News items selected for weekly newsletter
SOLiTHOR has made significant progress in developing lithium solid-state batteries for aviation and maritime industries. Their advancements include improved cyclability, energy density, and industrial readiness. Recent testing showed impressive results with 1,000 cycles achieved at high efficiency. Their technology offers lighter, safer, and more powerful batteries, meeting the industry’s demands.
The International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network’s SeafarerHelp helpline has seen a surge in calls regarding abandonment, mental health issues, and abuse at sea. The rise in cases highlights the struggles faced by seafarers, including unpaid wages and fraudulent recruitment. YachtCrewHelp also reported an increase in contractual problems, underscoring the need for better support.
India is on track to become a global maritime leader, with plans to boost cargo handling capacity and develop a strong shipbuilding industry. Minister Sonowal predicts India will be a top ten maritime nation by 2047. Infrastructure projects like a desalination plant and dredging aim to enhance port capabilities and efficiency.
A group of seafarers in the Philippines raised concerns about DMW Assistant Secretary Jerome Pampolina’s involvement in drafting the IRR of the Magna Carta for Filipino Seafarers. The CSP pointed out his past association with a law firm representing manning agencies, urging him to step back for transparency.
A recent study by UCL and UMAS found that optimizing port arrivals to reduce waiting times could cut voyage emissions by up to 25% for certain vessels. Container ships and dry bulkers could save 10%, gas carriers and oil tankers 16%, and chemical tankers nearly 25%. Addressing port congestion is crucial for emissions reduction efforts.
Wallenius Marine in Sweden is conducting advanced wind tunnel tests to build the world’s first wind-powered PCTC. The tests in Gothenburg aim to confirm the ship’s design and develop new data simulation models. Collaboration with experts from KTH, RISE SSPA, and Oceanbird is pushing the boundaries of sustainable maritime transportation technology.
Bikram S. Bhatia’s PhD dissertation at the World Maritime University uncovered discrepancies in seafarers’ work/rest hour reporting within the shipping industry. Using the ITFRAM, his research highlighted seafarers’ record adjustments and PSC officers’ high compliance rates. The study emphasized the need for systemic changes to enhance safety and fairness in the industry.
The UK government has allocated nearly $1 million in funding to support nine maritime clusters across the country, aiming to boost local economies, connect businesses with the industry, and attract more individuals to the maritime sector. The investment will help secure funding for industries, implement skills training, and revitalize coastal towns and cities.
The Indian Coast Guard successfully rescued 12 seafarers stranded in the Arabian Sea after their vessel sank. With assistance from the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency, the crew was located and found to be in good health. This collaborative effort highlights the commitment to maritime safety and security in the region.
The government plans to offer three-year subsidies to cargo owners for transporting goods through inland waterways, aiming to increase freight movement in India from the current 2%. The proposal includes a 35% subsidy for river transport on specific national waterways, with an expected shift of 800 million tkm of cargo.
The third meeting of the Joint ILO-IMO Tripartite Working Group in Geneva adopted Guidelines on Fair Treatment of Seafarers detained in connection with alleged crimes. These guidelines aim to protect the rights and interests of seafarers during investigations and detention. They will be presented to the IMO Legal Committee in March 2025 for adoption.
The recent survey on disparities within the seafarer community revealed alarming rates of psychological and sexual harassment among women and LGBTQ+ members. The lack of DEI training for senior ranks was also identified as a concern. Despite challenges, there were positive aspects, highlighting the need for a more inclusive maritime industry.
ClassNK has launched new E-Learning courses on maritime cyber security through its ‘ClassNK Academy’ platform. With the increasing risks of cyber-attacks in the evolving maritime industry, it is crucial for ship operators to have a solid understanding of cyber security. The courses aim to deepen participants’ knowledge and skills to better protect ship systems.
The Sogestran Group has unveiled France’s first hydrogen-powered river vessel, the Zulu 06, on the Seine in Paris. With a cargo capacity of 400 tons, this 55-meter vessel is designed for small deck cargoes in Paris. Featuring hydrogen fuel cells, the Zulu 06 showcases a new, clean business model for urban waterway transportation.
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal reported a significant 48.65% decrease in average ship turnaround time at major Indian ports. This improvement is credited to enhanced efficiency, digitalization, and infrastructure development. Specific ports like Jawahar Lal Nehru Port saw turnaround times drop to just 26 hours.
