The Canadian Coast Guard is leading efforts to survey the MSC Baltic III, a cargo ship grounded in a winter storm. Crew rescued in challenging conditions, with 20 members airlifted to safety. Emergency zone established, salvage teams mobilized. Weather remains a hurdle, but forecast offers hope for smooth salvage operations by midweek.
Lloyd’s Register’s Maritime Decarbonisation Hub and Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping have released reports addressing the upskilling needs of future seafarers in the transition to alternative fuels. Focusing on ammonia as a promising fuel, the reports highlight safety hazards and propose comprehensive training programs to ensure seafarer safety.
Iraq Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani met with IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez in Baghdad to discuss cooperation in training, regulation, and depositing agreements. They emphasized Iraq’s commitment to strengthening relations with IMO, developing port infrastructure, and completing projects like the Al-Faw Grand Port. The meeting highlighted mutual interest in enhancing Iraq’s maritime sector.
Namibia’s Minister of Works and Transport John Mutorwa has introduced a new maritime labor law to improve seafarers’ rights. The amended Labour and Maritime Convention of 2006 aims to address working conditions on boats and ships. Mutorwa emphasized the importance of creating a comprehensive instrument that incorporates international standards for seafarers’ well-being.
Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM) has expanded its reach by opening a new Maritime Training Centre (MTC) in Ghana, offering courses for cadets, officers, ratings, and hospitality crew. This move strengthens BSM’s ties with the Regional Maritime University and demonstrates their commitment to developing African seafarers to meet the growing demand in the region.
Czechoslovakia, a landlocked country, once had a notable maritime presence through the Czechoslovak Ocean Shipping Company. The company operated 44 vessels, including Třinec, which was known for its efficiency in transporting bulk materials. Despite ceasing operations in 1998, efforts are underway to salvage Třinec’s legacy and reclaim pieces of its history.
Polish Maritime Border Guard officers made a significant discovery in the Baltic Sea, finding over 100 kilograms of cocaine worth $15 million on the black market. This operation highlights the ongoing battle against drug trafficking and the need to protect national security. Seven individuals have been apprehended in connection with the drugs.
NYK Line has partnered with Northern Offshore Group (N-O-G) to tap into the growing offshore wind industry near Japan. With over 60 crew transfer vessels globally, N-O-G will benefit from NYK’s global network for technical development, while NYK gains operational experience for the expanding offshore wind market in Japan.
Vuyk Engineering Rotterdam has launched its latest series of Small Waterplane Area Twin Hull (SWATH) Service Operation Vessels (SOVs), including the groundbreaking Groenewind, the world’s first DP2 twin-hulled SWATH SOV. These vessels are designed for efficiency in high sea states, with advanced technology for precise positioning and safe crew transfers.
International Maritime Organization Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez will visit Mumbai from February 19 to 21, his first trip to India since taking office. He aims to discuss seafarer support, marine protection, and shipping decarbonization, acknowledging India’s crucial role in global trade and sustainable maritime practices during the 2025 Green Shipping Conclave.
The debate over biofuels in the shipping industry is intensifying, with concerns raised by major shipping lines and NGOs like T & E. They argue that biofuels could be unsustainable and harmful. A study suggests a potential increase in biofuel use by 2030, but limited availability of waste biofuels poses a challenge.
Swedish electric boat manufacturer X Shore is targeting India as a potential market, driven by rising global demand for sustainable boating solutions. Founder Konrad Bergstrom emphasizes the importance of prioritizing environmental responsibility and innovation, stating, “It’s not just about making money; it’s about building a better world.”
AAC Clyde Space has launched the INFLECION project with the European Space Agency to revolutionize maritime domain awareness. Valued at $32 million, the project aims to improve safety, efficiency, compliance, and environmental sustainability in the maritime industry. By combining various technologies, INFLECION is set to enhance global maritime operations by 2028.
Steelpaint GmbH, a protective coatings innovator in Germany, stresses the importance of proper surface preparation for steel assets in the maritime industry. They advise prioritizing this step to avoid premature coating failures and safety risks. The company’s Stelcatec coating requires thorough preparation to ensure effective corrosion protection and maximize investment in advanced systems.
The Southampton Crown Court in the UK recently handed down sentences to the master of a North Sea cargo ship and the company operating the vessel for their roles in a fatal accident in 2021. The master admitted to failing to operate the ship safely, while the company was found guilty of operating its ships unsafely.
