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India’s Vice President, Jagdeep Dhankhar, emphasized the crucial role of India’s maritime sector in achieving the country’s goal of becoming the world’s third-largest economy. With strategic location and advanced infrastructure, India is poised to be a maritime powerhouse. Dhankhar highlighted the sector’s potential to drive economic growth and capitalize on the global blue economy.
The Maritime Labour Convention 2006 has proposed new amendments to improve seafarers’ living and working conditions. These changes, open for consultation, aim to address lessons learned from the Covid-19 pandemic. The amendments focus on seafarers’ health, diet, financial protection, and connectivity with loved ones. Feedback on the proposed changes is welcome until January 22.
RightShip, a digital maritime platform focusing on ESG, has adjusted its vessel inspection age trigger timeline, lowering the threshold from 14 to 10 years in a four-phase process. Industry feedback, including from INTERCARGO and ICS, played a key role in refining the approach. The phased implementation allows for smoother adjustments and additional inspector accreditation.
Hycamite TCD Technologies, MOLEA, and MOL PLUS have joined forces to promote methane-splitting technology for onboard power generation in LNG-fueled ships. This innovative approach converts methane into hydrogen while sailing, creating a negative carbon footprint. With plans to launch an industrial-scale plant in 2025, Hycamite is driving innovation in maritime decarbonization.
The maritime industry is shifting towards decarbonization, focusing on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Measures like the EEDI and SEEMP have led to new operational performance indicators and a push for alternative fuels. The human element is key, along with Collaboration, technology, training and leadership are crucial to achieving sustainability goals.
The International Seafarers’ Welfare & Assistance Network (ISWAN) reported a surge in seafarers seeking help for violence, bullying, and discrimination on ships. Calls to the helpline increased due to crew abandonment, mental health issues, and abuse at work. The industry faces challenges like fake recruitment agencies, harassment, and discrimination, with reports of abuse rising by 28%.
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.
