Digital transformation - News

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...

ClassNK has issued an approval in principle (AiP) for an Onboard Carbon Capture and Storage system (OCCS) developed by Mitsubishi Shipbuilding. The certification confirms its feasibility from regulatory and safety perspectives. Interest in CO2 capture the method from exhaust gases is growing alongside fuel conversion as part of efforts to reduce GHG emissions from ships. In response, the development of OCCS is progressing. Safety requirements for OCCS ClassNK will often strive to contribute t...

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...

Yanmar Power Technology Co., Ltd. (Yanmar PT), a subsidiary of Yanmar Holdings, has received an Approval in Principle (AiP) for its GH320FC Maritime Hydrogen Fuel Cell System from the classification society, DNV. The GH320FC is designed as a next-generation power source for marine applications with an innovative design that facilitates easy installation on various types of vessels. The system also allows for multiple units to be connected in parallel and offers flexibility in the number of hydr...

Collaboration between countries and sectors needs to strengthen as the North Sea undergoes a period of diversification, according to a new report from DNV.  North Sea Forecast: Ocean’s Future to 2050 estimates that offshore wind will claim 9% of the North Sea space by 2050, and policies to promote cross-industry collaboration are required to ease spatial planning pressure. The North Sea hosts Europe’s busiest ports, produces most of Europe’s offshore energy, and is the ar...

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...

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...

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...

HEMEXPO, a pioneer marine equipment manufacturers and exporters association for the international shipping industry, has joined the EU HORIZON Innovation Action project entitled 'Sustainable Emission Abatement Strategies & Technologies for Advanced Revolution Ships'. Maritime decarbonisation drive SEASTARS will provide shipowners with market-ready solutions for retrofitting and newbuildsThe groundbreaking initiative aims to achieve a minimum 30% reduction in well-to-wake greenhouse ga...

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 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...

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...

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...

CIBC Innovation Banking announced that it has provided $10 million in debt financing to Sedna Communications Ltd, an Insight Partners-backed AI-powered workflow automation platform, which specialises in the global trade and supply chain market. The funding will drive AI innovation, expand platform integrations, and support sustainable growth to better serve Sedna’s customers. Maritime and supply chain Founded in 2017, Sedna helps maritime and supply chain businesses extract important da...

Kongsberg Maritime is pleased to announce that it has secured a contract to supply an integrated package of equipment for a new Offshore Support Vessel being built for ship owner - DOF. The new 110 metre OSV, with a capacity to accommodate 164 people, is designed by MMC Ship Design and constructed at CRIST shipyard in Gdynia, Poland. Offshore power evolution The vessel will be equipped with a comprehensive range of Kongsberg Maritime systems The vessel will operate offshore Newfoundland, kno...

Kongsberg Discovery is gearing up to make a splash at Ocean Business 2025, with high profile product demonstrations, a new digital innovation launch, and a range of domain experts on hand to help stakeholders navigate a future of ocean opportunity. The company, a global pioneer in advanced underwater robotics and sensor technology, will base itself at booth N1/P2 for the duration of the show, taking place 8-10 April at the National Oceanography Centre, Southampton, UK. Multibeam in action Kon...

KR (Korean Register) has released the latest edition of KR-CON, version 23, a comprehensive digital database encompassing nearly all International Maritime Organization (IMO) instruments. KR-CON has been widely used by maritime professionals and government agencies worldwide since its launch in 2000, providing easy access to IMO documents on both PC and mobile devices. Its widespread adoption highlights its convenience and technological excellence as one of KR’s flagship services. Future...

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...

Technology group Wärtsilä has signed a five-year Lifecycle Agreement with Finland based Viking Line covering the ferry M/S Viking Glory. The vessel has been supported by an earlier Wärtsilä agreement since its launch in 2021, and this renewal further extends and expands the partnership and benefits provided by the agreement. This latest order was booked by Wärtsilä in Q1 2025. Decarbonisation strategy The agreement is designed to minimise unscheduled maintenance...

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...

The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) Registry’s long-term and consistent commitment to high-quality shipping continues to be recognised by the international community. At INTERTANKO’s North America panel meeting held in Stamford, Connecticut, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) presented QUALSHIP 21 qualifying jurisdictions for this year. For the 21st consecutive year, the RMI remains a qualifying jurisdiction. The RMI is the only of the world’s three largest registries...

Achilles, a pioneer in supply chain risk management solutions, and Procureship, the world’s pioneering e-procurement platform, have agreed on a long-term partnership to enhance the ESG capabilities of the shipping industry’s procurement processes.  The latest agreement will bring efficiencies to the supply chain assessment and purchasing process for Procureship members. Procureship provides streamlined purchasing for more than 100 fleet owners and operators, including BW LNG, A...

The Industry Associations of BIMCO, ICS, IMCA, INTERCARGO, INTERTANKO & OCIMF, supported by over forty maritime stakeholders, have released a consolidated and enhanced publication, Best Management Practices (BMP) for Maritime Security (MS). As an interactive online publication, BMP Maritime Security consolidates previously published regional publications into a single, comprehensive publication with actionable insights and advice. It focuses on providing a threat and risk management pr...

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 Wavesight™, the ABS-affiliated Software-as-a-Service company, proudly hosted its Vision and Value Summit in Singapore. The event brought together users of ABS Wavesight software products, industry stakeholders, and regional experts for a dynamic day of collaboration, innovation, and forward-thinking discussions. ABS Wavesight’s commitment Attendees engaged in interactive sessions focused on addressing critical issues The event served as a platform for users and other industry...

The keel laying ceremony for "Seven Seas Prestige", the ultra-luxury cruise ship which Fincantieri is building for Regent Seven Seas Cruises, took place at Fincantieri's shipyard in Marghera (Venice). The vessel is scheduled for delivery in 2026. Cruise industry milestone The ceremony was attended, among others, by Harry Sommer, President & Chief Executive Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd, Jason Montague, Chief Luxury Officer of Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Patrik Dahlgren, Exec...