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.
Ship-refueling companies along Africa’s coast are thriving as vessels reroute around the Cape of Good Hope due to conflicts in the Middle East. Increased demand for bunkering services has prompted investment from both established suppliers and newcomers. However, challenges like piracy and infrastructure limitations could impact long-term growth.
Iran’s representative to the U.N. maritime agency declared the Strait of Hormuz open to all shipping, except vessels linked to “Iran’s enemies.” Ali Mousavi emphasized Iran’s commitment to maritime safety and diplomacy, urging an end to hostilities for regional stability amidst ongoing tensions with the U.S. and Israel.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways reported on March 18 that all Indian seafarers in the Middle East are safe, with no incidents involving Indian-flagged vessels. Currently, 22 ships with 611 Indian seafarers are operating in the western Persian Gulf, while the Directorate General of Shipping monitors the situation closely.
Norway has banned its merchant vessels from entering the Strait of Hormuz due to escalating attacks amidst the U.S.–Iran conflict. This significant shift from advisory status to an outright prohibition reflects a critical security threat level. The ban impacts global oil shipments, with vessels assessing their own operational risks before deciding to stay or leave.
DNV has completed a study for EMSA on hydrogen safety as a marine fuel, recommending a design-based approach for hydrogen-fueled vessels. The report emphasizes the need for secondary enclosures and additional technical barriers due to hydrogen’s unique hazards, highlighting the importance of crew training and robust containment systems to mitigate risks.
Malta’s transport authority confirmed the LNG tanker Arctic Metagaz is drifting in the Mediterranean, countering reports of its sinking. Located 37 nautical miles south of Malta, the vessel is not under command, prompting a five-nautical-mile no-go zone for nearby ships amid ongoing monitoring by Maltese authorities.
The International Maritime Organization reports that approximately 3,000 vessels and 20,000 seafarers are stranded in the Middle East due to escalating hostilities, particularly affecting the vital Strait of Hormuz. This closure threatens global trade, impacting 20% of the world’s oil supply and raising concerns over potential humanitarian crises.
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.
Massterly, the autonomous shipping venture by Kongsberg Maritime and Wilhelmsen, has successfully supervised three vessels simultaneously from its Remote Operations Centre. This milestone, part of the Chief-to-Shore project, highlights the importance of changing operational mindsets and fostering trust between onshore and at-sea teams for effective remote operations.
Several maritime insurers have suspended war-risk coverage for vessels in the Persian Gulf and nearby waters, effective March 5, amid rising US-Israel tensions with Iran. Seven of the twelve International Group of Protection and Indemnity Clubs have announced automatic termination of this coverage, impacting crucial global shipping routes.
The World Shipping Council has updated its Dual-Fuel Fleet Dashboard, revealing a rise in dual-fuel container ships and vehicle carriers to 400 by December 2025, up from 218 in 2024. With 726 more on order, this growth reflects a significant investment of over $150 billion in sustainable shipping solutions.
The UK is advancing global decarbonization in shipping with the Maritime Nuclear Consortium, led by Lloyd’s Register. This coalition unites experts to set international standards for nuclear-powered vessels, promising zero carbon emissions and extended operational periods. Key members include Rolls-Royce and Babcock International, aiming for safe nuclear technology adoption in maritime operations.
Two CMA CGM vessels have successfully navigated the Suez Canal, indicating a potential easing of disruptions from the Gaza conflict. Since November 2023, shipping companies had been avoiding the canal due to Houthi militant attacks. With a fragile ceasefire in place, shipping operations are gradually returning to normal.
Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., alongside Imabari Shipbuilding, “K” LINE, MOL, NYK Line, JMU, and NSY, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a standard design framework for liquefied CO2 carriers and next-gen alternative fuel vessels. This initiative emphasizes decarbonization technologies, enhancing Japan’s shipbuilding competitiveness globally.
