Shipbuilding News

Norwegian shipbuilder Vard has delivered a hybrid construction and cable laying vessel (CLV) to Japan's Toyo Construction, marking its first vessel delivery to the Japanese offshore wind market.The vessel was handed over at Vard Langsten in Norway on June 26. It is also the first vessel Toyo Construction has ordered from Vard.The CLV was outfitted, commissioned and delivered on time from Vard Langsten, while the hull was built at Vard Shipyards Romania-Tulcea.Spanning 151 meters long and 28 meters wide…

Construction on a new 48m catamaran passenger ferry designed by Incat Crowther for Hy-Line Cruises is now underwayat Midship Marine in Louisiana. The vessel, when completed, will operate on Hy-Line Cruise’s critical tourism and commercial routes connecting Hyannis, Mass., with the islands of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket.Capable of transporting up to 493 passengers across three passenger decks, the vessel is capable of reaching speeds in excess of 30 knots and has been designed…

Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., a part of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group, has received an order from Hitachi Zosen Marine Engine Co., Ltd. (HZME) for its MAmmoSS ammonia fuel handling system.[The Mitsubishi Ammonia Supply and Safety System (MAmmoSS) consists of an Ammonia Fuel Supply System (AFSS) and an Ammonia Gas Abatement System (AGAS), along with control equipment to integrate and regulate these systems.]HZME is a dual licensee of Everllence SE and WinGD, major licensors of marine engines.

Artemis Technologies launched what it says is the world’s first fully electric hydrofoil pilot boat, introducing a new zero-emission option for pilot transfer operations as ports worldwide look to decarbonize their vessel fleets.The new Artemis EF-12 Pilot has entered the water and is now undergoing sea trials ahead of customer deliveries expected over the coming months. Designed specifically for pilotage duties, the vessel combines the company's electric hydrofoil technology with a purpose-built pilot boat layout aimed at improving operational efficiency…

Taking your children or grandchildren for a ride on the Merry-Go Round may be a pleasant past memory. With that memory, we are asking to think about your choice of the best horse as you board the platform. A decision resting upon what you want out of the ride. Now consider that selection to the current state of US shipbuilding.Selecting the outside row of “jumpers” provides the greatest thrill as they move the fastest. When the Executive order for Maritime Dominance was issued on April 9, 2025, the U.S. maritime industry was ready to ride for the thrill of it.

Master Boat Builders delivered Saturn for Suderman & Young Towing Company, the first vessel in a new series of Rapport 3000 escort tugs. Saturn is the first of four vessels in this series.Saturn continues to raise the bar in escort tug capability. Measuring 98 x 43 ft. with a bollard pull capacity of more than 90 metric tons, the vessel is powered by two engines producing a combined 7,000 hp and is capable of approximately 13 knots. Designed to accommodate a crew of six, the Saturn carries 44…

Indonesian offshore vessel operator PT Wintermar Offshore Marine (WINS) has acquired the remaining stakes in Singapore-based Fast Offshore Supply (FOS) and its subsidiary PT Fast Offshore Indonesia (FOI), gaining full control of both companies and expanding into the building and operation of aluminium crew transfer vessels (CTVs).WINS acquired the remaining 52.5% shareholding in FOS and the remaining 49% stake in FOI, which it previously owned jointly with FOS.FOS won an international…

The maritime industry continues to improve its safety record, but the challenges confronting shipowners, operators, insurers and regulators have never been more complex.According to Allianz Commercial's Safety and Shipping Review 2026, global shipping losses remain near historic lows, yet a new era of geopolitical conflict, cyber-enabled crime, aging fleets, alternative fuels, cargo fires and supply chain disruption is reshaping risk across the maritime sector. Here is maritime safety and shipping in 2026 — by the numbers.90% -Approximately 90% of global trade still moves by sea…

GTT has secured an order from the shipyard Samsung Heavy Industries for the tank design of three new liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers, on behalf of an American ship-owner.GTT will design the cryogenic tanks of the vessels, each offering a total capacity of 174,000 m3. The tanks will be fitted with the Mark III Flex membrane containment system, a technology developed by GTT.Delivery of the vessels is scheduled for the first and second quarters of 2029.

