Maritime news . Week 43
Samsung develops shipyard robots
Samsung Heavy Industries has signed an MoU with Rainbow Robotics to develop and commercialize shipbuilding robots. The companies will create AI-powered welding robots, as well as mobile and dual-arm models capable of operating on slopes and inside hull blocks. SHI already uses around 90 types of automation equipment and plans to further expand robotics applications across its shipyards
World’s Largest Electric Cargo Ship
China has launched the world’s largest 10,000-ton pure electric cargo ship, Gezhouba, in Yichang. Equipped with 12 lithium-ion battery packs totaling 24,000 kWh, it can travel up to 500 km and swap batteries in just 30 minutes. The vessel integrates 5G, BeiDou, and satellite systems for remote control and smart port coordination, cutting 2,052 tons of CO₂ emissions annually. This marks a major step in green, intelligent inland shipping.
Valaris expands North Sea contracts
Valaris has secured new contracts and extensions in the UK North Sea worth over $57 million, boosting its backlog to around $4.5 billion. The deals include an $8 million, 120-day offshore wind support contract with GE Vernova and multiple jackup rig extensions with Shell and Ithaca Energy. The new commitments highlight Valaris’ growing presence across both oil and gas and offshore wind sectors.
IMO urged to reject biofuels
Biofuelwatch, Forest Watch Indonesia, and the Global Forest Coalition urge the IMO to exclude crop-based biofuels, like soy and oil palm, from the Net-Zero Framework, citing their harmful climate and social impacts. Evidence shows these biofuels can cause more emissions than fossil fuels through deforestation, land grabbing, and food insecurity. The organisations stress that adopting such fuels would undermine efforts to protect tropical forests, key carbon sinks and biodiversity hotspots. Discussions on clean energy incentives will continue at the IMO in October, highlighting the urgency of a zero-emission focus.