Salvage teams in Newfoundland, Canada are working to reduce pollution risks from the grounded MSC Baltic III containership. Despite no observed pollution, dangers remain due to significant hull damage. Efforts to offload fuel and contaminants are underway, with challenges posed by the remote location and harsh weather.
The NSRI’s Gqeberha Station 6 crew and Department of Health’s paramedics rescued a critically injured Burmese seaman from a bulk carrier ship 46 nautical miles offshore. Despite language barriers, they successfully extricated the patient using a high-angle technical rope method. The sailor was transferred to the hospital in serious but stable condition.
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) recently met with the eight Filipino crew members of MV Solong, which was involved in a tragic incident off the northeast coast of England. Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac assured full support and financial aid to the seafarers. Despite the loss of one crew member, ongoing investigations and continued assistance are being provided.
India plans to invest nearly 4,000 billion rupees to expand the Iranian Chabahar port, aiming to quintuple its capacity to 500,000 TEUs by 2034. Orders for five mobile harbor cranes have been placed, and marketing efforts will enhance the port’s viability, strengthening India’s maritime influence in the region.
Since Thursday evening, pilots and maritime workers in Flemish ports have been protesting government pension plans. They fear cuts of up to 45% in pensions for young seafarers and pilots. While the pilots have not gone on strike, delays in ship departures have already been seen. Efforts are being made to minimize waiting times for ships.
Kolkata Port has launched a state-of-the-art Navigational Simulator to improve training for pilots and maritime professionals on the challenging River Hooghly. Developed at a cost of Rs 60 lakhs by ARI with guidance from IIT Madras, the simulator will provide realistic training scenarios to enhance skills and efficiency in vessel navigation.
VINSSEN, a maritime decarbonization technology specialist, has received Type Approval from RINA for its 60kW fuel cell stack, paving the way for its 120kW power generation system. Despite the lack of clear legal standards for maritime hydrogen, VINSSEN has used regulatory sandboxes to verify its technology. The approval boosts confidence in eco-friendly ships.
Kandla Port in Gujarat has unveiled India’s first green hydrogen production facility, signaling a major shift towards sustainability. By harnessing wind and solar power, the port aims to supply green hydrogen for industrial needs, transportation, and manufacturing. This pioneering project aligns with India’s push for renewable energy and environmental stewardship.
Nearly three years after a tragic incident resulting in the deaths of three stevedores, the UK’s MAIB calls for improved training and safety regulations for enclosed space management. The report highlights the need for enhanced training and emergency drills for shore workers and stevedores to prevent future fatalities in the maritime industry.
The UK MAIB report on the deaths of three stevedores on the Berge Mawson in Indonesia reveals a lack of training on safe cargo work. Another incident involving two stevedores in a cargo hold containing zinc concentrate highlights the dangers of enclosed spaces. The IMO is working to enhance safety in enclosed spaces onboard ships.
BERG Propulsion is transforming the shipping industry with climate neutral propeller shafts made using the GreenForge® process. Three LDA vessels will utilize sustainable wind power, hybrid propulsion, and power management technology from BERG. These vessels will also feature propeller shafts made from recycled scrap steel, reducing CO2 emissions.
Since 2017, Stella Maris has been supporting seafarers in the UK, but cases of abuse and exploitation have been reported. Tim Hill, CEO, highlighted instances of forced labor and violence among a minority of seafarers. One victim, Vishal Sharma, faced rejection of asylum after being trafficked. Stella Maris continues to advocate for seafarers’ rights.
Norwegian authorities are investigating the death of a worker who was crushed by a crane on an offshore MPSV. The incident occurred in Hareid, More og Romsdal. The worker was repairing a platform under the crane when he was crushed against the railing. The investigation is ongoing, and safety policies are being reviewed.
The ATLAS initiative seeks to modernize the fragmented regulatory framework for nuclear applications in the maritime industry, addressing gaps in SOLAS Chapter 8. By developing an international licensing model and collaborating with nuclear regulators, ATLAS aims to ensure safe and secure nuclear technology deployment in maritime settings, enhancing sustainability and efficiency.
The recent collision between MV Stena Immaculate and MV Solong near Grimsby, UK highlights human error in maritime accidents. To address safety concerns, the industry invests in advanced sensors. SafeNav, a digital co-pilot system, offers real-time guidance on the bridge for collision avoidance. It aims to enhance decision-making and comply with regulations.
