On September 8, the container ship CMA CGM Mermaid collided with the quay at Muuga port, Estonia, causing significant damage. The vessel, arriving from Kotka, impacted the quay, leading to a substantial portion being removed. Nearby, the bulk carrier Belasitza also suffered bow damage. The extent of damage to the CMA CGM Mermaid remains undisclosed.
On September 11, 2025, the Port Authority of Bilbao joined the Waterborne Technology Platform, a European forum for maritime transport innovation. This collaboration unites stakeholders to advance clean, competitive, and safe waterborne transport, focusing on decarbonisation and digitalisation, while enhancing efficiency and driving funding for sustainable maritime solutions.
Parkland, operating at the Port of Montreal, has joined Green Marine, enhancing its environmental performance in the marine sector. This membership mandates practices that reduce its carbon footprint, contributing to sustainability. As of 2024, 67% of the port’s tonnage comes from Green Marine tenants, with participation becoming a lease requirement.
Swedish shipping company Furetank has secured significant biogas supplies, enabling its EU fleet to operate entirely on renewable energy. This achievement follows a decade of efforts toward sustainability. The FuelEU Maritime regulation facilitates biomethane injection and extraction across Europe, supporting Furetank’s transition to fossil-free operations by 2025.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued a security alert highlighting the urgent need for improved training for land-based firefighters tackling vessel fires. Investigations revealed inadequate knowledge of ship layouts and fire protection systems hampers effectiveness. Enhanced training plans and adherence to National Fire Protection Association guidelines are recommended to ensure safety and preparedness.
Lloyd’s Register has granted Approval in Principle to HD Hyundai Heavy Industries for its next-generation LNG carrier design. This innovative vessel features a forward accommodation layout and an integrated Wind Challenger, enhancing propulsion efficiency and allowing for future integration of alternative fuels and battery storage to meet evolving regulations.
Inmarsat Maritime, a Viasat company, has partnered with Station Satcom to implement NexusWave on a bulk carrier managed by Norse Ship Management. This initiative enhances crew and business connectivity, aligning with digitalization goals by providing seamless data exchange and real-time monitoring, ensuring reliable internet experiences comparable to land.
Pooling may seem like a simple solution for complying with FuelEU Maritime regulations, but it can lead to financial challenges for shipowners. A new whitepaper from ZERO44 highlights that while pooling offsets emissions, it often involves costly investments in cleaner technologies. Alternative strategies could prove more cost-effective for compliance.
At Gastech 2025 in Milan, HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries received approval in principle from ABS for their innovative 16,000 TEU container ship featuring electric propulsion. This milestone underscores the collaboration aimed at enhancing eco-friendly maritime technologies, aligning with the IMO’s 2050 carbon-neutral goals.
Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS) has received the new eco-friendly very large gas carrier, Rosablanche, from Samsung Heavy Industries. This addition enhances EPS’s dual-fuel fleet, featuring advanced cargo handling and fuel systems. EPS is also expanding into the ethane sector, with plans for six new carriers anticipated by 2027.
Concerns regarding the quality of very low sulfur fuel oil (VLSFO) have resurfaced, with over 45% of global supplies failing to meet ISO standards. Sediments and impurities threaten fuel systems, risking costly outages. Experts emphasize rigorous monitoring to ensure operational reliability, as incidents in Houston and Singapore highlight the dangers of contaminated fuel.
The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute and Samsung Heavy Industries have achieved a groundbreaking milestone by obtaining the world’s first Approval in Principle for an LNG carrier powered by a small modular salt reactor. This innovative reactor technology promises enhanced safety and efficiency, marking a significant advancement in maritime drive technology.
Delegates at the TUC Congress from September 7-10, 2025, unanimously endorsed Nautilus International’s motion on “Future-Proofing UK Maritime Skills and Training.” The motion calls for full government support in maritime training, including 100% SMarT funding and a national training provider, emphasizing the urgent need for skilled maritime professionals.
The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has released a report on the tragic sinking of the fishing vessel Argos Georgia near the Falkland Islands, resulting in 13 fatalities. The investigation identified a malfunctioning shell door as the primary cause, allowing water to flood the trawler and lead to its eventual sinking.
The trial regarding the tragic collision between the Commodore Goodwill and fishing trawler L’Ecume II continues, with crew members Artur Sevash-Zade and Lewis Carr facing manslaughter charges. Testimonies reveal Carr labeled the L’Ecume II as “dangerous” before the incident, which resulted in the deaths of three crew members. The case centers on alleged gross negligence.
