Digital transformation - News

Marketing in Maritime, the specialist networking and development community for marketing and communications professionals in the marine and energy sectors, has appointed Kae-Ley Brann to a new role of Business Manager. Kae-Ley joins at a pivotal time in the Marketing in Maritime journey, as it prepares to embark on an ambitious new chapter as a community-led professional development platform. As Business Manager, Kae-Ley will steer the evolution of Marketing in Maritime’s new ‘MiMb...

Helm Operations has announced that nine electronic record books within Helm CONNECT Logbook have been officially approved for use in accordance with MARPOL requirements by both Lloyd’s Register and the Republic of the Marshall Islands. This dual certification confirms that Helm CONNECT’s electronic record books meet the standards outlined under MARPOL, the NOx Technical Code 2008, and the Ballast Water Management Convention. It provides operators with a certified, compliant alternat...

Technology group - Wärtsilä will expand its main spare parts distribution centre in Kampen, the Netherlands, by 40% and consolidate nearby leased storage facilities into the Kampen site. This strategic move reinforces the growth of Wärtsilä’s global service business and strengthens its ability to serve customers with greater efficiency. The order intake of Wärtsilä’s service business has grown by 68% between 2020 and 2024, resulting in a significant inc...

ABS issued a product design assessment (PDA) certificate to Samsung Heavy Industries for its condition-based maintenance system, SCBM. The SCBM system has earned a SMART (MHM) Tier 2 PDA from ABS, signifying that it meets the functional and system requirements listed in the ABS Guide for Smart Functions for Marine Vessels and Offshore Units. ABS’s comprehensive standards This achievement highlights the system’s compliance with ABS’s comprehensive standards for innovativ...

Marcura and CFARER have formed a strategic partnership connecting e-commerce procurement with technical operations for fleets worldwide. ShipServ becomes the recommended platform for Ship Manager Procurement, serving around 2,000 vessels, while VesselMan joins CFARER’s offering for digital dry-docking, inspections, and technical projects. Integration of ShipServ with Ship Manager Procurement  Many operators run capable purchasing software. Yet they face a fragmented supplier landsc...

ACR Electronics, the major provider of safety and survival equipment, is launching its latest innovation in maritime safety technology – the Pathfinder AIS SART (Search and Rescue Transmitter). Debuting at METSTRADE 2025, the new AIS SART builds upon the success of its predecessor, the ACR Pathfinder Pro, combining proven reliability with cutting-edge AIS (Automatic Identification System) technology to advance search and rescue efforts at sea. IMO SOLAS regulations The ACR Pathfinder Pr...

The ABS Board of Directors has elected John McDonald as the new Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ABS at a board meeting on November 11. In the culmination of a well-planned succession process, McDonald, the serving ABS President and Chief Operating Officer, will take over on January 1, 2026, when present ABS Chairman and CEO Christopher J. Wiernicki retires. McDonald said: “I am honored to lead this remarkable organisation. I do so with deep respect for the legacy of technical exc...

KR (Korean Register) has launched two new digital platforms, PILOT (Platform for Insightful LOw-emission Transitions) and POWER (Performance evaluation for Operational characteristics, Weather & aging Effect and fuel consumption Review), designed to support the shipping industry in developing optimal carbon-reduction strategies and enhancing operational efficiency. As the EU’s greenhouse gas regulations, EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime, are already in force, the delay in the International...

The Organising Committee of the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX 2026) has announced Fincantieri, one of the world’s pioneering shipbuilding groups, as the Diamond Sponsor for the ninth edition of the show scheduled to take place from 19 to 22 January 2026 at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC). The four-day event is held under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Head of State and Supreme Commander of Q...

MarTrust, part of Marcura, and the crew payments solution supporting more than 150,000 seafarers worldwide, has partnered with the International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN), the international not-for-profit maritime organisation providing 24/7 helplines and welfare resources for seafarers and their families. The partnership is designed to improve awareness and access to mental health and financial wellbeing support across the maritime sector. Strengthening crew welf...

