GPS News

A provider of secure maritime data communications software, GTMaritime, has launched a new remote access feature for GTMailPlus, which allows users to access their emails from anywhere, even if their onboard systems are offline. A recent Uptime Institute report revealed that 35% of businesses had experienced outages lasting more than eight hours in the last five years, with 54% reporting their most recent outage cost as over $100,000. GTMailPlus Cloud Access Available as standard to GTMai...

Kongsberg Discovery and Kongsberg Maritime have been chosen as the exclusive suppliers of marine scientific equipment, oceanographic handling systems, and deck machinery for two new National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) charting and mapping vessels, the Surveyor and Navigator. The vessels are being constructed by Thoma-Sea Marine Constructors, a shipbuilding company based in Louisiana, USA. Ships feature The ships feature an advanced array of technology from Kongsberg Discove...

A new report published by DNV reveals that the majority (61%) of maritime professionals believe the industry should accept increased cyber risk from digitalisation, if it enables innovation and new technologies. The sector’s appetite to take on emerging risks arising from digital transformation is notably higher than other critical infrastructure industries including energy, manufacturing, and healthcare.  Cybersecurity risk The industry’s increasing appetite for cyber risk c...

Global safety solutions provider - VIKING Life-Saving Equipment and firefighting systems supplier - FAIN Co., Ltd. have signed an exclusive worldwide agreement for VIKING to provide certified services for marine fire systems and equipment delivered and installed by FAIN. FAIN supplies the full spectrum of firefighting systems for marine use, including CO2, foam, DP, water mist, sprinkler, alternative gases, and more. Headquartered in Yangsan, South Korea, the company is a major supplier to ship...

San Francisco-based maritime technology company - Sofar Ocean announces a partnership with the U.S. Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command’s (CNMOC) Fleet Weather centres in Norfolk (FWC-N) and San Diego (FWC-SD).  Wayfinder platform FWC-N and FWC-SD, the Navy’s two primary weather forecasting centres, are piloting Sofar’s Wayfinder platform to support the routing of naval vessels at sea. The FWCs are utilising Wayfinder to identify safe and efficient route options...

Longstanding marine power solutions expert, Fischer Panda UK has recently enhanced its portfolio with the latest power technology innovation from Integrel Solutions. Integrel Solutions’ system, an advanced e-power system for the marine sector, revolutionises the way vessels are powered, offering an efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional power sources. Range of marine applications This solution is ideal for a wide range of marine applications, including leisure...

Cummins Inc., a global pioneer in power solutions, will exhibit its latest marine technologies at the International Workboat Show 2024, in New Orleans, from November 12-14, 2024.  QSK38 EPA Tier 4 solution Visitors to Booth 3001 will have the opportunity to examine the QSK38 EPA Tier 4 solution, designed with repower flexibility in mind.  This innovative engine provides clean power in a compact package, leveraging trusted technology that operators can depend on for their fleet. Dur...

The Baltic Exchange has launched a Know-Your-Customer (KYC) platform to give the maritime sector greater access to company data to support informed decision-making and meet increased regulatory obligations. KYC platform KYC is a regulatory requirement in the banking and financial services sectors to ensure businesses do their due diligence on customers to prevent fraud, money laundering, and terrorism financing. With shipping a vital part of global commerce, the need to manage the risk of fra...

ABS helped bring together industry and government pioneers for a U.S. Maritime Strategy Workshop to help stakeholders align on key policy and commercial priorities. This was the third in a series of workshops organised to inform a U.S. national maritime strategy and was done in collaboration with the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), the Office of Senator Mark Kelly, and the Office of U.S. Representative Michael Waltz. Challenges and recommendations The U.S. maritime industry faces seve...

Sirius Insight (Sirius) announces the launch of a national strategic partnership with the charity - National Coastwatch Institution (NCI), which will help improve the safety of UK coastal waters. This long-term partnership will deliver operational funding and technology upgrades enabling greater coverage and effect.    Maritime situational awareness Sirius Insight is the UK’s specialist in maritime situational awareness, combining Artificial Intelligence and state-of-the-...

