Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Kolkata has achieved a landmark milestone with India’s first midstream container handling operation at Diamond Harbour. This innovative process enables the efficient transfer of export cargo from the Bengal-Bihar-Jharkhand region to global markets, improving logistics and enhancing the port’s competitiveness for large container vessels.
In a recent address to the UN Security Council, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez emphasized that “the principle of freedom of navigation is not negotiable.” He urged nations to reject tolls and discriminatory measures in international straits, underscoring the importance of unrestricted access for global trade and maritime security.
Suspected pirates have hijacked the St. Kitts and Nevis-flagged cargo vessel, the Sward, off Somalia’s coast, marking a resurgence of piracy in the region. The vessel, en route from Suez to Mombasa, was seized near Godobjiran. The crew of 15, including two Indians, is currently believed to be under pirate control.
Somali piracy has surged, with four attacks in four days, including two hijackings. Authorities have heightened the threat level for the region, urging commercial vessels to remain vigilant. The recent seizure of a cargo ship and the hijacking of the tanker Honour 25 highlight a troubling resurgence reminiscent of 2011’s peak piracy.
On April 23, 2026, the Ulsan Port Authority successfully completed the world’s first ammonia bunkering operation for a dual-fuel gas carrier. This milestone, achieved at Ulsan Main Port, involved supplying 600 tons of clean ammonia to a vessel, reinforcing Ulsan’s position as a leader in green marine fuel initiatives.
After repositioning their cruise ships from the Persian Gulf, two lines chose the Suez Canal for a quicker return to service. MSC Cruises’ MSC Euribia successfully transited on April 26, albeit with a reduced crew. This marked a significant decline in canal traffic, highlighting ongoing safety concerns in the region.
President Donald Trump has extended a crucial shipping waiver for 90 days to support strained fuel and fertiliser supply chains due to the Gulf crisis. This measure enhances the movement of essential commodities amidst disrupted maritime routes. Concurrently, Trump emphasized the urgency of reopening the Strait of Hormuz with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
RINA has granted an Approval in Principle (AiP) to ST Engineering Marine for a pioneering retrofit project on the Asean Raider I ferry. This initiative replaces a diesel generator with a hydrogen fuel cell, aiming to reduce carbon emissions while ensuring safety and compliance with maritime regulations. The project highlights innovative hydrogen technology integration.
Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has plummeted to nearly zero, with only five vessels transiting in the past day—a 97% decline from the pre-conflict average. This crisis, now spanning nine weeks, follows the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps’ seizure of commercial vessels, rendering the strait commercially impassable.
A significant search and rescue operation commenced after a crew member fell overboard from the Norwegian Breakaway cruise ship off Massachusetts early Sunday. The incident, recorded on security footage, prompted immediate alerts and lifeboat deployments. Despite extensive efforts by the U.S. Coast Guard, the missing crew member has not yet been found.
Royal Caribbean International has confirmed the addition of two more ships to its Icon class order at Meyer Turku, bringing the total to seven. The sixth ship’s order is finalized, while the seventh depends on financing. Meanwhile, sea trials for the third ship, Legend of the Seas, have commenced.
On Friday, a service vessel, the Multi Power, collided with the moored fast ferry Froyfart at a small port on Froya island. The impact caused significant damage, including a large gash in the ferry’s hull and partial flooding. Salvage operations began the same day, leading to the cancellation of an upcoming voyage.
Oil prices surged nearly 2%, climbing to a two-week high amid stalled U.S.-Iran negotiations and ongoing shipment restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude rose by $2.16 per barrel to $107.49, marking six consecutive days of gains, while U.S. WTI increased by $1.32 to settle at $95.72.
Seatrium has successfully divested its fleet of 17 tugboats in Singapore for $81.5 million, finalizing the transaction on April 24, 2026. This strategic move, alongside other asset sales, is expected to generate annual cost savings of over $39.1 million. A towage services agreement with KST Maritime has also been established.
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez has called on member states to assist seafarers trapped in the Strait of Hormuz, where ongoing conflicts have led to vessel seizures and threats to maritime safety. He emphasized the urgent need for their release, stating, “they are not at fault,” as conditions continue to deteriorate.
