A livestock carrier named Deala remains stuck on the rocks off the coast of Croatia ten months after running aground, causing concern for local communities. The abandoned ship, which suffered hull damage and flooding, has raised worries about pollution in the environmentally-protected area and potential long-term damage to tourism and the environment.
Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski has suggested that captains of ships damaging underwater infrastructure in the Baltic Sea should face EU sanctions. This proposal comes amid discussions for sanctions against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. Sikorski highlighted the need to hold individuals accountable to prevent further damage and maintain security in the region.
DEENDAYAL Port Authority (dpa) and Cochin Shipyard LTD (CSL) have partnered to establish a state-of-the-art ship-repair hub in Gujarat at the cost of 1,750 crore rupees. CSL will manage repair operations at the Vadinar facility, with the capacity to service 32 ships annually. This collaboration aims to boost India’s ship repair capabilities.
German prosecutors are investigating an accident on the Moselle that paralyzed river traffic, involving an inland cargo ship on autopilot. The ship crashed into lock gates, causing significant damage. The captain was not present during the incident. Despite repairs, the lock was reopened in just 55 days. Authorities are looking into the cause of the accident.
The Indian Maritime Centre (IMC), established in September 2024, aims to position India as a global maritime leader. With a diverse board and focus on shipbuilding, ports, and logistics, the IMC fosters collaboration within the industry. As an Apex Body, it plays a crucial role in policy formulation and industry advocacy.
India’s major ports have experienced a significant increase in cargo handling, reaching 819.23 million tonnes in 2023-24. The growth aligns with global standards, with liquid bulk accounting for 33.80%, dry bulk 44.04%, and container cargo 22.16%. Infrastructure development, including new berths and terminals, aims to enhance connectivity and streamline logistics for export-oriented industries.
The IMO’s Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response has finalized a draft 2025 Action Plan to Address Marine Plastic Litter from Ships. The plan awaits approval by the Marine Environment Protection Committee in April 2025. It aims to reduce plastic litter from fishing vessels and shipping, improve awareness and training, and enhance international cooperation.
Maersk and Inmarsat Maritime are collaborating to enhance satellite communications for Maersk’s fleet of 340 container ships. The upgrades will be completed by 2026, increasing bandwidth and transforming ships into fully operational offices. This partnership aims to revolutionize vessel operations, improve connectivity for crews, and pave the way for automation-focused advancements in the future.
Oil executives are closely watching shipping conditions in the Red Sea after a pause in attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels. A Liberian-flagged oil tanker recently sailed through the Red Sea, one of the first voyages since the rebels limited attacks on commercial vessels. Executives are cautious, monitoring risks and competitors’ actions before navigating the area.
Windward has launched a new AI-powered solution, Critical Maritime Infrastructure Protection, to safeguard key maritime infrastructure from various threats. By monitoring high-risk vessels, the system can detect suspicious activities in real-time, offering proactive alerts to prevent potential risks. This tool addresses the growing concerns of attacks on offshore oil rigs and research operations.
Marine Charging Point (MCP) is transforming travel with cutting-edge ferries like M/S Tycho Brahe and M/S Aurora, equipped with 160 kW charging stations for EVs. These ferries offer sustainable solutions with 4 MWh batteries and renewable energy sources. The market trend shows increased investments in marine EV charging, promising a greener future in maritime transport.
Lehmann Marine, a German company specializing in maritime lithium ferrophosphate (LFP) battery systems, has recently received type approval from Lloyd’s Register for its CUBE compact energy storage solution. This approval signifies a significant milestone for the company, as it opens up opportunities for wider adoption of the technology within the maritime industry.
The Indian Maritime Centre (IMC) has added 12 new members, including key players like Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority and Adani Ports. With a total of 20 members, the IMC is shaping a cohesive maritime policy. The organization aims to unite private trade associations, government bodies, and industry players, advocating for growth and innovation in the maritime sector.
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is conducting a thorough investigation into the disappearance of Filipino seafarer Ralph Bobiles. The DMW has suspended the license of the manning firm responsible for Bobiles’ deployment due to lack of cooperation. Speculations of suicide were rejected, and the DMW is committed to ensuring accountability and justice.
Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) has issued E-tenders and e-auctions for a 30-year lease of land in Veera for an integrated shipbuilding facility. The reserve price is 27,510 rupees per year, with final price to be disclosed on February 10, 2025. Interested parties must submit online offers by February 21, 2025, with necessary approvals required.
