The Future of Sustainable Marine Manufacturing

The glimmering allure of the open water has long been synonymous with the roar of a combustion engine and the smell of gasoline. However, as the global push for environmental stewardship reaches our coastlines, the recreational boating industry finds itself at a pivotal and complicated crossroad of sustainable marine manufacturing.

While “going green” is the phrase of the day, the path to true sustainability on the water is proving to be less of a sprint and more of a difficult upstream row.

At the centre of this transition is the rise of the electric boat. Over the past few years, battery-powered vessels have surged from niche novelties to high-tech contenders, promising a future of silent cruising and zero tailpipe emissions. Yet, for the average boater, the transition remains stalled in the face of practical reality. Continue reading “The Future of Sustainable Marine Manufacturing”

MCA updates MGN 381 (M+F) Air pollution: Survey and certification requirements

MCA updates MGN 381 (M+F) Air pollution: Survey and certification requirements
MCA updates MGN 381 (M+F) Air pollution: Survey and certification requirements

The UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) has published an amendment to MGN 381 (M+F): Survey and Certification Requirements for Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Air Pollution from Ships) Regulations 2008

The updated Marine Guidance Note covers the survey and certification requirements for the 2008 Regulations (as amended), and the special circumstances in which a new certificate need not be dated from the date of expiry of the existing appropriate certificate, but from the date of completion of the survey. Continue reading “MCA updates MGN 381 (M+F) Air pollution: Survey and certification requirements”

WSC welcomes EU ETS revisions for maritime decarbonisation

WSC welcomes EU ETS revisions for maritime decarbonisation
WSC welcomes EU ETS revisions for maritime decarbonisation

The World Shipping Council welcomes the European Commission’s practical EU ETS revisions to accelerate alternative maritime fuels and channel revenues back into shipping’s decarbonisation.

The proposed fuel mechanism announced for the maritime sector follows the policy logic already used in aviation. Helping close the price gap between conventional and alternative fuels can encourage uptake, support investment in production and position Europe as a leading alternative fuel bunkering hub. Continue reading “WSC welcomes EU ETS revisions for maritime decarbonisation”

MTF releases new safety guidance for the growing methanol-fueled fleet

MTF releases new safety guidance for the growing methanol-fueled fleet
MTF releases new safety guidance for the growing methanol-fueled fleet

The Maritime Technologies Forum (MTF) has released new guidelines aimed at helping shipping companies develop new Safety Management Systems (SMS) and strengthen existing ones for vessels operating on methanol fuel, as the methanol-fueled fleet continues to grow.

The guidance comes as the maritime industry steps up its decarbonisation efforts and methanol gains traction as one of the most viable low-carbon marine fuels. Its ability to remain liquid at ambient temperatures, compatibility with existing fuel infrastructure and growing adoption across the sector have positioned methanol as a leading alternative fuel for the near term. Continue reading “MTF releases new safety guidance for the growing methanol-fueled fleet”

EBI launches Energy Transition for Recreational Boating in Europe roadmap for alternative fuel infrastructure in marinas

Energy Transition for Recreational Boating in Europe is the latest study publishing by EBI
Energy Transition for Recreational Boating in Europe is the latest study publishing by EBI

European Boating Industry (EBI) has published a roadmap titled Energy Transition for Recreational Boating in Europe: A roadmap for alternative fuel infrastructure, setting out industry and policy recommendations relating to the decarbonisation of recreational boating and the development of marina infrastructure across Europe.

The document highlights the need for a technology-neutral and multi-pathway approach to the energy transition, recognising the diversity of Europe’s recreational boating fleet Continue reading “EBI launches Energy Transition for Recreational Boating in Europe roadmap for alternative fuel infrastructure in marinas”

New Bill introduced to eliminate diesel-powered ferries across New York State

New Bill introduced to eliminate diesel-powered ferries across New York State
New Bill introduced to eliminate diesel-powered ferries across New York State

On 19 May, US lawmakers introduced the Clean Ferries Bill (A11303/S10381), a proposal aimed to eliminate diesel-powered ferries emissions across New York State. The bill requires publicly funded ferry operators to purchase only zero-emission vessels starting in 2028, with all public vessels in state waters required to be zero-emission by 2032. It also directs the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority to study charging infrastructure along major waterways, including the Hudson River.

