Japan’s ClassNK has granted approval in principle (AiP) for Oshima Shipbuilding’s bulk carrier concept, designed for alternative fuels like ammonia, methanol, and LNG. The vessel includes onboard carbon capture and storage capabilities. This approval reflects the industry’s commitment to meeting stricter emissions regulations while ensuring safety and technical feasibility.
A Chinese bulk carrier, the Hua De 858, grounded and broke apart in Xinghua Bay off Fuzhou’s coast. The vessel, which departed from Tangshan, ran aground on December 3. Fortunately, the crew was unharmed and rescued, but significant damage to the hull was reported, with the ship’s AIS signal now inactive.
A merchant vessel successfully thwarted a pirate attack off Yemen’s Bab-el-Mandeb on Friday. The bulk carrier, Bobic, engaged in gunfire with around 15 approaching small crafts. Despite the assault, the crew remained unharmed, underscoring ongoing security concerns as shipping lines cautiously consider resuming Red Sea routes.
Between January and November 2025, newbuilding contracts for bulk carriers fell by 54%, totaling 25 million DWT—the lowest since 2020. The dry bulk orderbook shrank by 4%, now at 11% of the fleet. Filipe Gouveia of BIMCO cites an uncertain market, with contracted vessels down 61% year-on-year.
The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) reported a cargo fire aboard the bulk carrier Atlay on June 27, 2025, during scrap metal loading at Albert Dock, Hull. Detected by the master, the fire prompted immediate evacuation preparations and firefighting responses. Investigations suggest an undischarged battery may have ignited the blaze.
Vietnamese officials are working to secure the dry bulk carrier Star Bueno, which ran aground during a monsoon. Weighing 178,978 dwt, it was transporting iron ore from South Africa when severe weather caused it to drag anchor. Fortunately, all 22 crew members were reported safe amid the challenging conditions.
In a significant maritime enforcement action, the Swedish Coast Guard boarded a bulk carrier suspected of dumping waste into the Baltic Sea near Gothenburg. Minister Carl-Oskar Bohlin confirmed the interception on October 23, emphasizing Sweden’s commitment to combating environmental violations and protecting marine ecosystems through vigilant monitoring.
On Thursday, the Swedish coast guard intervened with a Liberia-flagged bulk carrier accused of discharging waste into the Baltic Sea. Civil Defence Minister Carl-Oskar Bohlin remarked on the coast guard’s proactive surveillance in combating environmental crimes, stressing the importance of protecting the marine ecosystem from illegal dumping activities.
A Japanese government-backed project has achieved a remarkable 98% reduction in methane emissions during tests on the bulk carrier Reimei. Initially targeting a 70% reduction, the initiative, supported by NEDO, utilized advanced methane oxidation technology. Ongoing evaluations aim for commercialization by FY 2027, marking a significant step in climate action.
On September 1, a collision occurred off Singapore’s coast between the bunker barge Marine Dynamo and the bulk carrier Flag Gangos. A minor fuel spill was reported, but both vessels remained stable. The Marine Dynamo, operated by Chevron, experienced a spill of Marine Gas Oil, and one crew member sustained minor injuries.
Efforts to refloat the bulker Federal Yamaska, which grounded on the St. Lawrence River, began on Friday. The Canadian Coast Guard reported that a refloating operation would take hours. The vessel, carrying sugar, lost power and drifted across the shipping lane, now restricted but still open. No pollution or injuries reported.
All 23 crew members of the Panama-flagged bulk carrier Run Fun 3 were rescued after abandoning their sinking vessel in the Indian Ocean. The ship, en route from Singapore to Togo, began flooding in the cargo hold. The crew escaped on life rafts and were picked up by Maple Harbour.
Intercargo’s recent report reveals a decade of improved safety for bulk carriers, yet challenges remain, particularly in the Red Sea. Between 2015 and 2024, 20 significant losses resulted in 89 fatalities, largely due to operational failures. Recent drone and rocket attacks on vessels highlight the pressing need for enhanced maritime security.
The grounding of the bulk carrier Ali Aykin in the Øresund has proven more serious than initially believed, with confirmed hull damage and water ingress. While no injuries or spills have been reported, the vessel carries 18,000 gallons of diesel, prompting authorities to monitor for pollution risks as investigations continue.
On May 13, Japan launched the first methanol-fueled bulk carrier, the Green Future. Owned by Kambara Kisen and constructed by Tsuneishi Shipbuilding, it features a deadweight tonnage of approximately 65,700. This vessel significantly reduces emissions, showcasing a pivotal shift in the shipping industry’s approach to sustainability.
