German Association Urges Strategic “Buy European” Policy
The German Shipbuilding and Ocean Industries Association (VSM) is calling on European leaders to adopt a pragmatic industrial strategy as debate intensifies around a proposed “Buy European” approach tied to public spending in strategic sectors.In a statement issued during an informal meeting of the European Council in Belgium, VSM argued that requiring a defined level of European value creation in publicly funded projects should not be framed as protectionism.
NYK Achieves 65% Emissions Cut with Methanol-Fueled Bulk Carrier
NYK Bulk & Projects Carriers (NBP), a member of the NYK Group, has operated a methanol dual-fuel bulk carrier using low-carbon methanol fuel for the transportation of copper concentrate for BHP Group, achieving an approximately 65% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions on a well-to-wake basis compared to conventional fuel.The initiative marks what the NYK Group said is the world’s first use of low-carbon methanol fuel on an oceangoing bulk carrier…
Watchkeepers Could Have Avoided Collision with VHF Communication
The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has released its report into the collision between the bulk carrier Polesie and the general cargo ship Verity that resulted in the sinking of the Verity with five fatalities.The collision occurred on the morning of October 24, 2023, when the Isle of Man registered general cargo carrier Verity collided with the Bahamas registered bulk carrier Polesie…
Kongsberg Maritime Launches S-4L Waterjet
Kongsberg Maritime has announced the launch of its new Kamewa S-4L waterjet series with a major contract to supply propulsion systems for Gotlandsbolaget’s next-generation high-speed ferry, Horizon X.The multi-fuel vessel, currently under construction at Austal, is hydrogen-ready and represents a significant step toward sustainable high-speed ferry operations.Horizon X will operate on the busy Gotland–mainland Sweden route, connecting Visby with Nynäshamn and Oskarshamn.
IMO Launches “Policy into Practice” Campaign
The IMO has launched a two-year global initiative to promote the World Maritime Day theme for 2026-2027: ‘From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence’. In a video message marking the launch, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez stressed that the global regulatory framework developed by IMO must not merely be adopted in principle, but translated into concrete actions and real-world results that deliver tangible benefits for all.“When we talk about ‘practice’…
U.S. Coast Guard Orders Five Arctic Security Cutters
The U.S. Coast Guard has completed the award of contracts for 11 Arctic Security Cutters with the announcement that Canada's Davie Defense, Inc. will construct two Arctic Security Cutters at Helsinki Shipyard in Finland and three domestically.The contract fulfills President Trump’s directive to rapidly expand America’s icebreaker fleet.The Arctic Security Cutters will defend U.S. sovereignty, secure critical shipping lanes…
Furuno Launches TZMAP Stand-Alone Displays
Furuno is expanding its line with the introduction of the TZMAP9 and TZMAP13, two new stand-alone multi-function displays with built-in TruEcho CHIRP™ fish finders.The new models bring the power of Furuno’s TZ MAPS cartography to smaller vessels desiring to operate from a single display. Designed for boaters who want simplified, reliable navigation without network complexity, these models deliver powerful…
Odfjell Reports Strong Fourth Quarter Results
Odfjell SE has reported preliminary full-year and fourth-quarter 2025 results, delivering what the company calls a resilient financial result that demonstrates a robust business model.“The fourth quarter concluded a year dominated by significant uncertainty and more challenging market conditions. The 2025 result is a testament to the strength of our business model, the breath of our contract portfolio, and the relentless focus on safety and efficiency across the organization.
SCHOTTEL to Provide Propulsion for Northern Lighthouse Board’s New Vessel
SCHOTTEL has been chosen by Spanish shipyard GONDAN to provide the propulsion package for the Northern Lighthouse Board’s (NLB) newest vessel, POLE STAR. The ship was officially named on January 21, 2026 by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, Patron of the Northern Lighthouse Board.Designed to maintain and service lighthouses, buoys, and other marine aids to navigation, POLE STAR requires high maneuverability supported by reliable propulsion.
Meyer Turku Unveils Net-Zero Cruise Ship Concept
Meyer Turku has unveiled a net-zero cruise ship concept design named AVATAR.The project achieved its set emissions reduction target: the vessel’s lifecycle carbon footprint was successfully reduced by more than 90 percent compared to the baseline defined by the IMO.Developing a net zero vessel concept was one of the key objectives of NEcOLEAP, Meyer Turku’s four‑year research and development program co‑funded by Business Finland.
