BIO-UV Group has deployed its BIO-SEA ballast water treatment system at Port-la-Nouvelle, supporting the EFGL floating offshore wind project in the Mediterranean. This initiative, the first of its kind in Occitanie, ensures compliance with IMO D-2 standards, enhancing environmental protection while facilitating the assembly of floating wind turbine platforms.
Researchers at the University of Southern Queensland are advancing sustainable maritime infrastructure to withstand Queensland’s harsh coastal conditions and severe weather. Co-lead Professor Allan Manalo emphasizes the urgent need to replace aging infrastructure. Collaborating with Wagners Composite Fibre Technologies, they are testing high-performance composites to enhance durability and promote low-carbon construction methods.
ClassNK has awarded a Technology Qualification (TQ) for ‘SAS-IBS’, part of Samsung Heavy Industries’ Autonomous Navigation Assistance System. Presented at KORMARINE 2025, this initiative aims to enhance maritime autonomous surface ship technologies, reduce human error, and address labor shortages, while ensuring safety through comprehensive evaluation and guidelines for innovative technologies.
Hanwha Group’s subsidiaries have partnered with South Korea’s HMM and the Korean Register to promote carbon neutrality in maritime transport. The MOU, signed at KORMARINE 2025, aims to develop innovative propulsion systems using fuel cells and ammonia gas turbines for mid-sized vessels, enhancing the nation’s shipping industry’s sustainability.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency has transformed its operational efficiency through a data upskilling program in partnership with Multiverse, saving over 3,000 hours. Training 68 individuals in machine learning and data visualization, the initiative fosters a data-first culture, enhancing maritime safety and environmental clean-up while significantly increasing tool adoption.
The Batam People’s Coalition plans to intensify protests in support of ASL shipyard workers, demanding government action on safety violations. Following a tragic explosion that caused fatalities, organizers are calling for a temporary halt to operations for a thorough investigation. The coalition emphasizes the urgent need for stricter workplace safety regulations.
The Colombo West International Terminal (CWIT), a joint venture between India’s Adani and Sri Lanka’s John Keells Holdings, has significantly boosted Sri Lanka’s Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in 2025. With an investment of USD 229 million, it has enhanced port infrastructure and is poised to increase the Port of Colombo’s capacity substantially.
At Techonomy Impact, Sampriti Bhattacharyya, CEO of Navier, unveiled an all-electric hydrofoil boat designed to transform maritime travel. By utilizing aerospace engineering, the vessel minimizes drag, achieving an 80% reduction in energy consumption. Bhattacharyya advocates for rethinking maritime design to create zero-emission transportation hubs in coastal cities.
BIMCO is developing a new clause to address “Special Port Fees” for US-related ships arriving at Chinese ports, effective October 14, 2025. This follows the Chinese Ministry of Transport’s announcement on October 10. BIMCO aims to provide clarity amid geopolitical tensions and has prioritized drafting this new clause.
A recent study by Seafarers’ Rights International reveals that cabotage laws now cover 85% of global coastlines, increasing from 91 countries in 2018 to 105 in 2025. These laws are vital for national security and economic stability, reflecting a shift in how nations perceive strategic autonomy amid geopolitical volatility.
Shipping accounts for over 80% of global trade by volume, highlighting the necessity of effective crew management. With around 1.9 million seafarers, human error contributes to nearly 75% of maritime accidents. Robust crew management encompasses training, compliance, and safety protocols, ultimately enhancing operational efficiency and safeguarding both lives and cargo.
The European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) has voiced concerns over the International Maritime Organisation’s decision to delay the Net-Zero Framework adoption by a year. This postponement could impede emission reduction efforts and climate targets in the shipping sector, highlighting the urgent need for effective strategies to combat climate change.
In 2025, the Dubai Maritime Authority reported a remarkable increase in maritime permits, surpassing five times the figures from 2024. This surge reflects strong international investor confidence and highlights the rapid expansion of the sector, particularly in commercial activities and towing operations, showcasing Dubai’s commitment to sustainable growth and infrastructure development.
On October 22, 2025, Exail, in partnership with Thesta, delivered the DriX H-8, an uncrewed surface vessel, to Orlen Petrobaltic. This marks the first commercial deployment of Exail’s DriX model in Poland, enhancing offshore operations in the Baltic Sea with advanced hydrographic survey capabilities and underscoring Exail’s commitment to autonomous maritime technology.
Iran’s National Iranian Tanker Company (NITC) fleet briefly broadcast AIS signals from October 12 to 14, with 52 out of 88 tankers transmitting locations. This unusual transparency raised questions among analysts, especially as the fleet returned to “dark operations” shortly thereafter, leaving only one tanker visible by October 17.
