On the morning of October 3, 2024, a cargo ship and a sailing yacht collided in the North Sea near buoy 5 on the Outer Elbe, approximately five nautical miles west-northwest of Scharhörn Island. The 89-meter-long cargo ship Lotta, en route from Rouen, France, to Klaipeda, Lithuania, sustained minimal damage, while the 9.5-meter sailing yacht, bound for Norderney, suffered significant hull and rigging damage. No injuries were reported. The Cuxhaven traffic control center alerted the German Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC) at 6:40 a.m. The German Sea Rescue Association (DGzRS) promptly deployed two rescue cruisers, ANNELIESE KRAMER and HERMANN MARWEDE. The sailboat’s damaged sail temporarily blocked a large hole in the hull, preventing further water ingress. The rescue team stabilized the vessel and towed it safely to Cuxhaven. The skipper of te yacht required no medical assistance and was later attended to by the police and Seamen's Mission.    

Hanwha Ocean, a leading shipbuilder specializing in floating storage and regasification units (FSRUs), has announced the securing of a new contract from an undisclosed Asian client. The agreement, valued at approximately $413 million, was confirmed on Tuesday. While Hanwha Ocean has not publicly named the client, industry sources have indicated that the Tokyo-based shipping conglomerate, Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL), is likely the entity behind the order. The project is set to expand Hanwha Ocean’s expertise in the FSRU sector, where it already has experience in delivering 12 similar units. According to the contract details, the newly ordered FSRU is slated for completion and delivery by October 2027. Upon delivery, the unit is expected to enter into a long-term charter agreement with Singapore LNG, a state-controlled terminal operator that plays a key role in the region's energy infrastructure. The deal, if confirmed to involve MOL, would reinforce the Japanese shipping giant’s strategic investments in LNG-related assets. This move aligns with MOL’s broader objectives to expand its footprint in the global LNG market and support the growing demand for cleaner energy solutions in the Asia-Pacific region.    

On October 2, 2024, at 1:50 p.m. Moscow time, the cargo vessel Florica, carrying 14 Azerbaijani crew members, ran aground on the River Don in Rostov Oblast, Russia. The vessel, loaded with steel billets, was en route from Rostov-on-Don to the port of Samsun, Turkey, when it became stuck on a sandbar. Local authorities immediately dispatched two tugboats to assist in refloating the ship. Reports indicate that all crew members were safe and unharmed. The grounding did not cause any environmental pollution, and the vessel remained intact without damage. Furthermore, the incident did not disrupt shipping traffic in the area, allowing navigation in the River Don to continue unaffected. Authorities have initiated efforts to ensure the ship’s prompt refloating to resume its journey.

Wan Hai Lines has announced an order for four methanol dual-fuel containerships as part of its fleet expansion and decarbonization strategy. The contract was signed with HD Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries, a subsidiary of South Korean shipbuilding leader HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE).According to data from Intermodal, the vessels, each with a capacity of 8,700 TEU, are expected to be delivered by May 2027. This move aligns with the shipping company's ongoing efforts to enhance its operational efficiency and reduce its carbon footprint in response to increasing global environmental regulations. The total cost for the four ships is reported to be $128 million. This order signifies Wan Hai Lines's commitment to sustainable practices and innovation in shipbuilding, reflecting the broader trend of shipping companies adapting to changing environmental standards and customer expectations.    

The RoRo vessel KMP Tandemand caught fire on Wednesday afternoon while anchored in the waters off Kasam Island, Punggur, Batam, in the Riau Islands. The incident occurred at approximately 2:00 PM local time (WIB) when the vessel was not in operation, with the captain and all crew members on board at the time.At around 2:20 PM, personnel from Patkamla Lingga spotted the flames while patrolling the waters around Tanjung Piayu and Memoi, Batam. The crew promptly reported the situation, initiating an immediate response from nearby authorities. Firefighting operations began swiftly, with the assistance of two clean water supply vessels that were deployed to the location to contain the blaze and prevent further damage to the vessel.The fire was successfully extinguished, and an evacuation of the captain and crew members was conducted without any reported injuries or casualties.Local authorities are continuing to monitor the situation to ensure the vessel’s stability and safety.The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, and further details will be provided once the assessment is complete. The incident has raised concerns about the safety protocols of anchored vessels in the region, prompting a review of emergency preparedness measures.  

