DNV Updates Simulator Standard for Evolving Maritime Training

DNV has released a revision of its Maritime Simulator Systems Standard (DNV-ST-0033), reflecting the growing diversity of simulation technologies used in maritime training and certification.The updated standard introduces terminology for virtual reality (VR), synthetic environments and mixed reality, reflecting the growing diversity of simulation formats.The foundational competence requirements have been extended to include alternative fuels such as ammonia, hydrogen, ethanol…
State of Maine Multi-Mission Vessel Named at Hanwha Philadelphia Shipyard

The U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) has celebrated the christening of the State of Maine, the third of five National Security Multi-Mission Vessels (NSMV), at Hanwha Philly Shipyard.Built for Maine Maritime Academy, the State of Maine will serve as a next generation training ship, supporting both the academic development of cadets and America’s humanitarian relief.MARAD is replacing aging training vessels from the National Defense Reserve Fleet with new, purpose-built ships…
Columbia Group Asia CEO Refutes Claims of Lower Standards in Asian shipping

Demetris Chrysostomou, CEO of Columbia Group Asia Region, has strongly rejected suggestions that Asian shipowners are falling behind their European and American counterparts when it comes to operational standards, describing such claims as outdated and misleading.Speaking in response to growing industry commentary around regional divides in shipping performance, Chrysostomou pointed to the operational strength and commitment to safety of Asia’s leading maritime nations.“When we look at the leading shipowning nations in Asia such as Japan…
ASRY Conducts 2025 HSE Week

The Arab Shipbuilding and Repair Yard Company (ASRY) conducted its 2025 Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Week August 11 to 13 under the theme “Elevating HSE Culture with Safe Summer.”.The three-day program drew wide participation from ASRY and subcontractors’ employees alongside representatives of relevant government bodies and industrial firms in Bahrain.The week opened with a formal ceremony attended by senior company officials and representatives of the Ministry of Labour, the Ministry of Interior, Bahrain Civil Defence, and the companies SULB and Foulath Holding.
Webb Institute Named One of the Nation’s Best Colleges

Webb Institute has once again been recognized as one of the nation’s best undergraduate institutions, according to The Princeton Review. The education services company features Webb in the 2026 edition of its highly selective annual guide, The Best 391 Colleges, released by Penguin Random House.Only 15% of America’s nearly 2,400 four-year colleges are included in The Princeton Review guidebook. Selection is based on surveys of 2,000 college administrators about their institutions’ academic offerings…
DFDS Wins Danish Shipping Diversity Award

The shipping company DFDS has received the Danish Shipping Company's Diversity Award 2025 at Danish Shipping Company's annual event in connection with Copenhagen Pride.DFDS was nominated for the 2025 Diversity Award in recognition of its strategic and courageous efforts for diversity, equality and inclusion. The jury particularly highlights DFDS' strong leadership anchoring, where DEI goals are integrated into both KPIs and bonus schemes, as well as the broad anchoring of initiatives in core processes such as recruitment, salary, and leadership development.
Tsuneishi Shipbuilding Welcomes Trainees from Timor-Leste

Tsuneishi Shipbuilding has welcomed 11 technical intern trainees from the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste.This initiative follows the agreement signed in January 2024 at the request of the Government of Timor-Leste, aimed at fostering international cooperation and promoting the global development of the shipbuilding industry.This second group comprises nine welding (semiautomatic welding) trainees, and two scaffolding trainees, all of whom were selected through a local screening process in Timor-Leste.The Tsunezo Cooperative Association…
BSM Launches Methanol Bunkering Simulator

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.
New App Teaches COLREGs

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…
Ground Resonance Led to Helicopter Accident on Bulk Carrier

An Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) investigation report concludes that a shipboard helicopter accident was likely due to ground resonance and emphasises the importance of proper pilot coordination in responding to abnormal situations.The incident occurred on February 25, 2025. An Agusta A109E helicopter with two pilots on board – a pilot flying in‑command‑under‑supervision (ICUS) and a pilot supervising – was taking off from a bulk carrier about 200km north‑east of Mackay…
ESAB Announces 2025 American Welding Society Scholarship Winners

ESAB announced the 12 recipients of the 2025 $5,000 scholarships, awarded through a collaboration with the American Welding Society (AWS) Foundation. The scholarships, made possible by ESAB’s Future Fabricators program, support students across North America pursuing welding certifications and degrees.ESAB developed its Future Fabricators Program to support aspiring welders and fabricators. One of the many ways it moves the industry forward is through funding AWS Foundation scholarships…