Digital transformation - News

KR (Korean Register) brought together four major maritime digital solution providers, Avikus, LAB021, Mapsea, and Marineworks, through a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to promote digital transformation across the maritime industry.  As global decarbonisation regulations tighten and digitalisation advances, demand is rising sharply for sophisticated digital solutions that support efficient ship operations and ensure compliance with environmental standards. Through this partnership,...

ABS issued the CR-Ex cyber resilience notation to three Self-Elevating Units from Jana Marine Services, an industry first. The offshore units, JANA 505, 508 and 509, are the first Offshore Units to be awarded the notation that incorporates elements of IACS UR E26 Cyber Resilience (CR) requirements into existing (Ex) vessels to enhance cyber safety. Innovative opportunities for the future These units align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 – the Kingdom’s plan for sustained eco...

SAS Technology is a major Greek manufacturer of dual-use advanced unmanned systems, renowned for the SARISA II, the world’s first UCAV to successfully launch the laser-guided rocket (THALES FZ275) with sub-meter precision. Sigmund Naval & Marine Ltd is a premier British naval design studio with award-winning expertise in USVs, patrol boats and warships, having delivered state-of-the-art unmanned vessels ranging from 11 to 60 metres to international clients. Enhancing technological s...

The 2025 edition of the Future of Maritime Safety Report from Inmarsat Maritime, a Viasat company, reveals that distress calls at sea remain high, underlining the vital role of human factors in safe shipping. According to the report, the number of Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) distress calls registered on the Inmarsat Maritime network increased from 788 in 2023 to 801 in 2024, broadly in line with the 2018-2023 annual average of around 800 calls. Implementation of new syst...

Inmarsat Maritime, a Viasat company, together with distribution partner - Station Satcom have secured an order to install NexusWave on a bulk carrier managed by Singapore-based Norse Ship Management as the ship manager looks to meet the growing demands for crew and business connectivity across its fleet. In line with Norse Ship Management’s digitalisation objectives, NexusWave provides uninterrupted remote access to business-critical applications and real-time engine-monitoring, ensuring...

Kongsberg Discovery announced that its Mobile Broadband Radio (MBR) MK3 series has received DD1494 certification from the United States Department of Defence (DoD), authorising the systems for use across U.S. military operations. The DD1494 approval confirms that the MBR MK3 series, operating in the frequency range between 4.400-5.000 GHz (Nato Band IV), meets the DoD’s stringent requirements for spectrum-dependent equipment. Deployed within DoD programs Certification ensures the system...

KR (Korean Register) has awarded Approval in Principle (AIP) to HD Hyundai Mipo and HD Hyundai Samho for their Internet of Things (IoT)-based Smart Accommodation System, announced on September 9 at the Gastech exhibition in Milan, Italy.  The approval highlights KR’s leadership in supporting the safe adoption of smart ship technologies, while showcasing the innovation of next-generation accommodation design. Advancing safe technology standards The Smart Accommodation System employs...

Inchcape Shipping Services, a global pioneer in port agency and marine services, is proud to announce the opening of its newest office in Las Palmas, Spain. This strategic expansion reinforces Inchcape’s commitment to delivering world-class maritime solutions across key global trade routes. Dynamic and versatile ports The port serves as a vital hub for container transshipments, break-bulk cargo, bunkering, and ship repairs Located at the crossroads of Europe, West Africa, and the Ameri...

RightShip, a major maritime digital platform for safety, sustainability, and supply chain due diligence, announced a new minority investor to accelerate the Company’s technology-led growth and mission of zero harm. Funds advised by Permira, the global investment firm, have agreed to acquire a strategic minority stake in the Company. The new investment will continue to see founding shareholders BHP, Cargill and Rio Tinto each retaining their equal stakes. Scale and expertise in technolog...

ION Commodities, a pioneer in energy and commodity management solutions, is relaunching Softmar as a SaaS platform, expanding beyond chartering and operations to address the new realities of freight management. Volatility, sanctions, and tougher emissions and regulatory rules are redefining freight markets. Rate swings are squeezing shipowners’ margins, while traders grapple with rising costs and compliance obligations. Global commodity supply chains This unpredictability has...

