A crew member shared a terrifying ordeal when their ship was hit by the Solong, which continued to collide for what felt like an eternity. With no one on the other vessel’s bridge, flames erupted, prompting the crew to don protective gear and fight the fire. Despite the chaos, their quick response and training saved lives.
The North Sea incident continues to unfold, with one seafarer arrested for gross negligence manslaughter. The missing crew member of the “Solong” vessel is presumed deceased, while survivors receive support. Investigations by the MAIB and Humberside Police are ongoing, with collaboration from US and Portuguese authorities to determine the cause of the collision.
On March 7, 2025, the ITF launched the “Women at Sea” website to empower women in the maritime industry. The initiative aims to create a global network for female seafarers while promoting ITF-affiliated trade unions. During discussions, experts emphasized inclusivity and the necessity of addressing gender-related challenges in maritime roles.
A crew stranded on a beached cargo ship in the Humber estuary is receiving essential supplies and donations of sweets from concerned locals. The ship, H&S Wisdom, got stuck on a sandbank after traveling from Rotterdam. Efforts to refloat the vessel are set to begin soon, with support from rescuers and the community.
The Philippines Department of Migrant Workers is committed to enforcing the Magna Carta for Seafarers to protect them from abandonment. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has instructed the department to uphold seafarers’ rights, emphasizing the importance of following international regulations. Efforts are being made to address crew welfare and ensure payment of wages for abandoned seafarers.
Ruth Philip’s journey to becoming PNG Ports’ first female marine pilot has been a challenging yet rewarding one. Overcoming obstacles in a male-dominated industry, she persevered through hard work and determination, supported by her partner. Her success serves as inspiration for aspiring female seafarers, highlighting the ongoing battle for gender equality in maritime.
The unjust 30-year sentences for Phoenician M crewmembers have ignited outrage, with experts like Steven Jones demanding urgent reforms in the shipping industry. He highlights wrongful convictions, like those of Captain Bekavac and Chief Officer Albokhari, urging the establishment of a centralized advocacy body to combat the criminalization of seafarers effectively.
Sailors’ Society has launched a helpline for female seafarers, offering emotional support and crisis assistance. With women making up only 2% of the maritime workforce, this initiative aims to provide a safe space for female cadets and seafarers to seek help. Supported by Skuld, the helpline is a step towards gender equality in the industry.
Helio Vicente, director at the International Chamber of Shipping, will lead a task force addressing the alarming rise in seafarer abandonment, from 1,676 in 2023 to 3,133 in 2024. The initiative seeks to enhance an outdated abandonment database, ensuring accurate case reporting and stronger protections for seafarers in the maritime industry.
Maersk and Kenya Ports Authority have joined forces to launch a maritime training program to boost the local maritime sector and support the blue economy. The initiative offers fully funded sea-time training aboard Maersk vessels for 10 Kenyan cadets, addressing the challenge of practical experience for graduates and building capacity within the seafaring community.
V.Group has launched the Voyage Loyalty program, aimed at improving crew retention in the maritime industry. Seafarers can earn SeaStars points for their service and training, redeemable for goods and rewards via an app. Initially successful among Filipino crew, the program will now be rolled out globally to combat crew shortages.
Anglo-Eastern has inaugurated a new LNG/ammonia bunkering station skid at Mumbai Maritime Academy on February 20, 2025, enhancing training for safe fueling of LNG- and ammonia-powered vessels. This advanced facility aims to equip industry professionals with essential skills in handling emerging fuels, promoting maritime safety and sustainability amid rising demand.
A jury in Piraeus, Greece found the captain and first officer of the interisland ferry, Blue Horizon, guilty in a tragic 2023 case where a passenger was pushed to his death as the ferry departed port. The crewmembers faced charges for their roles in the incident, sparking national outrage in Greece.
A.P. Moller-Maersk and Kenya Ports Authority have joined forces to offer a fully funded maritime training program for 10 Kenyan cadets. The cadets will receive 12-month sea-time training aboard Maersk vessels, preparing them for potential job opportunities in the maritime industry. This initiative aims to enhance skills and contribute to the growth of the sector.
The Eleen Armonia, a Bulgarian bulker, bravely rescued 34 seafarers from a burning fishing boat 500 miles southeast of Sri Lanka. The crew used hoses to control the flames and successfully evacuated the stranded seafarers after five hours of firefighting efforts. The rescued seafarers received care and supplies before being repatriated to Indonesia.
