Iran has granted consular access to the mostly Indian crew of a Portuguese-flagged ship seized by Iranian forces, raising hopes for their release and extradition. The crew, including the sole woman cadet Ann Tessa Joseph, is in good health. Indian officials are in constant touch with their families, navigating contractual obligations for their return.
Discussions are ongoing with potential players for facilities like bunkering, with methanol being considered as one of the key green fuels for EXIM Vessels globally. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is exploring mechanisms for developing indigenous methanol marine engines as a progressive step towards the green transition of inland vessels.
The $25 million modernization project at Batangas Passenger Terminal has doubled capacity to 8 million per year as part of a larger $90 million investment in the port. The transformation will feature new commercial and F&B stores by the third quarter, marking a significant milestone in enhancing travel experiences for Filipinos.
Turkey’s Directorate General of Coastal Safety reported a temporary suspension of traffic on the Dardanelles Strait due to an engine room fire on the bulker AK Discovery. The vessel, registered in Barbados and coming from Egypt, was safely towed to anchorage after the fire was extinguished. Investigation into the fire’s origins is ongoing.
Four cargo ships finally left the port of Baltimore after a month of being stuck at the ruins of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge. The incident, which blocked the canal and killed six bridge workers, is now under FBI investigation. The port’s main channel is set to reopen by the end of May.
Yemen’s Houthis targeted the attack on the MSC Darwin ship in the Gulf of Aden, resuming attacks on commercial vessels in solidarity with Palestinians. Ballistic missiles were fired at targets in Eilat. The ship was flying the Liberian flag and was between Aden and Djibouti. The US-led airstrikes had reduced attacks until now.
The NTSB reported that the capsizing of a dredging vessel on the Mississippi River was due to lack of safety inspections, causing undetected flooding. The incident resulted in $1.5 million in damage and 5,500 gallons of spilled oil. The report recommended regular hull inspections and procedures to prevent water intrusion. Join the gCaptain Club for exclusive insights.
The Adani Group’s Vizhinjam Port has been approved by the shipping ministry to operate as India’s first transshipment port. Customs office set up is underway, with a final nod expected from CBIC in the next three months. The project aims to handle over a million containers annually, boosting India’s cargo share.
HMM plans to enhance ship safety with AI-powered video analysis system “Deep Eyes”, capable of detecting emergencies like fires or falls. This innovative approach aims to prevent incidents and improve response times. The integration of AI technology reflects a broader trend in the maritime industry towards leveraging technology for safety and efficiency.
Japan’s IHI Power Systems Company issued an apology for altering fuel consumption data for decades. Inspectors raided their manufacturing plants in Niigata and Gunma prefectures. An employee reported the fraud in February 2024, revealing that over half of the engines shipped did not meet specifications. The company is investigating potential violations of marine engine regulations.
Seanergy Maritime and United Maritime are integrating Starlink with their existing satellite setup to enhance communication across their fleet. Developed by SpaceX, Starlink provides high-speed internet access globally. Major shipping companies like Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk are adopting this technology to improve connectivity for their crews at sea.
Crest Marine, LLC., a subsidiary of MasterCraft Boat Holdings, Inc., introduces Balise Pontoon Boats, a new luxury pontoon brand. With meticulous design and engineering, Balise aims to redefine on-water luxury and entertainment. The Horizon and Helix models offer premium performance, partnered with Mercury Marine engines, promising an exceptional boating experience.
Nauti-Craft, an Australian firm, revolutionizes the boating industry with high-quality suspension systems, reducing slamming by up to 80%. Their Suspension Equipped Crew Transfer Vessel (SECTV) christening ceremony marked a milestone in marine services. With a commitment to partnerships and innovation, Nauti-Craft aims to reshape the boating industry globally. Contact them for collaboration opportunities.
Carras (Hellas) SA earns the prestigious ABS Biofuel-1 award for the em>Aquataurus Ultramax bulk carrier, the first vessel globally to achieve this recognition. This award recognizes ships utilizing up to 30 percent biofuel to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Carras (Hellas) SA plans to use B30 biofuels in their fleet, showcasing a commitment to sustainability.
Swiss shipping company WinGD is set to install the first XS short-stroke engine design in March after successful tests with Dalian Marine Diesel. The XS series offers fuel efficiency and is ideal for vessels requiring compact, high-efficiency engines. With a focus on cost savings and adaptability to different fuel options, the XS series is poised for strong adoption in the market.
