Lloyd’s Register has launched a new risk-based notation, Fire (C, Risk), to enhance fire safety assessments for container vessels. This notation, part of the July 2025 update, allows stakeholders to evaluate fire risks and implement tailored safety enhancements, promoting innovation and supporting data-driven verification in ship design.
Virgin Voyages has launched its fourth cruise ship, Brilliant Lady, marking a significant milestone after pandemic-related delays. Under CEO Nirmal Saverimuttu, the brand focuses on a unique onboard experience with no formal dress codes and flexible dining. With bookings up 70%, the company is poised for substantial growth.
The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), led by Comrade Francis Bunu Abi, commended Orion Marine Services and Seatransport Ltd for raising salaries for seafarers. Emphasizing worker welfare, Bunu noted that satisfied employees enhance employer success. He urged other maritime companies to adopt similar practices, warning non-compliers may face reporting to NIMASA.
On September 5, 2025, a Fifth Circuit Court decision emphasized the principle of bailments in a case involving a sunken barge. The court ruled that the loading facility failed to demonstrate that damage occurred before delivery, highlighting the necessity for transparency regarding a vessel’s condition to avoid disputes in maritime relationships.
Two ferry crewmembers are on trial in Jersey for the deaths of three fishermen after a December 2022 collision. The Condor Ferries vessel, Commodore Goodwill, struck the fishing boat L’Ecume II, sinking it instantly. The defendants deny charges of gross negligence, arguing the incident was unavoidable despite the prosecution’s claims.
A recent Safetec survey reveals that efficiency demands threaten seafarer safety, with 26% of 30,000 respondents admitting to bypassing safety procedures due to company pressures. Additionally, 20% feel their adherence to safety goes unrecognized, highlighting a critical need for shipping companies to prioritize safety over efficiency to ensure a secure working environment.
The Indian government is establishing a ₹2,000-crore insurance fund to shield shipbuilders from buyer defaults, enhancing sustainability in the capital-intensive sector. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways collaborates with finance ministries to implement a buyer’s default insurance, aiming to secure shipyards from order cancellations and bolster the domestic industry.
Greece is enhancing maritime sustainability by installing cold ironing systems at twelve major ports by 2029, including Mykonos and Santorini. This initiative will allow ships to connect to shore power, significantly reducing emissions. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, it aligns with EU carbon neutrality goals and modernizes Greece’s ports.
Houthi militants have intensified attacks on Israel and related shipping, despite no new threats. This increase follows Israel’s commitment to counter Houthi actions, especially after the use of cluster bombs. The UK Maritime Trade Operations warned of an incident involving an “unknown projectile” in the Red Sea, highlighting rising regional tensions.
India has achieved a major milestone in maritime infrastructure with the inauguration of Phase 2 at the Bharat Mumbai Container Terminal (BMCT). This expansion boosts capacity to 4.8 million TEUs, making it the largest standalone terminal in the country, enhancing cargo efficiency and trade competitiveness while fostering bilateral cooperation with Singapore.
Great Eastern Shipping Company Ltd. (GESCO) is set to enhance its fleet by acquiring a Kamsarmax dry bulk carrier of approximately 81,922 DWT, scheduled for Q3 FY 2026. This acquisition, fully funded through internal accruals, follows agreements for two secondhand vessels, expanding GESCO’s fleet to 41 vessels and 3.37 million DWT.
Starlink Maritime has slashed its unlimited data package price for IMO-registered vessels from $25,000 to $2,500 per month, a 90% reduction. Launched in early 2024, the Mobile Priority Unlimited package offers uncapped data and a 99.9% uptime guarantee, aiming to enhance connectivity in the commercial shipping sector.
Swedish company eMarine is integrating 1,500 ABB NINVA™ non-invasive temperature sensors into its energy management solutions for the maritime sector. This collaboration introduces ABB’s innovative technology to the marine industry, enhancing efficiency and sustainability for cruise and cargo operators by optimizing heat recovery and reducing fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions.
Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata, recorded a remarkable 16.02% increase in cargo throughput from April to August 2025, handling 28.236 million metric tonnes. The Haldia Dock Complex contributed significantly with 20.625 MMT, while the Kolkata Dock System saw a 24.35% rise, processing 7.611 MMT. Chairman Rathendra Raman praised the team’s commitment.
Kongsberg Maritime is enhancing mooring solutions for offshore floating structures by developing simplified technologies that reduce costs, complexity, and environmental impact. Their innovations aim to minimize components and eliminate active tensioning equipment, enabling safer installations and significant fuel savings, ultimately streamlining offshore floater operations while improving safety and reliability.
