Solong Captainās Sentencing Highlights Rights Denied to Other Seafarers
Captain Vladimir Motin was sentenced to six yearsā jail on February 2 after being found guilty of āgross negligence manslaughterā for his role in the container ship Solongās ramming of the anchored tanker Stena Immaculate in March 2025.The circumstances of his case, heard at the Old Bailey in London, are different to those of Ali Albokhari, currently serving a 30-year term in a Turkish jail, but the contrast that is even more apparent is the mismatch in due process and access to justiceā¦
Coast Guard Commissions USCGC Frederick Mann
The Coast Guard commissioned its newest and sixth Arctic District Fast Response Cutter (FRC), Coast Guard Cutter Frederick Mann (WPC 1160), for official entry into its service fleet during a ceremony held in Kodiak, Alaska, Friday.The ceremony was presided over by Rear Adm. Bob Little, commander of the Arctic District. Members of the Mann family were also in attendance, including the cutterās sponsor, Mrs. Eugenia "Jeannie" Mann Hyder, niece of Frederick Mann.
US pushes Fisheries Tech at APEC Amid China Rivalry
The Trump administration is promoting artificial intelligence exports and maritime surveillance technology at Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings in southern China this week, as Washington seeks to counter Beijingās technological and maritime influence.Casey Mace, the U.S. senior official to APEC, said the Trump administration had launched a $20 million fund to support adoption of American AI technologies by partner economies in the regionā¦
US Boards Vessel Defying Trump's Quarantine
The U.S. Department of Defense conducted a maritime interdiction and boarding of the vessel Veronica III, which tried to defy President Donald Trumpās quarantine, the department said on Sunday."Overnight, U.S.
Russia's Taman Port Damaged by Ukrainian Drones
Russia's Black Sea port of Taman, which handles oil products, grain, coal and commodities, has been damaged by a Ukrainian drone attack, the governor of Russia's Krasnodar region said on Sunday.Two people were injured as an oil storage tank, warehouse and terminals took damage in Volna village, the site of Taman port, Veniamin Kondratyev said in a post on Telegram.Kondratyev said that more than 100ā¦
Trump Administration Unveils Details of Maritime Action Plan
Often debated and long-awaited, The White House released its long-anticipated Americaās Maritime Action Plan (MAP), a 40+ page blueprint aimed at what it calls a new āMaritime Golden Ageā for the United States.The document, developed under Executive Order 14269, lays out a four-pillar strategy to rebuild domestic shipbuilding capacity, expand the U.S.-flag fleet, reform maritime workforce development, and strengthen industrial resilience. For U.S.
Epstein Files Brings Down DP World Boss
DP World chairman and CEO Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem has resigned with mounting pressure over his alleged ties to Jeffrey Epstein.Bin Sulayem, one of the Middle East's most prominent business figures, is among the highest-profile executives to face scrutiny and be removed from senior roles following the recent release of the Epstein files.Dubai's ruler on Friday also issued a decree appointing a new chairman for Dubai's Portsā¦
India OKs Ag Exports to Placate Farmers
India's on Friday allowed the export of 2.5 million metric tons of wheat and an additional 500,000 tons each of wheat products and sugar, as the world's second-biggest producer of both commodities seeks to support local growers amid protests over a trade deal between New Delhi and Washington.On Thursday, thousands of farmers staged demonstrations, alleging the government had compromised their interests under the interim U.S.-India trade framework, though the trade minister said safeguards were i
NCL Appoints Chidsey CEO
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings appointed John Chidsey as its chief executive officer, effective immediately, replacing Harry Sommer, who is stepping down.The company said Chidsey, 63, who had served at the helm of Subway Restaurants for five years until December 2024 and Burger King Holdings, was appointed to Norwegian's board in 2025, following a previous stint from 2013 to 2022.Sommer, who took the top job at the company in 2023ā¦
"Green" Vessel Investments Continue Despite Delays
The shipping industry's biggest players are shrugging off Trump administration opposition to a global carbon price and are forging ahead with billions of dollars in emissions-reducing investments, according to company officials and a Reuters analysis of data.Europe, Brazil and a host of other nations are pushing the sector, which is responsible for nearly 3% of the world's greenhouse gas emissions, to go green. But, in October, the U.S.
