A recent investigation by the World Maritime University in Sweden uncovered widespread violations of work/rest hour regulations in the shipping industry, with seafarers working long hours linked to health risks. Many exceed 91 hours per week, far above global averages. Falsification of records and lack of enforcement contribute to fatigue and jeopardize seafarers’ well-being.
India is gearing up to boost its maritime capacity significantly, aiming to expand port capacity to 10,000 million tonnes per annum by 2047. This ambitious initiative, announced by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, highlights India’s goal to become a global shipping hub. The move underscores the country’s commitment to enhancing its maritime capabilities.
HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) received approval from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) for a new tank design for large-scale hydrogen transport. The tank features a vacuum insulation system for safer transport of liquid hydrogen. Collaboration with global energy and shipping companies ensured compliance and innovation in energy shipping solutions.
The Indian maritime sector is in need of a significant investment of $1 trillion by 2047 and ₹5 lakh crore by 2030 to reach its full potential. Green hydrogen production hubs are being established at key ports to decarbonize the shipping industry. India is set to become a major player in the global maritime market.
The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Mr. Arsenio Dominguez, expressed his relief at the release of the 25-member crew of the MV Galaxy Leader, who had been held captive for over a year. The crew was taken hostage in November 2023 while passing through the Red Sea.
Dr. Pandurang Raut, Deputy Director General of Shipping, highlighted India’s coastal channels’ importance for trade, with up to 95% of volume and 68% by value passing through them. The Maritime Amritkal Vision 2046 aims at modernizing ports and leveraging the blue economy, reflecting the government’s commitment to enhancing India’s maritime position on a global scale.
The UK government is urging offshore developers to reduce noise levels during construction, as unexploded ordnance and underwater noise pose challenges. Dame Joanna Lumley leads the Stop Sea Blasts campaign for low-noise disposal methods. The Plan for Change aims to boost renewable energy and industry, with measures to fast-track clean power systems and minimize underwater noise.
The ECO2Fuel project is leading the way in developing a direct electrochemical CO2 conversion system that produces sustainable liquid e-fuels like methanol and ethanol. With the goal of creating the world’s first low-temperature 1MW CO2 electrolyzer by 2026, this operates without hydrogen, using water and renewable electricity to convert CO2 into valuable products.
Lloyd’s Register issued an apology for its involvement in the enslavement of Africans during the 18th and 19th centuries. The firm admitted to providing information on ships used in the Atlantic slave trade and acknowledged the role it played in supporting the slave economy. LR announced steps to address its historical ties to slavery.
Advances in thermal reactions involving sulphur, oxygen, and hydrogen can generate high temperatures for gas/air turbine engines. Byproducts can be decomposed and reused for multiple cycles. History dates back to the 1800s, with modern solar thermal power plants using molten salt storage. Pegasus consortium in Germany researches sulphur thermochemistry for turbine engines, aiming for repeated reuse.
In 2023, rebels with Iranian backing released 25 sailors from the Bahamas-flagged Galaxy Leader after mediation by Oman. The crew, consisting of mariners from various countries, was hijacked due to the ship’s connection to Israel. Despite a recent ceasefire, the rebels warned of potential resumption of attacks on ships in international waters.
In 2024, the delivery of new crude oil tankers hit a 36-year low, with only 17 new tankers totaling 2.5 million DWT. The recycling of tankers increased, resulting in minimal fleet growth of 0.2%. Despite a rise in earnings in 2022, new ship contracting fell by 83%, leading to increased age of tankers.
The Indian Coast Guard conducted a specialized training program for Narcotics Control Bureau officers and other Drug Law Enforcement Agencies at Paradip from January 20 to 22. The training focused on enhancing maritime interdiction skills, operational awareness, and collaboration to combat drug trafficking, emphasizing the need for a unified approach against maritime narcotics challenges.
The latest Energy Cyber Priority report by DNV Cyber reveals that energy companies are ramping up investments in cybersecurity to combat cyber threats. Two-thirds of energy professionals see cybersecurity as the top risk, leading to over 70% of companies planning to increase cybersecurity spending. Challenges remain in the sector, with a focus on OT security.
The UK launched the latest round of the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC6) on January 16, 2025, with a focus on supporting clean maritime technologies like electric, hydrogen, and wind power. With £30 million in new funding, businesses are expected to benefit, driving economic growth and job creation.
