UK ferry operator Red Funnel plans to launch an emission-free high-speed vessel by late 2025. The all-electric e-foiling passenger ferry, developed by Artemis Technologies, will reach speeds of up to 36 knots, with zero emissions and increased efficiency. With a passenger capacity of up to 150, the innovative ferry promises a more comfortable ride, reducing vessel motion and wake effects.
Fincantieri and Viking have signed contracts for two new cruise ships, set to be delivered in 2028 and 2029. These ships, with a gross tonnage of 54,300 tons, will accommodate 998 passengers and meet the latest environmental standards. The partnership between the two companies has resulted in 20 ships being built since 2012.
Most Filipino seafarers are willing to brave the dangers of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden for high salaries, facing risks of armed attacks from rebels. The Association of Licensed Manning Agencies opposes a potential ban on Filipino seafarers in these areas, suggesting alternative routes to ensure job opportunities. Despite challenges, seafarers remain committed to their maritime careers.
The container shipping segment is undergoing rapid changes, with MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company leading the way. Surpassing competitors, MSC has achieved a 20% market share and is on track to reach over 7 million TEU by 2025. Strategic acquisitions and capacity additions have propelled MSC to the forefront of the industry, with analysts predicting further growth and shifts ahead.
Germany’s Schulte Group has launched Ocean Opt to provide emissions management solutions for the maritime industry. With regulations like the IMO’s CII and EEXI coming into play, the industry faces financial implications. Ocean Opt offers services for fleet optimization, emission trading, and regulatory compliance, aiming to empower clients to navigate decarbonization effectively. This move aligns with Schulte Group’s commitment to sustainability and innovation.
The 2024 edition of The Future of Maritime Safety Report by Inmarsat Maritime reveals a 7.6% decrease in GMDSS distress calls in 2023. Despite this improvement, challenges persist in maritime safety due to emerging risks from future fuels and geopolitical tensions. The report emphasizes the need for data sharing and collaborative solutions to enhance industry safety standards and practices.
Hurricane Beryl, the earliest Category 5 hurricane ever recorded in the Atlantic, is set to hit Jamaica, threatening catastrophic damage. Record-breaking ocean temperatures fuel the storm, posing a danger to the Caribbean islands. As the region braces for impact, calls for better financing to combat climate change grow louder.
Late last year, Candela started production on the Candela C-8 Polestar Edition electric hydrofoil boat, powered by Polestar’s EV batteries. The collaboration set a world record for the longest distance traveled by an electric boat in 24 hours. The C-8 boasts premium upgrades and luxurious Scandinavian design, making it the most desirable leisure boat on the market. Delivery has now begun.
Maritime charity Stella Maris has launched a new mission in East Africa to support seafarers facing extended stays at sea due to Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. The operation in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, led by Kenyan chaplain Father Patrick Musumbu, aims to assist seafarers dealing with mental and physical health issues, isolation, and loneliness caused by longer journey times.
Environmental NGOs are urging cruise lines and ports along the Alaska cruise route to stop using fossil gas due to its impact on fragile ecosystems and killer whale habitats. Despite the introduction of green methanol, concerns remain about long-term pollution. Activists are calling for a sector-wide shift towards sustainable practices, including zero-emission vessel fuels and technologies to combat climate disruption.
The International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF) is celebrating its 100th anniversary since its founding in July 1924. Originally named the International Lifeboat Federation, the IMRF has evolved into a leading charity dedicated to enhancing maritime search and rescue capabilities globally. With a focus on addressing key issues in SAR operations, the IMRF continues to provide essential resources and support for mass rescue operations training and awareness.
Scientist Robert Brewin spent two years collecting data on a superyacht, focusing on microplankton in the ocean. Using the boat for scientific research has gained momentum, with organizations like Yachts for Science providing yacht time to researchers. This approach aims to fill the gap in research capacity and contribute positively to marine conservation.
Ocean Power Technologies (OPT) and Unique Group are joining forces to bring autonomous vehicle services to the Middle East. OPT’s WAM-V USVs will be deployed in the UAE and other GCC countries, accelerating the region’s adoption of autonomous technologies. This collaboration aims to meet safety regulations and promote environmentally friendly operations, reflecting the UAE’s progressive stance on innovative solutions.
The Swedish government plans to ban scrubber discharges in its waters, starting with open-loop scrubbers by July 1, 2025, and all scrubber discharges by January 1, 2029. The move aims to reduce environmental impact from emissions into the sea, particularly from exhaust gas cleaning systems. Swedish shipowners have shifted to low-sulfur fuel, but a national ban ensures compliance across the board.
A design project in Japan has reached a milestone in developing a hydrogen-fueled coastal tanker. Sponsored by The Nippon Foundation, the project aims to have a demonstration vessel by 2025 and operational with a hydrogen engine by 2026. ClassNK has approved designs by Uyeno Transtech, Yanmar Power Technology, and Mitsui E&S Shipbuilding, marking the first-ever certification for an oil tanker using liquid hydrogen.
