The Indian government reported that twenty Indian-flagged vessels with 540 seafarers are under surveillance in the Persian Gulf. The Ministry of Ports confirmed all seafarers are safe, with no incidents in the last 24 hours. Ongoing coordination with maritime stakeholders ensures their welfare and smooth port operations across India.
The IMO Sub-Committee on Ship Systems and Equipment (SSE) held its 12th session from March 9 to 13, 2026, focusing on amendments to the Life-Saving Appliances (LSA) Code. Notably, new requirements for partially enclosed lifeboats mandate CO₂ levels below 5,000 ppm, emphasizing ventilation standards and testing protocols for safety.
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) confirmed that Filipino crew members on two vessels attacked near the Strait of Hormuz are safe. DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac reported that 21 Filipino sailors were on one ship and 17 on another, both now heading to safer ports amid rising regional tensions.
MacGregor’s new Balanced Lashing System addresses uneven load distribution in container ship lashings. By utilizing elastic elements akin to hatch cover pads, it ensures even force distribution, enhancing safety and increasing payload capacity by up to 10%. The upgrade is simple, requiring only upper turnbuckle replacement, promising improved lashing efficiency.
The Directorate General of Shipping of India has issued DGS Circular 10 of 2026, updating safety advisories for seafarers in the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz. In response to recent maritime threats, shipowners must enhance vigilance, implement safety measures, and provide psychological support for crews facing stress and anxiety.
The Government of India has assured the safety of all Indian-flagged vessels in West Asian waters amid rising tensions. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, maintaining communication with maritime agencies. Officials report no incidents affecting Indian vessels, urging shipping companies to follow updated safety guidelines to ensure crew and cargo security.
Greece’s Shipping Minister Vassilis Kikilias has raised urgent concerns over the safety of international shipping amid escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. With disruptions lasting four days, he emphasized that seafarers should not bear the burden of geopolitical conflicts, urging vessels to avoid the region to ensure crew safety.
The Directorate General of Shipping has formed a Quick Response Team to address emergencies and evacuate Indian seafarers in the Persian Gulf. This initiative, prompted by recent vessel attacks near Oman, aims to ensure timely support and safety for crew members, while the Indian Embassy coordinates efforts for repatriation.
On Saturday, Qatar’s Ministry of Transport announced a temporary halt to maritime traffic as a safety precaution due to regional developments. This measure aims to protect maritime operations, urging vessel owners and companies to comply. The ministry is coordinating with authorities to monitor the situation and ensure public safety.
Government officials and maritime experts from several Asian coastal states gathered in Singapore for the inaugural IMO workshop on ships’ routeing and reporting systems. The event aimed to enhance navigational safety and familiarize participants with IMO procedures, focusing on effective implementation amid rising maritime traffic in the region. Key discussions included evaluating existing measures and analyzing traffic patterns.
Seaspan Shipyards is revolutionizing its shipbuilding with a $1.5 million contract to Alberta’s Confined Space Robotics. This partnership will develop semiautonomous robotic systems for blast and paint operations, enhancing safety by minimizing worker exposure to hazardous materials. The initiative also aims to reduce environmental impact and boost productivity.
The Switch has unveiled a new Electronic Current Limiter (ECL) to enhance DC system stability in marine applications. This device allows direct battery connections, addressing fault challenges in large battery systems. By limiting fault currents and preserving DC-link voltage, the ECL ensures operational continuity and boosts vessel efficiency during abnormal conditions.
The International Maritime Organization’s Sub-Committee on Ship Design and Construction has drafted a workplan to develop safety regulations for vessels using innovative technologies and alternative fuels. This initiative, aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, will be presented to the Maritime Safety Committee for approval in May 2026. Key milestones include updates to existing standards and the introduction of new guidelines.
The recent letter highlights the dangers posed by the “shadow fleet,” vessels evading international sanctions. These ships threaten maritime safety by ignoring regulations like SOLAS and MARPOL. The correspondence stresses that all vessels must comply with international laws, and calls for improved navigation systems and crew training to mitigate risks.
ABS and Siemens Energy have initiated a joint development project to investigate thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries via advanced modeling and simulation. This collaboration aims to enhance safety in the marine and offshore energy storage sectors by integrating ABS’s classification expertise with Siemens’ digital modeling innovations, ultimately improving design and operational reliability.
