News items selected for weekly newsletter
In a pioneering pilot project at the Steinweg Beatrix Terminal in Rotterdam, Cargow ships were connected to moveable battery containers for shore power. The initiative, testing feasibility when standard connections are unavailable due to grid limitations, indicated success. Despite higher costs, the technology will be used in areas without electricity access.
ISWAN’s campaign ‘Safe at sea…it takes all of us!’ offers practical guidance on addressing inappropriate behavior and building support networks in the maritime sector. By promoting allyship between male and female crew members, the guides aim to create a safer and more inclusive work environment for all seafarers.
Alphard Maritime Group, under the leadership of Chairman Captain Alok Kumar, is set to launch a $500 million shipping fund in GIFT City to bolster Indian shipping tonnage. The fund aims to assist fleet owners in acquiring assets worth $10-20 million, with Alphard Maritime contributing Rs 5 billion and associates adding Rs 45 billion
The International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAOH) has released a report on the progress of decarbonization of port infrastructure in developing nations ahead of the IMO’s 82nd MEPC session. The report, prepared by Maritime & Transport Business Solutions (MTBS), focuses on case studies of ports in Kenya, Indonesia, Solomon Islands, Brazil, and India
Maersk’s Equal at Sea initiative has significantly increased the number of female cadets in India, with a rise from 41 to over 350 this year. The company aims for equal gender representation among cadets by 2027. The initiative addresses the underrepresentation of women in the maritime industry, with only 29% of the workforce being female.
The Indian government has launched a white paper emphasizing seafarer welfare, focusing on mental health improvements. Collaboration between the Directorate General of Shipping and the National Institute of Mental Health aims to address severe depression and suicide risks among the 250,000 Indian seafarers. Industry leaders advocate for mandatory mental health resilience training.
The European Sea Ports Organization (ESPO) and The Federation of European Private Port Companies and Terminals (FEPORT) are pushing for an EU-wide mandatory tax exemption for shore power in the revised Energy Taxation Directive. They argue that this exemption is crucial to support the European Green Deal and the polluter pays principle.
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Cacdac announced a collaboration with Marina to develop the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for the Magna Carta for Seafarers. The goal is to finalize the IRR by December, addressing issues like ambulance chasing and setting standards for seafarer contracts to enhance protections in the maritime industry.
A team from the international Red Cross visited the 25-member crew aboard the Galaxy Leader vessel, hijacked by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Hodeidah. Coordinated with local authorities, the visit aimed to monitor detention conditions and facilitate communication with families. Crew members from various countries are reportedly in good health, but some face health issues.
Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO and Managing Director of DP World GCC, emphasized the significance of expanding vessel handling capacity to attract global shipbuilding and repair companies. Dubai Maritime City’s recent infrastructure upgrades, including new ship cradles, aim to boost growth in the maritime sector and solidify Dubai’s reputation as a top maritime destination.
The ILO has introduced Draft Guidelines for the Fair Treatment of Seafarers Detained on Suspicion of Crimes, aiming to ensure they are treated fairly by authorities. Emphasizing protection of seafarers’ rights, the Guidelines stress compliance with legal frameworks and basic entitlements. They also recommend measures to prevent seafarers’ inadvertent involvement in criminal activities.
India is planning to establish shipbuilding and ship repair clusters in five states to enhance its maritime capabilities. The country aims to achieve a container handling capacity of 40 million TEUs by 2028, creating significant job opportunities. Minister Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted key initiatives in the industry, focusing on the strategic importance of shipbuilding and repair.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is celebrating World Maritime Day on September 26, highlighting safety at sea amidst new risks. This year marks 50 years since the adoption of the SOLAS convention in 1974, crucial for maritime safety. The theme “Navigating the future: Safety first!” emphasizes the industry’s commitment to safety and innovation.[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2dpnIdXMuQ[/embed]
A recent study has found that illegal recruitment fees for seafarers are still common in the maritime industry, with 31% of surveyed individuals being asked to pay such fees. This practice goes against regulations and can lead to financial burden and exploitation. It is crucial for the industry to address this issue.
Eutelsat has partnered with Inmarsat Maritime to provide an integrated multi-orbit solution for the maritime industry, aiming to enhance broadband services. Inmarsat Maritime will incorporate Eutelsat’s OneWeb LEO network into its NexusWave connectivity solution, launching in 2025. This collaboration reflects the industry’s focus on innovation and meeting maritime connectivity needs.
