Seaspan has invested $2.5 million in new skills training for Indigenous People in Greater Vancouver, partnering with ACCESS. The program offers industry-recognized training in shipbuilding trades and support services. Additional funding will assist students in completing their training, emphasizing the importance of creating economic opportunities for Indigenous youth in the marine industry.
Kongsberg Maritime has developed a groundbreaking mooring solution for Offshore Construction Vessels, enhancing their capabilities. By integrating specialized equipment into the design of newbuild OSCVs, owners can now handle a wider range of mooring tasks independently. This advancement addresses the shortage of vessels for large-scale mooring installations, making OSCVs more efficient and cost-effective in offshore projects.
After a tragic accident on the ferry Lastovo last year that resulted in the death of three seafarers, the Croatian government has taken unprecedented accountability measures. The maritime ministry absolved the crew of any fault and decided to expel the CEO of the ferry operator, along with the entire board of directors.
Subsea Global Solutions successfully completed a complex in-water thruster installation and rudder bushing replacement, avoiding drydocking and keeping the vessel on schedule. The project in Portland involved round-the-clock shifts, custom cofferdam fabrication, and expert dive teams overcoming challenging conditions. Their efficient execution highlights their expertise in in-water technical repairs.
Lloyd’s Register awarded its first VC-L+ Descriptive Note for vessel connectivity to Neda Maritime’s MT ASCONA, marking a milestone in maritime technology. This recognition highlights advanced livestreaming and real-time data exchange capabilities, enhancing remote monitoring and operational efficiency. The achievement sets a new standard for vessel connectivity in the industry.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is rapidly developing interim training guidelines for alternative fuels, emphasizing seafarer safety amidst emerging technologies. With a dual approach, the guidelines will address both generic training and specifics for various fuels. Industry experts stress the urgency, as alternative fuel ships are already entering service.
With the Hong Kong Convention (HKC) taking effect in 2025, shipowners must follow new rules for safe and eco-friendly ship recycling. DNV’s “Safe and Green Recycling for Shipowners” guide helps comply with HKC and EU Ship Recycling Regulations. The goal is to ensure safer recycling, protect workers and the environment, and improve sustainability.
The ATSB report on the CMA CGM Puccini incident in Melbourne revealed crew’s lack of proficiency in steering gear operation caused the ship to hit a navigation beacon. Inadequate training and unclear procedures led to a hydraulic malfunction, resulting in the collision. The importance of clear instructions and proper training was emphasized to prevent future accidents.
The UK government has launched tests for injecting CO2 into depleted wells under the North Sea, supporting carbon capture projects. Carbon Catalyst, a UK company, partnered with Perenco UK for the initial test at Project Poseidon. Wintershall Dea also joined, acquiring a 10% interest. The project aims to become one of the largest in Northwest Europe.
Global marine fuel sales saw a significant increase in 2024 due to Yemen’s Houthis attacks, leading to rerouted vessels around southern Africa. Singapore and Fujairah experienced record-high volumes, while Rotterdam saw a 12% rise in sales. Diversions to longer routes boosted fuel demand, with hopes of a return to the Red Sea route following a Gaza ceasefire.
A recent incident involving the cargo ship Bonnie G in the Caribbean Sea resulted in its grounding due to a failure of the anchor chain and navigation errors. The ship ran aground south of St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands, after drifting towards land. The captain’s actions and inadequate precautions led to the total loss.
The South Korean government plans to invest 260 billion WON this year to enhance the competitiveness of the shipbuilding sector. Funds will be allocated for environmentally friendly ships, digital transformation, and autonomous ships. Research projects will focus on wind-supported drive devices, electric ships, and ammonia-driven vessels. This investment aims to strengthen the industry and promote innovation.
Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis, led by Abdulmalik al-Houthi, have threatened to launch attacks on Israel if it resumes its assault on Gaza. The group has previously targeted Israeli vessels in solidarity with Gaza’s Palestinians. Al-Houthi stated they are prepared to escalate against Israel if the situation in Gaza worsens.
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) organized a table-top exercise with Indonesia and Malaysia to improve regional coordination for oil spills. Over 20 representatives from MPA, Indonesia, Malaysia, and ITOPF participated to enhance response capabilities in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore. This initiative aims to foster collaboration and communication during oil spill incidents.
The increasing reliance on subsea infrastructure poses significant risks that require safeguarding to protect undersea assets. This infrastructure, including communication cables, pipelines, and electricity cables, plays a crucial role in maintaining global connectivity and supporting various sectors such as finance, military, and energy. With over 600 overall cables, the infrastructure vulnerability is more apparent.
