Development Program News

Applications are now open for the 2026 edition of the IG Shipping Course, a two-week, residential training program run by shipbroker IFCHOR Galbraiths. Now in its sixth decade, the IG Shipping Course has trained more than 1,000 professionals from across the maritime sector. The course is designed not only for new entrants to shipping, but also professionals transitioning from adjacent sectors such as finance, law and energy, and experienced maritime professionals seeking to broaden…

Meyer Turku has unveiled a net-zero cruise ship concept design named AVATAR.The project achieved its set emissions reduction target: the vessel’s lifecycle carbon footprint was successfully reduced by more than 90 percent compared to the baseline defined by the IMO.Developing a net zero vessel concept was one of the key objectives of NEcOLEAP, Meyer Turku’s four‑year research and development program co‑funded by Business Finland. The outcome has also been critically reviewed by a third party.“AVATAR has provided a solid foundation for our development work.

The Henriksen HLH 3500 rescue boat and liferaft hook has become a key element of a new fall protection system invented by BC Ferries, the Descent Control System (DCS), which is now installed across its fleet of 38 ships. As launching boats at sea is a high-risk activity, BC Ferries embarked upon a two-year development program for its DCS. Now, whenever BC Ferries rescue crews board their boats, they will each clip onto a webbing line that is controlled by an auto belay unit. As…

As U.S. ports face their annual surge in pre-holiday inventory arrivals, many are relying on propane-powered equipment to stay efficient, resilient, and cost effective. This surge in port activity comes just as the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Maritime Administration announces $500 million in funding opportunities to upgrade port infrastructure across the country.Propane forklifts and terminal tractors help ports keep fuel and maintenance costs low compared to diesel.

Kongsberg Maritime has signed a development program framework agreement with Noble Corporation, marking a key step forward in the co-development of advanced marine technologies for the offshore drilling sector.The long-term strategic partnership will focus on the joint development, piloting, and commercialization of innovative solutions aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, risk assessment, and sustainability in offshore operations.The first pilot project under this agreement will be launched later in 2025 on the drillship Noble Sam Croft…

NYU Tandon School of Engineering, in partnership with Equinor, National Offshore Wind R&D Consortium (NOWRDC) and New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), announced its selection of the 2025 annual cohort of companies that will receive support to further develop their ideas and advance offshore wind’s potential in New York.Six companies were selected from a pool of 53 applicants based on the novelty and potential of their solutions. Among the focus areas was identifying…

Babcock International Group has been awarded a three-year contract to prepare for the first nuclear defueling of a decommissioned Trafalgar Class submarine in over 20 years. The operations will take place at Babcock’s Devonport facility in Plymouth, marking a significant milestone in the UK’s Submarine Dismantling Project.The £114 million ($155 million) contract from the Ministry of Defence will see Babcock working collaboratively with the Defence Nuclear Enterprise (DNE) and leading industry partners to prepare for the defuel of four decommissioned submarines…

International Container Terminal Services, Inc.’s (ICTSI) Baltic Container Terminal (BCT), Gdynia, acting in coordination with the Port of Gdynia Authority, has completed Phase 1 of a two-phase major upgrade of its Helskie Quay.The project, implemented over 400 meters of quay line, represents an important step in the Port of Gdynia’s goal to accommodate larger vessels. This objective will become a reality this September with the commissioning of 100 meters of the additional 400 meters to be upgraded under Phase 2 works as well as the entry into service of a newly expanded turning basin.

In a significant investment in Puerto Rico's education and workforce development, Saltchuk has partnered with both the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez (UPRM) and the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico (PUPR) to establish two programs focused on transportation and logistics. These strategic initiatives seek to develop skilled professionals, enhance industry research, and support long-term economic and social progress on the island.Saltchuk has entered into a Memorandum…

Patrick Murphy has been President of Blue & Gold Fleet, L.P., the San Francisco Bay Area’s largest and premier provider of Bay Cruises and ferry service, since 2016. Murphy grew up in the Maritime business. His father, Roger Murphy, founded Blue & Gold Fleet in 1979. Patrick Murphy began his career in 1982, working part-time in the Box Office and as a Deckhand before receiving his United States Coast Guard’s license in 1995 and was promoted to Captain in 1996. In 2005, Murphy advanced to Blue & Gold Fleet Operations Manager, and then to Director of Operations in 2009.

Port Houston Container Volumes Up 24% in November.Port Houston is on track to close 2024 as one of its most successful years to date, handling 3,799,573 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) through November—a 9% increase over the same period last year. November volumes alone reached 369,361 TEUs, a notable 24% increase year-over-year. This marks the biggest month of the year for Port Houston in terms of containerized cargo volume.Loaded imports rose by 19% in November, driven by consumer goods and machinery, and loaded exports were up 16% the same month, reinforced by robust resin shipments.

