Rising costs - News

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...

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...

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...

Baltic Exchange has launched the maritime industry’s first-ever free Fuel Equivalence Converter, a reliable, easy-to-use digital calculator that helps owners, traders, brokers and charterers to navigate the complexity of the physical properties of the wide variety of marine fuels that are currently available on the market.  The Fuel Equivalence Converter is the latest resource provided by Baltic Exchange to help shipping players understand the cost and commercial implications of gree...

The University of Osaka (President: Atsushi Kumanogoh), in collaboration with Imabari Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. (President: Yukito Higaki, 'Imabari Shipbuilding'), Japan Marine United Corporation (President: Takashi Hirose, 'JMU'), Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (President & CEO: Hayato Suga, 'ClassNK'), and MTI Co., Ltd. (President: Hideki Suzuki, 'MTI') will establish the Open Collaboration Laboratory for Enabling Advanced Marine Systems (OCEANS) at the Techno Alliance Building within the Graduate Schoo...

Increasing demand from shipowners for ABS services in Singapore has prompted ABS to invest in an expanded regional head office housing industry-pioneering research and development capabilities. The opening ceremony was prefaced by a traditional lion dance and reception, which saw ABS Chairman and CEO Christopher J. Wiernicki cut the ribbon on a facility that is home to the ABS Singapore Innovation and Research Centre, the ABS Global Electrification Centre and one of five ABS Global Sustain...

Eni, an energy company, Fincantieri, a world pioneer in complex shipbuilding, and RINA, a multinational group specialising in engineering consultancy, certification, and inspection, presented the “Sustainable Maritime Transport Outlook” in Rome — in the presence of the Minister for the Environment and Energy Security, Gilberto Pichetto Fratin. The study, focused on the maritime sector, was developed with the technical support of Bain & Company Italy. Net Zero target for 2...

The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) Registry’s long-term and consistent commitment to high-quality shipping continues to be recognised by the international community. At INTERTANKO’s North America panel meeting held in Stamford, Connecticut, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) presented QUALSHIP 21 qualifying jurisdictions for this year. For the 21st consecutive year, the RMI remains a qualifying jurisdiction. The RMI is the only of the world’s three largest registries...

American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) at Singapore Maritime Week to advance innovations in applied research in maritime technology and enhance talent development within the global maritime and offshore industries. The collaboration advances applied research in next-generation vessel system design, including ship power simulations with hardware-in-the-loop, shore-to-ship charging technologies, and augmented an...

The world’s first commercial-use ammonia-fueled vessel, Sakigake, has successfully completed a three-month demonstration voyage, during which the vessel engaged in tugboat operations in Tokyo Bay and achieved a GHG-emission reduction of up to approximately 95%. The vessel was completed by Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha and IHI Power Systems Co., Ltd., in cooperation with Nippon Kaiji Kyokai as part of a Green Innovation Fund Project under Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology...

Fincantieri and TUI AG signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) for the design and construction of two new cruise ships for the Marella Cruises brand. The value of this agreement, subject to financing and other typical terms and conditions, is considered as very important. This agreement represents a major step for Marella Cruises, which is venturing into newbuilding for the first time and has chosen Fincantieri as its strategic partner for this transformation....

Achilles, a pioneer in supply chain risk management solutions, and Procureship, the world’s pioneering e-procurement platform, have agreed on a long-term partnership to enhance the ESG capabilities of the shipping industry’s procurement processes.  The latest agreement will bring efficiencies to the supply chain assessment and purchasing process for Procureship members. Procureship provides streamlined purchasing for more than 100 fleet owners and operators, including BW LNG, A...

The Industry Associations of BIMCO, ICS, IMCA, INTERCARGO, INTERTANKO & OCIMF, supported by over forty maritime stakeholders, have released a consolidated and enhanced publication, Best Management Practices (BMP) for Maritime Security (MS). As an interactive online publication, BMP Maritime Security consolidates previously published regional publications into a single, comprehensive publication with actionable insights and advice. It focuses on providing a threat and risk management pr...

For an unprecedented fourth time in a row, GAC will be The Ocean Race’s Official Logistics Partner, extending a successful collaboration that has been in place since 2014. For the first time, GAC will support all three major events on The Ocean Race calendar: The Ocean Race Europe 2025, The Ocean Race Atlantic in 2026, and the flagship around the world race starting from Alicante, Spain, in 2027. Comprehensive logistics support Services provided will include a raft of total logistics su...

ABS Wavesight™, the ABS-affiliated Software-as-a-Service company, proudly hosted its Vision and Value Summit in Singapore. The event brought together users of ABS Wavesight software products, industry stakeholders, and regional experts for a dynamic day of collaboration, innovation, and forward-thinking discussions. ABS Wavesight’s commitment Attendees engaged in interactive sessions focused on addressing critical issues The event served as a platform for users and other industry...

The keel laying ceremony for "Seven Seas Prestige", the ultra-luxury cruise ship which Fincantieri is building for Regent Seven Seas Cruises, took place at Fincantieri's shipyard in Marghera (Venice). The vessel is scheduled for delivery in 2026. Cruise industry milestone The ceremony was attended, among others, by Harry Sommer, President & Chief Executive Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd, Jason Montague, Chief Luxury Officer of Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Patrik Dahlgren, Exec...

STAR Information Systems (STAR) is proud to announce the successful signing of an agreement to acquire Arribatec Marine (Infoship), a pioneering provider of fleet technical management solutions. This acquisition strengthens STAR’s presence in the maritime software market and represents an important step forward in the growth journey. Digitalisation within maritime sector Infoship built a strong reputation in supporting digitalisation within the maritime sector Found...

As part of Singapore Maritime Week, DNV has awarded Marine Design and Research Institute of China (MARIC), Approval in Principle (AiP) for their new wide beam ammonia-ready Kamsarmax bulk carrier. The vessel has a shallow draft for flexible port calls, as well as being WAPS (wind-assisted propulsion system) ready. Greenhouse gas reduction goals Green ammonia is emerging as a strong candidate for climate-neutral fuel for shipping Green ammonia is emerging as a strong candidate for the climate...

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) have renewed a multi-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen collaboration in research and development, talent development, workforce upskilling, support for startup maritime businesses, and regulatory alignment. This renewal, signed now, marks a comprehensive and future-oriented collaboration that continues to strengthen Singapore’s role as a global maritime hub while advancing ABS&r...

At the Undersea Defence Technology conference, thyssenkrupp Marine Systems and Ulstein Verft signed a Letter of Intent for joint efforts to deliver the next, advanced frigates to the Royal Norwegian Navy. The 2024 Fleet Plan outlines that Norway will acquire five or six frigates to replace the Fridtjof Nansen-class frigates. Potential candidates include the British Type 26, the German F127, the American Constellation-class, and the French FDI. German-Norwegian industrial cooperation thyssenkr...

DNV has released a new Recommended Practice (RP) to assess the performance of Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems (WAPS) for public hearing. The new RP has been developed to provide a basis for reliably determining the ability of different WAPS technologies to deliver efficiency gains when installed onboard, accelerating the maritime industry's journey towards a more sustainable future. Fuel savings and emissions reductions WAPS have emerged as a promising solution for the maritime industry to r...