Regulations - News

The International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO) is marking its 45th anniversary in 2025 with record membership, expanded global reach, and a renewed focus on the industry’s future priorities. The Association now counts more than 350 members from more than 35 countries, comprising more than 180 Full Members, representing more than 4,400 bulk carriers totalling near 420 million DWT. This equates to approximately 40% by DWT of the global dry bulk carrier fleet, highli...

Alfa Laval UK is focused on supporting shipowners with drydocking by helping them identify the kits and parts required for maintenance, whether these are unique to each vessel or pre-identified kits, enabling smarter planning, faster turnaround, and longer fleet uptime. A major focus will be providing condition audit services up to six months before docking. "By auditing systems months before docking, we can spot issues early, plan ahead, and prevent costly surprises," said Ezgi Sezen, UK...

VIKING Life-Saving Equipment, a global pioneer in maritime safety solutions and supplier of high-performance boats for professional applications, has signed a contract with Tolletaten (the Norwegian Customs Service) to deliver a new fleet of cutting-edge patrol and fast response craft. The new boats will strengthen Tolletaten’s maritime capabilities and support its law enforcement and inspection duties in Norwegian waters. The contract further reinforces VIKING’s position as a trust...

ABS and the Korea Research Institute of Ships & Ocean Engineering (KRISO) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to cooperate on the application of small modular reactors (SMRs) in the marine and offshore sectors. The agreement establishes a framework for both organisations to exchange information and engage in joint research projects related to concept designs for an SMR-powered ship and a floating SMR power generation platform. Among the objectives are identifying and developing appli...

Maritime operations run on tight schedules and thin margins, and as ships, terminals and supply chains connect systems for visibility and efficiency, attackers gain paths to entry. Cyber risk has become an operational reliability and safety concern, not just an IT issue. “Whether we are looking at this challenge through an operational or organisational safety lens, cyber risk is a critical business risk. An incident will impact everyone,” says Michael DeVolld, Senior Director of Mar...

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....

ClassNK has issued a Technology Qualification (TQ) for 'SAS-IBS', one of the components of the 'Samsung Autonomous Navigation Assistance System (SAS)' developed by Samsung Heavy Industries Co., Ltd., and a certificate handover ceremony was held in KORMARINE 2025. Technologies related to maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS) are being actively developed to reduce human error, ease crew workloads, and address labour shortages. To support the implementation of such technologies, Class...

Classification society - DNV has awarded HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) an Approval in Principle (AiP) for a new 15,000 TEU container vessel design powered by Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology at the KORMARINE trade fair this week. The presentation was attended by Sungkon Han, Executive Vice President of the Green Energy Research Lab at HD KSOE, Geir Dugstad, Technical Director at DNV, and Ole Christen Reistad, Senior Principal Researcher and nuclear research le...

According to a new paper by DNV, shifting environmental requirements are reigniting interest in nuclear propulsion as a long-term solution for maritime decarbonisation. This renewed attention comes despite the absence of any civilian commercial nuclear-powered vessel commissions in more than four decades. DNV’s latest report, “Maritime nuclear propulsion: Technologies, commercial viability, and regulatory challenges for nuclear-powered vessels,” highlights how maritime nuclear...

NorthStandard has announced Michael Hustler as its new Head of Asia Pacific, in an appointment which reinforces the global marine insurer’s focus on growth, service expansion and diversification in the region. With a formal start date of 27th October, Mr Hustler brings 16 years of Claims and Underwriting with NorthStandard to his new role – most recently as Head of Underwriting, Asia Pacific. As Head of Asia Pacific, he replaces David Roberts, who will leave NorthStandard in Fe...

ClassNK has added Japan's first hydrogen-fueled tugboat TEN-OH to its register, which is built by TSUNEISHI SHIPBUILDING Co., Ltd. This vessel was developed and build under the 'Nippon Foundation Zero Emission Ships Project', a grant program by The Nippon Foundation aimed at developing ships with zero CO2 emissions. Impacts of hydrogen fuel Based on discussions among the parties involved during the planning stage of the vessel, ClassNK reviewed the safety requirements and countermea...

The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) Yacht Code 2021, as amended through August 2023, has been updated as the RMI Yacht Code 2026 (hereinafter the “Code”) to provide practical rule application for the increasing innovative designs of superyachts, new construction methods, and modern operational practices. The Code will come into force on 1 January 2026. The Code serves as a robust framework for safety and compliance, especially for new build projects and shipyards. It reflects...

