South African officials are warning about the fertilizer cargo and debris washing ashore from the grounded bulker Ultra Galaxy after severe weather. Salvage operations are underway as weather allows efforts to rescue the vessel, which ran aground on the Atlantic coast. The vessel, with 18 crew members from the Philippines, remains on its side as teams work to remove cargo and prevent oil spills.
European ports are embracing shore power technology to comply with regulations and reduce emissions. Ports in Germany, Sweden, Finland, and Belgium are leading the way in providing power sources on land for ships, reducing noise, air pollution, and emissions by up to 90%. Government support for shore power projects is increasing globally, with potential for it to become a standard solution for green shipping.
The crew of a capsized Comoros-flagged oil tanker off Oman is still missing, according to the country’s maritime security center. The 16-member crew of the “Prestige Falcon” included 13 Indians and 3 Sri Lankans. The tanker, en route to Aden, capsized near Duqm. Rescue efforts are underway.
On the same day, San Francisco’s Blue & Gold Fleet introduced a hydrogen-powered ferry, Angel Island Tiburon Ferry (AITF) announced plans to electrify two vessels and build a new carbon fiber plug-in battery-hybrid catamaran with New Zealand-based EV Maritime. The innovative vessel will operate on batteries for shorter routes and diesel for longer trips, marking EV Maritime’s US debut.
The captain of Iranian tanker Arman 114 has been sentenced to seven years in prison for missing court dates related to an illicit ship-to-ship transfer in Indonesia. Iran’s “shadow fleet” often engages in unregulated oil transfers in Southeast Asia, leading to spills. Despite denying involvement, the captain was convicted of intentional water pollution. The vessel and cargo have been seized, with ownership in dispute.
Port Marlborough and Marlborough Sounds Marinas have made history in New Zealand by becoming the first marina operation in the country to receive the International Clean Marina certification for three of their sites. This achievement reflects their commitment to environmental protection, clean water, and sustainable practices in marina management. Anouk Euzeby, manager of MSM, expressed pride in the team’s efforts to reach this milestone.
A report by Novaspace predicts a significant increase in the market share of Non-Geostationary Orbit solutions in maritime communications, reaching 90% by 2033. Starlink’s launch of its maritime service has driven this growth, with the number of vessels using VSAT technology set to double to 90,000 by 2033. Revenues are expected to grow from $1.8 billion in 2023 to $3 billion by 2033.
On July 15, 2024, Alex Smith reported that the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has selected ‘Our Ocean – Our Obligation – Our Opportunity’ as the theme for World Maritime Day in 2025. This theme, proposed by IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez, highlights the ocean’s importance in the global economy and environment, emphasizing the shipping industry’s responsibility in protecting marine resources and promoting sustainable practices.
South Korean shipbuilding group HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering has secured a significant $27 billion order for new containerships, believed to be from CMA CGM. The 12 vessels, with a capacity of 15,500 TEU, will be constructed at HD Hyundai Shipyard and HD Hyundai Samho. This order reflects a strong demand for high-cost vessels and positions HD Hyundai as a key player in the industry.
A merchant vessel was attacked by a group of vessels in the southern Red Sea, with the ship’s master reporting the incident to UK Maritime Trade Operations. The attack, 70 nautical miles southwest of Hodeidah, involved three vessels, two crewed and one unmanned. This tactic, used by the Houthis before, highlights the evolving threats in the region and the need for increased vigilance.
Danish operator TORM is strategically expanding its fleet to take advantage of the rebound in tanker markets, with a recent acquisition of eight second-hand MR vessels. The $340 million deal, financed through a mix of bank financing and shares, is part of TORM’s plan to grow its fleet to 96 vessels by 2024. CEO Jacob Meldgaard is pleased with the company’s strategic growth.
Dubai’s RTA has unveiled the world’s first electric abra, made using 3D printing technology. With a capacity for 20 passengers, this innovative vessel aligns with Dubai’s 3D printing strategy and environmental goals. The electric abra features advanced technical components and will undergo testing to assess its performance compared to traditional abras. RTA aims to enhance marine transport services and facilities for all passengers.
Yemen’s Houthis claimed military operations in the Gulf of Aden and Eilat, targeting an Israeli ship and military sites in response to an Israeli airstrike. The US Central Command destroyed Iran-backed Houthis unmanned aerial vehicles and vessels, citing imminent threats to US forces and merchant vessels. Houthis have been attacking shipping lanes since November.
The ATSB determined that the grounding of the bulk carrier World Diana at Port of Bunbury was due to pilot error and port deficiencies. The incident, which occurred during departure, highlighted the need for improved bridge resource management and arrival/departure procedures for larger ships. Following the investigation, the port authority has implemented new safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Ships navigating the turbulent waters off the southern tip of Africa are facing challenges due to severe weather conditions. CMA CGM SA reported the loss of 44 containers on the CMA CGM Benjamin Franklin, while AP Moller – Maersk A/S experienced delays. The disrupted route near South Africa is affecting ships avoiding Yemen’s Red Sea attacks.
