Onboard Systems News

Kongsberg Maritime has received a DNV Simulator Statement of Compliance for its new Engine Room Simulator (ERS) model based on Höegh Aurora (CO₂ Pilot), a flagship vessel in Höegh Autoliners’ Aurora Class.The approval follows a full demonstration and audit of the simulator model, confirming compliance with DNV’s maritime simulator requirements and validating the model’s fidelity for advanced training applications.The Aurora Class represents a step change in sustainable deep-sea shipping.

ABB and maritime cybersecurity company Cydome have teamed up to help shipping companies strengthen operational risk management and maritime safety by integrating voyage optimization and cybersecurity systems.The collaboration combines ABB’s weather routing and voyage optimization data with Cydome’s AI-based cyber risk management platform to provide ship operators with broader visibility across vessel operations and onboard systems.The companies said the integration is designed to help operators assess operational and cybersecurity risks simultaneously…

Robustel’s MG460 Gateway and MG460 Forwarder have received ClassNK Type Approval as a Computer-Based System (CBS) under IACS UR E27. Issued under Approval No. 26CY029, the approval is valid until 23 April 2031.Robustel is a global provider of industrial connectivity and edge computing solutions, headquartered in Guangzhou, China. Founded in 2010, the company develops routers, modems, edge computing gateways, and purpose-built networking products for industrial and maritime applications.Robustel's maritime product portfolio is engineered for regulated and safety-critical environments…

Last week at MEPC 84, the Committee approved a technical guidance circular on co-optimizing propulsion equipment for energy efficiency and underwater radiated noise at the design and retrofit stage.The circular seeks to clarify potential trade-offs between noise mitigation and conventional propeller design to promote the co-benefits of quiet ship technologies and energy performance.Case studies presented at an earlier workshop demonstrated that retrofits, such as propeller upgrades…

Italy's parliament on Tuesday backed a government plan to donate an ageing aircraft carrier to Indonesia, a move the administration said would strengthen relations with an ally while avoiding the costly dismantling of an obsolete asset.The 54 million euro ($63 million)-valued Garibaldi entered service in 1985, took part in various operations in the Mediterranean area and off Africa, including missions in Lebanon, Libya and Somalia, then was placed in reserve in 2024."Structural…

Accelleron announced the commercial launch of the ACCX300-L, its low-speed turbocharger for two-stroke marine engines, designed to help shipowners adapt to evolving operating profiles, fuels, and emissions requirements. Combining a new service‑friendly cartridge concept, a simplified platform architecture, and integrated digital capability, the ACCX300‑L decouples turbocharger maintenance from drydock schedules while delivering long‑term efficiency, flexibility, and uptime across…

Technology group Wärtsilä has launched a next-generation bridge and ship-handling simulator aimed at supporting maritime training as the industry shifts towards digital navigation and more complex vessel operations.The new platform, NTPRO 7, is designed to provide immersive training environments for ship-handling, navigation and decision-making across a range of operational scenarios.The simulator incorporates RealSea visualization powered by Unreal Engine 5 and an advanced sound system to enhance realism…

A flourishing cruise market and European shipbuilders’ unerring contractual success in the sector has taken orderbooks into the middle of the next decade, ensuring production continuity and underpinning fresh capital expenditure and R&D commitments by the continent’s foremost players.Just how important the segment is to the industry and supply chain may be gauged from the fact that at least three-quarters of the value of European yards’ commercial orderbooks is attributable to…

Robert Allan Ltd. in conjunction with Indústria Naval Catarinense Ltda. (INC), has announced the development of a new pushboat design. The vessels will support Transpetro’s bunkering operations at terminals in Brazil and form part of a newbuild program for pushboats and barges serving the fuel logistics market.This project marks Robert Allan Ltd.’s first vessels designed for Transpetro, part of Brazilian Oil and Gas major, Petrobras. The program represents a step in Transpetro’s expansion into barge-based fuel transportation…

C&C Marine & Repair has delivered CTOW 330, a new double-hull tank barge designed for bunker service and built to support modern fuel-handling requirements across lakes, bays, and sounds service routes to Colonial Towing.Measuring approximately 297'06" x 54'00" x 16'00", CTOW 330 has a nominal cargo capacity of about 28,000 U.S. barrels and features a flush deck extending the full length and breadth of the vessel. The barge is designed for U.S. Coast Guard authorization for Subchapter “D” cargoes…

On March 25, Damen Shipyards Group delivered the second of four Combi Freighters (CF) 3850 to Reederei Bernd Sibum following successful sea trials in Shanghai. The vessels are being constructed at Damen Yichang Shipyard in China. The first vessel, delivered at the beginning of February, is currently on its maiden voyage, bound for Norway with a project cargo.The new generation CF 3850 vessels are designed for high efficiency. In their standard form the vessels are able to sail on 100% biofuel and are prepared for hybrid propulsion.

