Digital transformation - News

A major, and global, milestone for autonomous inland shipping was reached on Friday 24 October 2025. During a live showcase on board Scylla’s brand-new passenger vessel - MS Lumière, Shipping Technology, Retina, and Scylla successfully completed the first-ever autonomous Dock2Dock voyage - from undocking in Hardinxveld-Giessendam to docking in Gorinchem. The demonstration combined Retina’s M-Pilot manoeuvring system with the ST BRAIN and Autonomous Lane Assist (ST Sailing) fr...

Seatrade Maritime announces the return of Crew Connect Global, the premier conference and exhibition focused on maritime crewing, training, and technology, bringing together pioneers, officials and seafarers to address challenges in crewing and ship management. This year's Seatrade Maritime Crew Connect Global conference, taking place on 11-13 November 2025 in Manila, Philippines, will tackle key issues in the crewing sector and will shine a light on the latest technology. From geopolitical di...

The International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX) announced that this year’s show, which closed on Thursday, October 9, saw year-over-year growth in attendance, reinforcing its position as North America’s premier marine event. From networking events to insightful seminars and bustling docks and booths, IBEX 2025 brought decision makers together to move the industry “Fast Forward.” South Florida marine technical programs IBEX 2025 welcomed 7600 prof...

ABS Wavesight, the ABS-affiliated software-as-a-service (SaaS) company, brought together customers for two days of interactive sessions to hear the latest product updates, strategic initiatives, and best practices for optimising the user experience with the full portfolio of ABS Wavesight software. “For more than 25 years, our user summit has been the anchor point for unveiling our latest innovations and connecting with the maritime software community to shape what’s next.” &...

Technology group - Wärtsilä and TMS Cardiff Gas have renewed their existing Lifecycle Agreement, covering the 2-stroke main engines onboard seven LNG Carrier vessels, for a further five years. The agreement is designed to ensure the vessels’ maximum operational reliability by enabling flexible maintenance scheduling and optimising time between overhauls (TBO). The renewed order was booked by Wärtsilä in Q3 2025.  LNG demand and delivery schedules LNG carrier ope...

ClassNK has issued an Approval in Principle (AiP) for 'Samsung Remote Operation Centre (SROC)', a shore-based remote monitoring system developed by Samsung Heavy Industries Co., Ltd., and a certificate handover ceremony was held in KORMARINE 2025.  ClassNK is involved in various demonstration projects and continuously works to develop necessary safety standards, in order to support the development and implementation of automated/autonomous operation technologies from a safety perspective....

Icelandic tech company - Hefring Marine has announced a new partnership with the Northern Ireland Fishermen’s Federation (NIFF), which was formed in early 2025 to pilot innovative solutions that support the fishing fleet in tackling rising fuel costs, improving safety, and reducing emissions. With support from the previous Marine Environment & Fisheries Fund from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland, this initiative will see members of the N...

ABS Wavesight™, the ABS-affiliated software-as-a-service (SaaS) company, has been chosen by Navilands Group to provide a single integrated platform to help streamline compliance with the FuelEU Maritime Regulation and EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) requirements. Navilands will implement the Carbon Diligence suite, part of the new ABS Wavesight Advantage™ platform, across a selection of bulkers and containerships, with further expansion planned by year-end. ABS Wavesight platform...

In a landmark deal to deliver immersive, next-generation training at scale to the maritime industry, ABS has signed an agreement to purchase the MetaSHIP intellectual property and related vessel simulator software assets from Orka Informatics as part of the strategic growth plan for ABS Training Solutions. The acquisition, subject to Turkish regulatory approval, will allow ABS to expand its highly realistic digital training program, which can be delivered on board, in port or at home, as well a...

Helm Operations, the major provider of maritime operations and crew management software, announced a key leadership transition as James Wadsworth assumes the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Nolan Barclay, Helm’s first employee and most recent CEO, will continue to support the company as Chairman. Wadsworth brings more than two decades of maritime industry experience and visionary leadership to the role. He joined Helm a decade ago after nearly ten years with ClassNK in Japan, where...

