A crew member tragically lost their life in a fire aboard the World Legacy cruise ship en route to Singapore on February 20. The Maritime and Port Authority reported that of the 224 passengers, 185 were Singaporeans. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among other crew members or passengers.
The IMO’s Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response held its 13th session in February 2026, focusing on environmental protection in maritime operations. Key outcomes included groundwork for a legally binding biofouling management framework and a draft strategy to eliminate marine plastic litter from ships by 2030, emphasizing public awareness and international cooperation.
The third edition of the UK Marine Industry Salary & Employment Survey reveals a significant shift in employee priorities, with salary now the top concern for job seekers. Companies are responding by raising wages, particularly for entry-level roles, amid ongoing challenges related to training access and a declining youth workforce.
India’s maritime sector is transforming, highlighted by a contract between CMA CGM and Cochin Shipyard Limited for six LNG-fuelled feeder vessels. This initiative, supported by key government figures, underscores the growing collaboration between global shipping companies and Indian shipyards, aligning with the country’s strategic maritime development policies.
Authorities in Palghar district have approved compensation exceeding ₹2 crore per hectare for agricultural land acquired for the Vadhvan Port Project in Maharashtra. This initiative aims to enhance infrastructure, doubling the fixed market value for landowners, alongside a 100% solatium and applicable interest, significantly boosting local agricultural valuations.
Long-distance ferry routes are essential to Japan’s transport, connecting its four major islands. Recent investments in the RoRo passenger fleet focus on efficiency and passenger comfort, driven by rising demand and environmental concerns. New vessels, like the Keyaki, promise reduced energy consumption and improved sustainability, reflecting a shift towards leisure travel.
Argentina’s maritime labor unions are striking against a proposed law that threatens overtime pay and union rights. The legislation, part of Prime Minister Javier Milei’s economic overhaul, aims to reclassify seafarers under commercial law, undermining protections. The Maritime Federation asserts, “The merchant marine cannot be excluded from the legal framework that protects Argentine workers.”
Leaders in Norway and Iceland have voiced caution over proposals to seize vessels linked to Russia’s shadow fleet. Both Prime Ministers clarified their nations are not pursuing ship seizures, while considering enhanced inspections in the North Atlantic and Baltic Sea. Emphasis remains on ensuring maritime safety and compliance amidst ongoing sanctions.
Jason Turner, CEO of Entanglement, transformed the company from quantum hardware to advanced algorithms. The acquisition of Applied Ocean Sciences led to Maritech Intelligence Systems, launching MIST™ and MADEN™. These platforms enhance maritime awareness and operations, leveraging AI and ocean acoustics to predict climate events and address pollution and illegal fishing challenges.
Denmark’s maritime authority has detained the Iran-flagged container vessel “Nora” due to improper registration. Previously sailing under the Comoros flag, it was not listed in the Comoros registry. The ship, linked to U.S. Treasury sanctions via its former identity as “CERUS,” will remain detained pending verification of its registration.
The global cruise industry is rebounding, with demand surpassing pre-2020 levels, especially in luxury travel. Explora Journeys is set to launch its third ship, EXPLORA III, in July 2026, featuring 463 suites and a near 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio, promising personalized service and a focus on wellness and sustainability.
In a significant step for maritime cooperation, the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Grand Port Maritime de Marseille Fos. This partnership aims to enhance bilateral trade and improve connectivity, promoting sustainable practices and digitalization in port operations to reduce emissions and support energy transition.
On February 16, a Singapore-flagged containership, the Seaspan Empire, collided with two ferries in Santos Port, Brazil, around 9:30 p.m. Four crew members jumped into the water but were rescued without serious injuries. The incident was captured on video, showing the containership pushing the ferries across the harbor.
During the February 13 meeting in Jakarta, ASEAN and India emphasized maritime cooperation as a priority, focusing on sea safety, environmental protection, and adherence to international law in the Indo-Pacific. The Philippines, chairing ASEAN, co-led discussions on the 2026 ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation aimed at enhancing regional collaboration.
The Directorate General of Shipping, led by Additional Director General Shri Sushil Mansing Khopde, convened to address the recent detention and abandonment of Indian seafarers. Emphasizing the safety and dignity of mariners, the meeting aimed at improving repatriation processes and ensuring a coordinated response to protect Indian seafarers abroad.
