Latest news with #TDI
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
New Audi Q5 TDI – 1,000+ km on a tank
Charging premium prices for great products people didn't know they wanted is a good way to become a successful business. The Volkswagen Group seems to understand this, or at least it has learned to, all over again. And even though litigation from the TDI emissions scandal continues, diesel engines are very much still a revenue stream for the European number one. Ditzy digits ditched Audi just let me loose in the new shape Q5, a 4,717 mm long recent arrival, trying it in high-priced '2.0 TDI quattro 204 PS Launch Edition S tronic' form. If you're not fluent in the brand's transmission branding, this one is a DSG and, like all variants, it has seven ratios. That gearbox is not the only thing which has been improved. Having just seen the official naming for the newly-revealed 'Q3 SUV', Audi is also getting better at name logic. The two digit suffix system to denote relative power is missing from the official advance media information, a most welcome metric output instead being listed for each variant: e.g. Q3 SUV TFSI quattro 195 (kilowatts). Plus the official appearance of the S, U and V means there will be a fresh Q3 Sportback to come. SUV and Sportback, three engines at launch Big brother Q5 is also available as a Sportback but it's the SUV which I tested. One of the most impressive things - and there are many - is the range. This is one of those rare cars which just goes on and on and on, the remaining fuel read-out indicating as many as 700 miles might be possible from replete to dry. The launch line-up consists of three 48-volt mild hybrids and each is available in the UK. The LFP battery has a capacity of 1.7 kWh while the Powertrain Generator (PTG) can add up to 18 kW/24 PS plus 230 Nm during short bursts of extra oomph. It really is something of a mash-up of a normal MHEV and an HEV, with the motor integrated into the DSG, supplementing not only the engine but the starter-generator. The base petrol engine is a 150 kW (204 PS) and 340 Nm four-cylinder turbo. This, the 2.0 TFSI, is front-wheel drive with quattro an option. Then comes the 2.0 TDI powered by the EA288 evo series engine, code for the Group's latest four-cylinder diesel. Power is identical to that of the 2.0 TFSI but there is an extra 60 Newton metres of torque. As such, four-wheel drive is standard. A V6 and two future PHEVs Powertrain number three is for the SQ5. A petrol V6, this, the 3.0 TFSI, produces 270 kW and 550 Nm. And now we have learned certain details of the fourth alternative, the PHEV. In fact there will be two versions of the e-hybrid, these being 220 kW and 270 kW. Each has a 20.7/25.9 (net/gross) battery. Depending on the country, the plug-in hybrids will arrive in the third or fourth quarter. As was the case with the previous Q5 SUV and Q5 Sportback, cars for Europe and the Americas are built in Mexico. There was quite a large investment placed into Audi's factory ahead of the model changeover, the architecture also being new. Debuting with the A5, PPC, or Premium Platform Combustion, is an adaptation of MLB Evo. Not an EV yet feels and sounds like one Despite not being an EV, the Q5 behaves just like one a lot of the time, defaulting to running on the energy stored in its battery. At least at low speeds, while those rare, earlier diesel-hybrids such as Mercedes sedans, estates and SUVs, were far more audible. Yes, there is some noise upon automatic activation but it's faint. And in any case, what you hear is quite pleasant. Audi has placed the hybrid battery and associated gear below the boot's artificial floor. It's a pity there's no room for even a space saver spare tyre but as I mentioned in the recent BMW iX review, this issue has finally been resolved. Let us hope that Audi is the next company to specify either Active Tools GmbH's active Seal or a rival product. Having seen it demonstrated, all cars should have it. To expand upon the issue of the TDI's extraordinary range, some of that is down to a 65-litre fuel tank, though economy is excellent too. Yet we're talking of an ordinary-sounding 44.1 mpg Combined average. Depending on how you drive though, that can be greatly improved. To the 58 mpg of my own average for example. C02 varies between 158 and 167 g/km. A fetish for reinvention If you've seen the new A6 or A5, the Q5's interior won't contain too many surprises. There's a wrap-around digital dashboard in the style of so very many new cars, and no physical HVAC controls. Nonetheless, most functions are fairly easy to locate in a hurry. Yes I did say most. As is well known, many of Volkswagen AG's divisions have an ongoing fetish for the reinvention of things which formerly worked beautifully. Often the new thing is a cheap-feeling, inferior alternative. So it is that the Q5 SUV's front and rear light controls are on the driver's door. Where? Quite. And they are as irritating as the mirror adjuster buttons: those too have been redesigned. Formerly