A collision between the US-flagged oil tanker, Stena Immaculate, and Portuguese-registered container ship, Solong, in the North Sea led to a ruptured cargo tank and explosions. Jet-A1 fuel spilled, causing fires and emitting black smoke. The incident threatens marine life, fishing, and coastal communities. Cleanup efforts involve various methods to contain and recover spilled oil.
Crews from a log boat at Eastland Port recently sparked curiosity as they disembarked for shore leave. An Eastland Port spokeswoman confirmed that under Alert Level 2, crew members can come ashore if their vessels meet stringent health protocols, including a 14-day quarantine and approved health declarations to ensure community safety.
Shivdev, a 58-year-old Indian captain and retired Navy officer, has gone missing after slipping into the Mediterranean Sea off Egypt. The incident occurred on February 15 while he was aboard the Vessel Onyx. His family is urgently seeking assistance from authorities, as search efforts have yielded no results.
The Maritime Union is deeply worried about the safety of workers and passengers on Cook Strait ferries after a series of incidents, including the Bluebridge ferry Connemara losing power. National secretary Carl Findlay highlighted the dangers and escalating issues with the ageing fleet. The cancellation of the iRex project has left ferry services uncertain.
India’s shipbuilding industry is poised for growth, attracting interest from major economies like Japan and South Korea. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways aims to elevate India’s global ranking to the top 10 by 2030 and top five by 2047 through collaborations and investments. Historical roots in shipbuilding and positive growth projections highlight India’s potential in the global market.
India is reviewing its ports nationwide to address operational deficiencies and infrastructure needs. The goal is to enhance capacity, accommodate larger ships, and implement green energy solutions. The evaluation covers major ports as part of Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 to establish benchmark standards and improve infrastructure for sustainable growth.
India is actively seeking investments and technology transfer from South Korea and Japan to boost its shipbuilding industry. With plans for mega shipbuilding parks and a Maritime Development Fund, the goal is to rise in the global shipbuilding rank. Efforts to attract foreign companies for establishing shipbuilding facilities show potential for growth.
The St Vincent and the Grenadines Sailing Association, along with the French Embassy and Blue Life Yacht Charters, are offering local youth training and work experience in the yacht charter industry. This program aims to prepare them for careers in this growing sector, with training taking place in Bequia over 8 weekends between October 2024 and May 2025.
Martek Marine, a leading company in Rotherham, recently completed a successful £12m management buyout. Specializing in safety equipment for the maritime industry, Martek has a strong reputation for quality products. With backing from Foresight Group, the company is poised for growth. Awards and certifications attest to Martek’s excellence and commitment to innovation.
The Dubai Maritime Authority and Gulf Craft have joined forces to simplify yacht registration in Dubai. By establishing a unified system, customers can now register their vessels online directly through Gulf Craft. This collaboration aims to enhance government services and ensure all vessels meet safety standards, showcasing Dubai’s commitment to becoming a leading maritime hub.
Specialist divers are tirelessly searching for Hannah Lynch, who went missing after a celebration on a superyacht in San Francisco hosted by a British tech tycoon. Concerns are high that she may still be inside the ship or thrown into the sea. The Italian coastguard’s theory is she is inside the boat as plans to raise it are on hold.
In celebration of Women’s Day, TPNA of South Africa showcased an all-women crew leading shipping operations at major ports. Grade 10 girls studying maritime studies were given the opportunity to witness vessel operations firsthand. TNPA emphasized the importance of introducing maritime studies in high school to build a pipeline of future mariners and promote gender diversity in the maritime industry.
The Maritime Union is voicing concerns over Lyttelton Port Company’s mandatory fitness tests following the tragic death of employee Don Grant. While the company claims the assessments were recommended by accident investigators, the union believes they infringe on employees’ privacy rights. Mediation is ongoing to address these issues in a fair and transparent manner.
Captain Lee Clarke, General Manager of Isle of Man Maritime, highlights a shortage of individuals in the maritime sector. To address this, 12 teenagers will participate in the Tall Ship Initiative to inspire young people to pursue sailing careers. Clarke emphasizes the importance of such programs in providing valuable learning opportunities and addressing the shortage of skilled workers in the industry.
The Indian government is prioritizing self-reliance in shipbuilding and repairs to bolster its maritime industry. With a target of tapping into a USD 237 billion opportunity by 2047, India aims to reduce its dependence on imports and strengthen its position in the global maritime market. This initiative aligns with the broader goal of fostering economic growth and creating more opportunities in the maritime sector.
