Reports from Bangladesh describe a “brutal robbery” on the cargo ship Shejyoti at Mongla port. On May 26, 14 armed robbers boarded, tying up the crew and stealing around $40,000 in fuel and $18,000 in equipment. Three crew members were injured and required First Aid during the incident.
The shipping industry’s pursuit of net-zero carbon emissions has intensified interest in biofuels, which are compatible with existing engines. However, Rystad Energy’s analysis reveals a significant gap between biofuel production capacity and demand, raising concerns over supply limitations. The upcoming Rystad Talks Energy webinar will explore solutions for maritime leaders.
Kongsberg Maritime has unveiled the TTH Tunnel Thruster from its Harmonised series, offering improved performance through a compact, modular design. This innovation features hydrodynamically optimized blades for enhanced efficiency and reduced noise. Compatible with Equipment Health Monitoring, the TTH series meets high Baltic ice class standards, supporting dynamic positioning applications.
New Zealand maritime investigators are probing a serious incident aboard the bulk carrier M.V. Olivia, where an engine room explosion injured three crew members while docked at South Port, Bluff. The Transport Accident Investigation Commission is investigating the May 24 explosion, which occurred during boiler maintenance. Emergency services responded swiftly.
The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has proposed new measures to transition to zero-emission fuels, yet the Global Maritime Forum warns these may lack sufficient incentives for e-fuels like green ammonia and e-methanol. Early competitiveness is vital to prevent bottlenecks in decarbonisation, with targeted incentives deemed essential for success.
Nippon Yuka Kogyo Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of the NYK Group, has launched BioxiGuard, Japan’s first antioxidant for marine biodiesel fuel. Available from August 10, this innovation enhances oxidative stability, reducing degradation by 50%. This development supports the maritime industry’s shift toward sustainable biofuels, improving efficiency and safety in operations.
The Iran-backed Houthi rebels have declared a maritime blockade on Israel’s Haifa port, targeting vessels en route or docked there. This escalation shifts their strategy from disrupting Red Sea routes to direct confrontation with Israel, threatening crucial trade connections and heightening regional tensions amid potential international repercussions.
T&T Salvage has arrived in Kochi to manage the recovery of the capsized vessel MSC ELSA III. Coordination with local authorities is ongoing to retrieve containers and minimize risks. The Indian Coast Guard successfully rescued all 24 crew members, while efforts to recover hazardous materials from the ship are underway.
Seaspan has inaugurated a new 21,000 square foot Operations Center at its Vancouver Drydock, enhancing support for the West Coast marine industry. This facility centralizes administration and operations, improving efficiency for over 300 trades employees. CEO John McCarthy highlighted the investment’s role in reinforcing Seaspan’s leadership and fostering local job creation.
Hecla Emissions Management has launched a pioneering deal via its FuelEU Maritime Exchange, enabling shipping companies to trade compliance balance tokens. This innovative platform allows surplus compliance to be converted into tradeable assets, addressing deficits for vessels managed by Wilhelmsen Ship Management through a partnership with Gasum, utilizing bio-LNG.
The Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) has tackled vehicle release delays by improving operational systems. Since February 2025, over 9,151 vehicles have arrived, leading to systemic enhancements. Vehicles can now be cleared within 24 hours. HIPG also extended documentation hours and invested in infrastructure upgrades to facilitate smoother vehicle transfers.
The Indian Coast Guard has successfully rescued 21 of the 24 crew members from the MSC ELSA 3, a Liberia-flagged container vessel that issued a distress call near Kochi. The ship, tilted at 26 degrees, posed significant risks, prompting urgent salvage operations to prevent environmental damage and ensure crew safety.
Harwich Haven Authority (HHA) has been nominated for the ‘Employer of the Year’ award at the Maritime UK Awards 2025. This accolade highlights HHA’s commitment to fostering a supportive work environment and enhancing the maritime sector’s impact on the UK economy, valued at £116 billion and supporting over 1.1 million jobs.
Inmarsat Maritime has partnered with Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) to upgrade its fleet to the NexusWave service, enhancing digitalization with robust satellite connectivity. This transition aims to transform vessels into connected offices, offering high speeds, reliability, and enterprise-grade cybersecurity. Recent tests show impressive download speeds, ensuring seamless communication at sea.
The all-electric passenger vessel, Future of the Fjords, evacuated 300 passengers after smoke was detected in a battery compartment. Fortunately, no injuries occurred. Local fire authorities prioritized the incident due to potential lithium-ion battery hazards. The cause was identified as a shorted capacitor, which overheated but did not ignite.
