Women from 19 Latin American countries gathered in Guayaquil, Ecuador, from November 17-19 for a workshop focused on enhancing gender-responsive maritime policies. Supported by the IMO’s Women in Maritime Gender Programme, discussions aimed to strengthen governance, increase women’s roles, and promote gender equality in the maritime sector, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 5.
Response efforts have entered their fourth day for the containership One Henry Hudson, which caught fire while docked at the Port of Los Angeles. All crew members were evacuated without injuries. The blaze, originating in hard-to-reach areas, prompted a major response involving nearly 200 personnel from various agencies.
South Korea’s shipbuilding sector is witnessing a surge in container ship orders, led by HD Hyundai’s landmark contract with HMM worth 2.13 trillion won. This order includes eight LNG dual-fuel vessels, marking HD Hyundai’s largest since 2007. The resurgence is attributed to stricter environmental regulations and the need for modernized fleets.
The Armada, a 78-meter vessel flying the Singapore flag, docked in Greenock after navigating the Firth of Clyde. Owned by Ocean Infinity, it aims for autonomous operation with minimal crew. Designed for fuel efficiency and sustainability, it represents a significant shift towards greener maritime technology and automated shipping.
Alfa Laval Korea Ltd. has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Hanwha Ocean Ecotech to collaborate on ammonia fuel systems for dual-fuel vessels. This partnership leverages Alfa Laval’s ammonia technology and Hanwha’s engineering expertise, aiming to explore emerging opportunities in alternative marine fuels and develop pilot installations for future projects.
Coal shipments to advanced economies are projected to decline by 2% in 2025, reaching a 23-year low. This drop is largely due to reduced demand for coking coal amid decreased steel production. In contrast, thermal coal shipments have surprisingly increased by 1%, driven by higher electricity demands in the EU.
Drydocks World has successfully converted the EMEM Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) unit for Nigeria’s Okwok field. Originally a double-hulled tanker, it received extensive upgrades, including 19 topside modules. Capable of processing 70,000 barrels daily, the FPSO is set to enhance Nigeria’s oil production by early 2026.
The captain of the Ro-Pax ferry Queen Jenuvia II faces criticism for his absence from the bridge during over 1,000 crossings in narrow waters. The grounding on November 19, 2024, raises safety concerns about operational protocols, highlighting the need for strict adherence to navigation responsibilities to ensure passenger safety.
Dr. Balkin, nominated by the Australian Government, received the prestigious International Maritime Prize at the IMO Awards Ceremony in London on November 24, 2025. Presented by IMO Secretary-General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez, the award recognized her remarkable five-decade career, notably as the first female leader of the Comité Maritime International.
The Korea Coast Guard is pursuing an arrest warrant for the Queen Jenuvia II’s captain after the ferry ran aground near Shinan County, injuring 30 of the 267 individuals on board. Accused of gross negligence, he allegedly left the wheelhouse unattended in a perilous channel, violating maritime regulations. Investigations continue.
South Korean shipbuilding leader HD Hyundai has marked a historic achievement by delivering its 5,000th vessel, a testament to its 50-year journey since the inaugural 260,000-ton supertanker Atlantic Baron in 1974. The latest delivery, the Philippine patrol vessel Diego Silang, underscores this remarkable milestone in the industry.
In 2024, European shipping emissions surged by 13%, reaching their highest levels since 2018. This rise, driven by disruptions in the Red Sea and increased containership speeds, underscored the sector’s vulnerability. Agathe Peigney from Transport & Environment emphasized the urgency for effective emissions regulations amid persistent fossil fuel reliance.
The livestock carrier Spiridon II has offloaded nearly 3,000 cattle in Benghazi, Libya, after being stranded off Turkey for over a month. The voyage, which began in Uruguay, resulted in numerous animal deaths, prompting the Animal Welfare Foundation to demand an investigation into potential MARPOL violations and the welfare of remaining livestock.
A significant diplomatic contest is underway at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) headquarters, where Kenya is vying to retain its council seat against Nigeria and South Africa. This election, part of the 34th Regular Session, highlights tensions in Category C, aimed at ensuring diverse geographic representation in maritime affairs.
Nigerian anti-drug authorities have detained 20 Filipino seafarers after recovering 20 kilograms of high-grade cocaine from a Panama-registered vessel at Lagos’s main port. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) stated the cocaine was hidden beneath coal cargo. Investigations are ongoing as the crew is questioned about the ship’s route.
