Regulations - News

IMTRA, the globally renowned manufacturer and importer of quality solutions and products for the marine, energy and transportation markets, announced the addition of United States Coast Guard Veteran - Steve Baxter and marine industry professional - Alden Tangen to its commercial sales team. Prior roles of Steve Baxter Steve Baxter joins IMTRA as the Gulf Coast Commercial Sales Manager after 27 years of service in the United States Coast Guard. During his time in the USCG, he held several key...

Pioneering shipping companies are joining forces to combat ocean plastic pollution through the launch of the Maritime Association for Clean Seas (MACS): a new industry alliance driving measurable reductions in plastic and operational waste at scale. Founded by Seven Clean Seas (SCS), an ocean impact organisation, MACS unites founding members, including Berge Bulk, X-Press Feeders, and others from across the global maritime value chain. Oceans underpin global trade and face mounting plastic cha...

The Digital Container Shipping Association (DCSA) has published the first API-based standard developed under DCSA’s framework for verified gross mass exchange, designed to simplify compliance, increase transparency, and accelerate digitalisation across container shipping. The Verified Gross Mass (VGM) requirement, mandated by the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) SOLAS Convention since 2016, ensures containers are weighed before loading onto a vessel. Currently, VGM data...

Seatronx, manufacturer and distributor of the finest rugged electronics catering to the military, maritime and industrial markets, announced now it has a range of products that are 100% compliant with the latest U.S. Coast Guard’s Electronic Charting System (ECS) regulation revisions. The company stands ready to keep vessel operators compliant, safe and inspection-ready. Range of ECS solutions Under the new regulations, compliance requirements extend beyond traditional commercial vessel...

The maritime industry is experiencing a period of significant transformation, driven by rapidly evolving regulations, increasing commercial pressure, and a global shift towards reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In response, DNV and the World Maritime Merchants Forum (WMMF) ESG team have published a new guide to help shipowners navigate these evolving challenges, an effort supported by industry organisations in Hong Kong and worldwide. The "Net-Zero Guide: Practical Approaches for Global...

NorthStandard has advised Members of a 5% increase in P&I premiums for the marine insurance year, starting 20 February 2026, to reflect ongoing market unpredictability and risk. The global marine insurer projects a rise in premium income for 2025-26, as well as better returns on investments, higher reserves, and continued success for its diversification strategy. However, it believes a modest increase for 2026-27 is prudent in the current risk environment. S&P Global ‘A’ ra...

ACR Electronics, a world pioneer in survival technology, is announcing the launch of the new SR303 GMDSS Survival Radio at METSTRADE 2025. Engineered to meet the demanding requirements of commercial maritime operations and comply with international safety regulations, the handheld VHF provides critical communication capabilities both during daily operations and in life-or-death emergencies. IMO and SOLAS standards The fully-certified ACR Electronics SR303 meets IMO and SOLAS standards (includ...

ClassNK has issued an Approval in Principle (AiP) for 'Safety Berthing/Unberthing Assistance System' developed by Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd., and granted its Innovation Endorsement for Products & Solutions to the 'Berthing and unberthing Assistance System-Human Machine Interface'. ClassNK has also confirmed that the 'a-SAFE' notation (BSS)-Berthing Support System, which indicate ships with advanced safety measures, can be applied to ClassNK-registered vessels equipped with Berthin...

The Maritime Technologies Forum (MTF) now announced the publication of guidelines for conducting qualitative risk assessments for alternative-fuelled ships: HAZID and HAZOP. The use of alternative fuels will be key to addressing the ‘2023 IMO Strategy on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships.’ While IMO has developed guidelines for design and operation of ships capable of using them, the Alternative Design and Approval process is required for most alternative fuels until mandatory r...

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...

Dinnteco America, established pioneer in lightning protection technology, announced three of its next-generation products have been officially certified by RINA, the major global source providing engineering, testing, inspection and certification services across a multitude of sectors including marine. Dinnteco’s DDCE marine product range, dinmar and DNNFT dinfil filter have all been certified by RINA, confirming the technical excellence and reliability of Dinnteco technology and validati...

ClassNK has released the 'Part A Guidelines for Ships Using Alternative Fuels (Edition 3.0.1)'. This edition includes supplementary explanations about interpretations of safety requirements for methyl/ethyl alcohol-fuelled ships, as well as compiling key points on required plans and documents, and class survey items specifically for such vessels. Background The 'Guidelines for Ships Using Alternative Fuels' comprehensively describe safety requirements for alternative-fueled ships. It sti...

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...

