Marine Equipment News

Atlantic Towing Limited has achieved a milestone in its decarbonization journey with the successful retrofit of the Atlantic Shrike. Equipped with Vard Electro’s SeaQ Energy Storage System, the Platform Supply Vessel has recorded an 11% fuel savings across all operations and substantial CO2 savings.As the maritime industry faces mounting pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance fuel efficiency, vessel owners are seeking solutions to modernize their fleets. In 2021, Atlantic Towing Limited, a subsidiary of J.D.

The July/August issue of Offshore Engineer includes an update on patrolling robots. They are increasingly being used for inspection, maintenance and repair, and they are increasingly being operated, human-in-the-loop, in a cyber world that is a detailed digital twin of their offshore environment.Energy Robotics, for example, has built a software platform for operating all available oil and gas ATEX certified robots, including those of ExRobotics, Taurob, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

Phase 1 of S-100 Standards implementation is now complete after the operational release of standards S-124 Navigational Warnings and S-128 Catalogue of Nautical Products.The S-100 framework is a new global standard created by the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), in collaboration with other hydrographic offices around the world, that enables the integration of diverse datasets within a single Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) or other hydrographic…

A steering control system component failure on a multi-purpose carrier resulted in a collision with a bulk carrier in the Houston Ship Channel, the National Transportation Safety Board said in a newly-released investigation report.The multi-purpose carrier BBC Africa lost steering as it was departing the channel on Aug. 25, 2023, and struck the moored bulk carrier Common Faith. No injuries or pollution were reported. Damage to the vessels was estimated at $1.1 million.The crew told investigators they did not find any issues with the steering control systems during the pre-departure tests.

An EU-funded project is helping accelerate the adoption of carbon capture and utilisation (CCU) technologies that transform carbon dioxide emissions into valuable resources such as fuels, chemicals, and construction materials.CCU is based on the principle of capturing carbon dioxide and reusing it in various forms, such as e-fuels created by combining captured CO2 with renewable hydrogen.The ECO2Fuel project is pioneering this approach by developing a 1MW low-temperature electrolyzer…

Wärtsilä has been selected as the electrical integrator for a major battery extension project for the Wasaline ROPAX ferry "Aurora Botnia." The project will increase the ship’s battery capacity by 10.4 MWh, from 2.2 MWh to 12.6 MWh, making it the world’s largest marine battery hybrid system in operation. The order with Wärtsilä was booked in Q3 2025.In the transition to more sustainable ferry transportation, hybrid propulsion systems have emerged as a compelling solution, offering a multitude of pathways to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

The Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD) has released a new report describing the world’s first field validation of tracer technologies in marine biofuel supply chains.Conducted in Singapore, Rotterdam, and other major bunkering hubs, the trials demonstrated that tracers can be integrated into existing marine biofuel supply chain practices without disrupting operations or compromising fuel quality.The trials assessed three distinct tracer candidates and found the organic tracer to be the most practical solution for tracking authenticity and quantity of biofuels…

Terminal Portuario de Guayaquil (TPG), a Hanseatic Global Terminals port, is incorporating simulators that raise the standard for staff training, improve safety and optimize operational efficiency. With the equipment, training takes place in a virtual environment that replicates actual conditions without interrupting normal operations.TPG's General Manager, Luisenrique Navas, called these simulators a qualitative leap for training, as they significantly accelerate the learning curve for new operators…

Terminal Portuario de Guayaquil (TPG), a Hanseatic Global Terminals port, is incorporating simulators that raise the standard for staff training, improve safety and optimize operational efficiency. With the equipment, training takes place in a virtual environment that replicates actual conditions without interrupting normal operations.TPG's General Manager, Luisenrique Navas, called these simulators a qualitative leap for training, as they significantly accelerate the learning curve for new operators, guarantee ongoing skill refreshment for experienced personnel and optimize productivity levels. They also reinforces the port's commitment to sustainability by consuming fewer resources and minimizing environmental impact during training processes.Developed by the Finnish company Mevea…

Rolls-Royce has been selected by Catalina Express of San Pedro, CA (USA) to supply the marine propulsion system for its new high-capacity ferry. The 500-passenger vessel, which will be the largest in the Catalina Express fleet upon completion, will be powered by four mtu 12V4000 M65L engines, delivering a combined output of over 7463 kW (10,000 bhp). The new ferry is part of the Port of Los Angeles’ $31 million LA MER project, which is funded by the California Air Resources Board (CARB).

