d’Amico International Shipping, a leading marine transportation company specializing in the product tanker market, recently signed time charter agreements for five vessels through its subsidiary d’Amico Tankers D.A.C. These deals, with reputable counterparties, at profitable daily hire rates, demonstrate the company’s strategic approach to maximizing profitability in a competitive market.
Storm Herminia has prompted urgent responses from the Italian Coast Guard, addressing two vessel groundings in under 24 hours. The fishing vessel Calimero Sampa partially capsized off Cesenatico, leading to a swift rescue of its crew. The next day, the hopper dredger Guang Rong grounded in Marina di Massa, sparking safety concerns.
Maersk believes Tanjung Pelepas (PTP) will remain vital in the Gemini network, despite speculation of Evergreen moving to Singapore. PTP’s strategic location and major sea routes make it a key link. The Alliance reorganization will impact global reliability. PTP is expanding to meet demand, with concerns about capacity constraints amid shifting industry dynamics.
Greek companies Terna Energy and Motor Oil have partnered to develop Greece’s first offshore wind farm, in line with the government’s strategy to expand renewable energy sources. With Terna Energy’s expertise and experience, the joint venture aims to reach a total installed capacity of 6 GW by 2029, starting with a 400 MW wind farm by 2030.
Bulgarian shipping company Navibulgar recently released images of the anchoring system aboard the bulker Vezhen, detained for dragging its anchor and damaging a subsea cable. CEO Capt. Alexander Kalchev explained the chain stopper failed gradually due to rough weather conditions. He insists the incident was accidental, with no deliberate sabotage.
An explosion on a Hong Kong-flagged container ship in the Red Sea led to the crew’s evacuation, off the coast of Hodeida, Yemen. The cause of the fire was unclear, but Houthi rebels have targeted the region. Despite a ceasefire announcement, the incident was not acknowledged by the rebels, impacting international trade in the area.
The Sea-Intelligence end-of-year report for 2024 revealed that containership schedule reliability remained consistent around 50%-55%, slightly lower than the previous year. Despite challenges like diversions and longer travel times, the industry maintained a yearly average of 53%. Maersk led with over 60% reliability, aiming to exceed 90% with new routes.
Three quarters of businesses worldwide are revamping their supply chains by collaborating with more suppliers to manage risks in an increasingly fragmented global landscape. Research from Economist Impact and DP World at the World Economic Forum highlights the strategic shift in response to escalating geopolitical uncertainty fueled by ‘America first’ policies.
Marina has introduced the Maritime Safety Plan (MSP) 2025 to enhance safety standards in domestic shipping operations, aligning with the International Maritime Organization’s regulations. The plan aims to promote a strong safety culture, improve governance, and implement advanced navigation systems. Stakeholders gathered to develop actionable strategies for safety enhancement, reflecting a commitment to proactive safety management.
A recent study by Global Fishing Watch has uncovered that 76% of industrial fishing vessels operate outside of public tracking systems, earning the label of “dark vessels.” These unmonitored ships engage in illegal activities, posing threats to global food security and marine ecosystems. Advanced satellite technology and AI are crucial in detecting and combating these hidden dangers.
Damen Shipyards has delivered Germany’s first all-electric catamaran ferry, E-Kat, to AG Reederei Norden-Frisia. The 32-meter vessel will operate between Norddeich and Norderney, designed for quick passenger embarkation and disembarkation. With twin hulls and aluminum construction, the E-Kat runs on two 600kW electric motors, promising a CO2 neutral operation.
The IHO NIPWG recently endorsed the Guide for Nautical Data 2.1, developed in collaboration with IHMA members, to support hydrographic offices and port authorities in meeting SOLAS obligations. Emphasizing the importance of hydrographic surveys and data coordination, the guide aims to enhance safety at sea by improving nautical data quality and exchange worldwide.
DEME Group has expanded its fleet with two cutting-edge uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) from Norway’s Maritime Robotics. The Otter USV is designed for data collection in coastal areas, while the Mariner USV offers larger payload capacity. Both feature energy-efficient, low-emission designs. The partnership highlights trust in Maritime Robotics’ innovative solutions and commitment to sustainability.
BRIX Marine has unveiled the Olohana, a 12.5-meter RHIB designed for Hawaii Nautical. With a Naiad hull and triple Yamaha F300 outboard engines, it’s ideal for various marine activities. The standout feature is the unique “swim club” side door, enhancing boarding. Custom finishes tailored to Hawaii Nautical’s needs make it a top-of-the-line vessel.
ABS, a leading classification society, has reached a milestone of 300 million gross tons and secured the top spot in the global orderbook share. With a focus on safety and innovation, ABS is expanding its services to meet the growing needs of the marine and offshore industries. Singapore plays a crucial role in ABS’s global operations.
