Marine Propulsion News

Shipping Technology has launched ST Sailing Pro, an extension of its ST Sailing track pilot that now not only controls a vessel's steering, but also its propulsion. This is the next step in the company's roadmap towards autonomous sailing. In short, the captain enters a destination and a desired arrival time, after which the system continuously calculates the course and engine power needed to meet it, taking changes in locks, currents, water levels etc. into account. On a normal sailing pattern…

Finnish marine propulsion specialist Steerprop has been selected to supply the complete main propulsion package for a new icebreaker being built for the Swedish Maritime Administration (SMA) by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries in Ulsan, South Korea.The contract marks Steerprop’s first project with both the Swedish Maritime Administration and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries. The vessel will be equipped with two Steerprop Contra-Rotating Propellers (CRP) azimuth propulsors together with…

SCHOTTEL has unveiled PropControl 4, the latest generation of its propulsion control systems. The new solution helps operators and crews manage complex propulsion systems safely, efficiently, and intuitively. It combines control functions, user-friendly handling, operational reliability, and digital connectivity within a single platform. Designed for azimuth thrusters, transverse thrusters, and controllable pitch propellers, the system can be modularly adapted to a wide range of vessel types and propulsion configurations…

Kongsberg Maritime has secured a contract from COSCO Shipping (Qidong) Offshore Co., Ltd. to supply an integrated technology package for two new Wind Turbine Installation Vessels (WTIVs) being built for offshore wind installation company Cadeler.The agreement follows a series of previous vessel projects delivered to Cadeler through COSCO Shipping Offshore and further extends the collaboration between the companies. The two new T-class vessels were announced by Cadeler in August 2026 and are scheduled for delivery in 2030 and 2031.

Kongsberg Maritime invites members of the press to join the company at SMM Hamburg on Wednesday September 2, for the unveiling of a new development in its propulsion offering.The announcement responds to the demands of the newest generation of large passenger vessels, where efficiency, onboard comfort and readiness for evolving vessel architectures are shaping owner requirements. Senior representatives from Kongsberg Maritime's Propulsion & Handling division will be on hand to introduce the development and to discuss what it means for owners…

A yacht being built for a private owner will be the first ever vessel to be equipped with Steerprop’s smallest contra-rotating propeller (CRP) azimuth propulsors to date. The order marks Steerprop’s first yacht project.The yacht will be fitted with two 700 kW Steerprop SP 8 CRP propulsors, which deliver outstanding thrust relative to power input. This efficiency enables the installation of smaller propulsor units than would be needed for single-propeller systems in order to generate the same thrust…

Rather than pinning its decarbonization hopes on future tonnage, shipping can pursue its goals today by retrofitting available technology to existing, conventionally fueled vessels, explains David Sakandelidze, Business Manager for Energy and Efficiency, Berg Propulsion.The International Maritime Organization's (IMO) target for net-zero emissions from ships by around 2050 is now only 24 years away—less than the average lifetime of a commercial ship. Today, 112,000 active vessels emit approximately 1.05 billion metric tons of combined annual emissions.

Finnish marine propulsion company Steerprop remains as a supplier for a series of tugboats being built by Turkish shipyard group Med Marine, securing a repeat order for two Steerprop SP 175 T propulsors for the third vessel in the series.The contract follows a similar scope of delivery for the first two vessels, which entered service in 2024 and were the first to deploy Steerprop’s T-series propulsors tailored for the tugboat market. The propulsors will be installed on a Rascal 2100-Z series harbor tug designed by Robert Allan Ltd.…

RINA, the inspection, certification and consulting engineering multinational and Baker Hughes, an energy technology company, announced that RINA awarded a Type Approval certification to Baker Hughes for its NovaLT 16 gas turbine technology, specifically to operate on natural gas and up to 100% hydrogen for marine propulsion applications.The certification was announced during Posidonia 2026 in Athens, Greece. This milestone marks a step in the ongoing collaboration between RINA and Baker Hughes to explore the use of advanced gas turbine technology in the maritime sector…

Kongsberg Maritime has secured a contract from Cochin Shipyard Ltd. (CSL) to deliver a fully integrated equipment and technology package for Svitzer’s next generation of full‑electric TRAnsverse tugs. The contract covers four vessels, with options for four additional units, and represents a step in Svitzer’s strategy to advance efficient, zero‑emission harbor and terminal towage.Kongsberg Maritime’s scope extends across the full electrical and automation architecture, including DC and AC switchboards, PM Propulsion motors, and necessary shore charging equipment.

Laborde Products powered the newbuild M/V Larry Gravely, constructed by Diversified Marine in Houma, Louisiana.The twin-screw towboat is equipped with a pair of Mitsubishi Tier 3 S6R2 main engines, each rated at 803 horsepower at 1,400 RPM. The engines were applied to support the vessel’s operating profile and the steady, day-to-day demands of aggregate service on the inland waterways.Built at Diversified Marine, the Larry Gravely was designed for consistent service, with propulsion decisions centered on durability, operating speed, and long-term serviceability.

Under the agreement, Steerprop will be able to order tailored simulator training from Aboa Mare for its customers. The training programs are designed to support the safe and efficient operation of vessels fitted with Steerprop propulsion equipment across a range of operating conditions and vessel types.The services consist of simulator-based courses organized together with Aboa Mare, focusing on vessel handling, maneuvering and operational decision-making using propulsion systems supplied by Steerprop.

