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Wednesday, January 21, 2026

Maritime News

21 Jan 2026

Worley Joins Australia’s Westport Program as Marine Infrastructure Adviser

© aerial-drone / Adobe Stock

Worley has been selected as Marine and Port Infrastructure Technical Advisor by the Government of Western Australia for the Westport Program, which aims to deliver a new container port in Kwinana.Under a joint venture with Arcadis, Worley will provide technical advisory and concept design services for marine and port infrastructure under an initial three-year agreement. Construction of the port is expected to begin in the late 2020s, with operations expected by 2040.Once completed…

19 Jan 2026

UK-Led Maritime Consortium Unveils Plan for Nuclear-Powered Shipping

(Credit: Lloyd's Register)

A U.K.-led maritime consortium has set out plans to develop international standards for nuclear-powered commercial ships, as Britain seeks a leading role in efforts to decarbonize global shipping.The Maritime Nuclear Consortium, convened by Lloyd’s Register, brings together companies from the nuclear, maritime, insurance and regulatory sectors to address safety, security, regulation and commercial viability for nuclear-powered vessels.The consortium’s core members include Lloyd’s Register…

14 Jan 2026

Coach Solutions, ClassNK to Streamline Verification of Vessel Emissions Data

(Credit: Supplied by Coach Solutions)

Coach Solutions, a Kongsberg Company, and classification society ClassNK have partnered to deliver an automated emissions data verification process for their mutual clients.The companies said the process creates a seamless experience for shipowners and Document of Compliance holders who need to extract, standardize, verify and share vessel data for transparent use by stakeholders.The integration with ClassNK is a strategic partnership that, from January 2026, will further strengthen Coach’s mission to put practical…

14 Jan 2026

NYK Names Dual-Fuel LPG Carrier Newbuild

 Lucent Pathfinder VLGC (Credit: NYK)

A newly built very large gas carrier (VLGC) was named Lucent Pathfinder at a ceremony held at Kawasaki Heavy Industries’ Sakaide Works, marking the seventh dual-fuel LPG carrier using LPG ordered by NYK.The vessel, which will be chartered by United Arab Emirates-based LPG trader BGN INT DMCC, is designed for the global transportation of liquefied petroleum gas and is capable of operating on both heavy fuel oil and LPG.The naming ceremony was attended by around 30 stakeholders.

12 Jan 2026

Payment Fraud on the Rise, ITIC Warns

Copyright Feng Yu/AdobeStock

P&I correspondents are being urged to strengthen their payment verification procedures after a fraudster intercepted email communications during a sensitive crew claim and diverted a US$200,000 settlement, according to International Transport Intermediaries Club (ITIC).In a case cited in ITIC’s most recent Claims Review, a P&I correspondent was managing a sensitive crew-claim settlement when a third party intercepted email communications and began impersonating several individuals involved in the process…

12 Jan 2026

LNG-Fueled Container Ships Prop Up Alternative Fuel Orders in 2025, DNV Finds

(Credit: DNV)

LNG-fueled container ships helped sustain the share of alternative fuels in the global shipbuilding orderbook in 2025, even as overall newbuilding activity slowed sharply following a record year, according to data from classification society DNV.Annual figures from DNV’s Alternative Fuels Insight platform show that while total newbuild orders fell to 2,403 vessels in 2025 from 4,405 a year earlier, alternative-fueled ships retained a 38% share of total gross tonnage, supported…

12 Jan 2026

ABB to Equip BC Ferries’ New Major Vessels

Basic Design Render of New Major Vessels (Credit: BC Ferries)

ABB has secured a contract to supply integrated power, propulsion and control solution for BC Ferries’ four new hybrid-electric major vessels.The New Major Vessels have been designed to minimize emissions and underwater radiated noise (URN), with the goal of contributing to quieter and cleaner operations in the Strait of GeorgiaABB will supply a complete package of power, propulsion and control technology for four new double-ended passenger and car ferries operated by British Columbia Ferry Services (BC Ferries).One of the largest ferry operators in the world…

09 Jan 2026

Rio Tinto Floats Glencore Merger

Image Copyright GT

The Rio Tinto marine team ia a leading charterer, chartering and operating a fleet of more than 230 ships to transport over 300 million tonnes of product every year. Glencore shares rose by 10% on Friday following news it is in talks with Rio Tinto  about a takeover that would create the world's largest mining group, valued at almost $207 billion.While Glencore gained, Rio Tinto shares fell by as much as 3%, reflecting investor scepticism towards a deal and concerns it will overpay.The two miners have discussed combining their operations before.

