A small container feeder vessel sank off the coast of Sihanoukville, Cambodia due to severe weather conditions. All 10 crew members were rescued safely by a nearby fishing vessel. Concerns about potential pollution risks from the floating containers remain. The vessel, Chiang Laan, had no record of international port state control inspections, a common characteristic among locally-trading vessels in Southeast Asia.
World Ocean Day on June 8 calls for urgent action to address environmental challenges, like the loss of marine ecosystems and rising sea levels. In response, DP World unveils its Ocean Strategy for 2024-2030, promoting a Sustainable Blue Economy. Focused on biodiversity restoration and reducing plastic waste, the strategy aligns with UN goals and emphasizes community engagement and industry standards.
Tototheo Global and Neuron have partnered to implement Neuron’s AI-powered QoE management platform on vessels. The collaboration aims to enhance connectivity on ships interacting with multiple satellite providers, ensuring seamless transitions between services. Successful proof of concept tests have shown that Neuron’s solution improves connectivity robustness, providing insights for optimizing onboard operations. This partnership emphasizes transparency and cost-effective connectivity for the maritime industry.
ExxonMobil’s MobilgardTM 540 AC, a high-performance cylinder oil, has been validated by WinGD for use in dual fuel engines with conventional fuels, including LNG and methanol. Approved by MAN ES for two-stroke engines, Mobilgard 540 AC is designed for slow-speed marine engines operating on various fuels. This validation highlights ExxonMobil’s commitment to providing top-tier solutions for vessel operators.
The New Zealand government is set to reverse the ban on offshore petroleum exploration to address energy security challenges. The Minerals Amendment Bill aims to boost economic contributions from the petroleum and mineral sectors. The reforms include changing the allocation process for exploration permits to encourage investment. Minister Shane Jones emphasized the importance of supporting the resources sector with the right policy settings.
Britain’s Ministry of Defence debunked the Yemeni Houthis’ claim of firing ballistic missiles at a British destroyer in the Red Sea. The attack was deemed false and denied by the Ministry. Allegations of attacks on two merchant ships were also dismissed as the Houthis continue to disrupt shipping traffic in solidarity with Gaza.
Two ships caught fire off the coast of Yemen in Aden after being hit by missiles, as reported by British maritime authorities. The ships sustained damage but managed to contain the fires and no injuries were reported. The Iran-aligned Houthi militia has been targeting ships in the region in solidarity with Palestinians.
The ocean, a source of sustenance and wonder, holds a crucial role in Bangladesh’s maritime future. Embracing marine spatial planning (MSP) is essential for sustainable resource management, balancing economic growth with environmental preservation. Despite challenges, Bangladesh has made progress in delineating its maritime boundaries, paving the way for responsible marine governance and the protection of marine resources for future generations.
GRSE is expanding its presence by developing patrol boats for Bangladesh’s Sustainable Coastal and Marine Fisheries Project. The contract for dredgers is worth USD 16.6 million. The dredger will be 58.70 meters long, reach speeds of up to 10 knots, and designed to be resilient in various marine environments.
The 28th edition of the biennial Posidonia Exhibition concluded as the premier event for the maritime industry, showcasing a projected $4.2 trillion sector by 2031. The UGS Press Conference highlighted key discussions on challenges, education, decarbonisation, and sustainability. Major deals were sealed, including Atlas Maritime’s vessel order and ONEX Group’s tug production agreement, driving innovation and collaboration in the industry.
Authorities at the Port of Antwerp have closed a dock and are using drones to monitor the aftermath of an oil spill during ship bunkering. To contain the spill, the port closed Deurganck dock and the Kieldrecht lock. Twenty ships and surrounding areas were cleaned, but the spill’s extent and ship type remain unknown.
GTT has received approvals from Bureau Veritas and Lloyd’s Register for its NEXT1 LNG cargo containment system. The approvals were granted at the Posidonia 2024 marine exhibition in Athens, marking an important milestone for the technology. With these approvals, the GTT NEXT1 technology is now ready for commercial use, aiming to provide thermal performance levels equivalent to Mark III Flex+ technology.
CTS Offshore and Marine (CTS) and Varuna Marine Services (VMS) have partnered to assist vessel owners in managing carbon emissions. The collaboration offers services for decarbonization and compliance with regulations like the EU Emissions Trading System and FuelEU. CTS specializes in fleet decarbonization, while VMS excels in EU ETS management and FuelEU compliance. Together, they aim to guide clients towards a sustainable future in the maritime industry.
The feeder operator has ordered four 11,000 TEU vessels from Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding, which will be methanol- and dual-fuel vessels equipped with exhaust gas scrubbers, windshields, and energy-saving solutions. X-press Feeders is working with OCI Global to supply green methanol for the ships, furthering their commitment to sustainability.
French maritime robotics company Exail has developed a new unmanned surface vehicle (USV) that has completed successful sea trials. With an impressive autonomy of 3,500 nautical miles and the ability to deploy multiple payloads and subsea assets, this USV is versatile and valuable for various maritime applications. It is designed for long-duration operations and can withstand severe ocean conditions.
