Seabound has achieved a major milestone with the launch of its first full-scale onboard carbon capture systems at its Doncaster hub. Celebrated at the “Seabound Sendoff,” the event attracted over 70 attendees. The systems will be installed on the UBC Cork, a cement carrier, marking a significant step in maritime decarbonisation.
Cuban forces reportedly killed four individuals and injured six aboard a Florida-based speedboat that entered Cuban waters and opened fire on a patrol unit. Amid rising tensions with the U.S., Cuba’s Interior Ministry announced an investigation. The U.S. is scrutinizing the incident, with calls for federal inquiries into the use of lethal force.
The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) has launched IMCA Skills, a digital learning hub focused on enhancing competence in the marine industry. Its initial offering, a Dynamic Positioning CPD program, consolidates resources into a user-friendly platform, promoting easier navigation and progress tracking for professional development in offshore operations.
The Drewry World Container Index has reported a 1% drop in global shipping rates to $1,899 for a 40-foot container, marking the seventh consecutive week of decline. The usual pre-Lunar New Year surge is absent, compounded by uncertainty from new U.S. tariff policies, placing continued pressure on global trade routes.
Everllence has made strides in CO₂-neutral propulsion systems with its upgraded test bench in Augsburg for hydrogen combustion. This advancement, part of the HydroPoLEn project, aims to develop sustainable maritime solutions. Key partners, including Tenneco and the Technical University of Munich, are collaborating to enhance hydrogen technology for shipping.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) successfully completed a 24-day operation to assist the Liberian-flagged vessel Swift Hangzhou, which suffered engine failure in the Coral Sea. This critical initiative protected the Great Barrier Reef, with AMSA deploying tugs and monitoring the situation to ensure crew welfare and environmental safety.
The barge Defiant was successfully refloated from the shoreline of Castillo San Felipe del Morro early Wednesday, just before high tide. Tugboats and salvage crews worked meticulously, pressurizing cargo tanks to ensure a smooth operation. Capt. Luis J. Rodríguez praised the collaborative efforts that safeguarded San Juan’s maritime transportation and environment.
Swiss marine power company WinGD has achieved a milestone by completing Type Approval Testing and Factory Acceptance Testing for its ammonia-fueled two-stroke engine, the X52DF-A-1.0. Conducted in January 2026 in South Korea, these tests mark a significant step towards eco-friendly marine propulsion, with lower emissions compared to traditional diesel engines.
The Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management has launched a new subsidy program under the Maritime Master Plan to support sustainable maritime technologies. Announced on February 20, this initiative allocates €33.6 million for projects focused on demonstration vessels powered by alternative fuels, aiming to position the Netherlands as a leader in maritime innovation.
Croatia is assessing the legality of importing Russian crude oil to aid Hungary and Slovakia after the Druzhba pipeline’s damage halted deliveries. While Croatia’s Adria pipeline can transport oil, it currently supplies non-Russian crude. Disputes over capacity persist, and tensions rise as Hungary vetoes new EU sanctions against Russia.
Mark O’Neil, President and CEO of the Columbia Group, emphasizes the need for the shipping industry to enhance self-regulation and collaborate with reliable partners amid evolving political and regulatory challenges. He highlights the importance of maintaining high safety standards and vetting partners to navigate an increasingly complex landscape effectively.
CK Hutchison reported that Panamanian authorities threatened criminal charges against their employees if they do not vacate two key canal ports amid a legal dispute. The company’s subsidiary, Panama Ports Company, had contracts canceled after a Supreme Court ruling, escalating tensions amidst U.S. concerns over Chinese influence in the region.
On the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the UK announced a major sanctions package targeting nearly 300 entities to undermine Moscow’s military financing. Notably, PJSC Transneft, which oversees 80% of Russia’s oil exports, is included. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasized the UK’s commitment to disrupting the Russian war effort.
Mitsubishi Shipbuilding has delivered its first ammonia fuel supply system (AFSS) and ammonia gas abatement system (AGAS) to Japan Engine Corporation. These systems support J-ENG’s ammonia-fueled marine engine, marking a key milestone in advancing sustainable maritime solutions and facilitating decarbonization efforts within the industry.
The Philippine Coast Guard is conducting a search-and-recovery operation for the sunken ferry Trisha Kerstin 3 off Basilan. The death toll has reached 65, with ongoing investigations into accountability. Divers recently recovered a crew member’s body, while reports indicate discrepancies in the passenger manifest and concerns about the vessel’s seaworthiness.
