The death toll from the capsizing of a state ferry off Guyana’s coast has risen to 72, with ongoing recovery efforts. Of the estimated 179 on board, 76 were rescued. Prime Minister Mark Phillips pledged support for affected families, while authorities launched a criminal investigation into the incident.
During the 21st East Asia Summit, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar urged for dialogue to resolve the West Asia conflict, emphasizing the need for safety in international waterways. He condemned attacks on seafarers and stressed that international law must govern maritime operations, highlighting the global economy’s vulnerability amid rising tensions.
On Thursday, President Trump warned of potential military action against Iran following Houthi strikes on Saudi oil tankers. He labeled the Houthis as Iranian proxies and emphasized accountability for Tehran. The resurgence of Houthi attacks, involving ballistic missiles and drones, raises concerns about escalating tensions and threats to vital shipping routes.
The energy trade in the Middle East faces renewed challenges after attacks by Iran-backed Houthi militants on Red Sea tankers. Analysts, including Lloyd’s List senior risk analyst Bridget Diakun, warn of a shift from normalization to uncertainty, impacting maritime operations and global oil trade significantly. Traffic in the region has plummeted.
During the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Manila, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar raised concerns about the safety of Indian seafarers in the Black Sea with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. This followed the tragic deaths of four Indian crew members from the MV Golden Leo, highlighting escalating regional tensions.
The Andhra Pradesh government is relocating dust-generating bulk cargo from Visakhapatnam Port to Mulapeta Greenfield Port, aiming to reduce pollution and improve operational viability. This move is part of a strategy to ensure a cleaner urban environment in Visakhapatnam, fostering industrial growth at the new port and enhancing efficiency.
German engineering firm Sonplas has unveiled explosion-proof thermal chambers designed for testing fuel and energy system components in hazardous environments. With a temperature range of -60°C to 180°C, these chambers ensure safety and precision while validating equipment like injectors and pumps, addressing the growing demand for alternative fuels such as hydrogen and ammonia.
The Indian Government, via the Directorate General of Shipping, has introduced a circular to address environmental risks from maritime transport of plastic pellets. Effective April 15, 2026, vessels must stow these pellets under deck, prohibiting on-deck transport. The initiative aims to safeguard marine ecosystems and comply with international standards.
The High Commission of India in Accra has successfully repatriated nine Indian crew members from the M/V Rahaf Moon, who had been stranded in Ghana. This operation exemplifies effective diplomatic efforts, showcasing collaboration with the Ghana Maritime Authority and other partners to ensure the crew’s safe return to India on July 23, 2026.
Saudi Aramco is offering additional crude cargoes from Egypt’s Sidi Kerir port due to rising threats from the Houthi movement against Saudi shipping. This strategic move aims to enhance market flexibility and secure supplies for term buyers, as security concerns prompt oil tankers to alter routes toward the Suez Canal.
The General Transport Authority reported an attack on the Saudi commercial vessel “ENCELIA” in the Red Sea, resulting in a fire at the ship’s front. Fortunately, all crew members are safe. The authority condemned the incident as a serious violation of international laws, emphasizing the ongoing risks in maritime operations in the region.
A routine task aboard the fishing vessel Antarctic Discovery turned perilous when decomposing fish waste was pumped into the machinery space, leading to four hospitalizations. An unmarked start button for the offal pump triggered the release of toxic hydrogen sulfide gas, revealing critical safety oversights during maintenance at Lyttelton dry dock.
Explora Journeys marked a milestone with the delivery of Explora III at Fincantieri’s Sestri Ponente shipyard. This vessel, the third in a luxury cruise series, highlights MSC Group’s fleet expansion. Notably, Explora III is the first to use liquefied natural gas, reducing emissions and supporting eco-friendly operations.
As energy transition accelerates, Lloyd’s Register merges technical expertise with strategic insights. Taylor Wamberg discussed during Singapore Maritime Week how the firm aids diverse clients facing regulatory uncertainties. By framing decarbonization as both a necessity and an opportunity, they emphasize flexible strategies across various fuel options to maximize client value.
Crew members of the Gas Lisbon tanker recounted a harrowing drone attack off the Romanian coast. Struck three times, they swiftly initiated evacuation procedures and aided injured colleagues. Sailor Alexander Megrelidze described the chaos, while Alexander Arro highlighted the delayed response from rescue services, emphasizing the crew’s quick, self-organized rescue efforts.
