Six people were rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard after their fishing vessel, the Three Girls, caught fire and they were forced to abandon ship 105 nautical miles east of Portsmouth, New Hampshire on August 11, 2024. The crew, including the captain and a NOAA observer, were all safely rescued and transferred to a pier in South Portland, Maine.
Two crewmembers were injured in a fire aboard a U.S.-registered liftboat in the Gulf of Mexico, prompting a medevac operation by the U.S. Coast Guard. The injured men were airlifted to a hospital in Lafayette, La., following a distress call. The Coast Guard is investigating the cause of the fire, emphasizing the importance of emergency preparedness at sea.
Namthaja, a Saudi Arabian 3D printing service, has unveiled a revolutionary project: the world’s first 3D printed gangway for the marine industry. Measuring three meters long and crafted from a robust composite, it supports up to 750 kg. Tested by ABS, this innovation showcases the potential of additive manufacturing in maritime applications.
The adoption of propane-powered equipment in ports is increasing, emphasizing the importance of safety measures. Cargo handling equipment like forklifts and port tractors play a crucial role in port operations. Safety tips include routine checks, proper PPE, and handling propane cylinders safely. Training on refueling equipment is essential for operators to ensure safe operations.
The Maritime Union of New Zealand (MUNZ) is concerned about mandatory fitness tests at Lyttelton Port Company (LPC) after a fatal accident led to safety violations. MUNZ criticizes the tests as discriminatory and lacking worker input. LPC has been fined for safety breaches and is reviewing procedures, but MUNZ seeks fair negotiations for workers’ well-being.
The Middle East and global ship recycling markets are in turmoil, exacerbated by regional security threats and declining Indian steel prices. Cash buyer GMS highlights the urgent need for stability, as stagnant Indian yards struggle and no new arrivals are reported. The industry’s future hinges on addressing these pressing challenges.
The Port of Salalah in Oman has rebounded from a decrease in container traffic earlier this year due to the Red Sea crisis. CEO Mohammed Al-Mashani reported an improvement, with 1.7 million TEUs and 11.6 million tons of general cargo handled in the first half of the year. A $300 million expansion plan is underway to enhance capacity and connectivity with major shipping lines.
Four Kenyan seafarers embarked on a journey to Oman in hopes of a better life on the FV Saharla. However, they were left stranded when the shipowner abandoned the vessel, leaving them without pay for eight months. With the help of the Kenyan government, they were finally repatriated home and are now seeking justice for their lost wages.
Videos and news reports show a near collision between a luxury charter yacht and a tourist boat in the Greek Islands, sparking an official investigation. The tourist boat had the right of way, but the yacht failed to follow navigation rules. Concerns about safety and alcohol involvement are being raised as authorities look into the incident.
Maersk celebrated the naming of its third large dual-fuel methanol containership, Antonia Maersk, in Denmark. This milestone marks the company’s commitment to fleet modernization with environmentally friendly vessels. CEO Vincent Clerc highlighted the challenges and plans for transitioning to green fuels to reduce carbon emissions and meet decarbonization goals.
IMO Member States are implementing the Maritime Single Window (MSW) to streamline shipping processes. Antigua and Barbuda led the way in the Caribbean, with the OECS now following suit. Needs assessments are ongoing in St. Lucia, with plans to establish MSWs in five Eastern Caribbean countries. Collaboration with CARICOM IMPACS-JRCC will enhance regional connectivity.
Indian Maritime University (IMU) is recruiting for non-teaching positions until August 30. 27 posts are available in Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata, Vizag, and Kochi. Horizontal reservations for Ex-servicemen and PwD are offered. Applicants must adhere to eligibility criteria and submit required documents. The recruitment process includes a Computer-based Recruitment Test on September 15.
Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal introduced two Bills in the Lok Sabha – The Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2024, and the Bills of Lading Bill, 2024. These aim to align with international conventions, replace outdated laws, and simplify legal frameworks in the maritime sector for the benefit of all stakeholders involved in shipping and logistics.
German propulsion company Schottel, in partnership with Transport Canada and BC Ferries, has developed a real-time noise monitoring system to combat underwater noise pollution in the Salish Sea. This innovative project aims to protect the region’s endangered orca population by optimizing propeller design and analyzing noise data to mitigate environmental impact.
The cruise industry is set to welcome 15 new ships in 2025, requiring over 20,000 new crew members. With an average guest-to-crew ratio of 2.5 to 1, these vessels will add nearly 40,000 guest berths. Major cruise lines like Norwegian, MSC, Carnival, and Royal Caribbean are gearing up to increase their onboard workforce significantly.
