Researchers at the Korea Institute of Materials Science (KIMS) have developed a groundbreaking carbon coating that enhances corrosion and wear resistance in ammonia-fueled marine engines. This innovation addresses the challenges of ammonia’s corrosive properties, paving the way for cleaner maritime propulsion and positioning Korea as a leader in green shipping technologies.
The ongoing military conflict in the Middle East has placed seafarers in a dangerous position, prompting urgent calls from maritime organizations for the protection of civilian shipping. Recent attacks, including a fatal strike on the tanker MKD VYOM, highlight the escalating risks in the Strait of Hormuz, raising serious safety concerns.
The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, Arsenio Dominguez, has condemned recent attacks on merchant vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, stressing that assaults on innocent crews are unjustifiable. He urged shipping companies to exercise caution and avoid the region, while emphasizing the importance of freedom of navigation and verified information.
On March 1, 2026, three vessels were attacked in the Strait of Hormuz amidst rising tensions from Iranian retaliatory strikes against US-Israeli air raids. One ship off Oman was hit by an unidentified projectile, igniting a fire that was later controlled. Another vessel also faced a projectile strike, but all crew members remained safe.
In the past 24 hours, two tankers were attacked in the region, escalating the threat level to critical. The SKYLIGHT sustained injuries to its crew, while the MKD VYOM caught fire from a projectile. Analysts warn of increased missile threats and navigation hazards in the Strait of Hormuz, impacting all merchant vessels.
Belgium has seized the oil tanker Ethera, linked to Russia’s shadow fleet and suspected of using false documents, according to Defence Minister Theo Francken. This action aligns with Western sanctions aimed at reducing Russia’s oil revenues post-invasion of Ukraine. The Russian embassy expressed concern over the seizure’s implications.
On March 1, 2026, India’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways warned seafarers to stay vigilant amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The Directorate General of Shipping urged compliance with advisories and advised against deploying Indian personnel to Iran, emphasizing caution while navigating Iranian waters and nearby regions.
Seaspan has introduced Dockboy, a remote-controlled ultra-high pressure cleaning tool for efficient hull maintenance. This innovative device removes marine growth and coatings in one operation, ensuring paint-ready surfaces. With improved connectivity over uneven surfaces, Dockboy enhances operator ergonomics, safety, and contributes to a quieter working environment at Vancouver Drydock and Victoria Shipyards.
A Palau-flagged oil tanker, the Skylight, under U.S. sanctions, was attacked near Oman’s Musandam peninsula, injuring four crew members. The incident, occurring close to the vital Strait of Hormuz, follows prior drone strikes, signaling escalating tensions in the region amid retaliatory actions by Iran against U.S.-Israeli initiatives.
ClassNK has released updated editions of two key documents: “FAQs on the EU-ETS for Shipping (3rd Edition)” and “FAQs on the FuelEU Maritime (5th Edition).” These resources aim to help maritime stakeholders navigate new environmental regulations. The EU Emissions Trading System and FuelEU Maritime regulations will impact vessels over 5,000 gross tonnage.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) completed a 24-day emergency response after the bulk carrier Swift Hangzhou experienced engine failure in the Coral Sea. Deployed tugboats and continuous monitoring prevented potential drift toward the Great Barrier Reef, highlighting AMSA’s crucial role in managing maritime incidents in sensitive environments.
Kolkata recently hosted a significant Symposium on Seafarers’ Recruitment and Welfare, organized by the Directorate General of Shipping. Key stakeholders, including RPSL holders and industry officials, discussed enhancing India’s maritime manpower ecosystem. Shri Sushil Mansing Khopde addressed challenges in recruitment, emphasizing transparency and ethical practices to protect seafarer rights.
India must shift from foreign shipping reliance to develop its own maritime ecosystem, emphasizes Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal. He highlights the importance of self-sufficiency, green shipping fuels, and enhanced shipbuilding. Initiatives like the Sagarmala projects aim to improve port infrastructure, fostering coastal community development and positioning India competitively in global shipping.
During the Seafarers’ Recruitment and Welfare Symposium in Kolkata, Minister Shantanu Thakur inaugurated vital maritime projects, including the Seafarers’ Outreach Centre and MMD Office. He emphasized the government’s commitment to modernizing maritime support systems and fostering a technology-driven, welfare-focused maritime administration, aiming to enhance India’s global competitiveness.
The U.S. Treasury has ramped up economic pressure on Iran, sanctioning over 30 entities and vessels to disrupt its shadow fleet and arms procurement. Secretary Scott Bessent noted that these measures aim to hinder Iran’s illicit operations, which undermine international laws and contribute to regional instability, affecting ordinary citizens.
