The Hong Kong Shipowners Association (HKSOA) has voiced strong support for the national plan from the National People’s Congress, underscoring Hong Kong’s significance as an international financial and shipping hub. Chairman Richard Hext highlighted the maritime sector’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, including the launch of the Maritime Talent Cultivation Alliance.
COSCO Shipping has suspended operations at Balboa port, the gateway to the Panama Canal, as reported by La Prensa. Clients are directed to return empty containers to alternative terminals. The reasons for this halt remain unclear, following a Supreme Court ruling that annulled key contracts held by Panama Ports Company.
Cool Carriers is expanding its fleet with seven new Type Reefer Carriers from Kitanihon Shipbuilding. The first vessel, Snow Flower, was delivered on March 4. Each ship can transport 5,000 high-cube pallets and 168 reefer containers, enhancing the company’s capacity and competitiveness in global trade routes for perishables.
Shipping activities at major Belgian ports are severely disrupted due to an extended strike by sea pilots and maritime traffic controllers. With only essential personnel on duty, 26 ships are anchored in the North Sea, and many vessels face delays in Antwerp and Ghent, impacting maritime operations significantly.
Abu Dhabi’s ADNOC has temporarily closed its Ruwais refinery due to a fire from a drone strike, highlighting vulnerabilities in regional energy infrastructure amid rising tensions. The government confirmed no injuries, but details on the affected facility remain undisclosed. Other operations at the complex reportedly continue as normal.
ABB has secured a contract to deliver an integrated electrical power, propulsion, and automation system for two hybrid-electric cable repair vessels for Orange Marine. Scheduled for delivery in 2028 and 2029, these vessels will enhance submarine cable maintenance across various oceans, utilizing advanced technology to improve efficiency and reduce emissions.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers recently seized approximately 214 pounds of cocaine, valued at $1.7 million, hidden in a parasitic device on the M/V Medstar. The vessel, arriving from the Dominican Republic, was inspected using underwater drone technology, showcasing the effectiveness of advanced tools in combating drug smuggling. An investigation is ongoing.
Jan De Nul has teamed up with Ulstein Design & Solutions to create a cutting-edge subsea trenching vessel, set for delivery in 2028. Featuring a modular design and the ULSTEIN X-BOW hull, the vessel will enhance efficiency in trenching operations while minimizing carbon emissions through advanced filtration and compatibility with biofuels.
Mental health professionals warn that the maritime industry risks losing future talent if it doesn’t remove barriers for women at sea. Female seafarers face immense pressures, often feeling they must prove their competence while managing family responsibilities and stereotypes, leading to heightened stress and workplace bias that affects their well-being.
Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry has called for a thorough investigation into the sinking of the UAE-flagged tugboat Musaffah 2 in the Strait of Hormuz, where three Indonesian crew members are missing. Spokesperson Yvonne Mewengkang confirmed collaboration with local authorities and emphasized the importance of safety for Indonesian nationals in the region.
The Maritime Security Center in Muscat has warned seafarers about the risks of relying solely on GPS technology for navigation, particularly in areas far from the Omani coast. The Ministry of Defence urges mariners to carry alternative navigational tools, such as a traditional compass, to ensure safety in unfamiliar waters.
Sascha Meijer, assistant general secretary of Nautilus International, highlighted the urgent need for women’s rights in the maritime industry during a networking event on March 9. She addressed barriers women face, such as career stagnation and harassment, urging collective action to foster genuine improvements beyond just celebrating International Women’s Day.
A collaborative initiative between academia and industry is underway to develop an AI-driven real-time detection system for monitoring marine mammals along the UK coastline. This project merges the expertise of the University of Plymouth and MSeis, focusing on enhancing marine conservation through advanced robotics and sensor technology, backed by Innovate UK.
Authorities in Vizhinjam, Kerala, have charged the captain of the Panama-flagged chemical tanker Solis after it collided with the Indian trawler St Joseph in the Arabian Sea. The incident resulted in significant damage to the trawler, which sank quickly. Nine crew members from St Joseph were rescued.
The Greek-operated oil tanker Shenlong Suezmax has safely navigated the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting ongoing commercial activity despite rising tensions from the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran. Carrying Saudi crude to Mumbai, it updates its position amidst threats from Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, who claim the strait is closed to vessels.
