A recent incident in the US Gulf revealed the dangers of contaminated very low-sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO). A vessel lost propulsion for three days due to engine-clogging contaminants, endangering both crew and infrastructure. This case underscores the significant threats posed by contaminated marine fuel, highlighting the need for vigilant fuel management practices.
The United Seamen, Ports, and General Workers’ Union of Liberia (USPOGUL) has issued a stark ultimatum to the government, demanding the employment of Liberians on Liberian-flagged vessels by October 15, 2025. Failure to comply may result in significant solidarity actions, including a global blockade of these ships, highlighting ongoing grievances.
Recent developments in seafarer employment include a new global minimum wage set to rise to $690 by January 2026, endorsed by the International Chamber of Shipping and the International Transport Workers’ Federation. Concurrently, the UK Government’s Employment Rights Bill aims to enhance seafarer protections, particularly regarding collective redundancies and employment standards.
In his address at the Indian Maritime University convocation, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal congratulated 2,196 graduates, highlighting their pivotal role in India’s revitalized maritime sector. He emphasized careers in shipping and green technologies, influenced by Prime Minister Modi’s vision, envisioning a prosperous future for India’s maritime initiatives by 2047.
In Thiruvananthapuram, over 20 crew members are stranded aboard the MSC Akiteta II, anchored at Vizhinjam port. Following a Kerala High Court order for the ship’s arrest, the crew faces uncertainty, unable to change shifts or return home. Adani Ports is supplying essential provisions as tensions rise.
Havn is a groundbreaking app designed to enhance the wellbeing of superyacht crew members by connecting them with trusted resources and services in ports worldwide. Developed by maritime expert Michael Davies, it addresses the unique challenges crew face, offering support in health, fitness, and essential services, alongside industry news and resources.
As World Maritime Day nears, Captain Kuba Szymanski of InterManager calls for maritime leaders to reflect on their practices to genuinely improve seafarers’ quality of life. Emphasizing “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity,” he urges managers to prioritize gender equality, social rights, and safety standards to attract future maritime talent.
On September 14, a significant protest occurred outside the Baltimore cruise terminal, opposing the detention and deportation of four seafarers accused of possessing child pornography. Organized by a Filipino community group, demonstrators rallied for the rights of seafarers, expressing concerns about unjust deportations and calling for accountability from relevant authorities.
The Netherlands Institute for Human Rights ruled that Filipino and Indonesian seafarers on Dutch vessels face discrimination, receiving lower wages than their EU counterparts despite equal working conditions. This landmark decision highlights the violation of economic rights and calls for reevaluation of wage practices in the maritime sector, emphasizing equal pay for equal work.
The Maritime Just Transition Task Force (MJTTF) has launched innovative training frameworks for seafarers operating ammonia, methanol, and hydrogen-powered ships. These publicly accessible frameworks aim to guide regulators in developing training programs and certification schemes, addressing the diverse needs of both entry-level and senior officers in the maritime industry.
Wightlink, the ferry operator serving the Isle of Wight and Hampshire, has proposed staff reductions impacting up to 50 positions as part of its efficiency project. The RMT union warns that this could jeopardize 160 jobs, threatening industrial action unless plans are retracted. Concerns over safety and service quality have been raised.
On Tuesday, the Indian Coast Guard executed a mid-sea medical evacuation for a Syrian sailor aboard the MV Haje Nafela. The 20-year-old crew member, Abdulkader Yahya, suffered a severe head injury while working. The operation, coordinated from Chennai, successfully retrieved him 60 nautical miles offshore for further medical care.
Ben Shenton, former Chair of the Jersey Lifeboat Association, argues that random breathalyser tests could deter maritime operators from sailing under the influence. During a recent hearing, he emphasized that even infrequent checks might promote safer practices. The Economic and International Affairs Scrutiny Panel is reviewing amendments to enhance maritime safety regulations.
The MAIB reported a tragic incident on July 12, 2024, involving the fishing vessel Kingfisher. A deckhand died during creel fishing operations after becoming entangled in a leg rope. Despite quick recovery efforts, he could not be revived. Investigations revealed serious safety oversights, prompting urgent safety recommendations for fishing crews.
The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), led by Comrade Francis Bunu Abi, commended Orion Marine Services and Seatransport Ltd for raising salaries for seafarers. Emphasizing worker welfare, Bunu noted that satisfied employees enhance employer success. He urged other maritime companies to adopt similar practices, warning non-compliers may face reporting to NIMASA.
