Traffic in Turkey’s Bosphorus strait was disrupted by an engine failure on a northbound tanker. The Panama-flagged Cordelia Moon, bound for Russia, experienced the malfunction near Yenikoy. An assistance vessel was sent to aid. The incident halted traffic in the critical waterway, impacting global shipping. Efforts are underway to safely resolve the issue.
Finnish authorities seized control of the oil tanker Eagle S, suspected of damaging an undersea power cable connecting Finland and Estonia. The vessel, registered in the Cook Islands, was boarded in the Baltic Sea. The incident is being investigated as grave sabotage, with the cargo linked to Russia’s shadow fleet.
The Indian Coast Guard successfully rescued nine crew members of the Indian vessel Taj Dhare Haram, which sank in the northern Arabian Sea. The crew members were found in a life raft after abandoning their vessel. The mission was carried out under challenging sea conditions, highlighting the importance of international cooperation.
Singapore-based EPS Ventures and Nysnø Climate Investments have jointly invested NOK 50 million in Zinus, a leading innovator in maritime charging and shore power solutions. The investment will accelerate growth and innovation in sustainable maritime technologies, according to Zinus CEO Endre Eidsvik. EPS Ventures and Nysnø will become shareholders in Zinus.
The Integrated Transport Centre in Abu Dhabi partners with Abu Dhabi Maritime to introduce MARSDNA, a digital tool for enhancing ESG efforts. MARSDNA offers a user-friendly questionnaire to evaluate ESG metrics and provide tailored recommendations. This initiative promotes sustainability and positions Abu Dhabi as a global leader in maritime sustainability.
Finnish police are investigating a potential foreign ship’s involvement in damaging an undersea power cable connecting Finland and Estonia after a sudden outage. Baltic Sea nations are on high alert for sabotage. The Estlink 2 power interconnector remains offline, leaving only Estlink 1 operational. The incidents highlight the importance of maintaining critical infrastructure security.
MI LNG Company, a joint venture between Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) and Imabari Shipbuilding, is rebranding to Marine-design Initiative for Leading Edge Solution (MILES) from January 1, 2025. Originally focused on LNG carriers, the company now includes other vessel types to meet the rising demand for low-carbon fuel ships.
According to Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, Russian gas exports to European countries have increased by 18-20% this year compared to 2023. Over 50 billion cubic meters of pipeline gas and LNG have been supplied from January to November. Despite sanctions and political tensions, Russian gas demand remains high for its cost-efficiency and ecological benefits.
Two Greek shipping companies have been fined $3.4 million for illegally dumping oily bilge water into the narrow shipping channel between New Jersey and Staten Island. Avin International Ltd. and Kriti Ruby Special Maritime Enterprises, owners of the offending Motor Tanker Kriti Ruby, also face a $1.1 million community service payment.
A dry bulk carrier named the Maccoa, flagged in Cyprus, is currently grounded in Canada’s St. Lawrence River. The vessel, with no signs of pollution or water ingress, departed Montreal on December 23 but became stuck outside the navigation channel on December 24. The Canadian Coast Guard is working on a plan to refloat the ship.
Akash Mondal, also known as Irfan, was arrested in Bagerhat for murdering seven individuals aboard the MV Al Bakhera ship on the Meghna River. RAB revealed that Irfan killed the captain out of a personal grudge and attacked the others to cover up his crime. The tragic incident has sparked investigations.
A jackup rig off the coast of Trinidad partially collapsed during drilling operations, injuring one worker and leaving another missing. Search efforts are ongoing, with the Coast Guard deploying resources to locate the missing worker. The incident has prompted an evacuation of the rig, with the operator establishing an incident command center.
The World Maritime University (WMU) has launched a ‘train-the-trainer’ program focusing on educating individuals about alternative fuels in the shipping industry, such as ammonia, methanol, and hydrogen. This initiative aims to equip professionals with the necessary knowledge and skills to adapt to the changing landscape of maritime fuel options, promoting sustainability and innovation in the industry.
A Russian cargo ship, the Ursa Major, sank in the Mediterranean Sea after an engine room explosion. Two crew members are missing. The ship, owned by Oboronlogistika, was en route to Vladivostok with harbor cranes. The cause of the explosion is unknown. The incident raises concerns about Russian cargo ship safety at sea.
A small container feeder, the Kuala Mas, collided with a product tanker, the Maritim Khatulistiwa, off Kupang, Timor. The Kuala Mas sank due to hull damage, possibly caused by drifting with the current. The crew was safely evacuated, and efforts are being made to prevent pollution from the wreck.