Leveraging the advancements in connectivity and augmented reality (AR) technology, Alfa Laval is strengthening its remote service offering to help crews troubleshoot, maintain compliance and optimize equipment performance in real time directly from vessels at sea. Building on successful trials in partnership with shipowners and ship managers, the company is now developing scalable remote support solutions that give crews continuous access to expert assistance, improving uptime…

Anschütz cleared a key milestone on the Royal Australian Navy’s Hunter-class frigate program, successfully completing the Critical Design Review (CDR) for its Warship Integrated Navigation and Bridge Systems (WINBS).The CDR confirms that the system design meets all technical and operational requirements, allowing the program to move into the production and integration phase. For a mission-critical system like WINBS, the milestone provides assurance that the navigation and bridge…

ABB has won a contract to deliver a fully integrated electrical power, propulsion and automation system for two hybrid-electric cable repair vessels being built for French shipowner Orange Marine at Colombo Dockyard PLC in Sri Lanka.The vessels, scheduled for delivery in 2028 and 2029, will support submarine cable maintenance operations across the Atlantic and Indian oceans as well as the Mediterranean, Black and Red seas. Orange Marine is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Orange Group and specializes in the installation and maintenance of subsea telecommunications cables.Under the agreement…

Island Marine Electric has appointed marine technology sales veteran Doug Bennis as Vice President of Sales & Marketing.Bennis brings experience in the maritime and satellite communications industries, where he has led global sales initiatives, developed strategic channel partnerships, and driven revenue growth across commercial and recreational marine markets. With a career rooted in marine connectivity and technology solutions, he has built a reputation for aligning evolving onboard systems with customer and vessel requirements in an increasingly connected marine environment.In his new role…

In a major milestone for Auckland’s public transport network, the city’s first plug-in hybrid electric fast ferry has performed exceptionally on sea trials and will soon enter service on the busy Auckland to Devonport commuter route. The vessel achieved a top speed of 36 knots on all-electric mode, with the performance of the electric propulsion and onboard systems consistently meeting and surpassing expectations.Designed by Incat Crowther, built by Q-West Boat Builders with systems integration by Hamilton Jet…

Specialist provider of crew transfer solutions to the offshore wind industry Tidal Transit has unveiled the latest addition to its growing fleet of purpose-build crew transfer vessels (CTVs).The new 24-passenger CTV, Emilia Jane, is the latest WindFlex-27 with quad-IPS propulsion, designed by Incat Crowther UK and built by Penguin International.Expected to arrive in the UK in March 2026, Emilia Jane will provide essential service and maintenance support to offshore wind operations in the North Sea.Building on her predecessors’ designs (Arabella Jane…

Fincantieri has signed new contracts with the Italian Navy to enhance the cyber resilience of modern naval units, strengthening protection against cyber threats to onboard systems and mission security.The contracts, signed through e-phors, a subsidiary of Fincantieri NexTech, cover the deployment of an integrated solution designed to monitor and counter cyber threats targeting ships’ onboard Ship Management System networks. The program is aimed at reinforcing platform protection…

Dutch maritime solar company Wattlab has delivered a solar energy system for globally operating shipping, trading, and maritime services company Vertom.The recently delivered Vertom Tula is a 7,280dwt diesel-electric multipurpose cargo vessel. The solar system represents a major technical milestone and a step forward for sustainable shipping. Wattlab has delivered and installed 44 Solar Flatracks that will provide power to onboard systems, reducing 20% of the hotel load. Vertom operates a fleet of over 100 vessels…

Breaux’s Bay Craft delivered its latest aluminum pilot vessel for the Houston Pilots. The first of two, M/V San Jacinto, is the newest addition to the fleet of high-performance pilot boats,designed for  precision, built for strength, and finished with a striking red, white, and blue color scheme that reflects the Gulf Coast heritage of the Houston Pilots.Measuring 80 x 21 feet wide, the San Jacinto is built with a new-generation inverted deep-V bottom hull, exceeds the rigorous operational demands of one of the busiest pilotage services in the U.S.

For the last few decades, the U.S. maritime industry has faced a slow-burning situation: few ships, an aging mariner workforce and too little visibility into what it takes to sustain both. In the aftermath of COVID-19, that challenge grew more urgent. Globally, ships that once had their pick of licensed officers suddenly found themselves short-crewed and companies like American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier (ARC) had to rethink what retention and recruitment meant in practice as a matter of national capability.ARC operates the largest U.S.-flag roll-on/roll-off fleet in international trade…

ClassNK has released "Guidelines for Onboard CO2 Capture and Storage Systems (Edition 2.0)", which assesses onboard CO2 capture systems (OCCS) using membrane separation. The guidelines can be used to support the safe development, manufacturing, and installation of a relevant system.CO2 capture from ship exhaust gas is growing in popularity as a way to reduce GHG emissions, and the development of onboard systems for capturing and storing CO2 is being undertaken. In 2023, ClassNK published the first edition of the "Guidelines for Onboard CO2 Capture and Storage Systems…

The William E. Moran has entered service in New York, bringing enhanced capability and performance to Moran’s evolving fleet. As the first vessel in the company’s next-generation class, it is purpose-built to meet the demands of modern port operations, support evolving customer needs, and advance Moran’s goals for safety, efficiency, and environmental responsibility. These next-generation tugs will be among the largest in the fleet, underscoring Moran’s continued focus on delivering safe…