perfect, now awful. Thank goodness the window switches are tactile and with a matte finish rather than glossy, slippery, vague-when-pressed black. At least the steering wheel buttons work fairly well, as does the little switch for R, N and D. P is separate but is applied automatically when the ignition is extinguished. Oh, and screen clarity is excellent: maps look amazing. Almost 1,500 l of boot volume Boot volume in the diesel MHEV is 520 litres, expanding to 1,483, and the rear bench can be slid for those with long legs. Strangely, there is a very high mound in the car's floor but this doesn't intrude on space for feet. Anyone sitting in the middle will need to ask passengers either side of them to shuffle their shoes a little to make room. All that torque plus four-wheel drive makes for superb traction and effortless performance. And with the longitudinally mounted engine positioned closer to the firewall than I had been expecting, weight distribution is also good. Suspension is steel with a pneumatic alternative optional for the as-tested Edition 1 as well as for the S Line model grade. One big backward step About the only real backward step - and it's big one, alas - is the functionality of the dashboard, steering wheel and door-top controls. More tactility please Audi, and less of the plastics which reflect dust and fingerprints. If you want to see how it should be done, take a close look at - the irony - almost any older Audi. Just sit in an R8, a TT or the previous Q5 to see the proof. Or any current Škoda. More on this last point in my next review (the Superb estate) and the reasons why the Czech make surged to become the European region's number two in May. Ever more people seem to be discovering the tactility of touch-points in older and/or non-electric Škodas. Conclusion Back with the new Q5 SUV, it is an easy car to like, even with the changes which have seen all the lovely clicks and satisfying presses banished to the bin. Lane centring and speed warnings are also a nuisance to turn off. Sorry to say it again but a certain other VW Group division does it way better via physical switches. Still, the Audi pulls back many points for the way it looks and the way it drives with that 2.0-litre diesel reason alone to buy it."New Audi Q5 TDI – 1,000+ km on a tank" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
Indianapolis Star
23-06-2025
- Automotive
- Indianapolis Star
Auto Claim Specialists Wins Fight for Mandatory Right to Appraisal in Texas
Throwing Stones to Take Down a Giant FORT WORTH, TX / ACCESS Newswire They said it couldn't be done. They said it was impossible. No one believed the battle to require the Right to Appraisal be included in all Texas auto policies could be won – no one except Robert McDorman, founder of Auto Claim Specialists, whose devotion to ensuring the safety of roadways in the Lone Star State inspired him to take up a slingshot in this iteration of the classic 'David versus Goliath' showdown. For nearly a decade, McDorman tirelessly led the charge to persuade lawmakers of the importance of mandatory appraisal rights, and his hard work has finally paid off – Senate Bill 458 has been adopted into the Texas Insurance Code and made law! The war against the Appraisal Clause began in 2015 when State Farm removed this vital consumer protection from their Texas policies. McDorman took up the mantle and began sounding the alarm through meetings with the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) to alert them to the potential dangers that such an action presented to drivers and their roadways. Bills proposing mandatory appraisal rights were presented in the 2021 and 2023 sessions, but both times, the session ended before a conclusive vote; however, the third time was the charm! Senate 458, the 2025 iteration of this legislative initiative, was fast-tracked through the process, obtaining unanimous approval from both the Senate and the House during every review. That's a far cry from eight years ago when 'legislators didn't believe there was a need for mandatory appraisal rights,' McDorman recalls. 'They hadn't heard anything about it and couldn't be convinced that it was a problem that needed their attention.' Legislators' disinterest did not dissuade him from his mission. McDorman continued to beat the drum for mandatory appraisal, meeting with TDI five times and appearing before various legislative committees a total of eight times to educate them on the impact of the Appraisal Clause. 