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The Northern Endurance Partnership (NEP) CO2 transport and storage project in the UK has been awarded independent certification by DNV, a leading global expert in energy systems and technology. The project is a crucial component of the UK’s East Coast Cluster, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from industrial emitters in Teesside. The scope of work for DNV includes verifying that the construction and operations of the CO2 transport chain comply with the license granted by the UK government. This involves checking design integrity, construction quality, and commissioning readiness to ensure the system performs as intended when CO2 flows through it. DNV’s independent certification provides regulators and project partners with confidence that complex CO2 transport infrastructure has been delivered in accordance with its license requirements. The company brings decades of North Sea verification experience and technical expertise in CO2 pipeline integrity and risk management to this role. The independent certifier role is a new regulatory requirement for the UK carbon capture and storage sector, aimed at ensuring compliance before infrastructure enters operation. This move underscores the importance of safety, quality, and technical assurance in the development of large-scale carbon capture and storage projects. NEP’s East Coast Cluster will transport CO2 from industrial emitters in Teesside to offshore pipelines and injection systems beneath the southern North Sea. The project is a significant step towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions from industrial sources in the UK. The certification process involves a thorough review of the project's design, construction, and commissioning procedures to ensure they meet the required standards. DNV’s expertise in this area will provide valuable assurance that the project meets the highest safety, quality, and technical standards. Rich Denny, Managing Director of NEP, noted that independent certification plays a crucial role in delivering the UK's first and largest CO2 transportation and storage asset. This confidence is essential for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of this nationally significant infrastructure. Hari Vamadevan, Senior Vice President and Regional Director for the UK & Ireland at DNV, added that their role is to provide objective, evidence-based assurance grounded in decades of North Sea verification experience and technical expertise in CO2 pipeline integrity and risk management. The successful completion of this certification process marks a significant milestone for the NEP project and demonstrates the commitment of its partners to delivering high-quality infrastructure that meets the highest standards of safety, quality, and technical assurance.

ST Engineering has received approval from RINA for a retrofit concept involving a hydrogen-powered fuel cell system on a fast passenger ferry. The concept replaces one auxiliary diesel generator with a hydrogen fuel cell system supported by lithium-ion batteries. This design aims to reduce carbon emissions while maintaining safety, performance, and regulatory compliance. The approval was granted in line with RINA classification rules and international safety codes for ships using low-flashpoint fuels. This assessment demonstrates the feasibility of retrofitting existing vessels with new technologies, such as hydrogen fuel cell systems. The use of hydrogen fuel cells offers a cleaner alternative to traditional diesel engines, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. The Asean Raider I ferry will be the first vessel to benefit from this retrofit design. The approval represents a key milestone in expanding ST Engineering's capabilities to introduce hydrogen fuel cell technology into maritime operations. This project showcases the company's expertise in safely integrating new technologies into existing vessels. Lim Nian Hua, Deputy President of Marine at ST Engineering, highlighted the significance of this achievement. He stated that the Approval in Principle validates the robustness of their retrofit concept and demonstrates their engineering expertise. This work will advance the adoption of lower-emission solutions for maritime applications while maintaining a strong focus on safety and regulatory compliance. The collaboration between ST Engineering and RINA is crucial in facilitating the transition to alternative fuels and energy systems. By supporting this feasibility study, RINA aims to promote informed design decisions and help smooth the transition from concept to detailed engineering for novel technologies applied to existing vessels. This approval sets a precedent for other companies to follow suit. The use of hydrogen fuel cells in maritime applications is gaining traction worldwide. As the industry continues to evolve, it's essential to adopt cleaner technologies that reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainability. The approval of ST Engineering's retrofit design is a significant step towards this goal. ST Engineering's expertise in marine engineering and RINA's classification rules provide a solid foundation for the adoption of hydrogen fuel cell technology. This collaboration demonstrates the potential for innovative solutions to be integrated into existing vessels, reducing emissions while maintaining performance and safety. The approval of ST Engineering's retrofit design is a testament to the company's commitment to sustainability and innovation. By adopting cleaner technologies, the maritime industry can reduce its carbon footprint and promote a more environmentally friendly future. As the world shifts towards a low-carbon economy, the adoption of hydrogen fuel cell technology in the maritime industry will play a crucial role. ST Engineering's approval represents a significant milestone in this journey, paving the way for other companies to follow suit and adopt cleaner technologies. RINA's support for innovative solutions like hydrogen fuel cell technology is essential in promoting sustainability in the maritime industry. By facilitating informed design decisions and supporting feasibility studies, RINA can help smooth the transition to alternative fuels and energy systems.

