Skills - News

The World Shipping Council (WSC), the united voice of liner shipping, is happy to announce that the WSC Board has appointed Joe Kramek as its new President & CEO, to succeed John Butler upon his retirement at the end of July. Joe Kramek brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role, from both the maritime sector and government service. Before stepping into the position of President & CEO, Joe Kramek served as the WSC's Director of U.S. Government Relations. His professiona...

APCL Group facility - Cammell Laird welcomed Rear Admiral Donald Doull CBE to its facility recently.  The Rear Admiral, Senior Responsible Officer for the Royal Navy's Dreadnought Submarine Programme, visited Cammell Laird to present an award in recognition of its exceptional contribution to Dreadnought programme delivery. Birkenhead facility tour The Rear Admiral was invited for a presentation with APCL directors, followed by a full workforce briefing and tour of the Birkenhead facility...

Optimarin AS, a major Norwegian supplier of ballast water treatment systems (BWTS) for the maritime industry, has agreed to acquire the Hyde Marine UV business from the Italian multinational - Industrie De Nora S.p.A. Trademarks and assets acquired Under the transaction, Optimarin will purchase technologies, trademarks, and selected assets about the design, sale, and aftermarket of systems using UV technology for ballast water treatment and disinfection, promoted under the Hyde Marine® and...

VIKING Life-Saving Equipment has signed a strategic agreement with HeliService USA, ensuring that the helicopter service provider has a single and continuous source of fully certified personal protective equipment to uphold offshore wind industry safety standards along the U.S. East Coast. Building on enduring relations between the companies, the agreement includes personal protective equipment (PPE) for the aircrews and service technicians who support turbine installation and maintenance. ETS...

On 11th April 2024, Maritime UK was delighted to support the launch of the Northern Ireland Maritime & Offshore Cluster Network (NIMO). The launch event, which was attended by Maritime UK’s patron, Her Royal Highness (HRH) The Princess Royal, marked a momentous occasion for not only NIMO, but for the whole maritime industry across the United Kingdom (UK). Patron of Maritime UK, Her Royal Highness, spoke to over one hundred industry professionals, including representatives of port oper...

With an important new product introduction, technology group Wärtsilä offers operators of offshore vessels, ferries and tugs notable improved operational performance and greater efficiency. The company’s new high-performance thruster and propulsion control solution package utilises a combination of Wärtsilä’s WST-E embedded electric steerable thruster and WST-R retractable thrusters, together with an updated remote propulsion control system featuring an enhanced...

While most American ports have decarbonisation plans in place, a new report shows there are significant challenges to advancing emission-reduction projects, including financial constraints, low technology readiness and physical space limitations. Those are some of the key takeaways from a new joint publication between ABS and the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA), Port Decarbonisation Survey: Trends and Lessons Learned. Technological breakthroughs The report is based on fee...

Thordon Bearings, the pioneer in water-lubricated bearings, secured a new order for a rudder bearing that was fitted to a 77.1 m (253 ft) research ship that frequently operates in ecologically sensitive marine environments. The order underscores the value of Thordon’s grease-free bearing and seal solutions in helping to keep oceans and seas clean. The 38-year-old Ocean Endeavour, operated by the UK’s Gardline, a multi-disciplinary marine survey company that operates a fleet of 13...

Wilhelmsen Port Services joins hands with AD Ports Group and Inveco LLC in a strategic partnership, as AD Ports Group takes over 60% ownership of the Tbilisi Dry Port in Georgia. This marks a significant step towards bolstering connectivity between Asia and Europe. Together, they aim to enhance logistics infrastructure along the route from the Caspian Sea to the Black Sea by leveraging the state-of-the-art facilities of the Tbilisi Dry Port. Pivotal logistics hub Set to become operational in...

ClassNK has granted its Innovation Endorsements for Products & Solutions to an internet payment facility – ‘V.Pay’, an AI maritime camera surveillance solution – ‘V.Sight’, and a wearable AR smart-glass solution ‘V.Sion’, developed by iO3 Pte Ltd. ClassNK verified functions of ‘V.Pay’ ClassNK has verified the functions of ‘V.Pay’, 1. Crew internet payment facility with user-friendly portal, 2. Flexible Wi-Fi plans, 3....

