Maritime satcom provider Marlink has announced two new partnerships with We4Sea and Transmetrics, to expand its portfolio of digital services for shipping clients and assist them in improving fuel efficiency and reducing operating costs.

V.Group has announced a tie-up with management consultancy Accenture to develop a new project called Embark, which aims to enhance crew management through the introduction of an in-house shared services model which leverages technology to optimise key processes.

Rolls-Royce reports that it has signed a new agreement with Associated British Ports (ABP) and global towage operator Svitzer, part of the Maersk Group, to develop a range of digitisation and ship intelligence systems for use in port operations.

A.P. Moller-Maersk and IBM have announced the launch of their new blockchain venture TradeLens, following on from the companies’ January announcement of their intention to work together to leverage blockchain technologies to improve the efficiency of the global supply chain.

Korean shipbuilder Samsung Heavy Industries has announced a deal to make Amazon Web Services (AWS) its preferred Cloud services provider as it continues development of its smart ship and autonomous vessel programmes.

Dubai-based satellite services provider North Telecom has entered into a partnership agreement with Korean antenna manufacturer KNS, under which the companies will offer each other mutual support in building market share in the maritime communications sector.

Marine software company Helm Operations has launched a new partnership with AIS data services provider ShipTracks, which will see the firms integrate their platforms to allow users of the Helm CONNECT package of fleet management applications to access vessel location and route data provided by ShipTracks.

Denmark and China have signalled their intention to support increased cooperation between the countries in maritime activities, particularly in the area of electronic navigation.

Navarino has announced a new partnership with Intellian for the supply of antenna equipment for the upcoming Navarino Ku-band VSAT service, expected to go live in Q3 of this year following Navarino’s recent announcement of a connectivity cooperation agreement with Intelsat.

Inmarsat and Japanese telecommunications company KDDI have signed a partner agreement to distribute Fleet Xpress to the Japanese maritime market, covering deep sea vessels, commercial fishing, oil and gas, and cruise lines.