News items selected for weekly newsletter
The Bessie Ellen, a traditional West Country trading ship, celebrated its 120th anniversary with a tour of Britain. Owner and master Nikki Alford expressed gratitude for the crew who sailed through storms and rain. The historic vessel, once used for transporting cargo, now undergoes restoration work to preserve its legacy for future generations.
Cobham Satcom has unveiled a new line of advanced satellite Safety Terminals for the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) in collaboration with Inmarsat Maritime and Iridium. These terminals offer cutting-edge safety services, integrating LRIT and SSAS systems for enhanced maritime safety. Cobham Satcom ensures seamless access to communication functions for mariners worldwide.
The Methane Abatement in Maritime Innovation Initiative (MAMII) has launched a new Methane Measurement Protocol (MMP) to help reduce methane emissions in the shipping industry. Led by Panos Mitrou, the initiative aims to establish a universal method for measuring and crediting methane performance, supporting global efforts to combat climate change.
Ponant’s Commander Charcot expedition cruise ship made history as the first vessel to reach the remote North Pole. Crossing the Transpolar Route from Alaska to Svalbard, the ship reached the geographic North Pole on September 15. With scientific research at its core, the ship collects data to support studies in various fields while prioritizing environmental responsibility.
At the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, the shipping industry and cargo owners came together to urge urgent action in decarbonizing shipping. The joint statement emphasized the need for a global regulatory framework and medium-term measures to transition to eco-friendly fuels. Industry leaders highlight the importance of fairness and tangible solutions.
South Korea has achieved a major milestone in autonomous shipping with the successful installation and testing of the first containership with an integrated automation system. The vessel, POS Singapore, built as part of a government program, is now heading to Shanghai for a year of validation testing.
Amogy, a start-up specializing in ammonia-to-power technology, showcased its innovative cracking technology by powering a tugboat along a tributary of New York State’s Hudson River. This milestone, achieved just before their fourth anniversary, demonstrates their mission to decarbonize industries. The “NH3 Kraken” vessel, fueled by green ammonia, highlights Amogy’s unique contribution to sustainable maritime solutions.
The IMO has adopted interim guidelines for ammonia as marine fuel after negotiations at the 10th session of the IMO Sub-Committee on Cargo and Containers. With the shipping industry transitioning to alternative fuels, safety guidelines for ammonia and hydrogen use are being developed by the CCC for international standards by 2025.
Rolls-Royce is revolutionizing the energy sector with its new micro nuclear reactors in the Czech Republic. These small modular reactors offer a compact, affordable, and efficient alternative to traditional nuclear power plants. By streamlining the process of harnessing nuclear power, Rolls-Royce aims to reshape the global energy landscape and advance emission-free energy for shipping.
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has unveiled details about its upcoming ship, Norwegian Luna, joining the fleet in spring 2026. The ship, part of the Prima Plus class, will be the fifth largest in NCL’s fleet, accommodating 3,550 guests. With exciting features like the Aqua Slidecoaster and Glow Court, the ship promises unique experiences for guests sailing to Caribbean destinations.
The Disney Treasure, Disney Cruise Line’s latest ship, completed its journey from a shipyard in Germany to its berth in the Netherlands. The 16-hour conveyance along the Ems River was guided by tugs due to the ship’s massive size. After sea trials, the ship will sail to Port Canaveral, Florida, offering a magical cruise experience for guests.
ST Engineering has unveiled its new shipyard at 55 Gul Road in Singapore, replacing the expiring Tuas Yard. The Gul Yard, double the size of Tuas Yard, is equipped for larger projects. With AI-driven automation, digital twin technology, and 5G connectivity, the facility aims for efficiency and safety. Sustainability initiatives include electric vehicles and a clean energy transition plan.
The European Commission has unveiled an industrial maritime strategy to enhance Europe’s maritime manufacturing sector’s competitiveness, sustainability, and resilience. This strategy supports the green and digital transition, infrastructure development, and investment in decarbonization solutions. Collaboration across the waterborne transport sector is crucial for maintaining global leadership and creating quality jobs.
HIF Global, a leading e-fuels company, has secured a substantial investment from Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) to expand its projects in the US, Australia, Chile, and Uruguay. This partnership marks the third Japanese investment in 2024, establishing a strong value chain for producing, transporting, and refining e-fuels for a more sustainable future.
Wärtsilä and Chevron Shipping are collaborating to convert six LNG Carriers to spark gas operation, reducing methane slip and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. This innovative project, the first of its kind in the marine industry, aims to optimize combustion and decrease methane emissions intensity for a more sustainable future in maritime transportation.