ClassNK has granted its Innovation Endorsement for Products & Solutions to Ship Energy Efficiency Monitoring System (SEEMS) developed by the Samundra Institute of Maritime Studies. In order to promote the spread and development of innovative technologies, ClassNK has offered Innovation Endorsement for Products & Solutions. Deployment of products ClassNK supports the deployment of products and services through third-party certification for equipment and software technology with innovat...

Vestdavit is boosting sales of its in-demand lightweight aluminium davits to the naval segment with a further order for four PLAR-6501 systems to be delivered to a pair of Evolved Cape-class patrol vessels under construction at shipbuilder - Austal Australia for the Royal Australian Navy. The latest contract brings the number of PLAR davits supplied to the Cape and Evolved Cape-class vessels for the Royal Australian Navy to a total of 20. Boat launch-and-recovery systems “The operationa...

Babcock has been awarded a two-year contract extension by the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) to continue to provide technical support services across the armed forces. The extension will see us continue to deliver a range of essential critical services to the Royal Air Force (RAF), Joint Aviation Command and Strategic Command at 16 stations across the UK. Babcock attains MOD contract extension This full-service partnership provides the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) with a safe, cost-effective wa...

Iridium Communications Inc., a globally renowned provider of global voice and data satellite communications, has announced its collaboration with Nordic Semiconductor for early integration of its Iridium NTN Direct℠ service into Nordic's LTE-M/NB-IoT modules and chipsets. Nordic Semiconductor is a global major in low power wireless connectivity solutions, including cellular IoT (LTE-M, NB-IoT), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth LE, and Thread and is trusted by world’s major brands across the consumer, ind...

The United States Maritime Administration’s (MARAD) Office of Environment and Innovation has selected ABS to establish and maintain the U.S. Center for Maritime Innovation (Center) under a five-year cooperative agreement. Decarbonisation and digitalisation Authorised by the U.S. Congress, the U.S. Center for Maritime Innovation is intended to support the adoption of clean energy on U.S. vessels through a wide-ranging program of research and development and training support. ABS Chairman...

Vard, a Norwegian subsidiary of the Fincantieri Group and one of the major global designers and shipbuilders of specialised vessels, has signed a new contract for the design and construction of one tailor-made Commissioning Service Operation Vessel (CSOV) for Navigare Capital Partners. This contract, established in close collaboration with Norwind Offshore, is a continuation of Vard’s long-standing relationship with the two parties and represents the first option to be exercised from the...

Hoppe Marine GmbH (Germany) and Metis (Greece) have entered into a strategic cooperation in the field of onboard Data Acquisition. More specifically the cooperation ensures the seamless integration of Hoppe’s data collection systems with the Metis cloud-based performance management platform. This partnership aims to expand the use of high-frequency data analytics in vessel performance management, offering customers greater flexibility for real-time monitoring and strategic decision-making...

SRT Marine Systems plc (SRT), a global provider of maritime domain awareness systems and technologies for security, safety, and environmental protection, is pleased to advise that it has received a formal contract award notification from a Sovereign Government Ministry for a contract worth US$ 213 million to deliver an integrated SRT maritime surveillance system.  The award is subject only to completion of the formal contract and associated performance bond, which are now underway and expe...

Yanmar Marine International (YMI) has launched the E-Saildrive, its first electric propulsion product designed to provide an easy transition to emission-free sailing. E-Saildrive Launched globally at the Cannes Yachting Festival and Newport International Boat Show, the E-Saildrive range utilises a 'plug-and-play' platform for easy installation and connection. This, combined with an integrated gear, motor, motor controller, and cooling system, makes the switch to 100% electric boating quicker...

Helm Operations and Caterpillar Marine have announced a strategic collaboration to enhance workboat operations by integrating advanced engine data with industry-renowned software. Combining the strengths of Helm CONNECT's fleet management software and Caterpillar's engine technology, this collaboration sets a new standard for informed decision-making and operational efficiency in the maritime industry. Performance optimisation Helm Operations, a maritime technology major for over 25 years, fo...

