The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, Arsenio Dominguez, condemned the attack on the tanker MT SETTEBELLO near the Strait of Hormuz, which left three seafarers missing. He stressed the importance of protecting seafarers and civilian shipping, emphasizing that actions affecting international shipping must comply with international law.
CMA CGM’s Chairman and CEO, Rodolphe Saade, warned against assuming the Strait of Hormuz will revert to its pre-war conditions, calling such optimism “unwise.” With ongoing conflicts stranding vessels and disrupting operations, the company is exploring alternative transport routes, incurring significant costs and adapting to a volatile geopolitical landscape.
The Korean Register (KR) has partnered with Microsoft Korea to develop an AI-driven digital ship classification system, enhancing innovation in shipbuilding. The memorandum of understanding marks a significant expansion from cloud migration to AI advancements, focusing on data-driven classification, generative AI, and new digital business models to boost global competitiveness.
A recent analysis by Danish Shipping Companies reveals a record price difference for bunker oil between Singapore and Rotterdam, reaching $362 per ton in mid-March 2026. Geopolitical events, notably Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, have significantly impacted oil prices, particularly in Asian markets.
Exmar has proudly launched the MGC ANTWERPEN, the world’s first oceangoing vessel powered by a dual-fuel ammonia engine. This innovative mid-size gas carrier can transport 46,000 cubic meters of ammonia or liquefied petroleum gas, achieving nearly zero emissions with low-carbon ammonia, and surpassing current emissions reduction targets by 90%.
President Donald Trump recently announced that the U.S. military has been secretly assisting commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. He claimed this operation has successfully enabled over 100 million barrels of oil to reach the market and supported more than 200 ships, asserting U.S. control over the crucial waterway.
Over the weekend, 16 tankers congregated off Oman to transfer millions of stranded barrels, indicating a shift from the prior month’s near halt in oil flow. With many vessels operating without transponders, oil transport through the Strait of Hormuz is becoming more consistent, supported by U.S. assistance amid regional conflicts.
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) reaffirmed its commitment to improving seafarers’ documentation and maritime digitalization, as stated by Edward Osagie during a recent visit from the Gambia Maritime Administration. The collaboration aims to enhance regional certification systems and share operational insights, strengthening ties between Nigeria and The Gambia.
Afcons Infrastructure Ltd has received a Letter of Award from Vadhvan Port Project Limited to construct a 10.14-km offshore breakwater at the new Vadhvan Port in Maharashtra. Valued at ₹5,301 crore, this contract represents Afcons’ largest marine project and signifies a major advancement for India’s largest planned public port.
The cargo ship MSCI 1 ran aground off Luzon’s northwest coast, partially capsizing and causing an oil spill. On June 8, the Philippine Coast Guard was alerted as the crew abandoned ship due to worsening weather. Oil leaks prompted immediate environmental response efforts, including the deployment of containment booms.
Two vessels flying Panamanian and Barbadian flags were damaged in an attack while navigating Ukraine’s Black Sea corridor. One ship, carrying metal, was en route to Odesa, while the other, loaded with grain, had just departed. Odesa’s governor condemned the assaults, highlighting ongoing threats to maritime safety.
The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) in India has blacklisted 88 vessels and restricted 278 others due to the abandonment of Indian seafarers at foreign ports. This action follows alarming reports from the International Transport Workers’ Federation, highlighting the urgent need for compliance with maritime laws and the welfare of seafarers.
Kerala, with its 590-kilometer coastline, is poised to become India’s maritime gateway, according to Chief Minister V D Satheesan. The state aims to develop Cochin into a major port hub, enhance minor ports, and expand in deep-sea fishing, aquaculture, and sustainable coastal tourism, unlocking vast opportunities within the blue economy.
The Kerala High Court has allowed three foreign crew members from the sunken cargo vessel MSC ELSA-3 to leave India after over a year, subject to conditions. Four others must remain until their examination is complete. The Liberia-flagged ship’s sinking off Kochi sparked multiple investigations and environmental concerns.
The Secretary-General of the IMO, Mr. Arsenio Dominguez, has expressed grave concerns about seafarer safety in the Strait of Hormuz. Despite known risks and recent incidents, vessels continue to navigate the area without adequate security. He emphasizes that protecting seafarers’ lives must take precedence over commercial interests.
