Two merchant vessels and a fishing boat are aiding the South African Maritime Safety Authority in the search for missing crew members from the tugboat Leo, which sank overnight. Of the 18 crew members, 12 were rescued, one confirmed dead, and five remain unaccounted for amid challenging sea conditions.
Last month, Hydrex successfully conducted an underwater bow thruster operation on a ferry in Stockholm during winter. Scheduled during a service break, the team collaborated closely with the ferry crew. They replaced the old thruster with a new unit, ensuring efficient workflow and eliminating the need for a drydock visit.
On March 1, 2026, three vessels were attacked in the Strait of Hormuz amidst rising tensions from Iranian retaliatory strikes against US-Israeli air raids. One ship off Oman was hit by an unidentified projectile, igniting a fire that was later controlled. Another vessel also faced a projectile strike, but all crew members remained safe.
In the past 24 hours, two tankers were attacked in the region, escalating the threat level to critical. The SKYLIGHT sustained injuries to its crew, while the MKD VYOM caught fire from a projectile. Analysts warn of increased missile threats and navigation hazards in the Strait of Hormuz, impacting all merchant vessels.
Belgium has seized the oil tanker Ethera, linked to Russia’s shadow fleet and suspected of using false documents, according to Defence Minister Theo Francken. This action aligns with Western sanctions aimed at reducing Russia’s oil revenues post-invasion of Ukraine. The Russian embassy expressed concern over the seizure’s implications.
Seaspan has introduced Dockboy, a remote-controlled ultra-high pressure cleaning tool for efficient hull maintenance. This innovative device removes marine growth and coatings in one operation, ensuring paint-ready surfaces. With improved connectivity over uneven surfaces, Dockboy enhances operator ergonomics, safety, and contributes to a quieter working environment at Vancouver Drydock and Victoria Shipyards.
A Palau-flagged oil tanker, the Skylight, under U.S. sanctions, was attacked near Oman’s Musandam peninsula, injuring four crew members. The incident, occurring close to the vital Strait of Hormuz, follows prior drone strikes, signaling escalating tensions in the region amid retaliatory actions by Iran against U.S.-Israeli initiatives.
ClassNK has released updated editions of two key documents: “FAQs on the EU-ETS for Shipping (3rd Edition)” and “FAQs on the FuelEU Maritime (5th Edition).” These resources aim to help maritime stakeholders navigate new environmental regulations. The EU Emissions Trading System and FuelEU Maritime regulations will impact vessels over 5,000 gross tonnage.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) completed a 24-day emergency response after the bulk carrier Swift Hangzhou experienced engine failure in the Coral Sea. Deployed tugboats and continuous monitoring prevented potential drift toward the Great Barrier Reef, highlighting AMSA’s crucial role in managing maritime incidents in sensitive environments.
A significant number of oil tankers are avoiding the Strait of Hormuz due to heightened tensions following recent U.S. and Israeli bombings in Iran. While some vessels continue to transit, many are paused at the strait’s entrance. This area is vital, with 20% of the world’s oil passing through daily.
On Saturday, Qatar’s Ministry of Transport announced a temporary halt to maritime traffic as a safety precaution due to regional developments. This measure aims to protect maritime operations, urging vessel owners and companies to comply. The ministry is coordinating with authorities to monitor the situation and ensure public safety.
The U.S. Treasury has ramped up economic pressure on Iran, sanctioning over 30 entities and vessels to disrupt its shadow fleet and arms procurement. Secretary Scott Bessent noted that these measures aim to hinder Iran’s illicit operations, which undermine international laws and contribute to regional instability, affecting ordinary citizens.
The Hong Kong-flagged tanker Sea Horse, carrying fuel likely destined for Cuba, has halted navigation in the Atlantic, impacting the oil-dependent nation. U.S. Treasury recently allowed companies to seek licenses to resell Venezuelan oil to Cuba, amid dwindling supplies and ongoing sanctions affecting the island’s energy crisis.
Iran has significantly increased its oil loading operations, preparing for potential U.S. military action. Exports from Kharg Island soared to about 20.1 million barrels between February 15 and 20, nearly tripling January’s figures. This surge reflects Iran’s strategy to maximize oil turnover amid heightened military tensions in the region.
The maritime industry is on the brink of transformation, with clean energy technologies taking center stage at the Asia Pacific Maritime (APM) 2026. Scheduled for March 25-27 in Singapore, the exhibition will feature innovations in renewable fuels, battery-powered vessels, and hybrid systems, addressing urgent sustainability challenges in shipping.