Brunvoll Mar-El has signed a contract with Oma Baatbyggeri as system integrator and provider ofelectrical propulsion systems for a zero-emission catamaran ferry, commissioned by Rødne FjordCruise. The passenger and vehicle vessel will operate in the stunning Lysefjorden, Norway, with delivery set for June 2026.The delivery from Brunvoll includes full system integration through the Triton Electric & Hybrid solution, featuring the Triton CPP controllable pitch propeller control system, the Triton SG steering gear control system, and the Triton EMS energy management system.

Straatman has acquired Kraaijeveld Winches, a Dutch company specializing in the design and production of winches and related equipment for dredging, offshore, and maritime applications.The acquisition marks a strategic step in Straatman’s long-term vision to strengthen its position in the maritime manufacturing industry by collaborating with other high-quality Dutch companies that have deep roots in Dutch maritime engineering and production.With Kraaijeveld joining the group,…

Wallem Group has launched a suite of support and consultancy services to protect IT systems onboard its clients’ vessels from disruption.Its new Vessel IT Security and Management Services (VITS) have been developed with a ship's entire digital ecosystem in mind – from its business networks to the Internet of Things (IoT) systems on which operations and humans rely. It includes six management and security services to help keep vessel IT systems up and running, and minimise cyber threats.Wallem VITS offer continuous Servicedesk Support to customers from experts in vessel IT.

Maritime software company OrbitMI has acquired Gale Force, a provider of maritime advisory services. Gale Force specializes in voyage optimization, environmental compliance, and voyage execution support.This acquisition represents a strategic step forward in OrbitMI’s mission to deliver a comprehensive, intelligent maritime platform that meets the evolving expectations of clients. By integrating Gale Force’s expertise directly into the Orbit platform, clients gain faster access to actionable insights through intelligent…

Around 50 vessels have operated on hydrogen as fuel since the pioneering ferry Hydra set sail in 2000.Whether it’s used in fuel cells or combustion engines, its capex and opex are still much higher than an equivalent diesel system, and it’s expected to stay that way until at least 2040.But the real problem with using hydrogen as a fuel is that it takes more energy to make, compress/liquify, transport and store than it provides to a ship.The expectation is that technology will come to the rescue.

ABS Wavesight™, the ABS-affiliated maritime Software-as-a-Service company, has appointed Captain Steve Bomgardner as Chief Customer Officer (CCO).Bomgardner brings more than 23 years of maritime leadership experience encompassing operations, regulatory compliance and environmental innovation. Most recently, he served as Vice President of Shipping & Offshore Solutions at Pole Star Global, where he directed strategic growth initiatives and oversaw the integration of advanced vessel analytics into established tracking platforms.Prior to his tenure at Pole Star Global…

Elomatic, an international consulting and engineering company, has successfully completed the installation of its Elogrid tunnel thruster technology on the 10,000 GT special purpose research vessel, the METEOR IV, built by the MEYER FASSMER spezialchiffbau consortium.As part of a joint venture between FASSMER and MEYER Group, the 125-meter research vessel is being constructed for the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), to support their worldwide multifunctional and interdisciplinary projects, with a focus on climate and environmental research within the Atlantic.

