Italian police announced the arrest of 61 individuals in four countries and seized 60 million euros in connection with drug trafficking and money laundering. The criminal gang imported cocaine from South America to Europe through commercial shipping routes, using a shadow banking service provided by a Chinese syndicate.
The global shipping industry is facing challenges in meeting its goal of having five percent of all fuels be zero-emissions by 2030, as revealed in a report by UCL Energy Institute and the UN Climate Initiative. Urgent action is required to address the limited supply of scalable zero-emission fuel.
Eutelsat has partnered with Inmarsat Maritime to provide an integrated multi-orbit solution for the maritime industry, aiming to enhance broadband services. Inmarsat Maritime will incorporate Eutelsat’s OneWeb LEO network into its NexusWave connectivity solution, launching in 2025. This collaboration reflects the industry’s focus on innovation and meeting maritime connectivity needs.
Turkey’s General Directorate of Coastal Safety swiftly responded to a fire on a small coastal RoRo vessel off the Black Sea coast. The vessel, named Ariburnu and built in 1944, was transporting vehicles and equipment from Istanbul to Zonguldak. Efforts are ongoing to cool the elderly vessel, currently adrift off the coast of Sile.
DNV has acquired CyberOwl, a top provider of cyber risk monitoring for maritime vessels. This comes as new cyber security regulations are introduced, highlighting the importance of incident detection and response. CyberOwl’s tools help operators manage threats and ensure compliance. The acquisition enhances DNV’s cyber security offerings for vessel operators, addressing the industry’s evolving challenges.
The Bessie Ellen, a traditional West Country trading ship, celebrated its 120th anniversary with a tour of Britain. Owner and master Nikki Alford expressed gratitude for the crew who sailed through storms and rain. The historic vessel, once used for transporting cargo, now undergoes restoration work to preserve its legacy for future generations.
The National Hurricane Center issued a warning for Tropical Storm Helene, expecting it to become a major hurricane by Thursday and threatening the Florida Panhandle. Meteorologists predict rapid intensification as Helene moves through the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and into the northeastern Gulf Coast.
Le Sen, a 54-year-old man, has been sentenced by the People’s Court of Quang Nam Province for his role in the Phuong Dong 05 excursion boat capsizing incident. Sen’s reckless maneuver led to the tragedy, highlighting the importance of adhering to safety regulations.
The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) released a preliminary assessment of the grounding incident involving the general cargo vessel Baltic Arrow. The vessel ran aground on June 25, 2024, near New Dyke Farm on the River Nene while en route to Wisbech, England.
The American Waterways Operators (AWO) has recognized Crowley’s mariners for their heroic actions in two successful man-overboard rescues. James C. Fowler commended the crews for their instinctive response to protect life, highlighting their character as the driving force behind their actions. The crews were honored with the HERO award for their bravery and dedication to safety.
The residential cruise ship Villa Vie Odyssey, after undergoing maintenance and inspection at Harland & Wolff for four months, has completed sea trials and is preparing to depart Belfast. Despite delays and challenges, the vessel is now ready to offer a unique living experience at sea for leaseholders, with departure expected soon.
Despite heightened tensions and rocket attacks from Hezbollah in Lebanon, Israel’s ports in Haifa are operating normally. The government assures that security measures are in place to protect seaborne trade. With no reported damage, Israeli ports remain open for business, maintaining their reputation as safe and secure facilities. Coordination with the military ensures continuous assessment of the security situation.
Maryland has filed civil lawsuits against the owner and operator of a cargo ship involved in a fatal bridge collision, seeking damages for cleanup and environmental claims. The incident, described as preventable, led to six deaths and transportation disruptions. The Department of Justice is also demanding $103 million for removal costs. Investigations are ongoing.
PowerCell Group, based in Sweden, has secured a major order for marine fuel cell systems from an Italian marine OEM manufacturer valued at approximately SEK 165 million. The order, one of the largest in the world, includes 225 units to be delivered by the end of 2025, with a focus on commercial cruise ships for auxiliary power.
The Ministry of Industries in Bangladesh is cracking down on a shipbreaking company in Chattogram after a deadly incident during tank cutting on a retired tanker. The explosion and fire on September 7 left 12 workers injured and one dead. The company, SM Corporation, faces suspension and fines for safety violations.
