The Port of Oakland’s 2025 Summer College Internship Program offers paid opportunities in various professional fields. Chief Public Engagement Officer Matt Davis emphasizes the program’s goal of providing valuable hands-on experience to college students. Interested applicants must submit their applications by February 24, 2025, for a chance to participate.
The International Chamber of Shipping, along with 47 governments, has proposed a GHG emissions pricing mechanism for international shipping to the IMO. The aim is to reduce the environmental impact of shipping by introducing GHG contributions per tonne of CO2e emitted. This initiative is supported by major shipping nations.
Kongsberg recently announced plans to merge its maritime-focused business unit, Kongsberg Digital, into Kongsberg Maritime to better serve customers and adapt to industry advancements. The integration, scheduled for 2025, involves transferring $53 million in revenue and 500 employees. This move will allow Kongsberg Digital to focus on digital twin and energy solutions.
Iridium Communications Inc. has introduced Iridium Certus® GMDSS, a new maritime satellite communication safety service. This service offers distress alert, safety voice, and Maritime Safety Information (MSI) features, along with LRIT and SSAS. It provides fast, weather-resilient broadband service for ships’ business continuity, making it a crucial connectivity service for any ship’s network system.
The VMA is reviewing safety protocols at local terminals in response to the use of larger cargo vessels on key trade routes. This initiative aims to ensure compliance with updated standards and enhance safety and efficiency in maritime operations. Adapting infrastructure and protocols is crucial to meet the evolving needs of the shipping industry.
Efforts to remove the grounded small tanker, the 5,000 dwt Sanwa Maru, have been suspended by the Japan Coastguard. The vessel ran aground at the southern end of Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, on January 6. Initial reports indicated no injuries or damage to the vessel, but a 5-degree list to starboard prompted the evacuation of most of the crew.
Finland’s public transport agency found serious deficiencies in the Eagle S tanker, suspecting it of damaging undersea cables in the Baltic Sea. The vessel, carrying Russian oil, is banned from operating until repairs are made. NATO plans to increase its presence in the region due to outages following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Inmarsat Maritime, supported by Maritime London, introduces SEA-CARE, a new industry group focused on enhancing maritime safety through collaboration. Led by Jos Standerwick and Peter Broadhurst, the group aims to leverage data sharing to address security challenges. By combining information and insights, SEA-CARE seeks to improve safety measures within the industry.
In late 2024, the container ship order book hit a new high of 8.3 million TEU, with 4.4 million TEU contracted. Chinese shipyards lead with 72% of orders, while liner operators control 79% of capacity. The fleet is aging, with a projected growth to 35.8 million TEU by 2029 if older ships are recycled.
South Africa is strategically positioned as the Cape Sea Route sees a rise in shipping traffic due to risks in the Red Sea. Major companies are rerouting vessels, creating economic opportunities for key ports. However, challenges in safety and infrastructure must be addressed to ensure long-term success in the maritime industry.
MMMA, a collaboration between MOL and Magsaysay Maritime Corporation, has been certified by the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism as an “Authorized Seafarer Education Institution.” Graduates of MMMA’s Bachelor of Science program can now bypass the MLIT examination requirement when boarding Japanese-flagged vessels.
EU-funded researchers have developed the Common Information Sharing Environment (CISE) to enhance communication between maritime authorities. Led by Isto Matilla at Laurea University in Finland, the platform aims to address illegal activities at sea by improving cooperation. The system integrates surveillance systems across European countries to facilitate data exchange and coordination in monitoring sea borders.
The Philippine government’s commitment to long-term maritime industry development has been well-received by key stakeholders. The updated Maritime Industry Development Plan (MIDP) 2028 Framework aims to enhance the sea transport system’s safety, reliability, efficiency, affordability, sustainability, and integration for passengers and shippers. It also focuses on increasing the capacity and production.
The Canadian Coast Guard successfully freed the grounded bulker Maccoa after two weeks of being aground. The vessel, registered in Cyprus, had been delayed in refloating due to the holidays. Three tugs were used in the second attempt to refloat the vessel and reposition it back into the shipping channel.
EIVA and Tuco Marine have partnered to develop integrated autonomous systems for inspecting subsea assets, focusing on renewable energy cables. Utilizing Tuco’s ProZero 8m USV and EIVA’s ViperFish ROTV, they aim to enhance subsea monitoring, delivering high-resolution data for improved asset management and safety in challenging underwater environments.
