Engineering claims rarely begin with a complete picture, says Brookes Bell. More often, they start with partial evidence, damaged components, and an initial explanation of what may have gone wrong. In practice, those early assumptions are not always reliable.
For Andrew Kingshott, recognising and managing this uncertainty is a fundamental part of the investigation process. Continue reading “Brookes Bell on engineering analysis when the answer isn’t clear”
In edition 2 of the “Lithium-ion Battery Fires: What We Know So Far”, the Maritime Professional Council of the UK (MPC) warns of the rising risks and dangers of lithium-ion battery fires to ships, boats and their crews.
The maritime industry faces increasing incidents and fires due to lithium-ion technology, particularly with the growing use of electric vehicles (EVs) and a myriad of devices powered by these batteries. Lithium-ion batteries have a high energy density, making them efficient but also prone to catastrophic failures if mishandled. Continue reading “Lithium-ion Battery Fires: What We Know So Far – edition 2 published”
1 Introduction
The Vessel Impact and Motion Monitoring System (VIMMS) was used to assess potential for acute and chronic injuries during maritime operations on small vessels (under 24 metres), and demonstrate the capability for data to assist in injury risk management and operational decision-making. The system combines real-time acceleration monitoring with whole- body vibration (WBV) exposure tracking, enabling operators and management to identify and mitigate both acute and chronic injury risks. Continue reading “VIMMS Sea Trial Results and System Benefits”
Axopar has announced its entry into the Aura Blockchain consortium with its new product – the Axopar Digital product Passport. This collaboration marks the arrival of the nautical sector in an ecosystem already active in luxury goods and watchmaking. The aim is to create a digital passport for each boat, designed to structure data over the entire lifespan of the craft.
The issue of traceability and reliability of information is becoming central to pleasure boating. Axopar is taking a step forward by joining the Aura Blockchain consortium, with the announced launch of a digital passport for its boats from spring 2026. An initiative that goes beyond customer relations to touch on broader industrial issues. Continue reading “The new Axopar Digital Product Passport”
A UK-led consortium has secured government backing to develop a new class of medium-sized uncrewed support vessels (USVs), marking a significant step forward in maritime innovation.
As Brookes Bell explained, the project MROS consortium, headed by unmanned systems specialist Acua Ocean, was awarded funding in May 2025 under the Department for Transport’s Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC) programme. Continue reading “Consortium advances design of new medium-sized uncrewed support vessels”
Industry leaders are merging old school tradition and principles with modern innovation, developing designs that meet sometimes diverging industry demands – a clash between legacy and innovation.
The roots of naval architecture are steeped in tradition with knowledge passed down through generations. Scientific ship design in the 18th century introduced mathematical models used to inform hull design while the Industrial Revolution brought iron and steam, revolutionizing design, materials science and propulsion.
The 21st century ushered in the digital transformation alongside essential new tools in the naval architect’s arsenal. Advanced CAD technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data-driven modelling are now used to optimize designs. From concept through a ship’s lifecycle, digital twins enable predictive maintenance and monitoring to model fuel consumption across voyage profiles. Continue reading “Legacy and Innovation”
Industry experts have said the rapid rise in EV (electric Vehicle) transportation exposes gaps in maritime safety rules, says Steam Marine Technical.
High-profile shipboard fires involving EVs, such as those on the Felicity Ace, Morning Midas and the Freemantle Highway, have highlighted the dangers and significant risks. While lithium-ion battery fires and thermal runaway events aren’t always the initial cause, they significantly escalate onboard fires when EVs are involved, yet current International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations don’t adequately address this risk. Whilst the IMO develops updated guidelines, comprehensive regulations specific to EV transport aren’t expected until at least 2028. Continue reading “Surge in EV transportation exposes gaps in maritime safety rules procurement”
A collaboration to develop inspection technologies for Persona AI’s humanoid robot platform was formalized with the signing of an MOU between ABS and Persona AI and bring humanoid robotics to shipyards.
The initiative will focus on adapting Persona AI’s humanoid robots, based in part on NASA’s robotic hand technology, for a range of shipyard tasks. Unlike traditional industrial robots, humanoid robots are uniquely suited to operate in shipyards designed for human workers, offering flexibility and mobility in complex, confined, or ergonomically challenging spaces. Continue reading “ABS and Persona AI partnership to bring humanoid robotics to shipyards”
The World Shipping Council (WSC) has launched its new Cargo Safety Program – an industry-led initiative to detect misdeclared and undeclared dangerous goods.
It aims to prevent ship fires, protect crews, vessels, customers’ cargo, and the marine environment. Continue reading “Industry-first AI Cargo Safety Program launched”
The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has published ‘Emerging battery technologies in the maritime industry Volume 2’.
Understanding the latest advancements in battery technology trends is essential as the industry works to meet regulatory requirements.
The publication addresses the limitations and advancements surrounding next-generation batteries, including: Continue reading “Emerging battery technologies in the maritime industry volume 2”
Fleetzero and Glosten have teamed up to develop world’s longest-range hybrid electric ship.
Glosten has been working with Fleetzero on the retrofit of a Lightering Support Vessel owned and operated by AET. The partnership said this collaboration marks a major step forward in the effort to offer zero-emission global shipping and expand the reach of electric propulsion in commercial maritime applications. Continue reading “Partnership to develop world’s longest-range hybrid electric ship”
Tokyo Kisen Co., Ltd. and Marindows Inc. have officially launched Japan’s first pure battery-powered EV harbor tugboat development project.
The EV harbor tugboat will operate in the ports of Yokohama and Kawasaki and aims to contribute to “zero GHG emissions from the ports” in accordance with the Carbon Neutral Port (CNP) policy.
In January 2023, Tokyo Kisen put into service TAIGA — Japan’s first series-hybrid electric-powered tugboat equipped with a large-capacity Continue reading “EV harbor tugboat development project launched in Japan”
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