Smarter Shipping: Sofar Ocean Launches Voyage Simulator

For decades, voyage planning has been a painstaking process of spreadsheets, estimates, and weather models that often fall short. Sofar Ocean thinks it has cracked the code with its new Wayfinder Voyage Simulator.

Launched October 1, the tool lets commercial teams plan and compare voyages in seconds. Users can upload a route, adjust departure time or RPM, and run simulations that factor in weather, fuel, and market conditions.

“Voyage planning tools have not kept pace with the speed and complexity of modern shipping markets,” said Dennis Rong, Head of Product at Sofar Ocean. “We saw an opportunity to change this dynamic; not just by improving existing workflows, but by bringing real-time ocean intelligence to the forefront of voyage planning and simulation.”

The system taps into Sofar’s private network of floating sensors, which it says makes forecasts up to 50 percent more accurate than traditional weather models. It also links with vessel-specific performance models and live market data.

Why it matters: Questions like “Can a ship make laycan?” or “Which vessel is best for this cargo?” can now be answered instantly. For operators under cost and emissions pressure, faster answers mean tighter margins and fewer surprises.

The bottom line: Sofar’s pitch is simple. Replace best guesses with live data and shave risk out of every voyage….read more

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Autonomy at Sea: Robosys Wins Damen CTV Retrofit

Robosys Automation has landed a contract to retrofit a Damen 2610 crew transfer vessel with its VOYAGER AI autonomy system, its first project in offshore renewables.

“This project represents a significant leap forward not only for Robosys but for the offshore renewables industry,” said Nigel Lee, Chief Strategy Officer at Robosys Automation. “The integration of VOYAGER AI into this Damen FCS 2610 vessel highlights the confidence in remote and autonomous smart vessel technologies to enhance safety, operational efficiency, and sustainability, within offshore wind operations.”

Why it matters: Offshore wind support vessels face safety, cost, and sustainability pressures. Autonomy promises to help operators meet those demands while preparing for larger fleets of next-generation CTVs.

The bottom line: Robosys is positioning itself as a technology partner for offshore energy, where autonomy is shifting from trial to commercial reality….read more

Digital Shift: Seaspan Joins Ankeri Platform

Seaspan Corporation, the world’s largest independent containership owner, is betting big on digitalization. The company has joined forces with Iceland’s Ankeri Solutions to roll out its cloud-based platform across Seaspan’s 187 ships and two car carriers.

“At Seaspan, we are always investing and innovating to elevate customer engagement and deliver value for our global clients,” said Peter Jackson, Chief Technology Officer at Seaspan. “Ankeri’s industry-leading applications fully support our digital ambitions, driving enhanced performance across our fleet and underpinning our ability to scale.”

Ankeri already counts Hapag-Lloyd, Global Ship Lease, and Ernst Russ among its users. CEO Kristinn Aspelund said: “We are thrilled to welcome Seaspan to the growing list of container clients turning to our scaleable software platform to realise their digitalisation goals.”

Zoom out: As regulators tighten requirements and customers demand transparency, digital platforms like Ankeri are helping operators replace manual workflows with integrated systems.

Takeaway: Seaspan’s move signals how large players are reshaping container shipping with digital tools that blend commercial and environmental data into a single operational picture….read more

Nuclear Power Edges Toward the Seas

Alfa Laval has secured contracts to supply its FCM LPG fuel supply systems for four new LPG carriers in China and Japan. The deals point to growing confidence in LPG as a transition fuel for shipping.

“LPG is a valuable alternative fuel solution for LPG carriers, and we are proud to enable that transition,” said Peter Sahlen, Head of Marine Separation, Fuel Supply System & Heat Transfer at Alfa Laval. “The strong interest in our LFSS technology reflects its efficiency and flexibility.”

Zoom out: LPG emits less CO₂ and sulfur than fuel oils, while benefiting from existing global bunkering infrastructure. For many shipowners, it offers a practical path to compliance before cleaner fuels scale.

Takeaway: With orders across Asia, Alfa Laval is cementing its role as a go-to supplier for fuel flexibility as shipowners search for lower-carbon options….read more

Wind Power Ahead: U-Ming Installs Rotor Sails on Grand Pioneer

U-Ming Marine Transport has installed four Anemoi Rotor Sails on its 325,000 DWT ore carrier Grand Pioneer at COSCO Zhoushan Shipyard, making it the first Taiwanese shipowner to adopt wind-assist propulsion.

What’s new: The 35m sails were delivered fully assembled and installed in just 1.5 days, with an additional five days for commissioning and crew training. Anemoi’s plug-and-play process streamlined the work during the vessel’s scheduled dry dock.

“The installation of Rotor Sails on Grand Pioneer marks an important step in U-Ming’s decarbonisation journey and reflects our belief that the future of global shipping must be both sustainable and competitive,” said Jeff Hsu, Vice Chairman of U-Ming.

The bottom line: With projected fuel and emissions cuts of 10–12% annually, U-Ming is positioning itself as a first mover in Taiwan’s push for cleaner, more efficient deep-sea shipping….read more