British Virgin Islands News

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...

Fincantieri, a pioneer in complex shipbuilding, and Accenture, one of the world’s pioneering professional services companies, have signed an agreement to establish Fincantieri Ingenium, a new joint venture. The company will be owned 70% by Fincantieri NexTech – a subsidiary of the Fincantieri Group – and 30% by Accenture. The initiative stems from a Memorandum of Understanding signed in July 2024 and combines Fincantieri’s technological expertise in the naval sector...

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...

Technology group - Wärtsilä is set to expand its state-of-the-art technology centre - Sustainable Technology Hub in Vaasa, Finland, with a €50 million total investment.  Expanding the R&D testing capabilities and facilities will enhance Wärtsilä’s ability to meet the growing demand for developing and delivering sustainable technologies in marine and energy and to support fuel applications needed in the future. Smarter engine development Wärtsil&aum...

HEMEXPO, a pioneer marine equipment manufacturers and exporters association for the international shipping industry, has joined the EU HORIZON Innovation Action project entitled 'Sustainable Emission Abatement Strategies & Technologies for Advanced Revolution Ships'. Maritime decarbonisation drive SEASTARS will provide shipowners with market-ready solutions for retrofitting and newbuildsThe groundbreaking initiative aims to achieve a minimum 30% reduction in well-to-wake greenhouse ga...

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...

Fincantieri has signed an agreement with Carnival Corporation & plc for the design and construction of two new cruise ships for AIDA Cruises, the pioneering cruise line in the German-speaking cruise market. The value of the agreement for the two ships, subject to financing and other typical terms and conditions, is considered as very important. This marks the first time that Fincantieri will build cruise ships for AIDA Cruises, thus reinforcing its strateg...

Mack Boring & Parts Co., a pioneering provider of marine and industrial power solutions, is pleased to announce a new partnership with Mercury Marine, a division of Brunswick Corporation. As an authorised Mercury Engine Power Centre, Mack Boring will now provide comprehensive sales, service, and support for Mercury Marine’s innovative lineup of engines. Mack Boring’s commitment This strategic collaboration strengthens Mack Boring’s commitment to delivering best-in-class...

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...

ClassNK has granted its Innovation Endorsement for Products & Solutions to the maritime cybersecurity solution, ‘CYTUR TM’ and ‘CYTUR SC-P’ (components of Rakuten Maritime) developed by Rakuten Symphony and its partner company CYTUR. 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 certificatio...

ClassNK has issued an approval in principle (AiP) for the design concept of a retrofitted Kamsarmax bulk carrier, converting it from conventional fuel to methanol dual-fuel, jointly developed by Tsuneishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. and Fonden Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Centre for Zero Carbon Shipping. This certification demonstrates the regulatory feasibility of the ship, serving as a meaningful step in advancing the transition of the existing fleet to alternative fuels, as bulk carriers o...

Evidence that verifies the advantages of GravityVibe has been accumulating quickly since MacGregor introduced the augmented gravity self-unloading system to the market in February 2024. Developed to allow bulk carriers to deliver a wider variety of cargo in greater volume, GravityVibe eases the discharge of coarse materials from cargo holds. MacGregor’s decades-long experience MacGregor’s system can discharge various cargo types with slope angles of just 15–20 degrees In co...

Brunvoll expands its product range of tunnel thrusters with its largest thruster to date. This is a response based on trends seen in the cruise industry, where they build larger and larger vessels.  The first delivery of this new size is for three cruise vessels, where each vessel will feature four tunnel thrusters. The contract is with an undisclosed shipyard and shipowner. Powerful propulsion Brunvoll’s delivery for the vessels consists of a total 12 tunnel thrusters of the new F...

As GPS jamming and spoofing incidents escalate across Europe, disrupting aviation and posing security risks, the maritime sector faces similar vulnerabilities that threaten global trade and safety. AST Networks, a pioneering provider of satellite communication solutions and marine electronics, warns that vessels relying on GPS for navigation are increasingly at risk and must seek advanced countermeasures to ensure operational integrity. The growing threat of GPS jamming and spoofing GPS jammi...

Tatham & Co and Sea Green Law, two pioneering specialist maritime law firms in the UK, are merging to create a 22 lawyer practice, and a stronger version of themselves.  The combined entity began operating on 1 April 2025 under the Tatham & Co name, will be jointly led by lead Partners Stephen Askins and James Hickland from Tatham & Co, and Ted Graham from Sea Green Law. Dry shipping and sale of goods Tatham & Co will have the power and abilities to handle a number of lar...

The steel-cutting ceremony of the first of two next-generation FREMM frigates of the “EVOLUTION” version, known as “FREMM EVO”, took place today at the Riva Trigoso (Genoa) shipyard. The ceremony was attended, among others, by the Director of the Naval Armaments Directorate - NAVARM, Admiral Chief Inspector Giuseppe Abbamonte, the CEO of Orizzonte Sistemi Navali, Giovanni Sorrentino, Fulvio Palermo, Head of Project Management of the Fin...