Thrusters News

Technology group - Wärtsilä will upgrade the Wärtsilä RT-flex main engines on two bulk carrier vessels owned by Turkey-based Ulusoy Sealines. The planned engine retrofits and upgrades will extend the vessels’ operational life and improve both performance and fuel efficiency, thereby significantly reducing emissions. The orders were booked by Wärtsilä in Q4 2024 and Q1 2025. Initial delivery of vessels The aim of the upgrade is to align the engines’ pe...

Inmarsat Maritime, a Viasat company, has announced Caribe Tankers USA, Inc (CTU) will trial Inmarsat’s fully managed bonded connectivity service, NexusWave, on board the chemical tankers Caribe Maria and Caribe Luna: as the US-based company seeks an ultra-reliable solution to best serve operational and crew connectivity. By combining multiple network underlays in one fully managed, bonded solution, Inmarsat’s NexusWave enables applications to leverage the aggregate capacity of all a...

In a landmark event, a meticulously reconstructed 5th-century wooden stitched ship was launched into the waters of the Mandovi River in Goa. This endeavour, a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Culture, the Indian Navy, and Hodi Innovations Pvt. Ltd., signifies a monumental step in reviving India's ancient maritime traditions. Modern stability and strength needs IRS has been instrumental in this project, ensuring that while the vessel retains its historical design Indian Register o...

The English Commercial Court (the “Court”) has provided helpful clarity on the extent of damages available to a claimant shipowner for the late redelivery of a vessel under a time charter where there is evidence that the owner of the vessel would have been unable to enter into a subsequent charter for the vessel. In such circumstances, only nominal damages will be recoverable, as no actual loss has been suffered. Background Hapag-Lloyd AG (the “Charterers”) entered i...

In recognition of its exceptional achievement in maintaining a safe work environment, the National Safety Council (NSC) presented ABS with two safety awards. The NSC is a globally recognised nonprofit organisation committed to eliminating leading causes of preventable death and injury in the workplace and on roadways. Their awards program recognises organisations and individuals who have made significant contributions to upholding the safety of their workplaces and communities. ABS’ acco...

On the occasion of its 50th Foundation Day on 4th April 2025, the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) achieved a remarkable milestone by setting an Indian record for the ‘Largest Corporate Flag made on cloth’, as recognised by the India Book of Records. The massive flag, measuring 60 feet by 40 feet, was unfurled within the IRS Head Office premises. Adorned with the organisation’s logo, emblem, and corporate colours, the flag stands as a bold and symbolic representation of...

Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, said: “Today we mark significant progress in our journey to creating a greener, cleaner planet with a landmark agreement at the International Maritime Organization."   “We have worked closely with international partners to forge a path for sustainable shipping internationally and secure a prosperous, resilient sector, laying a strong foundation for the future." Development of clean fuels Alexander added: “This deal means t...

How to take the industry’s ‘ultimate planning tool’ and improve it? Giving users what they need, often before they know they need it, and staying ahead of evolving trends and regulations? Timo Essers, e-Navigation Director at NAVTOR, explains the philosophy driving the continual evolution of NavStation, while outlining the headline updates to the soon-to-be released NavStation 6.4. Navigators and shipping businesses "When you have products and services onboard over 18,000 ve...

Brunvoll has signed a contract with Rizhao Gangda Shipyard for the delivery of an extensive propulsion, manoeuvring, and dynamic positioning system for an Emergency Towing Vessel (ETV).  The vessel is owned by Smit Lamnalco, a subsidiary of Boskalis, and will operate for the Austral Maritime Safety Authority. Its mission is to protect the marine environment around the Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait – some of the most precious marine areas in the world. Brunvoll twin-screw prop...

Sentinel Marine, a member of the Cyan Renewables Group, has signed a shipbuilding contract with Jiangmen Hangtong Shipbuilding Co., Ltd for the construction of a 65-metre multi-role energy support vessel to join their fleet, with options for a further three vessels. The new vessel will bring the fleet number to 15. The initial vessel in this innovative new class is scheduled for delivery in Q2 2027. The newbuild will be a DP2 vessel with a deadweight of 1,600 tonnes, with 375m² of clear de...

