Over 70 aspiring seafarers explored maritime careers during a visit to Warsash Maritime School on October 2. Students from Pembrokeshire and Brockenhurst Colleges toured the facility, engaging in hands-on sessions in marine engineering and nautical science. The event aimed to inspire the next generation of maritime professionals and highlight career opportunities.
The International Association of Maritime Universities (IAMU) has launched an updated Global Maritime Professional Body of Knowledge for 2026. This revised framework enhances training programs by outlining essential knowledge, skills, and learning outcomes for maritime professionals, reflecting the latest technological advancements while maintaining alignment with STCW competencies.
Samsung Heavy Industries has secured a $226 million contract to build two very large gas carriers for a Bermuda-based client. Finalized on September 29, the project will run until February 28, 2030, with payments tied to construction milestones. This order represents about 2.9% of the company’s projected 2025 revenue.
Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM) has acquired a 50% stake in Norwegian firm OffshoreCrew, enhancing its offshore recruitment services. This partnership aims to broaden BSM’s crewing capabilities, leveraging OffshoreCrew’s expertise and database of 30,000 professionals to provide specialized personnel across various offshore sectors, including oil and gas and offshore wind.
Daniel Hodges, a Marine Electrician Apprentice from South Hampshire College Group, has been nominated for the ‘Apprentice of the Year’ award at the 2026 Maritime Solent Awards. At 22, he achieved Distinction grades during his four-year apprenticeship while commuting weekly from London to Southampton, showcasing his dedication and potential in the maritime industry.
Five years post-implementation of the Seafarers’ Rights Code, over 1,000 shipping companies engage in RightShip’s Crew Welfare Self-Assessment, reflecting progress. Nonetheless, many seafarers still face inadequate conditions, including wage delays and insufficient crew numbers. Urgent action is needed to enhance mental health support and integrate welfare into operational decisions for sustainable improvement.
As 2026 progresses, the container shipping industry flourishes amid geopolitical tensions and longer routes. However, BIMCO warns that by 2027, increasing ship supply will likely outstrip demand, potentially leading to supply issues. With the fleet expanding rapidly, the market faces a precarious balance between growth and overcapacity challenges ahead.
Five years after the Sustainable Shipping Initiative introduced the Delivering on Seafarers’ Rights Code of Conduct, many companies have improved seafarer welfare. However, challenges remain, with only 59% of seafarers feeling safe reporting issues. The report calls for enhanced mental health training and wider adoption of welfare standards across the industry.
On September 22, 2026, Synergy Marine Group and Cochin Shipyard Limited formalized their collaboration with a memorandum of understanding in Kochi. The agreement, signed by key executives, aims to combine CSL’s industrial capacity with Synergy’s shipbuilding expertise, enhancing project delivery and focusing on converting LNG carriers into floating storage units.
MSC Mediterranean Shipping Co. is reportedly negotiating to acquire around 80% of Meyer Werft GmbH, the German cruise-ship builder. The sale would return the historic yard to private ownership after a government bailout. MSC’s preliminary contract for four cruise ships underscores Meyer Werft’s significance to the regional economy.
Shipping Deputy Minister Marina Hadjimanolis emphasized the vital role of seafarer protection in achieving safe and competitive shipping practices during a maritime program in Athens. Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Maritime Labour Convention, she highlighted its importance in safeguarding seafarers’ rights amid evolving industry challenges and technological advancements.
Dubai Maritime City (DMC) has achieved a milestone by successfully docking the MT Cabri, a 145-meter tanker, the largest vessel ever accommodated at DMC Shipyard. This operation, completed in just three and a half hours by a team of 38, enhances DMC’s reputation for advanced maritime repair services.
Shipping companies are increasingly focusing on mental health support for seafarers, as detailed in a Global Maritime Forum report. Highlighting initiatives like Höegh Autoliners’ training programs and Synergy’s feedback platform, the report showcases diverse strategies aimed at enhancing well-being and addressing mental health challenges in maritime environments.
The partners have announced plans to expand the ISRF by adding 10 workstations, increasing the total to 16. This expansion will enhance dry-docking and repair services for vessels under 130 meters and 6,000 tonnes. The facility, inaugurated in January 2024, aims to improve operational efficiencies and support complex projects.
Compagnie Maritime Nantaise (MN), part of the Sogestran Group, has announced plans for a hybrid RoRo vessel designed for the space industry. Set to be operational by 2030, it will integrate conventional and wind-assisted propulsion, enhancing cargo transport capabilities for launch vehicles and satellites, while minimizing environmental impact.