ABS and the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to explore the international standardisation of smart ship and shipyard technologies related to shipbuilding and ship maintenance, repair and overhaul. Through a series of joint workshops and seminars, the organisations will exchange information to strengthen international standardisation capabilities and streamline certification procedures for Korean equipment manufacturers. The MOU also a...

Classification society - DNV announced it has launched a new Cruise Centre based in DNV’s London offices. The new London Cruise Centre will strengthen DNV’s support for cruise owners, operators, ports and yards throughout Europe and beyond – providing local, time-zone aligned support, alongside DNV’s global technical capabilities and competencies for the entire cruise value chain. Rapid adoption of alternative fuels Cruise line operators are growing their footprint in...

Accelleron has signed an agreement with Hyundai Marine Solution (HMS), the aftermarket and digital division of shipbuilder, HD Hyundai Group, to enter a strategic cooperation on digital solutions. Two Accelleron solutions will cover engine and turbocharger monitoring and optimisation.  Under the partnership, the companies will seek closer integration and further efficiencies across digital tools. These include HD Hyundai Marine Solution's ship management system, Integrated Smart Ship...

HMM has completed three pilots implementing DCSA standards. Working with Genesis, Samsung SDS, and HelloContainer, HMM explored how the Booking and Bill of Lading standards enhance accuracy, visibility and efficiency in digital information sharing. Each pilot tested DCSA standards in live environments, supported by DCSA through onboarding, technical facilitation and partner alignment. It is the first time the carrier has worked simultaneously with several ecosystem partners to validate standard...

ABB has secured a contract with Helsinki Shipyard to supply a complete electric power and propulsion solution for the Polar Max icebreaker, which is expected to be delivered to the Canadian Coast Guard by 2030. Uniquely, Polar Max will be constructed through an innovative industrial collaboration between Canadian-controlled facilities in Helsinki, Finland and Lévis, Canada. The 22,800-tonne, 138.5-metre vessel is the first shipbuilding project at Helsinki Shipyard under the ownership of...

Inmarsat Maritime, a Viasat company, is installing NexusWave on board selected Northern Marine Management Ltd (NMM) vessels operated by Stena Bulk and Proman Stena Bulk. This is part of their ongoing strategy to continually improve crew welfare through enhanced communications. Building on existing onboard connectivity provisions, NMM recognises the growing importance of high-speed internet access in attracting and retaining talent and supporting operational performance. The implementation of Ne...

ABS and Siemens Digital Industries Software (DISW) have signed a memorandum of understanding to accelerate the digital transformation of maritime classification processes across ship design and construction. The collaboration will also advance product lifecycle management (PLM) technology to enhance efficiency, data integrity and regulatory compliance throughout the vessel life cycle. Digital twin and simulation capabilities The MOU establishes a framework for both organisations to collaborat...

The ports of Duisburg and Rotterdam are pressing ahead in their close cooperation: A new letter of intent (LoI) between the ports was signed in the presence of Hendrik Wüst, Minister President of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. With this, the two major European logistics hubs reinforce their goal of jointly developing sustainable transport corridors via waterways as well as future-oriented initiatives for the energy transition – for the benefit of industry and the supply chain b...

The Organising Committee of the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX 2026) has announced that EDGE, one of the world’s pioneering advanced technology groups, will be the Main Sponsor of the ninth edition of the event, set to take place from 19 to 22 January 2026 at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC). Held over four days, DIMDEX 2026 takes place under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar...

Technology group - Wärtsilä completed the transaction of the Marine Electrical Systems business divestment to VINCI Energies, following the agreement announced on 17 July 2025. Marine Electrical Systems, with an annual revenue of EUR 100 million in 2024, is focused on specialised and complex electrical systems integration onboard vessels. The business and all its 380 employees will transfer to VINCI Energies as of 31 October. Bernd Bertram, Head of Portfolio Business, Wärtsil&au...

