News
02.04.2026
IQUA Robotics Validates AUV Use For Ship Hull Inspection Without Human DiversIQUA Robotics has completed proof-of-concept tests showing that Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) can be used for ship hull inspections without relying on divers or tethered robots. The work focused on improving current inspection methods, which usually depend on divers or remotely operated ve...26.03.2026
HD Hyundai To Develop Humanoid Welders For Shipyards Amid Skilled Labour ShortageHyundai signed an agreement with robotics company Persona AI, HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, and HD Hyundai Robotics to jointly develop and mass-produce welding humanoid robots for shipyards. HD KSOE will develop welding training systems; HD Hyundai Robotics will handle integrat...19.03.2026
HD Hyundai Partners With ABS To Develop World’s First Nuclear-Powered 16,000 TEU Container ShipThe project focuses on a 16,000 TEU container vessel powered by a Small Modular Reactor (SMR). The aim of the project is to evaluate whether Small Modular Reactors can serve as a reliable power source for commercial ships. The SMR planned for the project can produce up to 100 megawatts of power,...12.03.2026
World’s First 3D-Printed Monolithic Catamaran Produced In Just 160 HoursCaracol, an industrial 3D printer manufacturer, along with the V2 Group, a large-format additive manufacturing provider, have developed the world’s first 3D-printed monolithic catamaran, which can sail in open waters. The 6 m-long catamaran was generated in a single print using the Heron AM ...05.03.2026
China's second homegrown large cruise ship to be delivered by year endChina's second domestically built large cruise ship is expected to be delivered by the end of 2026, with the construction of its main structure completed, said the shipbuilder, China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), on Friday. The large cruise ship, Adora Flora City, is scheduled to undock...26.02.2026
Seaspan Invests $1.5M In Robotics To Automate Shipbuilding Blast & Paint OperationsVancouver-based Seaspan Shipyards has awarded a $1.5 million contract to Alberta’s Confined Space Robotics (CSR) to develop semiautonomous robotic systems for blast and paint operations across its ship and submarine programmes. The robotic platforms will be equipped with specialised tools, i...19.02.2026
Disney Adventure Becomes Largest Cruise Ship Ever To Transit The Panama CanalThe Panama Canal marked a milestone on Monday with the inaugural transit of the neopanamax cruise ship Disney Adventure, the largest passenger vessel by capacity and gross tonnage ever to cross the interoceanic waterway, according to the canal authority. The 208,000-gt ship, carrying capacity fo...12.02.2026
China Develops Dolphin-Inspired Ship PropellerThe propeller was tested on a 300,000 ton VLCC, which completed 3 oil delivery voyages, with 2% less fuel consumption, thanks to the new propeller. China also stated that it can save 1.5% energy within a 2.5 year-maintenance cycle. The VLCC, with bionic dolphin skin, sailed for more than 200 day...05.02.2026
10,800 cars in a single voyage: China launches the country’s largest car carrierBeijing’s shipbuilding industry has achieved a new milestone by building a new LNG dual-fuel car carrier, with a capacity for 10,800 cars, the largest in the world currently. Constructed by Guangzhou Shipyard International Company Limited (GSI) for South Korea’s HMM, the ship has repor...29.01.2026
IMO Approves Changes to Ship Survey Rules and Remote InspectionsThe IMO Sub-Committee on Ship Design and Construction (SDC 12, January 19–23, 2026) has approved amendments to the 2011 Enhanced Survey Programme Code and remote inspection regulations. These updated procedures will directly affect survey requirements for vessels worldwide. The sub-committ...
