AI Robots Target Shipyard Rework
20, May 2026
Researchers are developing AI-powered robots to scan ships during construction, compare work against digital twins and help shipyards detect build errors earlier.
maritime technology
HD Hyundai Targets Large Electric Ship Commercialisation by 2030
11, May 2026
HD Hyundai is advancing electric propulsion technology for large vessels, targeting commercialisation in 2028 and deployment by 2030.
LR, Orca AI Advance AI Navigation Validation
27, April 2026
LR and Orca AI completed a live vessel trial demonstrating AI-powered navigation performance, achieving high detection accuracy in real conditions.
HOKUREN MARU No.2 Becomes Japan’s First RORO Vessel to Clear Autonomous Inspection
25, March 2026
HOKUREN MARU No.2 completed autonomous navigation trials and passed Japan’s statutory inspection as an autonomous vessel, marking the first such case for a RORO vessel in Japan.
Wärtsilä 31 Set for Hartman Seatrade Heavy-Lift Newbuild
15, January 2026
A 3,800 DWT heavy-lift build at Rock Shipbuilding will use Wärtsilä 31 with a gearbox supporting PTI/PTO/PTH modes plus CPP control and hydrodynamic optimisation; delivery is set for spring 2027.
Korean shipyards resist joint AI navigation push
5, January 2026
South Korea’s plan to build a shared AI autonomous navigation system with Hanwha Ocean, HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering and Samsung Heavy Industries is meeting resistance as shipyards seek to protect proprietary technology.
Japan’s Major Carriers to Invest in MILES for LCO2 Ship Standardization
1, December 2025
Japan’s major carriers—NYK, MOL, and “K” Line—are set to invest in MILES to standardize LCO2 carrier and new fuel ship designs. This unprecedented collaboration between shippers and yards aims to boost productivity and global competitiveness.
Seaspan Weighs SMR Propulsion for Future Container Fleet
28, November 2025
A new Seaspan-commissioned study shows SMRs could accelerate vessel schedules, cut operating costs by $68M annually, and expand cargo capacity on 15,000-TEU ships, with strong adoption potential by 2050.
Fincantieri Launches “DEEP” — Its First Integrated Underwater Drone System
24, October 2025
Fincantieri unveils DEEP, a dual-use integrated underwater drone system combining AUVs, sensors, and AI to protect and monitor critical subsea infrastructure.
