On February 23, 2023, the ILO and IMO marked the 20th anniversary of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC, 2006). This treaty has greatly improved seafarers’ working conditions globally, promoting fair competition in shipping. It established enforceable standards for employment, wages, and health care, ensuring decent work at sea.
The Swedish Club (TSC) has achieved a remarkable 99% retention rate in its 2026 P&I renewal, alongside an 8% increase in new entered tonnage. CEO Thomas Nordberg praised the team’s dedication, emphasizing TSC’s commitment to proactive risk management and personalized service, solidifying its position in the maritime insurance sector.
Turkish firefighters used an innovative ladder truck rescue to save six crew members from the sinking Sea Star Tilos ferry at Altinova Shipyard. All crew were safely evacuated without injury, but the unique twin-hulled vessel later sank, raising environmental concerns about possible pollution in the surrounding waters.
A tragic boating accident in the Bay of Bengal claimed the life of a 33-year-old woman on February 19. The incident occurred near Puducherry as the private charter boat, carrying her family and other passengers, capsized. Local authorities quickly responded, underscoring the risks of recreational boating and the need for safety.
DetentionTrackr has launched a maritime intelligence platform that consolidates global Port State Control detention data into real-time insights. In February, 72 vessels were detained, totaling 164 since 2026. Co-Founder Thomas Cox highlights the AI-driven approach, enhancing decision-making for stakeholders by transforming fragmented data into structured, actionable intelligence.
BMT has launched its Digital Innovation & Simulation Centre (DISC) in Fareham, UK, featuring advanced simulation technology. Central to the facility is the BMT REMBRANDT navigation simulator, used globally for training and feasibility studies. The center supports both defense and commercial initiatives, focusing on autonomous vessels and digital maritime systems.
West African crude traders are facing significant challenges, as soaring freight costs and widening price spreads dampen Asian buyer interest. With shipping rates hitting a five-year high, Nigerian crude differentials are dropping, prompting traders to offer deeper discounts. Analysts warn that unless the Brent-Dubai EFS improves, adjustments are inevitable.
Tidewater is expanding its presence in Brazil’s offshore oil and gas sector by partnering with Wilson Sons to acquire 22 Platform Supply Vessels for approximately $500 million. This strategic move will increase Tidewater’s fleet to 28 vessels, with nearly 90% being Brazilian-built, enhancing its competitive edge in the market.
Arctic Gateway Group (AGG) has partnered with Fednav to evaluate year-round shipping feasibility from the Port of Churchill. This ongoing review, expected to conclude by summer, will analyze ice conditions and shipping patterns while ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and Indigenous consultations. Chris Avery highlighted the importance of understanding operational needs for future growth.
Increased fin whale activity along Chile’s northern coast raises alarms about ship collisions and fishing net entanglements. The Mejillones and Antofagasta bays, a feeding ground from October to January, see heightened risks. Conservationists urge habitat protections, as drone footage of a washed-up whale carcass emphasizes these urgent threats to marine life.
A ship transporting Russian fuels is headed to Cuba, complicating US sanctions as the island faces a critical energy crisis. The Sea Horse, arriving in March, carries vital supplies amid severe shortages affecting daily life. Cuba’s electricity usage has plummeted, indicating a dire situation for the nation struggling with fuel imports.
Croatian pipeline operator JANAF faces pressure to allow Russian oil transit to Hungary and Slovakia, which have EU sanctions exemptions. Following the Druzhba pipeline’s suspension, both countries seek alternative supplies. While Croatia is open to assisting, it hesitates to permit Russian crude, emphasizing oil supply security in the region.
An Italian court has ordered the government to pay $89,000 to the migrant rescue NGO Sea-Watch for the unlawful detention of their vessel, Sea-Watch 3, in 2019. This ruling underscores the ongoing tensions between humanitarian efforts and government policies aimed at restricting migrant access to ports, particularly under former Interior Minister Matteo Salvini.
The IMO’s Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response held its 13th session in February 2026, focusing on environmental protection in maritime operations. Key outcomes included groundwork for a legally binding biofouling management framework and a draft strategy to eliminate marine plastic litter from ships by 2030, emphasizing public awareness and international cooperation.
Global container shipping rates have fallen for six consecutive weeks, now averaging $1,919 per 40-foot container. This decline is unexpected, as the anticipated surge before the Lunar New Year has not occurred. Carriers are responding with 31 blank sailings, highlighting a weak market amidst fluctuating demand and regional uncertainties.