Tokio Marine Kiln (TMK), a major specialist insurer, announces the launch of Enterprise Ctrl, a comprehensive enterprise errors and omissions (E&O) insurance solution that enhances the recently launched TMK Cyber Ctrl+ suite. This first-of-its-kind integrated offering provides enhanced Cyber, Technology E&O, Media and Intellectual Property coverage under one policy, reducing the risk of coverage gaps and addressing the digital risks facing modern businesses. Professional services lands...

As part of its preparations for the ninth edition of the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX 2026), the Organising Committee convened a diplomat briefing to provide updates on the event's significant evolution as a global defence platform, its growing commercial impact, and its responsiveness to industry needs, alongside essential information and logistical arrangements related to participation. The event took place at the Qatar Emiri Naval Forces base (Umm Al...

Xeneta, the globally renowned ocean and air freight rate intelligence platform, has unveiled a new generation of in-platform products, marking the next chapter in the company’s mission to transform freight procurement through data, insights and AI. Presented live to hundreds of industry pioneers at the annual Xeneta Summit in Barcelona, the new products will redefine how freight is bought and sold by reducing manual work and helping procurement teams to make better and faster decisions....

The International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF) has secured a major grant worth US$450,000 from The TK Foundation to create the world’s first free global e-learning system for the maritime search and rescue (SAR) sector. The project marks a major milestone in international efforts to strengthen the capabilities of key SAR and shipping personnel, and close critical training gaps for those who continue to put their lives at risk at sea.  To ensure equitable access and long-term su...

Technology group Wärtsilä and Seagems, a Brazil-based offshore operator formerly known as Sapura, has renewed and expanded its Lifecycle Agreement to cover its fleet of offshore support vessels. The renewed agreement expands the scope and elevates the strategic partnership and the importance of Wärtsilä’s services, aiming to enhance the reliability and reduce the carbon footprint of the vessels. The order with Wärtsilä was booked in Q3 2025. The new agreemen...

ABS has launched the Saudi Arabia Technology Center dedicated to industry-pioneering work on smart systems, robotics, AI and advanced digital technologies. Launched during the Saudi Maritime Logistics Congress, the pioneering research centre supports the Kingdom’s maritime strategy for global pioneership in shipping. Patrick Ryan, ABS Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer said: “We are witnessing unprecedented technology innovation in our industry, and this centre will...

ABS granted approval in principle (AIP) for VesselWise, a next-generation autonomous technology for optimising propulsion to improve fuel efficiency and enhance operational stability. The technology was developed by HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE), HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) and HD Hyundai Marine Solution (HD HMS) for LNG carriers. ABS grants AIP for VesselWise The technology was reviewed by ABS for compliance in accordance with the ABS Requirements for Au...

Svanehoj, an ITT company, is further expanding its expertise in gas solutions with the acquisition of Germany-based Köhler & Hörter GmbH (KOHO Kompressorsysteme, or KOHO), a family-owned company specialising in high-quality compressors for a wide range of industries, including shipbuilding. The acquisition closed on 1 October 2025. In recent years, Svanehoj has expanded its position as a supplier of marine pumps, tank control systems, and related service solutions. The acquisition...

ABS awarded a statement of compliance certificate to AVIKUS Co., Ltd., for the fuel-saving verification framework that AVIKUS has developed for HiNAS Control, an autonomous navigation system. ABS joined AVIKUS, shipping company HMM Co., Ltd., and the Liberian International Ship and Corporate Registry in a project to assess the fuel-saving potential of the navigation system by analyzing ship performance data from vessels with HiNAS Control installed. A verification framework was developed by AV...

ABS granted approval in principle (AIP) for VesselWise, a next-generation autonomous technology for optimising propulsion to improve fuel efficiency and enhance operational stability.  The technology was developed by HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE), HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) and HD Hyundai Marine Solution (HD HMS) for LNG carriers. The technology was reviewed by ABS for compliance in accordance with the ABS Requirements for Autonomous and Remote-Contr...

