Updates from the network.
Announcements and workshop outcomes from ISMDN, plus the policy, regulation and technology developments we are following across the sector.
Latest updates
Filter between our own announcements and the sector developments the network is tracking.
ISMDN organised the decarbonisation session at IMHFC 2026
ISMDN's session on decarbonisation, alternative fuels, and the energy transition took place at the ITU Maritime Faculty on 4 September, chaired by Assoc. Prof. Dr Burak Zincir and co-organised by Prof. Elif Bal Beşikçi. Five papers, in collaboration between ISMDN and GloMDECAS, both Lloyd's Register Foundation-funded projects.
ISMDN at the International Maritime Human Factors Conference 2026
IMHFC 2026 opened in Istanbul on 3 September, with three ISMDN partner institutions among its organisers. ISMDN convenes Session A-5, on decarbonisation, alternative fuels and the energy transition, on Friday 4 September.
UK shipping body calls for stronger ammonia, hydrogen safeguards
UK Chamber of Shipping released risk assessments for battery-electric, biofuel, methanol, ammonia and hydrogen pathways, identifying ammonia toxicity and hydrogen handling challenges as primary safety barriers. The working group comprises 52 organisations including classification societies, port authorities and insurers.
UMT and the Marine Department of Malaysia discuss decarbonisation governance
A meeting between the ISMDN partner team and Malaysia’s maritime regulator addressed alternative fuels, port decarbonisation, and Flag State and Port State Control responsibilities.
North Sea pilot project produces first green hydrogen on operational platform
PosHYdon pilot project in the North Sea successfully produces green hydrogen by combining offshore wind power with hydrogen production on an operational platform. Demonstrates feasibility of decarbonised hydrogen fuel production at sea.
Bureau Veritas approves UK firm’s wind-assisted propulsion technology
Anemoi Marine Technologies received design assessment certificates from Bureau Veritas for its wind-assisted propulsion technology. This regulatory approval supports deployment of wind-assist systems on commercial vessels.
China launches largest hydrogen-powered inland cargo ship
China launches its largest hydrogen-powered inland cargo vessel, advancing beyond demonstration phase towards commercial deployment of zero-emission shipping. Signals transition from pilots to scalable hydrogen ship networks.
ABS Grants AIP for Nuclear-Powered 15,000 TEU Containership Concept
ABS has issued an Approval in Principle (AIP) for a nuclear-powered 15,000 TEU containership concept co-developed with the Korea Research Institute of Ships and Ocean Engineering. This represents a major milestone in regulatory validation of nuclear vessel designs.
ISMDN at the 5th MASTIC Conference in Bali
Our partners at Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember led ISMDN's engagement at the 5th Maritime Safety International Conference in Bali, from workshops on smart navigation and decommissioning to a vessel-monitoring handover to the Klungkung Regency government.
Concept design revealed for Port of Klaipėda’s green methanol bunkering vessel
Western Baltic Engineering reveals concept design for green methanol bunkering vessel for Port of Klaipėda.
GTT’s new LR-approved NO96 criteria expand LNG carrier design flexibility
GTT secures Lloyd's Register approval for new NO96 containment design criteria expanding LNG carrier design flexibility.
ISMDN to present at the AIChE Annual Meeting 2026
ISMDN will present 'Systemic Safety Gaps in Maritime Decarbonisation' at the AIChE Annual Meeting 2026, in the Sustainable Maritime Fuels and Safety session in Minneapolis this November.
ISMDN partner UMT examines port decarbonisation at Penang Port
A study visit to the Penang Port Commission gathered first-hand evidence on hybrid cranes, renewable energy integration and ship waste management in a working Malaysian port.
Research & Innovation Roadmap enters drafting
The living roadmap that will guide the network's shared research agenda is now in active drafting with the four theme groups.
ICS webinar: Maritime Applications for Batteries
The International Chamber of Shipping hosted a webinar on battery applications in shipping, covering battery-electric propulsion, emissions reduction and energy efficiency, with a focus on short sea routes.
AASTMT hosts the First Egyptian Local Green Port Hub Workshop
ISMDN partner AASTMT convened 40 participants in Alexandria to examine port carbon footprint, alternative fuel infrastructure and safety readiness across the Egyptian maritime sector.
UK Expert Workshop maps the priority research gaps
Held on 23 April 2026 at Lloyd's Register HQ in London, the inaugural ISMDN expert workshop brought together 26 participants from across the maritime sector.
ISMDN launches as a global safer-decarbonisation network
A Lloyd's Register Foundation-funded network of nine institutions across eight countries, working to close the safety, technology and regulatory gaps in maritime decarbonisation.
Following the sector
New policies, regulations and technology across maritime decarbonisation, aggregated live from leading industry sources and filtered to the network’s scope.
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