Fullers360, New Zealand’s largest ferry operator, has added the battery-electric hydrofoiling boat VS-9 to its fleet. This nine-meter vessel can reach speeds of 25 knots and has a range of up to 50 nautical miles. Certified by Maritime New Zealand, the VS-9 marks a shift towards sustainable marine transport in the industry.
The Dutch Coast Guard faced challenges in the North Sea during a severe storm, rescuing a cargo ship named Valday drifting towards the shore near Rotterdam. Despite crew injuries and difficult weather, they managed to airlift an injured crewmember to safety and secure a towline, ensuring the ship’s safe return to port.
Efforts to advance ship automation for fully independent operation are progressing, with HD Hyundai achieving a milestone by demonstrating autonomous operation and remote control integration on an 8,000 TEU containership. Certification from both the Korean Registry of Shipping and the Liberia State Flag Bureau marks progress towards commercializing third-stage automation.
Wallenius Marine in Sweden is conducting advanced wind tunnel tests to build the world’s first wind-powered PCTC. The tests in Gothenburg aim to confirm the ship’s design and develop new data simulation models. Collaboration with experts from KTH, RISE SSPA, and Oceanbird is pushing the boundaries of sustainable maritime transportation technology.
Bikram S. Bhatia’s PhD dissertation at the World Maritime University uncovered discrepancies in seafarers’ work/rest hour reporting within the shipping industry. Using the ITFRAM, his research highlighted seafarers’ record adjustments and PSC officers’ high compliance rates. The study emphasized the need for systemic changes to enhance safety and fairness in the industry.
The upcoming FuelEU Maritime regulation, effective from January 1, 2025, presents challenges for vessel owners in terms of regulatory understanding and compliance costs. DNV’s white paper suggests strategies to reduce expenses, focusing on well-to-wake emissions calculations and wind-assisted propulsion. Shipowners are advised to prepare early and consider cost-effective compliance options to minimize financial impacts.
The UK government has allocated nearly $1 million in funding to support nine maritime clusters across the country, aiming to boost local economies, connect businesses with the industry, and attract more individuals to the maritime sector. The investment will help secure funding for industries, implement skills training, and revitalize coastal towns and cities.
AET, a leading maritime transportation owner and operator, has teamed up with the Singapore Maritime Foundation (SMF) to boost Singapore’s maritime workforce. A MoU will see AET sponsoring scholarships and internships annually from 2025 to 2027, aiming to groom the next generation of maritime talent. This collaboration underscores AET’s commitment to education and industry development.
India is striving to become a global leader in the maritime sector, with ambitious goals to drive transformation. Mr. Shyam Jagannathan, Director General of Shipping, emphasized India’s leading role in the industry’s evolution. The country is actively working towards revolutionizing the shipping sector on a global scale, setting new standards for excellence.
On Thursday, a container ship collided with an inland vessel on the river Scheur near Rotterdam, causing containers to fall into the water. The incident involved an autonomous barge, possibly operating in autonomous mode. The Hebo Cat 7 was dispatched for salvage. The River Drone fleet represents a significant experiment in remote-controlled operation in Europe.
Dockworkers in India are frustrated with the slow pace of wage and service reforms, leading to nationwide protests. The National Coordination Committee of Major Port & Dock Workers Federations organized demonstrations in support of unions. Despite a deadline of December 15, no action has been taken, prompting preparations for a nationwide strike.
EUNAVFOR Atalanta, the EU mission in the Horn of Africa, confirms armed pirates boarded a Chinese fishing vessel in Somali waters, classifying it as armed robbery at sea. With no injuries reported, Atalanta is monitoring the situation and collaborating with Somali and Chinese authorities to address the heightened piracy threats in the region.
The Federal Government of Somalia has launched the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) at the Coast Guard headquarters in Mogadishu Port. This initiative, supported by EUCAP Somalia, aims to enhance maritime safety and response to emergencies at sea. The MRCC will provide 24/7 Search and Rescue services, strengthening Somalia’s ability to protect its waters.
Seattle-based maritime data analytics company ioCurrents has partnered with engine supplier Bergen Engine to offer its MarineInsight platform to customers in new builds, repowers, and overhauls. By combining data analytics with high-performance engine design, the partnership aims to optimize vessel performance and reduce operational costs. This collaboration signifies a step towards greater efficiency.
Over 30% of ballast water treatment systems fail Port State Control D-2 compliance inspections, despite passing commissioning tests. Global TestNet data revealed that 29% to 44% of operational systems are failing to remove invasive species, with over 100 organisms found in every 1m3 of treated water. Non-compliance reasons include contamination, regrowth, and human error.