'Every time someone told me 'no,' I pushed forward. I refused to believe it was a waste of time.' His dogged determination ultimately attracted attention, leading TDI to acknowledge the need for legislators to 'establish policy form appraisal guidance' in its 2022 Biennial Report, and in its Report to the 88th Texas Legislature, the Office of Public Insurance Counsel (OPIC) expressed increasing concern with 'restrictions on appraisal in policy forms filed by top insurers [which] can adversely impact consumers, who buy insurance to make sure damage to their property will be repaired or replaced. Without appraisal, they may be forced to choose between accepting the insurer's offer and paying out-of-pocket for any disputed amount or taking on the costly and time-consuming burden of going to court.' OPIC reiterated those concerns in its Report to the 89th Texas Legislature, listing appraisal as its first recommendation, restating its previous position and adding, 'Restrictions on appraisal can remove an important consumer protection that saves the parties and the judicial system time and resources. Appraisal is usually the consumer's only economically realistic option for challenging the amount an insurer offers to repair or replace property. Filing a lawsuit is expensive – often more expensive than the amount of an auto repair claim. Eliminating appraisal leaves the consumer stuck in the middle of a dispute between the insurer and providers over the amount of loss, resembling the balance billing trap that health insurance consumers found themselves in before the Legislature addressed that issue.' They recommended that legislators 'amend the Texas Insurance Code to require personal auto and residential property insurers in Texas to preserve the insurance consumer's right to invoke appraisal in disputes regarding the cost to repair or replace covered property.' While McDorman stood at the forefront of the battlefield on this important issue, he had an entire army marching with him, throwing one stone at a time to combat this egregious violation of consumer rights. The Auto Body Association of Texas (ABAT) stood shoulder to shoulder with McDorman, providing pecuniary support and volunteering time and energy to promote all three iterations of the proposed mandatory appraisal legislation. In addition to significant personal financial contributions, ABAT President Burl Richards joined McDorman in several meetings with TDI and appearances before legislative committees to express the significance of this undertaking. Consumer advocacy watchdog Texas Watch also offered valuable support throughout the process through its efforts to generate public awareness, help educate legislators and the compilation of Impact of Auto Appraisal (available at a report that demonstrated the monetary affect that Right to Appraisal typically has on claim settlements. McDorman humbly credits the passage of Senate Bill 458 to Joe Collins, whose experience with the appraisal process yielded a large settlement from State Farm (see Recognizing how detrimental a similar under-indemnification situation might be for others, especially those who do not have the protections provided through the Appraisal Clause, Collins donated his entire settlement to the fight for mandatory appraisal rights. 'If that money goes toward making sure all Texas policies include the Right to Appraisal, then I'm helping everybody.' (Full story available at Collins entrusted the funds to Auto Claim Specialists and McDorman who used them to establish the Mandatory Appraisal Rights Advocacy Trust. Collins' story inspired many others from across the country to contribute to a GoFundMe fundraiser, creating a national movement. 'Joe's generosity and dedication to 'doing the right thing' resonated with people, and they wanted to support our efforts,' McDorman offers praise and gratitude to everyone who contributed to the fight. 'Many people helped us get to where we are, but Joe's donation was instrumental to building that momentum. I'm gratified by the passage of the bill which demonstrates that I was a worthy steward of his trust.' Countless others aided in achieving this victory for mandatory appraisal rights as well. Other public adjusters, multiple law firms and lobbyists stepped up, donating time, money and energy to support the cause. McDorman's own contributions are unquantifiable. Beyond the financial commitment he made personally and on behalf of Auto Claim Specialists, he spent thousands of hours away from the business, devoted to compiling data to present to legislators to help them understand why their constituents deserve the Right to Appraisal. 'The devil is in the detail,' he explains. 'Every time I shared information, I had the evidence to support it. The insurance industry tends to be a little less transparent with their reporting, which provides the opportunity for dishonesty and undervaluation; I put a microscope on that practice and demonstrated how often policyholders get cheated. Now, all of our legislators understand how this provision protects their constituents, and I commend them for doing what's right for all Texans, to help ensure safe roadways. The fact that the vote was unanimous from the House and the Senate – across both sides of the aisle – proves what a great job we did educating them on how the Appraisal Clause is a vital mechanism to ensure vehicle owners are reimbursed for all the operations required to safely repair their cars.' He equates the legislative victory with the concept of slaying a giant. 