SCHOTTEL has been chosen by Spanish shipyard GONDAN to provide the propulsion package for the Northern Lighthouse Board’s (NLB) newest vessel, POLE STAR. The ship was officially named on January 21, 2026 by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, Patron of the Northern Lighthouse Board.Designed to maintain and service lighthouses, buoys, and other marine aids to navigation, POLE STAR requires high maneuverability supported by reliable propulsion. To meet these demands, the vessel is equipped with two SCHOTTEL RudderPropellers type SRP 460 LE and two TransverseThrusters type STT 2.

Wärtsilä will supply a fully integrated electric propulsion system with waterjets for a new high-speed catamaran ferry being built for Danish ferry operator Molslinjen. This is the third in a series of battery-electric vessels being built at the Incat shipyard in Tasmania. Wärtsilä solutions will drive all three ships.Wärtsilä’s scope of supply includes the integrated electric propulsion system, the DC power conversion system, its energy management and automation systems, eight electric propulsion motors and waterjets…

This week, the Blue Water team reached a milestone in their journey: surpassing 1000 hours of ocean-based testing of their proprietary propulsion system designed for autonomous surface vessels. Achieving this milestone surpasses the Navy’s original 720-hour land-based test requirement while also including the addition of fuel polishing, electric power generation, and a full sensor suite.Meeting the Navy's VisionAs the Navy expands its fleet of uncrewed ships to execute transoceanic missions, vessels will need to remain at sea unmanned for months at a time.

The new Polish Navy rescue vessel “Ratownik," currently under construction at PGZ Stocznia Wojenna, will be equipped with a propulsion package supplied by SCHOTTEL. Designed to replace the Navy’s existing rescue units, the ship will enhance submarine crew rescue capabilities and strengthen the protection of subsea infrastructure in the Baltic Sea. The launch is scheduled for 2027, with delivery to the Polish Navy in 2029.Built to perform complex rescue operations, including precise dynamic positioning (DP) during diving missions…

Japan Engine Corporation (J-ENG) has commenced development of the methanol-fueled engine, UEC50LSJM. Following the completion of its first ammonia-fueled engine, 7UEC50LSJA, in August of this year, J-ENG is also working on the development of the hydrogen-fueled engine, 6UEC35LSGH. The aim is to have the engine complete within fiscal year 2027.Methanol is a low-carbon fuel that has the effect of reducing GHG (Greenhouse Gas) emissions, as well as sulfur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter.

Brunvoll has entered into an agreement with VARD for the delivery of complete propulsion and maneuvering systems for two Commissioning Service Operation Vessels (CSOVs). The owner of these new vessels is North Star.Each of the two CSOVs will be equipped, from aft to bow, with two azimuth propulsion thrusters, a retractable azimuth thruster, a tunnel thruster, and a combined retractable azimuth/tunnel thruster. Together with Brunvoll’s Propulsion and Thruster Control system, BruCon PTC…

Brunvoll has signed a contract with Astilleros Zamakona S.A. for the delivery of a complete propulsion, maneuvering, and positioning system for a live fish carrier. The shipowner is Trident Aqua Services, which already has two vessels with similar specifications under construction.The propulsion system comprises a controllable pitch shaftline propeller and a twin-in–single-out reduction gearbox, powered by two electric motors with a combined output of 3,000 kW. The propeller measures 3.4 meters in diameter.

RAD Propulsion, a leader in electric marine propulsion systems, announced the expansion of its international dealer network with new strategic partnerships in the Netherlands, India and Japan. Energyboats will serve as RAD's official dealer in the Netherlands, focusing specifically on the Benelux region. Energyboats specializes exclusively in 100 percent electrically powered boats and works only with manufacturers that take the electric motor as their starting point. "In our view…

Fairbanks Morse Defense (FMD), a portfolio company of Arcline Investment Management (Arcline), has finalized its acquisition of the Rolls-Royce Naval Propulsors business.The milestone was celebrated at the newly acquired Pascagoula, Mississippi, foundry, where Governor Tate Reeves, Fairbanks Morse Defense CEO Steve Pykett, Jackson County Economic Development Foundation Deputy Director Mary Martha Henson, and other community and industry leaders gathered to recognize the significance…

ABB has signed a 15-year service agreement with Royal Caribbean Group, a vacation industry giant with a global fleet of 67 ships across its five brands.Covering 33 existing ships, the comprehensive agreement includes preventive maintenance and digital solutions to support and optimize propulsion operations, improve vessel safety, maximize fleet availability, and ensure fast turnaround times for planned Azipod propulsion servicing.Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.“Our collaboration with Royal Caribbean Group spans nearly three decades…

WinGD is to deliver X-DF-A ammonia-fuelled engine designs for four newbuild medium gas carriers (MGC) to be built by HD Hyundai Mipo for Trafigura. The 45,000-cu.m. vessels will each be powered by a six-cylinder, 52-bore 6X52DF-A engine with high-pressure selective catalytic reduction.WinGD VP Market Development Benny Hilström said: “Trafigura selected our technology based on our demonstration of X-DF-A’s development and strong performance indicators to date. With the first X-DF-A engine deliveries due in mid-2025…