Echo Marine Group to Deliver Western Australia’s First Electric Ferry Fleet
Lloyd’s Register (LR) has signed a new contract with long-standing partner Echo Marine Group to support the delivery of Western Australia’s first fully electric passenger ferries - marking a major milestone for sustainable public transport in Australia.The project, which is a part of the Perth Transport Authority’s (PTA) METRONET Swan River Ferry Service Expansion programme, will see the design and construction of five new battery-electric ferries for operation on Perth’s Swan River.
Fincantieri Secures Viking Order for Two Expedition Vessels
Fincantieri announces the acquisition of an order from Viking for the construction of two expedition vessels. In addition, the two companies also signed an agreement for an option for two ocean ships, marking a new milestone in the collaboration between the two companies. The value of these agreements, subject to financing and other typical terms and conditions, is considered very important[1].The two expedition vessels, scheduled for delivery in 2030 and 2031, will be sister ships to “Viking Octantis” and “Viking Polaris…
Everllence Develops Hydrogen-Capable 4-Stroke Test Bench
A research-engine test bench at Everllence’s Augsburg site has been upgraded to enable hydrogen combustion.The new development occurred under the umbrella of the HydroPoLEn project, an Everllence partnership with industry leaders and research institutes. The project is supported by funding from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy within the framework of the Maritime Research Programme.HydroPoLEn is focused on creating sustainable propulsion solutions for the maritime sector, addressing the urgent need for environmentally-friendly technologies in global shipping.
ABS Opens U.S. Cruise Center of Excellence
ABS has opened the ABS Cruise Center of Excellence, its dedicated global hub for the cruise sector, located in Fort Lauderdale, FL. The center expands ABS’ local presence and provides cruise operators with direct access to industry-leading classification, risk management, compliance and performance software and engineering services.The new center brings together local experts specializing in classification, risk consulting, and sustainability, while serving as a strategic connection point to ABS’ worldwide technical resources and deep marine expertise.
Nuclear-Powered DP Vessels Technically Feasible, Vard Study Shows
A study led by Vard, a subsidiary of Italy’s Fincantieri, has found that nuclear-powered offshore vessels are technically feasible, confirming that small fourth-generation nuclear reactors can be integrated into dynamically positioned vessels while meeting safety, redundancy and operational requirements.Results from the NuProShip II research and innovation project show that nuclear propulsion can support DP2 power architectures, with potential adaptability to DP3 standards, offering…
Research Shows Alarm Overload is Undermining Safety at Sea
Analysis of more than 40 million alarm-related events shows most alarms offer little operational value, disrupt rest and push crews toward risky workarounds. New research from Lloyd’s Register (LR) has revealed that excessive and nuisance shipboard alarm systems are routinely overwhelming crews and, in many cases, actively undermining safety at sea. The findings, published today in Effective Alarm Management in the Maritime Industry are based on data collected from 11 operational vessels, spanning over 2,000 days and more than 40 million alarm-related events.
MSC: How the World’s Largest Boxship Fleet Squeezes More Miles from Every Molecule
It’s trite (but true) to say that in the maritime industry’s quest to cut emissions, there is no ‘silver bullet’ solution, rather a series of small step changes that cumulatively add up over time. Maritime Matters: The Marinelink Podcast, recently hosted Giuseppe Gargiulo, Head of Newbuildings, MSC and Daniel Bischofberger, CEO, Accelleron, to specifically discuss the development and delivery of Accelleron’s FITS2 technology, and automation technology built with MSC and premised on Accelleron’s cumulative 100+ years of turbocharger experience.
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…
Advanced Polymer Coatings Signs Deal to Coat Two Methanol Tankers with Fratelli Cosulich
Manufacturer Advanced Polymer Coatings (APC) has signed a deal with global maritime transportation group Fratelli Cosulich to support its methanol-ready fleet expansion.APC has signed a contract with the Italian headquartered group to supply its industry-leading MarineLINE cargo tank coating to two new IMO Class II chemical tankers, to prepare them for methanol bunkering in Singapore.The MarineLINE cargo tank coating will ensure superior chemical resistance, faster tank turnaround and extended service life.The 7…
Singapore to Bunker Methanol Next Year
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) will issue licenses to supply methanol as marine fuel in the Port of Singapore from January 1, 2026, following the Call for Applications launched in March 2025.Licenses will be awarded to Global Energy Trading, Golden Island, and PetroChina International (Singapore).The three companies were selected from 13 applicants through a comprehensive evaluation process that assessed supply chain reliability, operational readiness, safety systems, and the sustainability certification of the methanol to be supplied.
