Shipping giant Maersk plans to resume navigation through the Red Sea via the Suez Canal as conditions improve, according to CEO Vincent Clerc. The company aims to partially restart transit in December, following disruptions from regional conflicts. Clerc remains optimistic about safety enhancements in the area, emphasizing crew safety.
India’s Knowledge Marine and Engineering Works (KMEW) has secured a 15-year contract valued at INR 3.84 billion with the Visakhapatnam Port Authority. This deal involves the operation of a battery-powered tugboat, emphasizing zero-emission standards. KMEW will manage all aspects of the tugboat’s functionality, enhancing sustainable maritime practices in India.
Operation NOXIA II, led by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), targeted illicit shipments, seizing 149.5 million cigarettes, over 3,000 tonnes of illegal waste, and significant quantities of pseudoephedrine and pesticides. Involving customs authorities from 39 countries, the initiative highlighted sophisticated smuggling routes and addressed environmental threats from misdeclared waste.
Albanian smuggling gangs are evolving their methods by employing frogmen to retrieve cocaine hidden beneath cargo ships. This “parasite” smuggling technique allows traffickers to bypass bribing crews, using specialized divers to access drugs concealed in a vessel’s sea chest. Their collaboration with South American cartels enhances their operational efficiency.
Maritime operations at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges have been suspended due to a national strike by Flemish pilots protesting federal pension reforms. This strike has halted seagoing and inland navigation since Monday evening, with a complete stop expected until October 15. Currently, 76 inbound and 34 outbound vessels are delayed.
Vizhinjam Port authorities are set to implement a dynamic mooring system next month, enhancing operational efficiency. With machinery delivered and staff training planned, this innovative system will secure vessels amidst tidal changes, significantly reducing downtime and vessel turnaround time. This advancement aims to boost container throughput and strengthen India’s shipping competitiveness.
Swedish shipping company Furetank has secured significant biogas supplies, enabling its EU fleet to operate entirely on renewable energy. This achievement follows a decade of efforts toward sustainability. The FuelEU Maritime regulation facilitates biomethane injection and extraction across Europe, supporting Furetank’s transition to fossil-free operations by 2025.
Japanese shipping giant Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) is partnering with Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) to build and operate two very large ethane carriers (VLECs), ensuring stable feedstock supply for ONGC Petro Additions Ltd. (OPaL) in Dahej, Gujarat. Each carrier will cost approximately $370 million, with delivery expected by mid-2028.
Skuld Club recently highlighted the critical risks of fatigue onboard vessels, stressing its detrimental effects on crew health and operational safety. Prolonged exertion, disrupted sleep, and high stress contribute to impaired performance and increased accident risks. To address this, Skuld advocates for adherence to IMO rest hour guidelines and improved crew wellbeing practices.
Kamarajar Port Limited (KPL) has made history by becoming India’s first port to engage in automobile transshipment. On August 27, 2025, it handled its inaugural shipment of 550 cars from Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, marking a significant step in enhancing operational capabilities and positioning itself as a key hub in the global trade sector.
A significant electrical fire at HD Hyundai Samho shipyard in South Korea lasted nearly nine hours, causing extensive damage. The blaze began late on July 28 in an underground tunnel housing a power substation, shortly after workers left for vacation. Fortunately, no casualties were reported as operations were temporarily halted.
JSW Infrastructure, part of the $24 billion JSW Group, has secured a 30-year concession to renovate two berths at Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Dock. They will pay ₹4,678 per container in royalties, surpassing Adani Group in bidding. This project marks JSW’s initial venture into Bengal’s port and logistics sector.
Fingrid announced that the Estlink 2 power cable, damaged last December, will resume operations on June 25, earlier than the expected July 15. The rapid progress on repairs follows a maritime incident involving a ship snagging its anchor on the cable, highlighting Fingrid’s commitment to restoring vital infrastructure.
The Mormugao Port Authority has suspended operations amid a developing cyclonic system off Goa’s coast. The Indian Meteorological Department warned of adverse weather, including heavy rainfall and strong winds. Strict monsoon protocols are in place, prohibiting small crafts and enforcing enhanced safety measures to mitigate risks during this hazardous season.
India has authorized three Russian insurers, including Sberbank’s insurance unit, to provide marine coverage for ships at its ports. This decision supports Moscow’s oil supplies to India, its largest seaborne oil market after China. The permits for these insurers are valid until February 20, 2026, despite ongoing sanctions.
