Man Energy Solutions has achieved type approval for its dual-fuel L35/44DF engine, designed for generators operating at 720 and 750 rpm. Tested at Stx Engine in South Korea, the innovative model features advanced adaptive combustion control, enhancing efficiency and reducing emissions. This marks a significant advancement for container ship operators.
A crew member tragically died in an accident aboard the Gibraltar-flagged bunker barge, MT Nisyros, while attempting to berth alongside another ship. The Royal Gibraltar Police and Marine Accident Investigation Compliance Officer have launched investigations. The identity of the deceased has not yet been disclosed. Ongoing inquiries continue.
Salvors have successfully raised a major component of the superyacht Bayesian, which sank off Sicily last August, claiming seven lives, including British tech tycoon Mike Lynch. This recovery is part of a larger operation to retrieve rigging and investigate the sinking’s cause, amid ongoing criminal inquiries into crew actions.
Kongsberg Maritime has launched a new electric towing winch for the tug market, featuring a frequency converter-driven motor for enhanced efficiency and reduced environmental impact. Designed for harbor applications, it offers customizable pulling forces, smooth speed control, and robust components, while integrating seamlessly with Kongsberg’s Aquapilot system for improved operational management.
During the 11th International Maritime Congress in Szczecin, Prime Minister Donald Tusk launched the Polish Sea program, aimed at revitalizing the maritime economy. The initiative focuses on attracting investments in Pomerania, enhancing shipbuilding and port infrastructure, and prioritizing Polish suppliers for key projects, including offshore wind farms and nuclear power.
The Coast Guard has resolved the oil spill mystery at the Port of San Juan, identifying a corroded steel pipe as the source. Cleanup efforts included plugging the leak and deploying containment booms. Lab results linked the oil to previous spills, prompting ongoing monitoring and an interagency strategy to prevent future incidents.
InvestCorp has secured a $550 million investment to expand the port of Duqm in Oman, enhancing regional infrastructure. The project, under Investcorp Aberdeen Infrastructure Partners, will include marine upgrades and a new quay wall for green steel production, supporting Oman’s economic diversification and decarbonization goals.
Trafigura has finalized plans for four medium-sized ammonia carriers, marking a significant advancement in ammonia-fueled shipping. Set for delivery starting in 2027, these vessels will feature dual-fuel engines and a capacity of 45,000 cubic meters. This initiative underscores Trafigura’s commitment to exploring alternative fuels and advancing low-carbon solutions in maritime transport.
In today’s shipping industry, operational resilience relies heavily on robust digital infrastructure. Transitioning to cloud-based solutions enhances fleet management, integrating safety, maintenance, and procurement into unified platforms. BASSnet Web 3.0 exemplifies this evolution, modernizing ship management with advanced interfaces, while AI optimizes maintenance and procurement, boosting efficiency and safety.
In May 2025, the Danish Geodata Agency strengthened maritime ties with Ghana through a week-long training initiative. Focused on enhancing digital navigation and safety on Lake Volta, the program equipped local authorities with vital skills in satellite mapping and data collection, fostering a collaborative approach to navigational safety and sustainability.
The US Coast Guard Sector San Juan is investigating two vessel fires in Puerto Rico, both extinguished without injuries or pollution. The latest incident involved the M/T Scot Stuttgart, where a fire in the engine room was quickly contained. Similarly, a fire on the ferry Breezy Point was also managed effectively.
On May 18, 2025, the Mexican navy training ship, Cuauhtémoc, tragically collided with the Brooklyn Bridge, resulting in two fatalities and 19 injuries. Shortly after departing from a Manhattan pier, the ship experienced a mechanical issue, leading to chaos as crew members hung from crossbeams, captured in viral video footage.
Women constitute only 29% of the global marine workforce, often relegated to support roles with limited advancement opportunities. Daughters of the Deep seeks to change this by providing scholarships, training, and job placements. Their initiatives empower women like Esthereena Tonga, a passionate marine conservationist, to thrive in the industry.
The Suez Canal Authority is offering a 15% discount on transit fees for cargo ships over 130,000 metric tons starting May 15, lasting 90 days. This decision responds to the Red Sea security crisis, following a ceasefire with the Houthi militia, amid ongoing threats toward vessels linked to Israel.
As Women in Maritime Day approaches on May 18, the International Maritime Organization’s Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez emphasizes the urgent need for gender equality in the maritime industry. With women comprising only 2% of seafarers, this year’s theme, “Ocean of Opportunities for Women,” highlights the importance of education, mentorship, and cultural change.
