On January 22, U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized $70,737 in unreported cash from the captain of the M/V Sheng Ning Hai during a routine inspection in Baltimore. Despite previously declaring cash in Maine, the captain failed to report the additional funds, highlighting ongoing compliance issues with customs regulations.
Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore has launched its Gas Center of Excellence in Doha, Qatar, to enhance support for LNG and gas projects worldwide. This facility combines regional expertise with global resources, providing integrated assistance across the gas value chain and reinforcing BV’s marine presence in the Middle East.
Japan’s Imabari Shipbuilding Group has delivered the SG Lagoon, a Capesize bulk carrier with a deadweight tonnage of 210,141 DWT, commissioned by Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha. This dual-fuel vessel can operate on heavy oil or LNG, showcasing advancements in environmentally friendly shipping technologies while maintaining substantial cargo capacity.
The Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB) is optimistic about the Union Budget’s provisions set to bolster the state’s maritime sector. With initiatives in coastal shipping and shipbuilding, Gujarat aims for rapid growth. The new Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Scheme seeks to elevate coastal freight movement, positioning the state as a premier maritime hub.
The Switch has unveiled a new Electronic Current Limiter (ECL) to enhance DC system stability in marine applications. This device allows direct battery connections, addressing fault challenges in large battery systems. By limiting fault currents and preserving DC-link voltage, the ECL ensures operational continuity and boosts vessel efficiency during abnormal conditions.
The Indian government’s Sagarmala Programme, aimed at transforming the coastline into an economic hub, faces major setbacks with a 29% funding cut in the 2026-27 Union Budget, dropping from Rs 866 crore to Rs 616.88 crore. This decline threatens project timelines and coastal infrastructure development amid shifting funding priorities.
Stena Line will close its ferry route between Halmstad, Sweden, and Grenaa, Denmark, with the final operations on April 30, 2026. CEO Niclas Mårtensson cited profitability challenges and strong competition as key reasons for the decision, emphasizing the need to enhance services and strengthen the company’s network resilience.
India is set to enhance its shipping container manufacturing sector with a ₹10,000 crore investment over five years. This initiative, highlighted by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, aims to decrease dependency on imports and meet rising demand for containerized cargo. Industry experts suggest targeted support could bridge existing cost gaps.
A London court convicted Russian captain Vladimir Motin of gross negligence manslaughter for a fatal collision involving his container ship, the Solong, and the U.S. tanker, Stena Immaculate. Prosecutors highlighted Motin’s failure to act despite knowing of the danger, resulting in a tragedy that claimed crew member Mark Pernia’s life.
The Panama Canal celebrated a historic milestone with the inaugural transit of the Disney Adventure, the largest cruise ship to navigate its waters. Weighing 208,000 gross tons and accommodating 6,700 passengers, this transit marks a significant achievement in maritime history, showcasing advancements in cruise ship design and canal capacity.
The World Shipping Council has updated its Dual-Fuel Fleet Dashboard, revealing a rise in dual-fuel container ships and vehicle carriers to 400 by December 2025, up from 218 in 2024. With 726 more on order, this growth reflects a significant investment of over $150 billion in sustainable shipping solutions.
The UP World LNG Shipping Index surged 4.05% last week, closing at a historic 182.36 points. In contrast, the S&P 500 saw a modest increase of 0.3%. Notable gains were observed in companies like COSCO Shipping Energy Transportation and Chevron, while Atlantic spot charter rates continued to decline amid rising gas consumption in Europe.
Columbia Group has partnered with Prevention at Sea (PaS) to implement the MORSE digital compliance platform across its managed fleet. This initiative aims to enhance operational efficiency by integrating electronic logbooks with standardized compliance processes, providing real-time visibility into reporting activities and reducing administrative burdens for onboard crews.
The International Maritime Organization’s Sub-Committee on Ship Design and Construction has drafted a workplan to develop safety regulations for vessels using innovative technologies and alternative fuels. This initiative, aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, will be presented to the Maritime Safety Committee for approval in May 2026. Key milestones include updates to existing standards and the introduction of new guidelines.
Severe weather in the North Atlantic has worsened the damage to the MSC Baltic III, which ran aground near Lark Harbor, Newfoundland, in February 2025. Salvage crews observed significant hull cracking and buckling, compounded by heavy ice accumulation. Despite the challenges, efforts to remove fuel and cargo continue amid harsh conditions.