Short-Term Tanker Market Shaken Up by Geopolitics
McQuilling Services has released its 29th anniversary edition, 2026-2030 Tanker Market Outlook with the theme: “You Can’t See the Forest for the Trees.”The report frames the outlook for crude tankers over the next five years. Structural forces (the “forest”) including: 1) macroeconomic conditions, 2) a weakening US dollar, 3) a commodity price super cycle, 4) emerging market oil demand, and 5) global shipyard capacity constraints are expected to dominate market direction.
Panama Canal, USGBC Sign MOU to Enhance US Agricultural Trade
The Panama Canal and the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council (USGBC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) designed to strengthen their collaboration through the enhancement of global trade with U.S. agricultural products. Under the terms of the MOU, the Panama Canal and USGBC will collaborate on joint market efforts like economic analysis, as well as sharing trade and logistical data. Through this type of cooperation, the partnership will support an increasing international demand for U.S.
Blue Water Announces Andy Tite as Senior Vice President, Projects
Blue Water Shipping has announced Andy Tite as Senior Vice President, Head of Projects, effective July 1, 2026. Andy brings experience, knowledge and insight to the projects industry and will focus on further global expansion at Blue Water.Andy has, for the past six years, held senior management positions at DHL, including most recently Vice President, Global Business Development & Commercial Director, Industrial Projects.
Italy Authorizes Naval Blockades Against Migrant Boats
Italy's cabinet approved a bill on Wednesday authorising naval blockades to halt migrant boats during periods of "exceptional pressure" at the country's borders, a government source said, further tightening measures against irregular arrivals.Since taking office in late 2022, right-wing Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has moved to speed up repatriations of unsuccessful asylum seekers and introduced stiffer jail terms for human smugglers, in a bid to stem sea crossings.The move comes after the Euro
Saltchuk Acquires GLDD for $1.5B
Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation and Saltchuk Resources, Inc. announced a definitive agreement for Saltchuk to acquire Great Lakes at an aggregate equity value of approximately $1.2 billion and a total transaction value of $1.5 billion.Under the terms of the agreement, which has been unanimously approved by the Board of Directors of both companies, Saltchuk will commence a tender offer to acquire all outstanding shares of the Company for $17.00 per share in cash.
Exail Supports Expanding Saudi Arabia Activity with Riyadh Office
Exail announced the opening of a new office in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking a milestone in its expansion across the Middle East. This new presence reflects Exail’s commitment to strengthening proximity with local customers and partners, and to supporting the development of its activities in the country. By establishing a permanent presence in Riyadh, Exail aims to reinforce customer support, foster long-term partnerships, and better address local operational needs.
First Commercial Biomethanol Bunkering Service in the UK Launches at Port of Immingham
Exolum, Methanex Corporation and Ørsted announced the launch of the United Kingdom’s (U.K.) first commercially ready bio-methanol storage and supply service for shipping at the Port of Immingham. The Port of Immingham is the U.K.’s largest port by cargo volume and a critical gateway for energy and bulk materials, making it an important hub for maritime operations and low‑carbon fuel supply. The initiative will provide marine bunkering services for bio-methanol…
Inside the Gotland Horizon X: Large, Hydrogen-Ready Catamaran
With a growing focus on mitigating climate change and progressing toward the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) 2050 net-zero target, the marine sector is under intense pressure to decarbonize. Today, maritime transport emits nearly one billion tons of CO2 annually, representing roughly 2-3% of all energy-related carbon emissions worldwide .Substantial progress has been made over the past…
SIT, Seatrium Launch Offshore and Marine Digital Learning Lab
The Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) and offshore and marine engineering group Seatrium have launched an Offshore & Marine Digital Learning Lab at SIT’s Punggol Campus, aimed at accelerating maritime digitalization and supporting the energy transition.The lab builds on a 2024 memorandum of understanding between the two organizations and is supported by cash investments from Seatrium. It is designed as a joint industry-academia platform for applied learning…
Partners Aim to Develop Humanoid Welding Robots for Shipyards
Italian shipbuilding giant Fincantieri has launched an industrial partnership with Generative Bionics aimed at developing a humanoid welding robot designed to operate alongside human workers in shipyard environments. The initiative aligns with Fincantieri’s broader strategy around advanced robotics, physical AI and innovation, core pillars of the Group’s new Industrial Plan.The collaboration brings…