Fincantieri Eyes Doubling Profit via Defense
Fincantieri this week pledged to double its core profit to $1.49 billion in 2030 under a new defence-centred multi-year strategy that will also double its shipyard production capacity in Italy and expand its underwater business.Rising demand from the defence sector as Europe steps up military spending, with new contracts coming in already this year, is driving the need to increase production capacityā¦
Second Aircraft Carrier Moves to the Middle East
The Pentagon is sending an aircraft carrier from the Caribbean to the Middle East, two U.S. officials told Reuters on Friday, a move that would put two carriers in the region as tensions soar between the United States and Iran.The Gerald R. Ford carrier, the United States' newest and the world's largest carrier, has been operating in the Caribbean with its escort ships and took part in operations in Venezuela earlier this year.One of the officialsā¦
Maritime Training: Training the Shore to Think Like the Ship
In many maritime organizations, the most effective people in shore-based leadership roles are those who have spent meaningful time onboard. Designated Persons Ashore and Port Captains often earn their positions not because of spreadsheets or policy expertise, but because they understand the realities of life at sea. They know how decisions made ashore ripple through watch schedules, maintenance routines, weather windows, and crew fatigue.
Ferry Pair on GothenburgāKiel Route Get Major Upgrades
Stena Line has invested millions in extensive refurbishment and modernization of the Stena Germanica and Stena Scandinavica ferries on the GothenburgāKiel route. The renovation includes restaurant and bar areas as well as outdoor decks ahead of the com-ing travel season.Stena Line has carried out an extensive modernisation of the Stena Germanica and Stena Scandinavica ferries that operate on the route between Gothenburg and Kiel.
Senesco Bags $78.6M āGreenā Ferry Contract
Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA) Commission awarded a contract for the construction and outfitting of a new 75-car passenger/vehicle ferry to SENESCO Marine LLC of North Kingstown, RI. The project low bid was $78.6 million.The new ferry will eventually replace the MV Cape Henlopen, an over 40-year-old diesel engine ferry that currently serves passengers who travel between Lewes, Delaware, and Cape May, New Jersey.
Kongsberg Maritime Unifies Digital Portfolio, Launches KM Performance
Kongsberg Maritime has unveiled a consolidated Digital Solutions portfolio and introduced KM Performance, a new solution aimed at improving operational efficiency, reducing emissions and supporting regulatory compliance in marine transportation.The Norwegian marine technology group presented the harmonized portfolio at a digital launch event in Oslo, outlining a unified approach to maritime digitalization.
Western Bulk Returns to Profit
Oslo-listed dry bulk operator Western Bulk reported a marked earnings recovery in the second half of 2025, capitalizing on a broad-based rebound in freight markets and tighter effective vessel supply.According to the companyās Second Half Year Report 2025, Western Bulk generated a net profit after tax of USD 7.4 million in 2H 2025, compared with a net loss of USD 5.2 million in the same period a year earlier.
Island Offshoreās Hybrid OECV Hits Water at Vard Yard in Romania (Video)
Island Offshoreās new hybrid Ocean Energy Construction Vessel (OECV) has been launched to the water at Vard Shipyards Romania in BrÄila.The 120-meter vessel, labeled NB 977, is designed to support offshore operations with reduced environmental impact. The vessel, of VARD 3 25 design, will be equipped with a 250-tonne heave-compensated subsea crane, DP2 capability and accommodation for up to 130 personnel.Theā¦
Norwegian Cruise Line Appoints John Chidsey as CEO
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings said on Thursday it appointed John Chidsey as its chief executive officer, effective immediately, replacing Harry Sommer, who is stepping down.The company said Chidsey, 63, who had served at the helm of Subway Restaurants for five years until December 2024 and Burger King Holdings, was appointed to Norwegian's board in 2025, following a previous stint from 2013 to 2022.Sommerā¦
Old Livestock Carriers Spark Animal Welfare and Pollution Debate
The 34-year-old livestock carrier ship Blue Ocean A, flying the flag of Saint Kitts and Nevis, has been detained at the Italian Port of Cagliari after a port state control inspection found 54 irregularities, 30 of which were considered serious.The vessel nearly ran aground on January 29 off San Pietro Island due to a main engine failure while carrying 33 crew members.The inspection revealed problems with firefighting and life-saving equipmentā¦
