Global efforts to reduce carbon emissions are accelerating and most industries are searching for new ways to reduce their carbon footprint in the years and decades to come. Shipping is also under scrutiny and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has set a carbon intensity reduction target, proposing strict technical requirements that are scheduled to be approved this year and take effect from 2023. One of the effects of these new requirements is likely to involve slow-speeding – a reduction of the maximum cruising speed of deep-sea vessels in a bid to reduce emissions.

Aker BioMarine has ordered a new Sounder USV (Unmanned Surface Vehicle) from Kongsberg Maritime, to further reduce their carbon footprint and optimize krill harvesting in Antarctica. The USV is also equipped to collect valuable scientific data.

Spire Global, Inc., a leading global provider of space-based data and analytics, announces the expansion of its Maritime Weather solutions portfolio. By providing more accurate and reliable insights, Spire is continuing to support its customers as a trusted source for open ocean weather data.

VIKING Life-Saving Equipment has reached agreement to supply additional ambulance boats to the Hellenic Coastguard, after a formal contract signing with Greece’s Ministry of Shipping and Island Policy.



 Richard (Rick) W. Spinrad, Ph.D., an internationally renowned scientist with four decades of ocean, atmosphere, and climate science and policy expertise, has been confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the undersecretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and the 11th NOAA administrator.

DNV, the independent assurance and risk management provider, has highlighted how 10 key energy transition technologies are expected to develop, compete, and interact over the next five years if global economies are to meet emissions reduction targets.

COSCO Shipping Specialized Carriers, a subsidiary of China Ocean Shipping Group (COSCO), COSCO Shipping Lines, has confirmed that the eight newbuild multipurpose cargo vessels entrusted to COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry (Dalian) Co. Ltd. will each feature a COMPAC seawater lubricated shaftline arrangement from Thordon Bearings.

Bollinger Shipyards has submitted its proposal to the United States Coast Guard to build Stage 2 of the Heritage-class Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC) program. If chosen, Bollinger would construct and deliver a total of 11 vessels to the U.S. Coast Guard over the next decade, helping to sustain the Bollinger workforce through 2031.

Damen Shipyards Group has reached a major milestone in the construction of its first fully-electric Reversed Stern Drive tug. The shipbuilder is constructing the RSD-E Tug 2513, named Sparky, for New Zealand’s Ports of Auckland. Recently, Damen Song Cam Shipyard in Vietnam installed the tug’s batteries.

Tokyo-headquartered Weathernews Inc (WNI), the world’s largest private weather routing provider, has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Finland-based Wärtsilä Voyage that will enable the integration of WNI’s weather forecasting data and Optimum Ship Routeing (OSR) service with Wärtsilä’s products and solutions, thereby increasing navigational safety and supporting the decarbonization efforts of shipowners and operators.

Marine-i has announced its support for a pioneering new mooring system for use in Falmouth Harbour. Such a system would help to increase the operating capacity in the harbour, without the need for large-scale infrastructure development.

Leading classification society DNV has launched Compliance Planner – a new digital tool that enables DNV customers to easily track the requirements and deadlines of legislation for both individual vessels and entire fleets.

RH Marine has developed a new green Dynamic Positioning (DP) system, which optimizes the fuel consumption of generators and thrusters. As a result, ships can sail more efficiently and save fuel. By switching completely to batteries, the DP system also enables vessels to sail more quietly in Dynamic Positioning mode.

Bollinger Shipyards LLC (“Bollinger”) has been awarded a contract by the U.S. Naval Sea Systems Command to conduct a concept study and the preliminary design of the U.S. Navy’s Light Amphibious Warship (LAW).

On June 14, Damen Shipyards Group delivered a Fast Crew Supplier (FCS) 1605 to Allseas to support the Pioneering Spirit – the largest construction vessel in the world. The FCS 1605 will perform fast crew and personnel transfers to and from the vessel.

The Marine Tech Expo, Plymouth’s marine and maritime industry conference, will take place from July 12-13, 2021, and free tickets are available to book now.