Weather routing software provider MeteoGroup has introduced a new version of its SPOS (Ship Performance Optimization System) application, with SPOS9 designed to support reductions in fuel consumption and emissions by calculating and recalculating optimum routes and anticipating oncoming weather and sea conditions.

Norway-based NAVTOR has signed a collaboration agreement with Weathernews, which will see NAVTOR improve the weather data available within its route planning software NavStation while the companies also begin work on development of a new artificial intelligence (AI) routing service.

Japan-headquartered Weathernews and Mitsui & Co. have announced that they have formed a joint venture called maruFreight, which aims to provide a platform for maritime companies to match cargo with the best available shipping options.

The United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO) reports that it is introducing regular tidal data updates to Admiralty TotalTide (ATT) as part of the new version 18 of Admiralty Digital Publications (ADP).

Marine Press of Canada, a supplier of integrated navigation systems, is launching a web-based platform called SeaOps that it says will enable users to track, monitor, and manage their fleet through a single portal.

Fujitsu Laboratories reports that it has completed trials of a new ship performance estimation technology system with Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) and Ube Shipping & Logistics, used to predict voyage parameters such as ship speed and fuel consumption to optimise routing and save on fuel.

Metocean data firm Tidetech Commercial Marine has agreed a new partnership with Weather Decision Technologies (WDT), under which Tidetech’s marine data will be made available within the WeatherOps risk mitigation system.

GNS has launched its new VOYAGER Hub application platform, with the aim of supporting implementation of selected software systems on board ship while also providing an additional layer of protection against cyber threats.

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (“K” Line) reports that it has agreed a deal to implement the ‘Optimum Weather Routing System’ developed by Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) across all of the managed vessels in its fleet.

StormGeo’s shipping division (formerly AWT), has announced the launch of a new multi-model system to support on board decision making in relation to routes that may be affected by tropical cyclones.