The JSI Alliance successfully completed a challenging project for Afcons Infrastructure Limited in India, constructing a new liquid cargo berth for Gujarat Chemical Port Ltd. Key operations involved heavy lifting of eight jackets and fifteen berthing dolphins amidst strong currents and tidal rises, showcasing innovative solutions and effective collaboration.
On Monday, Qatar announced a temporary suspension of sailing and maritime activities due to safety concerns. This measure affects leisure and fishing boats, as well as jet skis. The decision follows a tragic incident involving a Qatari national killed by shrapnel linked to military operations, raising maritime safety concerns.
The Cyprus Marine Club recently hosted its largest gathering, attracting around 200 members from the maritime community. Club President Captain Eberhard Koch emphasized the impressive turnout and announced new corporate members. Keynote speaker Prabhat Jha highlighted Cyprus’s strategic role in MSC Shipmanagement, blending industry insights with personal anecdotes during his engaging presentation.
The U.S. military has launched strikes against Iranian targets, escalating tensions after a drone attack on a tanker in the Strait of Hormuz. President Trump warned of severe consequences for Iran, as both nations accuse each other of violating a recent ceasefire. The situation remains tense and complex.
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has launched the Seafarer Discharge Book Management Portal, enhancing application and issuance processes for seafarers. Dr. Dayo Mobereola highlighted its role in digital transformation, aiming to streamline procedures and improve certification integrity, ensuring better support for Nigerian seafarers in global trade.
The Seafarers Union of Kenya has expressed concerns over the absence of a national wage structure for seafarers, urging government action for fair compensation. Secretary Atie Ramadhan highlighted that many Kenyan seafarers earn less than foreign peers, calling for collaboration with the Seafarers Wages Council to establish equitable salary guidelines.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm welcome from President Patrick Herminie during his first visit to Seychelles since 2015. Their meeting included planting a Coco de Mer sapling, symbolizing environmental cooperation. India also delivered a Fast Patrol Vessel and other aid, reinforcing commitments to maritime security and sustainable development.
A second commercial vessel was struck in the Strait of Hormuz, revealing escalating security threats. The Panama-flagged tanker KIKU sustained damage from an unidentified projectile, but the crew remained unharmed. This event follows an earlier attack on the Ever Lovely, leading to U.S. airstrikes on Iranian facilities amid rising tensions.
On Friday, the Centre announced a Rs 2,000 crore investment in Goa’s maritime sector, focusing on the Goa Water Metro project. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal emphasized that this initiative will modernize coastal and inland waterways, enhancing urban mobility. The new Captain of Ports Terminal Building symbolizes Goa’s maritime heritage and future aspirations.
Arsenio Dominguez, head of the International Maritime Organization, reported approximately 80 mines in the Strait of Hormuz, stressing the urgent need for demining to ensure safe navigation. While Iran has agreed to participate, the evacuation of around 500 stranded vessels must take precedence, a process complicated by recent attacks.
Dominguez emphasized the overlooked struggles of seafarers facing perilous conditions amid ongoing conflicts. He lamented the tragic loss of 14 seafarers from over 40 attacks, urging for immediate action. The IMO chief is working to provide essential support for those stranded, highlighting the necessity of prioritizing the safety of these individuals.
Approximately 115 vessels and 2,500 seafarers have been evacuated from the Strait of Hormuz since Tuesday, according to Arsenio Dominguez of the International Maritime Organization. This update follows the suspension of evacuation efforts for 600 ships after a recent attack in the Gulf of Oman, raising safety concerns for maritime operations.
On June 26, Tehran reaffirmed its control over shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, warning Gulf states against U.S. alignment. Following an attack on a vessel, the fragility of a preliminary peace deal was evident. Iran criticized a joint U.S.-Gulf statement on tolls, asserting its role in ensuring navigation safety.
The Seafarer Workforce Report 2026 predicts a critical shortage of STCW certified officers, estimating a need for an additional 113,735 by 2030. Currently, 2.57 million seafarers operate 85,148 vessels. To meet future demands, the maritime industry must recruit and retain 22,747 officers annually, emphasizing the urgency of strategic workforce planning.
On June 25, the Singapore-registered container ship Ever Lovely was hit by an unidentified projectile while leaving the Strait of Hormuz, marking the first attack since a U.S.-Iran ceasefire. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore condemned the incident as a violation of international law, emphasizing the need for safe navigation.