Fincantieri, a pioneer in complex shipbuilding, and Accenture, one of the world’s pioneering professional services companies, have signed an agreement to establish Fincantieri Ingenium, a new joint venture. The company will be owned 70% by Fincantieri NexTech – a subsidiary of the Fincantieri Group – and 30% by Accenture. The initiative stems from a Memorandum of Understanding signed in July 2024 and combines Fincantieri’s technological expertise in the naval sector...

Technology group Wärtsilä has introduced a new methane slip reduction solution for its Wärtsilä 50DF dual-fuel engine. The new technology, which converts Wärtsilä 50DF dual-fuel (DF) engines to spark gas (SG) operation, enables a more optimised combustion process, thereby improving efficiency and lowering methane emissions. Wärtsilä 50DF engine Whilst operating on LNG, the new ‘Spark Gas Conversion for Wärtsilä 50DF’ is designed to...

Hefring Marine, an Icelandic pioneer in intelligent marine technology, and Marine AI, a UK-based pioneer in autonomous vessel control systems, announced a new mutually beneficial partnership.  This collaboration aims to enhance autonomous maritime operations by integrating Hefring Marine’s Intelligent Marine Assistance System (IMAS) with Marine AI’s GuardianAI autonomy suite.  Hefring Marine’s IMAS Hefring Marine’s IMAS will complement GuardianAI’s exis...

ABS Consulting has published an insightful new paper highlighting how aligning cybersecurity initiatives with key operational readiness principles enables organisations to develop a comprehensive strategy that enhances both operational resilience and guest safety.  Maritime cybersecurity A Strategic Approach for the Cruise Industry, is the second in an industry-pioneering series on maritime cybersecurity that builds on ABS Consulting’s work supporting cruise clients’ safety co...

Cargotec Corporation has signed an agreement to sell its MacGregor business area to funds managed by Triton, for an enterprise value of EUR 480 million (“the Transaction”) to support Hiab’s future growth. Cargotec’s shareholders Transformation into a standalone Hiab is expected to take place on 1 April 2025. Cargotec’s transformation project, including listing Kalmar as a separate company, preparing Hiab for its standalone future and finding a solution for Ma...

Technology group - Wärtsilä is set to expand its state-of-the-art technology centre - Sustainable Technology Hub in Vaasa, Finland, with a €50 million total investment.  Expanding the R&D testing capabilities and facilities will enhance Wärtsilä’s ability to meet the growing demand for developing and delivering sustainable technologies in marine and energy and to support fuel applications needed in the future. Smarter engine development Wärtsil&aum...

Kongsberg Discovery, a pioneer in underwater robotics and sensor technologies, has unveiled Geomatics, a new digital product designed to transform how ocean data is captured, managed, and accessed. Vessels and shore-based teams Launched at Ocean Business 2025, the solution enables both traditional and uncrewed vessel operators to streamline data operations, unlock operational insights, and improve global collaboration between vessels and shore-based teams. Geomatics is the latest additio...

ClassNK has granted its Innovation Endorsement for Products & Solutions to the confined space drone with ultrasonic thickness measurement attachment 'Elios 3 UT Payload' developed by Flyability. 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 with innovative functio...

Fincantieri has signed an agreement with Carnival Corporation & plc for the design and construction of two new cruise ships for AIDA Cruises, the pioneering cruise line in the German-speaking cruise market. The value of the agreement for the two ships, subject to financing and other typical terms and conditions, is considered as very important. This marks the first time that Fincantieri will build cruise ships for AIDA Cruises, thus reinforcing its strateg...

Mack Boring & Parts Co., a pioneering provider of marine and industrial power solutions, is pleased to announce a new partnership with Mercury Marine, a division of Brunswick Corporation. As an authorised Mercury Engine Power Centre, Mack Boring will now provide comprehensive sales, service, and support for Mercury Marine’s innovative lineup of engines. Mack Boring’s commitment This strategic collaboration strengthens Mack Boring’s commitment to delivering best-in-class...