ABS Wavesight, the ABS-affiliated software-as-a-service (SaaS) company, announced the launch of ABS Wavesight Advantage, a powerful new intelligent platform designed to transform regulatory complexity into operational clarity. Built as a single source of truth, the platform connects vessels, shore teams, and systems — empowering maritime experts to make smarter, faster decisions with confidence. Connected platform “In an industry where every ton and every ton-mile matters, the pr...

The Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) celebrates the first anniversary of SIRE 2.0, its updated and enhanced Ship Inspection Report Programme, recognising a year since the global implementation of the overhauled tanker inspection programme. Since its launch on 2 September 2024, following a gradual roll-out to the industry to replace the paper-based SIRE (VIQ7) programme, over 22,000 SIRE 2.0 inspections have been completed worldwide. Adoption of the new programme SIRE 2.0 inspe...

Skana Robotics, a defence-tech company founded by veterans of naval special operations and robotics experts, is introducing the first two platforms of its new class of autonomous maritime systems: the Bull Shark (Autonomous Surface Vessel) and the Stingray (Autonomous Underwater Vessel). These platforms represent a shift toward software-defined, scalable, and operationally flexible naval assets, engineered for teaming with both manned and unmanned systems across distributed maritime operations...

ABB and shipping company - Wallenius Marine have formally established a new joint venture based in Stockholm, Sweden, to expand their OVERSEA™ collaboration and ensure customers will fully benefit from future-proof vessel performance management capabilities.  Launched in September 2022 as a collaboration between ABB and Wallenius Marine, OVERSEA™ is a combined digital solution and ‘fleet-support-center-as-a-service’ offering designed to help ship owners, operators,...

Maritime companies are stuck in the early stages of AI adoption, unable to scale beyond small experiments as widespread optimism collides with implementation reality, according to new industry research. The study “Beyond the Hype: What the maritime industry really thinks about AI” by Thetius in partnership with Marcura, a pioneering maritime technology and services provider, combines over 130 survey responses and in-depth interviews with maritime professionals. Benefits in reducing...

Intellian Technologies, a major global provider of multi-constellation, feature-rich, future-proof satellite user terminals and communications solutions, announced their $100m investment into the research and development of satellite communication technologies at the official opening of their Advanced Development Center (ADC) in the City of Rockville in Montgomery County, Maryland. Intellian’s role within the satellite communications industry has become increasingly essential in the past...

Intellian Technologies Inc., a global provider of resilient multi-constellation, feature-rich satellite user terminals and communications solutions, and OneWeb, the low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite communications company, announce a contract for the supply of Intellian’s OW11FL user terminals with mass production beginning in Q4 2023. The OW11FL is an Electronically Scanned Array (ESA) flat panel user terminal, ideally suited for OneWeb’s Low Earth Orbit network, with the ability to...

Wallem Group, a major global maritime partner, has launched a suite of support and consultancy services to protect IT systems onboard its clients’ vessels from disruption. Its new Vessel IT Security and Management Services (VITS) offer comprehensive support to enable smooth, secure and efficient IT at sea in an increasingly digitalised and regulated maritime world. VITS have been developed with a ship's entire digital ecosystem in mind – from its business networks to the Internet of...

OrbitMI, a globally renowned provider of maritime SaaS software, announced its acquisition of Gale Force, a respected provider of maritime advisory services. Gale Force specialises in voyage optimisation, environmental compliance, and voyage execution support. This acquisition represents a strategic step forward in OrbitMI’s mission to deliver a comprehensive, intelligent maritime platform that meets the evolving expectations of clients. Integrating Gale Force’s expertise OrbitMI...

The International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX), North America’s premier technical trade event for the recreational marine industry, announced its slate of new presentations, panel discussions, and technical seminars as part of its world-class IBEX Education Conference. With a can’t-miss lineup of opportunities from Tech Talks to Main Stage events, the 2025 IBEX Education Conference features sessions for everyone from leadership to engineers. This year&rsquo...

