On January 23, 2026, Fincantieri, a leading shipbuilding company, made waves by entering the subsea robotics sector. Instead of a gradual approach, it is developing a comprehensive underwater ecosystem featuring drones, sensors, and AI systems. This strategy aims to enhance the monitoring and protection of critical underwater infrastructures globally.
Traditional maritime security has relied on crewed patrols and fixed surveillance systems. With increasing threats and complex operations, there’s a critical need for innovation. Remote and autonomous technologies are emerging to enhance situational awareness, enabling better monitoring and incident response, making them essential for effective maritime asset protection.
At a recent general meeting, shareholders of Kongsberg Gruppen approved the separation of Kongsberg Maritime, set to be listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange on April 23. Incoming CEO Lisa Edvardsen Haugan emphasized the company’s readiness for the transition, focusing on strengthening its organization and expanding globally in the maritime sector.
Lloyd’s List Intelligence has partnered with SynMax Intelligence to enhance maritime decision-making. This collaboration combines trusted maritime data with advanced satellite technology, addressing challenges like dark activity and spoofing. Customers gain access to Satellite Intelligence Reports, offering deeper insights and stronger evidence for incident investigations and complex shipping practices.
On January 23, 2026, Somalia’s Council of Ministers approved a maritime safety agreement to enhance oversight of its maritime sector. This empowers Somalia to inspect foreign vessels and enforce international shipping standards, marking its entry into a regional initiative aimed at improving ship safety and environmental protection in the Indian Ocean.
Swan Defence and Heavy Industries (SDHI) has achieved a significant milestone by securing its first contract for six IMO Type II chemical tankers, valued at $227 million. This landmark order from Rederiet Stenersen AS marks a pivotal moment for India’s shipbuilding sector, showcasing the nation’s growing capabilities in maritime construction.
The builder of the superyacht Bayesian has filed a $500 million lawsuit against Angela Bacares, widow of tech mogul Mike Lynch, who died when the yacht sank. The shipbuilder alleges crew negligence caused the tragedy, resulting in reputational harm and lost business opportunities following the vessel’s capsizing during a storm.
In 2025, seafarer abandonment surged to 6,223 cases across 410 ships, a 31% increase from the previous year, as per the ITF. Indian seafarers were hit hardest, with 1,125 cases. The ITF demands stricter regulations on ship ownership and calls for unified action to tackle this ongoing crisis.
Mumbai’s Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) has acquired a 41.73% equity stake in Sri Lanka’s Colombo Dockyard PLC, marking a key step in its international expansion. The acquisition, involving rights shares from Japan’s Onomichi Dockyard, triggers a mandatory offer for CDPLC’s shareholders, enhancing maritime collaboration between India and Sri Lanka.
The South African Maritime Safety Authority (Samsa) is addressing seafarer welfare on the detained bulk carrier Sea Lord. Since November 14, the vessel has faced 42 deficiencies, including unpaid wages. Samsa, in collaboration with the International Transport Workers’ Federation, is working to secure payments and provide humanitarian assistance.
This week’s maritime security report from Palaemon Maritime reveals a surge in incidents across Europe, the Americas, and Southeast Asia. Notable events include a missile attack on Chornomorsk Port in Ukraine, drone strikes on Greek-managed oil tankers, and U.S. forces seizing a Guyana-flagged tanker near Venezuela, highlighting escalating maritime threats.
CMA CGM has achieved a significant milestone with the delivery of its 400th owned vessel, the CMA CGM Monte Cristo. This methanol-powered container ship, with a capacity of 16,204 TEU, is set to enhance the company’s decarbonization strategy and will commence service on January 29, 2026.
The Kenyan government’s delay in issuing Seafarers’ Identification Documents (SIDs) is threatening the employment of thousands of local seafarers. Fragmented maritime services across various departments complicate the process, highlighting deficiencies in governance. This situation demands a streamlined approach to support seafarers and enhance Kenya’s position in the global maritime industry.
On January 8, 2023, a pilot tragically died after falling from a ladder while boarding the cargo vessel Finnhawk in the Humber Estuary. The investigation revealed critical safety concerns, including the pilot’s questionable fitness for duty and defects in recovery equipment, prompting calls for improved safety measures and protocols.
The International Chamber of Shipping has introduced the Deck Procedures Guide, enhancing maritime safety by focusing on deck operations. This comprehensive resource addresses cargo handling, mooring, and compliance with key regulations, featuring an interactive risk assessment tool and checklists. It aims to standardize best practices while accommodating specific organizational needs.
