Boat owners in Tanzania’s Kagera and Geita regions are urging authorities to halt mid-water inspections on Lake Victoria, citing safety risks during rough weather. These inspections disrupt vital transport services to inhabited islands, threatening livelihoods. Stakeholders advocate for inspections at ports instead, balancing safety with regulatory needs amid ongoing frustrations.
Spanish authorities have dismantled a major drug smuggling network linked to the Balkan Cartel, trafficking cocaine from Colombia. The operation involved “monkeys,” young swimmers from low-income backgrounds, to transport drugs. Investigations revealed connections among three organizations, leading to significant seizures, including 2,475 kilograms of cocaine and €166,000 in cash.
On January 14, 2026, Coach Solutions partnered with ClassNK to automate emissions data verification for clients. This collaboration streamlines data transfer, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. By reducing manual workloads, shipowners can focus on actionable insights, promoting operational efficiency and sustainability in the shipping industry.
Major shipping companies are eyeing a return to the Suez Canal after disruptions from security threats in the Red Sea. Following a ceasefire in October 2025, Maersk plans to resume sailings, while CMA CGM will utilize the canal for its services. Hapag-Lloyd and Wallenius Wilhelmsen are evaluating their options.
The Baltic Exchange has launched the Baltic Intermediate Tanker Indices (BITI) to provide a clear benchmark for short-range tanker routes in northwest Europe. Covering key routes like TC25 and TD30, the BITI enhances market transparency, enabling stakeholders to assess freight rates and manage risks effectively. Published weekly, it reflects around 200 monthly spot fixtures.
Spanish police recently dismantled a sophisticated drug trafficking network using skilled young swimmers to transfer Colombian cocaine onto ships at sea. In 2025, a stowaway incident led to the discovery of 1.3 tonnes of cocaine. Authorities arrested 30 individuals, seizing 2.4 tonnes of cocaine and military-grade weapons.
Experts from the EU CLEANSHIP project discovered that B100 FAME biodiesel can reduce black carbon emissions from ships by up to 81% at low engine loads and 61% at high loads, compared to traditional marine gas oil. This significant reduction highlights biodiesel’s potential to improve the shipping industry’s climate footprint.
A recent study by researchers from the UAE, Canada, Japan, and Taiwan examines how states prioritize cable security amid geopolitical tensions. It highlights the vulnerability of cable landing sites, particularly during wartime, and emphasizes that proximity and geopolitical factors often outweigh geographic considerations in determining risks to undersea cables.
A local fishing vessel, Leguga, responded to distress calls from the burning Silver Dorado, rescuing 12 crew members from the water. Alongside, vessels like Raka and Maverick joined the effort, ensuring all 21 fishermen were safely accounted for. Paramedics confirmed no injuries, showcasing the community’s swift solidarity in crisis.
The European Commission has launched a new call for proposals, offering co-funding of up to €1.7 million to enhance Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) cooperation within the EU. This initiative, supported by the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund, aims to tackle challenges in the Atlantic and Black Sea regions.
Woodside Energy Trading Singapore has secured a sale and purchase agreement with Japan’s JERA for liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply during peak winter months. The deal commits Woodside to deliver three LNG cargoes annually, totaling 0.2 million tonnes over five years, enhancing the long-term supply relationship between the companies.
The U.N. Security Council has requested Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to provide monthly updates on Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, despite Russia’s call to shift focus to Caribbean maritime issues. U.S. officials reaffirmed the importance of monitoring Houthi threats to protect international navigation and maintain global peace and security.
Stakeholders have welcomed the Kenya Maritime Authority’s recent announcement on seafarer trading regulations, emphasizing amendments to the STCW Code, particularly in Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities training. Industry professionals view these updates as essential for enhancing seafarer welfare, improving training standards, and ensuring a safer maritime environment in Kenya.
The health of the UK’s coastal waters will be innovatively assessed through a partnership between The Crown Estate and the GB Row Challenge. As teams row over 2,000 miles, they will collect vital marine data on pollution and biodiversity, merging athleticism with environmental research for marine conservation.
The Panama Canal Authority and Monjasa have formed a five-year partnership to boost community initiatives in the Panama Canal Watershed. This collaboration focuses on environmental protection, education, and community development, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Key projects will also address decarbonization and enhance community engagement.
