Decline in Confidence is Turning Shipowners Away from New Fuels
The ICS Maritime Barometer Report 2024-2025, launched by the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), reveals a steady decline in confidence among global maritime leaders to manage the risks posed by increasing political instability, alongside a growing hesitance to adopt new fuels.Now in its fourth year, the ICS Maritime Barometer draws on comprehensive survey data to identify the key risk areas shaping the strategic priorities of C-suite level leaders, shipowners and operators worldwide.
US Congress Presses to Boost Navy, Air Force Funding
The House Appropriations Committee's Defense subcommittee released its draft bill for fiscal-year 2026 late on Tuesday, which aims to buy one additional F-35 jet versus the Pentagon's 2025 budget request and make investments in naval vessels, and missile defenses.The committee's draft of its version of the 2026 purchasing bill was released ahead of any formal input from the Trump administration's Pentagon - which has been delayed.
EV Maritime Launches First Electric Ferry in New Zealand
EV Maritime, New Zealand’s leading electric ferry design and technology company, announced the launch of its first fully electric passenger ferry. The new vessel will operate between downtown Auckland and the suburb of Half Moon Bay.This is the first of the EVM200 class,a series of battery-electric fast ferries built using lightweight carbon fiber. Designed for urban public transport, the EVM200 offers…
Catalina Express to Build Renewable Fuel Ferry
Incat Crowther was commissioned by Los Angeles operator Catalina Express to design a new low-emission, renewable diesel-powered passenger ferry. The new ferry will form part of the Port of Los Angeles’ $31 million Los Angeles Marine Emission Reduction (LA MER) project, funded by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). Catalina Express was awarded a $15,000,000 grant to match its own $15,000,000 contribution to the project.
Survitec's Seahaven Evacuation System Receives BV Attestation
Classification society Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (BV) has issued a formal Review Attestation for Survitec’s Seahaven evacuation system, confirming its status as a novel life-saving appliance (LSA) under IMO Resolution A.520(13). The attestation recognizes Seahaven’s position as an innovative safety evacuation solution for high-capacity passenger vessels, such as cruise ships.Developed by Survitec…
Lloyd's Register: Considered Approach to Protecting Marine Biodiversity Offers Competitive Advantage
Proactive measures supporting marine biodiversity create operational efficiencies and attract commercial incentives, according to a new Lloyd’s Register (LR) report, launched June 11 at the UN Ocean Conference 2025 in Nice, France.The Shipping Biodiversity Report offers practical, science-based guidance and potential actions for shipowners, operators, regulators and policymakers seeking to protect…
UKMTO Warns of Impact On Mariners From Increasing Middle Eastern Tensions
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations said in an advisory note on Wednesday that it was aware of increased tensions in the Middle East which could lead to an escalation of military activity having a direct impact on mariners.The UKMTO advised vessels to use caution when passing through the Gulf, the Gulf of Oman and Straits of Hormuz.The UKMTO, which gathers reports on threats to shipping, did…
Bolidt Acquires Boteka to Consolidate Cruise Industry Position
Bolidt has acquired a majority stake in Florida-based Boteka, a move intended to consolidate Bolidt’s position in the global cruise industry.As a specialist in prefabricated elements for cruise ships, Boteka has worked exclusively with Bolidt products during a 14-year relationship that has seen the two parties serve major operators including Norwegian Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean Group, and Celebrity Cruises.
Chartwell Marine to Design CTV for NR Marine Services
NR Marine Services has commissioned Chartwell Marine to design a new crew transfer vessel (CTV) in response to client requests for a new class of vessel capable of supporting older generation assets, now referred to as legacy turbines.Chartwell Marine has developed the Defiant Class vessel, a 20-meter CTV designed to Workboat Code Edition 3 with IMO Tier 3 compliance featuring a step free flush forward deck…
Maritime Propulsion: Expanding Options for Waterjets
It’s no surprise that waterjets are great for shallow-draft, highly maneuverable craft, but vessel designers are busting out of the old stereotypes.Vessel designer Aircat Vessels has developed a surface effect ship (SES) crew transport catamaran, AIRCAT 35 Crewliner, that can sail at over 50 knots and manage offshore transfers in 2.5-meter seas. The air cushion system from ESNA dynamically adjusts to sea conditions so the vessel can reduce transit times…
ADNOC L&S, Borouge Sign $531M Partnership to Boost UAE Petrochemical Exports
ADNOC Logistics & Services Plc (ADNOC L&S) has signed a 15-year strategic partnership agreement with Borouge, worth $531 million, to manage shipping and port logistics for the company’s expanding petrochemical exports.The agreement positions ADNOC L&S as the primary logistics provider for up to 70% of Borouge’s annual production, covering container handling, port operations, and feeder shipping services…
China Aircraft Carrier Presence in the Pacific Concerns Taiwan
The two Chinese aircraft carriers spotted conducting simultaneous operations in the Pacific for the first time send a political message about the country's "expansionist" aims, Taiwan Defence Minister Wellington Koo said on Wednesday.Japan's defence minister said the previous day that the appearance of the Chinese aircraft carriers signified Beijing's intention to further widen its capabilities beyond…
Vertom’s Four New Cargo Ships to Sport Wärtsilä Hybrid Propulsion Solution
Technology group Wärtsilä has secured a contract to supply an integrated hybrid propulsion solution for four new 10,700 DWT geared tween decker vessels being built for Dutch ship owner and maritime service provider Vertom Group.Combining the Wärtsilä 25 medium-speed four-stroke engine with a hybrid propulsion drive train with PTO/PTI/PTH, the package is designed to optimize vessel propulsion efficiency…
Cautious Optimism on US, China Tariff Truce
U.S. and Chinese officials said on Tuesday they had agreed on a framework to get their trade truce back on track and remove China's export restrictions on rare earths while offering little sign of a durable resolution to longstanding trade tensions.At the end of two days of intense negotiations in London, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told reporters the framework deal puts "meat on the bones"…
ORLEN Group Opens Poland’s First Offshore Wind Installation Terminal
ORLEN Group has opened Poland’s first installation terminal dedicated to offshore wind farms, located in Świnoujście, with the facility securing its first long-term lease agreement with global offshore wind player Ocean Winds.The Świnoujście terminal is designed to handle large-scale offshore projects with turbines of around 15 MW capacity.It will accommodate jack-up and heavy-lift vessels and will serve as a hub for loading…
