Author: Дмитрий

USCG Reinforces Notification Protocols for Unmanned Vessel OperationsThe United States Coast Guard has issued a formal advisory to maritime stakeholders following repeated observations of unmanned maritime system (UMS) deployments in critical navigation zones along the U.S. West Coast.According to the USCG, multiple UMS operations have been detected within or adjacent to primary port approaches—including those serving Los Angeles, Long Beach, San Francisco, and Seattle—without the required prior coordination with the relevant Captain of the Port (COTP).The Coast Guard emphasized that failure to provide advance notification undermines situational awareness, increases collision risks, and may compromise the safety of commercial shipping, naval assets, and search-and-rescue operations.Regulat...

Federal Funding to Drive Maritime Decarbonization EffortsA coalition of U.S. lawmakers has reintroduced a legislative proposal to establish a $10 billion federal program dedicated to advancing clean shipping technologies across the nation’s maritime sector.The bill, championed by Democratic legislators, outlines a $1 billion annual investment over a decade to support the research, development, and deployment of low- and zero-emission vessel technologies, shore-side infrastructure, and workforce training initiatives.Key Objectives of the Proposed LegislationVessel Modernization: Funding for retrofitting existing fleets and constructing next-generation ships powered by alternative fuels such as hydrogen, ammonia, and battery-electric systems.Port Infrastructure Upgrades: Investments in onsho...

Greensea IQ Awarded Major Navy Contract for Autonomous Maritime SystemsGreensea IQ, the maritime autonomy division of Greensea Systems, Inc., has been awarded an $18,154,710 Indefinite-Delivery/Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) contract by the U.S. Navy.Under the terms of the agreement, Greensea IQ will deliver a comprehensive suite of hardware, software, and engineering technical services to support underwater controllers. These systems are critical for the operation of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) in complex maritime environments.Key Contract DeliverablesAdvanced underwater control hardware for AUV/ROV integrationSpecialized software solutions for autonomous and remote operationsEngineering technical services for system deployment and maintenanceSu...

Leadership Transition at IACSThe International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) has confirmed that Alex Gregg-Smith, President Marine & Offshore at Bureau Veritas, has officially taken up the position of Council Chair, effective 1 July.Gregg-Smith was elected unanimously during the IACS General Assembly in December 2025. His appointment follows a structured transition period, during which he served as Chair in preparation for the role.Industry Experience and VisionWith extensive experience in maritime classification and offshore sectors, Gregg-Smith brings a strategic perspective to the leadership of IACS. His tenure is expected to focus on advancing safety standards, digitalisation, and sustainability initiatives across the global shipping industry.IACS plays a critical ...

Diplomatic Efforts Underway to Restore Safe NavigationIndirect technical discussions between the United States and Iran took place in Doha this week, focusing on critical maritime security concerns in the Strait of Hormuz. According to a source with direct knowledge of the negotiations and an Iranian official, the talks aim to establish a framework for uninterrupted shipping operations and a sustainable ceasefire in the region.The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most vital maritime chokepoints, facilitating the transit of approximately one-fifth of global oil supplies. Recent tensions have heightened risks to commercial shipping, prompting renewed diplomatic engagement to mitigate disruptions.Key Objectives of the NegotiationsEnsuring Unimpeded Vessel Transit: Both parties are ...

Project Resumes Under New Government DirectiveMyanmar’s administration has announced the revival of the long-contested $3.6 billion Myitsone Dam project in Kachin State, with plans to complete construction within the next eight years. The decision comes under the country’s new government, signaling a renewed push for the China-backed hydroelectric initiative.Key Developments and Stakeholder InsightsAccording to two informed sources, Khet Htein Nan, head of the Kachin State administration, confirmed the government’s commitment to advancing the project. The Myitsone Dam, initially suspended in 2011 due to environmental and social concerns, has remained a point of contention between local communities, activists, and authorities.The project, primarily financed by Chinese investors, is expected...

Joint R&D Initiative Targets Maritime Recovery of Reusable RocketsNYK Line and the Graduate School of Engineering at the University of Osaka have initiated a collaborative research and development program focused on offshore recovery systems for reusable rockets. The partnership, effective July 1, 2026, combines NYK’s maritime operational expertise with the university’s aerospace engineering capabilities.The project aims to design and validate a purpose-built vessel capable of safely retrieving rocket boosters and payload fairings from ocean splashdown zones. Key technical challenges include dynamic positioning in variable sea states, rapid stabilization of floating components, and corrosion-resistant materials selection for prolonged exposure to saltwater and rocket propellants.Core Resea...

Contract Awarded for EemsEnergyTerminal ExpansionNord Gas Solutions has been selected to deliver a state-of-the-art LNG regasification system for Exmar’s floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) conversion project. The system will support the operational expansion of the EemsEnergyTerminal in Eemshaven, the Netherlands.The contract, finalized in the second quarter, marks a critical milestone in enhancing the terminal’s capacity to meet growing European energy demands. The FSRU conversion will enable efficient LNG handling, reinforcing the Netherlands’ role as a key hub for secure and flexible gas supply.Technical Scope and Industry ImpactNord Gas Solutions will provide a turnkey regasification solution, integrating advanced process control and safety systems tailored for floating ap...

Advanced AI Platform to Optimize Maritime OperationsMitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) and IBM Japan have unveiled a cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) platform engineered to bolster decision-making processes in vessel operations. This innovative solution consolidates critical data streams—including operational metrics, real-time weather conditions, and geopolitical developments—to provide actionable insights for maritime professionals.Key Capabilities of the AI PlatformIntegrated Data Analysis: The platform aggregates and processes diverse datasets, enabling comprehensive situational awareness for vessel operators.Predictive Analytics: Leveraging AI algorithms, the system forecasts potential operational challenges, allowing proactive adjustments to routing, scheduling, and resource allocati...

Aker Solutions to Deliver Critical HVDC Substructure for Offshore Wind ProjectAker Solutions has secured a significant contract to supply a high-voltage direct current (HVDC) substructure for a European offshore wind farm, awarded by an unnamed industry client.The contract encompasses the full project lifecycle, including front-end engineering design (FEED), detailed engineering, procurement, construction, and installation of the substructure. This infrastructure will support the HVDC converter platform, a key component in transmitting renewable energy from offshore wind turbines to onshore grids with minimal power loss.Scope of Work and Technical ChallengesEngineering: Comprehensive design and analysis to ensure structural integrity under extreme offshore conditions, including wave, wind,...