BRIX Marine has delivered It's About Time, a custom-built 4818-HTC Offshore passenger catamaran from the company's PaxCat lineup, built for FunToSee Island Ferry of Castries, St. Lucia. This marks the second vessel BRIX Marine has built for FunToSee Island, continuing a growing partnership between the two companies.FunToSee Island operates St. Lucia's premier airport water ferry service, connecting travelers arriving at Hewanorra Airport with resorts and accommodations across the island.Stretching 55 feet…

Dutch specialized shipbuilder Concordia Damen has delivered the Century Star to Century Cruises. The vessel is the first river cruise ship that the China-based cruise line has had built specifically for the European market and marks the start of a series of three sister ships. The Century Star will sail on the Danube from September 2026, with itineraries on the Rhine to follow at a later date.The vessel was built in collaboration with United Waterways, which assists Century Cruises in adapting to European operational standards, including regulations, safety management, crew and hospitality.

For inland towboat operators, engine selection is rarely about chasing the newest technology. Reliability, uptime, serviceability and lifecycle cost remain the metrics that matter most. Caterpillar Marine's new C32B engine is a 1,000-hp platform designed specifically with the demands of continuous-duty commercial operations in mind.While the C32B’ss origins can be traced to Caterpillar's pursuit of higher power density in the yacht and sportfishing markets, the end result may ultimately deliver its greatest value to towboat operators working the Mississippi River system.

Looking back at history one could argue that it was French author Jules Verne in his book “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea”, published in 1869, who was speculating about a new power source much in the same out of the box thinking that H.G. Wells employed when he wrote about inter-planetary flight in “War of the World’s. Verne was writing about “electricity” from batteries using seawater which he created after studying the model of the newly developed French Navy submarine “Plongeur” at the Exposition of 1867.In the novel…

At the head of the U.S.’ largest ferry system is Steve Nevey, Deputy Secretary, Washington State Ferry (WSF), which is engaged in a historic modernization to a hybrid-electric fleet. Nevey gives a candid look inside problems during the Wenatchee conversion, with insights on the hybrid electric direction and pace for newbuilds at Eastern Shipbuilding.Steve Nevey did not stumble into maritime. He was raised in it, shaped by it, and by most accounts destined for it. Born in the UK, Nevey grew up in a naval household.

On March 17, 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security took the extraordinary step of issuing a sweeping waiver of the Jones Act at the request of the U.S. Department of Defense. The waiver, one of the broadest in the history of the nation’s cabotage laws, opened U.S. domestic waterways to foreign-flagged and foreign-built vessels carrying hundreds of energy and agricultural commodity types. To understand why this matters and why it remains deeply controversial, an understanding of the underlying law is necessary.The Jones Act, named for its sponsor Senator Wesley L.

Brazil's state-controlled oil company Petrobras has signed a $427 million contract through its logistics subsidiary Petrobras Transporte (Transpetro) with the Rio Grande Shipyard for the construction of four medium range tankers as part of a broader program to renew and expand its shipping fleet.The four MR1-class vessels, each with a deadweight tonnage of 40,000 tonnes, will be used to transport crude oil and petroleum products along Brazil's coast, Petrobras said.The order forms part of the Mar Aberto (Open Sea) Program…

Autonomous vehicles are increasingly sophisticated defensive tools for ports wanting to protect against maritime threats - including attacks from other autonomous vehicles.In December 15 last year, the Security Service of Ukraine reported that its underwater drone had struck a Russian submarine in Novorossiysk. The incident highlighted just how sophisticated potential threats have become. Harbor cameras were likely hacked, providing real-time visual evidence of the attack, with…

Australian mining company Fortescue has signed an agreement with Belgian shipping and cleantech group CMB.TECH to charter up to 12 ammonia-capable bulk carriers, stepping up efforts to decarbonize maritime transport and support the development of green ammonia as a marine fuel.Under the agreement, Fortescue will charter 12 Newcastlemax dry bulk vessels, each with a carrying capacity of 210,000 deadweight tonnes, from Bocimar, the dry bulk shipping arm of CMB.TECH.Up to three of the vessels will be delivered with dual-fuel ammonia engines and are expected to enter service by the end of 2026…

Maritime engineering consultancy BMT and Australian shipbuilder Austal have signed a strategic agreement aimed at expanding ship design and engineering capacity while supporting the delivery of commercial and defense shipbuilding programs.The agreement establishes a framework that allows Austal to access specialist naval architecture and engineering resources as project requirements fluctuate, helping the company manage peak workloads and reduce schedule risks.Under the arrangement…

NYK Bulkship (Asia), a Singapore-based company of the NYK Group, has concluded a time-charter contract with JERA for two very large gas carriers (VLGCs).The two VLGCs are expected to transport low‑carbon ammonia produced in Louisiana to JERA’s Hekinan Thermal Power Station in Japan. At the power station, commercial operation of large-scale ammonia substitution combustion with 20% heat value ratio is scheduled to commence around fiscal year 2029.This project is expected to mark the first shipment of low‑carbon fuel ammonia for power generation to Japan.

