The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and European shipowners celebrated the global enforcement of the Hong Kong International Convention this week. Adopted in 2009, it aims to mitigate health and environmental risks associated with ship recycling. ICS and ECSA advocate for its implementation to promote safe, sustainable practices in the industry.
Experts from the Philippines and the European Union convened in Manila to tackle rising threats to critical infrastructure, including sea cables and cyber networks. This seminar, part of the Philippines-EU Security and Defense Dialogue, emphasized collective responsibility and coordinated efforts to safeguard essential services against hybrid threats like cyberattacks and misinformation.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is enhancing global ship safety by addressing work/rest periods, fatigue, and harassment. In its 110th session, the Maritime Safety Committee focused on revising the International Safety Management (ISM) Code, improving compliance, and assigning responsibilities for incident reporting and victim support in maritime environments.
Kuwait has introduced the Needlefish, the world’s most advanced unmanned surface vehicle (USV), as part of a $213 million maritime surveillance initiative. This cutting-edge vessel, powered by twin marine jet engines, features advanced sensor systems and is designed for missions like intercepting suspicious vessels and pollution detection.
The newly launched Whale Alert app in Europe aims to prevent whale collisions by offering real-time alerts and reporting features. Developed by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and Conserve.IO, this free app empowers both recreational and commercial vessels to navigate safely, protecting whales from potential ship strikes.
The Public Prosecutor in Singapore is charging the master, chief officer, and pump master of the Vietnamese tanker GT Win after crewmember Hoang Van Chau died in an inadequately vented tank. Pump master Le Thanh Dung pleaded guilty to endangering a crew member’s life, while the others await trial.
Indonesian maritime services and police are searching for survivors after the interisland ferry KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya sank near Bali on July 3. Six bodies have been recovered, with 29 survivors found, while about 30 remain missing. Witnesses reported the ferry tilting and taking on water before sinking.
DP World has announced a $2.5 billion investment to enhance its global logistics network by 2025. This includes major infrastructure projects in India, Africa, South America, and Europe, addressing the increasing demand for resilient supply chain solutions. Initiatives focus on expanding port capacity and multimodal connectivity to support global trade.
Qatar’s inaugural Maritime Training and Simulation Centre (MTSC) opened at the University of Doha for Science and Technology, inaugurated by HE Mohammed Abdullah al-Maadeed. The MTSC aims to enhance maritime skills through advanced simulation training, positioning Qatar as a leader in maritime education and innovation, with programs recognized by the International Maritime Organization.
The Nautical Institute Singapore Conference 2025 will take place from July 17 at Furama City Centre, focusing on “Maritime 4.0 – Emphasizing Digitization, Sustainability and Well-being.” This key event unites maritime professionals and tech leaders for discussions on digital transformation and sustainable practices, featuring speakers like Ang Wee Keong and John Martin.
At a recent board meeting, the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) approved a mediation plan to address a dispute with Boskalis Smit India LLP and Jan de Nul-Baggering India PVT LTD concerning a 2019 dredging project. The Mumbai Center for International Arbitration will oversee this mediation. Total claims have escalated to around £800 million.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal celebrated the luxury cruise ship MV Empress’s arrival in Vishakhapatnam, marking a significant milestone for Andhra Pradesh. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and other officials emphasized expanding cruise tourism, projecting economic benefits and job creation while enhancing maritime infrastructure at various ports across the state.
Nigerian seafarers are demanding urgent reforms in the maritime sector, citing harassment, inadequate welfare, and lack of support aboard vessels. During the 2025 Day of the Seafarers event in Lagos, speakers emphasized the need for enforcement of anti-harassment measures and a safer work environment to enhance both mental health and operational efficiency.
The Indian government has proposed a regulation requiring shipping companies to deploy at least one tug or towing vessel for emergency response at ports handling over 10 million metric tonnes of cargo annually. This initiative aims to enhance maritime safety following recent disasters, underscoring the need for improved emergency preparedness.
A tragic incident involving the cargo ship Nefryt a decade ago resulted in two fatalities and numerous hospitalizations due to phosphine gas poisoning. Captain Kuba Szymanski underlines the critical lack of safety information for crew members. The International Maritime Organization now recognizes shared documentation responsibilities between captains and cargo senders to enhance maritime safety.
