India has been re-elected to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council for the biennium 2024-25, showcasing its dedication to enhancing international maritime operations. With the highest number of votes, India aims to increase its representation at IMO and strengthen its influence in global maritime affairs. The council oversees IMO’s work under the assembly’s authority.
Germany’s rescue authorities successfully evacuated the crew and controlled a fire on a bunker vessel near Warnemunde. The German Maritime Search and Rescue Service used their vessel, Wilma Sikorski, to rescue the seven crew members. The Annika, a bunker vessel, caught fire in the Bay of Mecklenburg, causing concerns about potential environmental hazards.
ClassNK has awarded its ‘AFVC(FD)(EV)’ notation to Positive Challenger, a car carrier equipped with advanced firefighting measures for transporting electric vehicles. The vessel stands out for its AI cameras detecting anomalies like smoke, heat, and rapid temperature rise, ensuring early fire detection. This innovation reflects the industry’s commitment to safety in EV transportation.
During Hurricane Milton, Carnival cruise ships faced delays and rerouting due to port closures in Florida. Some passengers blamed the cruise line for inconveniences and demanded compensation, with one man even yelling at crew members and cyberbullying Brand Ambassador John Heald. Despite challenges, many expressed gratitude for the crew’s efforts in keeping them safe.
A group of Nautilus members, officials, and a Bevis Minter Award recipient attended the 2024 Annual National Service for Seafarers at St Paul’s Cathedral in London. The event, organized by The Seafarers’ Charity and Trinity House, honors and celebrates seafarers. HRH The Princess Royal and maritime minister Mike Kane were in attendance.
On October 4, 2024, Spanish and French security forces seized 4 tons of cocaine from a Tanzanian-flagged vessel near the Canary Islands. The operation, named ‘Pascal-Lino 2024,’ led to the arrest of all ten crew members. The vessel’s suspicious activities and route indicated involvement in international drug trafficking, highlighting the challenges faced by authorities.
A European consortium of eleven partners has launched the MARPOWER project to decarbonize maritime transport by replacing fossil fuels with sustainable alternatives like green methanol, hydrogen, and ammonia. With nearly €8 million in funding from the EU, the project aims to develop an efficient zero-emissions gas turbine power system for ships.
Hurtigruten has revealed its Sea Zero project, a zero-emission ship set to sail in 2030. Equipped with batteries and sails, the ship will operate emission-free with a 40-50% reduction in energy consumption. Designed by Vard in Norway, it features OceanWings sails and contra-rotating propellers, along with smart cabins for energy control.
The recent TAIC report on the collision between the Waitere ferry and Onepoto vessel in Paihia revealed unsafe navigation practices by both skippers. The collision caused the Waitere to sink, injuring its master. The Onepoto skipper’s distraction by an engine alarm likely contributed to the accident. The report emphasized the need for proper watchkeeping.
The Lloyd’s Register Fuel Quality Report 2024 reveals ongoing concerns in the maritime industry regarding fuel quality, with issues like cat-fines, stability, sulphur content, and flash point still posing challenges. The report also highlights the increasing adoption of biofuels by ship operators and the implications of the newly implemented ISO8217:2024 standard.
After four years since its bankruptcy, Norway’s Kleven shipyard, now known as Green Yard Kleven, is back in the shipbuilding industry. Securing a contract for a Field Support Vessel for the Neptun Deep project in the Black Sea, the company is reentering the new construction market with innovative and sustainable solutions.
Houthi militants have stepped up attacks on merchant ships, focusing on tankers and vessels linked to Israel. The product tanker Olympic Spirit was hit in the Red Sea, with minor damage reported. The militants claimed responsibility for the attack and threatened more strikes on ships associated with Israel, America, and Britain.
The Indian government is considering using its own funds to establish a P&I entity for insuring cargo vessels. Private insurers are expected to contribute later. Discussions are ongoing with stakeholders, aiming to cover coastal and riverine vessels initially. The plan involves international partnerships, a fixed premium framework, and involving global players for reinsurance management.
The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) reported a decrease in piracy incidents from January to September 2024, with only 79 incidents compared to 99 in the same period last year. Most incidents occurred at night, with perpetrators armed in 45 reported incidents. Despite this decline, violence towards crew members remains a significant concern.
DNV has granted Approval in Principle to Hydrogenious LOHC Maritime for their LOHC Release Unit in the HyNjord project, aiming to create zero-emission power for ships using hydrogen from the LOHC power system. Supported by Enova SF, Østensjø Rederi, and Equinor, the project will be demonstrated onboard the vessel “Edda Ferd”.
