ABS Approves Framework for Autonomous Navigation Lifecycle Management
ABS has granted approval in principle to Monohakobi Technology Institute (MTI) for its Action Planning and Execution System (APExS-auto) maritime autonomy framework for the lifecycle management of autonomous navigation systems.The framework is crafted to be flexible, adapting to any necessary operational and design changes.The APExS-auto operational framework was developed by MTI, Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha and Japan Marine Science Inc.
IMO to Develop Comprehensive Digital Strategy
During its 49th session in London from March 10 to 14, IMO’s Facilitation Committee (FAL) outlined a work plan for developing the IMO Strategy on Maritime Digitalization, which is set to be adopted by the Organization’s highest governing body – the IMO Assembly – by the end of 2027. The strategy will span different areas of IMO’s work, fostering a fully interconnected, harmonized and automated global maritime sector.To guide this process…
Diesel-Electric Ferry Delivered to Hong Kong Owner
Hong Kong-based ferry operator Sun Ferry has taken delivery of Xin Ming Zhu 30 a new 35-meter diesel-electric ferry.The new vessel, designed by Incat Crowther and constructed by Guangzhou-based shipbuilder AFAI Southern Shipyard, is the third vessel to join a fleet of seven new vessels designed by Incat Crowther for the mass transit operator.The vessel will serve inter-island commuter and tourism operations across Hong Kong…
Maersk Denies Shipping Arms to Israel During Gaza Conflict
Maersk on Tuesday denied shipping arms or ammunition to Israel during its war in Gaza in response to a shareholder proposal at its annual general meeting (AGM) but acknowledged shipping military-related cargo."Maersk has a strict policy of not shipping weapons or ammunitions into any active conflict zone," CEO Vincent Clerc told shareholders.The proposal to ban Maersk from shipping arms to Israel was…
APC Names Liu Global Tech Services Manager
Advanced Polymer Coatings (APC), the Ohio, USA-based manufacturer of protective tank coatings for chemical and product tankers, appointed Daniel Liu as its new Global Technical Services Manager. Liu is an 18-year veteran with APC, most recently serving as the company’s Technical Services Manager for East Asia and Western Pacific Region.APC is on a strong growth trajectory, aiming to quadruple its manufacturing capacity with a new state-of-the-art automated manufacturing system.
HII Expands Shipboard, Shore-Based Military Training Support
HII's Mission Technologies division won a $147m contract to support shipboard and shore-based combat training services for the U.S. Navy.Under the five-year task order, HII will provide engineering support for every aspect of training systems under the U.S. Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division, Dam Neck Activity (NSWCDD DNA), including associated hardware, software, subsystems and elements.
Maritime Defense in the Spotlight at inaugural Solent Coastal Powerhouse Summit
Maritime UK Solent is set to put Maritime Defense at the heart of discussions at the inaugural Solent Coastal Powerhouse Summit on March 26 - 27, 2025, at ABP’s Ocean Cruise Terminal in Southampton.The UK Government has announced the biggest sustained increase in defense spending since the Cold War, and the Solent Coastal Powerhouse Summit aims to provide a platform high-profile speakers and thought leaders from across the sector.
Captain McCue Takes the Helm of Four Seasons Yachts Inaugural Vessel
Four Seasons Yachts reports the appointment of Kate McCue as the inaugural Captain of Four Seasons l, the first ultra-luxury yacht in the highly anticipated fleet. A graduate of the California Maritime Academy, Captain Kate brings nearly three decades of maritime expertise, combining technical precision with a passion for hospitality to create a truly transformative yachting experience. A pioneer in the industry…
Research Vessels: A Conversation with Bruce Applegate of UNOLS
The U.S. oceanographic research community depends on a complex network of ships and institutions for scientific discovery at sea. The University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS) is the central organization that provides scientists with access to advanced research ships and technology to explore the world's oceans. We recently spoke with Bruce Applegate, Chair of the UNOLS Council and Associate Director at Scripps Institution of Oceanography…
Uncrewed Maritime Vessels Must Leverage AI
In September 2024, the 33rd Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Lisa Franchetti, issued her Chief of Naval Operations Navigation Plan for America’s Warfighting Navy. This Navigation Plan embodies “Project 33” in recognition of the fact that Admiral Franchetti is the 33rd Chief of Naval Operations. Project 33 sets targets for enabling the U.S. Navy to make strategically meaningful gains in the fastest possible time.