At the SMM trade fair, DNV celebrated three advances in the ongoing development and deployment of autonomous technologies in shipping. Ocean Infinity was awarded a Statement of Compliance, while Avikus and Reach Subsea received certificates recognising their ongoing collaborations with DNV. Autonomous shipping Autonomous shipping covers many aspects of shipping’s new technological landscape – everything from systems to aid decision-making, control speed, and direction, remote cont...

Technology group - Wärtsilä has been awarded the prototyping tender for the revolutionary Next Generation Vessel Traffic Management System (NGVTMS) project by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA). This initiative is set to transform maritime safety and efficiency at one of the world's busiest ports. The order was booked by Wärtsilä in Q3 2024.  AI-enabled solutions As Singapore continues to elevate its status as a global maritime hub, the increasing traf...

OceanScore has launched a new planning, simulation, and budgeting tool for optimising compliance with FuelEU Maritime from a commercial standpoint. Its FuelEU Planner is the first in a suite of solutions geared to supporting complex decision-making processes with the upcoming regulation. FuelEU Planner The company unveiled the FuelEU Planner at a launch event for more than 150 clients and stakeholders in Hamburg this week, coinciding with the SMM conference and exhibition, where FuelEU Mariti...

The Cargo Integrity Group (CIG) commends the recent circular issued by the China Maritime Safety Administration (MSA), following the explosion incident involving the vessel – ‘YM Mobility’ on August 9, 2024, at Ningbo-Zhoushan Port. This incident, along with other recent fires aboard container vessels, underscores the critical need for enhanced safety measures and vigilance in the transport of dangerous goods by sea. In its circular, the MSA reiterated the need for all shippi...

The opening press conference for the renowned international maritime trade fair gave a foretaste of the coming SMM days. Political and business leaders discussed current challenges and opportunities facing the shipping industry. The overarching topic was the decarbonisation of the shipping sector. The conclusion: While the technology is mature, what is needed now is courageous investment decisions – and a system to reward that courage. Initial major success The 31st edition of SMM was l...

Iridium Communications Inc. (IRDM) has unveiled Iridium Certus GMDSS, a generational advancement in maritime safety, compliance, and communication. Building on the powerful capabilities of Iridium Certus technology, Iridium Certus GMDSS features distress alert, safety voice and Maritime Safety Information (MSI), while integrating additional regulated services, like Long Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) and Ship Security Alert System (SSAS). Iridium Certus GMDSS The combination of capa...

Delkia has led the Encompass group of nine companies, many small-medium sized enterprises, in a major contract win from the Ministry of Defence to supply technical and post-design services to marine systems support globally for the Royal Navy Surface Fleet. Framework arrangement The support contract is a framework arrangement and activities likely to be delivered as part of this include design revisions, reverse engineering, interoperability studies equipment trials, etc. In addition, the grou...

Kongsberg Maritime has achieved a significant milestone for the cyber security of its products with the completion of testing to comply with IACS UR E27, which is based on IEC 62443, including DNV Cyber Security Profile 1 certification. The testing covers a range of its digital products, including automation, navigation and Dynamic Positioning (DP) systems. In order to comply with the new Cyber Security Requirements, which were introduced on 1 July, Kongsberg Maritime decided last year to exped...

Maritime software company Ripple Operations is proud to announce the acquisition of AdonisHR, a well-known Norwegian family-owned provider of crew management and payroll software solutions for the maritime industry.  AdonisHR enjoys a strong reputation in the market, with an excellent team and products, as well as an established, loyal customer base.  Crew Success Software This acquisition is supported by a substantial financial investment from New York-based software holding compan...

VSTEP is proud to announce its growing presence in France as Le CFANI, an esteemed institution in Tremblay-sur-Mauldre, has chosen to integrate their state-of-the-art NAUTIS simulators into their training programs. This strategic move marks a significant step in extending VSTEP’s influence in the French maritime education sector. Revolutionising Training with Simulation Technology Le CFANI has invested in two CESNI Vessel Handling simulators and an instructor/debriefing station, reinfor...