Twenty horses were found in terrible conditions on an illegal transport, suspected of being smuggled for fattening and slaughter despite a ban on live exports. Many were sick and weak, crammed into a lorry. Officials at Dover port discovered a downed foal unable to stand. Some horses had to be euthanized due to poor health.
The world’s first commercial liquefied CO2 transport ship, the Northern Pioneer, has arrived in Stavanger, Norway. With a capacity to transport 8,000 tonnes of liquid CO2, the vessel will start operations in 2025. Blessed by its godmother, Tina Bru, the ship will play a crucial role in Europe’s decarbonization efforts.
On the night of February 8, 2000, the crew of the British research vessel, RRS Discovery, braved a fierce storm in the North Atlantic with waves as high as a ten-story building. The captain and crew’s quick actions prevented a potential collision with a trawler, highlighting the importance of vigilance during extreme weather conditions.
The Oceanic Platform of the Canary Islands (PLOCAN) has joined the Net-Zero Mar Alliance to accelerate decarbonization in the maritime and port sectors. By promoting clean technologies and sustainable practices, PLOCAN aims to reduce polluting emissions and contribute to the EU’s goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030.
Maritime Robotics recently delivered two USVs to DEME, showcasing their commitment to sustainability and innovation in the maritime industry. The Otter USV is ideal for coastal areas, while the Mariner USV excels in offshore missions. This partnership sets new standards for operational efficiency and environmental responsibility, shaping the future of maritime technology.
A livestock carrier named Deala remains stuck on the rocks off the coast of Croatia ten months after running aground, causing concern for local communities. The abandoned ship, which suffered hull damage and flooding, has raised worries about pollution in the environmentally-protected area and potential long-term damage to tourism and the environment.
Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski has suggested that captains of ships damaging underwater infrastructure in the Baltic Sea should face EU sanctions. This proposal comes amid discussions for sanctions against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. Sikorski highlighted the need to hold individuals accountable to prevent further damage and maintain security in the region.
German prosecutors are investigating an accident on the Moselle that paralyzed river traffic, involving an inland cargo ship on autopilot. The ship crashed into lock gates, causing significant damage. The captain was not present during the incident. Despite repairs, the lock was reopened in just 55 days. Authorities are looking into the cause of the accident.
The US Federal Maritime Commission has approved the Premier Alliance Agreement to start on February 9, 2025, replacing THE Alliance. Hapag-Lloyd has joined the Gemini Cooperation with Maersk instead. The Premier Alliance involves HMM, ONE, and Yang Ming sharing vessels on trade routes between the US and Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
The IMO’s Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response has finalized a draft 2025 Action Plan to Address Marine Plastic Litter from Ships. The plan awaits approval by the Marine Environment Protection Committee in April 2025. It aims to reduce plastic litter from fishing vessels and shipping, improve awareness and training, and enhance international cooperation.
Maersk and Inmarsat Maritime are collaborating to enhance satellite communications for Maersk’s fleet of 340 container ships. The upgrades will be completed by 2026, increasing bandwidth and transforming ships into fully operational offices. This partnership aims to revolutionize vessel operations, improve connectivity for crews, and pave the way for automation-focused advancements in the future.
Oil executives are closely watching shipping conditions in the Red Sea after a pause in attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels. A Liberian-flagged oil tanker recently sailed through the Red Sea, one of the first voyages since the rebels limited attacks on commercial vessels. Executives are cautious, monitoring risks and competitors’ actions before navigating the area.
Windward has launched a new AI-powered solution, Critical Maritime Infrastructure Protection, to safeguard key maritime infrastructure from various threats. By monitoring high-risk vessels, the system can detect suspicious activities in real-time, offering proactive alerts to prevent potential risks. This tool addresses the growing concerns of attacks on offshore oil rigs and research operations.
Lehmann Marine, a German company specializing in maritime lithium ferrophosphate (LFP) battery systems, has recently received type approval from Lloyd’s Register for its CUBE compact energy storage solution. This approval signifies a significant milestone for the company, as it opens up opportunities for wider adoption of the technology within the maritime industry.
Kongsberg Maritime is revolutionizing the transportation and installation of floating offshore wind turbines with innovative methods. Their solutions streamline the entire process, from anchor and mooring installation to electrical cable pull-in, ensuring efficient connection to energy grids. New vessel designs and methodologies are key elements, enhancing efficiency and safety in offshore wind projects.
