Kongsberg Maritime has been awarded a contract by Consórcio Marenova to design four handy-size product tankers for Petrobras Transporte, valued at over $31 million. These vessels, measuring 150.6 meters long, will feature advanced systems and be ready for methanol and ethanol, emphasizing innovation and sustainability in Brazil’s shipbuilding industry.
Researchers are developing AI models to predict iceberg movements, enhancing shipping safety and climate monitoring. By analyzing historical drift patterns and ocean data, these systems improve tracking capabilities, enabling operators to anticipate hazards and plan safer routes, addressing limitations of traditional methods reliant on satellite imagery and manual analysis.
The European Commission plans to propose measures to strengthen the EU shipping industry by promoting “Made in EU” initiatives. These will encourage public authorities to consider sustainability and product origin in supplier selection. The European Investment Bank may also ease financing for shipowners, enhancing local ship production and competitiveness.
Estonian authorities have released the Russia-bound containership Baltic Spirit after a thorough search revealed no evidence of drug smuggling. The operation, sparked by international intelligence, included a dramatic boarding by police K-Commando in Tallinn Bay. Despite extensive inspections, officials found no illegal cargo, allowing the vessel to continue its journey.
Fincantieri has partnered with Italian deep-tech firm WSense to develop advanced wireless technologies for underwater applications. This collaboration enhances subsea monitoring systems by integrating WSense’s wireless solutions into Fincantieri’s DEEP system, improving resilience and flexibility while minimizing reliance on traditional cabling for critical infrastructure protection and environmental monitoring.
A.P. Moller-Maersk A/S plans to cut around 1,000 jobs and emphasize cost discipline in 2026 as it faces falling freight rates from the reopening of Red Sea routes. Projected EBITDA will range from $4.5 billion to $7 billion, prompting a significant drop in shares and a focus on productivity improvements.
On February 5, 2026, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, Somalia’s Minister of Ports and Marine Transport, commended the cabinet’s approval of strategic maritime agreements to rejuvenate the shipping sector and strengthen ties with Türkiye. These agreements aim to modernize maritime governance, enhance trade, and protect seafarers’ rights while promoting environmental safety.
Global container shipping rates have dropped for the fourth consecutive week, declining 7% to $1,959 per 40-foot container. This decrease is unexpected ahead of the Lunar New Year, typically a peak shipping time. Carriers are proactively canceling sailings, leading to significant shifts in freight rates across major trade lanes.
The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has released its report on the April 25, 2024, collision between the crude oil tanker Apache and the trawler Serinah in the Firth of Clyde. Both vessels failed to adhere to collision prevention regulations, resulting in Serinah sinking rapidly, though all crew members were unharmed.
DBI, the Danish Institute of Fire and Security Technology, has joined the Maritime Battery Forum, leveraging over a century of expertise to enhance battery safety at sea. Since 2017, DBI’s Blue Battery project investigates incidents and formulates actionable recommendations, aiming to create evidence-based standards for the maritime industry.
The U.S. Coast Guard is set to receive nearly $25 billion in supplemental funding for fiscal year 2025, the highest ever. However, a GAO report reveals critical workforce shortages and equipment issues that threaten operational capacity. With significant staffing gaps and declining equipment readiness, effective implementation of funding remains crucial for national security.
A newly updated Rescue Guide, created by UNHCR, IMO, and ICS, provides essential legal guidance for the disembarkation of rescued individuals at sea. It emphasizes timely action and outlines responsibilities for states and maritime actors, aiming to enhance cooperation and uphold human rights for vulnerable populations, particularly refugees and migrants.
The Italian Coast Guard inspected the livestock carrier Blue Ocean A, discovering 54 deficiencies, 30 leading to its detention. Serious issues were noted with firefighting systems and life-saving equipment. The vessel, towed to Cagliari after engine troubles during a storm, is a 34-year-old ship previously converted from a containership.
On February 4, 2026, the Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD) announced a partnership with CIMAC to enhance the maritime sector’s readiness for alternative fuel adoption. This collaboration aims to address challenges in transitioning to greener fuels, fostering innovation and effective strategies for a sustainable maritime future.
EUCAP Somalia’s Field Office in Puntland has significantly enhanced local law enforcement by donating maritime communication equipment and fingerprint scanners to the Puntland State Police. This initiative aims to improve maritime surveillance and coordination, while the new fingerprint scanners will aid in tackling financial crimes and cross-border illicit activities, strengthening regional security.
