Security - News

On April 17, 2025, the Office of the US Trade Representative (“USTR”) published a notice of action (the “USTR Notice”) implementing its port fee proposal, first announced on February 21, 2025. The rules differ substantially from the February proposal. The calculation of the fees has changed to a net tonnage-based fee (or for certain vessels, based on containers discharged or Car Equivalent Units). LNG transportation and vehicle carriers Specialised rules apply to LNG t...

The 163rd ABS Annual Members Meeting highlighted that ABS has never been stronger, with substantial growth and industry-pioneering safety performance reported. ABS continued to perform strongly in 2024, with the fleet growing to 300 million gross tons. The company also maintained the number one position among class organisations in global new order share with 22 percent. Across the industry, ABS held pioneering positions with both shipbuilders and shipowners. Digital and sustainability service...

GOST® (Global Ocean Security Technologies), a world pioneer in marine security, tracking, monitoring and video surveillance systems, announced strategic company restructuring and leadership changes to better serve its customers and further expand the company’s reach around the world. GOST Founder and Chief Technology Officer, Brian Kane will now lead the company as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. This new appointment comes as Jay Keenan transitions to the...

Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) is pleased to announce the relocation of its Kakinada Site Office to a new and improved facility. This move forms part of IRS’s ongoing efforts to enhance its presence in the region and offer superior services to the local maritime community. Inauguration ceremony The inauguration ceremony of the new office was marked by the presence of key stakeholders from across the maritime and oil & gas sectors.  The event witnessed enthusiastic participa...

Strategic Marine has achieved another successful delivery to Truth Maritime Services (TMS), strengthening a partnership that has been evolving since 2022. This latest milestone further cements the ongoing collaboration between Strategic Marine, Prima Marine Group, and TMS, as they work together to provide innovative and efficient vessels tailored to the demands of the offshore sector in Thailand and beyond. Needs of TMS’s clients Following the successful handover of the first two G...

Sustainable shipping and successes in diversity took centre stage at the inaugural WISTA India ExCo Conference in Mumbai, which coincided with the first WISTA International Mid-Term Meeting to take place in India. With WISTA International membership exceeding 6,000 this month, the Executive Committee (ExCo) met over two days to discuss topics that included the professional training programmes available to members and the upcoming report following the IMO/WISTA Women in Maritime Survey. How to...

Hanwha Ocean has received the ABS SMART (SHM) Tier 3 approval in principle (AIP) for its advanced hull monitoring system. The system from Hanwha Ocean is designed to estimate structural damage to ships and offshore assets during operation, which can support decision-making for the optimal maintenance timing to maintain safety. ABS SMART(SHM) Tier 3 ABS SMART(SHM) Tier 3 recognises systems that employ hull sensors combined with additional algorithms to generate structural health insights at cr...

Swiss marine power company - WinGD is to integrate hybrid power and energy systems on four 113,600 DWT, wind-assisted tankers under construction for Union Maritime Limited (UML). The agreement marks the first time that WinGD’s X-EL Integrated Energy solution will be deployed with wind-assisted propulsion systems, ensuring optimal use of power generated by the main engine and the sails onboard. WinGD X-EL energy management system The vessels are also the first on which WinGD will apply i...

Watson Farley & Williams (“WFW”) advised NAI Int Malta Ltd. (“NAI”) on the bareboat charterparty and subsequent sale of the M/v Aethalia to TSL Panama SA, a company owned by Peru’s Transgas Shipping Lines SAC (“Transgas Shipping”). The M/v Aethalia, a motor tanker built at Soli Deniz Cilik Ltd. shipyard in Istanbul in 2008, is currently registered with the Malta Ships Registry. Its sale and charter align with both NAI and Transgas Shipping’s s...

In a landmark event, a meticulously reconstructed 5th-century wooden stitched ship was launched into the waters of the Mandovi River in Goa. This endeavour, a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Culture, the Indian Navy, and Hodi Innovations Pvt. Ltd., signifies a monumental step in reviving India's ancient maritime traditions. Modern stability and strength needs IRS has been instrumental in this project, ensuring that while the vessel retains its historical design Indian Register o...

