United Kingdom (UK) maritime industry review

ABS has introduced new Rules for Building and Classing Offshore Units (Offshore Rules) that bring multiple rule sets into a single, unified document with risk-based approaches for verifying new technologies along with easier navigation to support clients. The forward-looking initiative is part of a multi-year collaboration with industry, shipyards, owners, equipment manufacturers, designers and regulators to support the fast-moving technology advancements and innovations driven by digitali...

Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) and Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) have entered into an umbrella agreement aimed at developing indigenous technologies and enhancing the capabilities of both organisations. As part of this initiative, IRS and CSL have signed a separate cooperation agreement for the development and certification of an autonomous vessel named ‘SWAYAT,’ which is being constructed at CSL as a fully indigenous pilot project. IRS Guidelines on Cyber Safety Key technology par...

Pioneering wind-propulsion technology provider Anemoi Marine Technologies Ltd. (“Anemoi”) and U-Ming Marine Transport Ltd.’s (“U-Ming”) have signed an agreement to install four Rotor Sails on one of U-Ming’s 325,000 DWT Very Large Ore Carriers (VLOC). The installation work is expected to be completed at the end of 2025, with fuel and emission savings of approximately 10-12% anticipated on deep-sea routes between China and Brazil, South Africa, and Australia....

Anthony Veder, a gas shipping company, has strengthened its partnership with NAPA, a global provider of maritime software and data services, to expand the use of electronic logbook solutions and ease regulatory reporting.   The joint project between the two companies introduces the functionality of voyage reporting, helping Anthony Veder streamline onboard data collection and fulfill increasingly complex environmental regulatory requirements. Thus, the project contributes to...

On November 25, BIMCO released its much-anticipated clause for Time Charter (T/C) Parties under the FuelEU Maritime Regulation, marking a critical step toward industry alignment with decarbonisation goals. As they review the clause and engage in discussions with their customers, it’s clear there are still some gaps to be filled, before they reach total cohesion.  Clauses for FuelEU Maritime With its additional layers of complexity, drafting clauses for FuelEU Maritime presents an e...

SIMEST, CDP Group's company for the internationalisation of companies, and Fincantieri, a world pioneer in high-complexity shipbuilding signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at promoting new investments, and greater competitiveness, including internationally, and market growth for companies in the shipbuilding supply chain. The agreement was signed by Pierroberto Folgiero, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager of Fincantieri, and Regina Corradini D’Arienzo, Chief Executive Offi...

Ocean Network Express (“ONE”) is pleased to announce the completion of its acquisition of a minority stake in New Priok Container Terminal One (“NPCT1”) in Jakarta, Indonesia. NPCT1 is an important terminal serving mature gateway markets in Southeast Asia. Built in 2016, it has an annual capacity of 1.5 million TEU and can accommodate advanced mega containerships with its deep drafts and modern equipment. ONE’s continued commitment Jakarta is ONE’s thi...

Complex shipbuilding projects demand efficient system integration and commissioning from suppliers to meet tight construction schedules. Vard Electro has demonstrated its proven competence in this area with a debut delivery for the Ulstein Verft shipyard of integrated SeaQ Communication solutions for two advanced newbuild CSOVs now delivered by the Norwegian yard for Olympic. Diverse SeaQ systems “The ability to see the bigger picture of such a system delivery is essential to overcome p...

Global marine energy supplier, Peninsula, has announced the expansion of its physical supply network into the Houston market and surrounding areas. Peninsula’s re-entry will be led by Houston-based Mike Parrent who joins Peninsula as Physical Desk Manager, and Elisha Frank as Operations Executive.  Peninsula’s hybrid business model Both Mike and Elisha bring deep experience and are well-known to global customers for their knowledge and service delivery. Full operations will c...

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...

Aiming to establish minimum requirements for the cyber-resilience of newbuild vessels and their connected systems, IACS unified requirements (URs) E26 and E27 provide a new benchmark for shipping’s response to its growing exposure to cyber-attacks. Officially in force from 1 July 2024 and broadly welcomed by industry, the new URs represent another step forward in strengthening Maritime's resilience to the evolving cyber threat. However, according to a thought-provoking discussion recently...

Demand for ammonia is being transformed by the energy transition. Until recently used as an input for fertiliser and chemical products, new markets for green and blue ammonia are emerging, replacing fossil energy in power generation, steel production and marine fuel. Today some 200m tonnes per annum of ammonia is produced worldwide with 20m tpa transported in LPG carriers. The scale of the emerging and potential demand will see these figures rise; how quickly this can be achieved will determine...