The crew of the fishing boat Prathyasa narrowly escaped disaster when the merchant ship MSC Silver 2 collided with them off the Kannamaly coast. While no injuries were reported, the crew suffered significant losses, including a net filled with mackerel valued at ₹10 lakh, and faces ₹5 lakh in repair costs.
Maersk has surpassed the halfway mark in its refit program, targeting reduced fuel costs and emissions for its chartered fleet. Over 1,500 projects have been completed across 200 vessels, enhancing operational efficiency. The initiative is a collaborative effort with shipowners, aiming for significant environmental and economic benefits by 2027.
Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK) has granted SRC an Approval in Principle (AiP) for its innovative tank design, Methanol Superstorage. Utilizing Sandwich Plate System technology, it nearly doubles storage capacity for methanol and ethanol compared to conventional tanks, addressing challenges related to methanol’s lower energy density. This marks a significant industry milestone.
Hydrex divers successfully reinstalled the bow thruster of a 170-meter container ship in Rotterdam, avoiding costly drydock changes. Conducting the operation underwater allowed the vessel to stay on schedule. The team expertly maneuvered the fully assembled thruster into position, showcasing their expertise and ensuring timely completion for the ship’s owner.
The Netherlands has urged the European Union to label Yemen’s Houthi movement as a terrorist organization following their attack on the Dutch cargo ship Minervagracht. Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel highlighted the ongoing threat to maritime safety, linking the assaults to the broader conflict involving Israel and Gaza.
Recent drone sightings over Denmark, as reported by Der Spiegel, signal a troubling trend, with similar reports from Kiel, Germany. These incursions have raised maritime security alarms, linked to Russian activities in the Baltic Sea. Regional leaders emphasize the urgent need for enhanced drone defenses to protect critical infrastructure and public safety.
HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) has received Approval in Principle (AIP) for its ammonia vent treatment system from ABS and LISCR. This innovative system employs compact scrubbers to safely manage ammonia emissions during purging, ensuring environmental compliance and supporting sustainable shipping practices in the maritime industry.
Elena, the wife of imprisoned seafarer Ali Albokhari, is fervently seeking justice as her husband endures a 30-year sentence in Turkey for drug charges linked to a seized ship. She claims the verdict lacked proper evidence, highlighting her husband’s despair and advocating for broader awareness of seafarer criminalization.
On October 1, 2025, Vijay Kumar took over as Secretary in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, succeeding T.K. Ramachandran. An IAS officer from the 1992 AGMUT batch, Kumar previously chaired the Inland Waterways Authority of India, bringing vital experience to enhance India’s maritime initiatives and infrastructure.
The Deendayal Port Authority recently hosted a unique Garba event to celebrate Operation Sindoor, aligning with India’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative. Chairman Sushil Kumar Singh highlighted the operation’s success and its role in enhancing India’s global maritime presence. The DPA also partnered with IIT BHU to explore hydrogen as a clean fuel.
Korea’s leading shipbuilders are ramping up their presence in India, driven by the nation’s goal to become a maritime powerhouse. Samsung Heavy Industries has partnered with Swan Defence, while HD Korea Shipbuilding collaborates with Cochin Shipyard to enhance ship design and production. India aims to ascend the global shipbuilding ranks by 2047.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has escalated tensions in the region, impacting international shipping. A recent attack by Houthi rebels on the Dutch-flagged cargo ship Minervagracht highlights the growing threat posed by these Iranian-backed forces, raising concerns about maritime safety and potential disruptions in global trade routes.
In September 2025, only 14 alternative-fuelled vessel orders were reported, a significant decline from previous years. LNG remained the dominant choice, particularly in the container sector. The market slowdown, marked by zero new orders in August, reflects rising costs and regulatory uncertainties, especially concerning the IMO’s Net-Zero Framework.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is enhancing its initiatives to prepare seafarers for the energy transition in shipping. It has released interim guidelines for training on alternative fuels and technologies, establishing a global framework for crew training. Specialized protocols for various fuels will support mandatory training under the revised STCW Convention Code.
The Maritime Technologies Forum has released essential guidelines for the safe inspection of methanol dual-fuel ships, spearheaded by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore. With growing interest in methanol as an alternative fuel, the report emphasizes inspector safety, competency, and dynamic risk assessments, featuring 41 safety recommendations for industry-wide confidence.