Inmarsat Maritime, a Viasat company, has announced that Anglo-Eastern will upgrade Hadley Shipping Group’s fleet to Inmarsat’s fully managed bonded connectivity solution, NexusWave.Hadley Shipping Group is a long-standing Inmarsat Maritime user. Its transition to NexusWave represents a significant step forward in adopting a unified, bonded multi-orbit solution that will deliver enhanced performance, enterprise-grade cybersecurity, and a scalable platform for future operational needs and crew welfare.Anglo-Eastern…

Seabound has been awarded USD$1.48 million (£1.1 million) through Round 6 of the UK Government’s Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC6). The funding will support a first-of-a-kind project between Seabound, STAX Engineering, and Associated British Ports (ABP) to integrate Seabound’s carbon capture technology with the STAX emission capture and control system at the Port of Southampton. The companies previously announced their plan to deploy these barges in collaboration with ABP at the inaugural Maritime UK Solent Coastal Powerhouse Summit.ABP…

Seabound has been awarded USD$1.48 million (£1.1 million) through Round 6 of the UK Government’s Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC6). The funding will support a first-of-a-kind project between Seabound, STAX Engineering, and Associated British Ports (ABP) to integrate Seabound’s carbon capture technology with the STAX emission capture and control system at the Port of Southampton. The companies previously announced their plan to deploy these barges in collaboration with ABP at the inaugural Maritime UK Solent Coastal Powerhouse Summit.ABP, the largest port operator in the UK, has committed to reaching net-zero emissions across its own operations by 2040 and is determined to play a role in emissions reduction across supply chains.

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) has reached an agreement with ITOCHU Corporation to conduct ammonia bunkering demonstrations in Singapore.MOL and ITOCHU will demonstrate ship-to-ship ammonia bunkering using their owned ammonia bunkering vessel and ammonia dual-fuel Capesize bulkers.Through the demonstrations, which are planned to be carried out in the second half of 2027, MOL and ITOCHU aim to promote the early implementation of ammonia bunkering vessels and ammonia-fueled vessels.MOL will jointly own three ammonia dual-fuel Capesize bulkers with Belgium-based CMB.TECH NV…

The maritime sector’s longstanding reliance on Specific Fuel Oil Consumption (SFOC) and manufacturer power curves to measure fuel efficiency masks real performance as well as real inefficiencies at sea, according to Rob Mortimer, CEO of Fuelre4m:These legacy metrics, rooted in idealized factory conditions and theoretical assumptions, fail to capture the complexities of actual vessel operation. This results in an industry managing appearances rather than actual fuel-to-thrust efficiency…

The U.S. Coast Guard has set up the initial operating capability of a Robotics and Autonomous Systems Program Executive Office.The office is a key component of the Service's Force Design 2028 (FD 2028) plan, and the Coast Guard claims it is poised to be the most transformational enhancement to capability since the inception of aviation. The office is dedicated to the rapid operationalization of the Unmanned Systems Strategic Plan.Robotics and autonomous systems are anticipated to revolutionize Coast Guard operations…

A keel-laying ceremony has been held for Surveyor, a new charting and mapping vessel being constructed for NOAA by Thoma-Sea Marine Constructors, LLC., in Houma, Louisiana.In 2023, NOAA announced two new charting and mapping vessels would be added to its fleet. Surveyor is expected to be completed in 2027 and Navigator in 2028. The ships will be used primarily for ocean mapping and nautical charting as part of NOAA’s mission to deliver tools and information to help mariners safely…

Cat Pushes Forward on Hybrid Electric Solutions, Alternative FuelsAs the maritime industry continues its transformation driven by decarbonization mandates, OEMs like Caterpillar are central to paving the path. Will Watson, Marine Product Manager, Caterpillar, discusses latest efforts by the company to unlock the potential with hybrid electric and alternative fuel solutions.Key Takeaways to Caterpillar Marine’s Hybrid Propulsion•Hybrid Propulsion Systems: Diesel + battery solutions…

