Knowledge Marine & Engineering Works (KMEW), part of a consortium led by Knowledge Shipyard, has secured a ₹66.11 crore contract from the Inland Waterways Authority of India to design 10 hybrid electric passenger ferries. This initiative emphasizes sustainable transport, enhancing passenger mobility while supporting India’s green initiatives in inland waterways.
The maritime pilots’ disruption in Belgium has entered its eighth day, stranding nearly 30 vessels in the North Sea. Pilots are exercising their rest periods in protest against plans for a private pilotage service. Trade unions emphasize the staffing crisis, as more pilots leave the profession than join.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has issued new guidelines for Permanent Means of Access (PMA) on oil tankers and bulk carriers, emphasizing annual inspections to ensure safety. These requirements address access to cargo areas for vessels over specified tonnage, highlighting the need for compliance with updated inspection protocols and maintenance practices.
The Trump administration has issued a temporary sanctions waiver allowing Iranian oil production and export, marking a shift from the “maximum pressure” strategy. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent noted Iran’s commitments, including allowing IAEA inspections and ensuring maritime transit in the Strait of Hormuz, amid nuclear negotiations. General License X enables essential transactions for oil through August 2026.
Iran’s Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) has mandated insurance for vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, drawing backlash from the shipping industry. This regulation, requiring state-approved insurance and routing restrictions, could disrupt vital crude oil supplies, particularly affecting countries like India that rely on this crucial maritime route.
India has emerged as the leading nation in ship recycling, capturing a 35.4% global market share in 2025, up from 30.1% in 2024. With a ship recycling volume of 2.99 million gross tons, this milestone reflects effective maritime policy reforms and initiatives aimed at enhancing sustainability and compliance with international standards.
NorthStandard is partnering with Sailors’ Society to launch Sea Mate, an online mental health training program for seafarers, aimed at enhancing emotional wellbeing. Unveiled on June 25, 2026, this initiative trains seafarers as Wellbeing Officers, providing crucial support amidst unique maritime challenges, especially in today’s turbulent global climate.
DNV has introduced a recommended practice (RP) for measuring and verifying onboard carbon capture and storage (OCCS) systems on ships. This initiative addresses the reliance on fossil fuels within the maritime fleet, aiming to standardize performance metrics and support the transition to low-GHG technologies, with guidelines from the IMO expected by 2028.
The Strait of Hormuz has reopened for shipping following a U.S.-Iran agreement, yet conditions are drastically altered. Commercial traffic resumes amid safety concerns over mines, compelling vessels to choose between Iranian-controlled and U.S.-backed routes. While oil exports increase, uncertainties linger, shaping a new maritime landscape from pre-conflict times.
DHL’s freight forwarding division has partnered with Vela to introduce wind-powered cargo shipping for transatlantic transport. This collaboration, announced on June 22, merges sustainability with logistics. Vela’s fleet, featuring a trimaran design, will operate routes between France and the U.S., significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Service begins in early 2027.
Autonomous vehicles are becoming crucial for port security against maritime threats, including attacks by other autonomous systems. A December incident highlighted this when Ukraine’s Security Service reported an underwater drone strike on a Russian submarine, showcasing modern threats. Partnerships in technology are enhancing these systems, emphasizing the need for advanced, data-driven solutions.
In May 2026, DP World Cochin’s International Container Transshipment Terminal achieved a record throughput of 77,637 TEUs, underscoring its vital role in trade. Year-to-date volumes grew 4%, driven by improved transshipment and 17 additional vessel calls, reflecting the team’s commitment and enhancing regional trade infrastructure.
AIDA brand of Carnival Corporation celebrated its 30th anniversary in June, highlighting its transformative impact on the German and European cruise markets. Founded in 1991, AIDA pioneered a casual cruising experience, attracting over 17 million passengers. The brand continues to innovate with sustainable technologies, ensuring a bright future for the industry.
On June 21, a tanker reported an encounter with a skiff carrying five armed men about 50 nautical miles southeast of Al-Shihr, Yemen. The crew executed evasive maneuvers to evade the potential boarding. The incident underscores ongoing maritime security concerns, prompting UKMTO to stress vigilance in piracy-prone waters.
The Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) condemned the handling of Tamil Nadu seafarer Nishanth Uirthanathan’s death aboard the MT Celestial. They criticized the ship management for failing to provide timely medical support, leaving his body to decompose. FSUI demands accountability and respect for seafarers, urging a thorough investigation.