VINGA vessel naming ceremony and 40 years of design collaborationcutFOLDER-VINGA-serien-webb.pdf [Full background and tech spec - MR DEC 2026cutVinga VesselA newly built tanker in Furetank's VINGA series will be named at the Port of Uddevalla on 28 August. The vessel was designed by Furetank and FKAB Marine Design, the cumulative of 40 years of vessel design collaboration."We know operations and FKAB knows shipbuilding. Our collaboration has been a winning equation over the years — one plus one has equalled three.

LH2 Shipping has been awarded Enova support of NOK 344,3 million for the development and construction of two additional liquid hydrogen-powered bulk carriers.With the latest award, LH2 Shipping is now involved in the development of six hydrogen-powered bulk carrier projects. The announcement builds on previous Enova-supported vessel initiatives and reflects growing momentum for liquid hydrogen as a viable fuel alternative for short-sea shipping to meet decarbonizing policy goals.The…

Germany’s Lloyd Werft Bremerhaven has been selected as the shipyard partner for Beyond Horizons, a 155-meter superyacht that aims to introduce a new private members’ club concept to the luxury maritime market.The announcement marks a key milestone for the Maybach Ocean Club project, moving the vessel from concept into the construction phase. The yacht has been developed by Maybach Ocean Club in collaboration with yacht specialists Splendid Sea and German naval architects Dölker + Voges.Unlike a conventional cruise ship or charter yacht…

Shipowners with older or harder-to-place vessels may have a stronger opportunity to test the recycling market over the coming months, as limited demolition supply continues to support recycler appetite despite weaker steel conditions in some key markets.Wirana Shipping’s latest market outlook indicates that supply is likely to remain tight in the near term, unless an Iran sanctions waiver forms part of a wider settlement to the Middle East conflict and releases additional tonnage into the market.Without that shift…

ABS and MOBY Robotics Inc. have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to advance technologies supporting subsea mining and offshore mineral transport.The MoU establishes a framework for ABS to support MOBY in the development, certification and eventual classification of autonomous robotic systems and other key technologies in accordance with ABS Requirements for Subsea Mining and ABS Offshore Rules. Areas of focus include subsea and surface robotics, vertical lifting systems…

Sallaum Lines has placed an order for two next-generation 8,600-CEU Pure Car and Truck Carriers (PCTCs) at Xiamen Shipbuilding Industry Co., Ltd. (XSI), with options for two additional vessels, marking the largest shipbuilding investment in the company’s history and accelerating its fleet modernization strategy.The newbuilds, each with a capacity of 8,600 car equivalent units (CEU), will significantly expand the company’s finished vehicle logistics capabilities while supporting its long-term decarbonization goals.

The U.S. Coast Guard has accepted delivery of the 63rd Fast Response Cutter (FRC), Jeffrey Palazzo (WPC 1163).Jeffrey Palazzo is the fifth FRC to be homeported in Guam, joining the recently commissioned Vincent Danz (WPC 1162).The Sentinel-class FRCs replaced the 1980s Island-class 110-foot patrol boats and possess 21st-century command, control, communications, computers, cyber, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance equipment, with improved habitability and seakeeping.The U.S.

Royal Caribbean has celebrated the keel-laying of its seventh Oasis Class vessel at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. The soon-to-be-named ship will join the revolutionary Oasis Class lineup in 2028. The vessel follows Oasis of the Seas (2009), Allure of the Seas (2010), Harmony of the Seas (2016), Symphony of the Seas (2018), Wonder of the Seas (2022), and Utopia of the Seas (2024).

HaiSea Marine is expanding its fleet on BC's North Coast and has placed orders for one new escort tugboat and two terminal tugboats.The contract to build an escort tug was awarded to Sanmar Shipyards, based in Türkiye. The escort vessel is a variant of the well-proven Robert Allan designed RAstar 4000 series of high-performance escort tugs, and features a similar design to the widely acclaimed HaiSea tugs of the same class currently deployed in Kitimat.HaiSea awarded Damen Shipyards Group the contract to build two ASD 2813 terminal tugboats.

Fincantieri delivered Mein Schiff Flow, the second of two next-generation InTUItion-class cruise ships built for TUI Cruises.Built at Fincantieri's Monfalcone, Italy, yard, the 160,000gt vessel can accommodate around 4,000 passengers. It follows sister ship Mein Schiff Relax as part of a new class developed by Fincantieri to combine advanced environmental performance with modern cruise operations.A key feature of Mein Schiff Flow is its dual-fuel propulsion capability, enabling operation on liquefied natural gas (LNG) as well as conventional marine gas oil (MGO).

