Nigerian anti-drug authorities have detained 20 Filipino seafarers after recovering 20 kilograms of high-grade cocaine from a Panama-registered vessel at Lagos’s main port. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) stated the cocaine was hidden beneath coal cargo. Investigations are ongoing as the crew is questioned about the ship’s route.
IDsure is thrilled to partner with the Bahamas Maritime Authority to introduce the world’s first fully digital and tamper-proof Seafarer Record Book. This innovative solution ensures secure, instant credential issuance for seafarers, revolutionizing maritime credentialing by enhancing trust and transparency while streamlining operations for shipowners and training institutions.
MISC Group has signed contracts to build two LNG dual-fuel Suezmax tankers through AET, enhancing its fleet renewal and energy transition strategy. These vessels will operate under long-term charters, improving financial stability and supporting growth. This move underscores MISC’s commitment to cleaner shipping solutions and aligns with global net-zero goals.
India’s Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully tested the Surface Wave Over-The-Horizon Radar (SWOTH-Radar), capable of detecting maritime and low-flying aerial targets up to 500 kilometers away. This advanced system enhances India’s maritime awareness and strategic capabilities, essential for safeguarding vital sea lanes and countering stealth threats.
A significant fire broke out on the containership ONE HENRY HUDSON at the Port of Los Angeles on November 21. All 23 crew members were safely evacuated. The incident prompted nearly 200 emergency responders to tackle the flames, which spread through multiple lower decks, causing substantial operational disruptions at the port.
Korean researchers have achieved a milestone with the world’s first real-world verification of a Maritime Internet of Things (MIoT) communication network. This innovation enhances maritime safety and connectivity by enabling data exchange between sensors and devices on ships and ports, addressing critical challenges in maritime communications and continuous environmental monitoring.
The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch reported on an incident involving the fast rescue craft (FRC) of the ferry Lord of the Isles. During a training exercise on August 23, 2025, the FRC was unintentionally launched, falling 9 meters into the water. Fortunately, there were no injuries, but the craft was irreparably damaged.
Australian Border Force officers in Beijing intercepted over 600,000 illegal vapes worth $30 million, preventing them from entering Australia. This operation followed referrals of nearly 70 high-risk containers, often mislabelled as harmless items. Acting Commander Laura Uttley highlighted the importance of international collaboration in disrupting illicit goods before they reach the border.
Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited (SMFCL) plans to raise ₹8,000 crore this financial year, approved in its recent annual general meeting. The funds will support India’s maritime sector through banks, financial institutions, and bonds. With a borrowing limit of ₹25,000 crore, SMFCL aims to enhance investments and modernize port infrastructure.
Maritime investigators are raising alarms about the dangers of free-fall lifeboats after a serious incident involving the bulk carrier Golden Zhejiang. A crew member suffered life-altering injuries when a lifeboat unexpectedly released during a safety check. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada emphasizes the need for improved safety protocols.
Windward’s Remote Sensing Intelligence (RSI) technology combines satellite imagery, RF detection, and vessel-tracking analytics for enhanced maritime monitoring. Its ability to identify vessels not transmitting AIS signals is vital for maritime security, ensuring compliance with regulations. This innovative solution allows authorities to assess and respond to potential threats effectively.
Consilium Safety Group and Hyundai Heavy Industries have signed a memorandum to integrate AI-powered cameras into maritime fire alarm systems. Utilizing Hyundai’s HiCAMS technology, the collaboration aims to enhance smoke and flame detection. A pilot test on the Sawasdee Sunrise vessel in Korea is underway, focusing on improving safety on container ships.
The Seafarers’ Health and Welfare (SHS) organization highlights the need for financial transparency and effective communication in the maritime industry. Chair Kuba Szymanski asserts that trust is vital for attracting talent. By improving mental health support and working conditions, the industry can better meet modern challenges and enhance seafarer retention.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged global firms to invest in India’s maritime sector, highlighting substantial infrastructure improvements and regulatory reforms. He pointed to key legislative changes aimed at modernizing governance and enhancing global competitiveness, projecting investment potential exceeding ₹4.5 lakh crore, alongside a growing workforce of over 300,000 seafarers.
The latest Annual DEI in Maritime Review reveals a pressing demand for equitable workplaces among nearly 10,000 surveyed seafarers and shore-based professionals. Key findings highlight the positive impact of DEI training, though gaps persist, particularly for middle managers. The report emphasizes the need for accountability and open dialogue to combat harassment.
