The Solent’s maritime sector is gaining national acclaim, with local businesses nominated in seven of eleven categories for the Maritime UK Awards, scheduled for June 26 in Dover. Notable nominees include Carisbrooke Shipping Ltd and Carnival UK. Chair Anne-Marie Mountifield praised the region’s collaboration and innovation, highlighting its maritime leadership.
The Support for Maritime Training (SMarT) fund, with a multi-million-pound budget, aids cadets and junior officers in the maritime sector by covering up to 50% of training costs. The funding deadline has been extended to March 2025, promoting recruitment and enhancing careers in maritime for both men and women.
The National Oceanography Centre (NOC) in the UK has launched a new Innovation Hub in Southampton to drive advancements in ocean technology and support sustainable growth in the blue economy. With a £200,000 investment, the facility will act as a hub for innovation in marine autonomous systems and the broader blue economy.
The sixth round of the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC) is now open for bidders until April 16, 2025. This UK government-funded initiative aims to support the maritime industry in achieving net zero emissions. UK-registered organizations can apply for a share of a £30 million fund to develop innovative clean maritime technologies and skills.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is spearheading a project to modernize seafarer training in the UK, aiming to set a gold standard for safer and greener shipping globally. UK submissions to the IMO’s HTW sub-committee have been accepted for consideration as a major amendment to the STCW convention.
Two leading UK maritime law firms, Tatham & Co and Sea Green Law, have merged to form a new practice with 22 lawyers. Effective April 1, 2025, the new entity will operate under the name Tatham & Co and will be jointly led by Stephen Askins, James Hickland, and Ted Graham.
UK Maritime Minister Mike Kane has unveiled a plan to make vessels in UK waters carbon-free by 2050. The decarbonization strategy aims for a 30% emission reduction by 2030, focusing on larger polluting vessels. The initiative includes integrating shipping into the UK Emissions Trading Scheme and promoting clean technologies like hydrogen and electric fuels.
Nearly three years after a tragic incident resulting in the deaths of three stevedores, the UK’s MAIB calls for improved training and safety regulations for enclosed space management. The report highlights the need for enhanced training and emergency drills for shore workers and stevedores to prevent future fatalities in the maritime industry.
After being stranded in the UK’s Humber Estuary for two weeks, the Dutch cargo ship H&S Wisdom was finally freed by salvage crews. Despite multiple unsuccessful attempts, the vessel was refloated on March 15 with the help of volunteers and tugboats. Residents were relieved as the successful operation prevented a longer delay.
The North Sea incident continues to unfold, with one seafarer arrested for gross negligence manslaughter. The missing crew member of the “Solong” vessel is presumed deceased, while survivors receive support. Investigations by the MAIB and Humberside Police are ongoing, with collaboration from US and Portuguese authorities to determine the cause of the collision.
A collision between the US-flagged oil tanker, Stena Immaculate, and Portuguese-registered container ship, Solong, in the North Sea led to a ruptured cargo tank and explosions. Jet-A1 fuel spilled, causing fires and emitting black smoke. The incident threatens marine life, fishing, and coastal communities. Cleanup efforts involve various methods to contain and recover spilled oil.
Britain’s leading ports operator is launching the largest floating solar project at the Port of Barrow. The “Barrow EnergyDock” will generate up to 40 MW of power, benefiting advanced manufacturing customers like BAe Systems. The innovative project will feature 47,000 solar panels on floating pontoons, leaving space for recreational activities and potential port expansion.
The UK government is investing $71.45 million in the Port of Cromarty Firth in Scotland to make it a hub for floating offshore wind, supporting the goal of reducing carbon emissions by 2030. This move will attract more investments, create jobs, and drive economic growth while advancing renewable energy development.
Fortescue’s marine division, Fortescue Zero, showcased its ammonia-powered vessel, Green Pioneer, in London ahead of the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee meeting. The vessel aims to demonstrate the viability of ammonia as a sustainable marine fuel. After being certified in Singapore, it will undergo inspections by the UK’s Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
The UK Department for Transport’s official statistics for seafarers in the UK Shipping Industry in 2024 revealed a total of 23,700 active UK seafarers, with a slight decrease from the previous year. The majority were male, with higher female representation among Uncertificated Officers and Ratings. The data also showed variations in nationality, gender, age, and certification.
