Technology News

A few months ago, I authored an article for Marine News focused on just one of the many successful features of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (“OPA 90,” Pub. L. No. 101-380 (1990)) — Alaska’s regional citizen advisory councils (RCACs). The Prince William Sound and Cook Inlet RCACs were established under OPA 90 to work with oil and gas industry interests on behalf of the surrounding communities to ensure safe operations and community buy-in. I was heartened by the positive responses I received from friends…

"During the last two weeks of July, dirty tanker loadings from Russian Black Sea and Sea of Azov ports fell 62% compared to the previous four weeks’ average. Exports averaged 0.98 million barrels per day (mbpd) compared to 2.59 mbpd in the previous four weeks,” says Niels Rasmussen, Chief Shipping Analyst at BIMCO.On July 6, 2026, Ukraine launched Operation MoLoChKa, a large-scale maritime drone campaign initially focused on Russia-linked shipping in the Sea of Azov. According to Ukraine…

ADNOC, in collaboration with SLB, has deployed its AI-enabled Real-Time Operations Center (RTOC) platform across its fleet of over 120 rigs, providing teams with a faster and more connected way to monitor, analyze and manage drilling operations across its onshore and offshore assets. The RTOC replaces multiple tools and reduces engineering effort by 30-40%, enabling engineers to support two to three times more rigs while maintaining effective oversight. Through automated dashboards and AI-powered performance insights…

Carnival Cruise Line (CCL) has signed an agreement with Jotun to implement Hull Skating Solution (HSS), becoming the first cruise operator to use this robotic proactive hull cleaning technology. With this commitment, Carnival continues to utilise innovation and technology to reduce emissions and protect biodiversity.As one of the world’s largest and most influential cruise brands, Carnival’s adoption of HSS to its vessel Carnival Pride marks an important shift for the wider industry.

Seatrium has received Approval in Principle (AiP) from Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore for its 30 MW Floating Data Centre (FDC) concept, marking a milestone in the development of offshore digital infrastructure designed to support growing demand for artificial intelligence and cloud computing.The concept features a jetty-moored, non-propelled barge incorporating six independent 5 MW Data-In-A-Box modules, each integrating IT equipment, cooling systems, power distribution and supporting infrastructure in a modular design.The company said the concept combines modular construction…

Saipem has confirmed the completion of a key offshore installation campaign for the Neptun Deep natural gas project in Romania, marking another milestone in the development of what is expected to become the European Union's largest offshore gas project.The campaign, carried out by the Saipem 7000 heavy-lift vessel, included the installation of the production platform's 7,500-tonne jacket and 9,000-tonne topside, as well as associated offshore works forming part of the company's engineering…

OCIMF and the Central Commission for the Navigation of the Rhine (CCNR) published the second edition, updated July 2026, of the International Safety Guide for Inland Navigation Tank-barges and Terminals (ISGINTT), making the industry reference guide available simultaneously in English, French, German, Dutch and Portuguese.ISGINTT provides recommendations for the safe handling and transport of crude oils, petroleum products, chemicals and liquefied gases as well as guidance on the interface between inland tank-barges and other vessels or terminals.

SeaTac Marine Services, a small business marine transportation company in Seattle, WA, took delivery of a Taylor 700XL Forklift in May 2025. With help from the US Maritime Administration’s Marine Highway Grant program, SeaTac Marine Services was able to purchase this American-made machine, built by Taylor Forklifts in Louisville, Mississippi, it is fully "Build America, Buy America Act" compliant. Established in 2007, the US Marine Highway Program provides federal funding for projects and water-based freight improvements.

The US domestic and global maritime industry in 2026 stands at a critical crossroads, caught between structural labor deficits and an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape. Shipping has undergone a transition since Covid-19, moving away from decades of relative stability with defined trade flows toward operating conditions that grow more complex and volatile by the year. Historic energy routes have shifted, uncertainty has settled over key maritime chokepoints, and global supply chains have absorbed the disruption.

Belgium marine contractor DEME has secured a contract to transport and install foundations for the first phase of the Zeevonk offshore wind farm in the Netherlands.The project, jointly owned by Vattenfall and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners through its Energy Transition Fund I, will have a total installed capacity of about 1 GW.Under the contract, valued between $170 million and $340 million (€150 million and €300 million), DEME will provide intermediate transport of monopiles…

SMD has delivered the first of two heavy-duty power cable ploughs to Prysmian for deployment on the company's new-generation cable laying vessels (CLVs).The second system is scheduled for delivery later this year. The ploughs will be mobilized on Prysmian Alessandro Volta and Prysmian Mona Lisa CLVs.The systems are designed to bury conventional multi-core power cables, bundled two-pole power cables and quad bundles at depths of up to five metres below the mean seabed level.SMD…

The Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM) has unveiled what it says is the world's first spray-based immersion cooling technology for lithium-ion battery packs, a development that could improve thermal management and fire safety while dramatically reducing the amount of dielectric coolant required.Developed by a research team led by Dr. Jinsub Kim at KIMM's Heat Pump Research Center, the system combines two cooling approaches: dielectric liquid is sprayed directly…

Cool Carriers has taken another step in its fleet renewal strategy with the delivery of MV Snow Flake, the second vessel in its next-generation Snow-class series, reinforcing the company's position as the world's largest operator of specialized refrigerated cargo vessels.The vessel was officially named June 29 at Kitanihon Shipbuilding in Japan, just three months after the delivery of sister ship Snow Flower. The ceremony was attended by Cool Carriers CEO Mikhail Ganyushin, while Nikolay Pavlyuchenko…

In the first half of 2026, Terminal Portuario de Guayaquil (TPG), a Hanseatic Global Terminals port, has already accumulated more than 1,000 hours of training for reachstacker operators and more than 1,200 hours for STS and RTG crane operators through its simulators.These training sessions have been implemented across different strategic stages, including induction, training, recertification, and skills reinforcement-consolidating the success of TPG's new virtual simulation system.The…

Maria Psaltaki joined RightShip as its Chief Product Officer, replacing Marlon Grech who decided to conclude his tenure following four years of leading the evolution of RightShip's product and technology capabilities. Grech joined RightShip through the acquisition of Thynk Software in 2022, which he had founded - the first pivotal step in RightShip’s transformation journey. Since then, he has led the evolution of the company’s products, championed building the technology platform…

The Port of Valencia is strengthening its position as a proving ground for maritime technology innovation, with the sixth edition of the Valenciaport Hackathon bringing together international startups to develop solutions aimed at real-world deployment within the port's operational environment.Organized by Opentop, the Port of Valencia's open innovation hub, this year's competition attracted more than 40 startup and scale-up applicants from around the world, making it the event's most international edition to date.

In an age of regulatory shift, geopolitical uncertainty and commercial pressure it can be difficult to keep decarbonisation efforts on track. How can you plan for tomorrow when today’s realities are so demanding? With the theme of Nor-Shipping 2027 front of mind, Cristina Saenz de Santa Maria, CEO Maritime at DNV, believes the NEXT thing shipping companies should address is also the most obvious. While a wide range of new fuels and technologies will ultimately drive shipping towards its ambitious goal of achieving net-zero by 2050…

The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) identified multiple unmanned maritime system (UMS) operations occurring within and near major West Coast port approaches without prior coordination with cognizant Captains of the Port (COTP). The lack of advance notification reduces maritime domain awareness and limits the USCG’s ability to effectively assess operational risk, support safe vessel movement, and protect the Marine  Transportation System (MTS).UMS, including remotely operated and autonomous vessels, are rapidly advancing in capability, complexity, and operational presence throughout the MTS.

The offshore energy industry is in the midst of a new investment cycle, driven by major developments in South America, renewed demand for energy security and an increasing reliance on digital technologies to improve asset performance. For Matt Tremblay, Senior Vice President, Global Offshore at the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), the opportunities are significant — but so are the challenges.Speaking with Offshore Engineer in Houston, Tremblay described an industry that is “very busy…

If you’re viewing today’s arrival of UK ETS with mounting unease, fear not! NAVTOR’s Performance Director Jacob Clausen is here to help simplify complexity, turning compliance challenges into commercial gain. How do you feel about adding another layer of complexity on top of your existing regulatory reality? Not too excited, I imagine.The arrival of the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS) for parts of the shipping sector (cargo and passenger vessels over 5,000 GT) on 1 July may feel both new and familiar.

Aker Solutions has been awarded a substantial contract to deliver a high-voltage direct current (HVDC) substructure for a European offshore wind project by an undisclosed customer.The company's scope of work includes engineering, procurement and construction.Aker Solutions said it will book the award as order intake in the second quarter of 2026 in its Renewables and Field Development segment.The company defines a substantial contract as having a value of between $250 million (NOK 2.5 billion) and $400 million (NOK 4.0 billion).The customer and the offshore wind project were not disclosed.

MacGregor has secured a series of offshore load handling modernization and upgrade contracts during the first half of 2026, strengthening its position in the offshore services market.The contracts, booked in the company's first- and second-quarter 2026 order intake, cover engineering, upgrades and modernization projects aimed at improving the performance and extending the operational life of offshore cranes and other load handling equipment.Among the projects is the complete replacement of crane control systems with MacGregor's latest technology…

Danish marine equipment supplier Svanehoj has secured its first contract to supply LNG tank gauging systems for the conversion of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier into a floating storage unit (FSU).The company will deliver four LNG density and temperature (LTD) gauging systems to Drydocks World Dubai for the conversion of the LNG carrier LNG Bayelsa into the FSU Cap Lopez.The conversion is being carried out for Dixstone Lower Gulf FZCO as part of a floating LNG development aimed at expanding Gabon's offshore gas infrastructure.