The nine crew members of the LPG gas carrier CGAS Saturn have been safely released after a piracy incident off West Africa. The ordeal began on December 3 when pirates boarded the vessel, abducting the crew. Four remained on board, with one sustaining minor injuries. Repatriation is underway.
Nine Filipino seafarers from the M/V Eternity C returned to Manila after being held hostage by Houthi rebels for five months. Their arrival at Ninoy Aquino International Airport was facilitated by the Department of Migrant Workers, with support from Oman. They expressed gratitude for their unexpected release just before Christmas.
Nine Filipino crew members detained by Yemen’s Houthi rebels after their cargo ship, M/V Eternity C, was sunk in the Red Sea are set to be released. Philippine officials said the sailors will be transferred to Oman before returning home, crediting Omani diplomatic efforts for securing their freedom.
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 Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism Ministry, in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Mission in Egypt and Eritrean authorities, successfully repatriated six Sri Lankan seafarers detained in Eritrea. This operation reflects the ministry’s commitment to the welfare of Sri Lankans abroad, ensuring their interests are safeguarded through diplomatic efforts.
The MSC Akiteta II has received a court-ordered bond reduction for its release after being detained in India since July. Arrested during a routine port call, the ship is linked to compensation claims from the sinking of the MSC Elsa 3, which caused environmental concerns and significant debris release.
Philippine authorities worked with local crewing agencies to resolve a pay dispute involving a crew stranded on a cargo ship in the Iloilo Strait. The crew, facing unpaid wages and provisions, refused to sail due to safety concerns. Intervention led to the repatriation of six Filipino crew members for medical evaluation.
The wives of three Filipino seafarers imprisoned in Algeria have urgently appealed to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for help in securing their husbands’ release. The men, sentenced to 15 years after being wrongfully implicated in a drug case, face dire conditions, with one suffering from diabetes, causing immense family hardship.
A new report, “Getting to Zero Coalition Action Framework,” details industry efforts to decarbonize shipping, published by the Global Maritime Forum. It evaluates progress on 26 actions towards achieving full decarbonization by 2050, highlighting advancements from 76 companies in areas like policy engagement and market incentives for zero-emission shipping.
The Directorate General Shipping has introduced the Standard Operating Process (SOP) for the security of mechanized sailing ships, also known as Dhows, in 2025. This SOP includes new measures such as Isro-NotAlarms transmitters and AIS class transponders to enhance tracking and surveillance. The aim is to uphold maritime traditions while addressing modern security challenges.
The IMO has released preliminary guidelines for the safety of ships using ammonia as fuel, a crucial step towards regulatory support for alternative fuels. BIMCO has actively contributed to ensuring safe adoption. The guidelines cover ship design, operation, toxicity reduction, aligning with existing codes and focusing on safety and reliability.
The Poseidon Principles for Marine Insurance have released their third annual disclosure report, showcasing a commitment to global shipping decarbonization. Nine signatories and nine affiliate members from ten countries contribute to align insurers, brokers, and industry players with reducing emissions in line with IMO’s net-zero goal by 2050.
CIMAC has released a new FAQ guideline on ISO 6583:2024 for methanol as a marine fuel. Led by Julia Svensson, the CIMAC WG 7 Fuels addresses key questions on methanol use in marine applications. This resource offers insights on impurities, water content, and methanol grades, supporting safe and efficient engine operation.
The families of 10 seafarers kidnapped by pirates from the Bitu River tanker in West Africa are pleading for their release. The crew’s fate remains uncertain after the vessel was hijacked, with shots fired during the incident. The families anxiously await updates, as there is no concrete information on the whereabouts of the kidnapped crew members.
The Vietnamese-owned bulker Debi has been released by India’s High Court after a 15-month detention following a cocaine seizure. No charges were filed against the crew, facing immense hardships during this period. An out-of-court settlement allowed the vessel’s release, though it remained at port as of the latest reports.
