India hosted the inaugural Quad Ports of the Future Conference in Mumbai, bringing together 120 delegates from 24 Indo-Pacific nations. Focused on resilient port development, discussions emphasized infrastructure, cybersecurity, and sustainability. Prime Minister Modi highlighted India’s strategic geography and invited global investors, reaffirming its commitment to a digitally advanced maritime ecosystem.
The Neoliner Origin, the world’s largest cargo sailboat, completed its inaugural transatlantic voyage on October 30. Despite sustaining damage to its aft sail during a storm, the vessel successfully docked in Baltimore after stopping in Saint Pierre and Miquelon. Designed to significantly reduce emissions, it carries 5,300 tonnes of cargo.
Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Yanmar Power Solutions, and Japan Engine Corporation have achieved a milestone by conducting the world’s first land-based operation of marine hydrogen engines. This innovative demonstration utilized a liquefied hydrogen fuel supply system, enabling stable hydrogen combustion in various engine types, and paving the way for future zero-emission maritime solutions.
During a live demonstration aboard the MS Lumière, Shipping Technology and Retina achieved a historic autonomous Dock2Dock voyage. The integration of Retina’s M-Pilot with ST BRAIN and Autonomous Lane Assist enabled the vessel to undock, navigate, and dock autonomously, while the captain maintained oversight for safety throughout the journey.
BIO-UV Group launched its first commercial containerized BIO-SEA ballast water treatment system at Port-la-Nouvelle, supporting the EFGL floating offshore wind project. This system treated ballast water from three turbine platforms, ensuring compliance with IMO D-2 standards. It’s a crucial step for integrating marine technologies into renewables and achieving Europe’s net-zero goals.
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.
In a major step for maritime decarbonization, Anew Climate and Seaspan Energy successfully conducted their first ship-to-ship loading of renewable liquefied natural gas (Bio-LNG) at the Port of Long Beach, California. This operation marks a pivotal advancement in transitioning to lower-carbon marine fuels along the North American West Coast.
Tsuneishi Shipbuilding has launched Ten-Oh, Japan’s first hydrogen-powered tugboat. This 38-meter vessel features a BeHydro hydrogen dual-fuel engine, developed for The Nippon Foundation’s Zero Emission Ships Project. With 4,400 horsepower and a high-pressure hydrogen storage system, Ten-Oh aims to revolutionize sustainable maritime operations while ensuring safety with marine fuel backup.
A collaboration between GTT, Bloom Energy, and Ponant Explorations Group aims to develop the first net-zero cruise ship, integrating fuel cells with marine carbon capture technology. The project seeks to create an energy-efficient vessel that meets onboard consumption needs while significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions, with plans for operation by 2030.
Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) has marked a pivotal moment in India’s maritime industry by securing its first international order for container vessels, valued between $225 million and $300 million. This milestone, which involves constructing six LNG-powered feeder ships for CMA CGM, positions India as a rising contender in global shipbuilding.
On October 9, 2025, the Fratelli Cosulich Group unveiled Maya Cosulich, the world’s first methanol-powered IMO II chemical bunker tanker, at Taizhou Maple Leaf Shipyard. The event featured Ms. Hoe Sook Mei as the ship’s Godmother. Designed by SeaTech Solutions, it sets a new standard for alternative marine fuel delivery.
Reach Subsea has gained approval from Norwegian maritime authorities to operate its first uncrewed surface vessel, Reach Remote 1, independently for offshore missions. This milestone allows it to deploy work-class remotely operated vehicles without a support ship. The vessel’s safety has been validated, marking a significant advancement in autonomous subsea operations.
On September 28, 2025, the Ulsan Port Authority celebrated a milestone with Korea’s first methanol bunkering for a dual-fuel bulk carrier. The operation, involving the “Green Future,” underscores Ulsan’s commitment to sustainable marine fuel, following its pioneering methanol bunkering demonstrations for container ships in 2023-2024.
India has inaugurated its first domestically developed Drive-Through Cargo Scanner (ICS) at Jawaharlal Nehru Custom House, marking a significant milestone in trade security. This collaborative project by BARC and JNCH employs advanced technologies to enhance efficiency, aiming for a 50% reduction in operational costs and supporting the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Jana Marine Services has made history by becoming the first to receive the CR-Ex cyber resilience notation for its Self-Elevating Units: JANA 505, 508, and 509. This recognition enhances cyber safety protocols in accordance with IACS standards, showcasing technological advancement and supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 for economic diversification.