Sales of marine bunker fuel at the United Arab Emirates' port of Fujairah rebounded in July after a slump in June to their highest in three months, Fujairah Oil Industry Zone data showed.July sales totalled 640,715 cubic metres (about 635,000 metric tons), up 13.8% from June, based on FOIZ data published by S&P Global Commodity Insights.The stronger volumes were led by a boost in high-sulphur marine fuel sales, which soared to their highest since January 2024, climbing 28.4% from June to 205…

LR’s latest FOBAS Fuel Insight report highlights broadly steady fuel quality with particular issues around high sediments and chemical contamination, and an increased use of biofuel blends with developments in energy-content measurement.Global bunker fuel quality remained resilient in the first half of 2025 despite growing fuel diversity and tightening environmental regulation, according to Lloyd’s Register’s latest FOBAS Fuel Insight report. The findings highlight how improved testing…

ABS and US defense engineering company Saronic Technologies have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to explore autonomous technologies for maritime applications.The agreement establishes a cooperative framework for both organizations to collaborate on projects related to improving technical requirements for autonomous surface vessels (ASV) and classification services for Saronic's autonomous capabilities.In July, Saronic entered a partnership with Vigor Marine Group focused…

This week, Van Oord’s trailing suction hopper dredger Vox Ariane completed its first bunkering of bio-LNG.The move follows the July news that NYK has started the continuous use of bio-LNG fuel on its LNG-powered car carriers.There’s been more firsts this year. In February 2025, Furetank conducted its first bio-LNG bunkering. In March, Titan and Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) completed the first bio-LNG bunkering operation of a multi-year contract. In April, the Avenir Ascension began operating on 100% bio-LNG…

Brad Adams, co-founder of Subsea Estate in Western Australia, has just retrieved vats of his latest wine from the seabed just off the coast of Augusta.Partnered with wife and co-founder Jodee Adams and chief wine maker Emmanuel Poirmeur, he is creating a product unique in the southern hemisphere.For the last two years, Subsea Estate has produced Semillon and Shiraz that has undergone its secondary fermentation 15 meters deep in the Southern Ocean.The idea was originally inspired…

Fincantieri has sued an Owens Corning company for fraud, claiming it was sold faulty fire-retardant panels.Two ships subsequently needed repairs that delayed their launch and another nine ships are affected, both cruise and military vessels.The suit was filed in Ohio last month, and Fincantieri is asking for over $100 million in damages and citing the reputational harm it caused due to media coverage and launch delays.The company claims that Owens Corning subsidiary Paroc sold the panels knowing they were faulty.The issue came arose when the launch of MSC’s Explora I was delayed.

MEYER RE has established a strategic partnership with Everllence to advance methanol retrofit solutions in the maritime industry.The collaboration focuses on the retrofitting of existing Everllence four-stroke engines and vessels, providing a practical solution for shipping companies transitioning towards greener fuel alternatives.Germany-based MEYER RE provides after sales support for cruise ships throughout their entire service life, modernization measures as well as the implementation of sustainable solutions and maintenance.Henning Jongebloed…

Machinery failure is one of the leading causes of accidents at sea, and a new study shows that smarter, real-time monitoring could significantly reduce the risk. According to From Data to Action, a report on the topic of high-frequency data supported by Danelec and published by Thetius, predictive maintenance enabled by live sensor streams can address the root cause behind 35% of total vessel losses over the past decade.The report notes that since 2014, there have been more than 11,500 machinery-related incidents globally.

Fairbanks Morse Defense (FMD) has secured a contract from Birdon to supply key fluid control components for the U.S. Coast Guard’s Waterways Commerce Cutter (WCC) program. The company will deliver motor-operated valves for the first two vessels.The WCC program is a major modernization effort to replace the Coast Guard’s decades-old fleet of inland buoy and construction tenders. These vessels are responsible for maintaining more than 28,000 aids to navigation across 12,000 miles of inland waterways, which are critical routes for the transport of over 630 million tons of cargo annually.

