Tensions are rising over tariffs as the U.S. strongly opposes the proposed Net-Zero Framework, a Global Carbon Tax backed by India and China. The U.S. warns against any agreements that may harm its economy. In April, India and 62 nations voted in favor of the tax aimed at emission reductions.
Filmmaker Jude Anthany Joseph, acclaimed for ‘2018’, will direct ‘MV Kairali: The Enduring Mystery’ for Confluence Media. This film recounts the 1979 maritime tragedy of the MV Kairali, which vanished with 51 crew members. Based on Lt Col Thomas Joseph’s book, it aims to honor the lost lives and provide closure.
Econavis Solutions, a maritime technology firm in Glasgow, has secured a £300,000 investment from the Innovate UK Icure Exploit program to drive growth. This funding will commercialize research from the University of Strathclyde and support the launch of its ECO Boss Cap Propeller Hub, enhancing hydrodynamic efficiency in the industry.
Researchers have unveiled a groundbreaking method to reduce emissions in the shipping industry. A study in Science Advances highlights the accelerated weathering of limestone (AWL), which mimics natural carbon sequestration. If widely adopted, AWL could potentially cut shipping-related carbon pollution by half, offering a promising solution to climate change.
Efforts to refloat the bulker Federal Yamaska, which grounded on the St. Lawrence River, began on Friday. The Canadian Coast Guard reported that a refloating operation would take hours. The vessel, carrying sugar, lost power and drifted across the shipping lane, now restricted but still open. No pollution or injuries reported.
A fire erupted Saturday in Yeosu, South Korea, involving an oil tanker and a cargo ship, resulting in one death and two injuries. While both vessels were moored, witnesses alerted the Coast Guard. Rescue operations saved 18 crew members, but the cargo ship’s captain was found unconscious and later died.
X-Press Feeders has criticized the Sri Lanka Supreme Court’s ruling for a $1 billion payment regarding the X-Press Pearl incident. The company claims the judgment unfairly blames them, highlighting failures by local authorities and a lack of timely action. They argue the ruling undermines international maritime law and sets a troubling precedent.
The RMT maritime union plans to initiate industrial action on Orkney Ferries due to unresolved disputes over pay and working conditions. Starting August 28, members will refuse overtime until meaningful negotiations occur. General Secretary Eddie Dempsey highlighted the need for fair compensation, warning that disruptions are likely without management engagement.
As battery technology advances, the maritime industry is embracing hybrid and electric solutions. Fleetzero and Glosten are collaborating to design the world’s longest-range hybrid electric vessel. Retrofitting a Lightering Support Vessel, it will operate primarily on battery power, marking a significant milestone for cleaner maritime operations. Construction begins in mid-2026.
ABS and Saronic Technologies have signed an MOU to collaborate on autonomous maritime technologies, aiming to enhance requirements for autonomous surface vessels (ASVs). ABS Chairman Christopher J. Wiernicki emphasized the potential for safer operations, while Saronic’s CEO Dino Mavrookas looks forward to advancing industry standards through this partnership.
Progress is underway to operationalize the National Maritime Information Sharing Centre (NMISC) in Tanzania, enhancing maritime security. A recent workshop in Dar Es Salaam gathered national agencies and IMO experts to develop a roadmap, emphasizing cooperation under the Djibouti Code of Conduct and strengthening regional maritime safety in the Western Indian Ocean.
On August 13, 2025, a cargo ship collided with a yacht near Kyushu Island, Japan, leading to the arrest of Captain Yuki Mochizuki. A search revealed the body of Dr. Makoto Yamamoto, who suffered cardiac arrest. The incident highlights urgent maritime safety needs amid challenging navigation conditions.
On August 12, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency received a report about a drifting “ghost ship” near Terengganu, endangering nearby oil platforms. The abandoned, burnt vessel was located four nautical miles from the Semangkok A rig. Investigations linked it to a fire incident earlier, raising concerns over potential casualties.
MEYER RE has partnered with Everllence to promote methanol retrofit solutions in the maritime sector. This collaboration aims to enhance retrofitting of four-stroke engines, offering shipping operators a cost-effective route to cleaner fuels. By merging innovations, they seek to set new standards for sustainable shipping and reduce the industry’s carbon footprint.
The Australian Border Force has ramped up its crackdown on illegal Indonesian fishing, recently intercepting two boats off the Northern Territory. Eight fishermen were arrested, and their vessels destroyed. In total, authorities seized 2.1 tonnes of sea cucumber, potentially worth US$140,000, underscoring the risks of illegal fishing in Australian waters.
