Marine News

What caught my eye: June 2026

Posted on by CEO

Woof woof – The four-legged robotic welder has arrived

Photo credit: Path Robotics
Photo credit: Path Robotics

The world, it seems, is changing before our very eyes as AI continues to take hold. I read about the launch of a new robotic welder called Rove, or more precisely, a robotic welding system. At first glance, this invention looks strangely like my dog! But take a closer look, and you will understand why this innovative little fellow is making waves in shipyards.

Shipbuilding, heavy construction, and large-scale fabrication face a shared constraint: massive assemblies, inconsistent fit-up, and workpieces that cannot be moved, let alone fixtured inside of a welding cell, says Path Robotics, the company behind Rove. Continue reading “What caught my eye: June 2026”

Announcement of three IIMS honours

Posted on by News Hound

Joel Lloyd Pinheiro awarded a Fellowship

Joel Lloyd Pinheiro
Joel Lloyd Pinheiro

Joel Lloyd Pinheiro has made a significant and demonstrable contribution to the marine industry over a career spanning nearly two decades, combining seagoing engineering experience with extensive professional practice as a marine surveyor and consultant.

Joel’s reports are recognised for their technical depth, clarity and impartiality. In addition, he has contributed to the industry through knowledge sharing, mentoring and speaking at IIMS and industry events, thereby enhancing professional standards and standards of Continue reading “Announcement of three IIMS honours”

EU Commission publishes guidance on recreational craft customs and VAT treatment

Posted on by News Hound
EU Commission publishes guidance on recreational craft customs and VAT treatment
EU Commission publishes guidance on recreational craft customs and VAT treatment

European Boating Industry (EBI) and European Boating Association (EBA) welcome the publication of the European Commission’s Guidance Note for Pleasure Craft. The guidance provides much-needed clarification for recreational boat owners and business on the treatment of recreational craft under EU customs and VAT rules.

The publication follows continued engagement by EBA and EBI Continue reading “EU Commission publishes guidance on recreational craft customs and VAT treatment”

IMO passes non-mandatory safety code for autonomous ships

Posted on by News Hound
A non-mandatory safety code for autonomous ships has been passed by IMO, set for 2028 at the earliest
A non-mandatory safety code for autonomous ships has been passed by IMO, set for 2028 at the earliest

The IMO has taken a new step forward towards the safety code for autonomous ships, including comprehensive regulation of unmanned shipping, building upon years of debate and detailed development work. At the latest meeting of the Marine Safety Committee, delegates approved a final text for the non-mandatory Maritime Continue reading “IMO passes non-mandatory safety code for autonomous ships”

New Handbook on Gender Mainstreaming in Maritime Sector released by WMU and IMO

Posted on by News Hound
Gender Mainstreaming in the Maritime Sector is a joint collaboration by WMU and IMO
Gender Mainstreaming in the Maritime Sector is a joint collaboration by WMU and IMO

The World Maritime University and the International Maritime Organization have jointly published a new handbook focused on integrating gender perspectives into the maritime sector.

The handbook, titled the Handbook on Gender Mainstreaming in the Maritime Sector, was released on 18 May to coincide with the International Day for Women in Maritime, according to the IMO. The document was written by WMU Professor Momoko Kitada, who this year received the IMO Gender Equality Award. According to the source, Continue reading “New Handbook on Gender Mainstreaming in Maritime Sector released by WMU and IMO”

Minister of Transport calls for proposals to improve boating safety across Canada

Posted on by News Hound
Minister of Transport calls for proposals to improve boating safety across Canada
Minister of Transport calls for proposals to improve boating safety across Canada

More than 12 million Canadian adults participate in recreational boating every year, but preventable accidents continue to result in injuries and fatalities on the water. To help improve safety, Transport Canada is supporting education and awareness initiatives that promote safe boating practices and behaviours on the water.

