Busan, South Korea, is set to revolutionize its tourism with a maritime taxi and amphibious buses, cutting travel time between Haeundae and Gwangalli from 30-40 minutes to just 10 minutes. Trial operations will begin in March 2025, enhancing tourist experiences and boosting local foot traffic and tourism growth.
Shipping has always been a diverse industry, uniting individuals from various cultures. Elpi Petraki, President of WISTA International, stresses that inclusion is vital for tackling challenges like decarbonization. As the sector shifts towards sustainable fuels, collaboration and a diverse workforce will be essential for innovative solutions and a greener future.
The Tulsa Port of Catoosa welcomed 275 high school students to explore maritime career opportunities. Organized by “We Work the Waterways,” the event showcased diverse roles in Oklahoma’s maritime industry, which employs thousands. With many positions offering competitive wages and no formal education requirements, students were inspired to consider rewarding career paths.
ABB has signed a term sheet with SwitcH2 to deliver automation and electrification solutions for a floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) unit off Portugal’s coast. This facility will produce green ammonia from green hydrogen, addressing the demand for low-carbon marine fuels while utilizing renewable energy and advanced integrated control systems.
Lashers at the Port of Rotterdam have begun a 48-hour strike, halting container operations to demand higher wages. Starting at 3:15 p.m. on October 8, the strike disrupts cargo handling at Europe’s busiest port. The FNV union emphasizes the crucial role of lashers, warning that operations will grind to a halt without them.
As the IMO Green Summit approaches, the global shipping industry faces scrutiny over greenhouse gas emissions. Advocates call for binding measures, including global fuel standards and a GHG levy. The proposed Net-Zero Framework aims for mandatory emission limits and a pricing mechanism, targeting vessels over 5,000 gross tonnage for significant reductions.
Heads of seven shipping associations, including Danish Shipping, are urging the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to adopt its Net-Zero Framework (NZF) in October. They warn that failing to do so could complicate the green transition and create inconsistent regional climate regulations, undermining global efforts toward climate-neutral shipping by 2050.
Experts at the IMO caution against biofuels for decarbonizing shipping due to concerns over food security and supply constraints. They advocate for a focus on scalable technologies like wind propulsion and renewable electricity-based e-fuels. The Micronesian Center for Sustainable Transport warns that reliance on biofuels risks environmental integrity and food supplies.
A foreign national faced a dire situation when she tried to reboard a drifting boat with its engines off. Phuket Marine Police quickly intervened, rescuing her from the dangers posed by spinning propellers. This incident underscores the critical need for vigilance and safety awareness among tourists near watercraft.
Hanwha Ocean of South Korea has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by completing the world’s first ship-to-ship transfer of liquefied natural gas (LNG) during sea trials off Geoje Island. This operation, involving the vessels Maran Gas Syros and Woodside Jirrubakura, underscores advancements in LNG transport technology and clean energy shipping.
UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has issued a new advisory due to increased interference affecting the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and AIS displays. Reports of anomalies have surged, particularly near Bandar-e-Pars, the Strait of Hormuz, and Port Sudan. Ships are urged to exercise heightened caution amid ongoing GPS issues in Qatar.
A Filipino crew member of the Dutch cargo ship Minervagracht died from injuries sustained in a Houthi missile attack in the Gulf of Aden. The attack occurred on September 29, resulting in significant damage and a fire, forcing the crew to abandon ship. Spliethoff has expressed condolences and continues to support the crew.
A Japanese government-backed project has achieved a remarkable 98% reduction in methane emissions during tests on the bulk carrier Reimei. Initially targeting a 70% reduction, the initiative, supported by NEDO, utilized advanced methane oxidation technology. Ongoing evaluations aim for commercialization by FY 2027, marking a significant step in climate action.
The ports of Antwerp, Zeebrugge, and Ghent are experiencing significant delays due to a work slowdown by Belgian sea pilots protesting proposed pension reforms. With pilots only available from 10 AM to 5 PM, around 70 ships are currently waiting for services, severely impacting shipping operations across the region.
The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has inaugurated a maritime technology centre in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, to foster innovation in smart systems, robotics, and AI. This initiative, aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, aims to enhance local expertise and collaboration among industry stakeholders while addressing operational challenges in shipping.
