United Kingdom (UK) maritime industry review

A rescue deal for the Belfast-based shipbuilder, which could be announced as early as on Thursday, 19th Dec 2024, is expected to include job guarantees for its workforce of more than 1,000 people. Sky News has learned that ministers hope to announce that Harland & Wolff (H&W) and its four UK shipyards are being acquired by Navantia, S.A., S.M.E, the Spanish shipbuilder, after months of negotiations. H&W’s assets and sites Navantia’s board is expected to meet to ratif...

Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) concludes 2024 with remarkable achievements across sustainability, innovation, and maritime safety, making its Golden Jubilee year a testament to its legacy and vision. From spearheading decarbonisation projects to reviving India’s maritime heritage, IRS has reinforced its leadership role in the global maritime sector. Step in maritime innovation It classed a next-generation electric ferry, furthering the push for cleaner maritime transport In line wit...

ABS and Akselos have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance engineering and certification processes for floating offshore wind projects. The companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on solutions aimed at optimising design, reducing costs, and improving efficiency for the floating wind sector globally. Akselos' simulation technology The alliance utilises ABS's expertise in offshore credential and type with Akselos' technology The collaborati...

The International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO) marked a transformative year in its 2023-2024 Annual Review, launching major initiatives while reaching record membership levels amid growing industry challenges. Outgoing Chairman Dimitri Fafalios reflected on key developments during 2024, including the August launch of the Dry Bulk Centre of Excellence (DBCE) and its DryBMS portal, demonstrating the sector's dedication to operational excellence. Latest Bulk Carrier Casualty R...

Ingeteam has been awarded a new contract to support the green hydrogen sector in Australia. Ingeteam will supply six rectifiers to help develop Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolysis technology for its customer, Fortescue, in Queensland. In its role as a technology partner, Ingeteam will provide three full skid solution units, equipped with six INGECON H2 E series rectifiers, to supply up to 12 MW of energy to each of the electrolysers. It will also involve commissioning the highest curr...

WEG celebrates the remarkable achievement of supplying two thousand generators to Vestas one of the vital components of the turbines produced by the Danish company, further strengthening its contribution to the clean energy sector in Brazil. The equipment, designed to operate in Vestas wind turbines, is installed in various wind farms across the country, highlighting the shared commitment of both companies to sustainability and the development of Brazil’s renewable energy matrix. WEG&r...

The World Shipping Council (WSC) Board of Directors has elected Soren Toft, CEO of MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, as the new Chair of the World Shipping Council Board. Randy Chen, Vice Chairman of Wan Hai Lines, has been elected Vice Chair. Soren Toft and Randy Chen will serve a two-year term, effective immediately. The new Chair and Vice Chair succeed Rolf Habben Jansen, CEO of Hapag-Lloyd AG, and Jeremy Nixon, CEO of ONE, who have served as Co-Chairs of the WSC Board...

ABS will deliver audits of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code) on behalf of the Italian Administration from January 1, 2025, following an agreement signed at Italy’s Ministry of Infrastructures and Transport. ABS statutory activities As a Recognised Organisation of the Italian Administration, ABS will conduct statutory activities, including approval of Ship Security Plans, security verifications, and issuance of Interim International Ship Security Cert...

Langstone Harbour, a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), has completed the successful installation of a comprehensive marine environmental monitoring solution provided by OceanWise. Langstone Harbour, located between Portsmouth and Chichester on the southern coast of Hampshire, is renowned for its rich wildlife and is designated as a Special Protection Area (SPA). Managed by the Langstone Harbour Board, it is a hub for a range of activities, including commercial shipping, fis...

Trusted by more than 3,000 ships worldwide, NAPA’s Safety Solution software has promoted ship safety and operational efficiency for 35 years, working closely with customers. NAPA's solutions aim to positively impact the maritime industry by simplifying and streamlining onboard and shoreside operations through digitalisation, reducing errors and workload for seafarers, enhancing safety, and enabling more sustainable decision-making.  Paper-based system challenges “Historicall...

The maritime industry is taking important steps to improve cybersecurity, catching up rapidly by introducing other industries' best practices into information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) onboard vessels. Work remains to be done to ensure a cyber-resilient worldwide fleet of maritime operations. The way forward is through collaboration among all major stakeholders. Remote-controlled and autonomous ships In the future, the marine industry will increasingly use remote-control...

Augmented reality (AR) is making waves across various industries, and maritime is no exception. For maritime professionals, AR offers practical, real-time solutions that enhance safety, optimise operations, and improve decision-making both at sea and onshore. Whether it’s helping crews navigate complex environments, assisting in ship maintenance, or providing on-the-job training, AR’s ability to blend digital information with the physical world is proving invaluable in the fast-pac...

Maritime communications came a long way before they could deliver the first Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS). Still, it is fair to say that their forward march has only accelerated in the two-and-a-half decades since. Today, shipping companies rely on satellite connectivity to protect their vessels and people and enable the digitalisation, decarbonisation, and crew-welfare initiatives on which its successes rely.  Low-Earth orbit (LEO) networks Against this background, t...

As the maritime industry accelerates its journey toward decarbonisation, the focus on alternative fuels has intensified. E-methane E-methane, a synthetic gas produced using renewable electricity and carbon capture, is emerging as a promising substitute for conventional natural gas. This innovative fuel offers a way to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions while leveraging existing liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure. For maritime professionals, the potential benefits of e-metha...

The maritime industry, steeped in tradition, is now riding the wave of digital transformation, with big data playing a pivotal role in driving innovation and efficiency. For maritime professionals, the question isn’t whether to embrace big data, but how to maximise its practical benefits. Whether it’s a ship owner, port operator, or related to supply chain logistics, big data has the potential to streamline operations, enhance safety, reduce costs, and bolster profitability. This a...