The Finnish coast guard has responded swiftly to an oil tanker’s engine failure in the Gulf of Finland, dispatching a patrol vessel and tugboat to prevent environmental damage. The tanker, M/T Jazz, anchored south of Hanko Peninsula, was en route to Russia without cargo. Cooperation between authorities and crew is crucial in managing the situation effectively.
Vyron Vasileiadis, Chairman of APE owner V Group, unveiled a groundbreaking project focusing on solid waste collection from ships in waiting areas. The plan includes establishing a waste-derived fuel plant for green hydrogen production. A strategic partnership with key players in the sector highlights a holistic approach to sustainable practices in the maritime industry.
A new multi-purpose tugboat, TITAN, has joined its sister tugboat MORETTO in Rijeka, Croatia. Part of a contract with Scafi, TITAN is based on the RAmparts 2400SX MKII design. With an 80-ton bollard pull, TITAN is the most advanced in Sanmar’s Boğaçay class, enhancing maritime operations in the region.
Egypt recently conducted a successful test of a new channel near the southern end of the Suez Canal. The trial run saw two ships passing through without incidents, aiming to increase the canal’s capacity by 6 to 8 ships daily. The expansion comes after a drop in revenue due to attacks by Yemen’s Houthi militants.
The Federal Waterways and Shipping Administration successfully freed vessels trapped on the Saar in France and the Moselle in Germany ahead of schedule. 78 emergency lock operations were completed in 10 days, with 72 vessels cleared. The lock is expected to reopen by early February, impacting regional transportation in Western Germany, Luxembourg, and France.
Caterpillar Marine is at the forefront of developing methanol engines for the maritime industry, aligning with IMO 2050 goals. Their upgrade kit for Cat 3500E series engines meets regulatory requirements and customer demand for sustainable operations. With expertise in dual-fuel technologies, Caterpillar is driving the adoption of methanol for a greener future in shipping.
The new digital series “Oceans of Opportunity: A Change of Tide” by IMarEST and CWP showcases marine businesses improving sustainability practices. Featuring short films, expert interviews, and case studies, it explores issues like sustainable resource use and workers’ welfare. The series aims to inspire a sustainable future in the marine industry.
Efforts to free the grounded bulker ship Maccoa near Montreal have been unsuccessful so far. The vessel is sideways outside the navigation channel, with no obstruction to traffic. Despite harsh winter conditions, no injuries or pollution have been reported. The Canadian Coast Guard is monitoring the situation and planning further actions.
PSA Singapore, the largest terminal operator in Singapore, reached a milestone by handling over 40 million TEU in 2024 despite disruptions to traffic flow. Nelson Quek, Regional CEO Southeast Asia for PSA International, highlighted Singapore’s position as a transshipment hub amidst challenges like diversions away from the Red Sea.
The first Russian-built ice-class LNG carrier, Alexey Kosygin, has started sea trials, signaling Russia’s push to increase its global LNG market share despite US sanctions. The tanker, part of the Arctic LNG 2 fleet, faces challenges due to sanctions. Additional tankers are planned, but construction has been hindered by geopolitical tensions.
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.