08 Jan 2026

Union Maritime Takes Delivery of LNG and Wind-Powered LR2 Tanker

(Credit: Union Maritime)

Union Maritime has taken delivery of what it said is the world’s first long-range 2 (LR2) tanker powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and wind-assisted propulsion.The vessel, MT SPA, was delivered on January 6 in Jingjiang, China, and was built by Yangzijiang Shipbuilding. It is a high-specification LNG dual-fuel LR2 tanker fitted with WindWings technology, combining alternative fuel capability with wind-assisted propulsion.Union Maritime said the vessel was designed to reduce emissions while maintaining operational efficiency and commercial performance.

08 Jan 2026

Babcock, Frankenburg Partner on Counter‑Drone Maritime Defense System

(Credit: Babcock)

Babcock and Frankenburg Technologies have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to explore development of a new maritime counter‑drone air defense system in response to the rise of one‑way attack drones.Under the agreement, the partners will work on a cost‑effective, containerized platform for launching Frankenburg’s new low‑cost missiles, designed specifically to defend against one‑way attack drones. The capability is intended to offer affordable, scalable, kinetic solutions…

06 Jan 2026

Dutra Group Reshuffles Top Management

Bryan O’Sullivan (Credit: Dutra Group)

The Dutra Group, a California-based heavy civil marine contractor, has made a series of senior executive promotions across its core operations and newly acquired subsidiary, as it strengthens management capacity to support long-term growth.Bryan O’Sullivan has been appointed chief operating officer of the Dutra Group. An 18-year company veteran, O’Sullivan previously served as vice president of marine construction and will now oversee multiple divisions including dredging, marine construction and environmental restoration, reporting to President and Chief Executive Officer Harry K.

06 Jan 2026

Kawasaki Heavy Industries to Build World's Largest Liquefied Hydrogen Carrier

(Credit: Kawasaki Heavy Industries)

Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Japan Suiso Energy have signed a contract to build the world’s largest liquefied hydrogen carrier, marking a step toward the commercialization of an international hydrogen supply chain.The vessel will have a cargo capacity of about 40,000 cubic meters and will be built at Kawasaki Heavy Industries’ Sakaide Works in Kagawa Prefecture. Japan Suiso Energy is the project operator for Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) Green Innovation Fund Project…

05 Jan 2026

ABB to Build World’s Largest Shore Power System at Port of Rotterdam

(Credit: ABB)

ABB has signed contracts with Rotterdam Shore Power (RSP) to engineer and construct what is expected to be the world’s largest shore power system by capacity at the Port of Rotterdam.The system will provide over 100 megavolt-amperes (MVA) of shore power capacity and is set to begin operations in the second half of 2028, serving three deep-sea container terminals.The installations aim to reduce emissions, support compliance with the EU’s FuelEU Maritime Regulation, and improve air quality in Europe’s busiest port.The project…

26 Dec 2025

Svitzer Reshuffles Leadership in Americas and Europe

Daniel Reedtz Cohen (Credit: Svitzer)

Towage services provider Svitzer has announced leadership changes across its Americas and European operations, starting from 2026, as part of a planned management transition.Arjen Van Dijk, who has served as managing director of Svitzer’s Americas business for the past six years, will move to lead the company’s European operations. During his tenure in the Americas, Svitzer expanded its footprint across the region and now operates in 13 countries with more than 100 vessels.Daniel Reedtz Cohen will succeed Van Dijk as managing director of Svitzer Americas.

23 Dec 2025

CMA CGM, DHL Step Up Ocean Freight Decarbonization with Biofuel Deal

(Credit: CMA CGM)

DHL Global Forwarding and shipping group CMA CGM have agreed to jointly use 8,990 metric tons of second-generation biofuel to reduce emissions from ocean freight.The initiative is expected to cut around 25,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions on a well-to-wake basis for container shipments moved under DHL’s GoGreen Plus service, marking a further step in efforts to decarbonize maritime transport.Under the agreement, the biofuel used will be UCOME, a second-generation fuel derived from waste and residue feedstocks.