'We went up against really big odds; the insurance industry has deep pockets which enables them to walk all over people most of the time. Often, that happens because we are afraid to fight them; we're afraid to lose. But when you're doing the right thing for the right reason, it's worthwhile to keep going, to continue the fight to make a difference. That's what we did, and our efforts paid off – this was the people's fight…and the people fought and WON!' Senate Bill 458, which seeks to ensure that all Texas insurance policies 'must contain an appraisal provision' and specifies that this appraisal provision 'is intended to provide a type of dispute resolution process solely to determine the amount of loss when that amount is in dispute between the policyholder and the insurer,' will go into effect on September 1, 2025. (Read the bill in its entirety at McDorman is ecstatic that all Texas policyholders will soon have access to the vital protection of Right to Appraisal, and he 'looks forward to the next step, working with TDI to establish guidelines and appropriate time triggers.' ### Auto Claim Specialists is a national public insurance adjuster agency dedicated to ensuring consumers receive a fair settlement on their auto claims. Founded in 2017 by consumer advocate Robert McDorman, Auto Claim Specialists seeks to hold insurers accountable for fully indemnifying their policyholders for damages suffered by establishing the true value of losses. More information can be found online at or by calling 817-756-5482. For further information, please contact: claims@ Contact Information Thomas Greco thomas@ 9736676922 SOURCE: Auto Claim Specialists View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
Miami Herald
23-06-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Auto Claim Specialists Wins Fight for Mandatory Right to Appraisal in Texas
Throwing Stones to Take Down a Giant FORT WORTH, TX / ACCESS Newswire / June 23, 2025 / They said it couldn't be done. They said it was impossible. No one believed the battle to require the Right to Appraisal be included in all Texas auto policies could be won - no one except Robert McDorman, founder of Auto Claim Specialists, whose devotion to ensuring the safety of roadways in the Lone Star State inspired him to take up a slingshot in this iteration of the classic "David versus Goliath" showdown. For nearly a decade, McDorman tirelessly led the charge to persuade lawmakers of the importance of mandatory appraisal rights, and his hard work has finally paid off - Senate Bill 458 has been adopted into the Texas Insurance Code and made law! The war against the Appraisal Clause began in 2015 when State Farm removed this vital consumer protection from their Texas policies. McDorman took up the mantle and began sounding the alarm through meetings with the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) to alert them to the potential dangers that such an action presented to drivers and their roadways. Bills proposing mandatory appraisal rights were presented in the 2021 and 2023 sessions, but both times, the session ended before a conclusive vote; however, the third time was the charm! Senate 458, the 2025 iteration of this legislative initiative, was fast-tracked through the process, obtaining unanimous approval from both the Senate and the House during every review. That's a far cry from eight years ago when "legislators didn't believe there was a need for mandatory appraisal rights," McDorman recalls. "They hadn't heard anything about it and couldn't be convinced that it was a problem that needed their attention." Legislators' disinterest did not dissuade him from his mission. McDorman continued to beat the drum for mandatory appraisal, meeting with TDI five times and appearing before various legislative committees a total of eight times to educate them on the impact of the Appraisal Clause. "Every time someone told me 'no,' I pushed forward. I refused to believe it was a waste of time." His dogged determination ultimately attracted attention, leading TDI to acknowledge the need for legislators to "establish policy form appraisal guidance" in its 2022 Biennial Report, and in its Report to the 88th Texas Legislature, the Office of Public Insurance Counsel (OPIC) expressed increasing concern with "restrictions on appraisal in policy forms filed by top insurers [which] can adversely impact consumers, who buy insurance to make sure damage to their property will be repaired or replaced. Without appraisal, they may be forced to choose between accepting the insurer's offer and paying out-of-pocket for any disputed amount or taking on the costly and time-consuming burden of going to court." OPIC reiterated those concerns in its Report to the 89th Texas Legislature, listing appraisal as its first recommendation, restating its previous position and adding, "Restrictions on appraisal can remove an important consumer protection that saves the parties and the judicial system time and resources. Appraisal is usually the consumer's only economically