 class – a series of battery-electric fast ferries built using lightweight carbon fibre. Designed for urban public transport, the EVM200 offers service speeds of up to 25 knots and a range of up to 20 miles. Auckland T...

In a complex case highlighting the risks ship managers face from legacy vessel issues, the International Transport Intermediaries Club (ITIC) has successfully resolved a US$6 million claim against a ship manager for only a fraction of the original demand. The ship manager took charge of a ship over 12 years old under a SHIPMAN contract, albeit for just a short six-month duration. Despite the brief tenure, the manager faced a substantial claim alleging failure to identify and address pre-existin...

BERG Propulsion is offering the shipping industry its first opportunity to select propeller shafts made using the climate-neutral GreenForge® production process, in a maritime sector that is highly exposed to anticipated carbon pricing. Three Louis Dreyfus Armateurs (LDA) ro-ro vessels due in service from 2026 to carry aircraft parts across the Atlantic are already set to take advantage of sustainable wind power, courtesy of their rotor sails, while their hybrid propulsion, power manag...

INTERCARGO, the International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners, reports encouraging progress in bulk carrier safety, with vessel losses and fatalities continuing to decline over the last decade. However, serious security threats in 2024 demand urgent international action to protect seafarers and uphold freedom of navigation. Cause of vessel losses Cargo shifting caused the loss of two ships and 12 lives, highlighting an extra area of concern The Bulk Carrier Casualty Report 2025 identifie...

Watson Farley & Williams (“WFW”) advised shipping company MPC Container Ships ASA (“MPCC”) on its strategic sale of seven container ships for a transaction value of US$94m. The disposal is part of MPCC's strategic development and the targeted restructuring of its fleet. MPCC has agreed to sell five ships en bloc to Contships Group, comprising three 1,300 TEU ships and two 2,000 TEU ships. In addition, two further ships have been sold to Seacon Group. Portf...

ABS issued approval in principle (AIP) to Pherousa Shipping for its ammonia cracking technology onboard ships, featuring proton exchange membrane fuel cells and fuel gas supply system (FGSS) for fully electric propulsion. The emissions-free propulsion system is targeted for application on Pherousa’s Ultramax 64,000 dwt bulk carrier to transport copper, a key material in solar panels and electric cars, in fully emissions-free vessels. Rapid innovation and new developments “We are s...

The commissioning of France’s largest-ever shore power solution for ships at the Port of Toulon has been completed. Operational since February 13, the installation is currently in its final acceptance period. The consortium responsible for delivering the installation was led by ABB, comprising also construction company Eiffage Construction and electrical installation company - Fauché responsible for building and civil engineering services. The facility supports cruise and ferry ve...

bound4blue has taken a major step forward in simplifying the adoption of wind power worldwide, with DNV validation of its ‘wind propulsion system force matrix’ calculation method. This validation provides ship owners, designers, and yards with a trusted, regulation-ready tool to evaluate the performance of bound4blue’s eSAIL®. The validation gives the industry a reliable tool to easily calculate the benefits of bound4blue’s eSAIL® suction sail technology, without...

Kongsberg Maritime has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with India’s Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) during the Nor-Shipping 2025 event in Oslo, initiating a collaborative effort to explore the design of India’s first indigenous polar research vessel. The agreement marks a significant milestone in India’s ambitions to strengthen its polar research capabilities and scientific presence in the Arctic and Antarctic regions. Kongsberg Maritime signs MoU...

Inert Gas specialists Maritime Protection, a brand of global Survival Technology solutions provider Survitec, has been awarded a contract valued at €22.7 million to supply dry inert gas systems for 24 LNG carriers being constructed at a major shipyard in China as part of Qatar’s second LNG fleet expansion program. The contract represents the most significant single order in Maritime Protection’s history and includes the delivery of high-capacity dry inert gas generators, each r...

The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) Registry wraps up a dynamic week at Nor-Shipping 2025. With 16 team members at the conference and adjacent events, the global team from International Registries, Inc. and its affiliates (IRI), which provide administrative and technical support to the RMI Registry, prioritised collaboration, innovation, and client engagement during the conference. Highlights from the week included active engagement at DNV’s VIP reception and BBQ, the announcement...

KR (Korean Register) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) on June 3 during Nor-Shipping 2025 to jointly develop a very large ethane carrier (VLEC). Ethane carriers are high value-added vessels designed to transport liquefied ethane at ultra-low temperatures of around -100°C. These ships require advanced engineering capabilities and highly specialised design expertise due to the complexity of their cargo. New very large ethane carrier (VLEC)...

DNV has awarded an Approval in Principle (AiP) to HD Hyundai Mipo for its 20,000 cbm liquefied carbon dioxide (LCO₂) carrier. This AiP is another milestone in the development of next-generation CO₂ transport solutions in this rapidly developing vessel segment. As the first major projects in the global carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) sector start to come on-line, shipping is stepping up to support this emerging industry. An innovative new 20K-class LCO₂ carrier design has been dev...

Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) is pleased to announce a significant milestone with the successful launch of an inter-island passenger ferry at Mokpo, South Korea. This vessel marks the first project from a Korean owner to be classed with IRS, representing a landmark moment in the class society’s growing international footprint. The vessel is being constructed by Miraero Shipbuilding, Ltd for Dea Bu Marine Transport Ltd., and is intended for inter-island service along the Korean coast....