Digital transformation - News

Enhancing their collaboration on cutting-edge marine and technology projects, ABS and HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) signed a Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) to advance the development and certification of innovative systems for next-generation, zero-carbon ships. Representatives from both companies met at Gastech 2024 for the signing ceremony. 3 areas of integration Entitled 'Cooperation on the Advanced Zero-Carbon Ships', the MOU focuses on integrating advanced...

Technology group - Wärtsilä has signed a five-year Lifecycle Agreement with Royal Caribbean Group covering 37 of the company’s cruise ships. The agreement is designed to optimise the performance, reliability, and availability of the ships’ engines to ensure the highest level of operational efficiency to support and accelerate Royal Caribbean’s sustainability goals. Sustainability and decarbonisation  "This agreement is a testament to the mutual efforts and ded...

DNV has awarded an Approval in Principle (AiP) to HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) for its electric propulsion liquefied hydrogen (LH2) carrier design concept that could enable 80,000 cubic metres of LH2 storage and transport. The AiP awarding ceremony will take place at Gastech, Houston. Maritime transportation value chain This milestone forms part of a broader collaboration involving industry pioneers, HD KSOE, Woodside Energy (Woodside), Hyundai Glovis, and Mitsui...

Strategic Marine, in collaboration with Centus Marine, is proud to unveil the introduction of Malaysia’s first hybrid Fast Crew Boat (FCB). This innovative vessel is equipped with cutting-edge hybrid technology and gyro-stabilisation, marking a significant advancement in the region’s maritime industry. The vessel has been specifically designed to improve efficiency and sustainability in offshore operations, offering significant advantages in crew transfer to oil platforms. Its hybri...

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...

ERMA FIRST, a pioneering sustainable maritime solutions provider, has teamed up with the Hellenic Marine Environment Protection Association (HELMEPA), the Municipality of Perama and the local community to clean up Perama Beach as part of the company’s wide-ranging Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy. The event, which took place on 30 August 2024, saw over 80 participants collaborate to clear over 30 large refuse bags’ worth of recyclable and non-recyclable litter from the...

Classification society - DNV and Navigation Brilliance (Brinav), have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on autonomous collaboration. Under the terms of the MOU, the two companies aim to fast-track the development and approval of autonomous and remote-controlled shipping technologies, to encourage a safer and more efficient maritime industry. New safety risks  Autonomous shipping, ranging from remote control operations to fully unmanned vessels, represents a significant advanceme...

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...

UAE-based shipyard - Mark Marine has saved both time and costs by initiating a collaboration with BERG Propulsion to use BERG Rotordynamics Services.Mark Marine is delivering eight vessels to Rawabi Vallianz Offshore Services, in what shipyard Founder, Hashim Abdul Razak, described as 'one of the largest build projects undertaken in the Middle East'. Customisation steps "This is a milestone project for Mark Marine, which showcases the excellence of our workmanship, our ability to deliver to sc...

Dutch maritime start-up accelerator - PortXL presented its 2024 cohort at the RDM, the Rotterdam space for innovative companies, technology education, high-quality test facilities and field labs.  Ten start-ups and scale-ups presented themselves and were connected to partners, mentors and members of the Rotterdam and Dutch innovation ecosystem, that will assist them in the coming months. PortXL’ s partners and stakeholders Mitja Caboni, Acceleration Manager at PortXL introduced the...

Kongsberg Discovery develops technology to ensure sustainable management of marine resources, monitor climate change and critical infrastructure, and safeguard national security. It is a business area within the KONGSBERG group and has been present in Canada and the US for almost 30 years. The USA company is also changing its name from Kongsberg Underwater Technology Inc (KUTL) to Kongsberg Discovery US, LLC. Plans for growth Before joining Kongsberg Discovery, Sandhu had vast leadership...

Condor Ferries reported a +14% Y-O-Y increase in overall network carryings during 2024's peak travel period (14 July – 03 September 2024), representing an increase in carryings of 26,874 compared to 2023. Of particular significance is the increase in passengers carried to and from the island of Jersey: during the peak 2024 period, Condor Ferries carried 19,217 additional car and foot passengers on UK and French services to and from Jersey compared to the same period in 2023, amountin...

Data, digital twins and artificial intelligence are going to reshape everything in maritime from regulation to operating procedures challenging the industry to respond to a new safety protection frontier. That was the message from Christopher J. Wiernicki, ABS Chairman and CEO in a wide-ranging keynote address at the Capital Link Shipping and Marine Services Forum in London. Unintended safety consequences Christopher J. Wiernicki said, "AI’s ability to generate real-time insights, risk...

