The Indian Coast Guard successfully rescued 12 seafarers stranded in the Arabian Sea after their vessel sank. With assistance from the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency, the crew was located and found to be in good health. This collaborative effort highlights the commitment to maritime safety and security in the region.
A Panama-flagged cargo vessel was abandoned near Hodeidah port in the Red Sea, triggering a rescue operation for the unknown number of crew members. Reports suggest engine problems or an internal explosion forced the crew to evacuate. The incident raises concerns about maritime security in the region amid ongoing Houthi activities targeting international shipping.
A recent study by UCL Bartlett Energy Institute and UMAS revealed the energy savings potential in the shipping industry through just-in-time arrival. By optimizing voyage speed to match berth availability, fuel consumption and emissions can be reduced significantly. This strategy could lead to substantial fuel savings without requiring additional capital investment, comparable to other energy-efficient systems.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted the negative impact of longer ship routes on global trade, especially Indian exports. Despite efforts to address container shortages and production constraints, challenges persist in the industry. Goyal’s statements underscore the need for interventions to improve India’s container manufacturing capabilities and address delays in reaching foreign markets.
The government plans to offer three-year subsidies to cargo owners for transporting goods through inland waterways, aiming to increase freight movement in India from the current 2%. The proposal includes a 35% subsidy for river transport on specific national waterways, with an expected shift of 800 million tkm of cargo.
The third meeting of the Joint ILO-IMO Tripartite Working Group in Geneva adopted Guidelines on Fair Treatment of Seafarers detained in connection with alleged crimes. These guidelines aim to protect the rights and interests of seafarers during investigations and detention. They will be presented to the IMO Legal Committee in March 2025 for adoption.
More than three months after the Houthi attack on the laden tanker Sounion, the damaged vessel has been successfully unloaded, averting a potential catastrophic oil spill. Greek officials confirmed the completion of the oil removal process at the anchorage south of the Suez Canal, raising concerns about the extent of the Houthi’s actions.
The Al Sila Marine Festival, now in its fourth edition, showcases a mix of traditional and modern marine competitions at Al Sila Beach in Abu Dhabi. With events like the Al Sila’ 43-ft Dhow Race and Barakah Traditional Sailboat Race, the festival aims to promote cultural awareness and boost tourism in the region.
P&O Cruises is under fire as former passengers file a lawsuit, claiming inadequate cleaning practices. An outbreak of gastroenteritis on the cruise ship Ventura has affected passengers, prompting precautions. Despite the cruise line’s efforts to maintain health standards, concerns arise over recurring incidents and potential gaps in protocols.
The recent survey on disparities within the seafarer community revealed alarming rates of psychological and sexual harassment among women and LGBTQ+ members. The lack of DEI training for senior ranks was also identified as a concern. Despite challenges, there were positive aspects, highlighting the need for a more inclusive maritime industry.
ClassNK has launched new E-Learning courses on maritime cyber security through its ‘ClassNK Academy’ platform. With the increasing risks of cyber-attacks in the evolving maritime industry, it is crucial for ship operators to have a solid understanding of cyber security. The courses aim to deepen participants’ knowledge and skills to better protect ship systems.
The Sogestran Group has unveiled France’s first hydrogen-powered river vessel, the Zulu 06, on the Seine in Paris. With a cargo capacity of 400 tons, this 55-meter vessel is designed for small deck cargoes in Paris. Featuring hydrogen fuel cells, the Zulu 06 showcases a new, clean business model for urban waterway transportation.
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal reported a significant 48.65% decrease in average ship turnaround time at major Indian ports. This improvement is credited to enhanced efficiency, digitalization, and infrastructure development. Specific ports like Jawahar Lal Nehru Port saw turnaround times drop to just 26 hours.
Marine mammal populations are rebounding, but conflicts with fisheries and property owners are on the rise. The NOAA is conducting a survey on deterrent methods to protect fishing gear and infrastructure from these interactions. Understanding these conflicts is crucial for developing effective strategies to coexist with marine mammals while preserving economic interests.
The Central Government, along with the State Government of Goa, is developing Goa as a major cargo and cruise destination under the Sagarmala scheme. Projects include building an international and domestic cruise terminal, a ferry terminal, and enhancing inland transportation with coastal jetties. These efforts aim to boost the economy and local connectivity in the region.
