A ferry carrying 133 people capsized off Guyana’s coast, sparking fears of fatalities. Authorities are investigating potential crew drug use and an inaccurate passenger list. While 67 individuals, including 15 children, were rescued, no survivors have been found since Sunday. The captain and crew are now in police custody.
On July 19, the Caspian Pipeline Consortium confirmed attacks on two oil tankers at its terminal along Russia’s Black Sea coast, halting operations. Thankfully, a fire aboard the ASIA was extinguished quickly, and no injuries or spills were reported. The incident has heightened tensions amid ongoing hostilities in the region.
On July 19, 2026, the UK Maritime Trade Operations reported a vessel hijacking in the Gulf of Aden. The ship, sailing eastward near Al Mukalla, was redirected toward Somali waters by unidentified individuals. Yemen’s Coast Guard confirmed the seizure of the Asana oil tanker, believed to involve Somali pirates. Investigations are ongoing.
A recent US airstrike targeted the maritime control tower at Kalantari Port in southeastern Iran, confirming reports of military escalations amid the 2026 Strait of Hormuz crisis. Although the strike resulted in no casualties, it raises concerns about potential Iranian military responses, impacting regional market expectations significantly.
The European Commission has proposed significant reforms to the EU’s Emissions Trading System (ETS), enabling longer carbon dioxide emission allowances for industries while boosting investments in clean technologies. This overhaul aims to achieve a 90% net emissions reduction by 2040, despite concerns from various member states about competitiveness and financial implications.
An oil tanker, the Suezmax-class Nordic Zenith, chartered by ExxonMobil, was attacked by two drones while loading at the Caspian Pipeline Consortium terminal near Russia’s Black Sea coast. A fire broke out but was quickly extinguished. Thirteen crew members evacuated; nine chose to remain aboard amid escalating maritime tensions.
Recent attacks on commercial vessels, including the tragic death of an Indian seafarer, are severely impacting recruitment and escalating costs for shipping companies, according to SV Anchan of Safesea Shipping. Heightened risks have prompted India to suspend the deployment of sailors to the Gulf, while insurance premiums soar amid ongoing maritime tensions.
Ransom negotiations are ongoing for the release of 44 crew members from three vessels hijacked by Somali pirates. The oil tankers Honour 25 and Eureka, along with the cargo ship Sward, were seized in separate incidents off Somalia. Security concerns have risen, prompting shipping companies to avoid high-risk waters.
The Maritime Association for Clean Seas (MACS) has introduced guides to aid the commercial shipping sector in adopting sustainable plastic procurement practices. These resources tackle industry challenges such as inconsistent terminology and varying supplier requirements, fostering a unified approach to reduce marine plastic pollution by 2030, in line with IMO goals.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne addressed the Second Annual Global Maritime Security and Sanctions Enforcement Symposium in St. John’s, Antigua, emphasizing the need for a secure maritime industry. He reaffirmed Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to global safety and highlighted the importance of collaboration in preventing illicit vessel registration and enhancing maritime security.
The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is crucial for global trade, facilitating the transport of oil, gas, and essential goods. Its strategic location is threatened by regional conflicts, potentially disrupting shipping routes. Such disruptions could force vessels to navigate longer paths, significantly increasing costs and impacting supply chains worldwide. Security remains paramount.
Modern dredging vessels, like cutter suction and trailing suction hopper dredgers, face unique mechanical demands. Their drivetrains must manage extreme torque and high power transmission while operating in harsh environments. Custom-engineered solutions ensure reliability, with collaboration among manufacturers critical for optimizing performance and meeting the rigorous standards of dredging operations.
Wärtsilä will supply its Wärtsilä 25 Ammonia auxiliary engine, NOₓ reducer, and gas valve unit for two midsize LPG/liquid ammonia carriers, enhancing efficiency and reducing emissions. Under construction at Nantong CIMC, the vessels will be operated by Navigator Amon Shipping AS, aligning with maritime sustainability goals. Delivery starts June 2027.
US President Donald Trump has retracted his proposal for a 20 percent toll on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, shifting focus to trade deals with Gulf states. This rapid change reflects “highly productive conversations” with Middle Eastern leaders, aiming to enhance economic ties while maintaining pressure on Iran’s shipping activities.
The 2026 Gender-inclusive Leadership in Maritime training course, organized by WMU and IMO, concluded on July 8, gathering 23 maritime professionals from 18 countries. The initiative aimed to enhance leadership skills and promote gender equality, featuring online learning and interactive workshops that addressed gender-related challenges in the maritime sector.
