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””
The latest annual data from DNV’s Alternative Fuels Insight (AFI) platform showed that within the container segment, alternative fuels dominated, with the fuel mix by tonnage approximately 58 percent LNG, 36 percent conventional fuels, and 6 percent methanol.
A total of 275 orders for alternative-fuelled vessels were placed in 2025, representing a year-on-year decrease of 47%. This mirrored a broader drop in the overall newbuild market, which fell to 2,403 orders, from 4,405 in 2024. Continue reading “LNG-fueled vessels lead alternative-fueled newbuild market”
The marine salvage industry is a vital part of the shipping industry ecosystem, and the International Salvage Union (ISU) is the association that represents the world’s salvage contractors. The core purpose of the ISU is to be the “credible, trusted and unified global voice of its members who facilitate world trade by providing marine services which save life, protect the environment, mitigate risk and reduce loss.” And that statement truly does capture the essence of our association and the critical work of salvors.
The marine salvage industry is a vital part of the shipping industry ecosystem, and the International Salvage Union (ISU) is the association that represents the world’s salvage contractors. The core purpose of the ISU is to be the “credible, trusted and unified global voice of its members who facilitate world trade by providing marine services which save life, protect the environment, mitigate risk and reduce loss.” And that statement truly does capture the essence of our association. Continue reading “Does the maritime industry value the critical work of salvors?”
The Maritime Technologies Forum (MTF) has issued new guidelines for the safe inspection of methanol dual-fuel ships. As the maritime industry accelerates its transition to alternative fuels under increasingly stringent IMO emission regulations, methanol as fuel has emerged as a particularly attractive option, as documented by the increasing number of orders.
However, according to the Maritime Technologies Forum, methanol’s unique properties, including its flammability, toxicity, and corrosivity, present distinct challenges for ship inspectors and surveyors. Continue reading “Guidelines for the safe inspection of methanol dual-fuel ships”
Steamship Mutual P&I Club has published guidance highlighting critical aspects and considerations for preventing losses associated with reefer cargo. Reefer cargo carriage otherwise known as refrigerated cargo in containers involves transporting perishable or temperature sensitive goods that require controlled temperature, humidity, and airflow to maintain quality during transit. Proper handling, monitoring, and documentation are essential to prevent losses and ensure cargo integrity, the guidance advises. Continue reading “Safe Carriage of Refrigerated Cargo in Containers”
A recent study by Thetius in partnership with Marcura, has revealed maritime companies are stuck in the early stages of AI adoption, unable to scale beyond small experiments as widespread optimism collides with implementation reality.
The study “Beyond the Hype: What the maritime industry really thinks about AI” combined over 130 survey responses and in-depth interviews with maritime professionals, revealing a sector that is both eager and cautious: 82% are optimistic about AI and 81% are running pilot projects. However, 37% have personally witnessed AI failures and only 11% have formal policies to guide scaling. Continue reading “Research finds maritime professionals rejecting full AI adoption”
Lloyd’s Register (LR) has advised about upcoming amendments to the IAMSAR (International Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue) Manual, which operators must have onboard their vessels in hard copy by 1 January 2026 to comply with SOLAS regulations.
According to LR, under SOLAS regulation V/21, all ships are required to carry an up-to-date copy of the IAMSAR Manual Volume III. As stated in MSC-MEPC.2/Circ.2, the IAMSAR Manual Volume III must always be available in hard Continue reading “Updated IAMSAR manual to be carried onboard from January 2026”
Steamship Mutual P&I Club has provided guidance on the risks associated with the carriage of plastic pellets in containers and provides practical measures to prevent spillage and protect the marine environment.
Understanding the risks of plastic pellets
According to the Club, in recent years, several high-profile incidents have occurred, such as the Trans Carrier in 2020 and the XPress Pearl in 2021, where containers have fallen overboard and resulted in the release of plastic pellets into seas and oceans with subsequent harm to the marine environment. Continue reading “Key tips for transferring plastic pellets in containers”
The is a distressing case about a fatal accident that should never have happened. And as the investigation has revealed, a series of poor, inadequate and ineffective inspections and surveys that failed to discover serious rotten wood, would appear to be largely to blame and caused historic Maine schooner demasting.
The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) has released a critical report on the demasting of a historic schooner, blaming the catastrophic incident on rotten wood that had gone unnoticed for years due to poor inspections. About three years after the mainmast of the 144-year- old schooner Grace Bailey broke during a routine voyage, causing the death of one passenger and leaving five others injured, a detailed investigation has established that the structural integrity of the mainmast had long been compromised by rot. Continue reading “Rotten wood and poor inspection caused historic Maine schooner demasting”
DNV and the World Maritime Merchants Forum (WMMF) have worked together to create the Net-Zero Guide: Practical approaches for shipping companies.
The maritime industry is entering a decisive decade of transformation, driven by evolving regulations, commercial pressures, and a general global shift towards reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Continue reading “DNV and WMMF collaborate on net-zero guide for shipping companies”
This notice, issued by ABS, summarizes recent observations on bulk carriers where non-compliance with the requirements of SOLAS Chapter XII, Regulation 13.1 was identified in the forecastle space dewatering system manually operated suction valves.
On bulk carriers and in accordance with SOLAS Regulation XII/13.1, MSC/Circ.1069 and IACS UI SC179, the arrangements for draining and pumping ballast tanks located forward of the collision bulkhead and the bilges of any dry space Continue reading “Dewatering system valves found in closed position”
It is no secret that the maritime industry is undergoing a digital transformation, and one of the key innovations increasingly making waves is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into safety management systems as AI is empowering shipowners.
The increased documentation required following the gamut of new rules and procedures place increasing demands on seafarers but companies such as WiseStella are leveraging AI to ease the cognitive burden to enhance safety across the global fleet. “Seafarers today are faced with an overwhelming amount of information and documentation to manage,” explains Ali Demiral, Chief Technology Officer, and AI lead at WiseStella. “This cognitive load can be a significant source of stress, especially when it comes to tackling complex safety assessments. But AI-powered technology can provide seafarers and ship managers with the tools they need to navigate these new requirements with confidence.” Continue reading “AI is empowering shipowners to tackle new safety management challenges”
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