Two ships in the Red Sea off the coast of Yemen were targeted in attacks by Houthi militants, but no damage was reported. The vessels managed to disable the attackers and continue their journey. These incidents highlight the ongoing security risks in the region and have led to disruptions in global trade routes.
Dianne Alilin, president of Senator Crewing Manila, shares her journey as a Filipino seafarer’s wife. From long-distance communication through letters and satellite calls in the 90s to her current leadership role, Alilin’s experiences have shaped her compassionate approach to caring for seafarers. Her story reflects the changing landscape of the maritime industry.
Icon Offshore Berhad has belatedly acknowledged a tragic accident on its offshore vessel, the Icon Amara, resulting in the deaths of two crew members and serious injuries to another. The incident, involving an explosion in the engine room near Sapar Alpha platform, has prompted criticism of the company’s delayed response. Investigations are ongoing.
For 40 years, Alejandro Alcones has relied on fishing in Laguna de Bay for his livelihood. Now, plans to install floating solar panels on the lake threaten his way of life. The government’s push for renewable energy sources clashes with the concerns of fishermen like Alcones, who fear the impact on their communities.
The Dutch environmental group Extinction Rebellion staged protests at the locks leading to Amsterdam, blocking cruise ships to raise awareness about pollution. Chaining themselves to a bridge, protestors delayed the return of a Royal Caribbean ship. Despite police intervention, the group continued their actions, calling for a tax on cruise tickets to support eco-friendly fuels.
Dubai Maritime Authority and Gulf Craft have partnered to simplify vessel registration in Dubai. The agreement aims to streamline the process, allowing customers to purchase and register vessels through Gulf Craft outlets and Dubai Maritime Authority’s system. This collaboration enhances efficiency, aligning with the government’s vision to provide top-notch services to the public.
The NTSB has concluded its investigation into the sinking of towboat Jacqueline A off South Carolina. Corrosion holes in void spaces led to progressive flooding. Originally named Eric Paul, the vessel had been in service since 2012. Proper maintenance and inspections are crucial to prevent similar incidents, as highlighted in the report.
Two ships off the coast of Yemen reported explosions, raising concerns about maritime safety. The Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, crucial for global shipping, have become dangerous due to Houthi rebel actions. Attacks on vessels in solidarity with Palestinians have led to retaliatory strikes, escalating tensions and threatening international trade routes.
Anglo-Eastern and Windcat, in partnership with CMB.TECH, are set to manage Windcat’s fleet of dual-fuel hydrogen-powered CSOVs. This collaboration enhances Anglo-Eastern’s technical consulting services in the offshore industry. The agreement involves overseeing the construction of six CSOVs at Damen Shipyards for Windcat Offshore, focusing on energy commissioning and services. The vessels aim to reduce emissions and offer sustainable solutions for offshore operations.
The International Chamber of Shipping, along with the governments of Bahamas and Liberia, is proposing a “feebate” mechanism to reach the IMO’s net zero GHG emissions goal by 2050. This involves a GHG Fee based on emissions, with rewards for using green fuels. The aim is to bridge cost disparities and support GHG reduction efforts globally.
As many as 285 gold coins, weighing 1,680 grams and valued at Rs 80 lakh, were stolen from a shipping crewing company in Powai. The coins were intended as retirement gifts for employees and went missing from the office of Northern Marine management India Private Limited on August 9. An investigation is ongoing.
In response to violent unrest in Bangladesh, India has heightened maritime security measures. The Indian Coast Guard is increasing patrolling along the maritime boundary line to prevent hostile acts and illegal intrusions, aiming to stop illegal migrants from Bangladesh. The Border Security Force is also increasing deployment and vigilance along the border fence in five states.
The Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) prevented a disaster when a fire broke out on the MSC Cape Town III at the Port of Colombo. The quick response of the firefighting team contained the fire, saving 995 boxes being unloaded and 880 boxes loaded. Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the fire.
Thai authorities are on high alert to prevent 100 shipping containers filled with hazardous industrial waste from Albania reaching the country’s ports. The Basel Action Network tipped off Thailand to the potentially harmful dust from arc furnaces. One of the ships vanished near Cape Town. Thai officials are working with Albania and Singapore to intercept the shipments.
TotalEnergies makes history with the first 100% biofuel shipment for ships in Singapore, showing dedication to lower-carbon marine fuels. As global demand for alternative bunker fuels rises, TotalEnergies’ B100 biofuel, sourced from used cooking oil, offers a promising solution to reduce emissions. With Singapore’s booming port, the future of marine biofuels looks bright.
