The derelict freighter Fusion has partially sunk in Puerto Montt, raising diesel pollution concerns. Located less than 100 feet from shore, containment booms have been deployed to prevent contamination. A specialized pollution control team is managing the situation, while an investigation into the incident’s causes has begun.
Parkland, operating at the Port of Montreal, has joined Green Marine, enhancing its environmental performance in the marine sector. This membership mandates practices that reduce its carbon footprint, contributing to sustainability. As of 2024, 67% of the port’s tonnage comes from Green Marine tenants, with participation becoming a lease requirement.
Tensions are rising over tariffs as the U.S. strongly opposes the proposed Net-Zero Framework, a Global Carbon Tax backed by India and China. The U.S. warns against any agreements that may harm its economy. In April, India and 62 nations voted in favor of the tax aimed at emission reductions.
On June 12, a resident of Mannar Island, Sri Lanka, found “strange white pebbles,” later confirmed as hazardous pellets from the MSC Elsa 3 shipping incident. The vessel, carrying dangerous chemicals, led to pollution as containers washed up on Kerala’s beaches, severely impacting 78,000 fishing families’ livelihoods across four districts.
The Singapore-flagged vessel WANHAI 503 continues to burn off Kannur’s coast, threatening crew quarters as it drifts south. It carries 2000 tonnes of fuel oil, 240 tonnes of diesel, and 157 containers of hazardous materials, including highly flammable substances. Coast Guard efforts are underway to secure a towline amid rising concerns.
The proposed passenger jetty near the Gateway of India in Mumbai, developed by the Maharashtra Maritime Board, is facing opposition from locals who view it as an environmental hazard and a threat to heritage sites. Despite government support, residents fear the impact on Colaba’s cultural and environmental fabric, calling for relocation.
The Supreme Court has requested an independent expert agency to assess the environmental impact of a multi-billion rupee port project in Palghar, Maharashtra. The ruling came after a plea from the National Fishworkers Forum, citing concerns about environmental and livelihood issues. The court highlighted the importance of proper planning and environmental protection.
The debate over biofuels in the shipping industry is intensifying, with concerns raised by major shipping lines and NGOs like T & E. They argue that biofuels could be unsustainable and harmful. A study suggests a potential increase in biofuel use by 2030, but limited availability of waste biofuels poses a challenge.
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) organized a table-top exercise with Indonesia and Malaysia to improve regional coordination for oil spills. Over 20 representatives from MPA, Indonesia, Malaysia, and ITOPF participated to enhance response capabilities in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore. This initiative aims to foster collaboration and communication during oil spill incidents.
A risky operation to salvage an oil tanker attacked by Houthi militants in the Red Sea has been successfully completed, preventing a potential massive oil spill. The Greek-registered MT Sounion, carrying 150,000 tonnes of crude oil, was hit by missiles and drones. After months of efforts, the vessel has been declared safe and its cargo removed.
Bloomberg reported on August 18, 2024, that shipping containers carrying hazardous industrial waste from Albania to Thailand are being returned to Europe due to environmental concerns. Maersk and MSC ships are rerouting 100 containers of potentially harmful waste back to Italy, following efforts by authorities and environmental groups to prevent illegal waste exports to Southeast Asia.
