Maritime Propulsion Developments for today, September 10, 2025

Cutting-Edge Electric Propulsion for Container Ships

HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries received Approval in Principle (AIP) from ABS for a concept design of a 16,000 TEU container ship featuring an electric propulsion system. This marks a significant step toward decarbonizing large seagoing vessels in line with IMO 2050 carbon-neutral goals. The project will progress next year with focus on energy storage and high-efficiency propulsion drives to accelerate commercialization of zero-carbon ship technologies.

New Powerful Pod Propulsion System Launched by ZF Marine

ZF Marine introduced the POD 4900, a new pod propulsion system designed for vessels up to 150 feet with engine compatibility up to 2,000 HP. Offering up to 20% efficiency improvement over conventional shaftline systems, it features wide steering angles and is suited for large pleasure crafts, windfarm vessels, crew transfer vessels, and ferries. Its first application will be on the Azimut Grande 30M superyacht, deploying in collaboration with Rolls-Royce Power Systems.

Wärtsilä to Equip New Battery-Electric Ferries for Molslinjen

Wärtsilä will deliver integrated electric propulsion systems with waterjets for two new high-speed battery-electric catamaran ferries built for Danish ferry operator Molslinjen. These 129-meter ferries will increase passenger and car capacity on the Kattegat route by over 25%, contributing substantially to Denmark’s goal of sustainable marine transport and decarbonization. The ferries are expected to join the fleet in 2027-2028.

Nuclear Maritime Propulsion Partnership Advances

ABB and Swedish nuclear developer Blykalla announced a partnership to develop compact small modular reactors (SMRs) for maritime applications. These lead-cooled fast reactors aim to provide clean, scalable power solutions to accelerate shipping’s decarbonization by enabling innovative vessel designs powered by nuclear energy.

Tags: maritime propulsion

Echandia to Supply Battery System for Canadian Coast Guard’s Hybrid Icebreaker

Swedish maritime battery systems specialist Echandia has secured an order from ABB…

Finnøy to Deliver Propulsion Systems For Wilson Cargo Vessels

Finnøy Gear & Propeller has signed a contract to deliver complete propulsion systems…

Schottel, Lyon Shipyard in U.S. Offshore Wind Push

Schottel said Wednesday it had reached an agreement with Norfolk-based Lyon Shipyard…

Schottel EcoPeller Deployed For Norwegian Ferry Refit

German maritime propulsion specialist Schottel announced that its Schottel Rudder…

Kongsberg Wins LNG, Battery Propulsion Contract

Kongsberg Maritime will supply a Power & Propulsion System for a new LNG powered…

ABB, SINTEF Test Fuel Cells of Hydrogen Hybrid Ferry

Swiss-Swedish multinational corporation ABB and European independent research organisations…

Schottel Power for McAllister Tug

McAllister Towing selected Schottel to provide propulsion units for a new-built escort…

AEGIR-Marine: New Propulsion Workshop DNV-GL approved

AEGIR-Marine reports that it received an Approved Workshop statement from DNV-GL.

Global Class ship (Image: MAN Diesel & Turbo)

MV Werften Selects MAN Engines for New Cruise Ships

MAN Diesel & Turbo and MV Werften have concluded a contract to equip two Global Class…

Rolls-Royce is to supply 12 MTU diesel gensets with 20V 4000 M53B engines to prime contractor BAE Systems for the first three Type 26 Global Combat Ships due to go into service with the Royal Navy. (Image: MTU)

MTU Diesel Gensets Ordered for UK Combat Ships

Rolls-Royce is to supply 12 MTU diesel gensets to prime contractor BAE Systems for…

MPR, MPS ISO-9001 Certified

Maritime Propeller Repairs BV, together with its sister company Maritime Propulsion Services BV…

MPS Holds Open House

There was record attendance at the Maritime Propulsion Services BV (MPS) open day…

Maritime Security

Maritime Security is a term which applies to a large variety of technology, devices, and operations both on deck and on shore. It can mean the simple measures used by boat owners and operators to protect individuals, vessels, and cargo from theft, sabotage, or piracy.

Next-Gen Naval Power: Innovations Reshaping Modern Fleets

Naval forces globally are undergoing a profound transformation, driven by an accelerating pace of technological innovation and evolving geopolitical landscapes. This article explores the cutting-edge advancements that are redefining maritime defense and offense. From the integration of artificial intelligence and unmanned systems to the development of directed energy weapons and advanced stealth capabilities, we delve into how these innovations are enhancing situational awareness, extending operational reach, and enabling new forms of naval warfare. The future fleet will be characterized by networked, intelligent, and highly adaptable platforms, operating across multiple domains to secure sea lanes and project power more effectively than ever before.

Narco-Submarines: The Hidden Depths of Drug Trafficking

Narco-submarines, the clandestine vessels used by drug traffickers, represent one of the most sophisticated and elusive methods of smuggling drugs across international waters. These semi-submersible and fully submersible crafts are a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of criminal organizations in circumventing law enforcement efforts. This article delves into the history, construction, operation, and interdiction of narco-submarines, highlighting their impact on global drug trafficking.

Drug Smuggling on Ships and Submarines: An Escalating Threat

Drug smuggling has long been a lucrative enterprise for criminal organizations worldwide. With the increasing sophistication of law enforcement agencies and border controls, smugglers are continuously adapting their methods. One of the most challenging trends to combat is the use of ships and submarines to transport illicit drugs across international waters. This article explores the methods, routes, and challenges associated with maritime drug smuggling.

Sailing to Net-Zero: The Decarbonization Mandate and the Green Fuels Race in Shipping

The global maritime industry is under immense pressure to meet ambitious climate targets, spearheaded by the International Maritime Organization (IMO)'s strategy to reach net-zero emissions by or around 2050. This mandate has triggered the most significant technological and financial upheaval the sector has ever faced. This article explores the core challenge—the decarbonization dilemma—focusing on the complex regulatory landscape (CII, ETS) and the intense, multi-fuel race to find viable, scalable, and safe "green fuels." We analyze the leading contenders—ammonia, methanol, and hydrogen—highlighting their pros, cons, and the colossal infrastructure investment required to power the future of global shipping.