The Maritime Security Center in Muscat has warned seafarers about the risks of relying solely on GPS technology for navigation, particularly in areas far from the Omani coast. The Ministry of Defence urges mariners to carry alternative navigational tools, such as a traditional compass, to ensure safety in unfamiliar waters.
Concerns regarding the quality of very low sulfur fuel oil (VLSFO) have resurfaced, with over 45% of global supplies failing to meet ISO standards. Sediments and impurities threaten fuel systems, risking costly outages. Experts emphasize rigorous monitoring to ensure operational reliability, as incidents in Houston and Singapore highlight the dangers of contaminated fuel.
The Sea-Intelligence end-of-year report for 2024 revealed that containership schedule reliability remained consistent around 50%-55%, slightly lower than the previous year. Despite challenges like diversions and longer travel times, the industry maintained a yearly average of 53%. Maersk led with over 60% reliability, aiming to exceed 90% with new routes.
