Norway has banned its merchant vessels from entering the Strait of Hormuz due to escalating attacks amidst the U.S.–Iran conflict. This significant shift from advisory status to an outright prohibition reflects a critical security threat level. The ban impacts global oil shipments, with vessels assessing their own operational risks before deciding to stay or leave.
During a recent inspection, AMSA officials found 18 deficiencies aboard a vessel, four of which warranted detention. The vessel will be barred from Australian waters until September 4, 2026. AMSA emphasizes its commitment to seafarer welfare, ensuring compliance with the Maritime Labour Convention to protect seafarers’ rights and working conditions.
Just nine months before the EU’s ban on Russian LNG takes effect, European buyers secured every cargo from the Yamal LNG project in February 2026. This highlights the stark contrast between the EU’s energy policies and market realities, as reliance on Russian Arctic gas persists despite ongoing geopolitical tensions and sanctions.
The Global Seafarers Union of India (GSUI) has voiced significant concerns regarding Order No. 08 of 2025 from the Directorate General of Shipping. This directive bans certain foreign maritime administrations from providing training in India without prior approval. GSUI fears it will negatively impact seafarers who have obtained crucial certificates through foreign-affiliated institutions.
The health of oceans improved with a new ban on scrubber discharge, supported by EU ministers and 15 countries. At the OSPAR Convention, officials agreed to prohibit pollutants from exhaust gas cleaning systems. By 2027, open-loop scrubber discharges will be banned, followed by closed-loop discharges by 2029.
The administrative court in Nice has temporarily blocked Mayor Christian Estrosi’s ban on large cruise ships, citing state authority over cruise traffic management. Estrosi’s restrictions aimed to combat pollution and mass tourism, affecting over 200,000 passengers. This reflects a growing trend among tourist destinations addressing the cruise industry’s impact.
Starting today, Finland has enacted a pioneering law banning cargo ships from discharging toilet wastewater, sulphuric wash water, and scrubber sludge into its coastal waters. This legislation, approved in December 2024, positions Finland as the first country to impose such comprehensive restrictions, aiming to protect the Baltic Sea from pollution.
The mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi, initially opposed large cruise ships due to overtourism concerns. He now proposes daily limits on cruise ship port calls starting July 1. Critics argue Nice can only accommodate luxury ships, while the industry fears financial losses. A compromise plan allows smaller ships to visit, balancing health and economic interests.
The mayor of Nice, France, is pushing for a ban on large cruise ships in the bay between Nice and Villefranche due to concerns of overtourism and pollution. Christian Estrosi aims to limit ships with over 900 passengers or 190 meters in length, focusing on smaller, luxury vessels to preserve the city’s image.
The Australia Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has imposed a ban on the Dutch-flagged cargo ship Marsgracht for unsafe cargo operations, marking the second detention in Australia. This enforcement action highlights systemic failures in safety management and a lack of compliance with dangerous goods stowage regulations. AMSA’s commitment is to ensure ongoing compliance with international standards.
Denmark has taken a significant step towards protecting its marine environment by introducing a bill to ban the discharge of scrubber water into its territorial waters. The decision, effective July 1, 2025, aims to reduce harmful substances in the marine ecosystem and aligns with efforts by other countries to promote sustainable shipping practices.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has banned the ship Darya Shaan due to known maintenance issues. AMSA alleges that the operator, Anglo-Eastern Ship Management (India), failed to report defects, leading to a 180-day ban. The vessel was found to have multiple maintenance issues, prompting AMSA to take strict enforcement actions.
