The Philippine Coast Guard has located the sunken ferry Trisha Kerstin 3 near Basilan, allowing for potential recovery of human remains and insights into its capsizing. The confirmed death toll has risen to 43, with investigations into the shipowner’s operations and possible unregistered passengers complicating the situation further.
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.
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.
Wärtsilä will provide a fully integrated electric propulsion system with waterjets for a new high-speed catamaran ferry for Danish operator Molslinjen. This vessel, the third in a series of battery-electric ferries, will enhance efficiency and performance, accommodating 1,483 passengers and 500 cars for the Kattegat route by 2028.
Clarus Networks has secured a 12-month contract to provide satellite connectivity for CalMac Ferries, the UK’s largest ferry operator. This agreement introduces a pooled Starlink data service across CalMac’s fleet, enhancing operational efficiency, crew welfare, and passenger experience on their extensive network of 29 routes along Scotland’s west coast.
On Monday morning, the interisland ferry Trisha Kerstin 3 sank near Basilan Province, resulting in at least 15 fatalities. The vessel had departed Zamboanga City with 332 passengers and 27 crew members. As of Monday, 317 individuals were rescued, but 28 remain unaccounted for. The cause of the sinking is under investigation.
Amsterdam’s coalition government is re-evaluating its stance on cruise ships, initially planning to limit their presence. Now, eliminating them entirely by 2035 is on the table due to rising pollution concerns. With environmental activists pushing for change, the city may restrict ocean-going ships to one per day starting in 2026.
Coroner Monica Chow Wai-cho indicated that the choice to exclude a watertight door from the Lamma IV was deliberate, labeling the resulting deaths as “unlawful.” This decision, linked to a significant inquiry, has left families of the victims pushing for further justice, citing ignored design flaws in the ferry’s construction.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Transportation and Construction Engineering, Ltd. (MHI-TC) has successfully delivered the Mitsubishi Marine Bridge (MMB) to Yokohama City. This innovative mobile seaport passenger boarding bridge enhances safety and comfort for cruise passengers, featuring autonomous driving technology and a flexible docking system, while promoting environmental sustainability.
The recent turnaround of Celebrity Millennium at Mumbai’s Ballard Pier underscores the city’s ability to meet global cruise standards while retaining its local charm. With 2,062 guests onboard, this event demonstrated Mumbai’s capacity for high-volume cruise operations, enhancing hospitality and efficiency, and signaling potential for future lucrative itineraries in the Arabian Sea.
Interferry is calling for an immediate freeze on the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) for the ferry sector, advocating to maintain the current 70% emissions surrender obligation until 2025. CEO Mike Corrigan stresses that the maritime sector shouldn’t bear financial burdens until road transport is included and clear fund allocation regulations are established.
On January 19, 2026, Meyer Turku shipyard began production of the fifth Icon Class vessel for Royal Caribbean Group. The steel-cutting ceremony marked the start of over two years of construction. Scheduled for delivery in summer 2028, this ship will enhance the Royal Caribbean fleet with innovative holiday experiences.
Staff on Carnival Cruise Lines’ Australian ships reportedly earn as little as $2.50 per hour, far below the minimum wage, while working over 10 hours daily. The Maritime Union of Australia claims this exploitation targets impoverished workers, who endure harsh conditions, often working up to 300 hours a month without daylight.
Kenya is experiencing a surge in cruise tourism, thanks to a new multiple-entry Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system. This streamlined process has attracted over 2,000 international tourists aboard luxury ships like the MV Azamara Journey, significantly boosting local economies and enhancing Kenya’s reputation as a premier maritime destination.
Fremantle Ports is leading Australia’s initiative to sustainably manage ship-generated waste by trialing recycling methods for materials from cruise ships. Historically, stringent biosecurity regulations have complicated recycling efforts, often resulting in valuable materials being sent to landfills. Fremantle’s advocacy aims to set a precedent for improved practices nationwide.
