Stakeholders have welcomed the Kenya Maritime Authority’s recent announcement on seafarer trading regulations, emphasizing amendments to the STCW Code, particularly in Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities training. Industry professionals view these updates as essential for enhancing seafarer welfare, improving training standards, and ensuring a safer maritime environment in Kenya.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has streamlined procedures for crew members on Indian flag vessels engaged in coastal trade by eliminating the sign-on/sign-off and shore leave pass requirements. This change aims to ease the burdens previously faced by seafarers, allowing port authorities to manage crew operations more efficiently.
The oil tanker Talara, seized by Iranian forces, has been released without its cargo. The crew is safe and in good spirits. This incident raises concerns about Iran’s targeting of merchant ships amid ongoing tensions. Although specific violations were not disclosed, Iranian state media indicated unspecified infractions.
The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has finalized two compromise agreements, recovering $1.35 million in civil penalties for Shipping Act violations. Hyundai Glovis, a vessel-operating common carrier, will pay $1.3 million for tariff discrepancies, while Olympiad Line LLC, a non-vessel-operating common carrier, agreed to a $50,000 settlement.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have seized the tanker Talara in the Gulf for allegedly violating cargo regulations while transporting high-sulfur gasoil to Singapore. U.S. officials confirmed the interception, redirecting the vessel into Iranian waters. This marks Iran’s first tanker seizure since recent U.S. and Israeli strikes, escalating tensions in the region.
The Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Maritime and key stakeholders, has launched an initiative to enhance maritime operations in Abu Dhabi. This initiative aims to establish a cohesive regulatory framework promoting safer, efficient, and environmentally responsible practices, introducing five new Codes of Practice for maritime activities.
As the IMO Green Summit approaches, the global shipping industry faces scrutiny over greenhouse gas emissions. Advocates call for binding measures, including global fuel standards and a GHG levy. The proposed Net-Zero Framework aims for mandatory emission limits and a pricing mechanism, targeting vessels over 5,000 gross tonnage for significant reductions.
Ben Shenton, former Chair of the Jersey Lifeboat Association, argues that random breathalyser tests could deter maritime operators from sailing under the influence. During a recent hearing, he emphasized that even infrequent checks might promote safer practices. The Economic and International Affairs Scrutiny Panel is reviewing amendments to enhance maritime safety regulations.
On May 28, 2025, Thailand’s cabinet approved amendments to the Maritime Labour Act, enhancing seafarer protections to meet international standards. The revisions include employment contracts under the Social Security Act, prohibiting underage employment, and granting the Marine Department authority over training certifications, significantly improving labor conditions for seafarers.
Shipowners are increasingly registering vessels for the FuelEU Maritime initiative, set to start in 2026. Peter Czaga from the European Commission noted that about 18,000 ships have signed up. The surge in inquiries highlights the complexities of compliance and the challenges in meeting the EU’s decarbonization goals in maritime transport.
The Panama Maritime Authority (PMA) is cracking down on vessels and owners on international sanctions lists. Since Executive Decree No. 512, 125 vessels have been reviewed, with 107 cancellations and 18 cases pending. Panama also has laws for deregistering vessels involved in criminal activities, illegal fishing, and terrorism financing, showing a commitment to responsible ship registry management.
The European Court of Auditors has raised concerns about ship pollution in EU waters despite investments. Enforcement and tracking were found lacking, urging more action to reach zero pollution goals. Member states were criticized for not utilizing available tools and missing inspection targets. Recommendations include better monitoring and stricter penalties to achieve cleaner waters by 2030.
The upcoming FuelEU Maritime regulation, effective from January 1, 2025, presents challenges for vessel owners in terms of regulatory understanding and compliance costs. DNV’s white paper suggests strategies to reduce expenses, focusing on well-to-wake emissions calculations and wind-assisted propulsion. Shipowners are advised to prepare early and consider cost-effective compliance options to minimize financial impacts.
Scrubbers on ships may reduce air pollution, but they transfer toxic pollutants into the oceans. Scientific evidence shows harmful effects on marine life, especially endangered species. Cruise ships are major contributors to scrubber pollution, discharging toxic waste daily. Cleaner fuels are a better solution, but government intervention is needed to protect our oceans.
Interest in methanol-fueled ships is growing, but a fire safety study by Survitec reveals existing methods are not equipped for methanol fires. Traditional water mist systems are ineffective on methanol fires due to their aggressive nature and different properties. Retrofitting existing vessels for methanol would require a complete overhaul of fire-fighting arrangements.
