On March 9, Turkey’s Supreme Court upheld a 30-year sentence for Chief Mate Ali Albokhari, arrested aboard the Phoenician M after drugs were found. Despite a lack of evidence against him, Albokhari remains imprisoned, facing health issues. NGOs urge for enhanced protections for seafarers amid rising geopolitical threats.
The Maritime Security Center in Muscat has warned seafarers about the risks of relying solely on GPS technology for navigation, particularly in areas far from the Omani coast. The Ministry of Defence urges mariners to carry alternative navigational tools, such as a traditional compass, to ensure safety in unfamiliar waters.
Sascha Meijer, assistant general secretary of Nautilus International, highlighted the urgent need for women’s rights in the maritime industry during a networking event on March 9. She addressed barriers women face, such as career stagnation and harassment, urging collective action to foster genuine improvements beyond just celebrating International Women’s Day.
A collaborative initiative between academia and industry is underway to develop an AI-driven real-time detection system for monitoring marine mammals along the UK coastline. This project merges the expertise of the University of Plymouth and MSeis, focusing on enhancing marine conservation through advanced robotics and sensor technology, backed by Innovate UK.
Authorities in Vizhinjam, Kerala, have charged the captain of the Panama-flagged chemical tanker Solis after it collided with the Indian trawler St Joseph in the Arabian Sea. The incident resulted in significant damage to the trawler, which sank quickly. Nine crew members from St Joseph were rescued.
The Greek-operated oil tanker Shenlong Suezmax has safely navigated the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting ongoing commercial activity despite rising tensions from the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran. Carrying Saudi crude to Mumbai, it updates its position amidst threats from Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, who claim the strait is closed to vessels.
The initiative to reintroduce nuclear energy into commercial shipping is gaining momentum. The American Bureau of Shipping and HD Hyundai are collaborating on a Joint Development Project to explore nuclear-powered propulsion for large containerships. This effort aims to create a nuclear-powered electric propulsion system, addressing decarbonization in the maritime industry.
The Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) has issued an advisory to Indian seafarers in the Persian Gulf and surrounding areas, following recent alarming incidents. Emphasizing constant vigilance and heightened awareness, the alert stems from a serious fire incident on a tanker. This initiative aims to enhance emergency preparedness and crew safety protocols.
Just nine months before the EU’s ban on Russian LNG takes effect, European buyers secured every cargo from the Yamal LNG project in February 2026. This highlights the stark contrast between the EU’s energy policies and market realities, as reliance on Russian Arctic gas persists despite ongoing geopolitical tensions and sanctions.
The Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) has launched a ₹384-crore initiative to become a net-zero maritime hub by 2047. Central to this plan is a significant energy upgrade, increasing solar capacity from 10MW to 30MW, alongside implementing an advanced Energy Management System for real-time energy optimization, setting new sustainability benchmarks.
On March 6, the Swedish Coast Guard seized a cargo vessel in the Baltic Sea, detaining a crew member. The vessel, flying a false Guinean flag, was deemed stateless, raising concerns about its seaworthiness. Authorities arrested another crew member the following day for suspected maritime safety violations and false documentation.
GMS, the leading global ship recycling buyer, urges the European Commission to approve qualified Indian facilities for the EU Ship Recycling Regulation list. Despite compliance from over 110 Indian yards, none have been approved in a decade. GMS cites a lack of political will, not standards, as the main issue.
On March 8, Japan’s government prepared its national oil reserves amid disruptions in Middle Eastern supply chains due to the Iran crisis. With 95% of its crude oil imported from Iran, strategic reserves — capable of supporting 254 days of consumption — might soon be tapped, though no immediate plans have been confirmed.
On March 8, 2026, the Indian Coast Guard vessel Anagh evacuated nine fishermen off Tamil Nadu after their boat, St Joseph, collided with the Vietnam-flagged MS Solis. Rescued from turbulent waters, the fishermen were taken to Vizhinjam harbour for urgent medical attention, with two suffering serious injuries and two still missing.
A report from India’s Directorate General (Shipping) reveals that two Indian seafarers killed in a March 1 attack on the tanker Sky Light near Oman may not have had the necessary equipment to escape through portholes as fire engulfed the vessel. Captain Ashish Kumar and crew member Dalip Singh lost their lives.
