The United Kingdom will launch the Maritime Innovation Center in April 2026, overseen by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. This initiative aims to support ship operators, startups, and technology developers while ensuring safety. Focus areas include maritime autonomy, alternative fuels, and smart shipping solutions, enhancing innovation in the maritime sector.
The Nigerian Navy successfully rescued 20 crew members from the motor vessel Chimba Express after a fire broke out near the Calabar Channel on December 22, 2025. Despite one crew member jumping overboard, all others were saved. Preliminary investigations indicate an electrical fault caused the fire, with ongoing rescue efforts for the missing individual.
The Vizhinjam International Port is set to boost local tourism by allowing ship crew members to go ashore and explore nearby attractions. This new ‘shore leave’ policy enables crew from visiting vessels to enjoy sights like Kovalam Beach while their ships handle cargo, fostering increased visitor engagement and tourism opportunities.
An Arc7 ice-class LNG carrier, the Christophe de Margerie, has made history by completing the first winter pickup of LNG from Russia’s Arctic LNG 2 plant. Loaded on December 19, this pivotal achievement for Novatek signifies an effort to sustain production amid Arctic winter challenges, highlighting advancements in ice-class shipping capabilities.
Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) has marked significant progress in its 60-ton Bollard Pull Tug program for the Visakhapatnam Port Authority. Key milestones include the keel laying of the first tug and a contract for a second vessel, underscoring the collaboration aimed at modernizing VPA’s fleet in line with India’s Maritime Vision 2030.
The Marine Electric Vehicles Market is set to grow significantly, from USD 6.89 billion in 2024 to USD 26 billion by 2032, driven by stricter environmental regulations and a shift towards sustainable propulsion. Innovations in battery technology and digital solutions are enhancing fleet efficiency, emphasizing the need for tailored regional strategies.
In response to rising exploitation of seafarers by unauthorized recruitment agents, India has issued a 10-point advisory. The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) urges seafarers to engage only with registered Recruitment and Placement Service License (RPSL) companies, emphasizing the need to verify their authenticity to avoid financial and personal risks.
Egyptian officials confirmed the death of an Italian tourist after two Nile River cruise ships collided. The captain of the Royal Beau Rivage has had his license suspended for allegedly breaching maritime regulations. The incident, which injured several, occurred near Esna Lock, prompting an investigation into navigation rules.
Emeritus Professor Helen Sampson has received The Maritime Foundation Award for Best Book for her impactful work, Sea-Time: An Ethnographic Adventure. Her research highlights the harsh realities faced by seafarers, including deteriorating working conditions and job insecurity, advocating for essential improvements in their lives and working environments.
A drone strike struck Russia’s Taman port on December 22, causing significant damage to infrastructure and vessels. Local officials reported impacts on two tankers and piers, alongside damage to a pipeline and storage tanks. Emergency services are battling fires, as Ukraine intensifies assaults on Russian maritime assets amid rising tensions.
A consortium of leading companies has launched the Bunkering Services Initiative (BSI) at the ARA ports, starting December 1, 2025. This voluntary initiative aims to enhance transparency in bunkering operations through technology-enabled insights into fuel quality and quantity, addressing industry challenges while fostering cooperation among stakeholders.
For years, the maritime industry relied on a “treat and release” method for wastewater, discharging it into the ocean if it met basic standards. However, tightening regulations and the rise of “Special Areas” are pushing towards Zero-Discharge Vessels, integrating AI and IoT to create adaptive sewage treatment systems for cleaner oceans.
Smart Ship Hub (SSH) predicts 2026 will be a transformative year for the maritime industry, emphasizing the necessity of digital transformation for profitability. CEO Joy Basu highlights the demand for measurable ROI and real-time intelligence, urging stakeholders to focus on tangible benefits from digitalization, including enhanced operational efficiency and automation through AI.
On December 21, HM Coastguard responded to reports of a lifeboat washed ashore near Sidmouth. The Beer Coastguard Rescue Team discovered the damaged vessel, named BF Carp, which had broken free from its containership. The lifeboat, missing since December 17, was secured to prevent further damage. Investigations are ongoing.
The Skipper, a large crude carrier linked to Venezuela, was seized by the US on December 10 and has arrived at the Galveston Offshore Lightering Area. Kevin Hassett from the White House’s National Economic Council stated that the seized tankers were involved in black market oil trade, emphasizing minimal market impact.
