News items selected for weekly newsletter
The Vizhinjam International Port in Kerala, operated by Adani Ports, is transforming maritime operations with advanced sensor, radar, and AI technologies. The new Vessel Traffic Management System will optimize ship movements, increase capacity, and enhance safety. By integrating these technologies, the port aims to efficiently manage traffic and anticipate navigational hazards.
The latest Seafarer Happiness Index report shows a slight increase in seafarer satisfaction, attributed to increased downtime from Red Sea diversions. Positive shifts in morale include longer transit routes for better rest and social activities. Challenges like limited internet, restricted shore leave, and wage concerns still impact well-being. More holistic solutions are needed for work-life balance.
The Paris MoU has raised concerns about fire safety, specifically fire doors, due to high non-compliance rates in recent inspection campaigns. While overall compliance was satisfactory, issues with fire door condition and fire drills were highlighted. Further inspections revealed a 13.9% non-compliance rate, prompting calls for industry action to address deficiencies and improve safety standards.
The IMO MEPC 82 discusses regulating black carbon emissions from shipping. The transition to “polar fuels” and use of technology can reduce emissions significantly. New ECAs in the Canadian Arctic and Norwegian Sea aim to reduce pollutants, with potential for more areas. Urgent action is needed to protect the Arctic environment from irreversible damage.
The Kerala Maritime Board plans to introduce ROVs for underwater exploration via a PPP model with Hie Capital Technologies. The project aims to use ROVs for various tasks like marine wreck exploration and oil exploration. Training programs for ROV operators will be established to create a skilled workforce for effective operation and maintenance.
Hapag-Lloyd, an international shipping company, has raised its full-year earnings guidance due to robust demand and increased freight rates. Despite challenges like vessel rerouting and geopolitical issues, the company now expects EBITDA for 2024 to be between $4.6 billion and $5 billion. Hapag-Lloyd remains optimistic about its earnings outlook amid uncertain market conditions.
The European Commission has allocated €4.8 billion from emissions trading revenue to support new net zero projects, with a focus on the maritime industry. This funding will benefit 85 cleantech manufacturing projects across 18 European countries, aiming to promote net-zero mobility and renewable energy. The selected projects will help reduce emissions.
Woodward, a global leader in fuel injection systems, is showcasing its range of injection systems for P2X fuels like methanol and ammonia at SMM in Hamburg. The Medium Pressure Injection (MPI) and High-Pressure Dual Fuel (HPDF) product lines have been fully integrated into a family design.
The last batch of Filipino crew members from the M/V Minoan Courage, attacked by Houthi rebels, safely landed at NAIA Terminal 3. The DMW, OWWA, and other agencies collaborated to ensure the repatriation of all 21 seafarers. The crew will receive necessary support and evaluations to address the traumatic experience at sea.
The Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) and SeaTech Solutions International have signed an MoU to approve designs for green tugs and harbour craft. Indian shipyards may now construct electric-powered tugboats designed by SeaTech, with IRS ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. The collaboration will support India’s green-tug transition programme and Harit Nauka guidelines.
The North Atlantic right whale, a rare species, has seen a slight increase in population, giving hope to conservationists. Threatened by global warming, ship collisions, and fishing gear entanglement, their numbers dropped to less than 360 in the early 2020s. Efforts are needed to ensure their recovery and long-term survival.
Tunley Environmental raises concerns about the challenges of the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) for the maritime industry. CEO Will Beer stresses the need for compliance to avoid penalties. The directive aims to promote sustainability and energy efficiency, with companies required to enhance reporting on environmental impacts. Failure to comply could result in severe consequences.
Global trade by sea is expected to grow by 2.4% in 2023, reaching 12.29 billion tons. The demand for bulk raw materials and containerized goods is driving this growth. The UNCTAD predicts a modest 2% increase in shipping in 2024, with containerized traffic expected to recover significantly.
MAN Energy Solutions is at the forefront of sustainable technology development with its ‘AmmoniaMot 2’ project, creating a dual-fuel test engine running on ammonia. Supported by industry and research partners, the initiative aims to advance ammonia as a carbon-free fuel for maritime and industrial applications, contributing to the decarbonization of the sector.
The maritime industry is gearing up for the use of ammonia as a marine fuel by 2025-2026. While it offers environmental benefits, safety concerns arise due to its toxic nature. A survey by the MMMCZCS revealed that most in the maritime community are open to working with ammonia-fueled vessels with proper training and certification.
