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.
The ITF has reported a troubling rise in seafarer abandonment by irresponsible shipowners, a situation likely to worsen without significant changes in the maritime industry. Professor Hilton Staniland of SRI emphasizes that while some shipowners are responsible, many exploit loopholes, leaving seafarers vulnerable and without adequate protections.
On February 11, Philippine authorities revealed that the ferry Trisha Kerstin 3, which sank on January 26, may have been overloaded, contributing to at least 52 fatalities. Investigations indicated that the crew failed to warn passengers as the vessel began to list, raising serious concerns about safety regulations and oversight.
French private equity firm Eurazeo has announced a successful first closing of €175 million for its Eurazeo Sustainable Maritime Infrastructure II (ESMI II) fund, surpassing its initial €125 million target. Launched in December 2025, ESMI II focuses on financing eco-friendly maritime projects across Europe, aiming for a total of €400 million.
The Philippine Coast Guard is managing the situation of the tanker Espada, which ran aground in Oriental Mindoro. All 18 crew members are safe, and no pollution has been reported. Refloating efforts began on February 10, focusing on returning the vessel to deeper waters to prevent environmental hazards.
Everllence has achieved a remarkable milestone, reaching 20 million operating hours with its medium-speed, common-rail technology. This success encompasses two generations: the CR1.6, launched in 2004, and the advanced CR2.2, introduced in 2024. The CR2.2 model enhances engine performance and efficiency, marking a significant evolution in common-rail systems.
Fiji’s Maritime Safety Authority is under fire in Parliament as industry leaders criticize inadequate training and oversight. George Goundar, owner of Goundar Shipping, expressed concerns over seafarers receiving certifications without practical experience, jeopardizing safety. He questioned the legitimacy of engineering certificates and highlighted the impact of poorly trained crews on maritime safety.
Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) and Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) have formed a consortium through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance India’s shipbuilding capabilities. Signed in Kolkata, this collaboration aims to develop maritime platforms and promote technological self-reliance, significantly advancing India’s naval infrastructure and indigenous shipbuilding efforts.
Copenhagen Atomics has marked a significant milestone by completing two years of uninterrupted operation of a molten salt pump and test loop. This achievement, one of the longest durability tests globally, is crucial for developing reliable molten salt reactors, which can operate at temperatures exceeding 600 °C with minimal refueling.
Rough sea conditions are complicating salvage efforts for the tank barge Defiant, which ran aground at San Juan’s harbor entrance. Trapped between rock formations, the barge is facing heavy surf, with waves reaching 10 to 12 feet. Authorities are monitoring for potential fuel spills as they await calmer weather.
Kenya’s Merchant Shipping Act of 2009 fails to protect abandoned seafarers, particularly on fishing vessels. Its narrow definition of ‘seafarer’ and outdated provisions neglect fishing crews, creating a two-tier system. Despite ratifying the ILO Work in Fishing Convention, the Act’s deficiencies persist, leaving fishers without enforceable rights and protections.
Two oil tankers linked to Venezuela’s oil sector were detained in the Dutch Caribbean due to serious safety violations. The Regina, flagged under East Timor, and the Morning Sun, flagged in Panama, faced inspections revealing multiple deficiencies. These incidents cast doubt on Curacao’s ambitions as a trading hub for Venezuelan crude.
The Paris-based investment firm has successfully raised over €175 million for its Sustainable Maritime Infrastructure II fund, aimed at facilitating the decarbonization of the European maritime sector. With a focus on small and medium-sized enterprises, the fund offers tailored financing solutions amid increasing environmental regulations and limited options.
