Deendayal port led in cargo volume, followed by Paradip and Visakhapatnam ports. Visakhapatnam saw a growth of 22.05%, with Chennai, Cochin, and Mumbai ports following. In May 2024, various ports experienced cargo growth, while Kolkata, Kamarajar, and Mormugao ports faced declines in handling.
Recently adopted amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) will require immediate reporting by ship Masters involved in the loss of containers starting from 1 January 2026. The amendments aim to enhance navigational safety and environmental protection, ensuring prompt reporting of lost containers to nearby ships, coastal states, and the flag State. The World Shipping Council praised these regulations as a significant advancement in maritime safety.
Tanzania’s port of Dar es Salaam has granted a 30-year concession to Adani International Ports Holdings Pte Ltd (AIPH) to operate and manage container terminal 2 (CT2) in an effort to improve competitiveness in the East Africa region. AIPH will invest in upgrading facilities to increase capacity and efficiency, following a similar move by DP World to run other berths at the port.
Environmental campaign group WWF-Norway is challenging Norway’s decision to allow deep seabed mining, citing a lack of proper impact assessment. The government defends its actions, but WWF argues that this sets a dangerous precedent. The controversy has prompted calls from 25 countries for a moratorium on seabed mining until its risks are fully understood. This global pushback reflects growing concerns over the potential harm to marine ecosystems.
The demand for alternative fuel vessels is surging, with 33 new orders in May 2024. Methanol-powered ships lead with 23 orders, container segment prevailing. LNG-fueled vessels trail with 8 orders while 2 ammonia-fueled ship orders signal a rise in interest. Jason Stefanatos noted a significant 55% increase in new orders for alternative fuel vessels compared to 2023.
Cases of seafarers being abandoned by shipowners without resources or support have become a global crisis, with many facing mental health issues. Maritime charity Stella Maris is providing assistance to those affected by this alarming trend. The International Maritime Organization reports a significant increase in abandonment cases, emphasizing the need for industry-wide action to enforce laws and hold negligent companies accountable. Deacon Joseph O’Donnell highlights the role of unlicensed agents in exploiting vulnerable seafarers.
UK shipping company Union Maritime has teamed up with BAR Technologies to implement wind-assisted propulsion solutions on 34 new vessels. The partnership includes the deployment of WindWings on tankers to achieve fuel and CO2 savings. This move aligns with Union Maritime’s environmental initiatives, showcasing a commitment to sustainable shipping practices. The industry trend towards wind propulsion technology is evident, with more shipowners opting for decarbonization solutions.
According to a report by Africa Risk Compliance (ARC), two seafarers were kidnapped by West African pirates from a commercial vessel near Equatorial Guinea. The incident occurred on a general cargo ship in a region known for pirate activity. Details of the kidnapping and the seafarers’ condition are undisclosed. This highlights the need for increased maritime security in the area to protect seafarers from such dangers.
In the realm of sustainability and operations management in the shipping industry, reducing emissions and decarbonizing is a top priority. The Environmental Ship Index (ESI) is a trusted tool created in 2011 by ports and the International Association of Ports and Harbors. Recognized by the IMO, ESI incentivizes environmental performance improvements on thousands of vessels globally. With new developments, ESI continues to evolve to meet the industry’s focus on sustainability and climate change mitigation.
The trials for the proposed India-Middle East-EU Economic Corridor (IMEC) will examine feasibility and rail links to ports, identifying gaps in connectivity and solutions. Cargo types planned include containers with further expansion to dry and liquid bulk. Selected ports on the west coast of India will connect to UAE ports for trial runs.
In bulk cargo, the port set a new record by handling 2,235,891 tonnes from 48 vessels, surpassing the previous record. Liquid cargo saw 1,427,223 tonnes of crude oil from 13 tankers, surpassing the March 2024 record. Container trade achieved a throughput of 70,539 TEU, beating the August 2023 record.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has released safety lessons learned from a merchant vessel fire caused by a lithium-ion battery system. An explosion on a fishing vessel at berth was attributed to a faulty battery charger bypassing safety systems. The incident resulted in irreparable damage to the ship. Ship owners should implement safe charging procedures for battery systems.
The maritime industry is struggling to upskill its workforce at sea amidst uncertainties about the future of ships. With the push for decarbonization and digitalization, there is a growing need for seafarers who are adaptable and well-trained in handling new technologies and green fuels. Industry experts stress the importance of investing in training programs to prepare the next generation of seafarers for the challenges ahead.
Volunteers from Weymouth lifeboat swiftly responded to a distress call for a boat in trouble south of Portland Bill. The crew of the Severn-class lifeboat, Ernest and Mabel, ensured everyone’s safety before towing the vessel to West Bay. The station emphasized the importance of safety measures for sailors and advised boaters to check weather and tide conditions to prevent similar incidents.
HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering showcased its latest developments in ammonia-fueled vessel technology at the Global Tech Forum in Athens, Greece. The company introduced integrated scrubber technology to minimize toxic gas emissions from ammonia fuel, addressing concerns raised by industry leaders. Their innovative dual-stage absorption system reduces ammonia emissions to nearly zero, enhancing onboard safety. The company also presented AI solutions for ship management and a remote drone system for real-time leakage detection.
