Techcross Receives Cyber Security Type Approvals from Five Classification Societies
On December 8, Techcross received cyber security type approval from ABS and NK, becoming the first company in the industry to obtain cyber security type approvals from five major global classification societies.Both of Techcross's Ballast Water Management Systems (BWMS), ECS and HYCHLOR, meet the international cyber security standard IACS UR E27. Based on this compliance, the systems had previously secured cyber security type approvals from KR (Korea), BV (France), and CCS (China)…
Lloyd’s Register, Latsco Chart New Digital Course for Ship Classification
Lloyd’s Register (LR) and Latsco have successfully completed a proof-of-concept for a new standard in digital class assurance with data-driven surveys. This collaboration aims to demonstrate how verified operational vessel data can fully meet class survey requirements, without compromising safety, integrity, or technical rigor. The proof-of-concept was conducted on the vessel HELLAS MARGARITA during an active voyage to Singapore. Using LR’s approved Digital Survey Test Procedure…
Class NK GDA for World First Vessel Tank Tech
Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., part of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group, and Nippon Steel Corporation have received the world’s first General Design Approval (GDA) from ClassNK for a breakthrough tank technology that enables the manufacture of large low-pressure liquefied CO₂ (LCO₂) cargo tanks without post-weld heat treatment (PWHT). The achievement marks a significant step toward scaling up CO₂ transport capacity to support global carbon capture, utilization and storage…
Lloyd’s Register, Jinan Shipyard Partner for Maritime Innovation Across the Gulf Cooperation Council Region
Lloyd’s Register (LR) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Jinan Shipyard, a Qatar Free-Zone-based shipbuilding company, to collaborate on the development, classification, inspection, and certification of marine vessels including yachts and tugs.This strategic partnership marks a step forward in enhancing shipbuilding capabilities across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. The MOU outlines a shared commitment to promoting safety, quality, and innovation in maritime construction and repair…
McDonald Appointed ABS Chairman, CEO
The ABS Board of Directors has elected John McDonald as the new Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ABS at a board meeting on November 11.In the culmination of a well-planned succession process, McDonald, the serving ABS President and Chief Operating Officer, will take over on January 1, 2026, when present ABS Chairman and CEO Christopher J. Wiernicki retires.“I am honored to lead this remarkable organization," said McDonald in a release announcing the appointment. "I do so…
ABS and Siemens to Advance Digitalization in Shipbuilding
ABS and Siemens Digital Industries Software (DISW) have signed a memorandum of understanding to accelerate the digital transformation of maritime classification processes across ship design and construction.The collaboration will also advance product lifecycle management (PLM) technology to enhance efficiency, data integrity and regulatory compliance throughout the vessel life cycle.The MoU establishes a framework for both organizations to collaborate on projects such as class rule application during 3D design…
ABS Wavesight LISW Panel: Digitalization, Data and a Single Source of Truth
Where does true value lie in maritime digitalization? How are shipowners leveraging improvements in data quality and how can a single source of truth support and inform decision-making? To kick-off London International Shipping Week, ABS Wavesight assembled a panel of industry leaders to seek out the answers, with CEO Staci Satterwhite asking the questions.The panel - made up of Robert Gaina, SVP, Commercial at Ardmore Shipping, Niraj Nanda, Chief Commercial Officer at Anglo-Eastern and Robert Desai, Chief Executive Officer at V.
ABS AIP for Electric Propulsion Container Ship
At Gastech 2025, HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) received approval in principle (AIP) from ABS for its concept design of a 16,000 TEU container ship with an electric propulsion system.ABS completed design reviews based on class requirements, analyzing the power system including key elements such as power generation, power conversion and propulsion motors.“ABS, HD KSOE and HHI share a commitment to leveraging our combined resources and expertise to advance electrical applications in the maritime industry.
PMA, Classification Societies Hold Roundtable to Review Registry Regulations
The Panama Maritime Authority (PMA), through the Directorate General of Merchant Marine (DGMM), held a roundtable with the International Association of Recognized Organizations (IARO) to review, update, and align Panama’s Ship Registry regulations with the demands of the global market.The meeting brought together PMA officials and leading classification societies within the IARO, marking a decisive step toward modernizing Panama’s ship registration regime. Discussions focused on key industry challenges…
ClassNK launches ‘ClassNK Fleet Cost Simulation’ Service
ClassNK launched a new service, ‘ClassNK Fleet Cost Simulation’, as part of its ‘ClassNK Transition Support Services’, which aims to facilitate the maritime industry’s transition to decarbonized fuels. This new service estimates the cost impact of GHG emission reduction regulations including IMO's mid-term measures, EU-ETS, and FuelEU Maritime on behalf of clients. This service provides the ‘ClassNK Fleet Cost Calculator’, a calculation tool that simulates future cost fluctuations due to fuel conversion…
IACS Highlights Progress on Digitalization and Decarbonization
The IACS Council met in Beijing last week (C91) to assess and advance the association’s progress on the safe decarbonization and digital transitions.C91 welcomed the Safe Digital Transformation Panel’s work undertaken to clarify IACS’ role in digitalization, cyber systems and marine autonomous surface ships, and in sharing these important conceptualizations with IMO at its FAL49 meeting earlier this year in support of its comprehensive digitalization strategy.IACS Council also…
AYK Energy Secures DNV Approval for Latest Range of Marine Batteries
AYK Energy is set to ramp manufacturing of its latest range of marine batteries after receiving type approval from DNV.DNV has approved AYK Energy’s Pisces, Pisces +, OrionAN, and OrionAN+, as well as aluminum versions of AYK’s legacy modules setting new standards in clean energy marine propulsion.AYK Energy founder Chris Kruger said the approval is a game changer making marine battery technology more affordable driving adoption.The approval enables the company to install a 10.4MWh…
Biofuel Blending: Whitchampion Bunker Tanker Earns Unique Certification
UK-based bunker operator John H. Whitaker (Tankers) Limited secured chemical certification from Lloyd’s Register (LR) on behalf of the Isle of Man Flag Administration for its tanker Whitchampion to load, carry and blend Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAME B100) onboard under IBC Code and MARPOL Annex II regulations.The certification allows Whitchampion to perform onboard blending of biofuels with petroleum distillates and residual fuel oils. The operation is authorized within UK coastal…
BV Leverages AI on Next-Gen Augmented Surveyor 3D
Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (BV) introduced its latest digital innovation, the Augmented Surveyor 3D (AGS 3D), an inspection tool that leverages artificial intelligence and machine learning to detect and localize structural anomalies on ships and offshore assets.The new solution was piloted successfully on a TotalEnergies-operated FPSO in West Africa. During the trial, drones captured extensive image and LiDAR data from two ballast tanks, which AGS 3D used to build a detailed 3D model, complete with AI-enhanced corrosion mapping.
