Leaders in the shipping industry, including David Rivest, Daniel Dagenais, and Saul Polo, are urging the federal government to address security and environmental challenges in Arctic waters. They stress the need for enhanced resources, better mapping, and improved monitoring to ensure safe navigation amid rising ship traffic and climate change impacts.
The maritime industry faces a pressing challenge: the manipulation of seafarer work and rest hour records. Mark Dickinson of the ITF emphasized at the Seatrade Maritime Crew Connect conference that many seafarers work over 75 hours weekly, often falsifying records to comply with regulations, highlighting a critical gap between policy and practice.
The Royal Institute of Navigation’s Maritime Working Group is investigating GNSS jamming and spoofing issues affecting the maritime industry. They launched a survey for sector professionals to share experiences with GNSS interference, emphasizing the urgent need for improved navigation reliability amidst increasing risks to safety and operational integrity.
Europort 2025 will emphasize ship financing for specialized vessels amid offshore wind market uncertainties. The demand for advanced offshore support vessels (OSVs) is rising due to the expansion of wind farms. However, market volatility and recent project halts pose challenges, necessitating innovative financing solutions for high-risk assets.
A recent study by Thetius and Marcura highlights the maritime industry’s struggle with AI adoption, revealing that while 82% of professionals are optimistic, 37% report project failures. Key findings show that 97% believe AI can reduce inefficiencies, yet concerns about overreliance persist, emphasizing the need for human oversight in decision-making.
Methanol and ammonia have transitioned from theoretical concepts to viable zero-emission shipping fuels, according to a Global Maritime Forum report. Methanol is ready for low-carbon operations, while ammonia is prepared for piloting. However, challenges remain, requiring collaboration among stakeholders to scale these technologies effectively and create necessary growth conditions.
In response to recent deadly attacks in the Red Sea, the Philippines may limit its nationals from working on vessels in high-risk areas. The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is focused on ensuring safety and transparency, requiring risk assessments and immediate reporting of incidents to protect Filipino seafarers and their families.
At Inmarsat’s seminar “Thriving in the Digital Age,” experts advocated for a cautious approach to maritime digitalization. They emphasized the necessity of training and human involvement, as many shipping companies still depend on manual processes. While digitalization promises benefits, a rushed transition could jeopardize operational integrity. Effective training and connectivity are vital for success.
Carl Martin Faanessen, CEO of Noatun Maritime, believes the narrative around seafarers often exaggerates their struggles, casting them as victims. He emphasizes that many are skilled professionals who take pride in their work. Despite challenges like rough seas, they find joy in their careers, fostering camaraderie and resilience among their ranks.
Gujarat Pipavav Port Ltd reported a consolidated net profit of £3,969 million for the 2025 financial year, a 16% increase fueled by rising fluid and RO-RO freight volumes. Despite profitability, income remained flat at £9,876 million, impacted by lower container throughput and dry bulk freight challenges. A final dividend of £4.20 per share was recommended.
The shipping industry’s pursuit of net-zero carbon emissions has intensified interest in biofuels, which are compatible with existing engines. However, Rystad Energy’s analysis reveals a significant gap between biofuel production capacity and demand, raising concerns over supply limitations. The upcoming Rystad Talks Energy webinar will explore solutions for maritime leaders.
The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has proposed new measures to transition to zero-emission fuels, yet the Global Maritime Forum warns these may lack sufficient incentives for e-fuels like green ammonia and e-methanol. Early competitiveness is vital to prevent bottlenecks in decarbonisation, with targeted incentives deemed essential for success.
The second Women in Maritime survey by the IMO and WISTA reveals a significant rise in female employment, from 151,979 in 2021 to 176,820 in 2024. Despite this, women comprise just under 19% of the workforce, with alarming disparities in roles, particularly among seafarers, where only 1% are women.
Female representation in the maritime industry is critically low, with women comprising only 16% of the workforce. While regions like the Caribbean and Pacific show over 20% participation, barriers such as gender stereotyping and safety concerns persist. Stakeholders must collaborate to enhance diversity and create an inclusive environment.
The maritime industry, reliant on traditional fuels for decades, faces challenges in meeting emission standards with alternative fuels. Shipyards may struggle to adapt, impacting profitability. Dr. Ahlgren’s “Dual Fuel Strategy” suggests combining fossil fuels with electric power. Transitioning to alternative fuels poses challenges in energy density, safety, and infrastructure.