ABS Okays SHI’s Novel Fire and Gas Detection Systems Design
American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has awarded an approval in principle (AIP) to Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) for its novel design of a wireless fire and gas detection system that advances safety in maritime operations.Conventional detection systems use power cables to transmit signals to a control panel. The new design from SHI uses a vessel’s metal structure as the low-voltage power transmission medium.Similarly, signals from the fire detection and alarm devices are converted…
Ransomwar Tops Maritime Cyber Risks, Role-based Training a Priority
Maritime operations run on tight schedules and thin margins, and as ships, terminals and supply chains connect systems for visibility and efficiency, attackers gain paths to entry. Cyber risk has become an operational reliability and safety concern, not just an IT issue. “Whether we are looking at this challenge through an operational or organizational safety lens, cyber risk is a critical business risk. An incident will impact everyone,” says Michael DeVolld, Senior Director…
Stillstrom Introduces New Hires, Technology Advances
Stillstrom by Maersk, a marine technology leader delivering offshore power and charging solutions, has strengthened its leadership team with key senior appointments in Copenhagen and Aberdeen.Nikolaj Stald has joined as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) at the company’s HQ in Copenhagen. Nikolaj brings over 15 years’ offshore wind experience and will lead the commercial strategy to drive adoption of offshore charging as a cost-effective decarbonization pathway. Prior to Stillstrom…
VIKING and Johnson Controls Form Global Marine Fire Service Alliance
Johnson Controls International (JCI) and Denmark-based VIKING Life-Saving Equipment have signed a global agreement to provide coordinated fire safety service solutions for the maritime and offshore industries.As part of the partnership, VIKING has been appointed as the globally approved, trained, and certified service provider for all marine and navy firefighting systems and equipment supplied by JCI.JCI’s Marine and Navy division is a major global manufacturer of firefighting systems…
IMAS Technology Mitigates Risks for USVs
Once a niche technology, Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs) are at the center of a transformation in the maritime industry. From offshore surveying and environmental monitoring to defense operations, USVs offer compelling advantages in efficiency, cost reduction, and human safety. However, as these autonomous and remotely operated vessels become more prevalent in our oceans and waterways, they bring unique operational challenges that require innovative solutions.The remote operation…
Unapproved Modification Implicated in Engine Room Fire
The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has released its report on the fire and subsequent loss of power on board the Finland registered roll-on/roll-off cargo ship Finnmaster at Hull, England.At 2013 on 19 September 2021, a fire broke out in the auxiliary engine room on the Finland registered roll-on/roll-off cargo ship Finnmaster during departure from Hull, England. Finnmaster lost power, but the fire was later extinguished and the vessel safely re-berthed with the assistance of tugs.
U.S. House Approves Coast Guard Authorization Act
The U.S. House of Representatives has approved bipartisan legislation to strengthen, support and authorize funding through 2029 for the United States Coast Guard.The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 authorizes appropriations for the Service through fiscal year 2029. These authorizations will support Coast Guard operations and the continued recapitalization of its historically underfunded cutter fleet, aviation assets, shoreside facilities and IT capabilities. The bill modernizes the Coast Guard’s acquisition process…
US Coast Guard: Safety for Lithium-Ion Battery System Installations
An integrated Li-ion battery bank recently caught fire onboard an inspected passenger vessel when loosely crimped lugs overheated. While no one was injured and the vessel sustained minimal damage, this casualty highlights safety hazards unique to Li-ion batteries. All integrated (installations used for propulsion and electrical power) Li-ion battery systems on inspected vessels must undergo engineering plan review, be fitted with supporting safety systems, be tested and inspected at installation and periodically afterward…
eCap Marine to Provide Fuel Cell Power to European Newbuilds
eCap Marine has secured two contracts to supply hydrogen-based propulsion systems for zero-emission vessels. The Hamburg-based engineering specialist will deliver hydrogen fuel cell power solutions for bulk carriers for Møre Sjø and short-sea container vessels for Samskip.eCap Marine is one of the very few companies worldwide to have retrofitted a commercial vessel, the offshore supply vessel Coastal Liberty, with hydrogen-powered propulsion. The expertise derived from this project opened the doors for another significant order for eCap Marine.
CCG's New Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessel Begins Sea Trials
CCGS Naalak Nappaaluk, the Canadian Coast Guard’s (CCG) new Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessel (OOSV), began sea trials this week in North Vancouver, sailing from Seaspan Vancouver Shipyards where final outfitting, installation, and commissioning work has been taking place since the vessel’s launch in August 2024.CCGS Naalak Nappaaluk is a Polar Class 6 vessel, with a displacement of 5,058t, and is 88 meters long, 17.6 meters wide, and will accommodate up to 60 personnel.Sea trials mark the final major phase of a shipbuilding project before delivery.
Survitec’s Business Unit Bags $260M Equipment Supply Deal for LNG Vessels
Inert gas specialists Maritime Protection, a brand of global survival technology solutions provider Survitec, has been secured a contract valued o supply dry inert gas systems for 24 LNG carriers being constructed at a major shipyard in China as part of Qatar’s second LNG fleet expansion program.The contract, valued $26 million (€22.7 million), represents the most significant single order in Maritime Protection’s history and includes the delivery of high-capacity dry inert gas generators…
Survitec Expands Fujairah Service Station to Better Serve Middle East Operations
Survitec, a global leader in Survival Technology, has announced an expansion of its Fujairah service station.The move, which adds 1,350 square meters of new capacity, transforms the UAE-based facility into a full-service station. It integrates liferaft servicing for RaftXChange, a liferaft rental and exchange solution, alongside its established lifeboat inspection and marine fire safety service operations. The expanded site is designed to deliver faster turnaround times, streamlined compliance…
Master of Grounded Passenger Vessel was Asleep at Helm
New Zealand’s Transport Accident Investigation Commission has released its report into the grounding of the passenger vessel Fiordland Navigator – attributing the accident to the fatigued master who fell asleep at the helm.The accident occurred on January 24, 2024. The Fiordland Navigator ran aground while making a turn in Doubtful Sound. There were nine crew and 57 passengers on board, and several people received minor injuries. The vessel was moderately damaged.The crew responded well to the emergency, safely evacuating passengers to Deep Cove, then to Te Anau that evening, says TAIC.
