Classification society ABS on Sunday (13 September) said it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with three Korean maritime organisations to advance the development of international standards for the next generation of smart ships and shipyards.

The MOU targets ISO standards for hydrogen ships, smart shipyards and future maritime technologies. 

The Korea Marine Equipment Research Institute (KOMERI), the Korean Offshore & Shipbuilding Association (KOSHIPA) and the Research Institute of Medium & Small Shipbuilding (RIMS) have joined ABS in a five-year framework to develop global benchmarks for vessels and shipyards that take advantage of digital technology, smart manufacturing and advanced maritime systems. 

As part of a related agreement, ABS is already supporting the development of preliminary standards in two areas: digital production and traceability requirements for additively manufactured shipboard components and vent mast design for hydrogen-fuelled ships.

“Next-generation shipbuilding is advancing rapidly, and the international standards that govern smart ships, smart shipyards and advanced manufacturing are still taking shape. ABS has deep, long-running relationships with Korea’s shipbuilding sector, and this agreement puts that experience to work in developing the standards the industry needs. It is a further reflection of why Korean yards look to ABS to help advance these technologies safely,” said Patrick Ryan, ABS Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer.

The MOU builds on an earlier agreement between ABS and the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS) to advance international standardisation of smart ship and shipyard technologies, part of Korea’s national strategy to lead in high-value-added vessel development. 

The agreement also reflects the growing engagement of ABS with Korea’s maritime sector, including recent cooperation with Korean and U.S. institutions through the Korea-U.S. Shipbuilding Partnership Center.

“International standards are more than technical criteria — they are the gateway to market entry and a core element of global competitiveness. Working with ABS allows us to combine Korea’s standardization capabilities with ABS’ classification experience, and we expect this to produce practical results that lower the barriers for Korean equipment manufacturers entering overseas markets,” said Joo-Hyoung Choi, Managing Director of KOMERI.

Photo credit: ABS
Published: 15 September, 2026

Viking on Friday (11 September) announced that Viking Astrea, the company’s second hydrogen-powered cruise ship capable of operating with zero emissions, was “floated out,” marking a major construction milestone and the first time the ship has touched water. 

Scheduled for delivery in May 2027, the Viking Astrea will spend her inaugural season sailing itineraries in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.

“The float out of the Viking Astrea represents another important milestone for Viking,” said Leah Talactac, President and Chief Executive Officer of Viking. 

“From the beginning, we have sought thoughtful ways to design more efficient ships, and the Viking Astrea is an important step forward in that ongoing effort.”

The float out ceremony took place at Fincantieri’s Ancona Shipyard. Following a two-day process that will set the Viking Astrea afloat, it will then be moved to a nearby outfitting dock for final construction and interior build-out.

Classified as a small ship, as are all Viking ocean ships, the Viking Astrea is a sister ship in Viking’s ocean fleet and will have a propulsion system based partially on liquefied hydrogen and fuel cells. 

This hybrid propulsion system will make her capable of navigating and operating with zero emissions, which would allow her to access even the most environmentally sensitive areas. 

Enabled by Isotta Fraschini Motori (IFM), Fincantieri’s subsidiary specialising in advanced fuel cell technology, the ship’s propulsion system will be capable of producing up to six megawatts of power. 

The Viking Libra, the world’s first hydrogen-powered cruise ship capable of operating with zero emissions, is scheduled for delivery in November 2026.

Photo credit: Viking
Published: 14 September, 2026

Classification society DNV on Tuesday (8 September) said it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE) for a new strategic collaboration on advanced shipbuilding, digitalization, green technologies and competence development.

The MoU, aimed at supporting the growth of India’s maritime and defence sectors, was signed at the SMM trade fair in Hamburg last week. 

Under the agreement, DNV will support GRSE by providing classification and technical advice on naval, defence, and specialized vessels as well as offering regulatory insights on evolving maritime regulations and international naval standards. 

The collaboration will cover areas including modular construction, design optimization, and the development of advanced vessels such as autonomous platforms, next-generation offshore patrol vessels and polar research vessels. DNV will also provide advisory support to help enhance GRSE’s repair and refit infrastructure to serve both domestic and international naval clients.

In addition, the two organizations will also collaborate on the development of electric and hybrid propulsion ferries, low-carbon naval auxiliary vessels, and pathways for alternative fuels including hydrogen and ammonia. The agreement further includes lifecycle emissions assessments and support for compliance with Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, and international environmental standards.

Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, DNV CEO, said: “Shipbuilders are being asked to make long-term decisions against a backdrop of geopolitical tension and market unpredictability, and that uncertainty is one of the biggest concerns we hear across the industry. 

“But this also creates opportunities for innovation and to develop new capabilities, across the whole maritime value chain. We have a relationship with Indian shipping and shipbuilding that spans more than five decades now, are very pleased to be working with a future focussed partner like GRSE as they work to develop advanced shipbuilding design, processes and systems for customers locally and abroad.”

Cmde P R Hari, Chairman and Managing Director, GRSE, said: “This is a partnership focused on innovation, sustainability and global excellence – contributing to a stronger and more self-reliant Indian maritime and defence ecosystem.”

DNV will also contribute its expertise in areas such as AI-enabled ship design, digital twins and cybersecurity. The partners will also run joint training programs for GRSE professionals, Indian naval architects and surveyors, working to strengthen India’s maritime supply chain and building capacity particularly for the Eastern Indian maritime cluster.

Photo credit: DNV
Published: 9 September, 2026