Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. (GRSE) achieved notable recognition at the 15th PSE Conclave & Excellence Awards in New Delhi. Cmde PR Hari, IN (Retd.), received the ‘CMD of the Year’ award for his leadership. GRSE was also honored for its Corporate Governance, CSR, and operational excellence, highlighting its commitment to sustainable growth and inclusivity.
The Hong Kong Shipowners Association (HKSOA) has voiced strong support for the national plan from the National People’s Congress, underscoring Hong Kong’s significance as an international financial and shipping hub. Chairman Richard Hext highlighted the maritime sector’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, including the launch of the Maritime Talent Cultivation Alliance.
The Philippines has confirmed that a Filipino seafarer is missing after an attack on a tugboat near the Strait of Hormuz. The government is providing support to the family while ensuring the safety of the seafarer’s colleagues. Authorities are monitoring the well-being of 6,400 Filipino seafarers in the region.
The New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) has renewed three international ISO certifications, showcasing its commitment to quality management, environmental sustainability, and workplace safety. These certifications—ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, and ISO 45001:2018—affirm NMPA’s alignment with global standards and its dedication to operational excellence in India’s maritime sector.
COSCO Shipping has suspended operations at Balboa port, the gateway to the Panama Canal, as reported by La Prensa. Clients are directed to return empty containers to alternative terminals. The reasons for this halt remain unclear, following a Supreme Court ruling that annulled key contracts held by Panama Ports Company.
Cool Carriers is expanding its fleet with seven new Type Reefer Carriers from Kitanihon Shipbuilding. The first vessel, Snow Flower, was delivered on March 4. Each ship can transport 5,000 high-cube pallets and 168 reefer containers, enhancing the company’s capacity and competitiveness in global trade routes for perishables.
Shipping activities at major Belgian ports are severely disrupted due to an extended strike by sea pilots and maritime traffic controllers. With only essential personnel on duty, 26 ships are anchored in the North Sea, and many vessels face delays in Antwerp and Ghent, impacting maritime operations significantly.
Abu Dhabi’s ADNOC has temporarily closed its Ruwais refinery due to a fire from a drone strike, highlighting vulnerabilities in regional energy infrastructure amid rising tensions. The government confirmed no injuries, but details on the affected facility remain undisclosed. Other operations at the complex reportedly continue as normal.
ABB has secured a contract to deliver an integrated electrical power, propulsion, and automation system for two hybrid-electric cable repair vessels for Orange Marine. Scheduled for delivery in 2028 and 2029, these vessels will enhance submarine cable maintenance across various oceans, utilizing advanced technology to improve efficiency and reduce emissions.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers recently seized approximately 214 pounds of cocaine, valued at $1.7 million, hidden in a parasitic device on the M/V Medstar. The vessel, arriving from the Dominican Republic, was inspected using underwater drone technology, showcasing the effectiveness of advanced tools in combating drug smuggling. An investigation is ongoing.
Jan De Nul has teamed up with Ulstein Design & Solutions to create a cutting-edge subsea trenching vessel, set for delivery in 2028. Featuring a modular design and the ULSTEIN X-BOW hull, the vessel will enhance efficiency in trenching operations while minimizing carbon emissions through advanced filtration and compatibility with biofuels.
The Directorate General of Shipping of India has issued DGS Circular 10 of 2026, updating safety advisories for seafarers in the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz. In response to recent maritime threats, shipowners must enhance vigilance, implement safety measures, and provide psychological support for crews facing stress and anxiety.
Mental health professionals warn that the maritime industry risks losing future talent if it doesn’t remove barriers for women at sea. Female seafarers face immense pressures, often feeling they must prove their competence while managing family responsibilities and stereotypes, leading to heightened stress and workplace bias that affects their well-being.
More than a week after the tragic death of Mumbai seafarer Dixit Solanki aboard the missile-struck oil tanker MT MKD Vyom, his family has urgently appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for assistance in repatriating his remains. They expressed deep anguish over the lack of information regarding his body.
Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry has called for a thorough investigation into the sinking of the UAE-flagged tugboat Musaffah 2 in the Strait of Hormuz, where three Indonesian crew members are missing. Spokesperson Yvonne Mewengkang confirmed collaboration with local authorities and emphasized the importance of safety for Indonesian nationals in the region.