James Fisher Defence (JFD Global), a global provider of specialist marine and defence solutions enabling mission success at sea, has commenced a project to deliver to the Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA) - a new medical monitoring capability for integration into the NATO Submarine Rescue System (NSRS). The innovation marks a major upgrade to the NSRS’s existing capability, expanding capacity from monitoring four submariners to up to 76, including medical personnel, during rescue operations...

Staci Satterwhite, CEO of ABS Wavesight, the ABS-affiliated software-as-a-service (SaaS) company, has challenged the industry to embrace software as a competitive advantage at a time of growing pressure on performance. Speaking to delegates at the 15th Annual Capital Link Operational Excellence in Shipping Forum in Athens, Greece, Satterwhite laid out the growing roster of operational risks facing shipping and invited them to consider the importance of software in creating solutions. Regulator...

TOC Africa has wrapped up its highly anticipated 2025 edition with tremendous success, welcoming almost 800 attendees from across 52 countries, spanning five continents to Tangier. The event, which took place from 17 to 18 September 2025, solidified its position as Africa's premier maritime logistics gathering, providing an essential forum for industry professionals to connect, collaborate, and chart the future of port operations and supply chain management across the continent.  TOC...

Kongsberg Maritime has signed a contract with REACH Subsea ASA for the design, construction, and delivery of two additional unmanned surface vessels (USVs), expanding the pioneering REACH REMOTE fleet. The vessels will be based on Kongsberg Maritime’s UT5208 design, a purpose-built 24-metre platform engineered for remote and autonomous offshore operations. This agreement follows the success of REACH REMOTE 1 and 2, with the first vessel recently completing a series of fully remote-contro...

Intellian is pleased to confirm that its newly-launched v45C antenna has been qualified for operation on the Intelsat FlexMaritime network. By combining Intellian’s compact, high-performance antenna with Intelsat’s cutting-edge FlexMaritime High Throughput Satellite (HTS) service, this approval will deliver global connectivity to customers in the smallest package available to date.  Until now, service providers have required antennas of 60cm or larger to deliver high throughp...

ABB has been recognised as a pioneer in the 2025 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Global Industrial IoT Platforms. ABB views the recognition as a reflection of the company’s continued commitment to delivering innovative industrial AI and IoT solutions that empower industries to operate leaner and cleaner.  Data-driven business outcomes “Being recognised by Gartner® four consecutive times and now positioned as a Leader is a proud moment for ABB and we see it is a tes...

A groundbreaking collaboration to develop inspection technologies for Persona AI’s humanoid robot platform that enhances productivity and safety in shipyards was formalised now with the signing of an MOU between ABS and Persona AI. The initiative will focus on adapting Persona AI’s humanoid robots, based in part on NASA’s robotic hand technology, for a range of shipyard tasks. Unlike traditional industrial robots, humanoid robots are uniquely suited to operate in shipyards des...

Regularly assessing the condition of lifeboats and related equipment is crucial to ensuring safety at sea. A new iPad-based inspection and reporting solution from VIKING will enhance the accuracy, consistency, and timely delivery of servicing documentation.  Standard industry practice for lifeboat servicing relies on inspection reports that are compiled after the inspection has taken place. Aside from the wait customers can experience for relevant documentation to arrive, post-event repo...

“We must design for safety, train for safety, and lead with safety. If we don’t, the consequences can be profound, not just for business, but for lives. Every innovation, every operational change, must be tested against one question: Does it make us safer?” This was the message from ABS Chairman and CEO, Christopher J. Wiernicki in a welcome address to attendees at the Gala Reception for London International Shipping Week 2025 (LISW25). Wiernicki emphasised the importance of h...

Norway-based maritime technology business, Shipnet has announced consistent growth since its launch in 2021 for its dry docking software with project numbers at an all-time high. The technical project management tool which aids businesses create efficiencies while their vessels are in dry dock has seen year-on-year growth since 2021 and has now conducted a total of 486 projects. Sustainable product growth Anil Bhardwaj, web and mobile product owner of Shipnet said: “We released our dry...