MBT Subsea Technology recently completed its acquisition of CPU Unterwassertechnik GmbH, an expert in underwater technology, to expand their product offering for marine and subsea applications. This strategic acquisition strengthens MBTs offerings in system distribution and services within meeres- and unterwassertechnik sector as well as expand its presence within maritime industry.
Seacon Shipping Group of Hong Kong has demonstrated its aggressive expansion plans for 2025 with acquisition of seven multi-purpose vessels from Baltic Shipping, divesting product tankers to Union Maritime, placing an order for an electric research container ship and creating China's first FuelEU Maritime Compliance Pool to meet EU emission rules - all moves that enhance fleet optimization, liquidity, and sustainability during global shipping recovery.
JouBeh Technologies Inc. recently received Fisheries and Oceans Canada approval of their Iridium-based Vessel Monitoring System iTrac Vessel Monitor System, simplifying compliance for Canadian fishing vessels. Furthermore, they merged with MetOcean Data Systems to form metOcean Telematics; providing satellite telematics solutions across marine sectors such as fisheries, oceanography and offshore operations.
Yang Ming Marine Transport's dry-bulk unit recently signed contracts to acquire four Handymax bulk carriers valued at up to $173 million, while Genco Shipping agreed to purchase two high-spec Newcastlemax vessels for $145.5 million. These moves come on the heels of capesize rate gains and soft smaller segments as well as ClassNK's AiP for advanced fuel-ready bulkers and Pacific Basin's newbuild orders.
On December 19th, the US Navy revealed plans for a new FF(X) frigate class based on the Legend-class cutter design to bolster its small surface combatant fleet by 2028. Meanwhile, Indonesia launched their largest surface combatant (KRI Balaputradewa) on 18 December, marking a key step in Southeast Asian naval capabilities and underscoring global naval modernization efforts. These developments highlight global efforts in this regard.
Ocean Scientific International Ltd (OSIL) recently supplied Van Oord with nine integrated data buoy systems from Ocean Scientific International Ltd to monitor real-time dredge plume and environmental conditions during global dredging projects, thus increasing operational efficiencies. OSILs expertise in marine monitoring solutions with over 800 systems worldwide supporting critical infrastructure compliance as well as environmental compliance is evident through this deployment.
Harbour Energy's $3.2 billion purchase of LLOG marks its entrance into U.S. Gulf deepwater assets, while Shell and INEOS Energy announce their first oil discovery in the Gulf of America. CNOOC launches production from its Xijiang 24 wellhead platform while contracts continue flowing to TechnipFMC, Subsea7, and other companies from Mozambique Australia and beyond -- signalling robust offshore momentum amid expanding Caribbean logistics networks.
From December 6 to 25, 2025, maritime sanctions escalated with Australia designating 45 Russian-linked vessels; EU member states adding 41 vessels to the shadow fleet ban list; the U.S. seizing Venezuelan oil tankers Centuries and Bella 1, Ukraine striking Qendil tanker and Sweden detaining Russian vessel Adler as examples of behavior-based enforcement to disrupt dark fleet operations worldwide. All these actions signify a change towards behavior-based enforcement to effectively dismantle dark fleet operations worldwide.
JouBeh Technologies Inc. recently earned DFO certification for their Iridium iTrac VMS, streamlining compliance for Canadian fishing vessels. Concurrently, this company announced a merger with MetOcean Data Systems to form metOcean Telematics; thus combining expertise in satellite communications and environmental data collection for enhanced maritime applications.
Newfoundland and Labrador's government has issued an RFP for a swing vessel to enhance critical inter island ferry services while investing in subsea anchoring technology for future offshore wind farms, in an effort to maximize marine transportation reliability as part of an overall strategy aiming to position Newfoundland and Labrador as an offshore energy and ocean technology hub.
Mariscope Meerestechnik, the German ROV manufacturer, recently integrated its 25th Applied Acoustics Alpha USBL system into subsea vehicles to support Chile's aquaculture sector. Recent partnerships with Reach Robotics expand market reach in Chile and Argentina respectively while innovations like their newly deployed manned submarine rescue ROV showcase their leadership position within ocean robotics.
Sonardyne International Ltd has received both King's Awards for Enterprise 2025 Sustainable Development and International Trade - making them one of only two UK firms to do so. These awards recognize Sonardyne's accomplishment of carbon neutrality two years ahead of schedule as well as an 83% surge in exports; further expansions include opening an office in Germany as well as CCS monitoring contracts and marine tech integration contracts.
AXSUB Inc, the Canadian subsea and hyperbaric systems specialist, and Darkwater Vision have entered a strategic partnership to co-develop and commercialize an underwater vision product line based on UVAS underwater vision augmentation technology. The deal brings together AXSUB manufacturing experience along with their diving market knowledge with Darkwater Vision imaging IP channels aimed at providing increased visibility for commercial divers and subsea operators.
Saltwater Communications, the specialist marine PR and marketing arm of BLUE Communications, has been hired by Honda Marine Europe to implement a multi channel communications programme supporting their next stage of growth in Europe's leisure marine market. This mandate further solidifies Saltwater Communications as a go-to partner for marine brands seeking greater engagement with boatbuilders, dealers and end users.
Compusult Ltd of Newfoundland is an industry leader in maritime technology. Recently they secured a contract from the Canadian Coast Guard to improve incident response systems and lead Node Zero project, an ocean observation initiative supported by Canada's Ocean Supercluster and Innovate UK that utilizes wave power. Recent executive insights highlight their expansion into NATO, defense, and Indo-Pacific markets to strengthen Canada's ocean economy.
Unique Group has made a strategic move by purchasing Oceanwide Safety at Sea, a top designer and constructor of self-propelled hyperbaric lifeboats, joining two diving industry leaders together in one transaction. This acquisition enhances product innovation and global market access for advanced safety solutions essential to offshore operations, with Oceanwide's expertise in hyperbaric evacuation systems making them a key player for maritime safety.
Nautel Ltd's Kenta Technologies division continues to support global maritime communications with hybrid NAVTEX-NAVDAT systems, major GMDSS projects in Korea and Singapore, and ongoing maintenance in Bulgaria. Recent 2025 developments include providing 400 VHF transceivers for French GMDSS upgrades as well as Romanian air navigation upgrades - further cementing Nautel's role in creating reliable coastal radio infrastructure.
Aanderaa Data Instruments, a brand of Xylem, is expanding its presence in key maritime sectors through new project collaborations and trade fair participation. Recent announcements highlight its role in tidal energy monitoring with Bluenergy Solutions; port and harbor environmental systems provided through Xylem solutions; as well as showcases at major 2025 aquaculture exhibitions to underscore sustained demand for robust ocean observing technology.
Between 13-24 December 2025, port operations worldwide were interrupted by severe weather, infrastructure constraints, and equipment issues. European gateways like Antwerp, Hamburg, Rotterdam, Algeciras London Gateway Southampton experienced congestion, high yard utilization rates, fog related closures. North American and Latin American ports dealt with strong winds, riverine suspensions, and inland flooding; operators prioritized fluidity safety resilience during these volatile times.
Over the past week, container shipping experienced several critical incidents. These included the controlled fire on ONE Henry Hudson's return to Los Angeles, as well as crew abandonment after a Red Sea explosion aboard Hong Kong-flagged vessel from Hong Kong-flagged vessel Hong Kong-flagged. Northern Sea Route recorded 15 container transits with seasonal gains for 2025 via 2025 Northern Sea Route as newbuilding orders hit 600 vessels year-on-year; plus Suez Canal returns could soon follow for major lines.