A fire on a cargo vessel off Oman left 24-year-old Indian seafarer K. Gopianan unaccounted for. In his last message, he reported the fire and that he was following the captain’s orders. Over two weeks later, his family remains frustrated by the lack of updates on search efforts.
The Hong Kong-flagged tanker Sea Horse, carrying fuel likely destined for Cuba, has halted navigation in the Atlantic, impacting the oil-dependent nation. U.S. Treasury recently allowed companies to seek licenses to resell Venezuelan oil to Cuba, amid dwindling supplies and ongoing sanctions affecting the island’s energy crisis.
From February 10-12, the Anglo-Eastern Univan Group hosted a crew conference in Manila, gathering around 600 Filipino officers and global leaders. Centered on the theme ‘Delivering Excellence,’ CEO Bjorn Hojgaard emphasized the importance of preparing people alongside ships, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to safety and high standards in maritime operations.
Iran has significantly increased its oil loading operations, preparing for potential U.S. military action. Exports from Kharg Island soared to about 20.1 million barrels between February 15 and 20, nearly tripling January’s figures. This surge reflects Iran’s strategy to maximize oil turnover amid heightened military tensions in the region.
Seabound has achieved a major milestone with the launch of its first full-scale onboard carbon capture systems at its Doncaster hub. Celebrated at the “Seabound Sendoff,” the event attracted over 70 attendees. The systems will be installed on the UBC Cork, a cement carrier, marking a significant step in maritime decarbonisation.
The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) has launched IMCA Skills, a digital learning hub focused on enhancing competence in the marine industry. Its initial offering, a Dynamic Positioning CPD program, consolidates resources into a user-friendly platform, promoting easier navigation and progress tracking for professional development in offshore operations.
The Department of Migrant Workers and the Philippine Embassy in Finland commended 19 Filipino crew members of the Cymona Eagle for their heroic rescue of Finnish rower Jari Saario. After his boat was damaged in a storm, the crew navigated treacherous conditions to save him, showcasing exceptional seamanship and humanitarian spirit.
Everllence has made strides in CO₂-neutral propulsion systems with its upgraded test bench in Augsburg for hydrogen combustion. This advancement, part of the HydroPoLEn project, aims to develop sustainable maritime solutions. Key partners, including Tenneco and the Technical University of Munich, are collaborating to enhance hydrogen technology for shipping.
The barge Defiant was successfully refloated from the shoreline of Castillo San Felipe del Morro early Wednesday, just before high tide. Tugboats and salvage crews worked meticulously, pressurizing cargo tanks to ensure a smooth operation. Capt. Luis J. Rodríguez praised the collaborative efforts that safeguarded San Juan’s maritime transportation and environment.
Swiss marine power company WinGD has achieved a milestone by completing Type Approval Testing and Factory Acceptance Testing for its ammonia-fueled two-stroke engine, the X52DF-A-1.0. Conducted in January 2026 in South Korea, these tests mark a significant step towards eco-friendly marine propulsion, with lower emissions compared to traditional diesel engines.
The Indian Directorate General of Shipping has issued a warning to seafarers and shipping stakeholders against traveling to Iran due to rising security concerns. Following prior advisories, Indian nationals in Iran are urged to leave immediately and maintain contact with the Embassy for assistance. RPSL companies are advised to halt deployments to the region.
The Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management has launched a new subsidy program under the Maritime Master Plan to support sustainable maritime technologies. Announced on February 20, this initiative allocates €33.6 million for projects focused on demonstration vessels powered by alternative fuels, aiming to position the Netherlands as a leader in maritime innovation.
Centurion University’s School of Maritime Studies has been designated a Global Centre of Excellence, becoming the first in Southeast Asia and only the second worldwide. This prestigious recognition, awarded by The Nautical Institute and IMarEST, highlights India’s commitment to high-quality maritime education and positions the university prominently on the global maritime map.
The ultra-luxury cruise ship, Four Seasons I, was delivered on February 25, marking a significant milestone in the luxury cruise market. Weighing 35,040 gross tons and measuring 207 meters, it features 95 luxury suites for 222 guests. The ship offers 50% more living space per passenger than competitors.
The Indian Directorate General of Shipping has extended the accreditation for four Russian insurance companies—Soglasie, Yugoria, Sberbank Insurance, and ASTK Insurance—until March 20, 2026. This extension ensures vessels entering Indian ports maintain necessary liability insurance, covering third-party claims and pollution risks amidst the withdrawal of Western insurers.
