The International Maritime Organization’s Maritime Safety Committee has approved new safety guidelines for ammonia as fuel on gas carriers. Developed in collaboration with industry experts, these guidelines provide a practical framework for managing safety risks, paving the way for the commercial use of ammonia-fueled vessels and alleviating uncertainties for shipowners.
The Norwegian Maritime Authority has revised its reporting procedures for lost freight containers at sea, effective January 1, 2026. Vessels must promptly report container losses using the updated KS 0197 form. Additionally, sightings of floating containers should be reported to the relevant coastal authority, enhancing navigational safety in Norwegian waters.
In response to the Hormuz crisis, India has updated its transshipment regulations to improve cargo handling at its ports, aiming to attract volumes diverted from the Persian Gulf. This adjustment reduces dwell times and enhances efficiency, positioning Indian terminals as competitive alternatives amid regional instability and boosting local energy supply chains.
The IMO MEPC 82 discusses regulating black carbon emissions from shipping. The transition to “polar fuels” and use of technology can reduce emissions significantly. New ECAs in the Canadian Arctic and Norwegian Sea aim to reduce pollutants, with potential for more areas. Urgent action is needed to protect the Arctic environment from irreversible damage.
