Lloyd's Register, OneOcean Report Warns Shipping Must Master Data to Remain Competitive
Shipping companies must improve how they collect, structure and use operational data if they are to remain competitive in an increasingly regulated and digital operating environment, according to new research from Lloyd’s Register (LR) and OneOcean. The report, Mastering maritime data for competitive advantage, launched March 18 at the Smart Maritime Network Conference in Athens, argues that while the maritime sector is generating more operational information than ever before, much of it remains fragmented, poorly structured or underused.
Lloyd’s Register Issues First Guidance for Onboard Hydrogen Generation
Lloyd’s Register (LR) has published the maritime industry’s first dedicated Guidance Notes for onboard hydrogen generation, providing clarity on the safe design and integration of hydrogen generator technologies on ships.The new Guidance Notes respond directly to growing interest from shipowners, yards and technology developers in producing hydrogen onboard using alternative fuels such as LNG, methanol and ammonia.While hydrogen is widely seen as a key fuel for decarbonization, limited supply and availability of complex bunkering infrastructure significantly slow adoption in shipping.
Lloyd’s Register to Take Over OCX Consortium Leadership
Lloyd’s Register (LR) will assume the Chair of The Open Class 3D Exchange (OCX) Consortium this month (January 2026).LR’s Nathan Lindop will take over as both Chair and Coordinator of the Consortium, succeeding DNV’s Ole Christian Astrup, who has held the position since the group’s formation in 2019.The planned rotation comes as the initiative moves from its early development phase into broader industry adoption, with more shipyards, designers and technology providers now building…
Asia Pacific Maritime Returns to Singapore with Next-Gen Energy Focus
Asia Pacific Maritime (APM), Asia’s premier exhibition and conference for Shipbuilding & Marine, Workboat, Offshore, and Electric & Hybrid Marine, will return for its 19th instalment, from 25-27 March 2026 at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, with its largest edition to date. Anchored by the theme “Future of Vessels, Solutions for Tomorrow”, APM 2026 is set to convene the global leaders to examine how the next energy technologies and innovation are driving the future of maritime.As decarbonisation targets intensify and digital innovation accelerates…
WAPS Make Wind Blow for Vessel Decarbonization
WAPS: Making the Wind Blow for Shipping’s DecarbonizationIn the evolving landscape of maritime decarbonization, few subjects are as timely or arguably as misunderstood as wind-assisted propulsion. Yet the shipping industry finds itself at a decisive moment, driven by regulatory tightening, customer expectations for greener supply chains, and an urgent need to manage escalating fuel costs. Wind-assisted propulsion systems (WAPS), and wingsails in particular, are no longer speculative technologies. They are proven, available, and scalable solutions ready to meet the moment, writes Dr.
I-SEAMORE Project Concludes with a Tested Maritime Surveillance Platform
The I-SEAMORE project, co-funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation program under the Grant Agreement 101073911, officially concluded, having successfully delivered an integrated platform for maritime surveillance. Developed over two and a half years, the platform leverages AI, Big Data fusion, and multi-asset orchestration (UxVs) to provide European Maritime Authorities with enhanced situational awareness and operational readiness.The project marked its conclusion with the I-SEAMORE Final Demonstration on September 16th in Tróia…
Hull Delivery Brings Near-Zero-Emission Vessel Captain Arctic Closer to Launch (Video)
The construction of Captain Arctic, a 69-meter near-zero-emission exploration vessel designed for sustainable cruising in polar waters, has reached a major milestone as its hull was completed by Goltens Dubai, marking the start of final outfitting and integration work.The vessel, owned by French company SELAR and built in collaboration with Chantier Naval de l’Océan Indien (CNOI) and Goltens Dubai, represents a major step in the integration of renewable energy systems into modern…
HEMEXPO Joins Decarbonization Project
The marine equipment manufacturers and exporters association for the international shipping industry, HEXEMPO, has joined the EU Horizon Innovation Action project entitled “Sustainable Emission Abatement Strategies & Technologies for Advanced Revolution Ships” (SEASTARS).The initiative aims to achieve a minimum 30% reduction in well-to-wake greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030 (compared to 2008 levels) and a 20% increase in energy efficiency (compared to 2022).With EU and global regulators expanding the scope of mandatory measures to drive maritime decarbonization…
DNV Releases RP for Wind-Assist Technology Performance Testing
DNV is inviting feedback on its newly-released Recommended Practice (RP) to assess the performance of wind-assisted propulsion systems (WAPS).The new RP has been developed to provide a basis for reliably determining the ability of different technologies to deliver efficiency gains when installed onboard.Johanna Tranell, WAPS Performance Assessment Lead at DNV Maritime, says the new RP establishes a practical, reliable standard that helps generate transparent, verifiable data,…
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…
Contract Signed to Build 130m ‘Hydrogen-Ready’ High-Speed Ferry
Austal Limited said that Austal Australasia has been awarded a contract valued between A$265 and A$275 million by Gotlandsbolaget of Sweden for the design and construction of a 130-m combined cycle, ‘hydrogen-ready’ vehicle passenger ferry. Part of Gotlandsbolaget’s ‘Horizon X’ program, the high-speed ROPAX catamaran will be the largest vessel ever constructed by Austal, and feature a unique, highly efficient combined cycle propulsion system that includes both gas and steam turbines – reportedly a first for high-speed craft.