Coastal Workboats, a renowned name in the maritime industry for its commitment to sustainability, will collaborate with EST-Floattech, a pioneering provider of energy storage solutions for the maritime sector. EST-Floattech will be providing the battery system for the purpose-built Electric-Landing Utility Vessel (E-LUV) to be built at Coastal Workboats' new yard Stornoway and the Shore-based Power Supply System (SPSS). The collaboration with Coastal Workboats Scotland marks a significant step...

Singapore has retained its title as the pioneering maritime city in the world, followed by Rotterdam and London, according to the 2024 Leading Maritime Cities (LMC) report from DNV and Menon Economics. The city-state, with its large owned and managed vessel fleets, strategic geographic advantages, pro-business policies, and its position as a pioneer in the maritime energy transition, is expected to hold this position for the next five years, the analysis determines. Policy measures, initiative...

Amogy, a provider of mature, scalable, and efficient ammonia-to-power solutions, on the Opening Day of Singapore Maritime Week 2024 has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and other collaborators to develop a Maritime Energy Training Facility (METF) to train maritime professionals in operating ships powered by alternative fuel systems. The LOI to establish the METF was signed by the MPA and 22 partners, including international organisations, e...

Rapid technological change, complex regulation, and competitive pressures are driving digital transformation in the shipping industry. But navigating a confusing software landscape can be difficult and sound decision-making is essential to minimise innovation risk, according to OrbitMI. Automation solutions Industry spending has soared in recent years on intelligent process automation solutions geared to boosting efficiency, reducing costs, curbing emissions, and improving safety for shipping...

Geopolitical and economic challenges in the Middle East will come into sharp focus during London International Shipping Week 2025 (LISW25) when, for the first time ever, an Egyptian law firm takes a central role. Eldib Advocates, a firm celebrating its 150 year anniversary, will be hosting a thought-provoking seminar during LISW25, with the primary discussion point being the need for Egypt’s regulatory alignment with international practices and Egypt’s crucial role in world trade....

ClassNK has issued a type approval certificate for the Condition Based Maintenance (CBM) management software - ‘SVESSEL CBM’, developed by Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI). CBM has garnered attention as an elemental technology for autonomous ships being developed against the background of advancements in sensing and IoT technology in recent years, as it enables the remote real-time monitoring and diagnosis of the condition of engines etc., serving as a key enabler for maintenance auto...

There’s a silver shimmer over London International Shipping Week 2025 (LISW25) thanks to a flood of silver sponsors who have come onboard during the first quarter of this year. Adding their support are legal firms Quadrant Chambers and Twenty Essex who have signed up to take an active part in the event, which runs from 15th to 19th September 2025. Digital transformation specialist They are joined by top ten ship management company Columbia Shipmanagement Group and digital transformatio...

ClassNK has granted its Innovation Endorsements for Products & Solutions to two elemental technologies of ‘CMP-MAP’, ‘Performance estimation method of ships based on hull roughness and fouling condition’ and ‘Performance and operational analysis solutions’, provided by Chugoku Marine Paints, Ltd. (CMP). ‘Performance estimation method of ships based on hull roughness and fouling condition’ is a technology that estimates the impact of each antif...

SAFE Boats International and Hefring Marine have announced a formal partnership between the companies, combining SAFE Boats’ focus on durability, safety and performance with Hefring Marine’s intelligent tools for crew welfare, efficiency and vessel lifecycle management.  With over 1,000 nautical miles of Hefring Marine IMAS (Intelligent Marine Assistance System) data recorded through various trials and demonstrations on the SAFE 35 MMI (Multi-Mission Interceptor), the companies...

DNV has presented HD Hyundai with a general approval for ship application (GASA) for a new high-strength composite hybrid support system for independent tanks on liquefied gas carriers.  In a world-first, HD Hyundai’s concept is fabricated with a fusion of carbon fibre-reinforced plastics (CFRP) with a tensile strength ten times greater than steel, significantly enhancing structural stability. Existing support structure The new system offers robust structural supports, enabling ind...

