Scenic Group has unveiled plans for its third ultra-luxury yacht, the Scenic Ikon, set to enhance its Discover Yacht fleet. Currently under construction at MKM Yachts in Croatia, this 26,500 gross ton vessel will accommodate 270 guests in lavish suites. Scheduled for delivery by late 2027, it promises extraordinary amenities and adventures.
In response to an urgent distress call, the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) ASPIDES launched a search operation in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Under Rear Admiral Andrea Quondamatteo’s leadership, the mission aims to safeguard civilian ships and crews, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in maritime security.
Equinor’s FPSO Bacalhau has begun oil production in Brazil’s Bacalhau field, marking a significant milestone for the company. This advanced vessel, capable of producing 220,000 barrels daily, is pivotal for Equinor’s sustainability goals and aims to generate over $5 billion in free cash flow by 2030, enhancing Brazil’s energy landscape.
Cruise Iceland is sounding the alarm over a new head tax introduced by the government in 2025, claiming it deters cruise lines and leads to a significant drop in bookings for 2026. Despite a record 2.3 million visitors in 2024, projections indicate a potential collapse in the industry by 2027.
In a major advancement for maritime transport, Incat Crowther launched two aluminum high-speed Ro-Pax ferries for Abu Dhabi’s Integrated Transport Centre. Named Jazirat Dalma and Al Dhannah, these new vessels can accommodate 192 passengers and 25 vehicles, operating at speeds up to 39 knots on the Dalma Island to Jebel Dhannah route.
The future of ocean carriers in the Red Sea remains uncertain despite a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Experts highlight challenges like complex network adjustments, potential renewed hostilities, and port congestion risks. Re-establishing services through the Suez Canal could take months, with no guarantees of stability in the region.
A dramatic rescue unfolded off Yemen’s coast after the MV Falcon, a Cameroon-flagged LPG carrier, exploded and caught fire. EUNAVFOR ASPIDES, led by Rear Admiral Andrea Quondamatteo, swiftly responded, rescuing 24 crew members. However, two remain missing, prompting warnings to nearby vessels about the hazardous situation.
Ahead of a crucial vote at the IMO, billionaire Andrew Forrest criticized alleged “intimidatory tactics” affecting delegates’ integrity. He pledged support for those facing coercion, stressing the need for justice. Despite these concerns, the Marine Environment Protection Committee postponed discussions on the Net-Zero Framework for a year, disappointing industry leaders.
The Dredging Corporation of India (DCI) has announced a Rs 2,000 crore investment to acquire two Trailer Suction Hopper Dredgers from Cochin Shipyard Limited. This comes with the inauguration of the ‘DCI Dredge Godavari,’ India’s largest TSHD, enhancing capabilities in port deepening and land reclamation, aiming for over 100 million cubic meters in operations.
Forty-eight hours after 22-year-old Indrajith Santhosh vanished from Kerala, another tragedy struck as 35-year-old Sreerag Radhakrishnan went missing following a boat capsizing near Mozambique’s Beira Port. Among five unaccounted Indian nationals, Sreerag’s family anxiously awaits news, while search efforts are hampered by challenging sea conditions.
A ship caught fire in the Gulf of Aden after being struck by a projectile, prompting the crew to prepare for abandonment. This incident coincides with ongoing Houthi rebel attacks on vessels in the region. The UK Maritime Trade Operations confirmed the vessel’s distress and initiated a search-and-rescue operation.
The shipping industry is evolving with autonomous systems and AI, raising concerns about seafarers’ safety and well-being. The STEER project, by The Nautical Institute and Lloyd’s Register Foundation, aims to assess these technologies’ real-world impacts, focusing on seafarers’ operational efficiency and mental health, ensuring their welfare amidst innovation.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is set to conduct an IMSAS audit of Panama from October 13 to 20, 2025. This audit, mandatory since 2016, aims to evaluate maritime safety, environmental protection, and seafarer training. Deputy Administrator Alexander De Gracia emphasized its significance for Panama’s maritime leadership and international cooperation.
Albanian smuggling gangs are evolving their methods by employing frogmen to retrieve cocaine hidden beneath cargo ships. This “parasite” smuggling technique allows traffickers to bypass bribing crews, using specialized divers to access drugs concealed in a vessel’s sea chest. Their collaboration with South American cartels enhances their operational efficiency.
The British Antarctic Survey (BAS) is enhancing its decarbonization efforts with the RRS Sir David Attenborough, which is set to operate on hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) during its Antarctic voyage. This initiative aims to significantly reduce carbon emissions, aligning with BAS’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2040.