Erma First Joins Green Marine Certification Program
Erma First Group has become a member of Green Marine, an environmental certification program for the North American maritime industry. The move is said to be essential to the company’s strategic expansion and reinforces its commitment to environmental responsibility in global markets.Through the partnership, Erma First has gained access to an extensive network of maritime stakeholders, including service, product, and technology providers, engineering and environmental consulting firms…
WinGD’s New Ammonia-Fueled Engine Passes Initial Trials
Swiss marine power company WinGD has conducted early testing of its new X-DF-A ammonia-fueled engine design, proving that the key parameters are in line with expectations.A 52-bore single-cylinder version of the X-DF-A engine is running at the company’s Engine Research and Innovation Centre (ERIC) in Winterthur, with final validation to be completed in time for the first engine deliveries in June 2025.Single-cylinder testing will allow rapid validation of the ammonia combustion system under engine conditions…
Europe Dominates Cruise Ship Orderbook
Newly released data from the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) states that about 97% of the world’s fleet of cruise ships was built in Europe, and 98% of ships on order, based on cost, will be built here.The total investment cruise lines are making in new ships built in Europe from 2024 to 2036 is currently €57 billion, with additional orders anticipated.In the next 12 years, 72 of the 76 ocean cruise ships will be built in European shipyards (97%) of which 40 in Italy (52.6%)…
World Maritime Forum 2025: Connecting Innovation with Opportunity
The World Maritime Forum 2025, happening on February 18-19, 2025, at the AC Bella Sky Convention Center in Copenhagen, is not only the year’s most influential maritime event but also a hub for networking and business opportunities.Recognized as the "Center of Maritime", the forum offers a unique platform for suppliers, technology companies, shipowners, and ship managers to connect, collaborate, and explore transformative solutions for the industry.This year’s discussions will address critical topics such as decarbonization…
Hellenic Maritime Forum 2024: Exploring the Future of Maritime Industry
On November 19th and 20th, maritime professionals from Greece and beyond will gather in Athens for the highly anticipated Hellenic Maritime Forum. This esteemed event will provide a dynamic platform for industry stakeholders—including shipowners, ship managers, port authorities, regulators, classification societies, technology firms, and suppliers—to address key issues affecting the maritime sector.A major focus will be the need for decarbonization. As global sustainability efforts intensify, the maritime industry is under increasing pressure to reduce its carbon footprint.
The Nordic Maritime Forum 2024 will happen in Oslo
In the heart of maritime excellence in Oslo, Norway, the stage is set for the Nordic Maritime Forum 2024 to bring together industry leaders, ranging from shipowners, ship managers, ports, regulators, and classification societies to technology companies and suppliers, for two days of dynamic discourse and collaboration. With dates fixed for June 18th and 19th, this eagerly anticipated event will serve as a foundational platform for delving into the key themes shaping the maritime…
Consortium Forms North Pacific Green Corridor
Global industry leaders from North America, Asia and Europe have announced the formation of the North Pacific Green Corridor Consortium (NPGCC) whose members and partners will work together to decarbonize the value chain for commodities between North America and Asia.The NPGCC will apply its collective expertise to develop a corridor for the decarbonized transportation of multiple commodities, including agricultural products, metal concentrates and steelmaking coal.The members of the NPGCC are committed to establishing the consortium as a catalyst for decarbonization efforts…
RightShip Launches New Initiative to Support Adoption of Zero-Harm Maritime Tech
RightShip, an ESG-focused digital maritime platform, has launched Zero Harm Innovation Partners program aimed at supporting the development and adoption of technologies dedicated to achieving a zero-harm maritime industry.According to RightShip, zero-harm maritime industry can be achieved by enabling enhanced collaboration and connection between shipowners and managers, and innovative technology providers.The program invites technology providers and innovators to showcase products on RightShip’s platform that contribute towards enabling a zero-harm maritime industry.Besides traction…
Singapore Picks 11 Proposals to Advance Electric Harbor Craft Designs
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has shortlisted 11 proposals, submitted by seven companies and consortia, to advance designs and promote adoption of full electric harbor craft (e-HC) in Singapore.The announcement follows call for the expressions of interest (EOI), launched by MPA) in 2023, which yielded 55 proposals from 32 international and local companies and consortia.The results signal high interest and strong confidence by global and local participants in the development of e-HC in Singapore.Of the 11 e-HC designs…
Maritime Industry Explores Nuclear Power for Ships as Technology Opens Up
The maritime industry is exploring whether nuclear fuel can be used to power commercial ships as advancements in technology open up such options, industry officials said. Nevertheless, any possible nuclear fuel solutions for ships are at least 10 years away, they added.Shipping accounts for nearly 3% of global CO2 emissions and the industry is under pressure from investors and environmentalists to find cleaner fuel solutions, which include ammonia, methanol, and wind. Nuclear energy has been used in the past to power military submarines and icebreakers…
'Hydrogen Hubs' to the Fore
The path to decarbonization is defined by partnership and fueled by government funding. This month we examine the players, partnerships, and evolution of Hydrogen Hubs in the Gulf of Mexico.The Green Shipping Challenge, organized by the United States and Norway at COP 27 held in late 2022, brought about dozens of announcements on maritime decarbonization. Among these was a joint statement from the Blue Sky Maritime Coalition (BSMC) – a consortium of North American shipowners and…
Eco Marine Power Inks Deal on Joint Eco Ship Study
A "major shipping company" based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Eco Marine Power Co., Ltd. (EMP) of Japan have agreed to undertake a joint Eco Ship technical study related to renewable energy solutions for ships including Aquarius Marine Solar Power, EnergySail and Aquarius MRE, according to EMP. The study will also include investigating innovative methods to improve energy efficiency onboard ships via the use of energy saving devices including propeller modifications and the use of more energy efficient electrical devices.Additionally…