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.
Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore has launched its Gas Center of Excellence in Doha, Qatar, to enhance support for LNG and gas projects worldwide. This facility combines regional expertise with global resources, providing integrated assistance across the gas value chain and reinforcing BV’s marine presence in the Middle East.
Japan’s Imabari Shipbuilding Group has delivered the SG Lagoon, a Capesize bulk carrier with a deadweight tonnage of 210,141 DWT, commissioned by Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha. This dual-fuel vessel can operate on heavy oil or LNG, showcasing advancements in environmentally friendly shipping technologies while maintaining substantial cargo capacity.
The Switch has unveiled a new Electronic Current Limiter (ECL) to enhance DC system stability in marine applications. This device allows direct battery connections, addressing fault challenges in large battery systems. By limiting fault currents and preserving DC-link voltage, the ECL ensures operational continuity and boosts vessel efficiency during abnormal conditions.
The World Shipping Council has updated its Dual-Fuel Fleet Dashboard, revealing a rise in dual-fuel container ships and vehicle carriers to 400 by December 2025, up from 218 in 2024. With 726 more on order, this growth reflects a significant investment of over $150 billion in sustainable shipping solutions.
The UP World LNG Shipping Index surged 4.05% last week, closing at a historic 182.36 points. In contrast, the S&P 500 saw a modest increase of 0.3%. Notable gains were observed in companies like COSCO Shipping Energy Transportation and Chevron, while Atlantic spot charter rates continued to decline amid rising gas consumption in Europe.
Columbia Group has partnered with Prevention at Sea (PaS) to implement the MORSE digital compliance platform across its managed fleet. This initiative aims to enhance operational efficiency by integrating electronic logbooks with standardized compliance processes, providing real-time visibility into reporting activities and reducing administrative burdens for onboard crews.
The International Maritime Organization’s Sub-Committee on Ship Design and Construction has drafted a workplan to develop safety regulations for vessels using innovative technologies and alternative fuels. This initiative, aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, will be presented to the Maritime Safety Committee for approval in May 2026. Key milestones include updates to existing standards and the introduction of new guidelines.
Severe weather in the North Atlantic has worsened the damage to the MSC Baltic III, which ran aground near Lark Harbor, Newfoundland, in February 2025. Salvage crews observed significant hull cracking and buckling, compounded by heavy ice accumulation. Despite the challenges, efforts to remove fuel and cargo continue amid harsh conditions.
The Offshore Charging Working Group, a coalition of offshore wind and maritime sectors, aims to decarbonize service operations by electrifying service operation vessels (SOVs) and crew transfer vessels (CTVs). Key challenges include early design considerations and ensuring clear commercial access to offshore power for charging, necessitating effective policy frameworks.