Supporters say the measure targets a major source of pollution Continue reading “New Bill introduced to eliminate diesel-powered ferries across New York State”

Study raises alarm on marine fiberglass pollution

Study raises alarm on marine fiberglass pollution
Study raises alarm on marine fiberglass pollution

Simon Fraser University researchers have uncovered concerning fibreglass contamination in a key estuary on Vancouver Island, raising concerns about how an as-yet overlooked contaminant could affect aquatic birds, marine life and coastal communities that rely on shellfish and seafood.

A new SFU study found fibreglass particles buried in the sediment and biofilm layers of the Cowichan Estuary, a 400-hectare intertidal ecosystem used by the Cowichan Tribes First Nations for generations. The areas is an internationally designated important bird area and used for harvesting clams, geoducks, crabs, waterfowl, cod roe, urchins and salmon. Continue reading “Study raises alarm on marine fiberglass pollution”

Safety guidelines for wind-assisted ships issued by MTF

Safety guidelines for wind-assisted ships issued by MTF
Safety guidelines for wind-assisted ships issued by MTF

The Maritime Technologies Forum (MTF) has published new safety guidelines to support the safe operation of wind-assisted ships, those using wind-assisted propulsion systems, as the shipping industry increasingly adopts technologies aimed at reducing fuel use and emissions.

The guidelines provide recommendations for developing and implementing safety management systems tailored to vessels equipped with wind-assisted propulsion systems (WAPS), including rotor sails, suction sails and wing sails. Continue reading “Safety guidelines for wind-assisted ships issued by MTF”

West P&I Club insight into soot pollution from inert gas systems and open-loop scrubbers

West P&I Club insight into soot pollution from inert gas systems and open-loop scrubbers
West P&I Club insight into soot pollution from inert gas systems and open-loop scrubbers

The maritime industry is confronting an increasingly serious environmental challenge – soot pollution arising from inert gas (IG) systems and open-loop exhaust gas scrubber operations.

What were once considered isolated or incidental events have now evolved into a systemic issue, exposing shipowners and operators worldwide to potential significant operational disruption, financial loss, and regulatory scrutiny, says West of England P&I Club.

To date, the Club has recorded over 60 documented incidents, although the true scale of the problem is believed to be substantially greater. Continue reading “West P&I Club insight into soot pollution from inert gas systems and open-loop scrubbers”

CIMAC and MBF second joint whitepaper “Environment for the Use of Batteries in Deep-Sea Shipping”

CIMAC and the Maritime Battery Forum have published the second paper “Environment for the Use of Batteries in Deep-Sea Shipping”.

This paper examines the regulatory framework for battery use in deep-sea shipping, including requirements from flag states, classification societies, and industry standards. While the foundation is strong, gaps remain—especially around Continue reading “CIMAC and MBF second joint whitepaper “Environment for the Use of Batteries in Deep-Sea Shipping””

UK-led maritime consortium reveals plan for nuclear-powered fleet

 Pictured: Left to right: Nick Tomkinson, GNSP; Simon Williams, Rolls Royce; Blair Jamieson, Babcock; Mark Tipping, Lloyd’s Register; Kirsti Massie, Stephenson Harwood; and Mike Salthouse, NorthStandard
Pictured: Left to right: Nick Tomkinson, GNSP; Simon Williams, Rolls Royce; Blair Jamieson, Babcock; Mark Tipping, Lloyd’s Register; Kirsti Massie, Stephenson Harwood; and Mike Salthouse, NorthStandard

The UK is taking a decisive step towards leading the global race to decarbonise shipping with the launch of the Maritime Nuclear Consortium and its plans for a nuclear-powered fleet.

Convened by Lloyd’s Register (LR), the group unites leading expertise from the nuclear, maritime, insurance and regulatory sectors to set the highest international standards for safe, secure and commercially viable nuclear-powered ships. Continue reading “UK-led maritime consortium reveals plan for nuclear-powered fleet”

Maritime industry must act if it is to achieve a sustainable blue economy

Maritime industry must act if it is to achieve a sustainable blue economy
Maritime industry must act if it is to achieve a sustainable blue economy

Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore’s Executive Vice President, Matthieu de Tugny, addresses what is required of class societies if the maritime industry  is to achieve a sustainable blue economy.

The maritime industry is currently experiencing a sustained period of growth, with shipping and port industries representing 40% of the ocean economy’s total worth, which today stands at $2.2 trillion. This growth is reflected in the current global orderbook, which – according to the Clarksons newbuilding price index – has seen a 45% increase in newbuild orders since 2021. However, this economic strength is tempered by mounting challenges that cannot be ignored. Continue reading “Maritime industry must act if it is to achieve a sustainable blue economy”

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