News items selected for weekly newsletter
Damen Shipyards Group and SAFEEN Group made history by setting a Guinness World Record for the Most Powerful Electric Tugboat with the Damen RSD-E Tug 2513 Bu Tinah. This revolutionary vessel operates in the Middle East, showcasing its impressive performance and sustainability. It marks a significant step towards a more environmentally friendly maritime industry.
The Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC) has launched the ‘Dubai Code for Ports,’ a revolutionary initiative that sets global standards for maritime infrastructure. This comprehensive guide aims to enhance operational efficiency and sustainability, reinforcing Dubai’s role in global trade and responding to rising demands in maritime transport.
A partnership between KR, HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, KSS Line, and the Liberian Registry aims to develop safety guidelines for ship-to-ship ammonia bunkering. This collaboration will establish robust safety standards for efficient fuel supply to ammonia-fueled vessels, addressing the urgent need for industry standards in ammonia bunkering.
The fifth annual survey by Danica Crewing Specialists shows a persistent shortage of competent seafarers leading to increasing benefits for industry workers. Wages are rising, job choices are more selective, but welfare concerns remain. Disparities in wages among ranks and nationalities are evident, with issues like fake experience and crew welfare challenges also highlighted.
At the India Economic Summit 2024, Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal unveiled plans for the world’s largest port, signaling a transformative era in India’s maritime sector. He highlighted the Sagarmala Program’s role in reducing container turnaround times and boosting India’s global shipping standing, emphasizing the economic potential of revitalizing waterways.
In the maritime industry, strides towards gender equality are visible as companies like Maersk increase the number of female seafarers. The percentage of women in Maersk’s workforce has doubled from 2.3% in 2022 to 5.5% in 2024, with Indian women playing a significant role in this growth.
A recent study by the ICCT suggests that implementing an emissions control area in the North Atlantic could prevent 4,300 premature deaths and lead to economic gains of up to €29 billion. NABU is advocating for a similar initiative in the North Atlantic, from Portugal to Greenland, to reduce the environmental impact of shipping.
The Maritime Just Transition Task Force (MJTTF) is collaborating with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and Lloyd’s Register Foundation to develop training materials on alternative fuels for the maritime industry. The project aims to enhance seafarers’ competencies in using new low-emission fuels, addressing gaps in current training standards.
Seafarer trainers from Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam recently completed intensive training on LNG-fuelled ships in Japan. The workshop focused on safety compliance with the IGF Code, including classroom lectures, simulator trainings, and emergency response exercises. Trainers gained hands-on experience with LNG bunkering simulators to enhance their training programs for seafarers.
The European Union is providing a maritime technical assistance package to the Philippines to improve maritime safety and labor standards for Filipino seafarers. This initiative will enhance the country’s maritime regulatory agencies and strengthen connectivity with the EU and ASEAN nations. The project aims to elevate the Philippines’ maritime industry to international standards.
Maersk Tankers, a key player in the shipping industry, is integrating wind-assisted propulsion technology to reduce emissions. Bound4blue, based in Spain, will install suction sails on five medium-range tankers, marking their largest agreement yet. Maersk Tankers aims to enhance energy efficiency and sustainability, aligning with industry regulations and reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
Dr. M Ravichandran, Secretary of MoES, launched the Marine Microbial Repository web portal during NIOT’s 31st Foundation Day in Chennai. He praised NIOT’s advancements in engineering, Blue Economy, and marine resource sustainability, highlighting the new BWTT-TF facility in Andhra Pradesh for testing Ballast Water Treatment Systems, enhancing maritime safety and environmental sustainability.
The Indian government is launching a shipbuilding incentive scheme to elevate India’s shipbuilding industry globally. By offering financial support until 2035, India aims to climb from 22nd to top 10 in shipbuilding by 2030, and top 5 by 2047. Focusing on sustainability, the scheme promotes green fuels and electric/hybrid systems, aligning with India’s maritime vision.
ClassNK has recognized the bulk carrier ROYAL LAUREL for its innovative onboard vegetable grower system, making it the first vessel in ClassNK’s registry to receive the ‘ELW (HP)’ designation. Developed by HSN-KIKAI KOGYO CO., LTD, the system enhances crew welfare by creating a healthier and more productive work environment at sea.
Corvus Energy has played a vital role in reducing the maritime industry’s carbon footprint by helping customers cut down 10 million tons of CO2 emissions since 2013. This achievement is crucial in combating the industry’s significant contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions. Corvus Energy has successfully decreased fuel consumption and environmental impact.
