A ship caught fire in the Gulf of Aden after being struck by a projectile, prompting the crew to prepare for abandonment. This incident coincides with ongoing Houthi rebel attacks on vessels in the region. The UK Maritime Trade Operations confirmed the vessel’s distress and initiated a search-and-rescue operation.
Police in Bonaire are searching for Jessica Collins, a 47-year-old American woman who did not return to her Carnival Cruise ship, the Horizon, after it docked on September 17. Though she texted a Carnival team member stating she was safe and wished to remain uncontacted, her whereabouts remain unknown.
Virgin Voyages has launched its fourth cruise ship, Brilliant Lady, marking a significant milestone after pandemic-related delays. Under CEO Nirmal Saverimuttu, the brand focuses on a unique onboard experience with no formal dress codes and flexible dining. With bookings up 70%, the company is poised for substantial growth.
On July 7, 2025, the Japan Coast Guard ship Itsukushima, under Captain Naoki Mizoguchi, docked at Chennai Port, symbolizing enhanced maritime ties between India and Japan. This visit includes bilateral meetings, joint training, and a key sea exercise called Jaa Mata, reinforcing cooperation and commitment to regional maritime security.
DNV has issued guidance on emergency escape trunks from machinery spaces on ships to avoid detention during Port State Control inspections for non-compliance with SOLAS regulations. Focus is on vessels built after February 1, 2016, ensuring compliance with IACS UI SC 276/277. Crews are urged to conduct evacuation drills to demonstrate proficiency in evacuating injured persons.
The National Transportation Safety Board found that incorrect cargo weight data caused 23 shipping containers to fall off the President Eisenhower ship, with 10 others damaged. This incident occurred on Feb. 6, 2024, south of Oakland, California. The lost cargo and ship damage totaled over $735,000.
The World Maritime University (WMU) has launched a ‘train-the-trainer’ program focusing on educating individuals about alternative fuels in the shipping industry, such as ammonia, methanol, and hydrogen. This initiative aims to equip professionals with the necessary knowledge and skills to adapt to the changing landscape of maritime fuel options, promoting sustainability and innovation in the industry.
Exquisite manners, often associated with being British, can sometimes create issues on a cruise. Publicly praising dining room staff can lead to other guests requesting special treatment without notice, frustrating crew members. Being overly chatty can delay duties and cause tensions. Showing appreciation or offering help may not always be welcomed.
Ships do not have brakes like cars or bikes; their speed is controlled in advance. A viral video on social media featured a crew member explaining how ships are brought to a stop. Aman Singh from Danish Shipping company Myresque shared insights with his followers, sparking curiosity and engaging conversations about maritime operations.
Torvald Klaveness of Norway has sold its Ship Management division to OSM Thome to enhance scale and investment in the sector. OSM Thome will operate Klaveness while Torvald Klaveness will manage ship management for Klaveness Combination Carriers. The move aims to modernize operations, support growth, and maintain high standards of safety and efficiency.
Japan’s NYK and Oono Development Company are collaborating to explore green ship recycling potential in Japan. Emphasizing eco-friendly practices and circular economy support, the partnership aims to commercialize ship recycling. With the rising interest in recycling materials, the focus is on utilizing high-quality steel from ships for construction and other industries.
Three crew members tragically died in a boat fire at Muara Baru Penjaringan pier in North Jakarta. The victims, including the ship’s mechanic and freezer mechanic, were unable to save themselves. The fire was believed to have started from an explosion in the ship’s freezer during fish loading and unloading.
A British cruise ship worker reveals the annoying habits passengers do that crew members hate. Lucy Southerton shares behind-the-scenes insights on YouTube. One pet peeve is critiquing accents and English skills. Being ignored after greeting is another frustration. Cultural stereotypes, like assuming drug use based on nationality, are also problematic.
Lucy Sotherton, a 28-year-old cruise ship worker from Birmingham, shares the biggest mistake passengers make when boarding. She reveals that being impolite and rude to crew members can be frustrating. Building genuine connections with staff can lead to free upgrades and luxuries. Rudeness towards crew members can backfire, as they may not go the extra mile for disrespectful passengers.
Hexagon Purus Maritime sponsors young students sailing hydrogen powered boat from the Netherlands to London. Twenty-three ambitious students aim to design a hydrogen-powered boat within a year, showcasing the potential of sustainable maritime transport. The team will rely on three Type-4 hydrogen cylinders from Hexagon Purus Maritime to make their vision a reality.
