As ports prepare for alternative fuels like methanol and hydrogen, they face challenges in safety and operations. A new guideline, part of the SafeSBU project, offers a risk-based framework to help manage this transition. It promotes collaboration among stakeholders, ensuring organizational readiness and effective emergency preparedness for green-fuel operations.
The Hellenic Coast Guard successfully rescued a 44-year-old woman from El Salvador, who jumped overboard from the Odyssey of the Seas cruise ship in the Ionian Sea. After nearly 20 hours in the water, she was found conscious but suffering from mild hypothermia, thanks to a nearby containership’s alert.
For the past decade, LNG has emerged as a transitional fuel for shipping, surpassing 1,550 LNG-fueled vessels since 2016. However, methane slip poses a significant challenge, with emissions regulations tightening. Initiatives like MAMII are addressing leakage issues, yet standardization and data accessibility remain critical for effective compliance and emissions tracking.
Saudi Arabia is set to enhance its oil pipeline capacity to 10 million barrels per day in the next two to three years, as reiterated by Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman. This initiative targets infrastructure improvements for resilience against Houthi attacks, including upgrades to vital pumping stations along the East-West pipeline.
The maritime industry is poised for digital transformation, but significant hurdles remain. Experts emphasize that the challenge lies not in technology itself, but in organizations’ ability to integrate it effectively. Collaboration, enhanced training, and robust cybersecurity are essential for optimizing operations and supporting crew roles within this evolving landscape.
On October 11, the Maritime Police rescued 45 migrants, including a pregnant woman, from a vessel near Gavdos Island, Greece. They were in good health and transported to Karave port. This operation is part of the “Joint Operation (JO) Greece 2026,” highlighting ongoing efforts to ensure migrant safety at sea.
The South Korean container ship PanStar Acro has made history with the country’s first commercial round trip to Europe via the Arctic, returning to Busan after 50 days. This route may cut journey times by a third, enhancing Busan’s prospects as a global maritime hub amid geopolitical concerns.
When hurricanes strike the Gulf of Mexico, oil companies face financial losses while awaiting production resumption. Shell Plc is set to leverage drone technology for quicker post-storm inspections, potentially saving $50 million over three years. The firm has secured US approval to be the first to utilize drones offshore, enhancing operational efficiency.
Several vessels near Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, were ordered to vacate their anchorages on Saturday evening, following radio instructions from the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). This incident, classified as “suspicious activity,” has prompted an investigation, while other vessels are urged to remain vigilant and report any further suspicious occurrences.
The International Maritime Organization has launched guidelines to oversee marine geoengineering research, addressing climate change mitigation. These frameworks assess techniques like ocean fertilization and alkalinity enhancement, ensuring they pose no harm to marine ecosystems. A precautionary approach prioritizes environmental protection while enabling scientific exploration of carbon absorption methods.
ClassNK has awarded its Innovation Endorsement for Products & Solutions to the ‘Freshness Keeping Catalyst’ by Nikki-Universal Co., Ltd. This catalyst effectively removes ethylene gas from fruits and vegetables, preserving their freshness. Vessels using this product can earn the ‘ELW’ notation, enhancing onboard living conditions and reducing food waste for crew members.
CMB.TECH has launched the Mineral Europa, the world’s first ammonia-powered dry bulk carrier, embarking on its inaugural journey to Australia. This 210,000-tonne vessel symbolizes a major leap towards sustainable shipping. As part of a fleet expansion, it highlights the industry’s commitment to alternative fuels and eco-friendly maritime transport.
Japanese shipping company NYK recently held a maritime emergency response drill in the Seto Inland Sea, simulating a bulk carrier grounding and fuel oil spill. The exercise, involving various organizations, tested response protocols, oil spill containment, and communication strategies, emphasizing the importance of preparedness in maritime operations for seafarers.
The shipping sector is enhancing fuel efficiency to meet decarbonization goals and manage costs. BIMCO’s Energy Saving Device Retrofit Addendum 2026 introduces a flexible framework for negotiating costs and benefits of energy-saving installations, addressing historical conflicts between shipowners and charterers, and fostering investment in sustainable technologies.
A chemical tanker, the Acers, was struck by projectiles off Qatar’s coast, resulting in crew casualties. This attack signals an alarming rise in assaults on commercial shipping, occurring away from the previously concentrated violence near the Strait of Hormuz. Authorities are investigating and advising vessels to remain vigilant.
