Cyprus has officially endorsed the International Medical Guide for Seafarers and Fishers, as announced by the International Chamber of Shipping. This endorsement aligns Cyprus with other flag states, emphasizing the guide’s importance for the health and safety of maritime workers. Training institutions are advised to integrate it into medical courses.
On Monday, Iran attacked a crude oil tanker at Dubai Port, igniting a fire and damaging its hull, raising concerns about an oil spill. This incident is part of escalating assaults on merchant vessels in the Gulf following U.S. and Israeli military actions. Fortunately, all crew members are safe.
The global fertilizer and ammonia trade faces significant risks due to potential closures of the Strait of Hormuz, impacting 15% of ammonia and 21% of urea exports. Major producers like Saudi Arabia and Qatar are vulnerable, threatening food supply chains, especially for countries like India that heavily rely on imports.
American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier (ARC) has signed a five-year deal to implement the LifeFinder safety tech platform across its fleet of ten U.S.-flag vessels. Following a successful pilot on the M/V Patriot, the initiative aims to enhance mariner safety and emergency response capabilities, improving coordination during drills and incident analysis.
The Dredging Corporation of India Limited (DCIL) celebrated its Golden Jubilee in Visakhapatnam, marking 50 years of enhancing India’s maritime infrastructure. Founded in 1976, DCIL now handles nearly 80% of the country’s maintenance dredging, with revenue soaring to ₹1,148 crore last year. The event highlighted future ventures and global aspirations.
The Indian government reported that twenty Indian-flagged vessels with 540 seafarers are under surveillance in the Persian Gulf. The Ministry of Ports confirmed all seafarers are safe, with no incidents in the last 24 hours. Ongoing coordination with maritime stakeholders ensures their welfare and smooth port operations across India.
Two Indian LPG carriers, BW TYR and BW ELM, are heading to India with a combined 94,000 metric tonnes of LPG. BW TYR is set to arrive in Mumbai on March 31, while BW ELM will reach New Mangalore on April 1. The Ministry of Ports ensures safety measures for seafarers.
Seafarers’ helplines report a surge in distress calls from crews trapped in the Gulf amid ongoing conflict. Many urgently seek repatriation, compensation, and essential supplies. Critical shortages of food and water are escalating health concerns onboard. The ITF has received over 1,000 communications, highlighting the dire situation faced by 20,000 stranded seafarers.
As part of India’s Maritime India Vision 2030, the country is transitioning to electric harbour tugs, with the Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP) leading the way. Major ports like Deendayal and Jawaharlal Nehru are among the first globally to adopt fully electric towing fleets, promoting sustainability in maritime operations.
Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) recently surpassed 8 million TEUs in container throughput, alongside a record cargo achievement of 100 million metric tonnes. This success, attributed to robust collaborations with terminal operators, highlights JNPA’s dedication to enhancing infrastructure and supporting India’s ambition as a global maritime hub.
Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd. (APSEZ) has launched India’s first Port of Refuge (PoR) to improve maritime emergency response. Located at Dighi Port and Gopalpur Port, the initiative aims to enhance safety for distressed vessels and support critical services like salvage and pollution containment, aligning with global maritime standards.
India has launched ‘Operation Urja Suraksha’ to safeguard merchant vessels transporting energy supplies from the Persian Gulf. This operation shifts focus towards a strategic plan for 22 Indian-flagged vessels, crucial for LNG, LPG, and crude oil. Coordination with Iranian authorities aims to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
The Iran-aligned Houthi movement from Yemen has issued a warning about its potential involvement in the escalating U.S.–Israel–Iran conflict. They are prepared for military intervention if the Red Sea becomes a battleground. Concerns arise over renewed maritime attacks, threatening global trade and raising alarms among shipowners and insurers.
Three Australian liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities have suffered production disruptions due to Tropical Cyclone Narelle, affecting global supply. Woodside and Chevron reported outages at key plants, complicating matters for Asian buyers already impacted by halted shipments from Qatar. Spot prices are likely to surge, intensifying market strain.
The fishing industry is grappling with soaring diesel prices linked to the Iran conflict, leaving over half of the Dutch fleet docked. With fuel costs skyrocketing to €30,000 weekly, many trawlers are unable to operate. This crisis extends to Belgium and Britain, leading to tighter fish supplies and rising prices.
