The voice of IT Leadership in the commercial maritime industry
Editor’s Note
Today’s edition looks at how digital ambition is colliding with operational reality at sea. From crew welfare and distraction risk to autonomy, connectivity, decarbonisation and offshore wind construction, the common thread is control. Technology is no longer the differentiator. How it is governed, integrated and trusted now matters most.
— Arnel Murga
Sponsored by
Wind Propulsion: From Concept to Operational Reality
Wind-assisted propulsion is becoming a practical option for shipowners seeking to reduce fuel consumption and emissions while maintaining operational flexibility.
But adopting wind technology raises important questions. How does it perform across different trades? What are the implications for vessel design, operations, and compliance? And how does it integrate with existing propulsion systems?
Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore approaches wind propulsion with a systems mindset. Shipowners are supported in evaluating technology options, understanding performance assumptions, and assessing operational impacts as part of a broader efficiency strategy.
Think of wind propulsion as adding a new sail to a modern vessel: its value depends on how well it is integrated, managed, and understood.
Autonomy needs trust before scale. Autonomy is edging closer to commercial reality as class expectations become clearer. Bureau Veritas’ Approval in Principle for Greenroom Robotics offers shipowners a more defined pathway from concept to deployment. Assurance, not novelty, is now driving autonomy decisions.
Where operational excellence meets net zero ambition
Decarbonisation favours scale and stability. A strategic ferry route enters a larger network without losing its low emission identity. Stena Line’s acquisition of Wasaline links long term ownership stability with an operationally proven green corridor.
Energy transition demands heavier tools. Floating wind projects are pushing vessel capability to new levels. MacGregor’s 400 tonne subsea crane order reflects how specialist equipment is becoming critical infrastructure for offshore energy buildout.
Yesterday's Most Engaging Story
Information, not software, is now the real differentiator. Digital shipbuilding is not failing because of technology. It struggles when it is treated as a software project rather than a business change. This feature examines why connected information and disciplined lifecycle change management are becoming non negotiable for shipowners exposed to delivery risk and rising complexity.