SeaTrac deployed its SP-48 uncrewed surface vehicle in the Gulf of Mexico to identify hypoxic zones. Collaborating with the University of Southern Mississippi and NOAA, the 14-day project aimed to validate real-time data collection. Despite adverse conditions, the SP-48 effectively demonstrated operational autonomy and reduced manpower needs during its mission.
Lloyd’s Register (LR) has granted Approval in Principle (AiP) to HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) for their innovative vacuum-insulated large-scale liquid hydrogen (LH₂) tank system. This achievement marked the world’s first technical validation of large-scale LH₂ tank insulation design through successful testing of a large-scale vacuum chamber.
In 2024, the maritime industry saw a surge in LNG-powered vessels, with 515 ordered, a 38% increase from the previous year. The industry’s commitment to decarbonization is evident, with the number of LNG-fueled ships doubling between 2021 and 2024. Shipowners also showed interest in methanol as an alternative fuel, reflecting a broader shift towards sustainability.
Molabo is set to showcase its latest innovations at boot Düsseldorf, offering award-winning electric drive systems for the marine industry. With a focus on safety, reliability, and cost-effectiveness, Molabo aims to revolutionize the boating experience. Collaborating with industry leaders, Molabo is driving the transition towards emission-free boating.
Ocean fertilization, a method of removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere by feeding phytoplankton with trace minerals, is seen as a promising solution. Gigablue, a startup from Israel now based in New York, has developed a system using substrate particles coated with nutrients to stimulate plankton growth and sequester carbon at the ocean floor.
Shell has confirmed the discovery of an unexploded bomb near a 40-year-old gas line in the North Sea. The bomb was found during an inspection of the Flags pipeline, located east of Shetland. An investigation is underway to determine how the bomb ended up near the operating gas pipeline. The MCA has been notified.
The Fuel EU Maritime Regulation, effective from January 1, 2025, mandates vessels over 5,000 gross tonnage to reduce greenhouse gas emissions gradually. Shipowners must submit a monitoring plan by August 31, 2024, to adhere to the reporting system. Non-compliance penalties can be steep, but options like pooling and trading surplus compliance balances offer flexibility.
The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and 47 governments are pushing for net zero greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping by 2050. They have proposed a maritime GHG emissions pricing mechanism to the UN IMO. Major shipping nations and the EU support this initiative to drive a rapid energy transition in shipping.
The European Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA) has welcomed the Bulgarian Shipowners Association (BSA) as its newest full member, expanding its reach and influence within the maritime industry. ECSA President, Karin Orsel, expressed pride in welcoming BSA, highlighting the association’s ability to enhance the geographical coverage and knowledge base of ECSA.
The Baltic Exchange’s main sea freight index, which tracks rates for ships carrying dry bulk commodities, reached a one-month high on Monday. Capesize rates drove the increase, with the index rising by 45 points to 1,093 points. Capesize vessels saw a significant earnings boost, while panamax and supramax rates declined.
A risky operation to salvage an oil tanker attacked by Houthi militants in the Red Sea has been successfully completed, preventing a potential massive oil spill. The Greek-registered MT Sounion, carrying 150,000 tonnes of crude oil, was hit by missiles and drones. After months of efforts, the vessel has been declared safe and its cargo removed.
In 2024, the wind-assisted ship propulsion industry experienced significant growth, with 54 large ships operational and seven more designated as wind-ready. The International Windship Association reported a global increase in wind vessels, with an orderbook of 80 ships and more expected for 2026 and 2027. Wind propulsion is becoming popular in shipping.
The UK’s Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has raised serious concerns about the safety of Egyptian submersibles in the Red Sea due to a series of tragic accidents involving fatalities, including British nationals. The most recent incident, involving the submersible Marine History, resulted in up to 18 deaths or disappearances, prompting investigations and safety measures.
ANELLO Photonics has introduced a new Maritime INS that combines Silicon Photonic Optical Gyroscope technology with a sensor fusion engine for high-precision navigation. The system offers reference-grade position, velocity, and attitude data output, with a three-axis SiPhOG boasting less than 0.5°/hr unaided heading drift. It features dual triple-frequency GNSS receivers.
Schiebel’s Camcopter S-300 has been chosen for a European Defence Fund-supported maritime security exercise. The SEACURE consortium, led by Thales, aims to demonstrate European capabilities in autonomous anti-submarine and seabed warfare. With improved endurance and payload capacity, the S-300 will play a key role in detecting underwater threats in challenging conditions.