LR, China Cruises Sign Cooperation Agreement
Lloyd’s Register (LR) and China Cruise Limited (China Cruises) have signed a strategic cooperation framework agreement to collaborate on key areas including cruise safety, technology R&D, green transition, and digitalization. Following its full classification services for Adora Magic City, China’s first domestically built large luxury cruise ship, LR has entered strategic cooperation with China Cruises, leveraging both local project experience and global technical expertise.With a market share exceeding 40% in the global fleet of operating and newly built large cruise ships…
ABS' Wiernicki to Retire at the End of 2025
At the 163rd ABS Annual Members Meeting, the classification society says it has never been stronger, with substantial growth and leading safety performance reported. Key numbers in 2004 included the fleet growing to 300 million gross tons, giving it pole position in global class in global new order share with 22 percent.At the Members Meeting it was also announed that ABS Chairman and CEO Christopher J. Wiernicki will step down as Chairman and CEO and retire at the end of 2025…
Lloyd's Register Launches Cruise Centre of Expertise
Lloyd's Register launched its Cruise Ship Centre of Expertise (CCoE) at Seatrade Cruise Global (April 7-10) in Miami, USA.Operating globally, the CCoE integrates LR's classification, advisory and digital services to ensure cruise operators benefit from enhanced safety, operational efficiency, and sustainability guidance.The Centre brings together operational specialists, in-service and newbuilding SMEs, plan approval specialists and commercial experts to address unique industry challenges focusing on exceptional client care…
ABS, MPA Expand Partnership to Drive Innovation, Workforce Development
New ABS Singapore Maritime Safety Centre to support immersive training in alternative fuels and safety operationsThe American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) have renewed their long-standing partnership with the signing of a multi-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) focused on accelerating maritime innovation, talent development, and regulatory collaboration. The expanded agreement reinforces Singapore’s position as a leading global maritime hub…
ABS, Pacific International Lines ink MOU
ABS and Pacific International Lines (PIL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at Singapore Maritime Week that establishes a framework to collaborate on projects related to maritime technology, sustainability and safety management systems.“To make meaningful progress in this era of rapid change, we need strategic industry collaborations like this one with PIL. We look forward to capitalizing on our unique strengths and capabilities in maritime compliance and cutting-edge technologies to advance safety, emissions reduction and operational efficiency,” said Christopher J.
ABS Holds Inaugural South America Regional Committee Meeting
Maritime and offshore energy leaders from Brazil, Argentina, Chile and throughout South America came together for the first meeting of the ABS South America Regional Committee.“ABS has a long, proud history of many decades serving clients in South America, and we are excited to bring together a committee of esteemed colleagues to exchange ideas and engage in constructive discussions to support innovative solutions and forward progress in the maritime and offshore industries,” said Vassilios Kroustallis…
Ammonia-Fueled Bunkering Vessel gets ClassNK AIP
ClassNK issued an Approval in Principle (AiP) for an ammonia-fuelled bunkering vessel, a vessel is jointly developed by Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK Line) and LMG Marin AS (a member of the Seatrium Group).As ammonia as fuel is expected to be used in shipping to help shipowners meet tough new emission reduction targets, bunkering vessels that supply fuel to ships and related equipment will play an essential role in the supply chain. This vessel is being developed jointly by NYK Line…
The Nuclear Option: ABS Grants AIP for 15K TEU Nuclear-Propelled Vessel Design
A nuclear-propelled containership designed by HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) received approval in principle from ABS.The design for a 15k TEU vessel uses a propulsion system comprised of a molten salt reactor (MSR) for heat and a supercritical carbon dioxide (SCO2) system for power generation. Unlike conventional ships, nuclear-powered vessels do not require engine exhaust systems or fuel tanks. HD KSOE has optimized the space previously occupied by large engine room equipment to accommodate additional containers, enhancing economic efficiency.
ABS Expanding Footprint in Southeast Asia
The ABS fleet has grown to 300 million gross tons and has secured the number one position in the global orderbook share. Now ABS is investing in the expansion of its services to ensure it is well placed to meet the growing needs of the marine and offshore industries.That was the message for maritime leaders at the annual ABS Southeast Asia Regional Committee meeting.“Our safety driven mission continues to serve us well, and we are building on this strong foundation by investing in widening and deepening the scope of our class services,” said Christopher J. Wiernicki, ABS Chairman and CEO.