Easy to use and powered by artificial intelligence, Crewlinker’s web application makes it easy for crewing agencies, shipping companies and other employers in the maritime industry to find people in seconds, and with all the necessary competences. Seafarers can easily enter all their certificates and working experience to automatically create an in-depth resumé that helps them find jobs that fit their experience. Deckhands, engineers, navigators, technicians and officers in the mar...

Wärtsilä Gas Solutions, part of the technology group - Wärtsilä, will supply the Cargo Handling Systems for additional two new very large LPG carrier vessels to be built at the HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Co Ltd. in South Korea. The ships have been contracted by Norwegian ship owner Solvang.  The order follows a similar one placed in 2023 for five vessels being built in the same yard for the same owner. This latest contract was booked by Wärtsilä in Q1, 2024....

Congratulations to Wallaby Boats and Hitzler Werft, from the team at Nauti-Craft on the launching of the world's first Suspension Equipped Crew Transfer Vessel (SECTV). The Wallaby-18, designed in Germany, is the first vessel intended for commercial operation with a suspension system developed by Australia’s Nauti-Craft. Independent suspension technology The independent suspension technology has been designed to enable the two hulls to balance and compensate for wave forces independentl...

A new agreement has been signed to secure the future of Liverpool City Council in a major deal announced on Wednesday 3rd April between Global Ports Holding Plc (GPH) and Peel Ports Group. The agreement will see the world’s largest independent cruise port operator operate services at Liverpool Cruise Terminal for a period of 50 years. Crucially, it will see GPH invest some £25 million in upgrading the terminal’s infrastructure, improving its operational capability and helping...

ABS has awarded ECOLOG, a mid-stream Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Sequestration (CCUS) service provider, with an industry-first ISM Document of Compliance for the operation of liquified CO2 carriers on behalf of the Bermuda flag administration. ABS audited ECOLOG to verify compliance with the International Safety Management Code. ECOLOG plans to build and own CO2 terminals and a carrier fleet to service the emerging CCUS sector, connecting hard-to-abate emitters with cost-competitive se...

ClassNK has carried out a regular reshuffle of its full-time executives, underlining its commitment to charting the maritime industry’s shift through a period of significant transformation. President & CEO - Hiroaki Sakashita and Senior Executive Vice President (SEVP) - Junichiro Iida continue in their current roles, while Executive Vice President (EVP) - Hayato Suga is promoted to SEVP. Additionally, Dr. Toshiro Arima, Masaki Matsunaga, and Dr. Yoshiya Yamaguchi have been appointed a...

Ocean Infinity, a world pioneer in robotic and uncrewed vessel technology, is pleased to announce the signing of a Global Framework Agreement (GFA) with Shell, marking a significant milestone in the provision of lean-crewed and robotic seabed geomatics, spanning geophysical and geotechnical services, within the offshore energy sector. The GFA spans 5 years, encompassing all countries where Shell is currently active or plans to operate in the future. Fuel-efficient vessels Services governed by...

Bureau Veritas (BV), a global pioneer in testing, inspection, and certification (TIC), has awarded the Dutch-Norwegian renewable energy company SolarDuck the world’s first Prototype Certification for a floating offshore solar technology, as applied in SolarDuck’s 0.5 MW pilot "Merganser". This certification represents a significant step forward in the development of marine renewable energy technologies for offshore applications. Real-world operational environment The Merganser pr...

Bleste Sia introduces its new ‘Bleste Bucket’ bulk handling solution. The Bleste Bucket is a modern iteration of the traditional bulk grab container, however, this innovative yet simple product improves dry bulk handling for companies looking for efficiency, cost and speed gains.  Simple technology saves time and money According to Dinis Hruscovs, Managing Director of the Latvian company, the Bleste Bucket speeds up bulk cargo logistics, especially for terminals, and in a...

ClassNK has granted its Innovation Endorsements for Products & Solutions to two initiatives by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd., “FOCUS” and “Sustainable Seafaring, Wellness Living”. “FOCUS” is an operational data analysis software system developed by MOL that collects and analyses detailed data from ICT-enabled vessels. ClassNK has verified the functions of “FOCUS”, 1. Vessel performance analysis that integrates abundant operational knowledge and na...