The US and Iran are currently engaged in intense diplomatic talks aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The war, which has left thousands dead and disrupted energy supplies, has been going on for over three months. As the situation continues to deteriorate, US President Donald Trump is expected to address the matter soon, according to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. This comes as Iran has signaled its willingness to accept an interim deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for Washington ending its blockade of Iranian ports. The president's red lines with respect to Iran have been made very clear, and they include preventing Tehran from building a nuclear weapon,

Frequent cases of crew abandonment, non-payment of wages, poor living conditions, and serious consequences for seafarers' mental health demonstrate a significant gap between regulations and reality. The need for a unified approach to address physical and mental health, nutrition, safe working conditions, and legal protections is crucial. The BlueRights International Conference brought together multidisciplinary experts from 39 countries to improve regulations, raise awareness, and provide practical tools for ensuring more effective protection of people at sea. Presentations covered a range of issues, including the interconnection between legal, organisational, and social factors. Issues such as stress, organisational culture, labour relations, and the role of family and social support in maintaining seafarers' well-being were emphasised. Developing healthy organisational models and preventive approaches to mental health within maritime companies is also essential for seafarer well-being. Crisis planning, system resilience, and humanitarian law were considered important for seafarer health in crisis and conflict situations. The conference highlighted the need for stronger implementation of standards such as the MLC 2006 to address the vulnerability of non-EU seafarers. Particular vulnerability has been identified among non-EU seafarers, prompting a call for urgent strengthening of protection mechanisms in line with the convention. Seafarers must carefully verify the legal validity, enforceability, and financial security of the Seafarer Employment Agreement (SEA) before signing. The well-being of seafarers should be further protected through measures such as avoidance of high-risk areas and the provision of essential resources and communication systems. Seafarers' mental health requires special attention before, during, and after a crisis. Strengthening leadership in crisis situations is crucial for crew stability and resilience. Psychological support, peer support, stress resilience training, and self-care practices are essential for seafarer well-being. The medical profession has highlighted the need to address burnout, psychological stress, and suicide as serious challenges in maritime transport. This emphasises the importance of prioritising seafarer welfare and implementing effective measures to mitigate these risks.

Australia has taken a major leap forward in its adoption of next-generation digital marine navigation, with the country's first live shipboard trial of S‑100 digital navigation data now underway. The trial is being led by the Australian Hydrographic Office (AHO) in collaboration with leading industry partners, including Carnival Cruise Lines, Tidetech, and OSI Maritime Systems. This initiative marks an important milestone in the implementation of S‑100 standards, which enable multiple interoperable data layers to be displayed together on a ship's bridge, supporting more informed navigational decision-making than traditional static charts. The trial is being conducted in Sydney Harbour, one of Australia's busiest and most constrained ports, where two Carnival cruise ships are participating. The data being tested includes high-resolution S‑104 water level and S‑111 surface current datasets for the harbour, delivered at 100m resolution in 20-minute time steps to show the harbor's complex tidal flows and rapidly changing conditions. The trial offers a unique opportunity for industry players to observe how high-resolution tidal and current data is interpreted and used on the bridge, beyond laboratory or simulator environments. This will help data providers better understand what bridge teams notice, trust, and rely upon when navigating and maneuvering in real-world scenarios. For Carnival Cruise Lines, participating in this trial represents a significant step towards improving navigational decision-making for their bridge crews. By leveraging dynamic digital navigation data, they can enhance situational awareness and reduce the risk of accidents or errors during complex maneuvers in confined waters. The Australian Hydrographic Office's director of national charting, Alvaro Sanchez, notes that this trial allows them to gather real-world feedback from bridge crews operating day-to-day in a busy port. The trial will help refine the S‑100 standards and ensure they meet the needs of industry stakeholders. S‑100 treats tides and currents as live navigational information rather than background context,

