The SMM 2026 exhibition has commenced in Hamburg, spotlighting key global maritime issues such as security, supply-chain resilience, decarbonisation, and digitalisation. With around 2,300 exhibitors and 50,000 attendees, industry leaders discussed adapting to geopolitical challenges, technological advancements, and the urgent need for international cooperation in maritime regulation and decarbonisation efforts.
Everllence has successfully completed full-scale testing of its 12-cylinder 175DF-M dual-fuel methanol engine in Frederikshavn, Denmark. Achieving over 95% methanol efficiency, the engine’s low-pressure port-fuel-injection simplifies fuel supply and reduces costs. With initial commercial orders secured, Everllence is poised to support maritime decarbonization efforts.
Inmarsat Maritime, part of Viasat, has launched a revolutionary Maritime Safety Data Hub, providing in-depth insights into risks impacting global shipping. By analyzing three years of GMDSS data and nearly 107,000 safety broadcasts from 2025, the platform identifies trends in weather hazards, operational pressures, and geopolitical instability affecting maritime safety.
Oil producers across the Americas have gained significantly during the Iran war, capturing market share from Middle Eastern exporters. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz disrupted global oil supplies, leading to a surge in crude exports from the U.S., Canada, and Argentina, marking a potential realignment in global oil trade.
The European Union faces criticism for approving ship dismantling facilities that remain largely inactive while EU vessels are scrapped in South Asia. Environmental groups, including the NGO Shipbreaking Platform, argue that the EU’s decision to include Indian recyclers undermines its own regulations, as domestic recycling capacity remains underutilized.
Contract negotiations for unionized workers at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries’ shipbuilding division have stalled, prompting a partial strike starting September 2. The Metal Workers’ Union demands include a monthly pay increase, a significant bonus hike, and profit-sharing, asserting that workers deserve a stake in the industry’s recovery.
DP World’s Marine Services division celebrated the naming of its first methanol dual-fuel vessel, DP World London, in Aarhus, Denmark. This milestone underscores the company’s commitment to sustainable supply chains. The event united key stakeholders to honor maritime traditions while emphasizing innovation and adaptability in evolving global markets.
In August 2026, Manta Marine Technologies (MMT) and Foreship by RINA formed a partnership to advance air lubrication technology in the maritime sector. MMT will manage the Manta Air Lubrication system, enhancing energy efficiency for large vessels by reducing friction. This collaboration aims to support shipowners’ decarbonization efforts effectively.
NYK has finalized the acquisition of a 50% stake in Avenir LNG Limited from Stolt-Nielsen Gas Ltd., establishing a joint ownership framework. This partnership aims to enhance LNG and bio-LNG bunkering operations, supporting the maritime industry’s transition to lower-emission fuels and aligning with global sustainability goals.
A tanker was struck by three unidentified projectiles while navigating the Strait of Hormuz, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations. The incident, occurring 17 nautical miles east of Khasab, Oman, raised concerns amid escalating US-Iran tensions. Fortunately, there were no casualties or environmental damage reported from the attack.
A tanker in the Indian Ocean near Oman reported an encounter with military forces, as noted by UK Maritime Trade Operations. While specifics remain undisclosed, the incident coincides with heightened U.S. enforcement of a maritime blockade against Iran. Ongoing geopolitical tensions suggest potential U.S. intervention in response to the encounter.
Singapore and Brazil have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish the Singapore-Brazil Green and Digital Shipping Corridor. This collaboration aims to harness Brazil’s renewable energy for zero-emission marine fuels and leverage Singapore’s position as a global maritime hub, enhancing sustainability and efficiency through innovative technologies and information exchanges.
Starting October 1, Korea will revise its ship inspection system to align with WHO standards, focusing on risk-based inspections. Quarantine officers will no longer board vessels solely for crew changes in disease-risk areas, expediting entry for around 10,000 ships annually while enhancing electronic document screenings and introducing random onboard checks.
The ABS report, “Decision Point: Practical Pathways to 2035,” reveals a pivotal shift in the shipping industry. Emphasizing the need for practical, value-driven decisions, it highlights that successful companies will adapt to diverse trading patterns and regulatory landscapes, prioritizing efficiency and flexibility over singular fuel choices in their strategic planning.
The yacht Viva La Vida ran aground in the Whitsunday Islands, jeopardizing delicate coral ecosystems. While all crew members were rescued, the incident raises concerns about environmental impact. Fines for damaging the UNESCO-listed habitat could reach A$364,000, highlighting the need for strict adherence to navigation rules in fragile marine areas.
