Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has detained 20 Filipino seafarers following the discovery of 20 kilograms of cocaine concealed in their vessel’s cargo. The crew, aboard the Panama-flagged bulk carrier Nord Bosporus, is reportedly being treated well as investigations continue. Communication with the Philippines’ Department of Migrant Workers is ongoing.
Berge Bulk, a Singapore-based company, has become a prominent sponsor of the Museo del Galeon in the Philippines, donating a model of the Berge Olympus, the world’s most powerful sailing cargo ship. This partnership underscores Manila’s historical role in the galleon trade, celebrating maritime heritage and innovation. The museum opens next year.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) is investigating a power loss incident involving the bulker Basic Victory, which drifted dangerously close to Newcastle on July 30. The vessel’s crew managed to restart the engine and avert disaster. ATSB will assess safety issues and inform relevant authorities if needed.
A recent report by the Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) highlighted a near-disaster involving the Achilles Bulker, which nearly drifted into shallow waters while departing Tauranga, New Zealand. The investigation revealed a missing rowing pin, critical for helm stability, due to improper maintenance. Swift crew action averted catastrophe.
The Swedish Coast Guard successfully refloated the grounded bulker Ali Aykin on June 5, after it had been stranded since May 25. Investigations are underway, with one crew member detained for gross negligence. Concerns arose from a breach in a ballast tank containing 69,000 liters of fuel oil, complicating salvage efforts.
Argentine authorities have made a significant breakthrough in organized crime with the largest drug seizure in Port San Lorenzo’s history. Investigations are ongoing after the ship’s cook confessed to involvement in smuggling. Authorities uncovered 469,500 kilos of cocaine, valued at nearly $6 million in Argentina, indicating professional gang involvement.
A recent project by the Maersk Mc-Kinney Møller Center focused on converting Kamsarmax bulk carriers to dual-fuel methanol operations. The project aimed to assess the feasibility of retrofitting fuel oil-powered vessels to run on methanol, with Approval in Principle from Japan’s ClassNK. It highlights the potential for low-emission solutions in the maritime industry.
Last weekend, a tragic collision occurred near Ningbo port complex involving a containership and a dry bulk carrier. One seafarer lost their life, and three others were injured. The containership was departing with 934 TEU while the bulker sank in just five minutes. Investigations are ongoing as the company mourns the loss and focuses on growth.
The Philippines Coast Guard rescued six crewmembers and recovered two bodies, including the captain, after a bulker ran over a tugboat’s towline. The incident near Maasim, Sarangani Province, involved the Chinese-owned bulker Universe Kiza and the Philippine-registered tug Sadong 33. Charges are being prepared against the bulker’s master and crew.
Onomichi Dockyard and Tsuneishi Shipbuilding have collaborated to develop the innovative Bingo 42 dry bulk carrier design, aiming to enhance efficiency and sustainability. With a focus on productivity and fuel efficiency, the vessel incorporates the MT-Fast energy-saving device and dual-fuel capability. This partnership showcases a commitment to innovation in the shipbuilding industry.
The Eleen Armonia, a Bulgarian bulker, bravely rescued 34 seafarers from a burning fishing boat 500 miles southeast of Sri Lanka. The crew used hoses to control the flames and successfully evacuated the stranded seafarers after five hours of firefighting efforts. The rescued seafarers received care and supplies before being repatriated to Indonesia.
Fire crews in the Port of Aberdeen, Scotland, are working tirelessly to extinguish a cargo hold fire on a Panama-flagged bulker named Lowlands Diamond. Despite the intense efforts of several fire departments and specialist teams, the ship and port are not in immediate danger. The operation is described as complex and unusual.
The Canadian Coast Guard successfully freed the grounded bulker Maccoa after two weeks of being aground. The vessel, registered in Cyprus, had been delayed in refloating due to the holidays. Three tugs were used in the second attempt to refloat the vessel and reposition it back into the shipping channel.
A Cyprus-flagged bulker, the Maccoa, has been stuck in Canada’s St. Lawrence River since December 24. Plans to free the vessel involve lightering, the second time in a month a bulker in the river needed to remove cargo to become unstuck. Efforts to free the ship are underway, with a target date of January 5.
A dry bulk carrier named the Maccoa, flagged in Cyprus, is currently grounded in Canada’s St. Lawrence River. The vessel, with no signs of pollution or water ingress, departed Montreal on December 23 but became stuck outside the navigation channel on December 24. The Canadian Coast Guard is working on a plan to refloat the ship.
