Norway’s Green Yard has unveiled the KLEVEN KY100, a 100-meter Polar Class expedition yacht designed for global operations. Collaborating with Opalinski Design House and HAV Design, this vessel combines advanced engineering with modern aesthetics, featuring hybrid propulsion, a helicopter hangar, and luxurious amenities, marking a significant milestone for the company.
Search and rescue teams from 19 Wing Comox executed three medical evacuations from cruise ships near northern Vancouver Island in one week. The latest, on September 14, 2026, involved a distressed passenger located 450 kilometers northwest of Port Hardy, requiring swift action from a hovering Cormorant helicopter for their transfer.
A crew member from the Disney Wonder was airlifted during an Alaska cruise off British Columbia on September 8, 2026. The Royal Canadian Air Force deployed a CH-149 Cormorant helicopter for the medical evacuation, successfully assisting the injured individual before the ship continued its itinerary without disruption.
The Philippine Coast Guard has completed its search of the June Aster ferry, which caught fire off Palawan. So far, 76 bodies have been recovered, with responders examining critical areas of the vessel. The shipowner has been urged to appoint a qualified salvor as pollution concerns grow amid extensive damage.
The Dutch shipyards have made significant progress in building Celebrity Cruises’ first river cruise ships, with the hull of the Celebrity Compass recently floated. Scheduled to launch in August 2027, the brand aims to expand its fleet to 20 vessels by 2031, enhancing river cruising experiences for its loyal customers.
Indonesian rescuers are searching for approximately 140 missing passengers and crew after the Virgo Transport 8 ferry capsized in the Java Sea during rough weather. The ferry, carrying over 240 individuals, encountered severe conditions, prompting a distress signal from the captain before it overturned. So far, 102 people have been rescued.
A tragic incident unfolded off the Philippines as a fire engulfed the passenger ferry June Aster, claiming at least five lives. The Philippine Coast Guard is conducting search and recovery operations for missing passengers. The ferry, carrying 117 passengers and 17 crew, ignited near Marcilla during its journey from Manila.
Carnival Cruise Line celebrated a historic milestone with Daniela Gargiulo’s appointment as the first female Staff Captain. During a ceremony on the Carnival Adventure, Captain Francesco Bencivenga welcomed her as his second-in-command. Gargiulo, who began her journey with Carnival in 2013, expressed pride in breaking gender barriers in the maritime industry.
Nationals from 172 countries can now benefit from India’s new e-group visa system, streamlining cruise travel and aiming to double traffic by 2029. This initiative simplifies entry for international cruise ships, enhances processing at ports, and positions India as a premier maritime hub, inviting travelers to explore its vibrant coastal destinations.
Alfa Laval has unveiled the Hukka-5, a cutting-edge exhaust gas steam boiler designed to enhance waste heat recovery and energy efficiency for cruise ships and ferries. Introduced at SMM 2026, its innovative design captures heat from engine exhaust while maintaining a compact size, making it ideal for modern maritime applications.
A successful methanol bunkering demonstration was conducted with the cruise ship Mein Schiff 7, the first methanol-ready vessel. This operation, involving 25 cubic meters of renewable methanol, showcased the feasibility of integrating lower-carbon fuels in the cruise industry, highlighting TUI Cruises’ commitment to sustainability and emissions reduction strategies.
On January 7, 2023, the RoPax Stena Estrid collided with a jetty during a routine berthing maneuver, endangering 157 individuals aboard. The incident caused significant flooding due to a hull puncture, prompting the crew to act swiftly to stabilize the vessel and ensure the safe disembarkation of all passengers and vehicles.
A tragic incident occurred on August 30, 2026, when a high-speed ferry capsized between Northern Cyprus and Southern Turkey, claiming at least six lives. Among the 267 passengers were mainly civilians. Rescue teams saved 172 individuals, while investigations into the cause of the disaster are currently underway.
Fincantieri and Oceania Cruises recently celebrated the launch of the Oceania Sonata™, a luxury cruise ship under construction at the Marghera shipyard. Set for delivery in 2027, the vessel will accommodate 1,390 passengers and features spacious public areas. This marks the beginning of the Sonata class, enhancing the cruise experience.
A lifeguard aboard the MSC World America, Rafael Cayetano Blanco, was arrested for allegedly engaging in sexual activity with a 17-year-old passenger. The incidents occurred after they exchanged numbers, leading to two visits to Blanco’s cabin. He admitted to authorities that the encounters were consensual before his arrest.
