Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) has been a go-to choice for fighting fires on maritime vessels for decades, but health concerns over its fluorinated materials have led to stricter regulations. The marine industry must transition to fluorine-free firefighting foams by 2026 to comply with new international standards, ensuring safety and effectiveness in fire suppression.
The Iran-backed Houthis have released footage of an unmanned surface vessel attacking the Panama-flagged tanker M/T Cordelia Moon. The ship sustained damage but continued its journey safely. Ships with Israeli, US, or British ties are at risk in the Red Sea. Heightened security measures are necessary as tensions in the region escalate.[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbAo6KuGKOI[/embed]
The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) unveiled new regulations for floating nuclear power plants at a Texas forum with industry leaders and the Idaho National Laboratory. ABS emphasized the potential of nuclear energy in the maritime sector for grid reliability and decarbonization. The event highlighted collaborations to advance safe and sustainable nuclear technology.
Lloyd’s Register (LR) has unveiled the Digital Maturity Framework and Index to assist companies in evaluating their digital maturity levels in the maritime industry. Developed with Thetius, ‘The Benchmark’ report outlines a detailed model for digital maturity assessment. LR’s Digital Maturity Index (DMI) enables self-assessment, benchmarking, and identification of technology investment areas.
A Greek shipping company executive received a threatening email warning of potential attacks on one of their vessels by Yemen’s Iranian-backed Houthi militia. The message stated that the ship had violated a transit ban by docking at an Israeli port, escalating tensions in the Middle East..
STW Technic and Osmosis have partnered to revolutionize the boating experience with advanced data and connectivity solutions. By combining their expertise in electronic solutions and telematics, they aim to provide boaters with real-time insights for improved performance and efficiency on the water. This collaboration signifies a significant advancement in the boating industry.
Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (BV) has integrated its emissions compliance platform, VeriSTAR Green, with OrbitMI’s maritime intelligence platform to simplify emissions reporting for shipping stakeholders. The collaboration aims to enhance environmental performance, reduce time and costs, and support regulatory compliance and decarbonization objectives in the maritime industry.
Stella Maris has launched a new financial resilience program for Ukrainian seafarers and their families, addressing issues like income loss and increased living costs due to the war. With online courses and support services, the initiative aims to empower seafarers with the skills needed for a brighter future post-conflict.
Investors remain optimistic about the dry bulk market, with strong activity in newbuilding and second-hand transactions continuing in the third quarter of 2024. Plamen Natzkoff from MSI observes a slight softening in newbuild prices and vessel earnings, hinting at a potential shift in the second-hand market.
Labour MEP Daniel Attard has called on the European Commission to reconsider regulations that would impose the same standards on tugboat operators as on larger cargo ship operators. He emphasized the need to support small and medium-sized enterprises in the maritime industry by tailoring regulations to their specific circumstances.
Spot premiums for 380-cst high-sulphur marine fuel in Singapore have spiked, causing high refuelling costs for vessels. Delivery dates in early October are seeing premiums over $60 per metric ton, the highest in 2024. Despite easing benchmarks, bunkering premiums remain strong. Demand for high-sulphur fuel is steady, impacting prices in the region.
The Transport Accident Investigation Commission of New Zealand released a report on a crew member injured on the bulk carrier Poavosa Brave. The accident happened when an on-board crane struck the crew member while hoisting stanchions for securing logs. The incident occurred due to unauthorized work by the bosun, bypassing safety protocols and communication breakdowns.
India’s government is focusing on alternative fuels and renewable energy to position itself as a green shipbuilding hub. With modernization of shipyards and investments from Japanese and Korean counterparts, India aims to meet IMO’s emission goals. DNV’s white paper on Indian Coastal Green Shipping Programme outlines the path to sustainable maritime practices in India.
Passengers on the “Endless World Cruise” faced delays and confusion as their journey began in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The cruise ship, Odyssey, departed with much fanfare, only to anchor just outside Belfast. Passengers complained of conflicting reports, with the CEO assuring them that the ship would be leaving “any minute now.”
The Dutch advertising board ruled against MSC Cruises for greenwashing, finding their sustainability claims misleading. Despite MSC’s goal of “net zero by 2050,” the board criticized their promotion of LNG as a cleaner fuel. Environmental groups filed the complaint, emphasizing the importance of transparency in companies’ environmental efforts.
