DNV

ABS Leads 2025 Classification Societies Ranking, as CCS Rises and ClassNK Announces Leadership Shift

American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has overtaken DNV to become the largest classification society by gross tonnage on Lloyd's List 2025 rankings, while China Classification Society (CCS) advanced from fifth place into sixth position. ClassNK appointed new leadership effective March 2025 while CCS signed an AIP with Silverstream Technologies for air lubrication tech - these trends signal innovation across top societies regarding nuclear propulsion technology, alternative fuels, and decarbonisation efforts.

Maritime Equipment

Russia Delivers Kerch Strait Vessel as International Maritime Organization Introduces New Lifting Appliance Safety Rules

Russias Sea Rescue Service unveiled the multipurpose support vessel Kerch Strait on December 24, 2025 - further augmenting Northern Sea Route operations and simultaneously with IMO adopting SOLAS Regulation II-1/3-13 with new safety requirements for onboard lifting appliances effective January 1 2026 which affected vessel certifications and retrofits - to demonstrate their advancements in maritime support and regulatory compliance. These developments exemplify advancements in maritime support services as well as regulatory compliance advancements.

US Navy

HII Expands Distributed Shipbuilding as US Navy Expands AI and Frigate Partnerships

HII advances distributed shipbuilding by opening new facilities and partners to meet US Navy demands, while investing $448 million in AI-driven Ship OS for efficiency gains. Hanwha Philly Shipyard readies for next-generation frigates following President Trumps endorsement; global newbuilds showcase green tech as well as market shifts for chemical tankers, car carriers and ferries which signals a return of US maritime industrial capacity.

Unique Group Acquires Ocean-Wide Safety at Sea, Strengthening Hyperbaric Lifeboat Expertise

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.

North Sea

Reach Subsea Increases USV Fleet Expansion With Orders and Regulatory Milestones

Reach Subsea has ordered two uncrewed surface vessels from Kongsberg Maritime following separate approvals for uncrewed operations and regulatory clearance for the commercial rollout of Reach Remote 1 and 2. These approvals are important milestones in the sustainable provision of offshore services, reducing emissions and increasing safety in the waters of Norway and Australia.

Maritime Environment and Emissions

EU ETS Expansion, Methanol Fuel Push and an IMO Sulfur Study Dominate the Maritime Emissions Agenda

In the past week, maritime emissions were thrust deeper into the spotlight, with regulators and the industry looking to tighten the screws. Shipping traders and industry personnel took a deep-dive into the European Commission's ETS coverage of shipping, while DNV did the same with ammonia's potential as a marine fuel. New research into sulfur-cutting rules sounded the alarm on the ongoing compliance and decarbonisation pressures facing shipowners.

NYK Line

Decarbonization of Maritime Sector Accelerates Amid Regulatory Uncertainty and Industry Innovation

In November 2025, critical moments in shipping decarbonization included the IMO's delay of its Net-Zero Framework vote, fresh partnerships between major operators, and growing fears of regulatory fragmentation. Other players are still developing alternative fuel technologies while manoeuvring through the crowded maze of compliance.