KAUST Research Vessel Keel Laid at Freire Shipyard
3.6m. Designed to operate for more than 30 years, its modular structure will allow the incorporation of various experimental laboratories, adapting to current and future marine technologies for the exploration of the Red Sea. This modularity will also facilitate the implementation of new eco-friendly propulsion technologies, reducing its carbon footprint over time.Thuwal II will be the most advanced regional-class research vessel in Saudi Arabia and will represent a significant advance in the scientific study of the Red Sea.
Exail Announces Sale of USV to Oceanic Observatory of Madeira
initiatives, showcasing its strategic vision for advancing robotic operations in ocean monitoring.As the maritime operators move toward greater autonomy and sustainability, the DriX O-16 supports this evolution by offering an efficient, low-carbon alternative to conventional crewed vessels. Its hybrid propulsion system and optimized design help reduce fuel consumption and operational costs, while its autonomy enables safer and more resource-efficient missions. This acquisition is funded under the Portuguese Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP)
Robosys Automation Unveils Autonomous Trial Boat
offers numerous options to complement VOYAGER AI, including COLREGS-compliant Collision Avoidance Decision Aid (CADA) applications to enhance the safety in the support of crewed and lean crewed watchkeepers.Other options include Voyager Platform Control providing Remote Steering, Engine Control and Propulsion Control, together with Voyager Platform Management, providing Alarm Monitoring, together with Switch & Relay Controlling
All American Marine Delivers Cal Poly Humboldt Catamaran
platform, allowing them to access and study a wide array of marine environments, says AAM. The knowledge gained from research missions on this vessel will directly support managing and conserving California’s marine resources. These amenities, combined with the vessel’s fuel-efficient propulsion system and advanced research equipment, make it an optimal platform for multi-day and offshore scientific operations. The vessel also accommodates up to 40 daytime passengers, supporting a range of mission types
Rocket Lab to Convert Barge for Rocket Landings at Sea
will be modified to specialized ocean landing platform for rockets returning to Earth.Rocket Lab acquired the Oceanus barge from New Orleans-based, private marine transportation company Canal Barge.The barge, renamed Return on Investment, will be customized to serve as an at-sea landing platform with propulsion systems to maintain the platform’s target position and thermal protection systems to conserve electrical and other support equipment installed on the deck.Expected to enter service in 2026, the 400 ft (122 m) modified barge for Neutron rockets landing will support greater space access for
Elomatic and Thyssenkrupp Ink Ship Design Contract for New Polarstern Icebreaker
and Elomatic to develop the proposal for the new Polarstern project.This vessel is set to become the world’s largest and most advanced icebreaking research and polar logistics ship.It is equipped with a wide portfolio of advanced scientific and logistic equipment, on-board laboratories, and a propulsion system which uses green fuels in combination with a large battery system.Additionally, the ship can break through 1.8-meter-thick ice. The new vessel is scheduled to replace the existing Polarstern in 2030.“The new Polarstern project represents a significant moment for Elomatic, as the largest
Shipbuilding RFP Issued to Build Hydrogen-Hybrid Research Vessel
for proposals (RFP) to select a shipyard for the final design and construction of its new 163-ft. Coastal Class Research Vessel (CCRV), reportedly the first oceanographic research ship to primarily operate on renewable fuels.The vessel will feature a dual-powered hydrogen fuel cell and diesel-electric propulsion system, capable of conducting 75% of its missions using only liquid hydrogen. When running on hydrogen, CCRV will produce zero emissions and operate with minimal noise, ensuring contamination-free sampling and enhanced performance of its underwater acoustic sensors.“This solicitation marks
ADNOC Targets Quantum Technology for CCS
, have signed their first research and development agreement with ADNOC to tackle critical challenges in carbon storage monitoring and battery optimization using quantum technology.The project marks the first milestone in a wider collaboration that will include joint initiatives in autonomous robotics, propulsion systems and cutting-edge technologies for renewable and sustainable energy.By combining TII’s expertise in advanced quantum sensing, ASPIRE’s strategic vision, and ADNOC’s expertise in energy solutions, the partnership will explore how the technology can be scaled for real-world
Marine Batteries: Sunlight Acquires Lehmann Marine
forces with Lehmann Marine, we are positioned at the forefront of the maritime battery market, which is set to see substantial growth in the coming years.”The global maritime battery market is projected to grow significantly by 2030, driven by the increasing adoption of electric and hybrid propulsion systems designed to reduce emissions and meet international sustainability targets
February 2025