NorthStandard has launched ‘Fuel Insights’ - an exclusive real-time marine fuel intelligence service for members in partnership with Veritas Petroleum Services (VPS). Powered by VPS, the Fuel Insights digital platform offers real-time fuel procurement knowledge based on exclusive live data from the major provider of fuel quality testing and inspection services in the marine industry. Free-of-charge insights Bunkering and operations departments can use this range of data to improve...

In a biannual tradition accompanying the SMM maritime conference, ABS celebrated the AMVER Awards by sponsoring a ceremony recognising the contribution of German owners to the unique AMVER reporting system that supports search and rescue efforts for distress calls at sea. Held at the Übersee-Club in Hamburg, the ceremony celebrated 308 vessels from 54 German-managed companies, who were awarded coloured pennants for their role in maintaining maritime safety and in recognition of the owners&...

AkzoNobel’s International® marine coatings brand has announced a series of updates to Intertrac® Vision, a revolutionary digital forecasting tool. The latest enhancements include CII rating prediction, EU ETS cost impact and detailed breakdowns of cost savings across multiple dry-dockings, all designed to further support data-driven decision making on fouling control coatings for global vessel operators. Intertrac® Vision Intertrac® Vision analyses in...

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...

Brunvoll is pleased to announce its partnership with Torghatten Nord in the construction of a new hybrid ferry, set to operate between Svolvær and Skutvik in Lofoten, Norway. Scheduled for delivery in 2026, the ferry will improve both capacity and sustainability on this key route. “Our goal is to build a hybrid vessel that operates electrically over shorter distances and in hybrid mode over longer routes, contributing to lower emissions across our operations,” says Eirik...

The Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) has successfully transitioned the marine industry to its digitalised version of the Ship Inspection Report Programme (SIRE 2.0). Vessel operators are now only able to request tanker inspections that use the SIRE 2.0 Compiled Vessel Inspection Questionnaire (CVIQ) which is completed on a tablet device by accredited SIRE 2.0 inspectors. SIRE 2.0 Question Library These inspection reports will enable marine assurance teams to conduct more in-de...

A 360-degree analysis of hydrogen as a marine fuel and wind-assisted propulsion are the latest in a series of reports studying alternative fuels and decarbonisation technologies for the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) delivered by an ABS-led consortium, including CE Delft and Arcsilea. EMSA is committed to supporting the European Commission, the Member States, the shipping sector and European ports in the transition to carbon-neutral shipping. In this context, EMSA has launched a call fo...

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...

ClassNK has granted its Innovation Endorsement for Products & Solutions to Cybersecurity solutions “Infinity”, ”Angel” and “Spectrum” by Navarino Single Member S.A. Innovation Endorsement 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 technolo...

Somas Instrument AB, a pioneering manufacturer of control and on-/off valves, has appointed Accelleron a global technology pioneer in turbocharging, fuel injection, and digital solutions in marine and energy industries, as the authorised global service provider for its marine customers. SCR and EGR systems Under this new partnership agreement, Accelleron’s service engineers will be trained to service Somas valves on marine installations, primarily in exhaust after-treatment systems such...

Ocean Infinity has achieved a groundbreaking milestone in maritime innovation, receiving a Statement of Compliance (SOC) from DNV for its revolutionary remotely supported vessel operations. The approval from DNV, the classification society, establishes Ocean Infinity as the industry's first organisation to reach the required standard of technology and operations for large vessels and permits the beginning of onshoring marine-related tasks and activities. Statement of Compliance This high-prof...

Watson Farley & Williams (WFW) advised the owners of Astro Offshore (Astro Offshore) on the sale of an 80% stake in the business for US$185 million to Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ), India’s largest ports and logistics company and part of the Adani Group. Core transaction The existing shareholders retain 20%. With the core transaction documents successfully signed, the deal is expected to close shortly. This all-cash deal gives Astro Offshore an enterprise val...

Corvus Energy is pleased to announce that the Corvus Pelican Fuel Cell System has received Type Approval from DNV. The system which was developed through the three-year-long H2NOR project, is the first Fuel Cell System (FCS) designed to be inherently gas-safe, making it the safest fuel cell system in the market. Performance and safety standards Receiving type approval from DNV, a maritime classification society confirms that the Corvus Pelican Fuel Cell System meets the most stringent perform...

At the SMM trade fair, DNV awarded shipping and logistics company - Wallenius Wilhelmsen its first biofuel insetting verification statement - recognising the company’s use of B100 in a recent voyage. Biofuels can help to make an immediate impact on shipping’s GHG emissions. However, they do come at an increased cost and owners need to be sure that they can benefit from their extra investments in sustainability and compliance. Verified biofuel insetting enables this, by creating tran...