Fewer vessels transited the Strait of Hormuz after an attack on a Taiwanese-operated ship by Iran. The container ship EVER LOVELY sustained minor damage but continued its journey safely. In response, the U.N. shipping agency paused its evacuation scheme. Despite this, oil tankers continued to load in the Gulf.
Construction has begun on a new 48-meter catamaran passenger ferry for Hy-Line Cruises, designed by Incat Crowther at Midship Marine in Louisiana. This vessel will connect Hyannis, Massachusetts, with Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, accommodating 493 passengers and achieving speeds over 30 knots, tailored for Cape Cod’s conditions.
Researchers and the marine industry are harnessing AI to protect the endangered North Atlantic right whale, which numbers fewer than 400. The Whale and Vessel Safety Task Force (WAVS) is developing a system that alerts vessels to whale presence, enhancing safety for mariners and reducing the risk of vessel strikes.
Vizhinjam Port has achieved a significant milestone, recording 1,000 vessel calls within just two years of operation. This rapid success cements its position as a crucial transshipment hub on India’s southern coast, enhancing Kerala’s maritime ambitions and highlighting the importance of efficient infrastructure in global container shipping.
The Seafarers’ Charity has launched “Smart Seafaring. A Safe Return,” an animated film series educating seafarers on abandonment risks. Addressing early warning signs, coping strategies, and family support, this initiative responds to a troubling rise in abandonment cases, highlighting the urgent need for improved maritime labor conditions.
A Singapore-flagged containership was hit by an unidentified projectile off Oman, coinciding with Iranian warnings that vessels need permission to navigate the Strait of Hormuz. The incident caused damage to the ship’s bridge but no casualties. This marks the first attack on a commercial vessel since recent U.S.-Iran agreements.
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has granted a two-year extension to senior IAS officer Shyam Jagannathan as Director General (Shipping) in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways until June 1, 2028. This extension supports vital maritime reforms, enhancing India’s maritime infrastructure and competitiveness in global trade.
India and Mauritius are set to enhance their maritime partnership through container terminal development. This initiative aims to improve port infrastructure and regional trade connectivity in the Indian Ocean. By partnering, Mauritius seeks technical expertise and project collaboration, positioning itself as a key transshipment hub, while India advances its maritime outreach.
The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has paused its evacuation efforts for stranded seafarers in the Persian Gulf after an attack on a vessel in the Gulf of Oman. This decision follows the unveiling of a plan to evacuate over 11,000 seafarers, disrupted by rising tensions in the US-Iran conflict.
A recent study reveals a significant gap in the maritime workforce’s digital skills, threatening safety and efficiency. Over 80% of seafarers report infrequent training, despite a desire to learn. Only 13% find shore-based training relevant to onboard systems, highlighting an urgent need for updated standards and industry collaboration to address these challenges.
The Greek Seamen’s Pension Fund (NAT) reports a rise in registered seafarers to 26,902, a 2.6% increase from 2024. While over 90% of seafarers are male, female participation has surged by 77% since 2020, now comprising 8.1% of the workforce, primarily in passenger shipping, reflecting tourism’s influence.
India’s Shipping Minister, Sarbananda Sonowal, has assured the safety of Indian seafarers as maritime traffic resumes in the Strait of Hormuz. This crucial corridor supports global trade, especially energy and cargo shipments, and its revival alleviates concerns among shipping operators, with authorities monitoring the situation for continued safety and stability.
SES has partnered with Tototheo Global to enhance maritime connectivity through SES FlexMaritime. This multi-year collaboration combines SES’s high-performance satellite network with Tototheo’s expertise, enabling reliable services for vessel operations. Key benefits include real-time monitoring, route optimization, and improved crew welfare, promoting data-driven solutions for modern maritime challenges.
Artemis Technologies has launched the Artemis EF-12 Pilot, the world’s first fully electric hydrofoil pilot boat, designed for zero-emission pilot transfers. Currently in sea trials, this 12-meter vessel features advanced eFoiler technology, achieving speeds up to 32 knots and a foiling range of 45 nautical miles, enhancing global port operations.
Kochi is set to welcome its third roll-on roll-off (Ro-Ro) vessel next month, enhancing water transport and easing congestion on the busy Vypeen–Fort Kochi route. This new ferry, designed for quick boarding, aims to improve last-mile connectivity, benefiting daily commuters and tourists while reducing waiting times and road traffic.
