Singapore’s State Court sentenced 23-year-old Indonesian Febry Iswanto to eight months in prison and three strokes of the cane for his role in a human smuggling operation. Arrested with seven crew members, he pleaded guilty to aiding illegal entry into Singapore, receiving payment for his actions. Investigations continue into other crew members.
The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, Arsenio Dominguez, urged restraint amidst the escalating Black Sea conflict. He stressed the need to protect innocent seafarers and merchant vessels from being targeted, warning that rising tensions pose significant risks not only to human lives but also to the marine environment.
The Directorate General of Shipping is reforming the Certificate of Competency (CoC) examination to boost global employment for Indian seafarers. Aiming for a 20% share of the maritime workforce, these changes could create 220,000 jobs in five years, while enhancing safety and aligning with international standards.
Cyprus has renewed its collective agreement for seafarers on Cyprus-flagged vessels, effective from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2028. This three-year deal aligns local maritime labor standards with international norms, updating wage scales and compensation to meet ILO minimums, enhancing the competitiveness of the Cypriot shipping sector.
CMA CGM’s “She Sails” program, celebrating its first anniversary, has effectively doubled the number of women on board its vessels, increasing from 200 to 403. With a goal of 1,000 female seafarers by 2030, the initiative enhances maritime careers and fosters mentorship, inspiring future generations of women at sea.
Eco-anxiety is increasingly affecting younger seafarers as they confront climate change realities. With social media access, crews witness environmental crises firsthand, making these issues personal. In response, COLUMBIA blue has implemented mental health counseling and encourages crew contributions to sustainability efforts, reflecting a commitment to well-being and environmental responsibility.
A case has been filed against 24 candidates from the Engineering and Nautical Department for allegedly securing jobs using fraudulent Certificates of Competency (COC). The investigation, initiated by the Directorate General of Shipping, uncovered numerous fake entries linked to a Kolkata examination center, raising serious concerns about maritime employment integrity in India.
Vietnamese and Malaysian officials successfully rescued the crew of the cargo ship Kayo, which was dangerously listing. The crew, comprising 13 Vietnamese, one Indian, and one Bangladeshi, was safely transported to Malaysia. Ongoing efforts are in place to tow the vessel, which faced challenging weather conditions during the incident.
Women in Greece are making strides in the shipping sector, comprising 7.8% of seafarers—a notable increase from previous years. This shift is driven by modern demands for skills in technology and cybersecurity, as maritime schools adapt. As a result, women’s involvement is reshaping the industry’s future and addressing workforce shortages.
The Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) has partnered with the Indian Port Rail & Ropeway Corporation Limited (IPRCL) to improve seafarers’ welfare and maritime infrastructure in India. This collaboration outlines key efforts in project execution, focusing on safety standards, ultimately enhancing conditions for the maritime workforce across the nation.
German shipowners, the industry association, and the trade union ver.di have reached a successful agreement for seafarers after intense negotiations. The new contract provides a 3% wage increase in 2026 and a 2.8% rise in 2027, improving conditions for crew on German-flagged vessels and addressing previous disagreements.
Nine Filipino seafarers from the M/V Eternity C returned to Manila after being held hostage by Houthi rebels for five months. Their arrival at Ninoy Aquino International Airport was facilitated by the Department of Migrant Workers, with support from Oman. They expressed gratitude for their unexpected release just before Christmas.
The CIMAC and Maritime Battery Forum report highlights that the transition to battery-powered deep-sea vessels faces more challenges from human and organizational readiness than technical issues. While guidelines exist for technical safety, structured crew training remains limited. Recommendations include harmonized training standards and updated curricula in maritime education to prepare seafarers effectively.
Christiania Gas has reported the kidnapping of nine crew members from its LPG tanker, CGAS SATURN, following a pirate attack in the Gulf of Guinea. Four crew members remain on board, with one injured. The company is prioritizing communication with the abducted crew and coordinating with authorities for their safe release.
The Department of Migrant Workers has announced the repatriation of Filipino seafarers previously held hostage by Houthi rebels. The crew of the MV Eternity C has safely arrived in Muscat, Oman, as efforts continue to finalize their return to the Philippines. This situation underscores the dangers faced by seafarers in conflict zones.