Hycamite TCD Technologies, MOLEA, a subsidiary of Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, and MOL PLUS have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) promoting the application of methane-splitting for onboard power generation.With Hycamite’s technology, LNG-fueled ships can convert methane into hydrogen as they sail, and the solid carbon produced can be offloaded at the port of destination. If bioLNG is used, the solution can create a negative carbon footprint.Earlier this year, Hycamite announced development of a system that…

With a critical election fast approaching – in which the Executive Branch, House and Senate are all up for grabs – it is essential to consider the election’s potential impact on the maritime industry before heading to the voting booth.Maritime impact on the electionAt the time of writing, we are two weeks away from the expiration of the current six-year master agreement between the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) and the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) with no new agreement in sight.

Corvus Energy has received Type Approval from RINA for its large-scale marine energy storage system, the Blue Whale ESS. RINA Type Approval confirms that the Blue Whale ESS complies with RINA Rules for the Certification of Lithium Battery Systems. This approval, along with recently awarded type approval from DNV, demonstrate that the large-scale energy storage system complies with the most stringent regulations and safety requirements in the industry.The result of a multimillion-dollar development program…

A streamlined strategy outlining IMO’s goals and plans for capacity building, resource mobilization and partnerships will be a key focus as IMO’s Technical Cooperation Committee (TCC) meets this week (June 24-28) in London.TCC oversees IMO’s capacity-development program and the implementation of projects aligned with the Strategic Directions of IMO and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).Opening the meeting on Monday, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez…

Imoto Lines and Marindows have outlined plans to build the next generation zero-emission domestic container ship capable of hybrid operation using Japan's first exchangeable container batteries, alongside onboard batteries and generators.The joint project between the companies aims to address three major challenges of the maritime industry - decarbonization, crew shortage, and safe navigation.The three-year project is supported by the Ministry of the Environment, Government of…

Provaris Energy's prototype compressed hydrogen tank is now under construction, and final class approval is on track for completion in the June 2024 quarter.The proprietary tank design, which utilizes carbon steel plates and an inner liner, is part of the company’s hydrogen carrying vessel design.Awarded to Prodtex and partnered with SINTEF, the tank production project is designed for hydrogen storage and transportation. “The optimized design of the full-scale H2Neo carrier and containment tanks delivers substantial CAPEX and OPEX savings.

Ten organizations have joined forces to combat illegal wildlife trafficking through increasing awareness and vigilance across global supply chains.Together, they have produced practical guidelines for all supply chain participants, with advice on measures to take, questions to ask to help identify criminal wildlife trade, and guidance on reporting suspicious activities. An accompanying "Red Flags" document serves as a daily reference for all individuals involved in the supply chain.

As a part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) published a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for $500 million in Federal Fiscal Year 2024 funding through MARAD’s Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP).Investments made under the PIDP focus on modernizing the Nation’s coastal and inland waterway ports as well as strengthening its supply chains and economic security for generations to come.

The European Defense Fund (EDF)backed EUROGUARD project has officially kicked off in Estonia as Europe seeks to bolter its sea defense capabilities.The project's primary objective is to develop a modular and semi-autonomous surface vessel platform equipped with a remote control system. The initiative aims to enhance Europe's maritime defense capabilities while promoting cooperation and innovation in the field.The collaborative venture involves 23 companies and research institutions from 10 EU member states…

John F. Kennedy’s famous locution, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but you can do for your country” remains the rallying call for civic action and public leadership. The message remains foundational to the success of the United States, particularly as we head into an election year that once again appears to be filled with divisiveness and vitriol. That said, before we flip the calendar, it is important to set JFK’s message aside for a moment and reflect upon what our political leadership in Washington…

As dusk descends upon our nation's ports, casting shadows over the waterfront, another shadow looms in the digital landscape — the threat of cyber warfare. In an era where connectivity reigns supreme, our maritime infrastructure stands at a critical juncture, balancing vulnerability and resilience. The recent White House announcement of a Presidential Executive Order, and a hefty $20 billion in Inflation Reduction Act funding proposal to fortify our ports, underscores the gravity of the situation.It is a fact that at this time China has manufactured 80% of our nation’s ship-to-shore cranes…

Saipem and Fincantieri have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to evaluate commercial and industrial opportunities for cooperation in the field of autonomous subsea vehicles (AUV) and their integration with surface and underwater units.The MoU is among the initiatives aimed at promoting and developing Italy’s national excellence in the underwater sector.The agreement aims to enable the two companies to participate in major programs in the Italian and international markets in the area of surveillance and control of critical underwater infrastructure and rescue activities…