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

Classification society DNV on Monday (7 September) said it awarded Yanmar Power Solutions Co Ltd, a subsidiary of Yanmar Holdings, type approval (TA) for its Maritime Hydrogen Fuel Cell System at the SMM trade fair in Hamburg last week. 

DNV said the certification marked an important step in moving Yanmar’s maritime hydrogen fuel cell technology from successful domestic deployment toward broader commercial adoption in international markets.

“This certification represents a significant milestone in the commercialization and global deployment of hydrogen fuel cell technology for marine applications,” the classification society said in a statement. 

The approval confirms that the GH-FC series complies with DNV’s industry leading rules and guidelines, enabling shipbuilders, system integrators, and vessel operators to adopt the technology with greater confidence and reduced certification burden for future projects.

Masaru Hirose, President and Representative Director of Yanmar Power Solutions Co Ltd, said: “Achieving DNV Type Approval represents a major milestone in our journey to bring hydrogen-powered solutions to the marine market. Building on our operational experience in Japan, we aim to support customers around the world in their transition to zero-emission operations and realize sustainable maritime transportation.”

Eric Tigelaar, Department Manager of Commercial Marine Department at Yanmar Europe, stated: “This certification strengthens our ability to support customers throughout Europe and beyond who are seeking practical pathways toward decarbonization. The GH-FC series combines easy installation, operational flexibility, modularity and environmental performance, making it an attractive solution for a wide range of vessel applications.”

Olaf Drews, Head of Engines & Pressurized Equipment, DNV Maritime, said: “We are very pleased to continue our cooperation with Yanmar and award them this latest Type Approval Award for their GH-FC series. Every step demonstrates the growing maturity of hydrogen fuel cell technology and continues to build confidence in the market and showcase its readiness for broader commercial applications. DNV is pleased to continue supporting innovative solutions that can help accelerate the transition toward zero-emission shipping.”

Photo credit: DNV
Published: 8 September, 2026

Latest data from classification society DNV’s Alternative Fuels Insight (AFI) platform alternative-fuelled vessel ordering was strong in August, with 52 new vessels added to the platform.

This is the highest monthly total since October 2024 and follows another active month in July, when 47 vessels were added to the database.

LNG-fuelled vessels accounted for the vast majority of August activity, with 46 orders recorded. The container segment led the way with 30 orders, while the car carrier segment contributed a further 12 LNG-fuelled vessels. In addition, four ethanol-fuelled bulk carriers and two hydrogen-powered bulk carriers were added during the month, as well as one LNG bunker vessel.

The strong summer performance marked a significant acceleration in ordering activity after a relatively slow start to the year. In total, 242 alternative-fuelled vessel orders have been placed in the first eight months of 2026, representing a 27% increase compared with the same period in 2025.

LNG remains the dominant fuel choice, accounting for 63% of all alternative-fuelled vessel orders registered so far this year. Container vessels represent the largest share of these LNG orders (59%), followed by car carriers (30%).

Jason Stefanatos, Global Decarbonization Director at DNV Maritime, said: “The past two months have been particularly strong for alternative-fuelled vessel ordering, with August recording the highest monthly total we’ve seen since October 2024. This has helped lift year-to-date orders to a level well above the same period last year.

“LNG remains the leading fuel choice, driven largely by activity in the container and car carrier segments. These sectors have been among the earliest adopters of alternative fuels, supported by predictable liner operations and increasing demand from cargo owners to reduce emissions across supply chains. 

“For many owners, LNG offers a combination of emissions reductions, fuel availability and future flexibility while the longer-term fuel landscape continues to evolve. 

“At the same time, the latest figures include orders for ethanol- and hydrogen-fuelled vessels, highlighting that owners continue to explore a range of decarbonization pathways. Different segments are making different fuel choices, but the overall level of activity demonstrates continued investment in lower-emission shipping.”

Photo credit: DNV
Published: 4 September, 2026