The shipping industry has been aware of gaps in seafarers' ECDIS proficiency for some time, but a new report provides valuable insights into the specific issues that need attention. NorthStandard's ECDIS Training Assessment (ETA) platform has been used to assess over 5,000 bridge teams, providing a unique data set for this report. The report highlights two key areas where bridge teams struggle with ECDIS functions: electronic navigational chart updates and correct ENC scale prioritization in planning. These issues can have serious consequences, including navigational errors and safety risks. Furthermore, the report reveals that many bridge teams are unable to distinguish between alarms and alerts, spot datum issues, and verify positions. This lack of proficiency can lead to confusion and decreased situational awareness on the bridge. The industry has a long history of relying on ECDIS systems to improve navigational safety and situational awareness. However, improper use of these systems can have devastating consequences, including accidents and loss of life. To address these gaps in knowledge, NorthStandard's ETA platform offers instant feedback and guidance for self-evaluation and additional training materials. This provides a valuable resource for bridge teams looking to improve their ECDIS proficiency. The report also highlights the importance of safety settings, including contours, key symbols, and ECDIS functions. These settings are critical for ensuring safe navigation and preventing accidents. By identifying knowledge gaps and providing targeted training, the shipping industry can work towards improving ECDIS proficiency and reducing the risk of navigational errors. This is crucial for maintaining situational awareness and ensuring safe navigation. The use of ECDIS systems has become increasingly widespread in the shipping industry, and it is essential that bridge teams are properly trained to use these systems effectively. The findings of this report provide a valuable resource for training programs and industry initiatives aimed at improving ECDIS proficiency.

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) has secured approval in principle from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) for the basic design of an unmanned autonomous rocket recovery vessel. The project is being developed with Innovative Space Carrier and TSUNEISHI SOLUTIONS TOKYOBAY. This approval covers the overall offshore recovery system, including the recovery vessel, a support vessel, and an onshore control system. The concept is designed to support offshore rocket recovery operations and has been approved for safety and technical feasibility. MOL said that this technology could enable more efficient retrieval and reuse of rockets, supporting more frequent launches and reduced costs. This is a significant development in the field of space exploration and satellite operations. The approval from ABS marks an important milestone in the development of autonomous vessels for offshore operations. The company's expertise in shipping and offshore sectors has been instrumental in developing the operational concept for the offshore recovery platform and studying offshore operations. MOL will continue working closely with its partners, Innovative Space Carrier and TSUNEISHI SOLUTIONS TOKYOBAY, while receiving technical advice from ABS, to further refine the design and advance studies toward implementation. This collaboration highlights the importance of industry partnerships in driving innovation and advancing technological capabilities. The development of autonomous vessels is a significant step forward in optimizing offshore operations, but it also raises important questions about safety and regulatory frameworks. As the use of autonomous technology becomes more widespread, it will be essential to establish clear guidelines and standards for its deployment. The approval from ABS demonstrates the company's commitment to innovation and its role as a leader in the development of autonomous technologies. This project has the potential to transform the way rockets are recovered and reused, supporting more frequent launches and reducing costs. The use of unmanned autonomous vessels for rocket recovery operations is expected to improve efficiency and reduce costs. By automating the recovery process, companies can reduce the risk of human error and minimize downtime, leading to increased productivity and competitiveness. As the space industry continues to grow and evolve, the development of autonomous technologies like this vessel will play an increasingly important role in supporting its operations. The approval from ABS marks a significant step forward in this area, and we can expect to see more innovative solutions like this in the future.

