In the fiscal year 2024-25, India’s inland water transport sector reached a remarkable milestone with a record-breaking cargo movement of 145.5 million tonnes reported by the Inland Waterways Authority of India. This achievement reflects successful investments and policy initiatives, as well as an increase in national waterways and a strategic focus on multimodal connectivity.
Port Canaveral in Florida has seen a surge in its cruise ship industry, with a 16 percent increase in passenger volumes in March. CEO Capt. John Murray is thrilled with the demand for sailings and the rise in passenger numbers. The port is investing in improvements to accommodate the growing popularity of cruises departing from Port Canaveral.
Intercargo has praised the International Labor Organization for recognizing seafarers as essential workers under the Maritime Labor Convention. This landmark decision aims to enhance seafarers’ rights, ensuring fair treatment and access to vital resources. Chairman John Xylas highlights the importance of this acknowledgment in addressing challenges faced during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Shipping giant Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) has teamed up with Climeworks to remove 13,400 metric tons of CO2 by 2030, marking the first collaboration between Climeworks and a maritime company. This partnership aims to scale up carbon removal capacity and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, aligning with global climate objectives.
Spinnaker’s exploration of the gender pay gap in the maritime industry reveals significant disparities in salary and representation across the UK, EU, and globally. Despite some improvements since 2016, the data shows a persistent gap, with women underrepresented in higher-paying roles. More efforts are needed to address these inequalities.
The Baltic Exchange’s dry bulk sea freight index surged to its highest level in over two weeks on Thursday, driven by robust rates in all vessel categories. The capesize index soared to 1,846, while the panamax index reached 1,372. Iron ore futures dipped slightly, but strong demand for steelmaking ingredients supported prices.
Dynamic positioning (DP) systems are essential for vessel safety in industries like offshore supply and drilling. Failure can result in accidents, pollution, and fires. Redundancy is crucial, with tailored solutions for each vessel. Wärtsilä focuses on countering forces with thrusters, while ABB enhances energy efficiency. Kongsberg develops solutions for offshore wind operations, like the Tow Assist system.
The Rewriting Women into Maritime History project, launched by Lloyd’s Register Foundation in 2023, aims to showcase the contributions of women in the maritime workforce through the SHE_SEES exhibition. Featuring stories of pioneering women and contemporary initiatives, the project seeks to challenge the industry’s male-dominated narrative and promote diversity and inclusion in the maritime sector.
Shipowners have agreed to increase pay for seafarers in a significant deal after intense negotiations at the ILO’s headquarters in Geneva. This landmark agreement, one of the largest in recent history, was achieved through a shift in negotiating tactics. The success highlights the importance of collaboration in improving seafarers’ welfare and rights.
The DEENDAYAL Port Authority inaugurated an intelligent classroom at TFG Polytechnic in Gandhidham, part of the Deendayal Kaushal Vikas program to enhance digital learning and skill development. This initiative aims to empower students for better employment opportunities, showcased during the 2025 project fair where innovative student projects received acclaim.
Eckerö Line, a Finnish ferry company, partners with Neste to reduce emissions in the Baltic Sea by using renewable diesel made from waste materials. They aim to meet the emissions reduction requirement of the FuelEU Maritime regulation. Through various measures like speed adjustments and technical improvements, Eckerö Line is leading the way in sustainable maritime transport.
Pilbara Ports is revolutionizing internet access for seafarers by introducing a ship-wide mobile WiFi system at the Port of Port Hedland. This initiative, starting on May 12th, aims to enhance crew members’ communication with their families, promoting mental health and well-being. Ships can benefit from free data top-ups and improved connectivity, fostering a more inclusive maritime community.
India’s Udupi Cochin Shipyard Limited (UCSL) recently delivered the Wilson Eco 1, the first of six 3,800 DWT green dry cargo vessels to Norway’s Wilson Ship Management AS. This milestone marks a significant achievement in India’s export of eco-friendly maritime solutions. The vessel is part of a green shipping initiative supported by the Norwegian government.
A gas leak on a barge in the Houston Ship Channel prompted community alerts, but officials have confirmed no air quality threats. The leak involved butadiene, a common industrial gas, but was quickly contained. The situation was caused by a broken valve and the barge has been moved for assessment. The area is now safe.
A product tanker was boarded by pirates off the Nigerian coast, with the crew escaping unharmed. This incident highlights the ongoing threat of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea and West Africa, despite being the first reported in the area in years. Security services are urging caution as pirate activity continues to rise.
