The Greek Seamen’s Pension Fund (NAT) reports a rise in registered seafarers to 26,902, a 2.6% increase from 2024. While over 90% of seafarers are male, female participation has surged by 77% since 2020, now comprising 8.1% of the workforce, primarily in passenger shipping, reflecting tourism’s influence.
On Tuesday, the UK Maritime Trade Operations reported an external explosion on the tanker Olympic Life, located 60 nautical miles from Muscat, Oman. While the crew is safe, bunker fuel was discharged into the sea. The cause of the explosion remains unknown, prompting an investigation into potential environmental impacts.
On March 31, 2026, Bloomberg reported the successful passage of the Greek-controlled oil tanker, the Suezmax Pola, through the Strait of Hormuz amidst heightened Middle Eastern tensions. This marked the fourth such journey since the rise in hostilities, with the vessel heading towards Thailand carrying about 1 million barrels of crude oil.
Eurobulk Ltd., a Greek shipping company, has been fined 1.5 million USD and put on four years of probation for violating pollution prevention laws. The company discharged greasy water into the ocean without using an oily water separator, with the former chief engineer directing the illegal actions.
Two Greek shipping companies have been fined $3.4 million for illegally dumping oily bilge water into the narrow shipping channel between New Jersey and Staten Island. Avin International Ltd. and Kriti Ruby Special Maritime Enterprises, owners of the offending Motor Tanker Kriti Ruby, also face a $1.1 million community service payment.
The Merchant Navy Welfare Board (India) has joined forces with the Global Seafarers Organisation to expand initiatives globally. Dr. N. Reuben Paul met with Indian Ambassador Shri Rudrendra Tandon in Athens, Greece, discussing appointing coordinators in Greece and European ports to enhance Indian seafarers’ welfare and create employment opportunities in the Greek shipping market.
Greek seafarers’ unions representing critical ferry workers have extended their strike for two more days, demanding better wages and work regulations. The strike has disrupted most ferry services in Greece, isolating islands in the Aegean and Ionian Sea. Unions are pushing for a wage increase and changes to laws affecting crewmembers.
