The maritime sector concluded 2025 with significant technology announcements related to artificial intelligence-driven safety, advanced propulsion systems, alternative fuels and underwater connectivity. According to industry sources, these advancements underscore their commitment towards operational efficiencies and decarbonization ahead of 2026.
Gram Car Carriers Debut Orca AI Navigational Analytics
Gram Car Carriers (GCC), part of MSC Group and one of the world's three-largest pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs), recently entered into an multi-year agreement with Orca AI to utilize its AI-powered navigational safety and fleet analytics platform across their global fleet of 22 owned vessels. This partnership expands Orca AIs existing collaboration with MSC while furthering digital transformation efforts within its organisational structure.
Orca AIs platform uses artificial intelligence for real-time navigational decision support, collision avoidance and performance analytics - solving key challenges associated with PCTC operations.
Kongsberg Maritime Extends Azimuth Thruster Range with UUC PM Azimuth Thrusters
Kongsberg Maritime has introduced two additional sizes to its Underwater Mountable, Permanent Magnet (UUC PM) azimuth thruster range, targeting demanding offshore and marine operations. These additions to the UUC PM 405 model feature propeller diameters of 3.8 meters and 4.1 meters for producing an estimated thrust output of 86 and 91 metric tons respectively.
Future expansions are planned, with 5.5-meter diameter and 6000 kW power ratings planned for future models of these thrusters aimed at providing efficient propulsion solutions for offshore vessels while prioritizing reliability and performance in harsh environments.
Kongsberg Maritime was recently awarded a contract by Sea1 Offshore to supply Launch and Recovery Systems (LARS) for four new offshore construction vessels. Each vessel will receive two advanced LARS units equipped with telescopic A-frames, electrical umbilical winches, hydraulic power units and control systems capable of handling a 15-tonne safe working load capacity.
ABS Awarded AiP for Ammonia FPSO Design
MISC and China Offshore Engineering & Technology Company received approval in principle (AiP) from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) for an innovative ammonia floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel design utilizing proven onshore production technologies for offshore use, turning unutilized hydrocarbon gas into high-value blue ammonia stored under cryogenic conditions.
This project facilitates maritime transition towards cleaner fuels by enabling ammonia production from offshore gas fields, lowering emissions and making effective use of stranded resources.
Fincantieri and WSense Partner for IoUT for Maritime Infrastructure
Fincantieri and WSense, an expert in subsea communication and environmental monitoring technologies, recently reached an agreement to integrate Internet of Underwater Things (IoUT) technologies into port and coastal projects. Led by Giorgio Bellipanni of Fincantieri Infrastructure and Chiara Petrioli from WSense respectively, their partnership centers around real-time underwater sensing capabilities for port and coastal projects.
This collaboration advances high-tech maritime infrastructure by improving monitoring, communication, and data-driven operations at harbors and offshore installations.
Milestones of Maritime Technology Progress
HII announced that Breaux Brothers Enterprises has reached 30% completion on its ROMULUS USV prototype construction, keeping on schedule to complete sea trials in Q4 2026 as planned with partners such as Incat Crowther.
RTsys Group was officially rebranded from SeaVorian Group to mark a new stage of underwater technology development.
These events highlight accelerating innovation in AI, autonomy, propulsion, and subsea tech that will place the industry on track towards improved safety and sustainability over the course of 2019.