The crew of the offshore support vessel Star Apollo, stranded in Indonesia since October 2024, is facing unpaid wages and poor living conditions. With the help of the ITF, they are seeking assistance to return to India. The escalating issue of seafarer abandonment highlights the need for better enforcement of maritime regulations to protect vulnerable crew members.
HD Hyundai Mipo, a subsidiary of HD Hyundai Shipbuilding, recently launched the world’s largest liquefied carbon dioxide (LCO2) carrier at its Ulsan shipyard. This vessel, capable of carrying up to 22,000 cubic meters of LCO2, marks a significant milestone in the industry. The Vessel is designed with advanced features like Bi-lobe type storage tanks.
Eight Filipino seafarers were detained in Malaysia for immigration violations. DMW conducted a welfare visit to assess their well-being. Labor Attachè and a lawyer presented a defense of good faith. DMW plans to investigate the manning agency and shipowner. The government’s response demonstrates a commitment to protecting OFWs’ rights and well-being.
The Australian Border Force intercepted and destroyed two foreign fishing vessels off Western Australia’s coast to crackdown on Indonesian incursions into protected waters. The vessels, suspected of illegal fishing, were seized with 12 fishermen detained. The ABF found over 400 kilos of cucumber and 360 kilos of salt onboard.
Recent rainfall in Germany has led to higher water levels in the Rhine river, allowing vessels to carry more cargo. Despite this improvement, most vessels are still only sailing at around half capacity. The increase in water levels is a result of heavy rain in the region, with more forecasted in the coming days.
The maritime industry, reliant on traditional fuels for decades, faces challenges in meeting emission standards with alternative fuels. Shipyards may struggle to adapt, impacting profitability. Dr. Ahlgren’s “Dual Fuel Strategy” suggests combining fossil fuels with electric power. Transitioning to alternative fuels poses challenges in energy density, safety, and infrastructure.
The global maritime sector is grappling with a slew of new regulations this year, posing intricate compliance hurdles. These rules encompass environmental, security, and safety aspects, with the IMO leading the charge in publishing them. Stamatis Fradelos from the American Bureau of Shipping delves into the implications and offers guidance for operators navigating this period of change.
A Chinese-operated sand carrier, the Hong Hai 16, capsized off the coast of Rizal, Occidental Mindoro, leading to a rescue operation. 14 crew members have been rescued, while two are confirmed dead and nine are missing. The cause is under investigation, with hopes of finding survivors in the engine room.
An interim factfinding report on the allision involving the boxship Maersk Shekou at Fremantle last year revealed a miscommunication between the helmsman and pilots. The incident occurred in the early hours of August 22, 2024, as Maersk Shekou entered Fremantle’s harbor with two pilots on board.
Michigan teenager Joshua Darrell Lowe has been sentenced to eight months in prison for making a bomb threat to Carnival Cruise Line. His motivation was his girlfriend going on a cruise without him. The FBI traced the threat back to him, leading to his guilty plea. Lowe’s relationship ended, and he now faces consequences for his actions.
The Directorate General Shipping has introduced the Standard Operating Process (SOP) for the security of mechanized sailing ships, also known as Dhows, in 2025. This SOP includes new measures such as Isro-NotAlarms transmitters and AIS class transponders to enhance tracking and surveillance. The aim is to uphold maritime traditions while addressing modern security challenges.
The International Labor Organization (ILO) has approved a new global minimum wage agreement for seafarers, marking a significant increase over the next three years. The agreement, reached in Geneva in April 2025, will raise the minimum wage to $690 in January 2026, with further increases planned for 2028. This milestone underscores the commitment to fair wages.
DP World has launched the Bharat Africa Setu in partnership with the Government of India to strengthen trade links between India and Africa. The platform will connect the two regions through sea and air connectivity, enabling Indian exporters to reach 53 African countries. The initiative aims to enhance trade efficiency.
V., a ship manager and marine services provider, has secured full technical and crew management responsibilities for six LR1 vessels owned by International Seaways, Inc. These vessels, equipped with scrubbers and dual-fuel (LNG) readiness, demonstrate a commitment to sustainable shipping practices. This partnership strengthens V.’s existing relationship with INSW and showcases their expertise in managing advanced vessels.
Stena Bulk is set to register up to five of its Suezmax vessels under the Swedish flag, making them the largest ships in the nation’s registry. This move aligns with Sweden’s efforts to boost its maritime industry competitiveness, with reforms and a more favorable tax regime. The transition is planned for July 1, 2025.
