Global e-navigation leader NAVTOR and Weathernews inc.(WNI), the world's largest private weather service company, have signed a collaboration agreement. The contract will see NAVTOR significantly upgrading its weather information offering within its route planning software NavStation, while also working with the Japanese headquartered firm to develop a ground-breaking artificial intelligence (AI) routing service. This, NAVTOR claims, could revolutionise route planning, efficiency and safety within the maritime industry.

Wilhelmsen and KONGSBERG are joining forces to take the next step in autonomous shipping by offering a complete value chain for autonomous ships, from design and development, to control systems, logistics services and vessel operations.

The technology group Wärtsilä has submitted its Aquarius Electro-Chlorination (EC) Ballast Water Management System (BWMS) for US Coast Guard (USCG) Type Approval (TA) after successfully completing all the testing procedures required.

The technology group Wärtsilä and Crowley Petroleum Services are continuing their co-operation by extending and expanding their maintenance agreement for 11 articulated tug barges (ATBs) owned and operated by US-based Crowley. An ATB has a hinged connection system that allows a powerful ocean-going tug to connect to a notch in the stern of the barge, which enables the tug to propel and maneuver the barge.

Gibbs & Cox, Inc., has been awarded a contract by PMS 317 for Engineering Support Services on the Amphibious Transport Dock (LPD 17) and Amphibious Ship Replacement (LX[R]) Class Ships.

Bollinger Shipyards has delivered the USCGC NATHAN BRUCKENTHAL, the 28th Fast Response Cutter (FRC) to the U.S. Coast Guard. The Coast Guard took delivery on the 29th of March, 2018 in Key West, Florida. The vessel’s commissioning is scheduled for July, 2018 in Washington D.C.

Asia Pacific Maritime (APM), Asia’s premier shipbuilding & marine, workboat and offshore exhibition and conference, concluded on a strong note on 16 March 2018 with attendees expressing optimism for an anticipated upturn.

Recently, a customized Damen Cutter Suction Dredger, type CSD500, has been named by her owner Basra Gateway terminal at the Damen Dredging yard in the Netherlands. Immediately after the ceremony, the dredger was made ready for transport and towed to Rotterdam, from where it was shipped to Port of Umm Qasr, Iraq. The dredger’s first job will be the port extension for Basra Gataway Terminal.

Singapore Maritime Week (SMW), organized annually by Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) attracts movers and shakers from the international maritime community for a week of flagship conferences, dialogues, exhibitions and social events in celebration of all things maritime.

Nautilus Minerals Inc. announces that its production support vessel was launched at the Mawei shipyard in China. The vessel will be used by Nautilus and its partner, Eda Kopa (Solwara) Limited at the Solwara 1 Project site, in the Bismarck Sea of Papua New Guinea.

Ampelmann, a leader in the provision of safe offshore access to the energy industry, has been commended for its innovative N-type Icemann gangway with an OTC Spotlight on New Technology award.

Wärtsilä, a global technology group headquartered in Finland, announces that it has acquired Transas, an innovative, digital solutions provider headquartered in the UK.

In week eleven, the SAL Heavy Lift vessel MV Lone loaded onboard a newly built batch of eleven Damen flat top Pontoons in Shanghai. MV Lone is bringing the pontoons to the Netherlands.

Finning UK & Ireland (Finning) has appointed DH Marine as its sole authorized Cat® marine dealer, electric power partner and rental agent for the Shetland and Orkney Islands.

CEMEX UK has signed a contract with Damen Shipyards Group to build the first in a new generation of Marine Aggregate Dredgers, with LR providing classification for the vessel. The innovative design offers greater efficiency, environmental credentials and the ability to transport approximately 15% more load when compared to CEMEX’s current dredger.

Non-compliant discharge of oily water continues to be an environmental threat – and an expensive headache for the marine industry. With the tamper-proof Alfa Laval BlueBox SA, a stand-alone oil content monitor and data recorder, Alfa Laval is providing peace of mind to ship owners and operators.