Crew members of the fuel-carrying cargo ship "Blue Lagoon," which ran aground near Orchid Island (Lanyu), were successfully airlifted to safety amid concerns of a potential oil spill on 01 October. The vessel was reported to have grounded approximately 18 nautical miles from Lanyu, with rough sea conditions attributed to Typhoon Krathon complicating the situation. The entire multinational crew of 19, consisting of seven Ukrainians, nine Egyptians, and three Russians, was evacuated by helicopters from the National Airborne Service Corps. Upon reaching Orchid Island, the crew underwent medical evaluations at the local health center, where all were deemed safe and unharmed. The Coast Guard Administration (CGA) received the distress signal on 01 October and noted that the ship, which had been transporting 67,500 tons of iron ore and 227 tons of VLSFO fuel oil from the Port of Caofeidian in China's Hebei Province to Singapore, began taking on water. Consequently, the captain issued an order to abandon ship as a precautionary measure.  

On 01 October, two vessels sustained damage from missile strikes and a drone attack off Yemen's Red Sea port of Hodeidah. The Panama-flagged tanker M/T Cordelia Moon was struck by an Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV) approximately 64 nautical miles northwest of Hodeidah. Although the tanker incurred damage to its port side tank, its crew remained safe, and the vessel continued towards its next destination. Prior to the attack, the crew observed four splashes in the water, indicative of attempted missile launches.  A second vessel, identified as a Liberia-flagged bulker Minoan Courage, was reportedly hit by a missile around 97 nautical miles northwest of Hodeidah, while en route to Suez. The Iranian-aligned Houthi militants subsequently claimed responsibility for the attack on the Cordelia Moon, asserting that it was struck by multiple missiles and a drone.    

OM Maritime has entered into an agreement with Jiangxi New Jiangzhou Shipbuilding Heavy Industry Co., Ltd. to construct two new 13,800-DWT stainless steel chemical tankers. The vessels will be equipped with 12 duplex stainless steel cargo tanks, marking a strategic step for OM Maritime as it transitions from operating older ships to a more modern and sustainable fleet. The new tankers are designed to meet the highest emission standards and incorporate advanced fuel-efficient technologies. The eco-friendly design is expected to enhance operational efficiency and support OM Maritime's commitment to providing sustainable and reliable services to its clients. The construction of these high-performance chemical tankers represents a milestone for the company, aligning with its goal of modernizing its fleet to meet evolving environmental and regulatory requirements. The vessels will not only contribute to reducing carbon emissions but also position OM Maritime to deliver improved performance and cost-effectiveness. The delivery of these tankers is scheduled to commence in the fourth quarter of 2026, signifying a significant upgrade to the company’s existing fleet. OM Maritime aims to leverage these new assets to strengthen its competitive position in the chemical transportation market and offer superior service to its global clientele.        

A fire incident aboard a petroleum-carrying vessel, ‘Banglar Jyoti’, occurred in the Karnaphuli River at Patenga, Chittagong, resulting in the death of three individuals. The explosion and subsequent fire broke out on Monday morning while the Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC) vessel was docked at the Dolphin Jetty of the Eastern Refinery. The deceased have been identified asa deck cadet, a foreman of BSC, and a labourer. The fire erupted following an explosion on the vessel, prompting an immediate response from emergency services.Eight firefighting units from Agrabad, Bandar, Karnaphuli EPZ, and CEPZ stations were dispatched to the site.  The fire service was further supported by teams from the Coast Guard, Navy, and Eastern Refinery’s own firefighting unit in a joint effort to contain the blaze. The situation was brought under control by noon, minimizing further damage. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the explosion to prevent future incidents.    

