Princess Cruises mourns the loss of Captain Bartolomei, a respected leader with decades of service. His dedication to guests and crew left a profound impact. The company extended condolences to his family and pledged support to the crew of the Diamond Princess, ensuring his legacy endures within the organization.
On Sunday, Somalia, with UN support, celebrated the International Day for Women in Maritime, emphasizing women’s vital roles in the sector. A new initiative was launched to enhance female participation through education and job creation, addressing significant gender barriers. Deputy Minister Fartun Abdukadir reaffirmed the government’s commitment to empowering women in maritime professions.
India, the world’s third-largest oil importer, plans a ₹840 billion ($10 billion) investment to acquire 112 oil tankers by 2040, aimed at boosting energy supply. The initiative includes enhancing domestic shipbuilding, with a goal to raise locally built tankers from 5% to 69% by 2047, aligning with its developmental aspirations.
MAN Energy Solutions has announced the upcoming delivery of the world’s most powerful two-stroke methanol engine, the MAN B&W 12G95ME-C10.5-LGIM, scheduled for June 2025. This engine, rated at 82,440 kW, is under construction in China and will serve a series of 24,000 TEU container vessels for OOCL and COSCO.
In a recent UN Security Council address, Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted the urgent need for maritime security, citing a 47.5% rise in piracy incidents in early 2025. He proposed a three-pronged strategy focused on international law, addressing root causes, and fostering global partnerships to secure vital shipping lanes for future generations.
The Maharashtra government has launched a new shipbuilding policy to enhance maritime infrastructure and promote ship repair and recycling. The Maharashtra Shipbuilding, Ship Repair, and Ship Recycling Facility Development Policy 2025 aims to attract investments, create jobs, and reduce reliance on foreign shipyards, aligning with the central government’s Maritime India Vision 2030.
A fire on Chevron’s Benguela-Belize-Lobito-Tomboco platform off Angola injured 17 people, four seriously. The incident occurred during scheduled maintenance, with the platform shut down since May 1. Chevron’s subsidiary, Cabgoc, is investigating the cause, prioritizing safety, while the platform’s production capacity remains uncertain due to the fire.
Man Energy Solutions has achieved type approval for its dual-fuel L35/44DF engine, designed for generators operating at 720 and 750 rpm. Tested at Stx Engine in South Korea, the innovative model features advanced adaptive combustion control, enhancing efficiency and reducing emissions. This marks a significant advancement for container ship operators.
A crew member tragically died in an accident aboard the Gibraltar-flagged bunker barge, MT Nisyros, while attempting to berth alongside another ship. The Royal Gibraltar Police and Marine Accident Investigation Compliance Officer have launched investigations. The identity of the deceased has not yet been disclosed. Ongoing inquiries continue.
On May 18, 2025, Adani Gangavaram Port achieved a record-breaking productivity milestone, handling 193,588 MTs in just 24 hours. This remarkable feat reflects significant advancements in operational efficiency, fueled by recent infrastructure enhancements. With ongoing investments, the port is poised for even greater achievements in the shipping and logistics sectors.
Maritime authorities in Singapore and Indonesia coordinated a successful rescue of crew members from the capsized fishing vessel Pacific Memory II, which collided with a tanker near the Singapore Strait. Survivors described chaos as the vessel swayed violently, with one clinging to a lifejacket for hours before help arrived.
Salvors have successfully raised a major component of the superyacht Bayesian, which sank off Sicily last August, claiming seven lives, including British tech tycoon Mike Lynch. This recovery is part of a larger operation to retrieve rigging and investigate the sinking’s cause, amid ongoing criminal inquiries into crew actions.
Kongsberg Maritime has launched a new electric towing winch for the tug market, featuring a frequency converter-driven motor for enhanced efficiency and reduced environmental impact. Designed for harbor applications, it offers customizable pulling forces, smooth speed control, and robust components, while integrating seamlessly with Kongsberg’s Aquapilot system for improved operational management.
At the CSIR Startup Conclave 2025, Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized the need for coastal states to nurture marine sector startups, highlighting India’s 7,500 km coastline as a vast, untapped resource. He noted Mumbai’s strategic position and the rise of startups from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, showcasing a thriving entrepreneurial landscape.
During the 11th International Maritime Congress in Szczecin, Prime Minister Donald Tusk launched the Polish Sea program, aimed at revitalizing the maritime economy. The initiative focuses on attracting investments in Pomerania, enhancing shipbuilding and port infrastructure, and prioritizing Polish suppliers for key projects, including offshore wind farms and nuclear power.
