More environmentally friendly, cost efficient and safer ships are expected as a result of a major project involving leading European research institutions, shipbuilders, universities, shipping companies and classification societies.

Read more: Mosaic to Overhaul Shipbuilding Industry

The salvage of the wreck of the cruise ship Costa Concordia, on rocks off the Italian island of Giglio took a major step forward in April.

Read more: Major Step in Costa Salvage

With energy and minerals being increasingly discovered in Arctic regions and changes in the extent of the sea ice, there is a new demand for icebreakers and ice-strengthened tonnage capable of working in the Northern Sea Route and the North West Passage, according to BIMCO, of London.

Read more: Demand for Powerful Icebreakers to Boost Arctic Routes

London is gearing up for a week-long shipping event in September with Government departments joining private industry to press home the important role the maritime industry plays in the UK economy.

Read more: Build up to London Shipping Week

The Port of Felixstowe is set to double its rail capacity with the arrival of three rail mounted gantry cranes (pictured) which will form part of a new rail terminal opening at the port this summer.

These first three cranes, manufactured by Liebherr in Ireland, will span the new nine track rail terminal at the port, making them the biggest intermodal rail terminal cranes in the UK.

Read more: New Rail Terminal Boost

Users of Admiralty charts and publications have been warned by the UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) to watch out for counterfeit versions.

Read more: Alert Over Counterfeit Nautical Charts