Lloyd’s Register has revamped its Condition Assessment Program (CAP) Thickness Measurement Analysis to enhance consistency in evaluating tankers built to Common Structural Rules (CSR). By shifting to fixed thickness values, LR aims to reduce variability in CAP outcomes, benefiting shipowners and operators with clearer expectations and improved asset integrity management.
Nearly a year after the MSC containership MSC Baltic III grounded in Newfoundland, salvage companies are competing to remove the wreck. Cleanup efforts faced delays due to winter weather, and proposals for removal are under review. The Canadian Coast Guard is monitoring the situation, with actual removal expected to begin in spring.
The recent letter highlights the dangers posed by the “shadow fleet,” vessels evading international sanctions. These ships threaten maritime safety by ignoring regulations like SOLAS and MARPOL. The correspondence stresses that all vessels must comply with international laws, and calls for improved navigation systems and crew training to mitigate risks.
Germany’s Central Command for Maritime Emergencies coordinated a major response to an engine room fire on the car carrier Thames Highway. The operation involved 63 personnel, four ships, and two helicopters. The crew swiftly contained the blaze, sealing the engine room and maneuvering the vessel to safety outside the harbor.
Telesat has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Hanwha Systems to develop advanced satellite connectivity solutions. This partnership focuses on creating sovereign satellite technologies and terminals integrated with Telesat’s Lightspeed LEO network, enhancing communication capabilities for maritime operations and addressing the growing demand for robust connectivity in various sectors.
BIO-UV Group has teamed up with MicroWISE to enhance ballast-water treatment solutions amid rising regulatory pressures. This partnership combines BIO-UV’s BIO-SEA technology with MicroWISE’s real-time organism analysis, addressing compliance challenges and improving operational efficiency at ports. Together, they aim to advance research and streamline treatment processes for non-compliant ballast water.
On Friday, U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) launched a strike on a suspected drug trafficking vessel in the Eastern Pacific, resulting in two deaths and one survivor. This marked the first operation of 2026 after a 23-day pause, raising total fatalities from U.S. strikes on such vessels to 117.
A boat carrying 25 passengers capsized, resulting in three fatalities and 22 survivors, all French nationals. Emergency medical teams evaluated the scene, while authorities launched an investigation into the incident’s causes. This tragedy has raised serious concerns about passenger safety, prompting a commitment to transparency and future safety measures.
Finland’s Border Guard is establishing a maritime surveillance center to safeguard critical undersea infrastructure in the Gulf of Finland. This initiative, driven by recent outages and heightened security concerns, aims to enhance monitoring of unusual vessel movements. Collaboration with Baltic nations and the EU will involve advanced sensors and AI for real-time analysis.
Coastal nations bordering the Baltic and North Seas, alongside Iceland, have raised alarms over growing navigation dangers. A coalition of 14 countries, including the UK, France, and Germany, highlighted the crucial reliance on satellite navigation. They warned that interference, particularly by the Russian Federation, threatens maritime safety in European waters.
Spain’s National Police have dismantled a major maritime smuggling operation, arresting over 100 individuals and seizing more than 10 tonnes of cocaine. The Central Drug and Organized Crime Unit warns that this disruption may destabilize the criminal organization, although its leader remains at large. The operation unveiled a complex transatlantic network.
A cargo ship, Eikborg, has lost its rudder off Portugal’s central coast, prompting port closures and warnings. The incident, linked to a failed dredging operation, occurred shortly after departure. Adverse weather complicates efforts as the captain awaits a tugboat for assistance, while port officials stress the dredging issues persist.
The maritime electrification movement is accelerating as shipowners seek propulsion methods that meet stricter emissions standards while ensuring efficiency. Recent studies identify battery systems as viable for decarbonization, particularly with the rise of hybrid powertrains. This shift is reshaping vessel design, making battery-electric propulsion essential for various fleets.
A study by Vard confirms the technical feasibility of nuclear-powered offshore vessels through the NuProShip II project. It demonstrates the integration of small fourth-generation nuclear reactors into dynamically positioned vessels, promising zero greenhouse gas emissions and improved operational endurance. The project emphasizes safety, efficiency, and the need for updated regulatory frameworks.
Norwegian police have charged Hemla Africa Holding AS and two executives with bribery, alleging they paid millions to relatives of Congo’s President Denis Sassou Nguesso. The investigation, prompted by Monaco police, revealed significant bribes tied to the president’s family. Hemla Africa, a PetroNor subsidiary, denies wrongdoing amid a share price drop.