NYK has obtained Approval in Principle (AiP) from ClassNK for the conceptual design of an offshore recovery system for reusable rockets it developed in partnership with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.Rockets are launched by generating thrust through the combustion of fuel and oxidizer. Following launch, the lower stage (first stage) of the rocket separates from the upper stage and falls back to Earth. Most first stages are expected to be designed with advanced functions to accurately…

Wasaline says it has become the first carbon-neutral shipping company in the Baltic Sea, reaching its original 2030 climate target six years ahead of schedule. The milestone comes as the Finnish-Swedish operator signed a biogas supply contract with Gasum and entered a FuelEU Maritime pooling agreement with Stena Line, enabling its Vaasa–Umeå service to run entirely on biofuels.The agreement makes the route the first international green shipping corridor in operation, an achievement supported by the DNV-led Nordic Roadmap.

A new technique developed by Australian researchers could stop unauthorised artificial intelligence (AI) systems learning from photos, artwork and other image-based content.Developed by CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, in partnership with the Cyber Security Cooperative Research Centre (CSCRC) and the University of Chicago, the method subtly alters content to make it unreadable to AI models while remaining unchanged to the human eye.Defence organizations could shield…

Ambipar and SBM Offshore announced a solution for cleaning cargo oil tanks on (FPSOs), a solution that importantly is geared to completely remove humans from entering tanks during cleaning activities.“This robotic solution marks a turning point for the offshore industry. By automating a traditionally hazardous process, we are not only enhancing safety but also boosting operational efficiency and reducing environmental impact. It’s a clear demonstration of how innovation and responsibility can go hand in hand…

Provaris Energy has received approval from its development partner Yinson Production to commence the front end engineering design (FEED) development for its proprietary large-scale low-pressure liquid CO2 (LCO2) tanks for integration with Yinson’s floating storage injection unit (FSIU).Yinson will fund 100% of the FEED phase, and first deliverables are scheduled for December 2025.Provaris and Yinson are progressing the formation of a new joint venture company (NewCo) to hold exclusive…

The Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD) and the International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO) have signed a two-year partnership to accelerate decarbonization efforts in the dry bulk segment.Bulk carriers account for 42.7% of the world’s oceangoing fleet by deadweight tonnage (dwt) and present unique decarbonization challenges, particularly for small and medium-sized owners operating unpredictable tramp trades.Whilst the industry works to scale low carbon fuel availability and ready ports for their handling and bunkering…

ABS has issued a New Technology Qualification certificate to HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) for their next-generation electric propulsion solution - the Medium Voltage Direct Current (MVDC) power system for ships.The Breakerless-MVDC Power System builds on HD Hyundai’s modular propulsion drive system and is the first in the world to receive an ABS NTQ certificate, indicating the technology’s feasibility and maturity…

When the maritime trade union Nautilus International asked memberswhat they thought of AI at a forum in January, there was some positive sentiment:“We shouldn’t automatically assume there will be problems with AI, as we’ve adopted other tech over the years without it being too intrusive for crew.”Others were not so sure:“There are worrying issues around liability and culpability if an incident happens involving a vessel operated using AI. Seafarers could take the blame when the…

Sinobunker, one of COSCO Shipping’s subsidiaries, has completed the world’s first green ammonia bunkering operation at COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry’s Dalian terminal.The ammonia was sourced from the world’s largest green hydrogen and ammonia plant established by Envision in Chifeng and powered entirely by the world’s largest independent renewable energy system.The plant integrates wind, solar and energy storage with proprietary hydrogen and ammonia production technologies. It is powered by a proprietary AI-integrated off-grid renewable system…

Industry coalitions ZESTAs and the SASHA Coalition have announced a partnership to drive policy and industry action on green shipping technologies.The two coalitions, collectively representing 70 leading companies, have committed to combining their efforts to advocate for policy supporting absolute zero emission solutions combining hydrogen, battery-electric and wind propulsion technologies. Aurelia Leeuw, Director of EU Policy at the SASHA Coalition, said: “Pooling our expertise to drive maritime decarbonization, the SASHA Coalition and ZESTAs together are more than the sum of our parts.

