In maritime organizations, effective shore-based leaders often possess significant onboard experience, enabling them to grasp the complexities of life at sea. Roles like Designated Persons Ashore (DPA) and Port Captains bridge the gap between shore operations and vessel realities, highlighting the need for structured training to align perspectives and enhance collaboration.
The Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has reached a pivotal milestone, boosting its container capacity to over 7.2 million TEU and cementing its status as the world’s leading carrier with a 21.4% market share. With 980 active vessels and an orderbook of 2.18 million TEU, MSC continues to strengthen its dominance.
BAR Technologies has called for immediate action to establish a unified global carbon framework, citing the confusion caused by overlapping regional emissions trading schemes. Shipowners face compliance challenges from initiatives like the EU ETS and the IMO’s delayed Net-Zero Framework, which may hinder decarbonization efforts and inflate costs.
The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) reported on the capsizing of the tug Biter, which tragically resulted in two crew members’ deaths near Greenock, Scotland. The investigation highlighted inadequate pilot training, poor communication, and increased vessel speed as factors contributing to the incident, emphasizing the need for improved safety protocols.
On February 11, Singapore Police arrested crews from three tugboats for suspected illegal fuel sales offshore. Eighteen men, aged 21 to 45, allegedly misappropriated Marine Gas Oil valued at S$13,670. The Police Coast Guard is committed to combating such activities amid rising demand in Singapore’s booming bunker market. Charges are pending.
The increasing need for resilient positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) systems is highlighted by GNSS interference in Eastern Europe, especially in maritime zones. The RIPTIDE Phase 2 project, supported by ESA, aims to combat jamming and spoofing threats, enhancing navigation safety in the Black Sea and Lower Danube Basin.
Saronic is enhancing its Louisiana shipyard by integrating AI-driven welding robotics through a partnership with Path Robotics. This collaboration modernizes American shipbuilding, improving weld quality and production efficiency. By merging skilled labor with intelligent systems, Saronic aims to establish a resilient, scalable production model for the future of maritime manufacturing.
Seaspan Shipyards is revolutionizing its shipbuilding with a $1.5 million contract to Alberta’s Confined Space Robotics. This partnership will develop semiautonomous robotic systems for blast and paint operations, enhancing safety by minimizing worker exposure to hazardous materials. The initiative also aims to reduce environmental impact and boost productivity.
A new report from the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) evaluates ammonia as a marine fuel, led by ABS and partners. It emphasizes understanding ammonia’s properties to mitigate safety risks. Recommendations for enhanced safety protocols are provided, urging the maritime industry to adopt these insights for safe operations.
Government officials and maritime experts from Asian coastal states gathered in Singapore from February 2-6 for the first International Maritime Organization (IMO) workshop on ships’ routing and reporting systems. The workshop aimed to enhance navigational safety and improve the application of these systems in response to increasing maritime traffic in coastal areas.
GustoMSC, a subsidiary of NOV, has secured contracts to design and supply equipment for Hanwha Ocean’s new wind turbine installation vessel, based on the NG-16000X design. Scheduled for delivery in Q2 2028, this vessel will enhance South Korea’s offshore wind capabilities, supporting the government’s goal of 25 GW by 2035.
The UK shipping sector opposes plans to expand the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS) to domestic maritime activities by July 2026. Industry leaders warn of rising costs, negative impacts on island communities, and diminished competitiveness, all while questioning the effectiveness of emissions reductions. Concerns about infrastructure and alternative fuel costs persist.
SCHOTTEL has been chosen by GONDAN shipyard to provide the propulsion system for the Northern Lighthouse Board’s new vessel, POLE STAR. Officially named by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, the ship features advanced maneuverability with two SCHOTTEL RudderPropellers and TransverseThrusters, enhancing operational safety and efficiency.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has launched a two-year campaign themed “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence.” Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez emphasized the need to translate regulations into actionable outcomes. The initiative will enhance understanding of IMO conventions, focusing on capacity development and innovative safety standards, particularly for vulnerable nations.
The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch has reported on the October 24, 2023, collision between the bulk carrier Polesie and the cargo ship Verity, which sank, resulting in five fatalities. Both vessels’ watchkeepers failed to communicate effectively, and timely intervention could have prevented this tragic incident.
