The Greek-flagged oil tanker Sounion was rescued by the EU’s military operation Aspides after being attacked in the Red Sea. Crew saved, transported to Djibouti. Unmanned Surface Vessel destroyed. Importance of protecting seafarers highlighted. Suspected Houthi rebels behind the attack. Ship en route to Iraq when incident occurred. Greek Shipping Minister condemns attack.
The director general of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, reaffirmed the agency’s dedication to the NSDP. He assured that the 296 beneficiaries in India will receive top-notch training. Despite rumors, there are no plans to pull out the cadets. Dr. Mobereola addressed issues with the MoU and emphasized NIMASA’s commitment to the program’s success.
Two explosions near a vessel 57 nautical miles south of Aden were reported by UKMTO. No further details were provided. Yemenis show support for Palestine after Israeli attacks on Gaza. US and UK form a military coalition to support Israel against Yemen. Concerns rise over escalating violence in the region.
CMM and Wärtsilä have partnered to develop the world’s first ethanol-powered offshore support vessels, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the maritime industry. With financial backing from the Brazilian merchant marine fund, CMM plans to build 10 of these innovative vessels in Brazil. This collaboration signifies a significant step towards a more sustainable future in shipping.
The Greek-flagged oil tanker Sounion was attacked in the Red Sea, causing a fire and loss of power. Two small boats targeted the vessel, hitting it with projectiles and disabling its engine. Despite a brief exchange of fire, the crew escaped unharmed. Similar attacks are believed to be linked to the conflict between Israel and Hamas, leading to disruptions in international shipping routes.
Health officials in Argentina confirmed that a crew member on a quarantined grains cargo ship tested negative for mpox but positive for chicken pox. This incident highlights the importance of stringent health measures in the shipping industry to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. The global interconnectedness of trade routes requires authorities to remain vigilant in detecting and managing health risks.
Mitsui OSK Lines, Ltd. and Vale International SA have completed the retrofit of a 200,000 ton class bulk carrier with Norsepower Rotor Sails, reducing fuel consumption and emissions. This innovative technology utilizes the Magnus effect to generate thrust, aligning with MOL’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and Vale’s commitment to reducing Scope 3 emissions.
Four bodies were found in the sunken wreck of a yacht owned by British tech magnate Mike Lynch’s wife. Lynch and his daughter were among the deceased. The yacht, carrying 22 people, was hit by a storm off Sicily. Rescuers are struggling to recover the bodies due to challenging conditions. Investigations are ongoing.
Kongsberg Maritime has achieved a significant milestone in ensuring the cyber security of its digital products by completing testing to comply with IACS UR E27 and obtaining DNV Cyber Security Profile 1 certification. This process covers a range of products, including automation, navigation, and Dynamic Positioning systems, with plans to expand further in the future.
Cargo insurer TT Club stresses the significance of proper container stowage and weight distribution to prevent containers from falling overboard in heavy weather conditions. Peregrine Storrs-Fox highlights the importance of sticking to a stowage plan and addressing discrepancies between planned and actual stowage. By analyzing wave conditions and implementing data-driven strategies, the industry can enhance container ship safety and minimize the risk of containers toppling overboard.
Kawasaki Heavy Industries has admitted to falsifying test results for its marine engines to meet standards, joining other Japanese manufacturers in scandal. While safety is assured, NOx emissions calculations may be impacted. Ministry requests investigation. Over 6,200 engines affected. Company vows to address issue and prevent future misconduct.
The NTSB revealed that the pilot of the Marquette Transportation towboat John 3:16 fell asleep during his watch, causing a collision with an industrial cargo pier near Saint Rose, La. The incident, attributed to fatigue, highlighted the importance of mariners getting sufficient rest to avoid performance decrements and ensure safe navigation.
The issue of invasive species in ballast water has been a concern for years. The IMO adopted guidelines in 1991, but treatment systems have since evolved. Compliance with standards remains a challenge, with concerns about bypassing systems. Efforts to develop shoreside treatment systems are underway. Despite the complexities, compliance with standards can reduce the risk of biological invasion.
In the first seven months of 2024, there was a significant increase in the contracting of product tankers larger than 10k DWT, with 194 tankers totaling 13.3m DWT ordered. The order book has rapidly expanded, with Chinese shipyards securing 72% of the orders. However, the industry may face challenges in balancing supply and demand in the near future due to strong market conditions and low recycling rates.
The shortage of firefighting foam chemicals poses a safety risk on 40,000 sea vessels. New regulations will phase out PFOS, a harmful compound. Ship owners must replace foams at first survey after January 1, 2026. VIKING offers services for a smooth transition to safer alternatives, despite logistical challenges. Port state control will enforce compliance strictly.
