The Indian Coast Guard’s ship ‘Sarthak’ has made a landmark visit to Chabahar, Iran, underscoring India’s growing maritime presence. This inaugural docking emphasizes New Delhi’s commitment to maritime safety through collaborative training exercises with Iranian agencies, enhancing mutual understanding and operational readiness while reinforcing India’s strategic objectives in the region.
Shipping giants Hapag-Lloyd and North Sea Container Line (NCL) have secured a tender to use low-emission fuels derived from hydrogen for container ships starting in 2027. Hapag-Lloyd plans to fuel five large vessels with 70,000 metric tons of e-methanol, while NCL will use 25,000 tons of e-ammonia for a smaller ship.
The Spirit of Mulgumpin, a 22-meter tour vessel by Incat Crowther, has launched for The Tour Collective in Queensland’s Moreton Bay Marine Park. Designed for optimal passenger comfort, it features a stern swimming platform, beach landing capabilities, and spacious decks, enhancing the experience for snorkeling and recreational activities.
Connectivity at sea has shifted from luxury to necessity, particularly in the cruise industry. A recent incident on the Carnival Firenze demonstrated this when a system crash caused a communications failure, delaying departure. Passengers experienced disruptions in Wi-Fi and services, underscoring the critical need for reliable onboard connectivity.
Venezuela has formally accused the United States of “maritime piracy” following the seizure of a Venezuelan oil shipment in international waters. Foreign Minister Yvan Gil condemned the US actions as a “flagrant violation” of international law and demanded the return of the oil and the release of the crew. Tensions escalate.
The Balearia ferry Ciudad de Mahón encountered severe weather while crossing the Strait of Gibraltar, resulting in the abandonment of its journey to Ceuta. Strong winds and high waves triggered significant discomfort among passengers, leading to seasickness. The captain decided to return to Algeciras for safety after hours of turmoil at sea.
Search and Rescue teams are diligently searching for 10 missing crew members from the fishing vessel KM Putri Lancar Samudera B GT14, which capsized in the Java Sea near Indramayu, West Java. The vessel sank after encountering large waves, throwing all 18 crew members into the water. Eight have been rescued.
Cyprus has renewed its collective agreement for seafarers on Cyprus-flagged vessels, effective from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2028. This three-year deal aligns local maritime labor standards with international norms, updating wage scales and compensation to meet ILO minimums, enhancing the competitiveness of the Cypriot shipping sector.
The global containership industry is facing an alarming surge in orders, reaching 11.61 million TEU, which constitutes 34.8% of the current fleet. This unprecedented growth raises concerns about potential oversupply over the next four years, questioning if cargo demand can keep pace with this significant capacity increase scheduled for delivery by 2029.
In response to rising LNG demand, Alfa Laval introduced its FCM LNG fuel supply system at Marintec 2025. Leveraging cryogenic technology from Fives, this system enables efficient LNG adoption as a marine fuel. As the industry seeks decarbonization, LNG serves as a transitional solution, balancing performance and regulatory compliance.
A merchant vessel successfully defended itself against an armed attack from multiple small crafts off the coast of Yemen, as reported by the UK Maritime Trade Operations Centre. The crew remained safe during the confrontation, which highlights ongoing security concerns in crucial shipping lanes amid improving maritime conditions.
HD Hyundai Heavy Industries defended design flaws in the M/V Dali after the NTSB linked its collision with Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge to electrical failures. The company noted that modifications by the vessel’s operator compromised essential safety systems, leading to operational failures that contributed to the tragic incident resulting in six deaths.
Last week, the containership ONE Continuity was diverted to Las Palmas after losing approximately 45 containers in severe Atlantic weather. Traveling from Le Havre to Singapore, the vessel declared an emergency as heavy seas struck. Initial assessments revealed that almost 100 containers had shifted, with damage occurring during the turbulent conditions.
Hapag-Lloyd has secured a $500 million contract with CIMC Raffles for eight dual-fuel methanol containerships. Set for delivery between 2028 and 2029, each vessel will have a 4,500 TEU capacity and advanced engines promising 30% improved efficiency, collectively reducing carbon emissions by 350,000 metric tons annually.
Iranian authorities have detained 18 crew members from a foreign tanker in the Gulf of Oman, alleging the vessel was transporting 6 million liters of smuggled fuel. This incident highlights Iran’s ongoing battle against fuel smuggling, which exacerbates economic challenges amid sanctions and a struggling economy.
