Furuno has introduced the FELCOM20, an Inmarsat-C Ship Earth Station designed to meet GMDSS, LRIT, and SSAS requirements. This reliable device supports essential communication services—including Email, Telex, and enhanced group calls—ensuring mariners can communicate confidently in challenging maritime conditions while maintaining compliance with international standards.
CMA CGM announced it is repositioning vessels to safe areas due to severe weather impacting the Atlantic, particularly along the coastlines of France, Spain, and Morocco. The company emphasized the exceptional intensity of conditions in the Bay of Biscay, prompting proactive measures to ensure crew and cargo safety.
This winter, powerful storms along the Jersey Shore revealed the wreckage of the Lawrence N. McKenzie, a wooden ship that sank in 1890. Though the crew survived, the ship was lost to history until recent beach erosion exposed its remains, buried under sand for nearly 140 years.
On February 18, 2025, a fire broke out in the engine room of the towing vessel Thor, pushing two barges down the Delaware River. The captain, noticing smoke and a metallic odor, instructed the crew to investigate. They encountered heavy smoke and worked quickly to contain the situation and call for help.
The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has released findings on the sinking of the trawler Opportune off Scotland’s coast. The vessel, which sank on March 24, 2024, experienced rapid flooding likely due to aging seawater pipework. Key safety issues were identified, prompting calls for updated guidelines and improved crew training.
The UK’s offshore safety regulator has determined that the death of worker Lee Hulse on the Valaris 121 rig was due to the removal of a floor grating for cleaning. This oversight exposed a fragile area, leading to Hulse’s tragic fall of over 80 feet. The investigation by HSE continues.
The FuelEU Maritime regulation, effective January 1, 2025, shifts emissions reporting responsibility from shipowners to ship managers. This change impacts relationships within the maritime sector, increasing accountability for compliance. Stakeholders must adapt operational practices to navigate these complexities, emphasizing collaboration and communication to manage emissions effectively amid evolving regulations.
On January 29, 2026, the Swedish Maritime Administration and Ports of Stockholm launched a new maritime traffic center in Stockholm. This facility centralizes essential operations for enhanced safety and coordination along Sweden’s coastlines, fostering better communication and efficiency among maritime stakeholders as traffic increases in the region.
Following a recent accident, South Port initiated a thorough review of its operations, implementing key changes like regular navigation assessments and updated procedures. The Transport Accident Investigation Commission emphasizes integrating electronic navigation with traditional methods to enhance safety, especially for small vessels in confined waters, reducing the risk of accidents.
Yanmar Power Solutions Co., Ltd. has made history as Japan’s first engine manufacturer to obtain type approval and NOx certifications from ClassNK for its hydrogen-fueled engine. This milestone supports the Zero Emission Ships Project, promoting carbon neutrality in shipping by facilitating the adoption of nearly zero CO₂ emitting hydrogen engines.
The Research Council has funded a project exploring maritime reactors, reflecting a shift towards innovative energy solutions in shipping. Vard’s study under the NuProShip II initiative shows that small Generation IV nuclear reactors could be integrated into offshore vessels, potentially reducing carbon emissions and enhancing energy efficiency in maritime operations.
The Government of the Republic of Palau has appointed Palau Ship Registry to oversee its official shipping registry, emphasizing accountability and international standards. Following a transitional period managed by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, the new framework aims to ensure clarity and stability for shipowners and international partners, maintaining regulatory compliance.
The Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) of New Zealand reported on the grounding of the pilot vessel Takitimu II at Bluff on December 26, 2024. The incident, caused by excessive course alteration at high speed in foggy conditions, resulted in moderate hull damage and minor crew injuries, emphasizing the need for better navigation practices.
Researchers are tackling the challenges of underwater 3D printing, focusing on balancing pumpability with anti-washout agents. Nair’s team, utilizing seafloor sediment, aims to innovate concrete solutions while reducing transportation burdens. With a collaborative approach, they prepare for a key test: printing an arch underwater by March, enhancing techniques amidst real-world obstacles.
Independent testing by the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) has shown that marine fuel consumption and emissions can be reduced more efficiently than expected. A study on Fuelre4m’s technology indicated fuel consumption reductions of 3.5% to 6.7% in controlled tests, with real-world efficiency gains exceeding 21%, all without engine modifications.