As part of the Safe Boating Awareness Week, the Honourable Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, announced a call for proposals under the Boating Safety Contribution Program. The application period is open until 21st September 2026. Continue reading “Minister of Transport calls for proposals to improve boating safety across Canada”

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

Posted on by News Hound
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”

UK support for the Cape Town Agreement is huge step forward for international fishing safety

Posted on by News Hound
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez receives MCA Director for Technical Maritime Services Fraser Heasley and MCA Fishing Vessel Safety Lead David Fenner, to confirm the UK’s accession to the Cape Town Agreement
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez receives MCA Director for Technical Maritime Services Fraser Heasley and MCA Fishing Vessel Safety Lead David Fenner, to confirm the UK’s accession to the Cape Town Agreement

Fishing is one of the world’s most dangerous industries, and the International Maritime Organization’s Cape Town Agreement (2012) aims to improve the safety of fishers on an international scale via the Cape Town Agreement.

The agreement sets out mandatory minimum safety standards for fishing vessels, more than 24m in length, and their crew, as well as the combating of illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing. Coming into force next year, the Cape Town Agreement is expected to boost safety standards for tens of thousands of vessels worldwide, covering areas like survey and inspection, protection of crew, emergency procedures, and construction. Continue reading “UK support for the Cape Town Agreement is huge step forward for international fishing safety”

Sisters run virtual TCS London Marathon in support of Sailors’ Society

Posted on by News Hound

Finishing in under six hours, IIMS member Catherine Linley ran the virtual TCS London Marathon MyWay in support of Sailors’ Society – IIMS’ chosen charity.

Two women in running gear smiling and holding a TCS London Marathon MyWay banner on a sunny, grassy area with blue skies.
Catherine Linley and her sister, Hilary, ran the virtual TCS London Marathon MyWay 2026.

Catherine first contacted the maritime charity to take part in the event on their behalf after hearing about it via IIMS. She went on to complete the event with her sister, Hilary, by running along the Linear Trail and the beaches of Adelaide in “glorious weather”.

Despite managing injuries in the lead up to the day, the sisters supported each other to the finish line where they were swept up by family members.

Catherine said she was proud of their effort but was acutely aware of the privilege wrapped around it. Continue reading “Sisters run virtual TCS London Marathon in support of Sailors’ Society”

IACS finds common failure modes in emergency generator systems

Posted on by News Hound
IACS finds common failure modes in emergency generator systems
IACS finds common failure modes in emergency generator systems

After the loss of power leading up to the MV Dali Francis Scott Key Bridge strike, marine casualty investigators noted an extended delay in the automatic start-up of the ship’s emergency generator. While the small generator was not sufficient in itself to run most major systems, it could provide low-speed hydraulic power to turn the rudder slowly – and could have provided that vital capability much sooner if it had started within standard time parameters, illustrating the importance of automated emergency power start-up. Continue reading “IACS finds common failure modes in emergency generator systems”

Sailors’ Society highlights ‘first digital seafarer generation’ in latest Cadet Report

Posted on by News Hound
Sailors’ Society highlights ‘first digital seafarer generation’ in latest Cadet Report
Sailors’ Society highlights ‘first digital seafarer generation’ in latest Cadet Report

Sailors’ Society has published its latest Cadet Report – ‘the first digital seafarer generation.’

Sponsored by Inmarsat Maritime (a Viasat company), the report captures the voices of cadets, ratings and trainees from 30 countries.

Drawing on insights gathered from more than 9,000 Gen Z seafarers who attended the maritime charity’s global 2025 Wellness at Sea Conferences, this unique data offers the maritime industry an unparalleled look into the experiences, pressures and aspirations of its future workforce. Continue reading “Sailors’ Society highlights ‘first digital seafarer generation’ in latest Cadet Report”

ITIC warning to marine surveyors following US$30,000 off-spec grain cargo dispute

Posted on by News Hound
ITIC warning to marine surveyors following US$30,000 off-spec grain cargo dispute
ITIC warning to marine surveyors following US$30,000 off-spec grain cargo dispute

A US$30,000 off-spec grain cargo dispute claim directed at the wrong surveyor has prompted International Transport Intermediaries Club (ITIC) to warn marine surveyors of the liability exposure they face when the scope of their instructions is not precisely recorded.

A marine surveyor was appointed by the seller of a grain cargo to conduct a joint survey at the load port. The buyer accepted the cargo and subsequently sold it on. At the discharge port, the ultimate buyer and consignee alleged the grain was off-spec due to the presence of ambrosia seed and other impurities. Continue reading “ITIC warning to marine surveyors following US$30,000 off-spec grain cargo dispute”

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