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.
Francesco Schettino, the captain of the ill-fated Costa Concordia cruise ship, is seeking early release from his 16-year prison sentence in Italy. The tragic incident in 2012 claimed 32 lives and led to significant changes in the cruise industry. Schettino’s petition for release has sparked mixed reactions and protests.
In 2023, rebels with Iranian backing released 25 sailors from the Bahamas-flagged Galaxy Leader after mediation by Oman. The crew, consisting of mariners from various countries, was hijacked due to the ship’s connection to Israel. Despite a recent ceasefire, the rebels warned of potential resumption of attacks on ships in international waters.
The Philippines government is working to secure the release of crewmembers of the hijacked car carrier Galaxy Leader, some of whom are unwell. The vessel has been held in Yemen by Houthi forces since November 19, 2023. Concerns for the health of the crew, including reports of malaria, have prompted calls for their humanitarian release.
The Red Sea region remains tense as the Houthis continue attacks, consulting with Hamas. The fate of the car carrier Galaxy Leader is in Hamas’ hands, while the Houthis threaten to expand attacks into the Indian Ocean. Recent targeting of vessels based on outdated information has raised security concerns. The crew of the Galaxy Leader, mostly Filipino, remains captive, with their release dependent on the situation in Gaza.
More than two months after detaining a Vietnamese-owned bulker and its crew in one of India’s largest cocaine seizures, a court has set terms for the release of the ship. The Debi (37,196 dwt) has been held along with its crew of 21 Vietnamese citizens approximately three miles off Paradip Port in northeast India since early December when the drugs were discovered despite reports of depression and frustration among the crew. The court has ordered the ship owner to post a $12 million bond and provide a $1.2 million bank guarantee before the vessel is released. Earlier reports were that the crew was living aboard the ship waiting for the court. The Indian customs authority had initially detained the crew for interviews after they discovered 22 kg of cocaine with a street value of $26 million hidden aboard the bulker. The media had written that the Indian authorities confiscated the crew’s cellphones and computers leaving them virtually isolated and unable to contact family at home in Vietnam. The vessel’s third engineer jumped into the harbor and was taken to a hospital with injuries to his hand. Media reports called it a possible suicide attempt. The initial investigation indicated that the cocaine was intercepted with India not the intended destination. The authorities believed it was going to be removed from the ship only when it reached Europe.