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 Maritime Standard recently held its most successful Tanker Conference yet, as over 400 delegates registered to attend in person at the Atlantis, the Palm, Dubai on Thursday October 25th. The tenth conference in this series, which had the theme “Tanker Shipping Negotiates Challenging Market Headwinds’ was dominated by market uncertainties, caused primarily by geopolitical factors. Impact on tanker shipping Conference editor, Clive Woodbridge, said: “During the morning ses...

The maritime community came together at Europort 2025, Rotterdam this week to focus minds on the ideas, innovation, and international collaboration needed by an industry that is simultaneously challenged by accelerating energy transition and digitalisation, financial uncertainty and the test of attracting next generation talent. The successful 42nd edition of Europort concluded following four intense days of conferences, networking, award ceremonies and high-powered panel discussions that asses...

EST-Floattech has been selected to deliver its Octopus Lite battery system for a new series of six General Cargo Vessels. The vessels will be built by Ferus Smit in the Netherlands for Irish ship operator - Arklow Shipping.  Working closely with the shipyard, and with Eekels Technology - the vessels’ electrical systems provider - EST-Floattech designed the system to fit the sailing profile of the vessels perfectly. This close collaboration provides both technology and efficiency gain...

ship.energy will stage Maritime Week Africa 2026 (MWAF26) from 20-22 January 2026 at the Radisson Collection Hotel, Waterfront, Cape Town, South Africa. The 17th edition will convene government, ports, suppliers, buyers and regulators to debate Africa’s bunkering outlook, with a forensic look at the fiscal, legal and operational challenges affecting South Africa’s competitiveness and wider African market developments.  “MWAF26 will deliver pragmatic insights on market d...

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...

Raymarine – a global pioneer in marine electronics, announces the availability of its latest Pathfinder Radar Systems, including the IMO Type Approved CAT-1 Radar and the new Pathfinder Black Box Radar System. These advanced solid-state radar solutions meet the diverse needs of international shipping, large workboats, superyacht, and inland commercial vessels. Raymarine’s radar platform Built on Raymarine’s award-winning radar platform, Pathfinder delivers exceptional resolu...

Technology group - Wärtsilä has signed a nine-year Lifecycle Agreement with Japanese domestic ferry operator Hankyu Ferry. The agreement covers the operator’s two latest vessels, the ‘Yamato’ and the ‘Settsu’, and is designed to ensure their uninterrupted service reliability. The ships’ performance is of particular importance, since Japan’s ferry industry is one of the most advanced and efficient in the world, and operators are required t...

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 US and China reached a 12-month trade war truce this week, including lowering fentanyl tariffs by 10% and suspending port fees – but it will not halt the decline in ocean container freight rates in 2026. Average spot rates from China to US West Coast on 31 October are down 59% year-on-year at USD 2147 per FEU (40ft container). Spot rates into the US East Coast are down 48% year-on-year at USD 3044 per FEU. Declining spot rates coincide with falling volumes on Transpacific trades,...

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...

Teledyne Technologies Incorporated announced the successful completion of the acquisition of the TransponderTech business from Saab AB. The newly acquired business Teledyne FLIR TransponderTech AB will join Teledyne’s Raymarine, FLIR Marine, ChartWorld and Teledyne CARIS brands, broadening the group’s maritime technology solutions. Maritime communication solutions Based outside of Linköping Sweden, the company will market its products and solutions as FLIR TransponderTech. Th...

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 British Ports Association (BPA) has published a new report bringing together a series of case studies from ports across the UK, highlighting the wide range of community and stakeholder projects taking place across the sector.  The report – Ports and their Communities – showcases examples from a variety of ports of all sizes and types, demonstrating how the UK ports industry is making a positive difference in their local areas. From education outreach and environm...

The Floating Offshore Wind Power Technology Research Association (FLOWRA) of Japan and Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK) have signed, a Memorandum of Understanding to explore technology development cooperation in the field of floating offshore wind. FLOWRA and ClassNK will explore the possibilities of collaboration in floating offshore wind development. FLOWRA is a technical research association that works with overseas organisations to research and develop common basic technologies for floating of...

Ridderkerk-based maritime supplier Ned Marine Services has signed an exclusive distribution agreement with Drewil Entership, a Polish manufacturer of high-quality pilot and embarkation ladders. Under the new partnership, NMS will represent Drewil Entership in the Netherlands, France, Belgium, Germany, and Norway, expanding its access solutions portfolio for maritime clients across Europe. Range of certified access products This partnership further strengthens Ned Marine’s position as a...