A delegation from Hamburg’s Senate, led by Economic Affairs Senator Melanie Leonhard, recently visited India to strengthen maritime trade relations. Key figures, including Jens Meier and Hendrik Meyn, engaged in discussions on sustainable port infrastructure in Chennai, Mumbai, and New Delhi, emphasizing collaboration amid the evolving EU-India Free Trade Agreement.
On February 23, 2023, the ILO and IMO marked the 20th anniversary of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC, 2006). This treaty has greatly improved seafarers’ working conditions globally, promoting fair competition in shipping. It established enforceable standards for employment, wages, and health care, ensuring decent work at sea.
The recent inauguration of three new berths at VOC Port, including the North Cargo Berth-III, marks a significant milestone in enhancing trade capacity. With advancements in sustainable operations, such as green hydrogen production and the introduction of a Digital Twin platform, VOC Port is poised to lead India’s maritime future, aligning with net-zero goals.
The Swedish Club (TSC) has achieved a remarkable 99% retention rate in its 2026 P&I renewal, alongside an 8% increase in new entered tonnage. CEO Thomas Nordberg praised the team’s dedication, emphasizing TSC’s commitment to proactive risk management and personalized service, solidifying its position in the maritime insurance sector.
Turkish firefighters used an innovative ladder truck rescue to save six crew members from the sinking Sea Star Tilos ferry at Altinova Shipyard. All crew were safely evacuated without injury, but the unique twin-hulled vessel later sank, raising environmental concerns about possible pollution in the surrounding waters.
A tragic boating accident in the Bay of Bengal claimed the life of a 33-year-old woman on February 19. The incident occurred near Puducherry as the private charter boat, carrying her family and other passengers, capsized. Local authorities quickly responded, underscoring the risks of recreational boating and the need for safety.
DetentionTrackr has launched a maritime intelligence platform that consolidates global Port State Control detention data into real-time insights. In February, 72 vessels were detained, totaling 164 since 2026. Co-Founder Thomas Cox highlights the AI-driven approach, enhancing decision-making for stakeholders by transforming fragmented data into structured, actionable intelligence.
BMT has launched its Digital Innovation & Simulation Centre (DISC) in Fareham, UK, featuring advanced simulation technology. Central to the facility is the BMT REMBRANDT navigation simulator, used globally for training and feasibility studies. The center supports both defense and commercial initiatives, focusing on autonomous vessels and digital maritime systems.
West African crude traders are facing significant challenges, as soaring freight costs and widening price spreads dampen Asian buyer interest. With shipping rates hitting a five-year high, Nigerian crude differentials are dropping, prompting traders to offer deeper discounts. Analysts warn that unless the Brent-Dubai EFS improves, adjustments are inevitable.
Tidewater is expanding its presence in Brazil’s offshore oil and gas sector by partnering with Wilson Sons to acquire 22 Platform Supply Vessels for approximately $500 million. This strategic move will increase Tidewater’s fleet to 28 vessels, with nearly 90% being Brazilian-built, enhancing its competitive edge in the market.
On the 20th anniversary of the Maritime Labour Convention, Human Rights at Sea urged Australia’s Transport Minister, Catherine King, to improve seafarer welfare services. Sue Dight, from Mission to Seafarers, is seeking funding across Australia, emphasizing the need for a coordinated national framework to support over 500,000 seafarers annually.
Arctic Gateway Group (AGG) has partnered with Fednav to evaluate year-round shipping feasibility from the Port of Churchill. This ongoing review, expected to conclude by summer, will analyze ice conditions and shipping patterns while ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and Indigenous consultations. Chris Avery highlighted the importance of understanding operational needs for future growth.
Increased fin whale activity along Chile’s northern coast raises alarms about ship collisions and fishing net entanglements. The Mejillones and Antofagasta bays, a feeding ground from October to January, see heightened risks. Conservationists urge habitat protections, as drone footage of a washed-up whale carcass emphasizes these urgent threats to marine life.
Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) received the ‘Outstanding PSU of the Year’ award at the AIMA event in New Delhi, recognized for its exemplary performance in India’s maritime sector. Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan presented the award, accepted by Dr. Harikrishnan S. This accolade follows CSL’s significant MoU with CMA CGM for LNG vessels.
Thirty cadets from the Maritime Academy of Nigeria have secured a year-long sea-time placement with Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas Shipping and Marine Services Limited. This initiative aims to enhance Nigeria’s marine economy, providing essential practical training aboard NLNG vessels, crucial for their professional certification and competitiveness in the global maritime sector.
