Lloyd’s Register, Shell, and GTT have launched a Joint Development Project to design a 200,000m³ LNG carrier featuring hybrid-electric propulsion and GTT’s NEXT1 technology. The initiative aims to enhance LNG carrier efficiency, ensure safety in propulsion systems, and evaluate commercial viability, paving the way for sustainable shipping solutions.
CMB.TECH has launched the Mineral Europa, the world’s first ammonia-powered dry bulk carrier, embarking on its inaugural journey to Australia. This 210,000-tonne vessel symbolizes a major leap towards sustainable shipping. As part of a fleet expansion, it highlights the industry’s commitment to alternative fuels and eco-friendly maritime transport.
The shipping sector is enhancing fuel efficiency to meet decarbonization goals and manage costs. BIMCO’s Energy Saving Device Retrofit Addendum 2026 introduces a flexible framework for negotiating costs and benefits of energy-saving installations, addressing historical conflicts between shipowners and charterers, and fostering investment in sustainable technologies.
Orders for alternative-fuel vessels surged to 168 in Q3 2026, the highest quarterly total in two years, driven by 69 orders in September alone. LNG vessels led the orders, with 48 contracts across various types. This rebound highlights shipowners’ commitment to investing in alternative-fuel capabilities for their fleets.
A.P. Moller-Maersk has achieved a significant milestone by bunkering its Tangier Maersk containership with 100% U.S.-produced corn ethanol in Houston. This marks the first ship-to-ship commercial ethanol bunkering for deep-sea vessels in the U.S., highlighting the company’s exploration of diverse alternative fuels for its fleet.
RINA has bolstered its Singapore Open Innovation Hub with support from the Singapore Economic Development Board, aiming to accelerate innovation in maritime and energy sectors. The initiative focuses on digital twin technologies, decarbonization solutions, and AI-driven platforms, fostering collaboration among industry stakeholders to address critical challenges and drive sustainable advancements.
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.