Wallem Group, a major global maritime partner, is celebrating the centenary of moving its headquarters to Hong Kong. The celebrations will be marked by a special event on 12 November 2025 in the presence of Guest of Honour Hong Kong Finance Secretary, commemorating 100 years since the relocation – 22 years after Norwegian shipbroker and agent Haakon Wallem formed Wallem & Co. in 1903. By 1925, Haakon had earned the nickname ‘Typhoon Wallem’, reflecting his energy and busi...

Shipping has entered a Maritime 5.0 world defined by rapid change, artificial intelligence, advanced fuels, and digital ecosystems, where decisive leadership is critical for success. That was the message to the industry from ABS Chairman and Chief Executive, Christopher J. Wiernicki in a keynote address at the North American Marine Environment Protection (NAMEPA) Awards at SUNY Maritime College. Set of guiding principles “In this new era, change and technology will dominate our conversa...

Maritime industry pioneers explored the opportunities and critical challenges in the revitalisation of U.S. shipbuilding and maritime infrastructure at the ABS North America Regional Committee Meeting. The committee heard from ABS specialists on key regulatory, technology and market factors driving a wave of change for the global industry, making training to upskill seafarers in dynamic fuels, digital systems, and energy efficiency technologies more important than ever. Christopher J. Wiernick...

The International Charter Expo (ICE), the world’s largest B2B yacht charter event, will return to EXPO Groot-Amsterdam from November 12 to 14, 2025. More than 600 companies from over 50 countries will meet under one roof, making Amsterdam the global center of the yacht charter industry for three exciting days. This year, ICE is bringing something new, the ICE Forum, a special program created to better understand the challenges and future of the charter market. “I’ve been work...

World-pioneering pumping systems specialist - Framo is taking another strategic step into the future with the expansion of its factory at Holsnøy in Vestland Country. In the first phase, two new halls each of 10,000 sqm will provide a total of 20,000 sqm of state-of-the-art production space. This marks a significant investment in capacity, technology development and local value creation. "Holsnøy will become a strategic focus area for Framo. All our aquaculture production, as...

ABS granted approval in principle (AIP) for Samsung Remote Operation Centre (SROC), a remote operation management solution designed to enhance the efficiency and safety of maritime vessels and offshore units. The technology was reviewed by ABS for compliance in accordance with the ABS Requirements for Autonomous and Remote-Control Functions, recognising its remote operational capability to manage auxiliary and industrial processes, cargo handling, and ballast and trim machinery functions....

With improved safety for offshore operations as the objective, ABS launched ABS EagleTwin, a web-based structural digital twin solution tailored for FPSO, FLNG and FSRU owners and operators. ABS EagleTwin provides an interactive 3D digital representation of an offshore asset to enable more informed decision-making for repair and inspection operations. The new tool integrates inspection and Class data, connecting with any brand of Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) and giving ope...

Collaboration is key across maritime, trade and logistics if the sectors are to achieve their goals on equality, gender diversity and decarbonisation, according to speakers at the 2025 WISTA AGM and Conference, held in Barcelona between 22-24 October. The event, the largest staged by the association in its more than 50-year history, brought together over 400 maritime professionals and leaders from around the world. In her keynote speech, WISTA International President, Elpi Petraki stressed tha...

ABS awarded approval in principle (AIP) to Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) for its novel design of a wireless fire and gas detection system that advances safety in maritime operations. Conventional detection systems use power cables to transmit signals to a control panel. The new design from SHI uses a vessel’s metal structure as the low-voltage power transmission medium. Similarly, signals from the fire detection and alarm devices are converted into magnetic waves and transmitted wir...

ABS has appointed David Wechsler, a Founding Partner of the firm that became Hitachi Consulting, as the new Chief Executive Officer for ABS Group. Wechsler has a distinguished 35-year career in management consulting leadership positions across manufacturing, consumer products, sustainable energy, automotive, technology and services industries. He has grown multiple consulting practices, demonstrating expertise in heading complex operations and driving growth. Wealth of experience Christopher...