The “Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional” (BRIN), Indonesia’s national agency for research and innovation, has commissioned the French shipbuilder PIRIOU to design and build two research vessels:a multimission offshore hydro-oceanographic vessel (ORV – Ocean Going Research Vessel) and a coastal research vessel (CRV – Coastal Research Vessel).The order was signed on June 11, 2026 during a ceremony held in Indonesia, attended by representatives of BRIN, Stéphane BURGAUD, PIRIOU’s Commercial Director, and the project’s institutional partners.

For ClassNK President and CEO Hayato Suga, the industry’s current moment is unlike anything he has seen in his career.Ask Suga to identify the single most consequential technical trend shaping future ship design and operations, and he answers without hesitation: AI.AI can improve risk prediction, enhance safety assessments, optimize environmental performance, streamline surveys, and fundamentally change how technical services are delivered.Internally, ClassNK is already using generic AI tools to improve workforce productivity and operational efficiency. But Suga’s ambitions go further.

In Basel today, June 11, 2026, NEPTUN WERFT officially delivered the river cruise ships Viking Annar and Viking Fjolvar to Viking. The technical handover of the vessels by the project management had already taken place yesterday, June 10, in Lelystad in the Netherlands.At 135 meters, the Viking Annar is a vessel of the Longship series. It accommodates 190 passengers and 53 crew members and operates on the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers. The first guests are scheduled to board in Amsterdam on June 22.The Viking Fjolvar is currently the last river cruise ship of the Seine series.

ABS and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. (HD HHI), signed a joint development agreement to support the development of a U.S.-flagged 50,000 DWT oil and chemical tanker.Under the agreement, ABS will review the HD HHI design in accordance with ABS Rules and U.S. Coast Guard requirements.“From the first 100,000 DWT tanker to today’s most advanced tanker designs, ABS has provided owners and operators with the insight and guidance they need to achieve their goals, always with a focus on safety.

VARD, the Norwegian shipbuilding subsidiary of Fincantieri, won a contract to design and build an advanced fishery vessel for Norway’s Rosund Drift AS.The newbuild will be based on the VARD 8 02 design, tailored for modern offshore fishing operations, supporting both bottom trawling and mixed fisheries while emphasizing gentle catch handling, high product quality and reduced environmental impact.A key focus of the vessel is sustainability. It will feature a hybrid propulsion and energy systems designed to reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions…

Royal Caribbean has officially welcomed Legend of the Seas. After nearly two years of construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland, the third Icon Class ship is now ready to make its July 2026 European debut.To mark the milestone, more than 1,200 crew members and partners came together for a legendary ceremony led by Royal Caribbean Group Chairman and CEO Jason Liberty, Royal Caribbean President and CEO Michael Bayley, and Meyer Turku CEO Casimir Lindholm.The delivery is part of the company’s long-term framework agreement with Meyer Turku…

Twenty-five years after she was launched by Feadship as Northern Light, the 46.90-m has emerged from one of the most comprehensive rebuild programs undertaken by Feadship Refit & Services in recent years.Arriving at Kaag in May 2025, the yacht was originally scheduled for a substantial refit focused on a redesigned stern arrangement, a complete repaint and a series of technical upgrades. As work progressed, it became clear that bringing a Feadship launched in 2001 back to proper standards would require a broader scope of work…

ANTWERPEN was delivered to EXMAR, the Belgian gas shipowner and infrastructure developer, a ship powered by WinGD’s X52DF-A ammonia-fueled engine, reported to be the world’s first ocean-going ship designed to operate on ammonia fuel.The achievement is the result of a collaboration between WinGD, EXMAR, engine builder HD Hyundai Engine Machinery Division (HHI EMD) and shipyard HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. This is the first in a series of four newbuild ammonia dual-fuel midsize gas carriers, for EXMAR, each to be named after a Belgian city.ANTWERPEN is a 46,000m³ LPG/ammonia carrier.

Caspian Offshore Construction (COC) has acquired an anchor handling tug supply (AHTS) vessel from Sinopacific Engineering & Contracting (SPEC), marking the first vessel in the SPA90 series to join the Kazakh offshore marine service provider's fleet.The shipbuilding contract was signed on April 30, 2026, at Siying Shipyard, where the vessel is under construction. A launching ceremony for the vessel was held on May 20.Named Caspian Yili, the vessel is the first of its kind in COC's fleet and will be the company's largest vessel to date.

