Finland’s Border Guard is establishing a maritime surveillance center to safeguard critical undersea infrastructure in the Gulf of Finland. This initiative, driven by recent outages and heightened security concerns, aims to enhance monitoring of unusual vessel movements. Collaboration with Baltic nations and the EU will involve advanced sensors and AI for real-time analysis.
Malta has condemned recent attacks on commercial shipping, asserting that such threats jeopardize civilian seafarers and disrupt international navigation. Following missile strikes near a Maltese-registered vessel, local authorities are closely monitoring the situation. The Maltese government reaffirms its commitment to maritime safety and international law, aiming to protect seafarers in conflict zones.
In response to an urgent distress call, the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) ASPIDES launched a search operation in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Under Rear Admiral Andrea Quondamatteo’s leadership, the mission aims to safeguard civilian ships and crews, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in maritime security.
South Africa’s government has implemented new regulations on ship-to-ship transfers and bunkering to protect the endangered African penguin colony in Algoa Bay. Prohibiting STS transfers near the shore and in protected areas, the measures aim to reduce environmental risks amid rising maritime traffic, raising concerns among conservationists about wildlife impacts.
The Panama Maritime Authority (AMP) recently met with the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) to bolster protections for maritime workers. A key focus was recovering $8.5 million in unpaid wages by 2024, significantly up from $5.6 million last year, showcasing AMP’s commitment to enhancing seafarer welfare and compliance.
The Directorate General for Shipping (DG Shipping) has responded to breaches in maritime regulations by taking action against 97 hiring agencies. With 74 blocked and five facing license suspension, the DG Shipping seeks to protect Indian seafarers from exploitation, emphasizing the need for regulation and quality assurance in placement services.
The “Revive Our Ocean” initiative, launched by Dynamic Planet and National Geographic, aims to protect 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030. Focusing initially on countries like Britain, Greece, and Mexico, it promotes marine protected areas (MPAs) to combat overfishing and climate issues, highlighting their economic benefits for local communities.
The IMO’s MEPC83 has approved the establishment of the largest Emission Control Area (ECA) in the world in the North-East Atlantic Ocean. Research by the ICCT and Porto University showed the benefits of reducing emissions. The new ECA will connect existing ones, leading to significant decreases in harmful pollutants and health-related costs.
FFW president and senatorial candidate Sonny Matula criticized the Senate for failing to protect seafarers’ rights in the Magna Carta legislation. He condemned Section 59 as unconstitutional and vowed to challenge it in the Supreme Court. Matula urged labor groups to support legal action to ensure fair treatment for seafarers.
