The Port of Salalah in Oman has rebounded from a decrease in container traffic earlier this year due to the Red Sea crisis. CEO Mohammed Al-Mashani reported an improvement, with 1.7 million TEUs and 11.6 million tons of general cargo handled in the first half of the year. A $300 million expansion plan is underway to enhance capacity and connectivity with major shipping lines.
Maersk celebrated the naming of its third large dual-fuel methanol containership, Antonia Maersk, in Denmark. This milestone marks the company’s commitment to fleet modernization with environmentally friendly vessels. CEO Vincent Clerc highlighted the challenges and plans for transitioning to green fuels to reduce carbon emissions and meet decarbonization goals.
The Liberia-flagged tanker Delta Blue, weighing 158,000 tons, survived a rare multi-day attack by the Houthis using speed boats, RPGs, missiles, and drones. Despite no damage reported, analysts speculate on the motive behind the assault due to the vessel’s lack of connections to primary Houthi targets. Armed guards successfully defended the ship, emphasizing the importance of security measures at sea.
IMO Member States are implementing the Maritime Single Window (MSW) to streamline shipping processes. Antigua and Barbuda led the way in the Caribbean, with the OECS now following suit. Needs assessments are ongoing in St. Lucia, with plans to establish MSWs in five Eastern Caribbean countries. Collaboration with CARICOM IMPACS-JRCC will enhance regional connectivity.
German propulsion company Schottel, in partnership with Transport Canada and BC Ferries, has developed a real-time noise monitoring system to combat underwater noise pollution in the Salish Sea. This innovative project aims to protect the region’s endangered orca population by optimizing propeller design and analyzing noise data to mitigate environmental impact.
Two U.S.-based companies, GFI LNG and Pilot LNG, are collaborating to establish a small-scale LNG terminal in Salina Cruz, Mexico, to meet the rising demand for LNG-fueled ships. The Salina Cruz LNG JV plans to operate an LNG bunkering and transshipment terminal, targeting a key shipping market. Operations are set to begin in mid-to-late 2027.
The British Office of Maritime Trade Operations reported a rare rocket-propelled grenade attack on a merchant ship in the Strait of Bab el-Mandeb. Despite the explosion, the ship and crew were unharmed. The incident, involving Iran-backed Houthi rebels, occurred 45 nautical miles south of Al Mukha in Yemen. Authorities are investigating.
U.S. forces have recently targeted Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, destroying drones, ground control stations, and missiles. The Iran-aligned Houthi movement claimed attacks on a container ship and US destroyers. Despite this, CENTCOM emphasized the threats posed by such actions, urging regional stability. However, no definitive evidence of attacks on US ships was provided.
The United Arab Emirates has prohibited ships flying the flag of landlocked Eswatini from entering its ports. The move is a response to vessels involved in transporting Russian oil, with Cameroon’s flag also on the restricted list. Safety concerns have emerged regarding lesser-known flags post-Ukraine invasion. Eswatini’s ship count is minimal.
Many of Greece’s ports are deemed inadequate and dangerous by the Panhellenic Union of Merchant Marine Masters. The annual report highlights neglect and the urgent need for significant investments to address issues faced in ports across Greece. PEPEN advocates for increased attention and investment, emphasizing safety concerns and infrastructure challenges.
Brunvoll secures a deal with Tersan Shipyard to provide propulsion systems for two 150-meter chemical tankers owned by Tune Chemical Tankers. The agreement includes an option for two more vessels, showcasing potential future collaboration. The system features advanced technology to optimize fuel consumption and enhance maneuverability, highlighting a commitment to innovation and excellence in shipbuilding.
The International Maritime Film Festival is accepting final submissions until tomorrow, August 9. Celebrating maritime heritage and ocean adventure, the event will take place in person at the Alamo Theater in Maine from September 26-28, with an online component on Vimeo from October 1-31. Cash prizes and recognition await the winners.
Indonesian authorities are currently investigating a tragic incident involving an interisland tanker, the Elisabet Satu, which caught fire and exploded off the coast of Tepekong near Bali. The incident resulted in the loss of five crewmembers, with three severely burned and 12 others sustaining lesser injuries out of the total 21 crewmembers on board.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has awarded five scholarships at the University of Tasmania, totaling A$47,000, to promote diversity in the maritime industry. Recipients include Tenisha Jones, Angelica Starlight, Samantha Roser, Kyla Fuller, and Tracey Vella, highlighting the importance of addressing skills shortages and underrepresentation of women and Indigenous peoples.
The 2024 Inmarsat Maritime report underscores the critical role of sharing safety data to enhance maritime security. By fostering collaboration and transparency, the industry can improve situational awareness and operational efficiency. Emphasizing crew involvement in design and proactive safety measures, it advocates for a robust safety culture to address emerging threats effectively.
