Maersk announced the temporary suspension of two critical services linking the Middle East with Asia and Europe due to disruptions from the Iran conflict. The FM1 and ME11 services will be halted to protect personnel and vessels, amid rising tensions and port congestion affecting global supply chains, as reported by Xeneta.
At the 11th Raisina Dialogue, Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh emphasized India’s commitment to strategic autonomy, outlining its “red lines” on sovereignty and technology governance. He described India’s foreign policy as rooted in Saṁskāra, focusing on assertion, accommodation, and advancement to refine the global order while safeguarding national interests and fostering international collaboration.
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) will launch the Maritime Singapore Master Plan in 2027, aimed at enhancing the nation’s maritime competitiveness. Key initiatives include the Maritime Cluster Fund for talent development, innovation incentives for companies, and advancements in digital capabilities, including the Maritime Digital Twin and full Maritime 5G coverage.
The Government of India has assured the safety of all Indian-flagged vessels in West Asian waters amid rising tensions. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, maintaining communication with maritime agencies. Officials report no incidents affecting Indian vessels, urging shipping companies to follow updated safety guidelines to ensure crew and cargo security.
India is closely monitoring rising tensions in the Persian Gulf, particularly regarding Iran. Government agencies are tracking the movement of Indian vessels and the safety of around 23,000 seafarers. With 36 Indian-flagged ships operating in the region, enhanced monitoring efforts have been initiated to ensure real-time updates on crew safety.
Seafarers now have the right to refuse sailing in the Middle East Gulf, including the Strait of Hormuz, due to heightened regional threats. New agreements ensure companies cover repatriation costs and provide increased pay, with compensation doubled for death or disability. Protections are crucial for those facing dangerous conditions.
As tensions mount in West Asia, 38 Indian-flagged ships, carrying around 1,100 seafarers, remain stranded in the Persian Gulf. This situation raises serious concerns for maritime safety and global trade. Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has convened a review to address these issues and ensure the safety of Indian personnel.
On March 5, 2026, France engaged in talks with Italy and Greece to bolster coordination in the Eastern Mediterranean due to rising tensions from the Iran conflict. President Macron emphasized unity, agreeing on military shipments to Cyprus and ensuring navigation freedom in the Red Sea amidst escalating hostilities affecting European territories.
A significant explosion on a tanker off Kuwait’s coast has resulted in an oil spill, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). The incident, reported by the captain, occurred outside territorial waters, raising environmental concerns. Amid escalating US-Iran-Israel tensions, shipping giant Cosco has suspended services to the Gulf.
On March 1, the Vietnamese tanker SAND, en route to Iraq, received a distress call from the burning MKD VYOM. Captain Bui Duc Tuan decided to divert and assist. Navigating through the night, the crew rescued all 21 sailors from the lifeboats, showcasing remarkable courage and solidarity in a dangerous situation.
The global marine insurance industry continues to provide war risk coverage for vessels in the Persian Gulf and Red Sea, despite rising cancellations due to Middle Eastern conflicts. The International Union of Marine Insurance confirmed that insurers are monitoring the situation closely, affecting vessel traffic and global supply chains.
On Wednesday, a nationwide 24-hour strike by seafarers grounded ships across Greece, disrupting maritime traffic. Initiated by the Panhellenic Seamen’s Federation, the strike addresses the plight of sailors stranded in the conflict-ridden Middle East. Union officials warned against sending vessels into the area due to severe security risks.
The Gulf region’s security situation endangers vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting varied responses from the maritime industry. Major operators like Maersk have halted regional calls for crew safety, while some owners still navigate these risky waters. Industry bodies stress thorough risk assessments to prioritize seafarer wellbeing amid rising threats.
Around 20,000 seafarers and 15,000 cruise passengers are stranded in the Persian Gulf amid escalating conflict from the US-Israeli offensive against Iran, as reported by the UN’s International Maritime Organization. Greek seafarers have initiated a strike, urging the region’s designation as a war risk zone to facilitate repatriation.
Massterly, the autonomous shipping venture by Kongsberg Maritime and Wilhelmsen, has successfully supervised three vessels simultaneously from its Remote Operations Centre. This milestone, part of the Chief-to-Shore project, highlights the importance of changing operational mindsets and fostering trust between onshore and at-sea teams for effective remote operations.