Watson Farley & Williams (“WFW”) advised shipping company - MPC Container Ships ASA (“MPCC”) on the order of two 1,600 TEU container ships and related eight-year charter agreements with a renowned shipping liner company. The contracts for the two high-cube container-optimised newbuilds were signed with the Fujian Mawei Shipyard in China, with the total investment amounting to US$66 million. Delivery of the two vessels is scheduled for the second half of 2027. MPCC al...

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...

DNV, the independent energy expert and assurance provider, is launching the industry’s first public tender portal for e-methanol procurement within the European Union and the United Kingdom via the DNV.com website. The initiative connects a pioneering e-methanol producer with industrial offtakers across EU and UK markets, creating a new pathway to secure long-term, reliable supplies of this key low-carbon fuel. Key European regulatory frameworks As the global energy transition...

An advanced design of an ammonia vent treatment system from HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) received approval in principle (AIP) from ABS and the Liberian International Ship and Corporate Registry (LISCR). Ammonia vent treatment system The ammonia vent treatment system integrates compact scrubbers to treat ammonia fuel, which can escape during the purging process, to maintain safe concentration levels before discharge through the vent mast. HD KSOE says this design...

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 is supporting the marine industry in Alaska with a team of surveyors in key locations, enabling faster response times for inspection, survey and classification projects. Expanding its U.S. West Coast footprint, ABS is establishing a physical presence in Anchorage at the Port of Alaska. The port is the state’s key transportation hub, handling 75 percent of Alaska’s imports. The new site joins other ABS locations along the U.S. West Coast in Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Los...

ClassNK has issued an approval in principle (AiP) for a methanol fuel tank design concept developed by SRC Group. The certification demonstrates its feasibility from regulatory and safety perspectives.  With the growing adoption of alternative fuels such as methanol in the maritime industry, the development of safe and efficient fuel storage solutions has become increasingly important. The design concept enables efficient utilisation of fuel tank capacity while meeting safety requirements...

Damen Marine Components (DMC) has been contracted to supply rudders, steering gear and nozzles to two major newbuilding projects in India. The contracts cover a total of 14 multi-purpose vessels (MPVs), and are constructed at two shipyards: Udupi Cochin Shipyard and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders. Both end-clients chose for DMC equipment. The first project involves eight 6,300 DWT MPVs being built by Udupi Cochin Shipyard (UCSL) for a Scandinavian customer. These vessels mark the very first ord...

Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK) has granted approval in principle (AiP) to SRC for Methanol Superstorage, the innovative tank design concept that uses a Sandwich Plate System (SPS) technology to almost double shipboard storage capacity for both methanol and ethanol. The ClassNK AiP confirms that Methanol Superstorage is feasible for the intended application in accordance with the Society’s 'Guidelines for Ships Using Alternative Fuels, Part A: Guidelines for Ships Using Methyl/Ethyl Alcohol...

The Maritime Technologies Forum (MTF) released a comprehensive report providing guidelines for the safe inspection of methanol dual-fuel ships. The project was led by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) with the participation of various MTF members. IMO emission regulations As the maritime industry accelerates its shift to alternative fuels under increasingly stringent IMO laws As the maritime industry accelerates its transition to alternative fuels under increasingly stringen...

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...

“Nuclear energy is no longer a distant possibility for maritime applications, it is emerging as a legitimate, practical, and scalable solution for a wide range of strategic uses. It is a credible long-term solution, not simply because of its potential to reduce emissions, but because it offers unmatched energy density, reliability, and strategic independence.” That was the message for the industry from ABS Chairman and CEO Christopher J. Wiernicki at the Core Power Argo Conference i...

ClassNK has released new guidelines for those involved in container shipping, aiming to enhance the efficiency of container stowage, while ensuring safety measures, such as preventing cargo collapse. These guidelines apply the latest expertise in weather forecasting, ship motion, and digital twin technologies. The newly released 'Guidelines for the Safety of Maritime Cargo Based on Weather Forecasts,' 'Guidelines for Anti-Rolling Devices,' and 'Guidelines for Container Stowage and Securing Arra...

Strategic Marine has laid the keels for a series of three new 43m Passenger Fast Ferries for new client Bintan Resort Ferries at its Singapore yard. The contract for these newbuild vessels establishes a new relationship between the provider of ferry services between Singapore and neighbouring Bintan Island with pioneering aluminium boat builder Strategic Marine to replace and expand its current fleet. IMO HSC Code requirements Bintan Resort Ferries currently operates three ferries, each...