BMA at Nor-Shipping 2025 – Navigating an Industry in Transition

This year’s Nor-Shipping conference in Oslo underscored what many in the industry already know: maritime is not so much inching toward transformation as it is surging into it. Representing the Bahamas Maritime Authority (BMA), Captain Frank McNulty joined hundreds of stakeholders, shipowners, regulators, and innovators to take stock of where we are, and where we’re heading.

Decarbonisation was a core theme throughout the event, not just as a regulatory box to tick, but as a long-term commitment shaping vessel design, finance, and operational strategy. With the first annual EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) shipping deadline now behind us, many panel discussions explored the cost of non-compliance. Only 40% of participants submitted on time, and the fines looming for others are severe enough to push some operators out of the market entirely.

Captain McNulty also explored the rise of alternative fuels like green ammonia and e-methanol. These are no longer just concepts plastered on conference banners; yards and engineers are now testing, scaling, and in some cases delivering results. While LNG still leads in practical uptake, there is serious momentum behind a diversified fuel future, though scalability and port infrastructure remain significant hurdles.

At Nor-Shipping, BMA reaffirmed its connections with shipowners and classification societies, reinforcing its role as a responsive and technically capable flag. The event also highlighted the growing impact of digitalisation, with DNV showcasing how pre-agreed mitigation plans and innovations like Starlink and underwater drone surveys are boosting inspection efficiency and reducing Port State Control findings.

Captain McNulty put it best: “You know when you’re talking to someone who’s lived with these systems and not just selling them. The reality is, our clients are already integrating these innovations into their projects, and that tells us everything we need to know about where the future is heading.”

For the BMA, Nor-Shipping was more than just a touchpoint; it was a confirmation that we are in lockstep with the most forward-looking parts of the maritime sector.