News items selected for weekly newsletter
Despite trade policy uncertainties and declining freight rates, the global container ship order book has surged, totaling over 1,350 ships with a capacity of 11.8 million TEU. In early 2026, an additional 102 ships were ordered, reflecting ongoing demand and a shift towards larger vessels, complicating supply dynamics.
India’s major ports have enacted a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to streamline cargo flow to West Asia amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. Effective immediately, this initiative allows transshipment classification for cargo, permitting storage without penalties and prioritizing perishable goods, while enhancing support for domestic market adjustments.
Joakim Haraldsson from Lund University suggests aluminum as a sustainable maritime fuel, potentially cutting CO2 emissions. Renewable energy can be stored in aluminum, released through oxidation on ships. However, challenges like oxide layer formation need addressing. Haraldsson’s research is preliminary, requiring further study before aluminum can be commercially viable in shipping.
On March 9, Turkey’s Supreme Court upheld a 30-year sentence for Chief Mate Ali Albokhari, arrested aboard the Phoenician M after drugs were found. Despite a lack of evidence against him, Albokhari remains imprisoned, facing health issues. NGOs urge for enhanced protections for seafarers amid rising geopolitical threats.
Sascha Meijer, assistant general secretary of Nautilus International, highlighted the urgent need for women’s rights in the maritime industry during a networking event on March 9. She addressed barriers women face, such as career stagnation and harassment, urging collective action to foster genuine improvements beyond just celebrating International Women’s Day.
The initiative to reintroduce nuclear energy into commercial shipping is gaining momentum. The American Bureau of Shipping and HD Hyundai are collaborating on a Joint Development Project to explore nuclear-powered propulsion for large containerships. This effort aims to create a nuclear-powered electric propulsion system, addressing decarbonization in the maritime industry.
GMS, the leading global ship recycling buyer, urges the European Commission to approve qualified Indian facilities for the EU Ship Recycling Regulation list. Despite compliance from over 110 Indian yards, none have been approved in a decade. GMS cites a lack of political will, not standards, as the main issue.
ClassNK has released updated editions of two key documents: “FAQs on the EU-ETS for Shipping (3rd Edition)” and “FAQs on the FuelEU Maritime (5th Edition).” These resources aim to help maritime stakeholders navigate new environmental regulations. The EU Emissions Trading System and FuelEU Maritime regulations will impact vessels over 5,000 gross tonnage.
Kolkata recently hosted a significant Symposium on Seafarers’ Recruitment and Welfare, organized by the Directorate General of Shipping. Key stakeholders, including RPSL holders and industry officials, discussed enhancing India’s maritime manpower ecosystem. Shri Sushil Mansing Khopde addressed challenges in recruitment, emphasizing transparency and ethical practices to protect seafarer rights.
India must shift from foreign shipping reliance to develop its own maritime ecosystem, emphasizes Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal. He highlights the importance of self-sufficiency, green shipping fuels, and enhanced shipbuilding. Initiatives like the Sagarmala projects aim to improve port infrastructure, fostering coastal community development and positioning India competitively in global shipping.
During the Seafarers’ Recruitment and Welfare Symposium in Kolkata, Minister Shantanu Thakur inaugurated vital maritime projects, including the Seafarers’ Outreach Centre and MMD Office. He emphasized the government’s commitment to modernizing maritime support systems and fostering a technology-driven, welfare-focused maritime administration, aiming to enhance India’s global competitiveness.
Seabound has achieved a major milestone with the launch of its first full-scale onboard carbon capture systems at its Doncaster hub. Celebrated at the “Seabound Sendoff,” the event attracted over 70 attendees. The systems will be installed on the UBC Cork, a cement carrier, marking a significant step in maritime decarbonisation.
The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) has launched IMCA Skills, a digital learning hub focused on enhancing competence in the marine industry. Its initial offering, a Dynamic Positioning CPD program, consolidates resources into a user-friendly platform, promoting easier navigation and progress tracking for professional development in offshore operations.
The Department of Migrant Workers and the Philippine Embassy in Finland commended 19 Filipino crew members of the Cymona Eagle for their heroic rescue of Finnish rower Jari Saario. After his boat was damaged in a storm, the crew navigated treacherous conditions to save him, showcasing exceptional seamanship and humanitarian spirit.
Everllence has made strides in CO₂-neutral propulsion systems with its upgraded test bench in Augsburg for hydrogen combustion. This advancement, part of the HydroPoLEn project, aims to develop sustainable maritime solutions. Key partners, including Tenneco and the Technical University of Munich, are collaborating to enhance hydrogen technology for shipping.
