Operations at Taiwan’s Keelung port have resumed after an oil spill during bunkering disrupted activities. The spill fouled four containerships, a cruise ship, and pilot boats. Booms were used to contain the spill caused by an overflow from a barge connection. Cleanup efforts were underway, with delays and impacts on departures reported.
The Philippines Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) has revolutionized the processing of seafarer certificates through digital transformation, resulting in faster processing times, reduced costs, and elimination of queues. With an average of 4,000 daily applications in 2024, Marina now completes evaluations within 5-7 days and issues certificates within a day, streamlining the process for seafarers.
Nineteen fishermen were rescued from a raft in the South Pacific after their vessel caught fire and sank. The crew abandoned ship into life rafts before it capsized and sank. Prompt communication between vessels and SAR authorities played a crucial role in ensuring the safety of the fishermen.
Chris-Marine has unveiled the VPU 1600, a cutting-edge fuel injector test unit for 4-stroke engines. This Danish-manufactured tool assesses leakage, opening pressure, and spray pattern to optimize engine performance. It replaces older models and offers enhanced features like a user-friendly interface and compatibility with top engine brands. Leif Abildgaard praises its efficiency for global use.
The Minister of Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, announced plans to address visa acquisition challenges for seafarers. The government will secure visas on arrival for shipowners and seafarers at the port, supporting Ghanaian seafarers in accessing global job opportunities. Nikpe encouraged youth to consider careers as seafarers through institutions like the Regional Maritime University.
VINSSEN, a leader in maritime decarbonization technology, has received Approval in Principle certification for Korea’s first hydrogen fuel cell-powered tugboat. This achievement, in collaboration with KRE, showcases a major step towards reducing emissions in the maritime industry. The innovative propulsion system combines fuel cell and battery technology for efficient and sustainable operations.
DNV has issued guidance on emergency escape trunks from machinery spaces on ships to avoid detention during Port State Control inspections for non-compliance with SOLAS regulations. Focus is on vessels built after February 1, 2016, ensuring compliance with IACS UI SC 276/277. Crews are urged to conduct evacuation drills to demonstrate proficiency in evacuating injured persons.
The Indian Coast Guard has saved over 11,700 lives at sea since its inception, with 4,000 search and rescue missions. The parliamentary panel on defence, chaired by BJP MP Radha Mohan Singh, presented these findings in Parliament. The Coast Guard’s vital role in maritime security was highlighted, along with its various operational activities and successful missions.
HMM recently tested a 3D printing system on its containership, the ‘HMM GREEN’, to assess its feasibility for producing maintenance parts. The system uses metal powder to create stainless steel components, reducing lead times and inventory costs. HMM aims to enhance competitiveness through technology adoption and collaboration with industry partners for innovation.
India’s strategic location, capabilities, and expertise position it as a potential regional hub for maritime maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services. Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) in Visakhapatnam plays a key role in this transformation, showcasing profitability and growth potential in servicing vessels between the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
French dockworkers unions have decided to suspend their “dead port” strike planned for March 18 to ease tensions with the government. The strikes began in January over retirement reforms, including raising the retirement age. Dockworkers want exemptions due to the physical demands of their work. The unions will review progress on March 25.
The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and the Comité Maritime International (CMI) are urging governments to ratify crucial international maritime treaties that have not been widely adopted. The campaign emphasizes the importance of conventions like the Nairobi WRC, HNS Protocol, Hong Kong Convention, and the Beijing Convention for maritime safety and environmental protection.
Marine fuel sales in Fujairah, the world’s third-largest bunkering hub, hit a record low in February. The decline in sales was attributed to a decrease in refueling demand at key bunker ports amidst global shipping uncertainty. Singapore, another major bunker port, also experienced a drop in sales to a 20-month low.
Titan Clean Fuels and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) recently completed a groundbreaking LNG and bio-LNG bunkering operation in Belgium. This operation showcased the potential of bio-LNG to reduce GHG emissions in the shipping industry. MOL’s commitment to LNG-fueled vessels highlights the importance of sustainable fuels in achieving decarbonization goals.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) successfully prosecuted Universal Shipping Alliance LTD for failing to follow security protocols with the bulk goods vessel, KMAX leader. Despite ongoing engine issues and a looming cyclone season, the company ignored AMSA’s orders for a towing and rejecting plan. This case underscores AMSA’s commitment to maritime safety.
