Unusual ship movements in the Strait of Hormuz are raising concerns about Iran informally screening vessels. Recent analyses show ships taking non-standard routes, potentially functioning as verification checkpoints amid declining commercial traffic due to attacks. The Pakistan-flagged tanker Karachi is noted for broadcasting AIS signals, indicating increased scrutiny in the region.
Seafarers in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman are facing escalating dangers, prompting global maritime unions to extend support. Recent attacks on merchant vessels have raised safety concerns. The International Bargaining Forum has classified the area as a ‘Warlike Operations Area’, activating protective measures for seafarers, including enhanced compensation.
The maritime industry faces critical challenges due to the ongoing crisis, particularly regarding human-element liabilities. With around 20,000 seafarers stranded, mental health concerns have risen, necessitating urgent measures for crew welfare. Additionally, repatriation and wage continuation are pressing responsibilities for shipowners amidst halted operations. Addressing these issues is vital.
On March 12, 2026, the Hellenic Statistical Authority released findings from a 2024 ship and crew census. It revealed 1,107 active ships, predominantly Greek-owned (91.2%). These vessels employed 18,822 seafarers, with a notable increase in female employment, rising from 1,237 in 2020 to 2,048 in 2024, a 65.6% increase.
Marine fuel sales in Singapore saw a decline in February, dropping to 4.67 million metric tons, a 10.6% decrease from January. Despite this, year-on-year figures show a 12.8% increase. Low-sulphur fuel oil sales fell by 9.8%, while alternative fuels like marine biofuel surged by 54%. Demand is rebounding in March.
On March 13, the Vietnam Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Center received an alert regarding the Truong Hung 268, which…
Cruise operators are grappling with soaring fuel costs due to rising oil prices, exacerbated by the Iran conflict. Analysts predict Carnival Corp may face significant losses in 2026 due to its lack of fuel hedging. While Carnival claims to have improved efficiency, concerns about consumer demand loom as geopolitical tensions rise.
A heated debate on decarbonizing global shipping has emerged, particularly after criticism from SEA-LNG regarding a UCL Energy Institute study. SEA-LNG disputes the claim that green ammonia is the sole scalable fuel, advocating for the reconsideration of alternative fuels like methane and methanol in the industry’s decarbonization efforts.
In Andhra Pradesh, the Greenfield Machilipatnam Port is poised to become a modern maritime hub. Significant construction includes breakwaters, berth creation, and extensive infrastructure. With a capacity for 80,000-ton vessels and an annual cargo management of 36 million tons, the port aims to boost regional trade and foster economic growth.
The IMO Sub-Committee on Ship Systems and Equipment (SSE) held its 12th session from March 9 to 13, 2026, focusing on amendments to the Life-Saving Appliances (LSA) Code. Notably, new requirements for partially enclosed lifeboats mandate CO₂ levels below 5,000 ppm, emphasizing ventilation standards and testing protocols for safety.
On March 15, the Indian-flagged vessel ‘Jag Laadki’ departed from Fujairah port, carrying 80,800 metric tonnes of Murban crude oil to India. The Ministry of Shipping confirmed the safety of the vessel and its Indian crew. Additionally, two LPG carriers are en route, with ongoing monitoring of Indian seafarers in the region.
InterManager has raised serious concerns about the worsening security situation affecting commercial shipping in the Middle East Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz. Following recent attacks on merchant vessels, the organization urges ship managers and operators to exercise extreme caution and reassess the necessity of transiting this critical waterway.
The Director General of Shipping, alongside the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian embassy in Baghdad, is facilitating the repatriation of Deonandan Prasad Singh, a 54-year-old engineer who died during an attack on the oil tanker MT Safesea Vishnu. His body is expected to return to India next week.
Rajesh Kumar Sinha from the Shipping Ministry announced the safe return of 30 seafarers from Gulf airports, raising total repatriations to 253. This initiative underscores India’s commitment to supporting its maritime workforce during challenging times, while ensuring uninterrupted operations at major ports through prioritized berthing of LPG carriers from global locations.
Two Indian-flagged vessels, Shivalik and Nanda Devi, successfully traversed the Strait of Hormuz, transporting 92,700 tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from Gulf nations. They are headed to Mundra and Kandla ports in Gujarat, expected to arrive by March 16 or 17, amid ongoing regional tensions.
