Shipbreaking in South Asia remains hazardous, with recent fatalities and injuries. In Pakistan, two workers were killed at Dewan Shipbreaking, highlighting the lack of safety measures. The NGO Shipbreaking Platform reports 449 deaths and 408 injuries since 2009. They provide healthcare and training for injured workers, seeking donations for vocational rehabilitation.
Technology group Wärtsilä has relocated its Expertise Centre in Navi Mumbai, India to provide remote support for its Middle East & Asia customers. By integrating data sources, the Centre aims to improve asset efficiency and customer experience. Utilizing AI, Wärtsilä aims to enhance asset availability and reliability through real-time collaboration.
The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) revealed that Nigerian seafarers are now among the highest paid globally, thanks to the Maritime Affiliate Support (MAS) project by the International Transport Federation (ITF). The project has led to increased membership, ITF agreements, and accreditation of certificates for Nigerian seafarers. President-General Adeyanju highlighted the benefits of the project.
Factory testing for the Norwegian-developed long-endurance AUV, the Hugin Endurance, has been successfully concluded. The AUV, produced by Kongsberg Discovery, has attracted interest from the defense and commercial sectors due to its ability to accommodate various payloads for tasks such as seabed mapping, oceanography, and surveillance.
Freight charges and insurance premia for shipping vessels are expected to rise due to increased tensions between Iran and Israel. Shipping to Europe and the US is particularly at risk. With disruptions leading to capacity constraints, freight rates have already increased, while war risk insurance premiums have soared to 0.75-1% of the insured vessel’s value.
The partnership between Dubai Maritime Authority and RTA aims to enhance marine transport services, streamline licensing processes, and promote sustainable maritime practices. Through strategic alliances and regulatory measures, DMA is committed to nurturing a safe and conducive marine environment that supports Dubai’s economic growth and cements its position as a global maritime hub.
According to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, iron ore shipments increased by 32.68 percent, raw fertilizer shipments rose by 13.56 percent, and coking coal movements went up by 10.24 percent in FY24. The major ports saw an overall growth of 8.06 percent in TEUs, with JNPT handling the largest container volume.
The Westpac Rescue Helicopter performed a medical evacuation of a crew member from the P&O Australia cruise ship, Pacific Adventure, near Newcastle, NSW. The patient received urgent medical assistance on land after being stabilized by a NSW Ambulance critical care paramedic and an NSW Health doctor. Passengers and crew praised the aircrew and medical team for their role in the successful mission.
The Bombay High Court ruled that the accommodation ship certification order issued by the Director General of Shipping in 2022 only applies to Indian ships registered under the Merchant Shipping Act, 1858. Hind Offshore Pvt. Ltd. challenged the order, arguing their vessels were not covered under the Act. The court granted an injunction for the release of the vessels.
The UK government has launched the £8m Smart Shipping Acceleration Fund to help the maritime sector embrace AI, which could revolutionize the industry. The fund will support feasibility studies for technologies like AI, robotics, and autonomous vessels, with potential benefits including safer operations, reduced environmental impact, and economic growth.
Malaysia’s MISC Berhad, via AET, seals contracts for the first ammonia dual-fuel Aframaxes globally. TCPs with PTLCL and shipbuilding deals with DSIC mark a significant step in promoting ammonia as a sustainable maritime fuel. Industry leaders, including Captain Subramaniam and CEO Osman, applaud the commitment to decarbonization.
Mitsui OSK Lines is set to equip the LR1 product tanker, Connections victory, with an integrated CO2 capture system, a first for a Japanese operator. The Filtree System by Value Maritime can remove sulfur oxides, particulates, and recover up to 10% CO2. Installation on the 75,000-tonne vessel is expected by year-end, aligning with MOL’s goal of net zero emissions by 2050.
MSC Group, MSC Foundation, and Mercy Ships International are collaborating to build a new hospital ship in Africa. Supported by a donation from MSC Foundation, the ship will feature living quarters for 600 crew, six operating rooms, and advanced training facilities. This project will expand Mercy Ships’ capacity for training and advocacy efforts.
The Mission to Seafarers has started its second Adventure Race Japan, set for May 2025. Jan Webber, the Mission’s director of development, aims to exceed the success of the 2023 race, where 192 participants from 19 countries raised $1.3m. The official launch party was held during Singapore Maritime Week.
The European Union will soon become an observer of the Djibouti Code of Conduct/Jeddah Amendment, a regional framework to combat piracy, armed robbery, and other illegal maritime activities in the North-Western Indian Ocean. This move signals the EU’s commitment to strengthening global maritime security and protecting trade interests.