Adept design and production strategies underpin global competitiveness in target sectors.Dutch shipbuilding continues to demonstrate resilience and business verve in its target commercial sectors, mainly in the smaller vessel size range. It offers quality and craftmanship at an evidently acceptable price, using technology in the most pragmatic, effective way.The fact that the Netherlands retains a progressive and expansion-minded shipowning and ship management community has a signal influence on the shipbuilding sector…

On June 9, at the Seawork exhibition in Southampton, Damen Shipyards Group signed a contract with Carmet Tug Company for a Multi Cat (MuÇ) 2309. Merseyside UK-based towage and workboat company Carmet Tug Company operates a number of second-hand Damen vessels in its fleet, including a Shoalbuster (SBu) and Stan Tug (STu). In mid-May, Carmet's representatives visited Damen Shipyards Hardinxeld in the Netherlands to inspect and sail aboard the vessel. Following this, the company confirmed its intention to place an order.Damen is preparing the vessel according to Carmet's requirements.

Exmar has taken delivery of MGC ANTWERPEN, deemed by the Belgian shipping company as the world's first oceangoing vessel powered by a dual-fuel ammonia engine.The newbuild mid-size gas carrier is capable of carrying up to 46,000 cubic meters of ammonia or liquefied petroleum gas and can operate with close to zero emissions when fueled by low-carbon ammonia.Exmar said the vessel was developed in collaboration with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, WinGD, Nord Gas Solutions and Lloyd's Register.According to the company…

Eastern Shipbuilding Group delivered the vehicle-passenger ferry Falcon to the Fisher Island Community Association (FICA), where it aims to provide reliable transportation service to the Fisher Island community.Falcon completed trials prior to delivery and has entered service supporting daily operations between Fisher Island and Miami.“We are honored to deliver the Falcon to the Fisher Island Community Association,” said Joey D’Isernia, Chairman and CEO of Eastern Shipbuilding Group. “This project reflects the dedication, craftsmanship, and attention to detail of our shipbuilding team.

Following the divestment of Wärtsilä Water & Waste to Solix Group AB, Hamworthy recently launchedas an independent specialist in marine water and waste systems. The business enters its next chapter with full operational continuity for customers worldwide, bringing together more than a century of engineering heritage, established installed-base expertise and global lifecycle support capabilities under the historic Hamworthy name.The launch marks the return of Hamworthy as a standalone marine environmental systems company and brand…

SSI, a leader in software, services, and expertise for the business of shipbuilding, is helping shipyards build and convert assets more efficiently with integration of third-party ship models into its software platform.Shipyards can choose whether to import ship models created in third party software into SSI’s Product Lifecycle Management suite or into SSI’s ShipConstructor CAD solution depending on the level of complexity required for each project.Shipyards looking to build…

Acta Marine has taken delivery of the Acta Gemini, a new walk-to-work DP2 construction service operation vessel (CSOV) that is set to begin a long-term charter supporting operations at the Sofia offshore wind farm in the UK.The vessel, built by Tersan Shipyard in Turkey, is the third in a series of four newbuild CSOVs ordered by the Dutch offshore vessel operator.Following mobilization, Acta Gemini will start work at the 1.4 GW Sofia offshore wind farm on Dogger Bank, operating…

Hong Kong-listed provider of offshore, marine and clean energy technologies CM Energy has unveiled the design of its Meridian Class commissioning and service operation vessel (CSOV).The Meridian Class has been developed to meet growing demand for offshore support vessels, and is suitable for commissioning, operations, maintenance and major component exchange campaigns in the offshore wind sector.Designed to North Sea standards, the vessel platform aims to provide offshore wind developers…

Sallaum Lines has taken delivery of two new Pure Car and Truck Carriers (PCTCs), the MV Ocean Express and MV Ocean Navigator, in the largest single-day milestone of its Ocean Class fleet expansion program.The vessels were built by China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Jiangsu) and are registered under the Cyprus flag.Each vessel has a cargo capacity of 7,400 car equivalent units (CEU) across 13 cargo decks and is designed to transport passenger vehicles, commercial trucks, SUVs, rolling…

2026 data shows that the methane decarbonization pathway is moving forward despite geopolitical disruption and regulatory uncertainty, says industry coalition SEA-LNG.LNG bunkering volumes are surging in major bunkering hubs, liquefied biomethane sales have grown six-fold in major ports and LNG-fueled vessels now account for about 90% of the entire alternative fuel vessel orderbook.LNG bunkering volumes are rising in key ports. Singapore recorded a 48% increase in LNG bunkering in Q1 2026 compared with the same period in 2025, reaching 150,000 tonnes.