Inmarsat Maritime, a Viasat company, has announced that Anglo-Eastern will upgrade Hadley Shipping Group’s fleet to Inmarsat’s fully managed bonded connectivity solution, NexusWave. Hadley Shipping Group is a long-standing Inmarsat Maritime user. Its transition to NexusWave represents a significant step forward in adopting a unified, bonded multi-orbit solution that will deliver enhanced performance, enterprise-grade cybersecurity, and a scalable platform for future operational nee...

ABS Wavesight™, the ABS-affiliated maritime Software-as-a-Service company, announces the appointment of Captain Stephen (Steve) Bomgardner as Chief Customer Officer (CCO). Captain Bomgardner brings more than 23 years of maritime leadership experience encompassing operations, regulatory compliance and environmental innovation. Most recently, he served as Vice President of Shipping & Offshore Solutions at Pole Star Global, where he directed strategic growth initiatives and oversaw...

OrbitMI, a pioneering provider of maritime SaaS software, has now announced the appointment of Egil Husby to its Board of Directors.  A seasoned shipping strategist and risk management professional, Husby brings more than two decades of experience shaping corporate strategy, managing freight risk, and pioneering transformation initiatives within the global shipping sector. Prior roles of Husby Husby served as Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer at Western Bulk, where he led busines...

With under four weeks to go until the inaugural Container Terminal Automation Conference Asia (CTAC Asia), the agenda has everything ports and terminals are looking for! Seeing as Asia’s ports are facing growing pressures from congestion and the rising demand for increased logistics, the agenda presents strategies, insights and new technology presentations from major industry figures. Bringing together expert figures, the agenda will examine the region’s unique challenges across, d...

ABB has integrated a comprehensive scope of technologies onboard Feadship Breakthrough. The vessel was constructed by Dutch high-end yacht builder Feadship. Launched in May 2025, the privately-owned 118.8-metre yacht will be among the first vessels in the world to feature multi-megawatt fuel cell technology.  Azipod® electric propulsion units ABB has also provided shipside shore connection technology and Remote Diagnostic Services ABB’s scope of supply comprises the Onboard DC...

Samskip, one of Europe's renowned logistics service providers, has officially joined the DCSA+ partnership program, reinforcing its commitment to digital innovation, interoperability, and the evolution of global logistics standards. By becoming part of this influential network, Samskip takes a pioneering role in shaping the digital frameworks that will power tomorrow’s logistics, frameworks built on openness, collaboration, and efficiency. Future industry standards “We believe the...

Lloyd’s Register OneOcean (LR OneOcean) has launched OneOcean 2025, marking the most substantial enhancement to its digital maritime platform in recent years. Designed to address the evolving challenges of voyage planning, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency, this latest release introduces a host of new features aimed at improving safety, reducing human error, and streamlining fleet-wide operations. Risk of grounding incidents Users accept real-time alerts for UKC pol...

At LR OneOcean, they continue to evolve the digital solutions to help maritime organisations manage their operations more effectively. The latest step on this journey is the new integration between Cloud Fleet Manager (CFM) and ISF Watchkeeper (ISF WK), which enables more connected crew compliance and management across fleets. The integration allows relevant crew and contract data and work and rest hour records to synchronise between CFM Crewing and ISF WK. This helps ship operators reduce manu...

Regional Container Lines partners with Lloyd’s Register OneOcean to optimise fleet operations, cut emissions, and boost sustainability using advanced voyage planning and routing technology. RCL has partnered with Lloyd's Register OneOcean (LR OneOcean) to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of its fleet operations. Advanced optimisation technology Under the agreement, RCL has subscribed to LR OneOcean’s voyage optimisation platform, which provides real-time voyage plann...

Marcura, a major maritime technology provider, has acquired Brightwell Navigator, the maritime crew payroll and payment services division of Brightwell, an Atlanta-based financial technology company. The transaction expands Marcura’s footprint in the cruise sector, where Navigator dominates global cruise line crew payments with a particularly strong North American presence. Marcura dominates commercial shipping crew payments with established strength in Europe and Asia. Together,...