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.
The UK Department for Transport’s official statistics for seafarers in the UK Shipping Industry in 2024 revealed a total of 23,700 active UK seafarers, with a slight decrease from the previous year. The majority were male, with higher female representation among Uncertificated Officers and Ratings. The data also showed variations in nationality, gender, age, and certification.
Crews from a log boat at Eastland Port recently sparked curiosity as they disembarked for shore leave. An Eastland Port spokeswoman confirmed that under Alert Level 2, crew members can come ashore if their vessels meet stringent health protocols, including a 14-day quarantine and approved health declarations to ensure community safety.
International shipping lines are actively recruiting officers and crew members, with over 300,000 seafarers needed globally in the next five years. Major companies emphasize the demand for qualified candidates, urging potential recruits to prepare adequately to meet international standards and seize these promising job opportunities in the maritime industry.
The ICS Academy, initiated by the International Chamber of Shipping, revolutionizes maritime education by offering seafarers tailored e-learning that emphasizes best practices and compliance. With features like a mobile app for offline access and innovative courses such as 3D engine simulations, it merges traditional knowledge with modern digital learning solutions.
The Maritime union RMT criticizes the decrease in UK resident seafarers despite an increase in seafarer jobs. Only seven percent of UK Ratings hold these jobs, with most demand met by non-EEA seafarers. RMT calls for better regulation of working conditions and Tonnage Tax reforms to support UK Ratings in the maritime industry.
Companies going bankrupt and workers losing their jobs is common in capitalist societies. However, abandoned ships present a different scenario. When a ship is left in a foreign port with no support, dwindling supplies, and services shutting down, it signifies a complex situation. Crewmembers are left in uncertainty, relying on welfare agencies.
A dramatic rescue captured on video shows Volusia County Fire Rescue’s acting division chief leaping onto a runaway boat to save an unconscious man. His swift actions shut down the engine, enabling assistance. The incident underscores the courage of first responders and highlights the importance of boating safety in critical situations.
The International Maritime Organization’s HTW sub-committee has drafted interim guidelines for training seafarers on ships using alternative fuels. Recognizing safety risks, these guidelines aim to address the growing use of sustainable fuels. Additionally, the NextWave Seafarers project seeks to combat seafarer shortages by offering training opportunities to cadets from developing nations.
The ITF and MARINA have signed an MoU to enhance mental health training for Filipino seafarers. This partnership will improve knowledge and skills in mental health and wellbeing for maritime faculties. Collaborative research projects and initiatives will focus on occupational health and safety within the Philippine maritime sector.
The captain of the German factory trawler Helen Mary was arrested in Cork, Ireland after a sea interdiction by EFCA. Suspected of EU fisheries law violations, the vessel was inspected for multiple offenses, including safety concerns. This incident follows previous scrutiny by Greenpeace and highlights the need for stricter regulations on industrial fishing vessels.
