The Philippine Coast Guard is managing a fire on the tanker Gindara, docked at Balayan Distillery. The blaze, originating in the engine room, spread to the accommodation block. Of the 22 crew members aboard, 20 are safe, while two were injured. Investigations will begin after firefighting operations conclude.
Orders for alternative-fuel vessels surged to 168 in Q3 2026, the highest quarterly total in two years, driven by 69 orders in September alone. LNG vessels led the orders, with 48 contracts across various types. This rebound highlights shipowners’ commitment to investing in alternative-fuel capabilities for their fleets.
Three seafarers tragically lost their lives, and two remain missing after a rescue boat capsized off the Southern Cape coast. The incident occurred during a recovery operation when a crew member fell overboard from the tugboat Umkhuseli. Search efforts continue, with condolences extended to the affected families.
During the construction of a liquefied natural gas pipeline in Greifswald, Germany, a 17th-century shipwreck was discovered, revealing artifacts like timber planks and wrought-iron anchors. The archaeological team conducted 22 dives to document the site, uncovering tools and a mysterious clay brick, shedding light on the ship’s storied past.
Maritime authorities in Central America are launching a collaborative strategy to enhance regional maritime development among six nations. Funded by Malaysia, this initiative involves the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and aims to bolster capacity and cooperation. A virtual meeting marked the start of consultations to outline shared priorities and action plans.
Recent research shows that while 63% of maritime professionals use AI daily, only 8% believe their organizations have mature AI governance. This gap highlights challenges in oversight, with over half spending at least an hour weekly verifying AI outputs. Despite these issues, 85% feel AI ultimately saves them time.
Recent reports from UK Maritime Trade Operations have confirmed three attacks on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns about information transparency. Incidents occurred on September 29 but were only reported this Wednesday. Details remain vague, complicating assessments for ship owners amid ongoing security uncertainties in the region.
On September 29, a patient was brought to the French-Vietnamese Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City after being rescued from the MSC Hermes III, a containership that had been abandoned. The individual arrived unconscious and required supplemental oxygen. The crew had evacuated a week earlier, with no explanation for the incident.
Samsung Heavy Industries has secured a $226 million contract to build two very large gas carriers for a Bermuda-based client. Finalized on September 29, the project will run until February 28, 2030, with payments tied to construction milestones. This order represents about 2.9% of the company’s projected 2025 revenue.
Interferry will celebrate its 50th anniversary in Bangkok, highlighting its growth and addressing current challenges in the ferry industry. CEO Mike Corrigan emphasizes the importance of tackling regulatory and operational issues, particularly electrification and workforce engagement, while recognizing the ferry sector’s vital role in global transportation infrastructure.
The situation in the Strait of Hormuz is deteriorating, highlighted by delayed reports of a vessel struck by a projectile. UK Maritime Trade Operations indicated the incident as “suspicious activity,” amidst unverified claims by Iran of targeting multiple vessels. This fragmentation complicates monitoring and creates challenges for shipping operations.
A.P. Moller-Maersk has achieved a significant milestone by bunkering its Tangier Maersk containership with 100% U.S.-produced corn ethanol in Houston. This marks the first ship-to-ship commercial ethanol bunkering for deep-sea vessels in the U.S., highlighting the company’s exploration of diverse alternative fuels for its fleet.
The MSC Hermes III faced a crisis after a crew member suffered a severe head injury, prompting an emergency evacuation by Vietnamese authorities on September 29. The ship, previously towed after drifting, raised concerns about potential toxic gas exposure. The remaining crew members were rescued by another vessel.
Japan is nearing the completion of its first Arctic research vessel, Mirai II, equipped with full icebreaking capabilities. Set for delivery this year and its first expedition in 2027, the vessel will enhance scientific research in the Arctic, focusing on vital environmental observations amid climate change challenges.
The VLCC market has experienced a paradigm shift, where older vessels are selling for prices surpassing those of newbuilds. Demand and geopolitical factors have driven valuations sharply upward, with five-year-old ships increasing from $145 million to $172 million. This trend underscores the growing preference for immediate vessel availability amidst rising earnings.
