Vizhinjam Port authorities are set to implement a dynamic mooring system next month, enhancing operational efficiency. With machinery delivered and staff training planned, this innovative system will secure vessels amidst tidal changes, significantly reducing downtime and vessel turnaround time. This advancement aims to boost container throughput and strengthen India’s shipping competitiveness.
Fincantieri has laid the keel for the Viking Libra, the world’s first hydrogen-powered cruise ship, at its Ancona shipyard. Slated for service in December 2026, this groundbreaking vessel features a hydrogen propulsion system that produces zero harmful emissions, marking a significant step in decarbonizing the cruise industry.
The Netherlands Institute for Human Rights ruled that Filipino and Indonesian seafarers on Dutch vessels face discrimination, receiving lower wages than their EU counterparts despite equal working conditions. This landmark decision highlights the violation of economic rights and calls for reevaluation of wage practices in the maritime sector, emphasizing equal pay for equal work.
The Maritime Just Transition Task Force (MJTTF) has launched innovative training frameworks for seafarers operating ammonia, methanol, and hydrogen-powered ships. These publicly accessible frameworks aim to guide regulators in developing training programs and certification schemes, addressing the diverse needs of both entry-level and senior officers in the maritime industry.
Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore has launched OptiCARBON, a SaaS platform aimed at optimizing energy and compliance costs for maritime fleets. Targeting cruise and passenger vessel operators, it enhances energy efficiency while simplifying regulatory processes. The platform allows tailored decarbonization strategies and explores emissions reduction pathways, supporting long-term strategic planning.
The World Shipping Council has launched a Cargo Safety Program to combat misdeclared and undeclared dangerous goods, addressing the alarming rise in ship fires. Utilizing AI-driven screening and standardized inspections, the initiative aims to protect crew, vessels, and the marine environment, while enhancing safety standards across the industry.
Accelleron’s inaugural report, “Deadlock: What’s Stopping Shipping’s Carbon-Neutral Fuel Transition?”, argues that while efficiency measures can help meet IMO’s 2030 targets, deeper decarbonization hinges on the adoption of green hydrogen fuels. Collaboration across sectors is crucial to stimulate production, reduce costs, and achieve net-zero emissions in shipping.
Wightlink, the ferry operator serving the Isle of Wight and Hampshire, has proposed staff reductions impacting up to 50 positions as part of its efficiency project. The RMT union warns that this could jeopardize 160 jobs, threatening industrial action unless plans are retracted. Concerns over safety and service quality have been raised.
The New Zealand government is revising legislation to balance offshore wind energy and seabed mining. Energy Minister Simon Watts highlighted the potential for offshore wind to boost the economy. The Offshore Renewable Energy Bill aims to create a regulatory framework that fosters investment, while a significant wind farm project in South Taranaki progresses.
3t, a leader in safety-critical training, has received accreditation from the Transport General Authority for its maritime programs in Dammam. This endorsement aligns with international standards, enhancing Saudi Arabia’s maritime workforce skills. Hani Sagr emphasized its role in fostering local talent and meeting regional needs, supporting Vision 2030 goals.
On Tuesday, the Indian Coast Guard executed a mid-sea medical evacuation for a Syrian sailor aboard the MV Haje Nafela. The 20-year-old crew member, Abdulkader Yahya, suffered a severe head injury while working. The operation, coordinated from Chennai, successfully retrieved him 60 nautical miles offshore for further medical care.
On September 13, 2025, the sailing yacht Oceanview sank off Portugal after being struck by orcas. The yacht, owned by Nautic Squad, had five individuals aboard, all rescued before it went under. Nearby footage captured the dramatic collision, raising concerns about orca interactions with vessels in the region.
DP World has upgraded the Mundra International Container Terminal with a new advanced quay crane and three electric Rubber-Tyre Gantry Cranes, enhancing Gujarat’s trade significance. The quay crane supports vessels up to 22 rows wide, boosting capacity to 1.56 million TEUs by 2027 while aligning with sustainability goals.
India is poised for a transformative shift in its maritime sector, with Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announcing an investment of Rs 80 lakh crore and the creation of 1.5 crore jobs. Central to this change is the Sagarmala programme, aimed at modernizing ports and enhancing coastal infrastructure to boost trade.
The Maritime Technologies Forum will release a crucial report on September 30, aimed at assisting ship operators in managing risks from electric vehicle (EV) fires on carriers and ferries. The report outlines best practices, including early detection systems, explosion-resistant equipment, and enhanced training, to improve safety amid ongoing debates about EV fire risks.
