The Industrial Decarbonisation Research and Innovation Centre (IDRIC) at Heriot-Watt University is collaborating on a £1 million project, “MaritimeTwin,” to develop a digital twin solution for reducing shipping emissions. By integrating real-time satellite data, this technology aims to optimize navigation, enhance fuel efficiency, and support cleaner global shipping practices.
Pulsar International and Inmarsat Maritime have announced a significant advancement in their partnership, committing to implement the NexusWave service across over 300 vessels within a year. As the first NexusWave partner in the Mediterranean, Pulsar aims to enhance digitalization and crew welfare with reliable connectivity, starting installations in October 2025.
D-Marin’s smart marina technology is thriving, with nearly 20,000 boaters using its app. This platform enhances efficiency and customer experience, boasting over 19,300 active users. Features like Smart Pedestals and Smart Sensors allow easy management of berths and utilities, highlighting D-Marin’s commitment to innovation and sustainability in marina life.
Yanmar has expanded its saildrive range with the new SD110 and SD150 models, designed for monohulls and catamarans up to 20 meters. These systems offer efficient propulsion, compatible with Yanmar’s standard rail engines. Featuring hydraulic shifting and compact designs, they promise seamless installation and reduced costs for manufacturers.
Sperry Marine has released a whitepaper on the S-100 standards’ impact on ECDIS, aiming to enhance navigational data quality and vessel safety. The new framework, developed with the International Hydrographic Organization, allows for multiple data layers, improving navigational capabilities. Adoption begins in January 2026, with mandatory use by 2029.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is grappling with a deep divide over its Net-Zero Framework, which proposes a global fuel standard and emissions pricing for ships. Supporters view it as essential for decarbonization, while opponents, including the U.S., criticize it as a “global carbon tax,” raising concerns about economic impacts.
Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore has launched OptiCARBON, a SaaS platform aimed at optimizing energy and compliance costs for maritime fleets. Targeting cruise and passenger vessel operators, it enhances energy efficiency while simplifying regulatory processes. The platform allows tailored decarbonization strategies and explores emissions reduction pathways, supporting long-term strategic planning.
The World Shipping Council has launched a Cargo Safety Program to combat misdeclared and undeclared dangerous goods, addressing the alarming rise in ship fires. Utilizing AI-driven screening and standardized inspections, the initiative aims to protect crew, vessels, and the marine environment, while enhancing safety standards across the industry.
Accelleron’s inaugural report, “Deadlock: What’s Stopping Shipping’s Carbon-Neutral Fuel Transition?”, argues that while efficiency measures can help meet IMO’s 2030 targets, deeper decarbonization hinges on the adoption of green hydrogen fuels. Collaboration across sectors is crucial to stimulate production, reduce costs, and achieve net-zero emissions in shipping.
The New Zealand government is revising legislation to balance offshore wind energy and seabed mining. Energy Minister Simon Watts highlighted the potential for offshore wind to boost the economy. The Offshore Renewable Energy Bill aims to create a regulatory framework that fosters investment, while a significant wind farm project in South Taranaki progresses.
3t, a leader in safety-critical training, has received accreditation from the Transport General Authority for its maritime programs in Dammam. This endorsement aligns with international standards, enhancing Saudi Arabia’s maritime workforce skills. Hani Sagr emphasized its role in fostering local talent and meeting regional needs, supporting Vision 2030 goals.
On September 13, 2025, the sailing yacht Oceanview sank off Portugal after being struck by orcas. The yacht, owned by Nautic Squad, had five individuals aboard, all rescued before it went under. Nearby footage captured the dramatic collision, raising concerns about orca interactions with vessels in the region.
The Maritime Technologies Forum will release a crucial report on September 30, aimed at assisting ship operators in managing risks from electric vehicle (EV) fires on carriers and ferries. The report outlines best practices, including early detection systems, explosion-resistant equipment, and enhanced training, to improve safety amid ongoing debates about EV fire risks.
The D.E.E.P project, led by Enki Marine and funded by Innovate UK, aims to revolutionize marine propellers using advanced additive manufacturing and digital twin technology. This initiative will assess the feasibility of modern manufacturing processes, benchmark against traditional methods, and establish pathways for regulatory approval, enhancing propeller performance and intelligence.
The UK government has announced a £1.1 billion investment package for the maritime sector, focusing on coastal community growth and clean shipping. This funding, revealed during London International Shipping Week, includes £448 million for decarbonization and significant private sector contributions, aiming to create thousands of jobs and enhance sustainable technologies.
