Maritime traffic between Tarifa, Spain, and Tangier, Morocco, was suspended on Thursday at 6 p.m. due to severe weather in the Strait of Gibraltar. The first scheduled crossing for Friday has also been canceled, affecting travelers and cargo operations. Passengers are advised to stay updated on the situation.
La Niña conditions have developed in the equatorial Pacific, expected to persist through winter 2025-26, with a 55% chance of transitioning to ENSO-neutral by early 2026. Notably, below-average sea surface temperatures and specific wind patterns are evident, impacting stakeholders like the Panama Canal Authority amid recent transit challenges.
Bad weather and high seas off South Africa are causing major disruptions to shipping, with several ports closed and container traffic at a standstill. Forecasters predict more storms, impacting global shipping routes. SAMSA is conducting a salvage operation for a stranded cargo ship, while vessels are diverted away from the Red Sea due to rough seas.
The crew of a Panama-registered general cargo ship abandoned their vessel off the South African coast due to severe weather conditions. The South Africa Maritime Safety Authority received a distress signal and dispatched rescue vessels. The crew, consisting of 18 Filipino seafarers, was rescued and the abandoned ship was left listing precariously. The incident raised concerns about navigating the Cape of Good Hope during winter storms.
Inmarsat Maritime, a Viasat business, has generously donated a bridge simulator to Warsash Maritime School in Southampton, UK. The simulator, previously at Inmarsat’s London headquarters, allows students to practice distress situations in a safe environment. This donation reflects Inmarsat’s commitment to maritime safety and education, aiming to save lives at sea.
Inmarsat Maritime, a Viasat company, has signed an MoU with Aramco to conduct a 5G “mesh” network trial for offshore work in the Arabian Gulf. The technology aims to provide high-speed connectivity in extreme weather conditions, enabling remote operations and cost savings. This partnership showcases advanced technology for maritime operations.
The National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center forecasts an end to El Niño conditions by April-June 2024 with a 79% probability, followed by a 55% probability of La Niña weather patterns. This could bring relief to the Panama Canal water crisis, with hopes of returning to normal operations by May.
One of Carnival Cruise Line’s large cruise ships, the 130,000 gross ton Carnival Magic, sustained damage after being pushed into the dock by heavy weather. The ship remained in Jamaica for inspections, causing disruptions for passengers. The weather also affected other cruise ships in the Western Caribbean.
Two general cargo ships stranded in harsh winter conditions around Estonia. The Portuguese-flagged ship Bugoe remains trapped, while the Latvian-flagged cargo ship Friendland was rescued by a local ferry. The Estonian State and Transportation Administration suspended pilot services due to severe ice conditions. TS Laevad’s ferry Toll assisted in icebreaking and rescuing the Friendland.
