General Secretary Eddie Dempsey stressed the need for a new consultation to tackle persistent issues in the ferry sector, particularly the harmful “race to the bottom.” He highlighted that many workers still face low wages and poor conditions, emphasizing the urgency for a legally enforceable Seafarers’ Charter to protect their rights.
Maritime pilots associated with the socialist trade union ACOD began industrial action on Friday due to federal pension reforms, causing 25 ships to wait at ports like Antwerp and Ghent. Meanwhile, production at Volvo Car Ghent is set to resume after a strike at supplier Plasman concluded earlier that day.
The Central government confirmed on Thursday that all Indian seafarers in the Gulf and West Asia are safe, with no incidents involving Indian-flagged vessels reported in the last 72 hours. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is actively monitoring the situation to ensure the welfare of seafarers and maritime operations.
Director (Maritime) of an organization, stresses that fatigue is a critical issue in the maritime industry, often overlooked despite adherence to work regulations. Recent reports reveal widespread fatigue, exacerbated by outdated crewing models and constant connectivity pressures. He advocates for a culture where crew can report fatigue without fear, emphasizing the need for genuine breaks.
ABB has secured a contract with Cochin Shipyard to provide power and propulsion systems for two electric tugs under India’s Green Tug Transition Program (GTTP). Scheduled for delivery in 2027, these tugs will operate at Jawaharlal Nehru Port, marking a significant step toward greener maritime operations in India.
On June 5, 2026, the government unveiled proposals to enhance protections for seafarers, ensuring fair wages, adequate rest periods, and stronger legal rights. This initiative follows the introduction of a national minimum wage for seafarers, marking a significant improvement in maritime working conditions and reflecting a commitment to seafarer welfare.
Shore power is shifting from a voluntary initiative to a critical operational requirement for shipowners, driven by regulatory pressures in Europe, California, and Asia. This technology reduces emissions and fuel consumption while docked but requires careful planning due to uneven infrastructure. By 2030, compliance will be essential in key European ports.
Trafigura reports the Middle Eastern conflict has removed over 1.1 billion barrels of oil from the global market, warning that even a peace agreement won’t quickly restore supplies. With oil production down 14 million barrels per day, energy prices have surged while reservoirs deplete, indicating a profound energy crisis.
The journey to zero-emission shipping, as highlighted at Posidonia 2026, involves navigating complex choices among fuels like LNG and bio-LNG. Industry leaders discussed the financial challenges ship owners face and the growing importance of energy-saving technologies and digital solutions, pointing towards a committed shift toward sustainable maritime operations.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro affirmed the Philippine government’s dedication to respecting Algeria’s legal processes while supporting detained Filipino nationals. The government is actively pursuing legal avenues to protect the rights of three seafarers facing charges, emphasizing assistance from the Department of Migrant Workers and the Department of Foreign Affairs.
At the Posidonia Trade Fair, DNV Maritime’s Vidar Dolonen awarded an Approval in Principle (AiP) certificate to HD Hyundai Heavy Industries’ CTO, Hongryeul Ryu. This certificate recognizes HHI’s innovative LPG dual-fuel container vessel design, promising enhanced efficiency, reduced emissions, and operational reliability for the smaller container segment.
In May 2026, DNV’s Alternative Fuels Insight platform reported 36 new orders for alternative-fuelled vessels, mainly LPG/ethane carriers. Overall, 119 alternative-fuelled vessel orders were placed this year, with LNG vessels dominating. Despite lower tonnage shares compared to 2025, the industry is progressing towards decarbonization amid evolving regulations.
RINA has granted Baker Hughes Type Approval certification for the NovaLT 16 gas turbine, enabling operation on natural gas and 100% hydrogen for marine propulsion. Announced at Posidonia 2026, this collaboration underscores efforts in maritime decarbonization, with the turbine designed for high efficiency and flexibility in energy use.
Korean Register and HD Hyundai Samho celebrated their joint project completion on “AI-Based Solution Development for Design and Analysis Innovation” at Posidonia 2026, Athens. This initiative, launched in June 2025, aimed to enhance shipbuilding efficiency through AI, focusing on hull support optimization and managing design documents with a domain-specific Large Language Model.
Wärtsilä has developed an advanced simulation suite for Novatug’s training center in Terneuzen, Netherlands, enhancing tug operations and specialized master training. Featuring full mission simulators and mixed reality setups, it focuses on the Carrousel Rave Tug, improving safety and efficiency in handling large vessels while reducing environmental impact.
