In just two weeks, the liner shipping industry will see a major shake-up as alliances shift on east-west voyages. The Ocean Alliance, led by COSCO and others, is expected to dominate the market. Competitor Alphaliner expects 390 ships with 5 million TEU capacity. As alliances evolve, experts closely watch for industry impacts.
The New Zealand Government is investing in upgrading critical communication networks for Maritime New Zealand and Coastguard New Zealand to enhance maritime search and rescue efforts. The funding will modernize infrastructure, align with international standards, and improve the VHF network to meet the growing demands of recreational and commercial maritime activities.
Canada’s Space Flight Laboratory (SFL) recently launched Norway’s NorSat-4 maritime monitoring microsatellite, equipped with a fifth-generation AIS ship tracking receiver and low-light imaging camera. Launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on January 14, NorSat-4 is built on SFL’s DEFIANT microsatellite bus, enhancing Norway’s maritime traffic monitoring capabilities in Arctic waters.
Several new storage locations for containers have been established at the Colombo Port, resulting in a reduction in container overloading on shipments. Sri Lanka Customs reported that 472 containers were cleared from the port’s main yard, with a total of 547 containers cleared overall. This rapid clearance has helped alleviate the congestion.
Singapore’s maritime industry soared in 2024, with record vessel tonnage and cargo throughput. The port welcomed over 3 billion GT of vessels, with bulk carriers, container ships, and tankers leading the way. Container throughput exceeded 40 million TEUs for the first time, solidifying Singapore’s position as a global transshipment hub.
US-based tech firm Amogy has secured $56 million in venture financing from investors like Samsung, Hanwha, Temasek, and MOL. The funding will be used to advance technology for ammonia cracking, integrated with hydrogen fuel cells for maritime and stationary power. Amogy aims to deploy its technology by 2026.
The Protected Transfer System (PTX) by Safe STS and Gall Thomson revolutionizes crude oil transfer at sea. With integrated sealing mechanisms, it prevents spills and aligns with global environmental standards. Its rapid remote disconnection and lightweight design enhance safety and efficiency in offshore operations. Industry adoption is growing, making PTX a global solution for safe transfers.
Marine Jet Power (MJP) and Derecktor S hipyards New York have launched two cutting-edge hybrid passenger ferries for Chatham Area Transit in Savannah, Georgia. The Juliette Gordon Low II and The Susie King Taylor II are the first of their kind in the U.S., powered by waterjet propulsion for sustainable maritime transportation.
The 20th edition of the World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report for 2025 highlights state armed conflict as the most pressing immediate global risk, along with misinformation and environmental challenges. The report emphasizes the need for global action to address climate change and biodiversity loss, advocating for cooperation and innovation.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, urged key agencies like NPA and NIMASA to prioritize the marine industry in the 2025 budget. Emphasizing alignment with national policies, he highlighted the sector’s potential for economic growth, job creation, and environmental protection. Investments in surveillance, aquaculture, and research are crucial for sustainable development.
In 2024, marine fuel sales in Singapore hit a new peak, driven by high container throughput and increased use of alternative fuels. Sales reached 54.92 million metric tons, breaking the previous record. The rise in demand for alternative fuels, including biofuel blends and LNG, reflects a shift towards more sustainable options in the maritime industry.
After a NATO summit in Helsinki, Finnish President Alexander Stubb revealed that the tanker Eagle S nearly caused more damage to subsea infrastructure before Finland intervened. Suspected of breaking cables connecting Finland and Estonia, the vessel was intercepted by Finnish forces. Concerns arise over deliberate actions targeting vital connections in the Baltic Sea region.
In collaboration with UniBallast, BV in Rotterdam, Scienco/FAST has launched the InTankFITT® container, a portable version of its filterless ballast water treatment system, InTank®. This innovative solution ensures regulatory compliance and enhances operational efficiency for the maritime industry. The containerized system simplifies ballast water management.
NYK and Akita Eisen KK have joined forces to create Japan Offshore Support (JOS), a company dedicated to ship maintenance and management for offshore wind projects. JOS will focus on training local seafarers and maintaining crew transfer vessels for offshore wind power generation. The partnership aims to support renewable energy initiatives.
The International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) has issued Recommendation 182 to promote the effective implementation of Onshore Power Supply (OPS) systems, also known as “cold ironing.” OPS is vital for reducing pollution and achieving global decarbonization goals. The recommendation offers detailed guidance for integrating OPS systems into new builds and retrofits.