ABB has secured a contract from Cochin Shipyard to supply power and propulsion systems for two electric tugs being built under India’s Green Tug Transition Program (GTTP).The vessels, due for delivery to Polestar Maritime in 2027, will operate out of the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), India’s largest container port.The tugs form part of the first phase of the GTTP, which aims to transition India’s harbor tug fleet from conventional diesel-powered vessels to greener alternatives in five phases between 2024 and 2040.ABB’s scope of supply includes electrical…

GTT has secured an order from the shipyard Hanwha Ocean for the tank design of one new liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers, on behalf of a European ship-owner.GTT will design the cryogenic tanks of the vessel, offering a total capacity of 174,000 m3.The tanks will be fitted with the NO96 Super+ membrane containment system, a technology developed by GTT.Delivery of the vessel is scheduled for the third quarter of 2029.

A new hybrid, 350-passenger vessel is now in operation at the Port of Los Angeles, the result of a Port-led partnership with Harbor Breeze Cruises, the California Air Resources Board (CARB), and the Port of Long Beach.The Harbor Breeze Cruises’ El Escudo harbor craft features some of the newest emission-reduction technologies on the market. The El Escudo will be berthed at the Port of Los Angeles and serve the San Pedro Bay ports.The vessel features a parallel hybrid propulsion system, enabling operation in fully electric (zero-emission), diesel, or hybrid modes. It exceeds U.S.

Sandmeyer Steel Company, a producer of stainless steel, nickel alloy, and titanium plate products, has appointed R. Paul Sandmeyer, III as President and Chief Operating Officer.This appointment marks the transition to fourth- generation family leadership as the company enters its 75th year.Paul succeeds a distinguished family legacy of leadership. His great- grandfather and company founder, the late Paul C. Sandmeyer, his grandfather, the late Ronald P. Sandmeyer, Sr., and his father, Ronald P.

The Maritime Risk Symposium is ongoing today in Pasadena, Texas, and annual event which moves location and convenes thought leaders across government, industry and academia to assess trends and threats to the evolving maritime landscape; offer operational insights to enhance resilience from disruptions, and advance solutions through merging technologies.Day 2 MRS 26 first panel of the day on shipbuilding. Image courtesy Rob CraneUSCG RDML Amy Grable speaks on risk and its role in the maritime transportation system…

A leadership transition is underway at Neptun Werft, and Leif Eisenheim will become Managing Director and CEO of the Rostock-Warnemünde shipbuilding company, part of the Meyer Werft Group, effective December 1, 2026, or earlier if possible.Eisenheim succeeds Stephan Happe, who assumed interim leadership of the shipyard at the beginning of this year. Happe will remain in Neptun Werft’s management team until December 31, 2026, ensuring an orderly transition at the top of the company.A native of Hamburg…

Northern Lights JV has awarded a consortium comprising Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (“K" LINE) and Malaysia's MISC Berhad a time charter contract for a newly built 12,000 cubic meter liquefied CO2 (LCO2) carrier, supporting the expansion of Europe's carbon capture and storage (CCS) infrastructure.The award follows Northern Lights' January 2026 announcement of four additional CO2 carriers to support planned capacity expansion. The latest contract marks the second vessel awarded to the “K” LINE-MISC consortium.The vessel will be constructed by Dalian Shipbuilding Offshore.

The CMA CGM Group has announced the maiden call of the CMA CGM Notre Dame in Singapore.The new generation LNG-powered vessel is the largest container ship currently operating under the French flag. Following the start of its maiden commercial voyage in Shanghai, China, the vessel is now calling Singapore before continuing its journey to France and Europe in early July.The 24,212-TEU vessel is 400 meters long, 62 meters wide, and 75 meters high. Deployed on the French Asia Line (FAL)…

Fleetzero, a U.S.-based developer of marine technology, has announced a collaboration with Thoma-Sea Marine Constructors, a leading U.S. shipbuilder, and Glosten, a Seattle-based global naval architecture and marine engineering firm, to accelerate the development and deployment of integrated autonomous vessel solutions for commercial maritime, government, and defense customers.The partnership brings together Fleetzero's Leviathan™ Battery Energy Storage System, propulsion technologies…

The U.S. Navy has selected HII’s ROMULUS unmanned surface vessel to advance to the at-sea testing phase of the Medium Unmanned Surface Vessel (MUSV) program.Andy Green, executive vice president of HII and president of HII’s Mission Technologies division, said: “HII is proud that ROMULUS USV has advanced to the U.S. Navy’s Medium Unmanned Surface Vessel evaluation phase, a milestone that reflects HII’s longstanding track record for delivering mission-ready autonomous capabilities that support the U.S.

