A vessel navigating 7 nautical miles east of Fujairah reported an unidentified projectile impact, damaging its steel plating. The UKMTO confirmed all crew members are safe, with no fire or water ingress. This incident raises concerns about maritime safety in the region, prompting investigations into the projectile’s source.
The recent Pollution Prevention and Response Sub-Committee meeting at the IMO in London focused on a paradigm shift in assessing environmental performance. Discussions expanded beyond fuel types to encompass vessel lifecycles, addressing operational challenges like hull conditions and maintenance. This signifies a transformative approach to maritime environmental regulation, emphasizing actual performance.
GustoMSC, a subsidiary of NOV, has secured contracts to design and supply equipment for Hanwha Ocean’s new wind turbine installation vessel, based on the NG-16000X design. Scheduled for delivery in Q2 2028, this vessel will enhance South Korea’s offshore wind capabilities, supporting the government’s goal of 25 GW by 2035.
Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) recently delivered the MS Heinz, a versatile vessel, to HS Schiffahrts UG & Co KG in Germany on January 12. This marks the first delivery in the HS EcoFreighter series. The vessel, designed for diverse cargo types and built at CSL’s Kochi facility, underscores CSL’s commitment to global shipbuilding.
Eight months after the sinking of the MSC Elsa 3, MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company posted a bond with the Kerala High Court, enabling the release of the MSC Akiteta II, detained due to compensation claims exceeding $1 billion for environmental damage. Upcoming hearings are set for February 13, addressing local fishing community losses.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently commissioned the Indian Coast Guard’s first indigenously designed pollution control vessel, ‘Samudra Pratap’, in Goa. This advanced 114.5-meter vessel, built by Goa Shipyard Limited, emphasizes India’s commitment to self-reliance, boasting over 60% indigenous content and enhanced capabilities for marine pollution enforcement and search and rescue operations.
In 2025, the subsea vessel market transitioned to a cautious outlook despite strong long-term demand driven by deepwater projects. High dayrates for AHC crane vessels persisted, but a shift towards contractor-controlled fleets and short-term charters introduced volatility. Newbuild orders surged, indicating potential growth as the market stabilizes by 2026.
On Tuesday, the Indian Coast Guard inaugurated ‘Samudra Pratap’, its first domestically developed pollution control vessel. This achievement enhances India’s ability to tackle maritime pollution and reflects a commitment to self-reliance in defense. Equipped with advanced technology, the vessel will play a vital role in environmental protection and maritime security.
On December 19, 2025, the Indian Coast Guard commissioned ICGS Amulya, the third vessel in the Adamya-class Fast Patrol series, in Goa. Designed by Goa Shipyard Limited, this 51-meter patrol boat features over 60% indigenous components, symbolizing India’s commitment to self-reliance in defense manufacturing and enhancing maritime security capabilities.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated India’s first hydrogen fuel cell passenger vessel at Varanasi’s Namo Ghat, symbolizing a leap in green energy for inland waterways. Developed by Cochin Shipyard, the 24-meter catamaran can carry 50 passengers and emits only water and heat, highlighting India’s commitment to sustainable technology and eco-friendly transportation.
A fully loaded Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) faced severe weather damage near Ile d’Ouessant, France, with winds over 60 knots and waves exceeding 10 meters. The incident highlighted inadequate planning, leading to the loss of critical safety equipment. Key lessons stress the importance of weather monitoring and prioritizing safety.
Norwegian technology firm Vissim has secured a contract with a Qatar-based oil and gas operator to implement a vessel collision avoidance system at an undisclosed offshore oil field. This three-year agreement will enhance maritime safety and operational efficiency by providing a user-friendly overview of vessel traffic through advanced software integration.
Seatrium has initiated arbitration against a Maersk Offshore Wind affiliate, escalating a dispute over the termination of a contract for a wind turbine installation vessel for the Empire Wind 1 project. This follows a termination notice from the buyer after Seatrium announced the vessel’s readiness for delivery by January 2026.
Alfa Laval Korea Ltd. has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Hanwha Ocean Ecotech to collaborate on ammonia fuel systems for dual-fuel vessels. This partnership leverages Alfa Laval’s ammonia technology and Hanwha’s engineering expertise, aiming to explore emerging opportunities in alternative marine fuels and develop pilot installations for future projects.
South Korean shipbuilding leader HD Hyundai has marked a historic achievement by delivering its 5,000th vessel, a testament to its 50-year journey since the inaugural 260,000-ton supertanker Atlantic Baron in 1974. The latest delivery, the Philippine patrol vessel Diego Silang, underscores this remarkable milestone in the industry.
