Radio frequency (RF) cyber-attacks by Houthi rebels are increasingly disrupting maritime trade along Yemen’s Red Sea coast. These attacks jam signals and spoof GPS, leading to navigational inaccuracies. Reports of vessels traveling at impossible speeds highlight the threat to the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System, raising urgent safety concerns.
The river cruise tourism sector in India is surging, with series rising from 371 in 2023-24 to 443 in 2024-25—a 19.4% increase. Viking Cruises is entering this market with the MV Brahmaputra, enhancing investment. The Inland Waterways Authority of India aims to develop 51 new circuits by 2027.
The Directorate General of Shipping in India has issued a circular addressing rising fraud in seafarer certificates, which threatens maritime security. Effective July 18, it mandates stringent verification by Recruitment and Placement Service License agencies. Seafarers using fake credentials face severe penalties, aligning with India’s STCW commitments to global safety standards.
Smart Ship © Hub has teamed up with Al Group, including Asian Lloyd and Atlantic Lloyd, to lead emissions reporting in maritime. This initiative utilizes the Smart Ship platform for automated emission reporting across Al Group’s fleet, enhancing efficiency, compliance, and data accuracy with real-time sensor analysis and integration through ABS.
Navigator Gas has partnered with Amon Maritime to create Navigator Amon Shipping, focusing on two ammonia-fuelled gas carriers. Navigator will hold an 80% stake. The vessels, with a capacity of 51,530m³, will also transport liquefied petroleum gas, emphasizing sustainable energy solutions in alignment with net-zero goals.
On July 9, emergency responders conducted a simulated oil spill exercise at Mombasa’s Nyali beach, gathering around 200 participants from ten coastal nations. Organized by the Indian Ocean Commission, the event aimed to enhance regional collaboration in managing marine pollution, especially following incidents like the 2020 Wakashio spill off Mauritius.
Bibby Marine has begun constructing its first hybrid commissioning service operation vessel (e-CSOV) for the offshore wind sector, marked by a keel-laying ceremony in Vigo, Spain. Scheduled for 2027, the vessel will reduce emissions and support up to 120 personnel, embodying the company’s commitment to sustainable maritime practices.
Three Ilonggo crew members from the cargo ship MV Eternity C, attacked by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea, have returned to Iloilo. Families and officials from OWWA 6 welcomed them home. While the crew is safe, one member remains in Metro Manila, and authorities continue searching for four missing individuals.
Mitsui OSK Lines, NYK Line, and K Line are collaborating to donate a new training vessel to the Japan Agency of Maritime Education and Training for Seafarers. This initiative aims to address challenges like aging vessels and a shortage of qualified instructors, enhancing the development of skilled Japanese seafarers by 2030.
The Department of Migrant Workers is probing the detention of 18 Filipino seafarers accused of child pornography violations linked to their phones. The crew, part of the Carnival Sunshine, faced mistreatment during their arrest in Norfolk, sparking outrage over potential racial discrimination and the rights of migrant workers.
India is collaborating with ASEAN to enhance maritime cooperation and sustainable tourism in the Indo-Pacific. The second ASEAN Cruise Dialogue in Tamil Nadu aims to develop cruise routes similar to the Caribbean, showcasing India’s rich cultural heritage and promoting regional connectivity and collaboration in the growing cruise industry.
Lloyd’s Register (LR) has emerged as a pivotal authority for the British Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) in certifying remote-controlled and unmanned vessels (ROUVs). With the revised Workboat Code Edition 3, LR now ensures compliance with essential safety standards for ROUVs under 24 meters navigating British waters, marking a significant advancement in maritime technology.
On July 18, 2025, India’s Directorate General of Shipping issued Circular 31/2025 to combat fraudulent certification practices harming Indian seafarers. While aiming to uphold international standards and improve maritime safety, the circular has drawn mixed reactions. Critics argue it could jeopardize livelihoods by disregarding legitimate foreign qualifications.
At least 18 Filipino crew members from the Carnival Sunshine were detained and deported by Customs and Border Patrol agents in Norfolk, Virginia, despite holding valid visas. Advocacy groups claim the deportation lacked due process, leading to protests demanding justice. Concerns about cruise operations and crew safety have escalated.
The health of oceans has improved following a ban on scrubber discharges agreed upon by EU environmental ministers and 15 nations during the OSPAR meeting. This ban targets harmful pollutants from exhaust gas cleaning systems. By 2027, open-loop scrubber discharges will be prohibited in the North-East Atlantic, enhancing marine protection.
