News items selected for weekly newsletter
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez has outlined key priorities for the organization in 2025, including a focus on seafarers, global security, and decarbonization. Improving safety and support for seafarers, reducing criminalization, and promoting diversity in the maritime sector are key areas of concern. Dominguez also emphasized the importance of gender representation.
The 2025 TU Delft Hydro Motion Team, consisting of 25 adult students, has developed a hydrofoiling boat powered by liquified hydrogen. Their focus on sustainable technologies led them to switch from solar power to compressed hydrogen in 2021. They hope to inspire the shipping industry to embrace greener practices.
The shipping industry is closely watching the shift towards dual-fuel engines in newbuildings, with methanol leading over ammonia in engine and regulatory development. Attention is now turning to retrofitting existing vessels, with companies like Maersk Halifax and Hapag-Lloyd opting for methanol. Ammonia’s carbon-free potential is also attracting interest, LNG remains the current market leader.
The global search for environmentally friendly energy sources has led to methanol emerging as a strong contender for the green fuel throne. Popular in the maritime sector, Stena Line and Lloyd’s Register have successfully integrated methanol into shipping, showcasing its potential to revolutionize the industry with its renewable and efficient properties.
The CSB 8005 vessel of the Vietnam Coast Guard completed a successful mission with the Indian Coast Guard in Kochi, India. The trip aimed to strengthen cooperation in maritime law enforcement, with training in search and rescue, firefighting, and oil spill response. Despite challenges, the mission was a historic milestone in deepening maritime cooperation.
The European Union’s FuelEU Maritime mandate, effective January 1, impacts shipping interests by requiring fuel-efficient decisions. Options include higher taxes, reduced consumption, or low-emission fuels. Fees on emissions per tonne for ships over 5,000 GT aim to cut greenhouse gas intensity by 80% by 2050. Compliance includes recording emissions and penalties for non-compliance.
The National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) in Lothal, Gujarat is on track to be completed by 2028, showcasing India’s maritime history and global trade contributions. With international partnerships and a cost of ₹1,200 crore for Phase 1-A, the project aims to create jobs, attract visitors, and establish India as a maritime leader.
His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, has taken significant steps to support his community. By providing a monthly allowance to students at the Maritime Transport Academy and increasing the minimum retirement pension, he demonstrates his commitment to improving the lives of his people.
The UK New Year Honours List for 2025 has recognized individuals in the maritime industry for their services to diversity. Monica Kohli, president of WISTA UK, was appointed as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE). Members of the RNLI and Sea Cadets were also recognized.
Estonia is advocating for a revision of its maritime laws to better address damage to undersea infrastructure, such as cables and pipelines. Minister Liisa Pakosta highlighted the inadequacy of current regulations in handling incidents like the recent damage linked to a Russian oil vessel. Estonia plans to propose updates to the International Maritime Organization by February.
Vyron Vasileiadis, Chairman of APE owner V Group, unveiled a groundbreaking project focusing on solid waste collection from ships in waiting areas. The plan includes establishing a waste-derived fuel plant for green hydrogen production. A strategic partnership with key players in the sector highlights a holistic approach to sustainable practices in the maritime industry.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal emphasized the Rs 4,300-crore National Maritime Heritage Complex in Lothal as pivotal for preserving India’s maritime legacy. During a visit with Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, he noted the project’s potential for national pride, education, tourism, and global collaborations, aiming for completion by 2028.
Egypt recently conducted a successful test of a new channel near the southern end of the Suez Canal. The trial run saw two ships passing through without incidents, aiming to increase the canal’s capacity by 6 to 8 ships daily. The expansion comes after a drop in revenue due to attacks by Yemen’s Houthi militants.
Caterpillar Marine is at the forefront of developing methanol engines for the maritime industry, aligning with IMO 2050 goals. Their upgrade kit for Cat 3500E series engines meets regulatory requirements and customer demand for sustainable operations. With expertise in dual-fuel technologies, Caterpillar is driving the adoption of methanol for a greener future in shipping.
In a groundbreaking development, CONCOR has bridged the logistics gap between Chennai and Port Blair by introducing ICEBATTERY containers with a temperature of 5°C. This innovation will transform goods transportation to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, improving efficiency and reliability. The containers can maintain temperatures for up to three days, revolutionizing supply chain operations.