Guice Offshore, U.S.-based operator of dynamically positioned mini supply and multi-purpose vessels for the offshore maritime market, has launched GO Asset Leasing to meet the growing demand for lease-ready maritime vessel heavy deck equipment.GO Asset Leasing offers flexible lease terms on a variety of field-tested, well-maintained inventory of A-frames, hydraulic winches, deck cranes, hydraulic power units (HPUs), Yokohama fenders and even speedboats. Centrally located on the U.S.

The member Authorities of the Tokyo and the Paris Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) on Port State Control will launch a joint concentrated inspection campaign (CIC) on Ballast Water Management from September 1 to November 30.The purpose of the campaign is to determine if ships meet the mandatory requirements for Ballast Water Management (BWM) as prescribed in the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004 (BWM Convention).

Triton, a European mid-market investment company, has completed the acquisition of MacGregor from previous owner Hiab, formerly Cargotec.The transaction between Triton and Hiab, first announced in November 2024, was closed on July 31, 2025.MacGregor will continue to serve its maritime and offshore customers with its wide portfolio of cargo and load handling equipment under the ownership of Triton.“We at Triton are very pleased and excited about being the new owner of MacGregor.

As the global shipping industry accelerates toward decarbonization, Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM) has unveiled its first methanol bunkering simulator at its Maritime Training Center in Kochi, India. Developed in partnership with Wärtsilä, the new platform is designed to give seafarers hands-on training for safely handling methanol, one of the leading alternative fuels driving maritime’s low-carbon transition.The simulator marks a significant step in BSM’s broader strategy to future-proof crew training for a new generation of low- and zero-emission vessels.

Columbia Group has launched a mobile and web-based app designed to teach the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs).The COLREGs Challenge is an educational tool which uses gameplay to turn regulatory learning into an immersive, interactive experience.Targeted at cadets, junior officers, and developed in collaboration with 4Growth.com BV, the app presently includes more than 20 interactive modules covering practical maritime scenarios. More modules will be introduced soon.Themed campaigns cover basic navigation…

Anticipating a strong cross-current that never materialized, an experienced tow pilot deviated from the sailing line on the Mississippi River and struck components of the Fort Madison Bridge near Fort Madison, Iowa, the National Transportation Safety Board has concluded.The towing vessel Joe B. Wyatt was pushing 13 loaded hopper barges and two empty tank barges downriver on May 9, 2024, when the tow struck the bridge’s protection cell and fendering system and broke apart.No injuries or pollution were reported. Damage to the protection cell, fendering system, barges and the Joe B.

KABELSCHLEPP Metool's UNIFLEX Advanced (UA) product line, particularly the UA1775 and UA1995 models, are becoming established as central platforms for modern machine solutions—modular, robust, and easy to assemble.The UNIFLEX Advanced 1775 has recently been enhanced—not just in the details, but also in its variants. New width options between 100 and 400 mm and different frame variants (closed or with folding crossbars inside or outside) turn the cable carrier into a universal solution for a wide range of applications…

Tilla, a Berlin-based maritime tech startup, announced the successful closing of a USD$2.3 million (€2 million) funding round designed to accelerate the global expansion and innovation of its crew logistics platform. The round is led by global maritime venture capital firm Motion Ventures, which recently launched a $100 million maritime tech fund, alongside a strategic investment from EXMAR, a Belgian shipping company with a long-standing reputation under the Saverys family. The…

Global maritime shipping faces a surge in GPS and GNSS disruptions — with some regions reporting a 350% increase in affected vessels over the past six months — raising concerns over safety, trade reliability, and security.In response, Tschudi Shipping Company has partnered with U.S.-based Assured Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (APNT) specialist NAL Research and Norwegian maritime technology provider SGM Technology AS to deliver a new resilient navigation and tracking solution…