Value Chain News

The maritime industry faces the dual challenge of reducing emissions while remaining economically competitive. As a result, energy efficiency is becoming one of the key drivers of the sector's transformation.Against this backdrop, SMM will launch the Energy Efficiency Hub, a dedicated exhibition area focusing exclusively on energy efficiency, September 1-4, 2026. Under the motto "Efficiency First: Powering the Future of Shipping," 24 companies from Europe, Asia and the Middle East will showcase solutions designed to improve energy efficiency in shipping.

Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri has signed two memoranda of understanding with Croatian shipbuilding companies Brodotrogir Cruise and Iskra Shipyard in support of its participation in Croatia’s naval acquisition program for two Multi Role Corvettes.The agreements provide a framework for exploring cooperation in the design, engineering and construction of naval vessels in support of Fincantieri’s proposal for the MRC corvette program promoted by Croatia’s Ministry of Defense.The…

ADNOC and XRG have signed a strategic collaboration agreement with Mitsui to explore opportunities across liquefied natural gas (LNG), crude oil, sulfur, shipping and chemicals, as well as international energy investments through XRG.The agreement establishes a framework for collaboration in areas including crude oil market development and long-term supply, LNG sales and optimization, sulfur procurement and logistics, and shipping solutions for LNG, ammonia, sulfur and other commodities.Through XRG…

Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri has agreed to acquire majority stakes in four companies for an initial expenditure of about $687 million (€600 million), expanding its capabilities in marine drones, subsea services and underwater communications across commercial and defense markets.The agreements cover acquisitions of majority stakes in Next Geosolutions, WSense, Graal Tech, and Defcomm, which will be integrated into Fincantieri’s Underwater technological hub.Next Geosolutions…

In an age of regulatory shift, geopolitical uncertainty and commercial pressure it can be difficult to keep decarbonisation efforts on track. How can you plan for tomorrow when today’s realities are so demanding? With the theme of Nor-Shipping 2027 front of mind, Cristina Saenz de Santa Maria, CEO Maritime at DNV, believes the NEXT thing shipping companies should address is also the most obvious. While a wide range of new fuels and technologies will ultimately drive shipping towards its ambitious goal of achieving net-zero by 2050…

The former Wärtsilä Gas Solutions business has been rebranded as Nord Gas Solutions following its acquisition by Mutares SE & Co.The company said it would continue to provide gas solutions for the marine, biogas and energy sectors while seeking to strengthen its global market presence and further develop its capabilities in innovation and digitalisation under new ownership."With this new identity, we are building on a strong foundation while positioning ourselves for future growth."Our…

As part of its new group strategy Xcelerate29, HDI Global (HDI) announced a new organizational setup and leadership changes in its US business.In line with the Xcelerate29 strategy, HDI Global is pursuing growth in the US market. To meet the requirements of the coming years, HDI is reorganizing its US operations with the clear objective of bringing underwriting, claims, and service teams closer to brokers and clients. Shadi Albert will assume the role of CEO of HDI Global US as of July 13. Jim Clark, CEO of HDI Global US, will step down, effective immediately. Also with immediate effect, Dr.

Geopolitical uncertainty, decarbonization, digitalization and new energy efficiency requirements are fundamentally reshaping the maritime industry. At the joint press conference for SMM 2026, MS&D Conference & Expo and ALL ABOUT PORTS, representatives from industry, shipping the port sector and maritime organizations discussed the key challenges and opportunities facing the future of the industry. While SMM puts the key future challenges facing the maritime industry centre stage, the MS&D Conference & Expo focuses on current issues in maritime security and defense.

LH2 Shipping has been awarded Enova support of NOK 344,3 million for the development and construction of two additional liquid hydrogen-powered bulk carriers.With the latest award, LH2 Shipping is now involved in the development of six hydrogen-powered bulk carrier projects. The announcement builds on previous Enova-supported vessel initiatives and reflects growing momentum for liquid hydrogen as a viable fuel alternative for short-sea shipping to meet decarbonizing policy goals.The…

AD Ports Group and offshore wind equipment manufacturer Dajin Heavy Industry have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to explore cooperation in offshore wind supply chain development, maritime logistics, port infrastructure and strategic vessel investments.The agreement builds on AD Ports Group's recent expansion in the offshore renewable energy sector, including partnerships with Masdar, Siemens Energy and Green Parrot, as well as its acquisition of Spain's Balenciaga Astilleros shipyard…

JERA has received its first liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargo from the Barossa gas project in Australia, marking the start of LNG deliveries from the offshore development to Japan's largest power generation company.The cargo arrived aboard the LNG carrier Sohshu Maru at JERA's Futtsu LNG terminal on June 12, following the start of production from the Barossa project in late 2025.Located offshore Australia's Northern Territory, the Barossa gas field supplies gas to the Darwin LNG facility for processing and export.

