Denmark’s maritime authority has detained the Iran-flagged container vessel “Nora” due to improper registration. Previously sailing under the Comoros flag, it was not listed in the Comoros registry. The ship, linked to U.S. Treasury sanctions via its former identity as “CERUS,” will remain detained pending verification of its registration.
The global cruise industry is rebounding, with demand surpassing pre-2020 levels, especially in luxury travel. Explora Journeys is set to launch its third ship, EXPLORA III, in July 2026, featuring 463 suites and a near 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio, promising personalized service and a focus on wellness and sustainability.
The recent Pollution Prevention and Response Sub-Committee meeting at the IMO in London focused on a paradigm shift in assessing environmental performance. Discussions expanded beyond fuel types to encompass vessel lifecycles, addressing operational challenges like hull conditions and maintenance. This signifies a transformative approach to maritime environmental regulation, emphasizing actual performance.
In a significant step for maritime cooperation, the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Grand Port Maritime de Marseille Fos. This partnership aims to enhance bilateral trade and improve connectivity, promoting sustainable practices and digitalization in port operations to reduce emissions and support energy transition.
Cochin Shipyard Limited has emerged as the lowest bidder for a ₹5,000 crore contract to construct five Next Generation Survey Vessels for the Indian Navy. This status was confirmed in a Ministry of Defence meeting in New Delhi, with contract finalization pending necessary formalities. The shipyard insists there are no related party transactions involved.
On February 16, a Singapore-flagged containership, the Seaspan Empire, collided with two ferries in Santos Port, Brazil, around 9:30 p.m. Four crew members jumped into the water but were rescued without serious injuries. The incident was captured on video, showing the containership pushing the ferries across the harbor.
The maritime union RMT has shown strong support for Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) seafarers who voted overwhelmingly for strike action. Concerns were raised about management’s failure to comply with minimum wage laws. General Secretary Eddie Dempsey criticized the opaque pay calculation system, leaving seafarers in a precarious financial situation.
United Maritime, a Nasdaq-listed Greek bulk carrier owner, is selling its stake in a Norwegian joint venture focused on an energy construction vessel. This strategic move aims for a profit of approximately €1.7 million ($15.4 million) and marks a shift in the company’s capital restructuring efforts. The transaction is expected to close by the end of May.
Marcura has acquired Shipdem, a UK firm specializing in chemical tanker laytime and demurrage, enhancing its expertise in managing complex claims. This strategic move, following the acquisition of HubSE, reinforces Marcura’s commitment to expanding its claims management capabilities, ensuring clients benefit from tailored solutions and improved service continuity.
Genevos has joined the EU-supported HELENUS consortium to develop a modular Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) power unit for commercial shipping. Spearheading the €15 million initiative, Genevos will create the 100 kW XPM-100 module, aiming for high efficiency and zero emissions, significantly reducing greenhouse gases in marine operations.
On February 17, 2026, guests and crew aboard the Regal Princess set a new Guinness World Record by selling 3,410 margaritas in eight hours while docked in Cozumel, Mexico. This achievement celebrated the significance of tequila, highlighting the festive atmosphere and community spirit among passengers during the record-setting attempt.
During the February 13 meeting in Jakarta, ASEAN and India emphasized maritime cooperation as a priority, focusing on sea safety, environmental protection, and adherence to international law in the Indo-Pacific. The Philippines, chairing ASEAN, co-led discussions on the 2026 ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation aimed at enhancing regional collaboration.
The Directorate General of Shipping, led by Additional Director General Shri Sushil Mansing Khopde, convened to address the recent detention and abandonment of Indian seafarers. Emphasizing the safety and dignity of mariners, the meeting aimed at improving repatriation processes and ensuring a coordinated response to protect Indian seafarers abroad.
This month, India detained three oil tankers suspected of indirect ties to Iran, prompting increased maritime surveillance. The Iranian National Oil Company denied connections to the vessels. The situation highlights the complexities of enforcing sanctions and the need for stringent monitoring to prevent illicit activities in regional waters.
India’s port sector has the potential to save up to Rs 20,000 crore annually in cargo handling costs by implementing artificial intelligence (AI). Gourav Vallabh from the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council emphasized the necessity for technological upgrades to reduce inefficiencies and enhance operational speeds in major ports, including Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust and Chennai.
