Danica Crewing Specialists has achieved a milestone by launching the first cohort of 10 cadets from Bandari Maritime Academy into their sea-time training program. This initiative, featuring two six-month onboard placements, represents a significant step in nurturing maritime talent in East Africa, addressing the need for skilled seafarers globally.
Maritime NZ prioritizes seafarer welfare, actively monitoring their conditions and ensuring compliance with maritime regulations. The crew is reported healthy and well-provisioned. Maritime NZ encourages reporting any welfare concerns regarding foreign vessels in New Zealand waters through their website, reinforcing their commitment to safeguarding seafarer rights and wellbeing.
SCHOTTEL has been chosen by GONDAN shipyard to provide the propulsion system for the Northern Lighthouse Board’s new vessel, POLE STAR. Officially named by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, the ship features advanced maneuverability with two SCHOTTEL RudderPropellers and TransverseThrusters, enhancing operational safety and efficiency.
The Maritime Union is deeply concerned about the welfare of foreign crew members stranded aboard the former Interislander ferry, Aratere, off Nelson’s coast for nearly two months. They are advocating for an urgent welfare check to ensure the crew’s health and safety, highlighting the need for immediate action and support.
An investigation into the ferry Trisha Kerstin 3’s sinking revealed it was overloaded during its last voyage. The Philippine government dismissed several officials, including key maritime authorities. Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez announced potential legal action against the ferry’s operator, Aleson Shipping Lines, amid ongoing searches for victims. The death toll has reached 52.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has launched a two-year campaign themed “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence.” Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez emphasized the need to translate regulations into actionable outcomes. The initiative will enhance understanding of IMO conventions, focusing on capacity development and innovative safety standards, particularly for vulnerable nations.
On Tuesday, a container feeder crew rescued solo sailor Demetris Lappas from his disabled yacht, Alcyon Blue, off Bermuda. After engine failures and severe weather left him dizzy from diesel fumes, he activated his EPIRB. The Bermuda Islander reached him first, navigating rough seas to bring him safely aboard.
The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch has reported on the October 24, 2023, collision between the bulk carrier Polesie and the cargo ship Verity, which sank, resulting in five fatalities. Both vessels’ watchkeepers failed to communicate effectively, and timely intervention could have prevented this tragic incident.
Meyer Turku has unveiled the AVATAR, a pioneering net-zero cruise ship concept that achieves over 90% reduction in lifecycle carbon emissions compared to the IMO baseline. Part of the NEcOLEAP initiative, AVATAR emphasizes energy efficiency with features like streamlined structures and bio-methanol fuel, showcasing advanced technologies for sustainable cruising.
A Chinese ship captain, Wan Wenguo, has pleaded not guilty to charges of damaging crucial undersea cables in the Baltic Sea. Operating the container vessel NewNew Polar Bear, he faces serious allegations that his ship’s anchor caused considerable harm. The incident raises significant concerns regarding global communications and maritime safety regulations.
On Monday, the Spanish rescue agency, Salvamento Maritimo, successfully rescued seven fishermen off A Coruña’s coast. The fishing vessel Abra de Muxia responded to a distress call after the crew of the Itoitz abandoned ship due to dangerous conditions. Fortunately, all crew members were unharmed during the operation.
The maritime sector faces pressure to decarbonize, targeting net-zero emissions by 2050. While smaller vessels see progress, larger ships pose challenges. The Gotland Horizon X, a high-speed catamaran developed by Siemens Energy and Gotlandsbolaget, aims for zero CO2 emissions, utilizing multi-fuel capabilities and hybrid propulsion for sustainable transport.
A fire erupted in the engine room of the cargo vessel Caesarea Trader near the Isle of Wight, but emergency services swiftly contained it. All 24 crew members were confirmed safe. The incident, currently under investigation, has not disrupted freight services to Jersey, ensuring food supplies remain stable.
Windward has launched its Maritime Intelligence Operations Center (MIOC) to aid defense agencies, commercial operators, and legal sectors facing geopolitical challenges. Integrating its proprietary AI platform with human analysts, the MIOC delivers real-time maritime intelligence, enhancing decision-making efficiency by up to 80% in a complex risk landscape.
The Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) and Seatrium have launched an Offshore & Marine Digital Learning Lab at SIT’s Punggol Campus, aiming to enhance maritime digitalization and support energy transition. This initiative will train over 700 undergraduates and 1,000 continuing education learners, focusing on advanced technologies for improved operational efficiency.