Classification societies have always occupied a unique position in maritime: technical arbiters, rule makers, certifiers, and, increasingly, strategic advisors helping shipowners navigate some of the most consequential decisions in shipping’s and shipbuilding’s history. As maritime grapples with decarbonization mandates, digital transformation, automation, and the growing influence of artificial intelligence, that role is becoming both broader and more complex.For ClassNK, one of the world’s largest and leading classification societies…

Maritime and offshore original equipment makers/manufactures are reevaluating their ‘make or buy’ decisions, as additive manufacturing establishes the case for controlling not only the cost and quality of parts, but also their delivery lead times, says Scott Harding, VP Engineering, Pelagus 3D.Cost has always been the starting point for equipment suppliers in the ‘make-or-buy’ debate where parts are concerned, and the maritime and offshore sectors are no exceptions.While quality control…

Fleetzero announced a collaboration with Thoma-Sea Marine Constructors and Glosten to accelerate the development and deployment of integrated autonomous vessel solutions for commercial maritime, government and defense customers.The combined capability has been refined through demonstrations and engineering work with organizations across the maritime sector, and is engineered to address requirements outlined in areas of interest for the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) and other Department of War stakeholders.

SBM Offshore and Solstad Offshore have formed a joint venture that has entered into a letter of intent with a shipyard for the construction of a multi-purpose deepwater installation and construction vessel, with delivery targeted in the first half of 2029.The vessel will be owned by a joint venture in which Solstad Offshore will hold a 50.1% stake and SBM Offshore 49.9%. Solstad Shipping will act as ship manager, while SBM Offshore will charter the vessel for its own projects.

Davie Defense has broken ground on the modernization of the Gulf Copper shipbuilding facilities in Galveston and Port Arthur.This investment in America's maritime industrial base marks the return of complex shipbuilding to Texas for the first time in decades, says Davie Defense.The first phase of the shipyard upgrade, which overall could reach $1 billion, is scheduled for completion in 2028. This coincides with the beginning of construction of the first of three of five Arctic Security Cutters (ASC) for the U.S. Coast Guard.

Taylor Marine Construction, Inc. announced the startup of Taylor Marine Shipyard, a new Gulf Coast commercial vessel repair and haul-out facility positioned on Dickinson Bayou, immediately adjacent to the Houston Ship Channel near Lights 45 and 46. The shipyard is scheduled to place its 660-ton Marine Travelift into full commercial service in August 2026. The Travelift dramatically expands heavy marine repair and maintenance capability along the Gulf Coast and throughout the inland marine industry.“Our vision is to create a first-class Gulf Coast shipyard focused on responsiveness…

Freire Shipyard has celebrated the keel laying of the Tauriko, the new harvest vessel being built for the Norwegian group Napier. The vessel will become the largest in the Nordic company's fleet and the world's largest harvest vessel of its kind within the aquaculture sector. Delivery is scheduled for 2027.Designed in collaboration with Salt Ship Design, the Tauriko represents the next generation of Napier vessels for the Norwegian aquaculture industry, enhancing the performance of the current Tauroa and Tautiki vessels in terms of speed…

Sanmar Shipyards won new build contracts for up to 10 tugboats, a milestone agreement that coincide with the shipbuilder's 50th anniversary.The contracts include fleet expansions for long-standing partners SAAM Towage and HAISEA Marine, as well as a landmark inaugural agreement with FAIRPLAY TOWAGE GROUP.On Wednesday, May 20, Sanmar formalized a new agreement with long-term partner SAAM Towage for five new vessels: four RAmparts 2400SX-MKIl tugboats and one RAstar 2900SX tugboat. Since 2018, the collaboration has been rooted in a shared commitment to sustainable, high-performance operations.

The Royal Australian Navy commissioned HMAS Eyre into the fleet in a ceremony at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia.HMAS Eyre is the second of six planned Arafura class offshore patrol vessels (OPV) to enter service, following the commissioning of sister ship HMAS Arafura last year.The 80-metre long Arafura class OPVs will help patrol and secure Australia’s maritime border alongside the Evolved Cape class patrol boats. Together, they play a key role in humanitarian and disaster relief…

On April 20, Damen Shipyards Group signed a contract with Blueshell Mussels for the delivery of a Landing Utility Vessel (LUV) 2208. The vessel, named Bountiful, is supporting the company’s mussel harvesting operation in the Shetland Islands off the north coast of Scotland.Blueshell Mussels is a family-owned business located in Brae, on the island of Mainland. The company approached Damen when they heard that the shipbuilder had a LUV 2208 available.It is Damen’s practice to construct its vessels in series and keep them in stock.