realistic option for challenging the amount an insurer offers to repair or replace property. Filing a lawsuit is expensive - often more expensive than the amount of an auto repair claim. Eliminating appraisal leaves the consumer stuck in the middle of a dispute between the insurer and providers over the amount of loss, resembling the balance billing trap that health insurance consumers found themselves in before the Legislature addressed that issue." They recommended that legislators "amend the Texas Insurance Code to require personal auto and residential property insurers in Texas to preserve the insurance consumer's right to invoke appraisal in disputes regarding the cost to repair or replace covered property." While McDorman stood at the forefront of the battlefield on this important issue, he had an entire army marching with him, throwing one stone at a time to combat this egregious violation of consumer rights. The Auto Body Association of Texas (ABAT) stood shoulder to shoulder with McDorman, providing pecuniary support and volunteering time and energy to promote all three iterations of the proposed mandatory appraisal legislation. In addition to significant personal financial contributions, ABAT President Burl Richards joined McDorman in several meetings with TDI and appearances before legislative committees to express the significance of this undertaking. Consumer advocacy watchdog Texas Watch also offered valuable support throughout the process through its efforts to generate public awareness, help educate legislators and the compilation of Impact of Auto Appraisal (available at a report that demonstrated the monetary affect that Right to Appraisal typically has on claim settlements. McDorman humbly credits the passage of Senate Bill 458 to Joe Collins, whose experience with the appraisal process yielded a large settlement from State Farm (see Recognizing how detrimental a similar under-indemnification situation might be for others, especially those who do not have the protections provided through the Appraisal Clause, Collins donated his entire settlement to the fight for mandatory appraisal rights. "If that money goes toward making sure all Texas policies include the Right to Appraisal, then I'm helping everybody." (Full story available at Collins entrusted the funds to Auto Claim Specialists and McDorman who used them to establish the Mandatory Appraisal Rights Advocacy Trust. Collins' story inspired many others from across the country to contribute to a GoFundMe fundraiser, creating a national movement. "Joe's generosity and dedication to 'doing the right thing' resonated with people, and they wanted to support our efforts," McDorman offers praise and gratitude to everyone who contributed to the fight. "Many people helped us get to where we are, but Joe's donation was instrumental to building that momentum. I'm gratified by the passage of the bill which demonstrates that I was a worthy steward of his trust." Countless others aided in achieving this victory for mandatory appraisal rights as well. Other public adjusters, multiple law firms and lobbyists stepped up, donating time, money and energy to support the cause. McDorman's own contributions are unquantifiable. Beyond the financial commitment he made personally and on behalf of Auto Claim Specialists, he spent thousands of hours away from the business, devoted to compiling data to present to legislators to help them understand why their constituents deserve the Right to Appraisal. "The devil is in the detail," he explains. "Every time I shared information, I had the evidence to support it. The insurance industry tends to be a little less transparent with their reporting, which provides the opportunity for dishonesty and undervaluation; I put a microscope on that practice and demonstrated how often policyholders get cheated. Now, all of our legislators understand how this provision protects their constituents, and I commend them for doing what's right for all Texans, to help ensure safe roadways. The fact that the vote was unanimous from the House and the Senate - across both sides of the aisle - proves what a great job we did educating them on how the Appraisal Clause is a vital mechanism to ensure vehicle owners are reimbursed for all the operations required to safely repair their cars." He equates the legislative victory with the concept of slaying a giant. "We went up against really big odds; the insurance industry has deep pockets which enables them to walk all over people most of the time. Often, that happens because we are afraid to fight them; we're afraid to lose. But when you're doing the right thing for the right reason, it's worthwhile to keep going, to continue the fight to make a difference. That's what we did, and our efforts paid off - this was the people's the people fought and WON!" Senate Bill 458, which seeks to ensure that all Texas insurance policies "must contain an appraisal provision" and specifies that this appraisal provision "is intended to provide a type of dispute