Akastor's subsidiary DDW Offshore has entered into a binding agreement to sell its Skandi Emerald anchor handling tug supply (AHTS) vessel for $23 million. The AHTS, built in 2011, is designed for operations across a range of water depths and environmental conditions. This sale marks an important milestone for DDW Offshore as it looks to optimize its fleet and reduce debt. The Skandi Emerald is a versatile vessel that can operate in various marine environments, making it an attractive asset for any buyer. Its design allows it to navigate through different water depths and withstand harsh weather conditions. This flexibility makes the AHTS vessel highly sought after in the offshore industry. Completion of the transaction is subject to customary conditions and is expected in the second quarter of 2026. The companies involved did not disclose the identity of the buyer or any other details, leaving speculation about the potential buyer's plans for the vessel. This lack of transparency may raise concerns among industry stakeholders. Following the sale, DDW Offshore's revolving credit facility will be reduced from $16 million to $8 million. This reduction in debt will likely have a positive impact on the company's financial performance and ability to invest in new assets. However, it also means that DDW Offshore will need to carefully manage its cash flow to ensure it can meet its future obligations. The sale of the Skandi Emerald AHTS vessel is a significant development for the offshore industry, particularly in terms of its environmental sustainability. As companies look to reduce their carbon footprint and invest in more eco-friendly assets, the demand for vessels like the Skandi Emerald is likely to increase. This trend may lead to increased competition among buyers and sellers in the market. The AHTS vessel's sale also highlights the importance of fleet optimization in the offshore industry. As companies seek to reduce costs and improve efficiency, they must carefully consider which assets to hold onto and which to sell. In this case, DDW Offshore has made a strategic decision to sell its Skandi Emerald vessel, likely due to changes in market demand or internal financial considerations. The transaction is expected to have a limited impact on the overall offshore industry, as it represents a single asset sale rather than a broader trend. However, it does demonstrate the ongoing need for companies to adapt and respond to changing market conditions. As the industry continues to evolve, we can expect to see more transactions like this in the future. The sale of the Skandi Emerald AHTS vessel marks an important chapter in DDW Offshore's history as a company. While it may be a setback for some stakeholders, it also represents an opportunity for the company to refocus its efforts and invest in new assets that will drive growth and profitability in the future. In conclusion, the sale of the Skandi Emerald AHTS vessel is a significant development for DDW Offshore and the offshore industry as a whole. As companies continue to navigate changing market conditions and environmental regulations, it is essential to stay agile and adapt to new opportunities and challenges.

Akastor’s subsidiary DDW Offshore has entered into a binding agreement to sell its Skandi Emerald anchor handling tug supply (AHTS) vessel for $23 million. The AHTS is designed for operations across a range of water depths and environmental conditions. This sale marks an important step in the company's strategy to optimize its fleet and reduce costs. The Skandi Emerald, built in 2011, has been a key asset for DDW Offshore, providing essential services to various clients in the offshore industry. Its versatility and capabilities make it an attractive vessel for potential buyers. The sale of this AHTS vessel will likely have implications for the company's operations and financials. Completion of the transaction is subject to customary conditions and is expected in the second quarter of 2026. This timeline allows DDW Offshore to finalize the sale and reduce its debt obligations, which will be reduced from $16 million to $8 million following the completion of the transaction. The buyer has not been disclosed, and no further information about the sale has been made available. It is unclear what specific features or capabilities the buyer is looking for in an AHTS vessel. The lack of transparency surrounding the sale may raise questions among industry observers. This sale highlights the competitive nature of the offshore industry, where companies must continually adapt to changing market conditions and optimize their fleets to remain viable. As the demand for specialized vessels like the Skandi Emerald continues to evolve, it is likely that more AHTS vessels will be sold in the coming years. The sale of the Skandi Emerald also underscores the importance of fleet management in the offshore industry. Companies must carefully consider their asset portfolios and make strategic decisions about which vessels to retain or sell. This approach can help minimize costs and maximize returns on investment. DDW Offshore's decision to sell the Skandi Emerald is likely driven by a desire to reduce debt and optimize its financial position. The sale of this vessel will provide the company with much-needed capital to invest in other assets or reduce its financial obligations. The impact of this sale will be felt throughout the industry, as it may influence the prices that buyers are willing to pay for AHTS vessels. This, in turn, could have broader implications for the offshore sector as a whole. As the offshore industry continues to evolve, companies must remain agile and adaptable to stay ahead of the curve. The sale of the Skandi Emerald is just one example of how companies are responding to changing market conditions and optimizing their fleets to meet emerging demands.