MarRI-UK Maritime Round up #145

News Categories

Recent Posts

Archive

November 2026
M T W T F S S
 1
2345678
9101112131415
16171819202122
23242526272829
30  

MarRI-UK

This week saw progress in maritime autonomy, digitalisation and clean fuels, alongside new research funding. In the UK, Babcock launched its Pelorus digital platform and expanded its autonomous systems partnerships, while UKRI announced £1.2 million for Arctic marine autonomy research. Globally, Australia completed a green-ammonia bunkering milestone, and Singapore and Norway launched joint funding for clean-shipping innovation. Lloyd’s Register highlighted the growing gap between alternative-fuel vessels and port infrastructure. Together, these developments underline the importance of connecting technology investment with practical demonstrations, regulatory readiness and supporting infrastructure.

Highlight

  • (4/11) UKRI announces £1.2 million Arctic marine autonomy funding. Read more

MarRI-UK Member’s and Partner’s News

  • (2/11) Babcock’s 10 Dock programme enters main construction phase with circa £600 million contract award to KierBAM. Read more
  • (3/11) Babcock launches transformative digital platform Pelorus to connect shipbuilding, fleet operations and support. Read more
  • (3/11) BAE Systems unveils new modular naval gun system at Euronaval 2026.Read more
  • (4/11) Babcock has announced that seven technology and defence partners have joined its ARMOR Force (Autonomous and Remote Maritime Operational Response – Force) Framework, creating the first end-to-end ecosystem designed to deliver coherent Hybrid Navy capability at scale. Read more
  • (4/11) LR has launched a new Supply Chain Resilience service to help ports, governments and logistics operators keep critical cargo moving when geopolitical shocks, congestion, extreme weather or infrastructure failures disrupt established trade routes. Read more
  • (5/11) Babcock and Everllence agree to explore next-generation naval propulsion. Read more
  • (5/11) LR has awarded AiP to Petrobras for the conceptual design of its proposed REVIT I TUPI Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) unit, marking a significant step in the operator’s strategy of leveraging proven offshore production assets to support future field development in Brazil. Read more
  • (5/11) The Royal Navy has successfully launched strike drones from an aircraft carrier for the first time, in a major step towards transforming how Britain fights at sea. Read more
  • (6/11) Babcock and Saab Denmark sign agreement on Arrowhead frigate opportunities. The companies will explore integrating shipborne communications systems into future Arrowhead programmes. The agreement supports the UK-designed platform’s international opportunities; it is a cooperation framework rather than a shipbuilding order.Read more
  • (8/11) LR and MAWANI sign agreement to support the development of Saudi Arabia’s maritime and ports sector.Read more

UK Maritime

  • (2/11) Navantia UK opens Resurgent Hall in Belfast following major investment in the shipyard. Read more
  • (2/11) Peel Ports reported the arrival of the first vessel on BG Freight Line’s weekly connection. The service improves access to global shipping networks for Scottish exporters, particularly independent whisky businesses. Read more
  • (2/11) Equisera and VertomCory to explore UK bio-methanol supply for shipping. Read more
  • (4/11) DfT updated its guidance on seafarers’ wages and working conditions, including minimum wage equivalent pay for all work undertaken and limits on consecutive working days aboard. Read more
  • (4/11) UKHO and ESA offer support for new maritime data services. The organisations are encouraging businesses to combine S-100 hydrographic data with satellite information. Eligible projects can access relevant UKHO data licences free of charge, supporting applications in navigation, port efficiency, environmental monitoring and automation.Read more
  • (4/11) SubSea Craft and U.S. Based NSI/DF Demonstrate Rapid Integration of Autonomous Maritime Capabilities in Landmark AUKUS Maritime Exercise Off California Coast. Read more
  • (4/11) Portsmouth opens redeveloped quay for heavy project cargo. Read more
  • (5/11) Port of Aberdeen discussed affordable shore power, greater freight movements by sea and a potential floating offshore wind maintenance hub at South Harbour during UK Maritime Minister’s visit. Read more

Newly added Funding Opportunities (access the full list via MarRI-UK: Maritime Funding Opportunities)

Events Highlight (Full event list can be found at the end of the roundup)

Key events in the coming month:

Publications

Global Maritime News

Clean Maritime

  • (3/11) Australia completes its first green ammonia bunkering of an ammonia-powered bulk carrier at the Port of Port Hedland. Read more
  • (3/11) Wärtsilä completes methane-reduction engine conversions on three Chevron LNG carriers. Read more
  • (3/11) Only five of 77 projects in the EUR 3.4bn EU Innovation Fund round put new technology on ships, as Waterborne TP calls for wider maritime support. Read more
  • (4/10) US operator orders an electric hydrofoil pilot boat for Long Beach from Artemis Technologies. Read more
  • (5/11) Singapore–Qingdao cooperation moves towards alternative-fuel bunkering pilots. Read more
  • (5/11) Singapore (MPA and SMI) and Norway (RCN) launch joint clean-shipping research funding Read more
  • (6/11) Norway Awards $44M in Grants to Advance Battery-Powered Ships. Read more

Nuclear propulsion for shipping

  • (4/11) RINA President’s Invitation Breakfast Lecture examines nuclear propulsion and regulation. Read more

Smart Maritime

  • (4/11) Ubotica demonstrates world-first autonomous onboard scheduling for earth observation satellites using Orbital AI. Read more
  • (4/11) IAPH and IPCSA strengthen cooperation on port digitalisation and cyber resilience  Read more
  • (5/11) StormGeo and China Classification Society introduce direct emissions-data exchange Read more
  • (6/11) Alfa Laval to acquire NAVTOR AS to strengthen the digital offering for the maritime sector Read more
  • (6/11) DP World joins autonomous logistics partnership with Oxa and Dubai Future Foundation Read more

Shipbuilding

  • (5/11) PIL orders seven methanol-ready feeder container ships Read more
  • (5/11) Fincantieri, Navantia and Naval Group signed the EPC2 consortium agreement at Euronaval  Read more
  • (5/11) Fincantieri unveils low-crewed multi-mission modular naval vessel Read more
  • (6/11) China delivers its second domestically built large cruise ship, marks a further step in China’s development of large cruise-ship construction capability, a market historically dominated by European yards Read more
  • (6/11) HD Korea Shipbuilding secures approximately US$464 million order for four ammonia-carriers. Read more

Ports

  • (4/11) IAPH launches five tools for cleaner and digitally connected ports Read more
  • (5/11) Adani Ports agrees €2.56 billion acquisition of European terminal operator Evos Read more
  • (6/11) Hapag-Lloyd completes 25 per cent stake in Maasvlakte II Read more

Global Shipping

  • (2/11) Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd announce a Suez return for their ME1 service. Read more
  • (6/11) IMO Council urges stronger protection of seafarers amid threats to global shipping Read more

Other global news

  • (4/11) Lobbying Over Jones Act Waiver heats up as Democrats back in control of the House and the Senate  Read more

Maritime Events Archive