The Swedish Club, a maritime insurance specialist, has reported over $25 million in claims due to heavy weather incidents in the past five years. To address this issue, they have introduced a new Heavy Weather Alert tool to provide timely loss prevention advice to insured vessels operating near severe weather patterns.
Since April 2024, CORSICA linea has been utilizing a voyage optimization solution from French start-up Spinergie to reduce CO2 emissions by 40% by 2030. The tool analyzes sensor data and weather information to help captains make fuel-efficient decisions. This initiative aligns with CORSICA linea’s goal of sustainability in maritime transportation.
The owner of an unlicensed and overcrowded charter boat that capsized in the Hudson River in 2022 has pleaded guilty to causing the deaths of a woman and her nephew. Richard Cruz admitted to misconduct and neglect, facing up to 10 years in prison. The tragedy occurred due to unlicensed operation and over-capacity.
The Cabinet, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024, and the repeal of Part XIV of the Merchant Shipping Act 1958, except for section 411A. This decision is set to benefit various stakeholders in the shipping industry, aiming to streamline operations and enhance the integration of inland waterway.
Chinese heavy-lift ships Ocean 28 and Nan Feng Zhi Xing push through thickening ice on the Northern Sea Route to deliver a power plant to a Russian LNG project. Facing delays due to storms and deteriorating ice conditions, their journey highlights the risks and challenges of Arctic shipping, raising safety concerns.
Anti-whaling activist Paul Watson, detained in Greenland and facing possible extradition to Japan, seeks political asylum in France. Founder of Sea Shepherd, he was apprehended for disrupting a Japanese ship in 2010. With a possible 15-year prison sentence, Watson denies allegations while his foundation pleads for asylum in France. Uncertainty looms as legal battles continue.
As winter approaches, ships transporting Russian LNG to Asia are choosing longer routes around Africa’s Cape of Good Hope instead of the Arctic shore. The new Arctic LNG 2 project faces a shortage of ice-class carriers, leading to a shift in navigation routes. Geopolitical factors and ice formation are also impacting shipping decisions.
WinGD has introduced the X-DF-P engine option, allowing its ammonia-fuelled engines to also run on LPG. This ‘pre-fit’ solution is designed for vessels involved in ammonia and LPG trades, offering flexibility and efficiency. With engine deliveries starting in 2027, this innovation aligns with the industry’s focus on cleaner fuels and sustainability.
Britain has imposed sanctions on 18 more Russian oil tankers and four LNG vessels in an effort to target Russia’s “shadow fleet.” The UK government is collaborating with maritime authorities to crack down on vessels suspected of using illicit practices to bypass Western restrictions. The sanctions aim to combat malign Russian activities.
Maersk Line has commissioned 12 LNG dual-fuelled container ships from a Chinese shipyard for $200 million each, with delivery expected in 2028. The total contract value could reach $2.4 billion. The shift towards LNG reflects uncertainties in green methanol availability and the challenges shipping companies face in meeting decarbonization goals while maintaining operational efficiency.
A massive fire at Venezuela’s La Salina terminal was finally extinguished after 24 hours. Two explosions caused minor injuries to 24 people. The fire occurred during a storm at the facility near Cabimas. PDVSA confirmed the incident at crude tank 75012. The cause and extent of the damage are still under investigation.
Greek shipowners have shifted their investment focus towards newbuild gas vessels, spending around $18 billion since 2021. The majority of this investment, approximately $13.8 billion, has been allocated to LNG vessels, with an additional $4 billion spent on LPG vessels. This strategic move reflects their anticipation of increased demand for gas.
The Panama Maritime Authority strongly advises all Panama-flagged vessels to avoid transiting in the Middle East region due to ongoing security concerns. Vessels are urged to enhance security measures and maintain vigilance while in these areas. Compliance with security protocols and communication with local authorities are essential for the safety of crew and vessels.
Following a recent severe blaze off the Bangladeshi coastline, the government has issued a directive to local companies to refrain from engaging with sanctioned ships and cargoes. The incident involved a 32-year-old LPG carrier carrying sanctioned Iranian gas, resulting in the rescue of 31 individuals after two gas carriers caught fire near Chittagong port.
All 20 crew members of the MFV Armana fishing vessel safely arrived in Cape Town after being rescued by the MFV Ludwani. The vessel caught fire offshore from Gansbaai, prompting the crew to abandon ship. Efforts to salvage the vessel were unsuccessful, leading to Transport Minister Barbara Creecy ordering a safety inspection.
