Weekly News Roundup: Safety, Welfare, Innovation and Gender Equality in Focus

Indian Maritime Sector

India to Develop Shipbuilding Clusters and Boost Maritime Capacity by 2028

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. Read More

Maersk’s Equal at Sea Initiative Boosts Gender Diversity Among Indian Cadets

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. Read More

India’s Commitment to Seafarers’ Mental Health and Welfare Initiatives

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. Read More

Maritime Markets

Dubai Maritime City Expands Capacity and Infrastructure to Attract Global Maritime Companies

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 aim to boost growth in the maritime sector. Read More

Maritime Innovations

First Automated Containership Launched in South Korea, Advancement in Autonomous Shipping

South Korea has achieved a major milestone in autonomous shipping with the successful installation and testing of the first containership with an integrated automation system. The vessel, POS Singapore, built as part of a government program, is now heading to Shanghai for a year of validation testing. Read More

Historic Tugboat with Ammonia-to-Power Technology Demonstrated by Amogy

Amogy, a start-up specializing in ammonia-to-power technology, showcased its innovative cracking technology by powering a tugboat along a tributary of New York State’s Hudson River. The “NH3 Kraken” vessel, fueled by green ammonia, highlights Amogy’s unique contribution to sustainable maritime solutions. Read More

Inmarsat Maritime and Eutelsat Partner for Advanced Maritime Broadband Solutions

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. Read More

Maritime Regulations

ILO Draft Guidelines Ensure Fair Treatment of Detained Seafarers for Alleged Crimes

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. These guidelines stress compliance with legal frameworks and basic entitlements. Read More

New IRR for Magna Carta Development Announced for Filipino Seafarers

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 IRR aims to address issues like ambulance chasing and setting standards for seafarer contracts. Read More

IMO Adopts Interim Guidelines for Ammonia as Marine Fuel to Support Energy Transition

The IMO has adopted interim guidelines for ammonia as marine fuel after negotiations at the 10th session of the IMO Sub-Committee on Cargo and Containers. These guidelines are crucial for international standards by 2025. Read More

Environment Protection

EU Advocates Push for Mandatory Tax Exemption for Shore Power to Support Green Deal

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. They argue that this exemption is crucial to support the European Green Deal. Read More

Methane Measurement Protocol Launches to Reduce Emissions in Shipping Industry

The Methane Abatement in Maritime Innovation Initiative (MAMII) has launched a new Methane Measurement Protocol (MMP) to help reduce methane emissions in the shipping industry. Led by Panos Mitrou, the initiative aims to establish a universal method for measuring and crediting methane performance. Read More

Seafarers Work and Welfare

Study Reveals Widespread Illegal Recruitment Fees in Maritime Industry

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 can lead to exploitation and financial burden. Read More

Gender Diversity

Maersk’s Equal at Sea Initiative Boosts Gender Diversity Among Indian Cadets

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. Read More

Maritime Safety

Advanced Satellite Safety Terminals Launched for Global Maritime Distress System

Cobham Satcom has unveiled a new line of advanced satellite Safety Terminals for the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS). These terminals offer cutting-edge safety services, integrating LRIT and SSAS systems for enhanced maritime safety. Read More

World Maritime Day 2024: Celebrating 50 Years of SOLAS and Maritime Safety

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is celebrating World Maritime Day, highlighting safety at sea amidst new risks. This year marks 50 years since the adoption of the SOLAS convention. The theme “Navigating the future: Safety first!” emphasizes the industry’s commitment to safety. Read More

Red Sea Crisis

Red Cross Monitors Condition of Crew Held by Houthi Rebels in Yemen

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. Read More

Miscellaneous

Commander Charcot Makes History as First Ship to Reach the North Pole

Ponant’s Commander Charcot expedition cruise ship made history as the first vessel to reach the remote North Pole. With scientific research at its core, the ship collects data to support studies while ensuring environmental responsibility. Read More

Historic Ship Celebrates 120 Years with Completion of Anniversary Trip

The Bessie Ellen, a traditional trading ship, celebrated its 120th anniversary with a tour of Britain. Owner Nikki Alford expressed gratitude for the crew who sailed through storms. The historic vessel now undergoes restoration work to preserve its legacy. Read More

Shipping Industry Urges Global Action for Decarbonization at UN General Assembly

At the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, the shipping industry and cargo owners united to call for urgent action in decarbonizing shipping. They stressed the need for a global regulatory framework and medium-term measures for eco-friendly fuels. Read More

Conclusion