Holland America Line kicked off its 2025 season in Rotterdam with the arrival of the Nieuw Statendam, utilizing the port’s shore power system for the first time. VP Nico Bleichrodt praised the sustainability efforts and partnership with the port. The season will feature voyages to Europe, showcasing Dutch vendors and supporting local businesses.
The MarLEN project, part of Horizon Europe, aims to transition waterborne transport to zero emissions. Coordinated by Forschungszentrum Jülich, it involves 14 organizations from 10 European countries. MarLEN strengthens the European Research Area in waterborne research, promoting collaboration and funding initiatives to support zero-emission technologies in the maritime sector.
Companies going bankrupt and workers losing their jobs is common in capitalist societies. However, abandoned ships present a different scenario. When a ship is left in a foreign port with no support, dwindling supplies, and services shutting down, it signifies a complex situation. Crewmembers are left in uncertainty, relying on welfare agencies.
Polish Maritime Border Guard officers made a significant discovery in the Baltic Sea, finding over 100 kilograms of cocaine worth $15 million on the black market. This operation highlights the ongoing battle against drug trafficking and the need to protect national security. Seven individuals have been apprehended in connection with the drugs.
Capital Ship Management Corp and FORCE Technology have joined forces to develop Europe’s first XR Full Mission Bridge simulator, enhancing maritime training. Housed in Greece at Capital Group’s facility on Chios Island, set to open in 2025, the simulator reflects a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and leadership in the maritime industry.
A new patrol vessel with a wind-assisted propulsion system is revolutionizing maritime operations by reducing fuel consumption and emissions. This vessel combines traditional power sources with eco-friendly technologies like photovoltaic panels and active trim control for optimal performance at sea. With a focus on sustainability, it sets a new standard in the industry.
A Vietnamese cargo ship sank in the Singapore maritime region, but all 18 crew members were rescued by the container vessel Nicolai Maersk. The successful rescue operation highlighted the importance of swift action and effective communication in maritime emergencies. The incident serves as a reminder of the risks faced by seafarers in the shipping industry.
Two maritime companies, Avin International and Kriti Ruby Special Maritime Enterprises, have been fined $3.375 million and ordered to make a charitable donation of $1.125 million for environmental violations. The companies admitted to pollution breaches during port calls in Florida and New Jersey, leading to a reminder of the importance of environmental compliance.
According to Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, Russian gas exports to European countries have increased by 18-20% this year compared to 2023. Over 50 billion cubic meters of pipeline gas and LNG have been supplied from January to November. Despite sanctions and political tensions, Russian gas demand remains high for its cost-efficiency and ecological benefits.
A Russian cargo ship, the Ursa Major, sank in the Mediterranean Sea after an engine room explosion. Two crew members are missing. The ship, owned by Oboronlogistika, was en route to Vladivostok with harbor cranes. The cause of the explosion is unknown. The incident raises concerns about Russian cargo ship safety at sea.
Juan Matias Gil, a search and rescue officer with Médecins Sans Frontières, criticized Italian laws and policies as unsustainable for their operations on the ship Geo Barents. Italian politicians accused organizations like Doctors Without Borders of encouraging illegal migration by providing rescue services at sea. This clash reflects a larger debate.
The council has updated Operation ATALANTA’s mandate to enhance maritime security in Somalia, the Gulf of Aden, the West Indian Ocean, and the Red Sea. The goal is to combat piracy and illicit trafficking at sea by strengthening regional maritime security. Collaboration with Operation ASPIDES and rebranding the Maritime Security Center will further bolster these efforts.
Over the past 20 months, three accidents involving British citizens aboard Egyptian submersibles in the Red Sea have caught the attention of the UK’s Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB). These incidents, including capsizing and a fatal fire, have raised concerns about the safety of submersible operations and the need for stricter regulations.
MSQ’s summer boating safety campaign targets high-speed boaters and PWC riders, addressing one of Queensland’s “Fatal Five” boating behaviors. Running from December 14, 2024, to February 2, 2025, the campaign focuses on educating boaters on safety regulations, encouraging responsible behavior, and promoting a culture of safety on Queensland’s waterways during the holiday season.
In 2023, TSC and SMMI launched a project on small vessel stability with funding from the Wolfson Unit and NFFO. Testing at Southampton University’s Boldrewood Towing Tank focused on key provisions like freeboard and bulwark height. The collaboration aimed to improve safety measures for small vessel operators and enhance compliance with regulations in the maritime industry.
