Five years post-implementation of the Seafarers’ Rights Code, over 1,000 shipping companies engage in RightShip’s Crew Welfare Self-Assessment, reflecting progress. Nonetheless, many seafarers still face inadequate conditions, including wage delays and insufficient crew numbers. Urgent action is needed to enhance mental health support and integrate welfare into operational decisions for sustainable improvement.
Five years after the Sustainable Shipping Initiative introduced the Delivering on Seafarers’ Rights Code of Conduct, many companies have improved seafarer welfare. However, challenges remain, with only 59% of seafarers feeling safe reporting issues. The report calls for enhanced mental health training and wider adoption of welfare standards across the industry.
ABS and Lomar Labs have established a Master Research Collaboration Agreement to promote innovative technologies in the maritime sector. This partnership aims to reduce emissions and enhance fuel efficiency by supporting startups. Their first project with Blaze Energy will test a compact fuel reformer for alternative fuels in commercial shipping.
Shipping Deputy Minister Marina Hadjimanolis emphasized the vital role of seafarer protection in achieving safe and competitive shipping practices during a maritime program in Athens. Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Maritime Labour Convention, she highlighted its importance in safeguarding seafarers’ rights amid evolving industry challenges and technological advancements.
The mtu Series 2000 variable-speed generator sets are known for their remarkable power density, achieving up to 15% reductions in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Versatile and efficient, these generators adapt seamlessly to varying loads, making them ideal for electric and hybrid vessels, while also minimizing noise and vibration on board.
Lloyd’s Register has granted Design Appraisal to HD Hyundai Heavy Industries for its pioneering fore-accommodation LNG carrier design, incorporating Mitsui O.S.K. Lines’ Wind Challenger hard-sail system. This appraisal confirms compliance with LR’s Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems standards, marking a significant step towards sustainable LNG transportation solutions. Key partners include HHI, MOL, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands Maritime Administrator.
The Society for Gas as a Marine Fuel (SGMF) has published a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) on methanol as a marine fuel, highlighting its potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Evaluating 15 production pathways, the assessment shows that renewable energy utilization can significantly lower emissions, emphasizing the importance of ongoing updates in alternative fuels research.
K Shipbuilding and Lloyd’s Register have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to co-develop a 50,000 dwt medium-range product tanker powered by ethanol. This initiative, announced at Gastech 2026 in Bangkok, focuses on exploring the technical and regulatory aspects necessary for safe implementation, while aiming for Approval in Principle from LR.
HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, BAR Technologies, and the Liberian Registry have partnered to explore large wing sails for LNG carriers, formalizing their initiative at Gastech 2026 in Bangkok. The project aims to integrate BAR’s WindWings system into a new 174,000 cubic-meter LNG carrier, enhancing efficiency and supporting emissions reductions.
At Gastech 2026 in Bangkok, Lloyd’s Register partnered with HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries to advance LNG carrier designs featuring hybrid electric propulsion. They signed an Approval in Principle for a 185,000 cbm LNG carrier, focusing on safety, system architecture, and battery integration for sustainable maritime solutions.
Compagnie Maritime Nantaise (MN), part of the Sogestran Group, has announced plans for a hybrid RoRo vessel designed for the space industry. Set to be operational by 2030, it will integrate conventional and wind-assisted propulsion, enhancing cargo transport capabilities for launch vehicles and satellites, while minimizing environmental impact.
Europort 2027, the premier event for specialized vessels and maritime technology, will occur at Rotterdam Ahoy from November 2 to 5. This edition introduces themes like Maritime Resilience and Net-Zero Shipping, addressing sustainability and digitalization amidst geopolitical tensions. It aims to foster collaboration among industry stakeholders for future solutions.
India reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening maritime cooperation with Germany and Europe at the India Reception in Hamburg during SMM Hamburg 2026. The event, organized by the Consulate General, facilitated discussions among officials and industry leaders, focusing on innovation, sustainable practices, and a new Memorandum of Understanding to enhance bilateral collaboration.
Minister Sarbananda Sonowal conducted a review today on advancing green shipping corridors and ports’ readiness for alternative fuels. Emphasizing maritime decarbonization, he highlighted India’s commitment to becoming a leader in environmentally friendly trade routes. Officials reported progress on green fuel initiatives, underscoring the necessity for collaboration in achieving sustainability goals.
Maersk, in collaboration with Anemoi, is pioneering wind-assisted propulsion on a smaller containership, marking the first use of a wind rotor on boxships. The 5-meter-diameter rotor sail aims to enhance efficiency and reduce emissions. Scheduled for retrofitting in mid-2027, it will be installed on a Lima class vessel.