resolution process solely to determine the amount of loss when that amount is in dispute between the policyholder and the insurer," will go into effect on September 1, 2025. (Read the bill in its entirety at McDorman is ecstatic that all Texas policyholders will soon have access to the vital protection of Right to Appraisal, and he "looks forward to the next step, working with TDI to establish guidelines and appropriate time triggers." ### Auto Claim Specialists is a national public insurance adjuster agency dedicated to ensuring consumers receive a fair settlement on their auto claims. Founded in 2017 by consumer advocate Robert McDorman, Auto Claim Specialists seeks to hold insurers accountable for fully indemnifying their policyholders for damages suffered by establishing the true value of losses. More information can be found online at or by calling 817-756-5482. For further information, please contact: claims@ Contact Information Thomas Greco thomas@ SOURCE: Auto Claim Specialists press release
Yahoo
18-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Vieworks to Unveil Dual Imaging TDI Camera at automatica 2025
ANYANG, South Korea, June 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Vieworks, a global leader in machine vision solutions, will unveil its latest advancements in machine vision technology at automatica 2025, held in Munich, Germany, from June 24 to 27 (Hall B5, Booth 506). Vieworks will showcase its expanded portfolio of industrial cameras and lenses, with a spotlight on the newly launched dual imaging VTD Series. At the trade fair, Vieworks will present its full range of area scan cameras, offering resolutions from 0.4 megapixels to an industry-leading 1152 megapixels. Among the highlights is the compact and versatile VZ Series, featuring GigE, 2.5GigE, and USB 3.0 interfaces. These cameras are ideal for automated inspection systems across industries. Vieworks' TDI (time delayed integration) line scan cameras are renowned for their exceptional sensitivity, achieved through up to 256 stages of integration. Available in M42, M58, M72, and M95 mounts from 2k to 23k resolution, these TDI line scan cameras are suitable for various applications in low-light environments. Making its official debut at the show, the VTD-16K5X2 camera captures two images in a single scan through dual imaging technology. This innovation eliminates the need for separate cameras or multiple scans—reducing cycle time and operational costs. Also featured will be the VT Sense Series, equipped with BSI (back-side illuminated) sensors for enhanced sensitivity. These high-end TDI cameras boast exceptional sensitivity as well as superior quantum efficiency (QE) and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). The back-side illuminated VT Sense ensures superior image quality in visible, ultraviolet (UV), and near-infrared (NIR) spectrums. In addition to its camera lineup, Vieworks will also present the VEO Series, a family of industrial lenses codeveloped with Schneider Kreuznach. These lenses are optimized to fully leverage the capabilities of Vieworks' high-resolution cameras. "We're excited to introduce our latest innovations, including the VTD-16K5X2, at automatica 2025," a Vieworks spokesperson remarked. "The event is a key opportunity to engage with our partners and customers across Europe and demonstrate how our technologies are driving the future of automation." As Europe's leading automation trade fair, automatica 2025 is expected to attract a record number of exhibitors and attendees. About Vieworks Co., Ltd. Vieworks is a leading provider of machine vision technologies, offering a comprehensive range of industrial cameras, lenses, and vision system accessories. Committed to innovation and excellence, Vieworks is your trusted partner in delivering machine vision solutions. For more information, please visit View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Vieworks Co., Ltd.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Geopolitical upheaval tops new shipping concerns survey
For the second year in a row, political instability remains at the forefront of maritime concerns, a reflection of the geopolitical tremors resonating through the globe, according to a new industry survey. The 2024-2025 Maritime Barometer Report released by the International Chamber of Shipping paints a stark picture: with over 70 national elections impacting half the world's population in 2024, the repercussions for maritime operations are profound. As the survey indicates, maritime leaders consistently rank political instability as the top risk, driven by the persistent winds of global conflict and economic upheaval. Emanuele Grimaldi, ICS Chairman, who also heads his family's namesake shipping empire, underscores the gravity of the situation. 