It's the last LinkedIn update of the year! Even with Christmas and the New Year just around the corner, things are still very busy here at Idwal, completing dozens of inspections every day at ports across the globe.
Of course, Idwal will be here throughout the festive period to ensure that your inspections go smoothly and that you receive the data you need to make informed and confident decisions heading into 2026 promptly.
In our December update, we have the latest issue of our Snapshot S&P (alongside some great commentary from our Head of Business Development Adam Compton), articles from Japan Maritime Bridge and the Sea Magazine, and some great news coming in from Marintec China 2025. We also take a brief look across the past year and some of the key Idwal Insights you can take away into 2026.
Last but not least, the entire team at Idwal would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
If you require inspections across the festive period, then please do not hesitate to get in touch with the team at enquiries@idwalmarine.com or by calling us on +44 (0) 2920 446 644.
Snapshot S&P Issue 16
The latest issue of Idwal's Snapshot S&P is now available!
Download our bi-monthly bulletin for those involved in the S&P markets, featuring data insights on tankers, bulk carriers, and containers from our ship inspection perspective.
Snapshot S&P: A year in review
"The data from our final Snapshot of 2025 reflects an S&P market that is still active, but far more discerning than earlier in the cycle. Buyers remain selective, prioritising vessels with demonstrably strong maintenance records, and we continue to see inspection demand increase for mid-age and older tonnage as stakeholders seek clarity before committing capital".
Head of Business Development Adam Compton takes a look at the S&P market across 2025 through the lens of our bi-monthly bulletin - Snapshot S&P.
Read Adam's commentary on the year here
‘Idwal Grade’ now benchmark for S&P deals as inspection volumes rise 35% across Asia
"Idwal, the UK-based provider of vessel condition assessments and digital inspection analytics, is rapidly expanding its presence in Japan as trading activity intensifies in the second-hand ship market.
During a recent visit to Tokyo, Chief Executive Nick Owens and Asia Regional Lead Thom Herbert outlined the company’s strategy and growth outlook".
Read the full article on Japan Maritime Bridge
From ship to shore - helping seafarers to launch careers ashore
"Their knowledge of shipboard procedures and the issues that vessels face is invaluable to many companies. My advice to seafarers thinking of coming ashore would be to get involved in as many activities as possible, so they ensure they have the broadest knowledge base possible.”
We were pleased to contribute towards the latest issue of The Sea Magazine from The Mission to Seafarers, with Head of Technical John Nicholson and Head of Surveyor Management Robert Parker-Norman sharing their experiences of coming ashore from seafaring roles with Idwal.
Sign up and read the full issue on The Mission to Seafarers website
Idwal joins Shanghai International Shipping Center Development and Promotion Organisation
Commercial Manager for North East Asia Johnny Shen was on the ground at Marintec China 2025 meeting industry representatives and leaders to discuss how data-driven condition insights support better vessel decisions.
During the conference, we were extremely proud to become a member of the Shanghai International Shipping Center Development and Promotion Organisatio
A brief look across 2025
Reads of the year
Idwal eyes AI-powered expansion into new business areas
“We are fundamentally a tech-enabled service provider, and we’re on a journey to becoming more and more of a data and insights partner.”
In a recent interview with TradeWinds, CEO Nick Owens shared how Idwal is harnessing technology, machine learning, and AI to enhance the way vessel inspections and condition insights are delivered to customers across the globe, as well as how those innovations are shaping the next phase of our journey.
Read the full interview on Tradewinds
How inspection intelligence transforms asset management at sea
In an era defined by data, digitalisation and decarbonisation, the maritime industry stands at a pivotal moment. The traditional reliance on manual processes and fragmented information for managing fleets and vessels is giving way to smarter, more connected approaches. At the heart of this evolution lies inspection intelligence: the integration of structured data, analytics, and technology-led inspection processes that deliver deeper insights into vessel condition, performance, and risk.
How does inspection intelligence transform asset management at sea? Idwal CEO Nick Owens sheds light on the topic in our latest article on Sea Technology magazine.
A Marine Surveyor's viewpoint on gangway & pilot ladders
Boarding vessels remains one of the most common and challenging safety issues our surveyors face worldwide, with risks ranging from unsafe ladders to unorthodox access at anchor. At Idwal, we’re committed to protecting surveyors by promoting a culture of safety, equipping them with the right tools, and driving industry-wide awareness of unsafe practices. Head of Surveyor Management Robert Parker-Norman’s full article to learn how Idwal is addressing these challenges and pushing for safer standards across the maritime sector.
How Can Transparency in Ship Inspections Drive Better Decision-Making and Sustainability in the Maritime Industry?
“Embracing transparency is not just about compliance - it is about fostering a more efficient, sustainable, and trustworthy industry for the future. At Idwal, we remain committed to leading this transformation, ensuring that vessel inspections are not just a regulatory checkbox but a strategic asset that benefits all participants in the maritime ecosystem”.
Read Idwal CEO Nick Owens ' column ‘How Can Transparency in Ship Inspections Drive Better Decision-Making and Sustainability in the Maritime Industry?’ in Ship Management International’s latest issue.
Listens of the year
Questions Over Coffee - SIRE 2.0
Our new podcast series explores some of the technical realities and challenges of ship-owning from our inspection and data perspective. In episode one, host Paul Howe is joined by Head of Technical, John Nicholson, and Technical Development Officer, Scott Mitchell, to dive into all things SIRE 2.0.
We cover:
⛴️ How SIRE has evolved and what it means for owners and operators
👷 The practical steps for preparation, from ship to crew
🔎 Common deficiencies found during Idwal inspections and how to reduce commercial risk
📖 How both recent and upcoming changes impact the inspection process and maintenance compliance
Questions Over Coffee Episode Two - MO32
Our new podcast series explores some of the technical realities and challenges of ship-owning from our inspection and data perspective.
In episode two, host Paul Howe is joined by Technical Manager Stephen Grist, and Marine Surveyor, Tomas Owen, to dive into all things MO32. We cover:
⛴️ What MO32 is and what it means for vessels operating in Australia
👷 The practical steps for preparation, from ship to crew
🔎 Common deficiencies found during Idwal MO32 inspections and how to reduce commercial risk
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