On Friday, two sanctioned tankers caught fire in the Black Sea, reportedly due to external impacts near Turkey. The first, Kairos, was empty and experienced a fire 28 nautical miles offshore. Thankfully, all crew members were rescued unharmed. Concerns grew as the vessel might have struck a mine.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the Republic of Korea (RoK) are launching the SMART-C Maritime Security and Counter-Piracy project to enhance Gulf of Guinea coastal States’ capabilities against piracy. Funded by a $3 million pledge from RoK, the initiative focuses on strengthening cooperation, training, and regional coordination for maritime safety.
Cochin Port, Kerala’s second-largest port, is poised for a ₹10,000 crore upgrade, enhancing both the port and Cochin Shipyard. Key investments include ₹1,500 crore for the Vallarpadam Transhipment Terminal and ₹500 crore for an LNG bunkering facility, aiming to boost container handling and overall maritime capabilities in Kochi.
During the IMO Assembly, Shri Vijay Kumar, Secretary of the MoPSW, highlighted India’s growing maritime leadership. He outlined key strategies, emphasizing seafarer welfare, green initiatives, and security. Kumar’s commitment to decarbonization and collaboration reflects India’s dedication to sustainable shipping and its influential role in global maritime policy.
In a landmark achievement, the Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) in Kandla has become the first major port in India to handle over 100 million tonnes of cargo in FY 2025-26. This milestone reflects not only operational efficiency but also showcases the port’s pivotal role in enhancing national trade and maritime innovation.
EUROATLAS has introduced the GREYSHARK™ Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs)—Bravo and Foxtrot models—designed for underwater intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. Equipped with advanced sensors and AI, these AUVs enhance monitoring of critical maritime corridors, particularly as threats to commercial shipping increase amidst rising geopolitical tensions. CEO Eugene Ciemnyjewski aims to produce 150 units annually by 2026.
The UK ETS Authority is seeking feedback on a proposal to include emissions from international maritime voyages starting or ending in the UK, set for implementation in 2028. This would cover 50% of emissions under the UK ETS, aligning with EU standards and enhancing decarbonization efforts while evaluating potential impacts on maritime operators.
The containership ONE Henry Hudson has returned to the Port of Los Angeles after a successful firefighting effort. Earlier this week, a cargo fire broke out in lower-deck compartments, necessitating a complex response involving nearly 200 firefighters. Crews are now preparing to safely offload cargo and firefighting water.
This week, Hyundai Merchant Marine (HMM) ordered eight 13,400 TEU container ships, highlighting the aging container fleet. The average age of the top 10 shipping lines is 13 years. While HMM’s fleet averages nine years, older vessels dominate companies like MSC and Maersk, raising concerns about future competitiveness.
In 2024, EU ports welcomed 412.3 million passengers, marking a recovery from pandemic lows. This increase of 18.8 million passengers, or 4.8%, reflects ongoing growth, though numbers remain slightly below pre-pandemic levels. Italy led with 93.5 million passengers, followed by Greece and Denmark, showcasing significant regional variances.
The Port of Antwerp-Bruges and North Sea Port have launched campaigns to raise awareness among port users about the risks of maritime drug trafficking. The rip-on/rip-off method, where drugs are hidden in legitimate containers, highlights the need for vigilance and cooperation with law enforcement to enhance port security and prevent smuggling.
Germany’s maritime industry is pioneering sustainable shipping, establishing high environmental standards in global trade. By embracing alternative fuels like LNG and hydrogen, implementing shore power systems, and utilizing smart shipping technologies, German ports and companies are significantly reducing emissions. This commitment, supported by government policies, showcases a balanced approach to economic growth and environmental stewardship.
Brazilian federal prosecutors in Pará have filed a lawsuit to remove the Haidar ship’s hull, which sank near Vila do Conde port a decade ago, resulting in the death of 5,000 cattle and a spill of 700,000 liters of oil. They estimate 215,000 liters of oil remain, posing ongoing environmental risks.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has unveiled a major initiative to enhance India’s shipping sector by developing local Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) capabilities. The move aims to modernize port infrastructure, reduce costs, generate jobs, and increase self-reliance, positioning India as a competitive force in the global maritime industry.
The 2022 sabotage of Baltic Sea gas pipelines underscored the vulnerability of maritime infrastructure, now seen as a strategic asset. The Joint Baltic Declaration on Security, signed on November 20, aims to enhance regional cooperation and military collaboration, emphasizing democratic values amid security threats, particularly from Russia.