'This geopolitical instability is reshaping our operating environments, creating cautious and uncertain commercial landscapes,' Grimaldi said in a preface to the sentiment is echoed across the industry, where a lack of confidence in handling political volatility continues to plague decision-makers, as highlighted by contrasting polls showcasing a drop in industry confidence. Contributing to this volatility are significant policy shifts, particularly from the United States. Recent tariffs and trade investigations exacerbate existing tensions, complicating the global supply chain and challenging the shipping sector's adaptability. The complexity of these dynamics is not lost on maritime executives, who are increasingly turning to Trade Disruption Insurance (TDI) to mitigate uncertain trade outcomes, reflecting a pragmatic yet cautious approach to an unpredictable political concerns, cyber-attacks have consolidated their place as a critical threat. The digital backbone of maritime operations is under siege, with state-sponsored entities increasingly exploiting vulnerabilities. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has voiced 'grave concern,' alongside warnings from the U.S. Government Accountability Office about urgent cybersecurity vulnerabilities. ICS survey data corroborates these apprehensions, ranking cyber-attacks as the second-highest risk. Allianz's 2025 Risk Barometer further cements this position, portraying a landscape rife with cyber-crime and IT network disruptions. For maritime leaders, fortifying digital infrastructures and nurturing a culture of cybersecurity awareness across all levels of the workforce is not just prudent, it's essential. An increasing administrative burden looms large as one of the top risks identified in this year's report. This escalation is attributed to a swirl of regulatory changes that shipowners must navigate. From European Union emissions trading schemes to IMO carbon intensity indicators, the regulatory landscape is dense and unyielding. Although there is a noted dip in confidence, there's also a recognition among maritime stakeholders of the critical need to streamline compliance processes. At the same time, barriers to trade continue to loom, intertwined with political and regulatory complexities. The dual pressures of protectionist policies and shifting trade alliances are forcing maritime leaders to reevaluate strategies and fortify supply chains against emerging disruptions. These barriers, though not new, have gained renewed relevance in the face of potential trade wars and economic nationalism — challenges the maritime industry must adeptly the industry stands on the precipice of a green transformation, decarbonization efforts are gaining momentum, albeit cautiously. The report highlights a commitment to sustainability, with maritime leaders expressing mixed sentiments towards the viability of alternative fuels. While liquefied natural gas (LNG), heavy fuel oil (HFO) with abatement technology, and biofuels emerge as frontrunners, alternative solutions such as methanol and ammonia are gradually gaining ground. The ICS findings reveal a precarious balance between the allure of tried-and-tested fuel options and the promise of innovative green technologies. Methanol and ammonia offer enticing possibilities, yet concerns over infrastructure and safety remain hurdles to their widespread adoption. Nonetheless, shifts toward cleaner fuels signal a promising trajectory, albeit one contingent on sustained regulatory support and financial investment. Climate concerns remain a constant undercurrent in maritime planning, woven deeply into the industry's decision-making process. While leaders acknowledge the sector's environmental impact, tapping into sustainable practices presents a combination of challenges and opportunities. The ICS survey delineates a hopeful yet guarded stance: that confidence towards handling green regulations is growing, even as the specter of mixed public funding damps some enthusiasm. Technological advances and regulatory progress at forums like the IMO's Marine Environment Protection Committee offer glimmers of optimism. Likewise, greater collaboration between public and private sectors could galvanize the needed leap toward sustainable maritime practices, echoing the sentiments of many surveyed industry stakeholders. The report delivers a holistic portrayal of an industry poised at a crossroads. Political instability, cyber threats, regulatory pressures, and the drive for sustainability converge to present both formidable challenges and unprecedented opportunities for change. Industry collaboration and a collective push for resilient frameworks are more vital than ever, shaping the course for a maritime future that is greener, safer, and more adaptable to an ever-changing world ecosystem. Said Grimaldi, 'Above all, collaboration and communication are key.' Find more articles by Stuart Chirls peak coming as trans-Pacific container rates double Retailers see cargo surge coming WATCH: Four crew missing after container ship explosion off coast of India Trac Intermodal preps 200K chassis for China container surge The post Geopolitical upheaval tops new shipping concerns survey appeared first on FreightWaves.