22 Dec 2025

MOL, NYK Agree Ammonia Carrier Charters with JERA

Illustration (Credit: MOL)

Japanese power generator JERA has signed separate heads of agreements with Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) and NYK Group for the charter of ammonia carriers, as it moves toward establishing Japan’s first large-scale low-carbon ammonia transport chain.Under the agreements, MOL and NYK affiliates will charter vessels designed to transport low-carbon ammonia produced at JERA’s Blue Point Complex in Louisiana to JERA’s Hekinan Thermal Power Station in central Japan. The arrangements are…

22 Dec 2025

Wärtsilä to Sell Gas Solutions Business to Germany’s Mutares

(Credit: Wärtsilä)

Finnish engineering group Wärtsilä has agreed to divest its Gas Solutions business to German private equity investor Mutares SE & Co. KGaA, continuing its efforts to streamline operations and unlock value from its portfolio.Gas Solutions, which operates globally across the gas value chain, provides systems and lifecycle services for maritime gas handling, inert gas systems, gas-to-power solutions, liquefaction and biogas applications. The unit generated annual revenue of around $350 million (€300 million) in 2024…

19 Dec 2025

MOG, HHI Ink MoU to Build Submarines

Image courtesy MOG

Maritime Operations Group (MOG) and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) signed a memorandum of understanding MoU aimed at accelerating the development, construction and delivery of modern diesel-electric submarines and undersea technologies for U.S. government and allied missions.Under the agreement, the two companies will explore collaboration on the design and construction of diesel-electric submarines optimized for U.S. Navy training, research, development, test and evaluation (RDT&E), and specialized mission support.

18 Dec 2025

Oshima Bulk Carrier Design Earns ClassNK Approval for Alternative Fuels

(Credit:  Oshima Shipbuilding)

Japan’s ClassNK has issued an approval in principle (AiP) for a bulk carrier concept developed by Oshima Shipbuilding that is designed to be ready for multiple alternative fuels, including ammonia, methanol and liquefied natural gas (LNG), as well as onboard carbon capture and storage (OCCS).The approval confirms the technical feasibility of the vessel from a regulatory and safety perspective and reflects growing industry efforts to future-proof newbuilds amid tightening emissions rules.The concept design was reviewed in line with ClassNK’s updated Guidelines for Ships Using Alternative Fuels…

18 Dec 2025

VARD Forms Research and Innovation Partnership with NORCE

Illustration represented by VARD’s design of an SOV VARD Zero Class (Credit: VARD)

VARD has recently signed an agreement (MoU) with the major Norwegian research institute NORCE, establishing a strategic partnership to cooperate on research and innovation.The agreement encompasses topics such as design, construction, on board and underwater maintenance and drone technology for ships and subsea technology, with particular focus on the planned standardized vessels of the Norwegian Navy. Furthermore, remote control solutions for lean-manned vessels, zero-emission energy technologies…

17 Dec 2025

The Top 8: What Shipowners Should Watch in 2026

In 20226, "Scrapping Economics Finally Matter Again" according to Veson Nautical’s 2025 End-of-Year Market Report. Copyright LedyLensArt/AdobeStock

According to Veson Nautical’s 2025 End-of-Year Market Report, a report which breaks down prevailing trends in all major oceangoing shipping sectors globally, these are the prevailing trends shipowners should watch in 2026.1. Routing Normalization vs. Geopolitical RealityMuch of 2025’s earnings strength—especially in containers, crude tankers and dry bulk—was driven by longer voyages around the Cape of Good Hope. Any sustained return to Suez transits in 2026 would compress ton-mile demand quickly. Owners should plan for volatility rather than assume a clean reversion to pre-Red Sea norms.2.

16 Dec 2025

AYK Energy Signs Second Chemical Tanker Battery Deal with Spain’s Mureloil

(Credit: Supplied by AYK Energy)

Marine battery manufacturer AYK Energy has signed a second contract with Spanish ship owner Mureloil, extending the use of battery-supported diesel-electric propulsion into the chemical tanker segment.The agreement follows the installation of a battery system on Mureloil’s 8,000-deadweight-tonne tanker Bahía Candela and will see AYK supply an identical 4.2 MWh Aries+ battery system for its sister vessel Bahía Beatriz, currently under construction at Astilleros de Murueta shipyard near Bilbao.Battery systems are widely used in ferries and workboats…

16 Dec 2025

Western Bulk Buys Into Bulker Ownership Alongside Nordic Partners

(Credit: Western Bulk)

Oslo-based dry bulk operator Western Bulk has re-entered ship ownership after acquiring a minority stake in a Kamsarmax vessel alongside a group of Norwegian partners, the company said on Tuesday.Western Bulk, together with A/S J. Ludwig Mowinckels Rederi, NRP Asset Management-managed Premium Maritime Fund 2024, and Pactum, has acquired the dry bulk carrier CSSC Shi Jia Zhuang, which will be renamed Western Egda.The 2020-built, eco-design Kamsarmax was constructed in China and has recently completed its five-year special survey.

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