Bundles of celadon bowls, along with wooden oars and remnants of a ship from the Goryeo era, were discovered off Taean’s coast. This significant find, revealed during a sonar survey by the National Research Institute of Maritime Heritage, enhances our understanding of the region’s maritime history and shipbuilding techniques.
The Nigerian maritime sector is in crisis, with its indigenous fleet dwindling drastically, leading to foreign carriers handling 95% of cargo. Stakeholders at the PortNews Summit called for the urgent release of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund, which has remained dormant for 18 years, costing the economy billions annually.
A delegation from Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) visited the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) in Mumbai to enhance maritime cooperation. Discussions focused on India’s examination processes and training programs, aiming to explore opportunities for employing Indian seafarers in Japan’s shipping industry, reinforcing collaboration in maritime education.
The Odisha government is set to launch the inaugural ‘Mahanadi Boita Pratiyogita 2025,’ a boat racing event celebrating the state’s maritime heritage. Scheduled for November 11 near Gadagadia Ghata in Cuttack, it coincides with the Baliyatra festival, featuring teams from ten states and showcasing traditional and contemporary racing formats.
In a policy shift, the Indian government has established new deep-sea fishing regulations within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Prioritizing local fishermen and banning foreign vessels, the guidelines aim to enhance opportunities in tuna fishing while emphasizing sustainable practices and technological advancements in the marine fisheries sector. Effective November 4.
A boat carrying Rohingya individuals from Myanmar sank near the Thai-Malaysian border, resulting in seven confirmed deaths and hundreds missing. Approximately 300 people were aboard the vessel, which departed from Rakhine state three days earlier. Search operations are ongoing, with 13 survivors rescued amid worsening conditions for the Rohingya community.
A tragic incident occurred at the Port of Tanjung Pelepas, Malaysia, where a fire on the MSC Kyparissia container ship claimed the lives of three crew members and critically injured three others. Emergency services responded swiftly, and an investigation is underway to ensure safety measures are reinforced to prevent future tragedies.
The Seafarer Connect initiative has marked a milestone with its 50th Wi-Fi unit installation at Australian ports, enhancing internet access for seafarers. Operated by the Tas Bull Seafarers Foundation, this program provides free connectivity, enabling crew members to connect with family, manage finances, and access telehealth services while docked.
A fire aboard the dredging vessel Stuyvesant last November resulted in the tragic death of a crew member and $18 million in damages. Investigators attributed the blaze to preventable oversights during maintenance, particularly failing to reinstall a lube oil filter housing plug, which ignited upon contact with hot engine surfaces.
Women from across the Caribbean gathered in Paramaribo, Suriname, from November 3 to 5 for a workshop organized by the Women in Maritime Association, Caribbean (WiMAC). With 34 participants from 12 countries, the event focused on strategic tools for financial sustainability, leadership development, and fostering gender-responsive funding models in the maritime sector.
The EU vessel ESPS Victoria successfully reached the Malta-flagged tanker Hellas Aphrodite, hijacked by pirates off Somalia. All 24 crew members were found safe, as confirmed by Diaplous Group. The ESPS Victoria will remain with the tanker until it can navigate independently, highlighting ongoing piracy concerns in the region.
Ten organizations, including MTI Co., Ltd. and Mitsubishi Shipbuilding, launched the “Development of Integrated Simulation Platform for Sustainable and Competitive Maritime Industry” on October 1, 2025. This initiative aims to create next-generation vessels using advanced digital solutions, enhancing navigation safety and aligning with Japan’s maritime technology innovation goals.
The European Commission has launched a €2.9 billion initiative to enhance investments in green fuels by 2027, targeting aviation and maritime sectors, which account for 26.4% of the EU’s transport emissions. By 2035, 20 million tonnes of sustainable fuels will be needed, necessitating €100 billion in investments to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.
MarTrust, a prominent crew payments provider serving over 150,000 seafarers, has announced a partnership with the International Seafarers’ Welfare and…
Maritime technology firm Orca AI has launched Co-Captain, a feature that facilitates real-time data sharing among 1,000 equipped vessels. Utilizing advanced computer vision, it enhances situational awareness by monitoring high-risk targets and triggering alerts for congested waters and severe weather. This innovation improves navigational safety while prioritizing data privacy.
