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.
Lloyd’s Register, A.P. Moller – Maersk, and the ports of Charleston and Felixstowe are collaborating on the Pink Corridor, a proposed nuclear-powered container ship route. This initiative focuses on ship security, cyber resilience, and regulatory alignment, aiming to enhance sustainable maritime operations under the US-UK Technology Prosperity Deal.
Everllence has launched Engine Supported Air Lubrication (ESAL), a groundbreaking technology aimed at enhancing vessel energy efficiency. Their white paper highlights ESAL’s potential to cut emissions and costs by integrating hull air lubrication with engine air, promising up to 6% net efficiency gains while addressing upcoming IMO regulations effectively.
At the International Maritime Organization gathering, the Secretary-General reaffirmed that decarbonisation remains a critical priority, despite diminished media attention. He urged early investment in green technologies, warning that failing to act could jeopardize the industry’s future. Emphasizing collaboration, he called for proactive involvement from younger professionals in shaping sustainable shipping policies.
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.
SINTEF and VARD have formed a strategic partnership to advance research and innovation in maritime solutions, focusing on energy-efficient and digital vessels. Officially launched at the ONS exhibition in Norway, the collaboration aims to address industry demands during the energy transition, leveraging expertise in ship design and advanced technologies.
Demonstrations are underway for an innovative power solution being retrofitted onto the ultramax bulker Maria Tipoc. Part of the WHISPER initiative, this project aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in maritime transport. It features a tiltable rigid wingsail and solar panels, marking a significant step towards sustainable shipping practices.
Three maritime companies in Southeast Asia—ClassNK, Evergreen Marine Corporation, and Samsung Heavy Industries—have partnered with Weathernews Inc. to utilize AI for verifying fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in shipping. Their initiative aims to enhance decarbonization efforts, supporting the International Maritime Organization’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.
ClassNK has released an updated edition of its ‘Guidelines for Ships Using Alternative Fuels’, enhancing safety protocols for vessels powered by methanol, ethanol, and hydrogen. Key revisions include structural strength standards for fuel tanks and the introduction of a hydrogen leak frequency table, promoting safer, regulatory-compliant designs in the marine industry.
GAIL (India) Limited, the Deendayal Port Authority, and DNV have formed a Tripartite Cooperation Agreement to establish an LNG bunkering facility at Kandla Port. This collaboration combines LNG expertise, strategic port infrastructure, and maritime safety knowledge, significantly enhancing LNG capabilities and promoting cleaner marine fuels in line with India’s sustainability goals.
Wind propulsion technologies will take center stage at the SMM trade fair in Hamburg from September 1-4, 2026. With over 100 commercial vessels utilizing these innovations, the event will showcase the industry’s shift towards sustainable practices. Attendees can expect valuable insights and networking opportunities focused on reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
At a recent meeting of the Baltic Sea Green Shipping Corridors project, partners discussed transforming the region into a hub for low-emission maritime transport. Key challenges identified included fragmented financial mechanisms and regulatory uncertainties. The project aims to foster collaboration among stakeholders to establish effective green shipping corridors for sustainable maritime operations.
ClassNK has launched a project to verify fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions reductions using an AI-based autonomous navigation system in real vessel operations. Collaborating with Samsung Heavy Industries, Weathernews Inc., and Evergreen Marine Corporation, the initiative aims to enhance operational efficiency and minimize environmental impact through advanced technologies.
Conoship International has unveiled the fully electric CIP3800 general cargo vessel, enhancing its CIP-Series. With a 40-MWh battery, it achieves a range of 350 nautical miles at 10 knots. Designed for emission-restricted routes, it maintains a cargo capacity of 3,200 tons while producing zero direct emissions in operation.
