Europe’s busiest port, the Port of Rotterdam, saw a 1.4% decrease in throughput in Q1 2024, handling 110.1 million tons compared to 111.7 million tons in 2023. CEO Boudewijn Siemons noted declining energy costs impacted industrial sectors, although container throughput rose by 2%, suggesting a possible uptick in global trade.
The leader of Yemen’s Houthis claimed responsibility for recent operations in the Indian Ocean and towards southern Israel. With 14 attacks in two weeks across various maritime regions, the group aims to stop ships bound for Israel and calls for an end to Israeli aggression in Gaza.
An Iranian ship, Behshad, linked to Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, is returning to Iran amidst preparations for a potential Israeli attack. The USA accuses Iran of involvement, while Tehran denies it. The ship’s movements follow a suspected Israeli airstrike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, escalating tensions in the region.
Chris Erickson, son of Erickson Marine Founder Bill Erickson, expects picky clients for their Nor-Tech Hi-Performance Powerboats. Marine industry veteran Jim Ferguson recently purchased a Nor-Tech 340 Sport center console from Erickson, impressed by the quality and performance. Ferguson praised Erickson Marine for their exceptional service and expertise.
Yinson GreenTech (YGT) partners with Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS) to advance cleaner maritime operations in Singapore. The collaboration includes using electric vessels for cargo delivery and crew transfers, aiming to gather valuable data for wider industry adoption. This initiative showcases a commitment to sustainability and reducing Scope 3 emissions in the shipping industry.
Former World 18ft Skiff champion Scott Ramsden introduces the Tomahawk, a revolutionary catamaran set to transform the trailer boat market. With distinctive design features and superior sea-keeping abilities, this single-engine catamaran promises increased stability, comfort, and reduced emissions. Unveiling at SCIBS 2024, the Tomahawk is poised to revolutionize the industry.
ONE LEAF+ is a service tailored to the shipping sector’s decarbonization goals, allowing customers to actively monitor emissions and reduce their ecological footprint. Benefits include reduced carbon footprint with alternative fuels, improved transparency with third-party verification, and increased collaboration for sustainability efforts. ONE remains committed to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
The Zero Emission Maritime Buyers Alliance (ZEMBA) awarded Hapag-Lloyd the first tender for ocean shipping services from Singapore to Rotterdam. Leading consumer and manufacturing companies, including Amazon and Nike, agreed to purchase over one billion TEU miles in 2025 and 2026, aiming for a 90% reduction in greenhouse gases through waste-based biomethane service.
Global shipping giant Maersk has provided an update on its operations post the Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore. The company informed customers with cargo on board MV Dali to notify their insurers immediately about the General Average declaration. Alternate channels have been opened in Baltimore, but larger vessels are unable to access them. Maersk is awaiting confirmation on a third channel to open in April. Customers are advised to arrange freight through alternative ports like Newark, Norfolk, and Philadelphia. Maersk has temporarily suspended new SPOT sea bookings to and from Baltimore.
American Cruise Lines reveals details on new Patriot Class ships set to debut in 2025, expanding their coastal itineraries. The American Patriot and American Pioneer will each accommodate 125 passengers with private balconies and various amenities. This expansion is part of the company’s Project Blue initiative to build a dozen coastal cruise ships.
Romanian legislators have passed a new law allowing for offshore wind development, with detailed regulations to follow by mid-2025. Minister of Energy, Sebastian Burduja, predicts offshore wind energy production in the Black Sea by 2032. The government plans to set up leasing activities and approve offshore wind areas by March 2025.
Grafmarine has secured a new partnership with a global leader in the decarbonisation of the international shipping industry. Based in Manchester, this deal aims to help decarbonise the global shipping industry, marking a significant step towards sustainable practices in the maritime sector.
South Korea’s president plans to invest $4 billion in financing to expand the nation’s container ship fleet, adding one million TEU in capacity. This move aims to increase the fleet to 2 million TEU by 2030, with a focus on eco-friendly vessels. HMM, the national champion carrier, stands to benefit from this funding.
ClassNK approved Mitsui E&S Shipbuilding’s methanol fuel delivery system, a milestone in decarbonization efforts. Green methanol’s potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is significant, yet safety measures are crucial due to its toxicity and flammability. Adhering to IMO guidelines, ClassNK issued an AiP after confirming the system’s compliance with regulations.
Vietnam Maritime Corp (VIMC) is making a second attempt to sell a 27-year-old handymax bulker, VIMC Green. The partially publicly listed company is preparing for a second sale by tender after initial bids did not meet expectations. Brokers are closely following the sale of the 27,300-dwt vessel.