In recognition of its exceptional achievement in maintaining a safe work environment, the National Safety Council (NSC) presented ABS with two safety awards. The NSC is a globally recognised nonprofit organisation committed to eliminating leading causes of preventable death and injury in the workplace and on roadways. Their awards program recognises organisations and individuals who have made significant contributions to upholding the safety of their workplaces and communities. ABS’ acco...

Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, said: “Today we mark significant progress in our journey to creating a greener, cleaner planet with a landmark agreement at the International Maritime Organization."   “We have worked closely with international partners to forge a path for sustainable shipping internationally and secure a prosperous, resilient sector, laying a strong foundation for the future." Development of clean fuels Alexander added: “This deal means t...

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...

Thetius, the globally renowned specialist maritime technology research firm, has partnered with specialist marketing and communications agency - Wake Media to deliver a unique service offering to its clients. The partnership creates an integrated, end-to-end research and communications service built on Thetius’ renowned expertise in market intelligence and Wake Media’s proven track record in powerful multi-channel campaign strategy and execution. Thetius and Wake Media partnership...

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...

Brunvoll has signed a contract with Rizhao Gangda Shipyard for the delivery of an extensive propulsion, manoeuvring, and dynamic positioning system for an Emergency Towing Vessel (ETV).  The vessel is owned by Smit Lamnalco, a subsidiary of Boskalis, and will operate for the Austral Maritime Safety Authority. Its mission is to protect the marine environment around the Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait – some of the most precious marine areas in the world. Brunvoll twin-screw prop...

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...

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...

Hefring Marine, an Icelandic pioneer in intelligent marine technology, and Marine AI, a UK-based pioneer in autonomous vessel control systems, announced a new mutually beneficial partnership.  This collaboration aims to enhance autonomous maritime operations by integrating Hefring Marine’s Intelligent Marine Assistance System (IMAS) with Marine AI’s GuardianAI autonomy suite.  Hefring Marine’s IMAS Hefring Marine’s IMAS will complement GuardianAI’s exis...

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...

Cargotec Corporation has signed an agreement to sell its MacGregor business area to funds managed by Triton, for an enterprise value of EUR 480 million (“the Transaction”) to support Hiab’s future growth. Cargotec’s shareholders Transformation into a standalone Hiab is expected to take place on 1 April 2025. Cargotec’s transformation project, including listing Kalmar as a separate company, preparing Hiab for its standalone future and finding a solution for Ma...

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...

Lloyd’s List Intelligence, a pioneer in maritime data, insights, and analytics, is pleased to announce its partnership with Dataloy Systems, a pioneering provider of voyage management solutions, marking a significant milestone in advancing compliance and decision-making processes within the maritime industry. This collaboration integrates Lloyd’s List Intelligence Risk and Compliance data into Dataloy’s Voyage Management System (VMS) via Dataloy Widgets, providing maritime pro...

Fincantieri and Viking announced the first cruise ship in the world to be powered by hydrogen stored onboard for both propulsion and onboard electricity generation, the “Viking Libra”. The vessel is currently under construction at the Fincantieri Ancona shipyard, with delivery scheduled for late 2026. Operating with zero emissions Designed with sustainability in mind, the ship will be capable of navigating and using with zero emissions With a gross tonnage of approximately 5...

Funds advised by Triton have signed an agreement to acquire MacGregor, a pioneer in maritime cargo handling, from its parent company - Cargotec Corporation.  The transaction, which is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions, is expected to close by July 1st, 2025. Following completion, Triton intends to form a standalone company. Maritime transportation Triton has pioneering experience in carving out businesses from blue-chip corporates MacGregor...

On its 50th Foundation Day – 4th April 2025, Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) marked a historic milestone as India Post released a Special Cover commemorating 50 years of IRS’s excellence in the maritime industry. This prestigious philatelic tribute highlights IRS’s contributions to maritime safety, environmental sustainability, and regulatory compliance, symbolising its significant impact on the global maritime sector. IRS evolution and commitment IRS released th...

MacGregor is proud to announce the successful delivery of its new type of SWL 250t electric heavy lift cranes to Nordic from Huanghai Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. The cranes mark a significant milestone in sustainable cargo handling solutions. This next-generation heavy lift crane combines MacGregor and NMF’s extensive experience in the heavy lift industry. Advanced electric drive technology The crane is designed to enhance operational efficiency while significantly reducing emissions, energy...