Sailors’ Society has launched a helpline for female seafarers, offering emotional support and crisis assistance. With women making up only 2% of the maritime workforce, this initiative aims to provide a safe space for female cadets and seafarers to seek help. Supported by Skuld, the helpline is a step towards gender equality in the industry.
Thirty students and trainers from across Australia will set sail on CSIRO’s research vessel Investigator for a 10-day voyage around Tasmania, part of the CAPSTAN program. This initiative promotes hands-on marine science education, enabling students to engage in activities like seafloor mapping and sediment sampling, while forging future marine experts.
Jeric Bueno, a 32-year-old Filipino waiter, was found dead five days after falling overboard from the MSC Poesia cruise ship. His disappearance occurred shortly after leaving Montevideo, Uruguay, on February 22. Authorities are now investigating the circumstances leading to his tragic death, raising concerns about seafarer safety.
Cummins has recently received Approval in Principle from DNV for its methanol-ready QSK60 IMO II and IMO III engines, with power ratings from 2000 to 2700 hp. This validates Cummins’ methanol dual-fuel solution for the marine market. Retrofit kits for diesel-electric systems are planned post-2028 to enhance efficiency and sustainability, reducing carbon emissions.
Kongsberg Maritime has been awarded a project to convert the MF Hamlet ferry to operate emission-free on battery power. The upgrade includes large battery packs and new motors for the azimuth thrusters. Objectives include achieving zero emissions, full electric operation, and mechanical propulsion redundancy. The project is set to begin in November 2025.
The European Court of Auditors has raised concerns about ship pollution in EU waters despite investments. Enforcement and tracking were found lacking, urging more action to reach zero pollution goals. Member states were criticized for not utilizing available tools and missing inspection targets. Recommendations include better monitoring and stricter penalties to achieve cleaner waters by 2030.
Hapag-Lloyd is advancing its sustainability efforts by adopting StormGeo’s digital solutions to comply with the FuelEU Maritime regulation, effective January 1, 2025. Utilizing technology for monitoring fuel consumption and emissions, the partnership enhances compliance and environmental performance, showcasing a proactive approach to decarbonization in the shipping industry.
The construction of the Greenfield Vadhvan port along the Palghar coast involves reclaiming 3,500 acres from the sea using sand dredged from 50 km away. Local activists, fishing communities, and experts are concerned about negative impacts on the marine ecosystem. Critics warn of harm to sea ecosystems and call for transparent surveys before dredging.
In 2024, the port of Antwerp Bruges and the shipping industry encountered challenges but also saw growth in market share, container volumes, and Roro cargo. Plans were made to increase capacity by 10 million TEU and focus on greening and sustainability. Collaboration with Indian ports and industry aimed to drive efficiency and innovation.
CMA CGM marks a major milestone in maritime decarbonization with the launch of its first dual-fuel-methanol vessel, the CMA CGM Iron, in Singapore. This move is part of a larger plan to achieve Net-Zero carbon emissions by 2050. The new generation of container ships aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the shipping industry.
Lloyd’s Register (LR) and Microsoft are joining forces to revolutionize the use of nuclear power in the maritime industry through generative artificial intelligence. By leveraging Azure OpenAI Service, LR aims to streamline regulatory processes and accelerate the deployment of nuclear technology at sea. This collaboration signifies an advancement in the integration of nuclear energy in maritime applications.
The UK government is investing $71.45 million in the Port of Cromarty Firth in Scotland to make it a hub for floating offshore wind, supporting the goal of reducing carbon emissions by 2030. This move will attract more investments, create jobs, and drive economic growth while advancing renewable energy development.
Norway and Brazil are joining forces to reduce emissions from maritime activities, focusing on offshore oil and gas exploration. Through advanced technology and sustainable fuels, they aim to cut greenhouse gas emissions significantly. Norwegian companies are exploring biofuels from Brazil and testing ammonia-powered engines and fuel cells for electric vessel recharging by 2026.
Fortescue’s marine division, Fortescue Zero, showcased its ammonia-powered vessel, Green Pioneer, in London ahead of the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee meeting. The vessel aims to demonstrate the viability of ammonia as a sustainable marine fuel. After being certified in Singapore, it will undergo inspections by the UK’s Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
Mitsui Ocean Cruises has acquired a second luxury cruise ship from Carnival Corporation’s Seabourn Cruise Line, signaling its expansion in the domestic cruise market. The Seabourn Sojourn, with a gross tonnage of 32,477, was delivered to MOL on February 28 and will be chartered back to Seabourn until May 15, 2026.