Saronic has launched its first Marauder Medium Unmanned Surface Vessel (MUSV), designed to deliver dual-use autonomous capability far from shore across the full range of defense and commercial applications.Marauder is built for the kinds of sustained, long-range missions that place the greatest demands on any maritime vessel and present the greatest risks to any crew. Operating fully autonomously or under remote human supervision, Marauder is designed tooperate far from shore…

The first steel cutting ceremony for Crystal Grace, the new ship for the cruise line Crystal, took place at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Marghera. Delivery of the vessel is scheduled for spring 2028 and will be followed by two sister ships.Attending the ceremony were Cristina Levis, CEO Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group (AKTG) for Crystal, Luigi Matarazzo, General Manager Merchant Ships Division of Fincantieri and Marco Lunardi, Director of the Marghera shipyard.Crystal Grace will have a gross tonnage of 62,000 tons and will accommodate 650 passengers.

Norwegian shipbuilder Vard has signed a contract with research organization Inkfish for the design and construction of a deep-sea research vessel based on the VARD 9 42 design, in a deal valued at nearly $810 million (€700 million).The company said the contract is the largest order ever secured by Vard for a single vessel and the largest order of its kind for a Norwegian shipyard.The vessel, known as RV11000 during the project phase, will be 162 meters long with a beam of 28 meters.

Yiulian Dockyard Hong Kong is open for business following a major facility upgrade and workforce expansion, with on-site digital twin pipe fabrication adopted in cooperation with Irwin Limited.As the only dockyard in China that accepts vessels alongside laden, the yard targets unplanned dockings for vessels working southern China container ports (Hong Kong, Yantian, Shekou, Nansha) and the Pearl River Delta.General Manager Zhong Ying said: “To enter any other dockyard in China, you would be required to discharge your cargo first. In Hong Kong, you can come alongside laden.

Despite a first quarter of 2026 marked by geopolitical disruption, volatile energy prices and a fundamental realignment of global trade routes, Ernst Russ AG is consistently executing the disciplined growth strategy communicated in its annual report.The Hamburg-based shipowner closed the first quarter of 2026 with strong operating results and has already optimized its fleet during the current year through strategically significant transactions.At the end of the first quarter of 2026…

ClassNK has released the “Guidelines for 3D Model-Based Approval (3DMBA)”, which summarizes the fundamental principles and standard practices for 3DMBA (3D Model-Based Approval), a next-generation design approval approach in which 3D models serve as the primary basis for approval.At the same time, ClassNK has released its 3DMBA-compatible drawing approval system “NK-PASS” and “ClassNK 3DViewer,” and has commenced operation of an integrated workflow for 3D model-based design approval.NK-PASS is a drawing approval management system provided by ClassNK. Traditionally used for 2D drawing approval.

Seanergy Maritime, a pure-play Capesize shipping company, has reported its Q1 financial results with net revenue of $42.9 million, compared to $24.2 million in the first quarter of 2025.Net income and adjusted net income for the quarter were $9.7 million and $13.4 million, respectively, compared to net loss of $6.8 million and adjusted net loss of $5.5 million in the first quarter of 2025.EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA for the quarter were $23.6 million and $28.1 million, respectively…

Québec-based Davie and UK-based Kraken Technology Group have announced a strategic collaboration to establish Canadian production, integration and development of Kraken’s autonomous solutions.Davie will provide Canadian capacity and capability to produce, integrate and develop Kraken’s uncrewed surface vessels and autonomous maritime systems.The announcement comes as Western governments increasingly prioritise autonomous and AI-enabled maritime capabilities as part of wider efforts to strengthen sovereign industrial capacity and accelerate naval modernisation.Philip Burns-O’Brien…

With EP Winch, Rossi strengthens its offering in the Marine, Construction and Mining sectors.Rossi S.p.A., an international company headquartered in Modena and one of the world's leading groups in the production of gearboxes, gearmotors and electric motors, presents the EP Winch, the new planetary gearbox with rotating housing.The new EP Winch expands the range dedicated to planetary gearboxes, a product that has characterized Rossi's experience and production capacity for decades.