Norwegian Firm Aces Davit Tryouts on US Navy Fleet Refueling Vessels
Norwegian supplier of boat-handling systems Vestdavit has demonstrated the operational efficiency of its davits during sea trials of the equipment on U.S. Navy fleet refueling vessels being built by General Dynamics NASSCO.The pair of high-specification PLRH-5000 rescue boat davits were subject to rigorous operational testing in the recent trials performed with USNS Robert F. Kennedy, or T-AO 208,…
Crowley’s American Energy LNG Carrier Enters Domestic Service
Crowley has raised the U.S. flag on American Energy, marking the start of operations of the first domestic liquified natural gas (LNG) carrier to transport U.S.-sourced natural gas to Puerto Rico.Crowley and Naturgy have entered into a multi-year agreement that provides for the regular delivery of the U.S. mainland-sourced LNG to Naturgy’s operating facility in Penuelas, Puerto Rico. This will provide Puerto Rico with increased access to the reliable supply of U.S.-produced LNG…
GNV Trials RINA’s Voyage Optimization Tool Onboard GNV Polaris Vessel
Italian shipping company GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci) has selected RINA’s SERTICA Performance for the latest addition to its fleet, the GNV Polaris, starting right away by testing the ship during its inaugural voyage from China to Italy.The tool for monitoring operational data on ships allows efficient energy consumption management and the optimization of performance.Thanks to the system, GNV has identified two optimal operating scenarios allowing for the lowest Specific Fuel Consumption…
HarborLab Launches AI-Powered Disbursement Tool for Port Operators
HarborLab, the Athens-based maritime technology company, launched a new AI-powered feature designed to optimize Disbursement Account (DA) analysis and streamline port expense management.This latest innovation, known as HL AI, is part of the company’s drive to fully integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into its entire platform ecosystem helping shipowners and operators unlock efficiency and major…
Yemen's Houthis to Continue Attacks on Isreal-Linked Shipping in Red Sea
Yemen's Houthis will not "dial down" their action against Israeli shipping in the Red Sea in response to U.S. military pressure or appeals from the group's allies such as Iran, the Yemeni militant group's foreign minister said.Jamal Amer spoke to Reuters late on Monday after the U.S. launched a wave of strikes in areas of Yemen controlled by the Iran-aligned Houthis, who said last week they were resuming…
Chris-Marine Debuts New Fuel Injector Test Unit for 4-Stroke Engines
Chris-Marine launhced its latest innovation, the VPU 1600, a fuel injector test unit for 4-stroke engines, manufactured at its facility in Brøndby, Denmark.The test unit is designed to efficiently assess the leakage, opening pressure, and spray pattern of fuel injectors, ensuring optimal engine performance. VPU 1600 is designed to deliver a reliable, intuitive solution for verifying injector performance…
MOL Charters Two More VLEC Newbuilds to SCG Chemicals
MOL Energia, a subsidiary of Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), has signed long-term charter contracts with SCG Chemicals, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Siam Cement Group (SCG), for two very large ethane carriers (VLECs), to be built in South Korea.The charter for two more VLECs comes in addition to three vessels already contracted by SCG Chemicals in January 2025.Of the approximately 90 dedicated liquefied ethane carriers currently in service or on order worldwide…
AMSA Fines Uncooperative Owner
In Australia, Gladstone Magistrates Court has fined Universal Shipping Alliance Ltd, owner of the bulk carrier KMAX Leader, A$63,000 ($40,000) for failing to comply with an Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) written direction and ordered them to pay court costs.KMAX Leader, a Liberia-flagged bulk carrier, entered the Port of Gladstone in October 2023 due to propulsion issues. The vessel undertook…
ICS and CMI Renew Call for Treaty Ratification
The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and the Comité Maritime International (CMI) have launched an updated campaign for promoting maritime treaty ratification as there is a long-standing concern that many governments are not ratifying important international conventions despite their adoption at IMO and other regulatory fora.The campaign highlights the international maritime Conventions which ICS and CMI believe are significantly important for governments to ratify as a matter of urgency.
Ship Recycling Markets Calm After Hectic Start of Year
After what has certainly been a hectic January of negotiations and a late February / early March of unending deliveries with nearly 200K of LDT delivered in recent weeks, a period of calm reflection descended across Indian sub-continent ship recycling markets, reports cash buyer GMS, with an alarmingly minimal number of deals being fixed over recent weeks including this one.“And ever since prices have…
