Technology & Trends - Thrusters
The concept of the digital twin and its potential benefits have become embedded in the maritime industry. But how far it has penetrated the collective mindset of the industry is less certain. Creating a digital twin for an expensive and complex newbuilding project is becoming more commonplace and is being driven by owners, particularly for energy shipping, defence or other specialist vessels. 3D model-based design Powered by 3D model-based design and a Product Lifecycle Management-led...
Imagine a vessel in distress, the challenging weather and sea state, the distractions and the anxiety onboard the ship or liferaft. Whether a commercial ship, an offshore supply vessel, or a ferry, any emergency situation is extremely stressful, requiring calm decisions and actions by the captain and crew which could potentially save lives. Reliable electronic safety equipment For decades, with pyrotechnic flares as the accepted standard, a crew member has been expected to fumble for a flare...
Roughly three percent of the world’s greenhouse gases come from ships, a figure that puts the sector on par with the emissions of entire industrialised nations. Trade volumes keep growing, and if nothing changes, that percentage will climb. The International Maritime Organization has already set a 2050 net-zero target. For operators, shipyards, and ports, the question is not whether change is coming but how fast they can adapt without undermining the economics of global shipping. H...
The offshore energy sector has always been cyclical, but today’s volatility feels different. Inflation, rising capital costs, and shifting forecasts are reshaping both offshore wind and oil and gas, prompting a rethink of how vessel owners, designers, and operators prepare for the decade ahead. While costs have soared, investment has not collapsed. Instead, a new kind of resilience is emerging, built on design flexibility, hybridisation, and system integration. For projects commissioned...
From monumental structures like wind turbines to heavy specialised commercial vessels like tugs or minehunters, out-of-gauge cargo presents unique challenges. Standard logistics is never enough for these high-value, complex projects. Requiring multi-purpose vessels with their own cranes, reinforced decks and the ability to submerge, project cargo transport calls for technical expertise, experienced decision-making capabilities and foresight every step of the way to mitigate risk and avoid hidde...
Marine industry pioneers gathered at Nor-Shipping in June, with a focus on the key challenges and opportunities driving the transition to a lower-carbon future. With regulations such as the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII), FuelEU Maritime, the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) and the upcoming International Maritime Organisation (IMO) carbon levy, fouling control systems continue to play a vital role in the shipping industry as the regulatory bodies chart a course towards net-zero emissions...
The global maritime surveillance market is projected to grow from $21.9 billion in 2023 to $ 42.7 billion by 2033. This growth is being driven by increasing global trade, maritime security concerns, and the adoption of advanced surveillance technologies such as radars, drones, and satellite monitoring systems. Moreover, the global shipping industry is now on the frontlines of a new kind of conflict — one defined by economic coerc...
Maritime digitalisation, decarbonisation and autonomy were the dominant themes at this month's Nor-shipping conference, where mariners from around the world gathered to discuss the industry's future. But beneath these headline topics, a fundamental shift in maritime navigation is quietly underway. S-100, the next generation of maritime data standards, will transform today's static navigation systems into dynamic, real-time communication networks that revolutionise everything from autonomous nav...
President Donald Trump has already made plenty of headlines since taking up his second term in the White House, including with the announcement of numerous new tariffs on imports. The 47th United States President issued three executive orders on February 1st 2025, just days after his inauguration, which directed the US to impose an additional 25 percent ad valorem rate of duty on imports from Canada and Mexico, as well as ten percent on imports from China. How Trump’s 2nd term...
The shipping industry is currently navigating a profound transformation driven by environmental concerns, new emissions targets, and evolving regulations. As vessel owners and operators seek to reduce emissions while remaining competitive, determining the right strategy has become increasingly complex. Factors such as alternative fuel availability, fluctuating prices, and an ever-expanding range of technological solutions have made decision-making anything but straightforward. Lack of motivat...
Aiming to establish minimum requirements for the cyber-resilience of newbuild vessels and their connected systems, IACS unified requirements (URs) E26 and E27 provide a new benchmark for shipping’s response to its growing exposure to cyber-attacks. Officially in force from 1 July 2024 and broadly welcomed by industry, the new URs represent another step forward in strengthening Maritime's resilience to the evolving cyber threat. However, according to a thought-provoking discussion recently...