Hydrogen of Dutch Origin (H2DO) and its partners have launched a feasibility and concept study for a 30-50 MW offshore green hydrogen project in the Dutch North Sea, aimed at demonstrating how offshore hydrogen production could support the expansion of offshore wind capacity while reducing pressure on onshore infrastructure.The study, funded under the Dutch Topsector Energie (TSE) program, will evaluate the development of an offshore hydrogen production facility connected to shore by pipeline.The project seeks to convert electricity generated by offshore wind farms into green hydrogen at sea…

The Zero Emissions Ship Technology Association (ZESTAs) launched the Global Liquid Hydrogen Alliance (Alliance), a new international platform dedicated to advancing pure green hydrogen and liquid hydrogen (LH2) as a deployable, scalable, and commercially viable zero-emission fuel for international maritime shipping.The Alliance launches as the transition moves from aspiration to deployment. At MEPC 84, the IMO’s Net Zero Framework emerged intact as the agreed basis for future negotiations…

2026 data shows that the methane decarbonization pathway is moving forward despite geopolitical disruption and regulatory uncertainty, says industry coalition SEA-LNG.LNG bunkering volumes are surging in major bunkering hubs, liquefied biomethane sales have grown six-fold in major ports and LNG-fueled vessels now account for about 90% of the entire alternative fuel vessel orderbook.LNG bunkering volumes are rising in key ports. Singapore recorded a 48% increase in LNG bunkering in Q1 2026 compared with the same period in 2025, reaching 150,000 tonnes.

ABS and HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) signed a memorandum of understanding to cooperate on digital technologies to strengthen safety and performance in shipbuilding.The agreement establishes a framework for the organizations to collaborate on Digital Threads, secure and integrated flows of data, across the entire vessel value chain. Areas of focus will include digital engineering, autonomous vessel systems and integrated cybersecurity tools.The two organizations…

A new study from Kongsberg Maritime has identified a range of European passenger and freight routes with strong potential for the introduction of fully electric RoPax vessels, particularly across busy short‑sea corridors in Northern Europe.Highlighting the opportunity for decarbonization in short‑sea shipping, the analysis assessed ferry routes across the continent, identifying several promising candidates, including Dover–Calais, Tallinn–Helsinki, and key services linking Scandinavia…

Northern Lights JV has awarded a consortium comprising Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (“K" LINE) and Malaysia's MISC Berhad a time charter contract for a newly built 12,000 cubic meter liquefied CO2 (LCO2) carrier, supporting the expansion of Europe's carbon capture and storage (CCS) infrastructure.The award follows Northern Lights' January 2026 announcement of four additional CO2 carriers to support planned capacity expansion. The latest contract marks the second vessel awarded to the “K” LINE-MISC consortium.The vessel will be constructed by Dalian Shipbuilding Offshore.

Global investment firm Carlyle announced that it has agreed to sell Flender, a global market leader in mechanical drive technology, to Triton Fund 6 advised by Triton Partners. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals and is expected to close in Q4 2026.Headquartered in Bocholt, Germany, and with over 125 years of engineering heritage, Flender is a supplier of gearboxes, couplings and generators for a broad range of industrial and wind power applications.

Petronas LNG (PLL) has signed a 20-year time charter agreement with MISC Group for five newbuild liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers as the Malaysian energy company strengthens long-term LNG supply capacity.The agreement covers five 174,000-cubic meter LNG carriers that will be built by Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding in Shanghai, China, with charter commencements expected between 2029 and 2030.The vessels will feature XDF2.1 propulsion technology, shaft generators and onboard reliquefaction…

ABS and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to collaborate on a range of initiatives supporting sustainability, digital innovation and operational resilience in the maritime and offshore sectors, with a particular emphasis on accelerating the development of next-generation energy solutions.The scope of cooperation includes offshore wind development, offshore substations, small modular reactors (SMRs), offshore spaceport infrastructure…

Tidewater Inc. has announced a revenue drop for the three months ended March 31 of $326.2 million compared with $333.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025.Tidewater's net income for the three months ended March 31, 2026, was $6.1 million ($0.12 per common share), compared with net income of $42.7 million ($0.83 per common share) for the three months ended March 31, 2025.Quintin Kneen, Tidewater’s President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “The first quarter of 2026 exceeded our expectations across all key financial and operational measures…

It was March that South Korea’s LOTTE Fine Chemical announced that it has successfully completed the world’s first commercial cross-border import of green ammonia. Then on April 23, the Ulsan Port Authority announced the successful completion of the world’s first ammonia bunkering operation involving a gas carrier at the port – a world first port-to-ship ammonia bunkering operation.This milestone builds on Ulsan Port’s earlier achievements, including the world’s first methanol…

Europe's offshore wind expansion is running into a structural supply constraint where the turbine market is becoming increasingly concentrated. GE Vernova, Siemens Gamesa and Vestas have historically anchored Western offshore turbine supply, but with GE Vernova having paused new offshore wind orders following a series of technical and operational setbacks, Siemens Gamesa and Vestas now account for virtually all turbines available to European developers. Rystad Energy’s analysis of the offshore wind market outlines a sharp increase in per-megawatt (MW) costs…