Lloyd’s Register has launched a new risk-based notation, Fire (C, Risk), to enhance fire safety assessments for container vessels. This notation, part of the July 2025 update, allows stakeholders to evaluate fire risks and implement tailored safety enhancements, promoting innovation and supporting data-driven verification in ship design.
On September 5, 2025, a Fifth Circuit Court decision emphasized the principle of bailments in a case involving a sunken barge. The court ruled that the loading facility failed to demonstrate that damage occurred before delivery, highlighting the necessity for transparency regarding a vessel’s condition to avoid disputes in maritime relationships.
Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (“K” LINE) announced that its subsidiary, Oceanicwing, completed the first phase of land-based testing for the Seawing kite system. This innovative wind-assisted propulsion system aims to enhance maritime transport efficiency by harnessing high-altitude winds, with promising results leading to further development phases and larger-scale testing planned.
Greece is enhancing maritime sustainability by installing cold ironing systems at twelve major ports by 2029, including Mykonos and Santorini. This initiative will allow ships to connect to shore power, significantly reducing emissions. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, it aligns with EU carbon neutrality goals and modernizes Greece’s ports.
Houthi militants have intensified attacks on Israel and related shipping, despite no new threats. This increase follows Israel’s commitment to counter Houthi actions, especially after the use of cluster bombs. The UK Maritime Trade Operations warned of an incident involving an “unknown projectile” in the Red Sea, highlighting rising regional tensions.
Starlink Maritime has slashed its unlimited data package price for IMO-registered vessels from $25,000 to $2,500 per month, a 90% reduction. Launched in early 2024, the Mobile Priority Unlimited package offers uncapped data and a 99.9% uptime guarantee, aiming to enhance connectivity in the commercial shipping sector.
Since launching Operation Pacific Viper on August 8, the U.S. Coast Guard has seized over £40,000 worth of cocaine in the Eastern Pacific, resulting in 14 arrests. This initiative disrupts drug smuggling by targeting criminal organizations, showcasing the Coast Guard’s capabilities and commitment to maritime drug interdiction.
Swedish company eMarine is integrating 1,500 ABB NINVA™ non-invasive temperature sensors into its energy management solutions for the maritime sector. This collaboration introduces ABB’s innovative technology to the marine industry, enhancing efficiency and sustainability for cruise and cargo operators by optimizing heat recovery and reducing fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions.
Azolla has launched an EUA Requisition Platform to streamline compliance with the EU Emissions Trading System. This platform provides live EUA pricing, enabling direct transactions for shipowners and charterers. By simplifying onboarding and reducing KYC processes, it offers a rapid procurement pathway and democratizes access to the EUA market.
Kongsberg Maritime is enhancing mooring solutions for offshore floating structures by developing simplified technologies that reduce costs, complexity, and environmental impact. Their innovations aim to minimize components and eliminate active tensioning equipment, enabling safer installations and significant fuel savings, ultimately streamlining offshore floater operations while improving safety and reliability.
DRAVIDAM, Bangalore, in collaboration with curator Jaya Mani, presents “Voyages: The Ancient Maritime Silk Route,” featuring artists Gunjan Jain and Suresh Muthukulam. This exhibition explores historical maritime connections between South India and Southeast Asia, highlighting the cultural exchanges influenced by the Pallava dynasty and the Chola Empire from the 3rd to 15th century CE.
A new feasibility study, FASTMOVE, led by Ricardo in collaboration with Brunel University London and the Port of Cromarty Firth, is exploring ammonia as a maritime fuel. This initiative aims to assess ammonia’s role in decarbonization and develop a next-generation combustion engine, enhancing the UK’s leadership in sustainable maritime technology.
DP World’s $2.5 billion investment in global logistics infrastructure aims to create nearly 5,000 new construction jobs by 2025 across several countries, including India, Britain, and Senegal. This initiative, highlighted by projects like the Tuna Tekra terminal and the Ndayane port, underscores economic transformation driven by supportive trade practices.
The US has warned countries against supporting a proposed UN marine fuel emissions deal, threatening tariffs and port fees in retaliation. With the Trump administration seeking more influence in global shipping, American officials argue the draft agreement would unfairly burden the industry and have little effect on reducing emissions.
Advancements in information processing have increased the demand for efficient data centers. Floating data centers offer a sustainable solution by utilizing water’s superior cooling capacity and harnessing energy from rivers. Kinetic turbines on these platforms convert river flow into electricity, making them ideal for locations like the East River and Niagara River.
