The Indian Coast Guard disrupted a major international oil smuggling operation in the Arabian Sea on February 5-6, 2026. Intercepting three suspicious vessels 100 nautical miles west of Mumbai, the operation revealed a sophisticated network transporting low-cost oil from conflict zones, highlighting India’s enhanced maritime vigilance and commitment to regional security.
Mumbai’s historic eastern seafront is set for a transformative overhaul, with projects worth Rs 22,672 crore aimed at establishing it as a maritime and tourism hub by 2047. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal emphasized government commitment to revitalizing the port, enhancing operations, and creating vibrant new attractions for visitors and businesses.
In a groundbreaking move for maritime security, V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority has introduced India’s first advanced Anti-Drone System. This system, featuring Radio Frequency and radar-based detection, enhances protection against unauthorized drones, ensuring robust operations. The initiative aligns with national security priorities, marking a significant step in safeguarding critical port infrastructure.
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) has welcomed the delivery of the Energia Grandeur, a new LPG dual-fuel very large gas carrier. Commissioned by MOL Energia and built by Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries, the vessel will operate under a time charter with TotalEnergies, significantly reducing emissions while transporting ammonia.
Kongsberg Maritime has been awarded a contract by Consórcio Marenova to design four handy-size product tankers for Petrobras Transporte, valued at over $31 million. These vessels, measuring 150.6 meters long, will feature advanced systems and be ready for methanol and ethanol, emphasizing innovation and sustainability in Brazil’s shipbuilding industry.
Researchers are developing AI models to predict iceberg movements, enhancing shipping safety and climate monitoring. By analyzing historical drift patterns and ocean data, these systems improve tracking capabilities, enabling operators to anticipate hazards and plan safer routes, addressing limitations of traditional methods reliant on satellite imagery and manual analysis.
The captain of a container ship, Vladimir Motin, was sentenced to six years in prison for gross negligence after a collision with a U.S. tanker resulted in the death of crew member Mark Pernia. Judge Andrew Baker criticized Motin for disabling alarm systems, deeming him an “accident waiting to happen.”
Eight Indian seafarers have been cleared for release from Iran following a court ruling, offering hope to their families. They were part of a group detained when the oil tanker M.T. Valiant Roar was seized on December 8, 2022, facing harsh conditions during their captivity.
A 22-year-old merchant navy cadet, Sarthak Mahapatra from Bhadrak, Odisha, has gone missing from the vessel EA Jersey while on duty in Malaysian waters. Last seen on February 3, an empty cabin was discovered during a routine check. Search operations are ongoing, with his mother appealing for urgent assistance.
The European Commission plans to propose measures to strengthen the EU shipping industry by promoting “Made in EU” initiatives. These will encourage public authorities to consider sustainability and product origin in supplier selection. The European Investment Bank may also ease financing for shipowners, enhancing local ship production and competitiveness.
Estonian authorities have released the Russia-bound containership Baltic Spirit after a thorough search revealed no evidence of drug smuggling. The operation, sparked by international intelligence, included a dramatic boarding by police K-Commando in Tallinn Bay. Despite extensive inspections, officials found no illegal cargo, allowing the vessel to continue its journey.
Fincantieri has partnered with Italian deep-tech firm WSense to develop advanced wireless technologies for underwater applications. This collaboration enhances subsea monitoring systems by integrating WSense’s wireless solutions into Fincantieri’s DEEP system, improving resilience and flexibility while minimizing reliance on traditional cabling for critical infrastructure protection and environmental monitoring.
A.P. Moller-Maersk A/S plans to cut around 1,000 jobs and emphasize cost discipline in 2026 as it faces falling freight rates from the reopening of Red Sea routes. Projected EBITDA will range from $4.5 billion to $7 billion, prompting a significant drop in shares and a focus on productivity improvements.
On February 5, 2026, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, Somalia’s Minister of Ports and Marine Transport, commended the cabinet’s approval of strategic maritime agreements to rejuvenate the shipping sector and strengthen ties with Türkiye. These agreements aim to modernize maritime governance, enhance trade, and protect seafarers’ rights while promoting environmental safety.
The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has released its report on the April 25, 2024, collision between the crude oil tanker Apache and the trawler Serinah in the Firth of Clyde. Both vessels failed to adhere to collision prevention regulations, resulting in Serinah sinking rapidly, though all crew members were unharmed.
