The U.S. military successfully intercepted nine vessels attempting to navigate from Iranian ports within the first 48 hours of a naval blockade. U.S. Central Command confirmed that all maritime traffic to critical ports like Bandar Abbas was halted, aiming to disrupt Iran’s oil exports, which historically reach 2.5 million barrels daily.
Two vessels have successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz following Iran’s decision to reopen this critical waterway as part of a ceasefire with the U.S. The Greek-owned “NJ Earth” and Liberia-flagged “Daytona Beach” completed their transits, signaling a potential easing of regional tensions and enhancing maritime security.
On Tuesday, the Israeli military issued a critical warning for vessels in the maritime zone between Lebanon’s Tyre and Ras Naqoura, signaling an imminent attack. Vessels are urged to relocate north of Tyre to avoid potential threats, reflecting escalating tensions in the region and the urgent need for precautionary measures.
The Maritime Technologies Forum (MTF) has unveiled guidelines to bolster safety for ships using wind-assisted propulsion systems (WAPS). As the industry pivots towards sustainable technologies, these recommendations address operational and technical challenges, emphasizing risk assessments and incident monitoring to enhance safety frameworks for both new and retrofitted vessels.
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.