ClassNK has granted its Innovation Endorsement for Products & Solutions to the maritime cybersecurity solution, ‘CYTUR TM’ and ‘CYTUR SC-P’ (components of Rakuten Maritime) developed by Rakuten Symphony and its partner company CYTUR. 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 certificatio...

ClassNK has issued an approval in principle (AiP) for the design concept of a retrofitted Kamsarmax bulk carrier, converting it from conventional fuel to methanol dual-fuel, jointly developed by Tsuneishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. and Fonden Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Centre for Zero Carbon Shipping. This certification demonstrates the regulatory feasibility of the ship, serving as a meaningful step in advancing the transition of the existing fleet to alternative fuels, as bulk carriers o...

Evidence that verifies the advantages of GravityVibe has been accumulating quickly since MacGregor introduced the augmented gravity self-unloading system to the market in February 2024. Developed to allow bulk carriers to deliver a wider variety of cargo in greater volume, GravityVibe eases the discharge of coarse materials from cargo holds. MacGregor’s decades-long experience MacGregor’s system can discharge various cargo types with slope angles of just 15–20 degrees In co...

Brunvoll expands its product range of tunnel thrusters with its largest thruster to date. This is a response based on trends seen in the cruise industry, where they build larger and larger vessels.  The first delivery of this new size is for three cruise vessels, where each vessel will feature four tunnel thrusters. The contract is with an undisclosed shipyard and shipowner. Powerful propulsion Brunvoll’s delivery for the vessels consists of a total 12 tunnel thrusters of the new F...

Tatham & Co and Sea Green Law, two pioneering specialist maritime law firms in the UK, are merging to create a 22 lawyer practice, and a stronger version of themselves.  The combined entity began operating on 1 April 2025 under the Tatham & Co name, will be jointly led by lead Partners Stephen Askins and James Hickland from Tatham & Co, and Ted Graham from Sea Green Law. Dry shipping and sale of goods Tatham & Co will have the power and abilities to handle a number of lar...

The steel-cutting ceremony of the first of two next-generation FREMM frigates of the “EVOLUTION” version, known as “FREMM EVO”, took place today at the Riva Trigoso (Genoa) shipyard. The ceremony was attended, among others, by the Director of the Naval Armaments Directorate - NAVARM, Admiral Chief Inspector Giuseppe Abbamonte, the CEO of Orizzonte Sistemi Navali, Giovanni Sorrentino, Fulvio Palermo, Head of Project Management of the Fin...

Baltic Exchange has launched the maritime industry’s first-ever free Fuel Equivalence Converter, a reliable, easy-to-use digital calculator that helps owners, traders, brokers and charterers to navigate the complexity of the physical properties of the wide variety of marine fuels that are currently available on the market.  The Fuel Equivalence Converter is the latest resource provided by Baltic Exchange to help shipping players understand the cost and commercial implications of gree...

The SEA-CARE working group concluded its third session in February by confirming commitments to share key data to secure common objectives. Highlighting a need to look beyond ‘top-level’ data to pinpoint the root causes of casualties, attendees discussed specific datasets that could enrich findings drawn from Inmarsat’s Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) distress alert data. Crew welfare surveys, for example, offered a precious resource for developing a more ho...

The University of Osaka (President: Atsushi Kumanogoh), in collaboration with Imabari Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. (President: Yukito Higaki, 'Imabari Shipbuilding'), Japan Marine United Corporation (President: Takashi Hirose, 'JMU'), Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (President & CEO: Hayato Suga, 'ClassNK'), and MTI Co., Ltd. (President: Hideki Suzuki, 'MTI') will establish the Open Collaboration Laboratory for Enabling Advanced Marine Systems (OCEANS) at the Techno Alliance Building within the Graduate Schoo...

Increasing demand from shipowners for ABS services in Singapore has prompted ABS to invest in an expanded regional head office housing industry-pioneering research and development capabilities. The opening ceremony was prefaced by a traditional lion dance and reception, which saw ABS Chairman and CEO Christopher J. Wiernicki cut the ribbon on a facility that is home to the ABS Singapore Innovation and Research Centre, the ABS Global Electrification Centre and one of five ABS Global Sustain...