News items selected for weekly newsletter
The Seafarers’ Health and Welfare (SHS) organization highlights the need for financial transparency and effective communication in the maritime industry. Chair Kuba Szymanski asserts that trust is vital for attracting talent. By improving mental health support and working conditions, the industry can better meet modern challenges and enhance seafarer retention.
The latest Annual DEI in Maritime Review reveals a pressing demand for equitable workplaces among nearly 10,000 surveyed seafarers and shore-based professionals. Key findings highlight the positive impact of DEI training, though gaps persist, particularly for middle managers. The report emphasizes the need for accountability and open dialogue to combat harassment.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has streamlined procedures for crew members on Indian flag vessels engaged in coastal trade by eliminating the sign-on/sign-off and shore leave pass requirements. This change aims to ease the burdens previously faced by seafarers, allowing port authorities to manage crew operations more efficiently.
The oil tanker Talara, seized by Iranian forces, has been released without its cargo. The crew is safe and in good spirits. This incident raises concerns about Iran’s targeting of merchant ships amid ongoing tensions. Although specific violations were not disclosed, Iranian state media indicated unspecified infractions.
Capt. Zulaika Florin, a master mariner with Hafnia, was honored as Seafarer of the Year at the 2025 Crew Connect Global Awards. Recognized for her exceptional leadership in navigating challenges, she stands out among five global nominees, highlighting the importance of resilience and commitment in the maritime community.
High-level interagency consultations took place in New Delhi, led by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and Nikolai Patrushev, aide to the Russian President. The talks emphasized the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia, covering shipbuilding, port development, and Arctic operations, aiming for enhanced cooperation and long-term prosperity.
Retention in the shipping industry remains a pressing challenge despite rising wages. While global pay has improved, only 40% of ship managers see increased crew loyalty. Modern seafarers prioritize connection and support over financial incentives, highlighting the need for better working conditions, reliable connectivity, and career development to foster long-term commitment.
Leading shipping companies have united to combat ocean plastic pollution by launching the Maritime Association for Clean Seas (MACS). Founded by Seven Clean Seas, this alliance includes major players like Berge Bulk and X-Press Feeders, aiming to reduce plastic waste and enhance sustainable practices within the maritime industry.
The Inland Port project in Jalore, Rajasthan, connects to Kandla Port via a 262-kilometer waterway, enhancing local economy and ecology. Supported by a MoU signed during India Maritime Week 2025, it aims to create over 50,000 jobs, improve connectivity, and bolster trade while undergoing a detailed project report by IIT Madras.
The International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) has partnered with the National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) to enhance welfare support for Filipino seafarers. This collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding, aims to improve seafarer wellbeing, share anonymized helpline data, and strengthen maritime research in the Philippines.
At the G7 Foreign Ministers’ session in Canada, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized India’s commitment to maritime security and prosperity. Highlighting the MAHASAGAR outlook and partnerships, he called for international cooperation to protect maritime infrastructure, combat threats like piracy, and uphold a rules-based maritime order under UNCLOS.
The Odia community in London recently celebrated Bali Yatra with a Maritime Heritage Summit at the UK Parliament. This two-day event honored Odisha’s cultural and maritime legacy, featuring discussions on the historical journeys of sailors and their modern significance. Dignitaries emphasized sustainable innovation and the importance of cultural awareness.
Hong Kong Maritime Week 2025, from November 16 to 22, opened with Chief Executive John Lee addressing urgent maritime challenges. Emphasizing “Navigating to a Greener Future,” he highlighted geopolitical tensions, technological shifts, and climate change. Lee urged collaboration for sustainable shipping, positioning Hong Kong as a vital hub in global maritime efforts.
Allseas’ small modular reactor (SMR) technology could generate $150 billion in economic value for the Netherlands and create 40,000 jobs by 2050. This innovative SMR aims to alleviate grid congestion, enhance energy security, and reduce emissions significantly, marking a strategic advancement in the country’s nuclear energy landscape.
On 17 November 2025, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) launched its first Areas of Research Interest (ARI), focusing on emerging technologies like alternative fuels and maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS). This initiative aims to connect maritime researchers, businesses, and government, addressing critical trends and enhancing safety and skills for seafarers.
