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.
Volunteers cleaning up a major oil spill along Russia’s Black Sea coast are pleading for urgent federal aid. The spill, caused by two tankers hit by a storm, has devastated beaches and wildlife in Anapa. President Putin is urged to send professionals for clean-up and veterinary care. The situation is described as an ecological disaster.
The Baltic Exchange’s dry bulk sea freight index rose on Monday, driven by higher rates in larger vessel segments. The capesize index surged by 17 points to 1,132 points, with average daily earnings for capesize vessels increasing to $9,388. Iron ore futures also saw a rise, supported by Chinese steelmakers’ restocking expectations.
Stralsunder Ostseestaal GmbH & Co. KG, through its business unit Ampereship, delivered two electric solar ferries to Lago d’Iseo in Italy. These ferries, the first in Italy, were commissioned by Navigazione Lago d’Iseo. Each ferry is equipped with two 100 kW electric drives and powered by shore power and solar modules, designed for 140 passengers.
The FuelEU initiative will not apply to Norway and Iceland, as they are EEA members but not EU Member States. However, 50% of energy used on voyages between these countries and EU Member States will be subject to FuelEU regulations from January 1, 2025. Exemptions are available for specific routes and ports until December 31, 2029.
Offshore wind development in Dubai is driving shipyard expansion, with Drydocks World securing a contract for a new 2 GW offshore wind farm in the Baltic Sea. The facility’s recent expansion will allow for handling multiple large-scale projects simultaneously, showcasing Dubai’s unexpected emergence as a hub for offshore wind industry growth.
