Norwegian technology firm Vissim has secured a contract with a Qatar-based oil and gas operator to implement a vessel collision avoidance system at an undisclosed offshore oil field. This three-year agreement will enhance maritime safety and operational efficiency by providing a user-friendly overview of vessel traffic through advanced software integration.
Morocco plans to unveil a new deepwater port on the Mediterranean by next year and another on the Atlantic by 2028, emulating the success of Tanger Med. Nador West Med will feature an LNG terminal and expansive industrial zones, while Dakhla aims to support heavy industries and green hydrogen production.
Jersey is pivotal in an international initiative assessing the S-100 data framework for maritime navigation. Spearheaded by the UK Hydrographic Office and SHOM, this project leverages high-quality bathymetric data from Ports of Jersey. The S-100 standards promise enhanced navigation safety, optimized voyages, and improved port efficiency for global trade.
CMA CGM’s INDAMEX service will now transit the Suez Canal for voyages between India/Pakistan and the U.S. East Coast, reducing transit time to 77 days. The CMA CGM Verdi will lead this route on January 15. However, analysts caution that a full return to the Red Sea remains uncertain due to security risks.
A Chinese bulk carrier, the Hua De 858, grounded and broke apart in Xinghua Bay off Fuzhou’s coast. The vessel, which departed from Tangshan, ran aground on December 3. Fortunately, the crew was unharmed and rescued, but significant damage to the hull was reported, with the ship’s AIS signal now inactive.
A merchant vessel successfully thwarted a pirate attack off Yemen’s Bab-el-Mandeb on Friday. The bulk carrier, Bobic, engaged in gunfire with around 15 approaching small crafts. Despite the assault, the crew remained unharmed, underscoring ongoing security concerns as shipping lines cautiously consider resuming Red Sea routes.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is unveiling a new logo and visual identity, reflecting its commitment to safe and sustainable shipping. Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez highlighted the logo’s roots in the organization’s history while emphasizing its modern relevance. The design enhances accessibility and aligns with global maritime challenges in the 21st century.
Between January and November 2025, newbuilding contracts for bulk carriers fell by 54%, totaling 25 million DWT—the lowest since 2020. The dry bulk orderbook shrank by 4%, now at 11% of the fleet. Filipe Gouveia of BIMCO cites an uncertain market, with contracted vessels down 61% year-on-year.
KVH has launched the CommBox Edge Core, a cutting-edge communications gateway for leisure and small to mid-sized commercial vessels. Designed for robust network management, it integrates various WANs like Starlink and 5G/LTE, enhancing connectivity with features like Wi-Fi 6 and a user-friendly mobile app for seamless control.
Hanwha Ocean has delivered the Wind Mover wind turbine installation vessel (WTIV) to Cadeler ahead of schedule. The formal handover occurred on November 28, with the vessel departing on December 2. Wind Mover, featuring a 2,600-tonne crane, will operate in Europe, expanding Cadeler’s fleet to ten vessels.
Australian authorities have seized nearly A$9 million worth of cocaine hidden in a refrigerated shipping container at Port Botany, New South Wales. The Australian Border Force identified the suspicious consignment through an x-ray examination, leading to the discovery of 22 blocks totaling approximately 27kg, confirming the presence of cocaine.
On December 3, the Romanian military destroyed a Sea Baby drone in the Black Sea, posing a navigation risk. This incident underscores growing concerns over shipping safety amid the Ukraine conflict. The drone was located 36 nautical miles east of Constanta, reflecting the rising tensions affecting regional maritime operations.
Kongsberg Maritime is celebrating 50 years of its pioneering dynamic positioning (DP) system, a revolutionary Norwegian innovation. Launched in the 1970s, it transformed offshore operations by allowing vessels to maintain position without anchors. Today, with over 4,000 systems in use, Kongsberg continues to lead in enhancing maritime safety and efficiency.
Shipping insurance rates for vessels in the Black Sea have surged over threefold due to recent Ukrainian attacks on Russian-linked ships. Previously ranging from 0.25% to 0.3% of a vessel’s value, rates have escalated to 1% for certain ports. The heightened risks have prompted underwriters to revise their assessment significantly.
Lloyd’s Register has joined the DCSA+ initiative, enhancing its role in a global network aimed at unifying the container shipping industry through open digital standards. This partnership will focus on developing the Operational Vessel Schedules standard, improving visibility and coordination, ultimately fostering a more efficient and sustainable shipping ecosystem.