The cargo ship GEORGIA SEJAHTERA, transporting 7,300 tons of iron ore, was grounded in the waters of Linau following a hull leak. The leak was first detected on September 25 at 22:00 WIB on the starboard side, according to Chief Officer. To prevent further damage, Captain made the decision to ground the vessel an hour later, at 23:00 WIB. The ship was en route from Tapak Tuan, Aceh, to Surabaya with 18 crew members aboard when the incident occurred. On September 26 at 08:00 WIB, UPP Linau inspected the vessel’s grounding location after coordinating with relevant agencies. The leak was confirmed at two points on the starboard hull. UPP Linau remains in communication with the ship’s crew, with Chief Officer actively sourcing necessary equipment onshore. Efforts are to stabilize the vessel and ensure the safety of both the ship and the environment.     

Spliethoff has announced a significant fleet expansion with an order placed at Wuhu Shipyard Co. Ltd. in China for the construction of eight new multi-purpose vessels, with an option for two additional units. The vessels, part of the new L-type series, are scheduled for delivery starting from the first quarter of 2028. The newly designed ships will cater to a variety of dry cargo, including paper products, bulk, project cargo, and containers. These vessels are notable for their Finnish/Swedish 1A Ice-Class certification and will measure 203.25 meters in length and 28.25 meters in width, with a maximum draft of 10.5 meters. They will have a total cargo capacity of 33,700 m³ and a deadweight of 28,600 mt, making them the largest in the Spliethoff fleet. Designed with energy efficiency in mind, the vessels feature slender hull lines and are prepared for future fuel usage. With the bridge located at the front, they will be equipped with five lifts (side loaders) and three cranes, each with a lifting capacity of 150 mt, which can be combined to reach 300 mt SWL. The spacious and obstruction-free deck will facilitate the transport of oversized cargo.    

Misje Rederi took delivery of Misje Lotus, an eco-friendly hybrid bulk vessel, from Sri Lanka's Colombo Dockyard PLC. The addition marks the company’s sixth hybrid vessel, further advancing its commitment to sustainability.The newly built Misje Lotus is designed with state-of-the-art technology to significantly reduce carbon emissions, aligning with Misje Rederi’s strategic environmental goals. The vessel is part of the company's ongoing efforts to build a greener fleet that minimizes its ecological footprint. This latest delivery demonstrates Misje Rederi's proactive approach in adopting innovative solutions to meet the industry's evolving environmental standards. The company aims to expand its hybrid fleet, reflecting its broader dedication to promoting sustainability and contributing positively to the global shipping industry’s decarbonization efforts.The Misje Lotus will soon commence operations, strengthening Misje Rederi's position as a leader in sustainable maritime solutions.    

Wallenius Wilhelmsen  announced a modification to its current shipbuilding program, increasing the size of four out of the twelve Shaper Class vessels on order from Jinling Shipyard (Jiangsu). Initially planned for a capacity of 9,300 Car Equivalent Units (CEUs), these four vessels will now be expanded to approximately 11,700 CEUs. This adjustment will make them the largest Pure Car and Truck Carriers (PCTCs) ever to operate. The expansion is part of Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s broader strategy to achieve its net-zero end-to-end transport solutions by 2027. The company aims to incorporate these upsized vessels into its integrated, eco-friendly logistics network, which will cover every stage of vehicle transportation—from factory to end consumer. This will leverage its existing land-based logistics and transport services, ensuring seamless and sustainable operations. The four enhanced Shaper Class vessels will maintain key design features, including dual-fuel engines and methanol capability from the time of delivery, alongside increased ramp strength, enhanced high and heavy capacity, and a focus on energy efficiency and crew welfare.The first Shaper Class vessels are expected to be delivered starting from the second half of 2026, with the larger versions slated for delivery from late 2027.    

On 19 September at approximately 10:55 a.m., an incident occurred  in Constanța Port when the vessel Sky Light collided with two moored ships during a mooring maneuver. The impact resulted in significant material damage to all three vessels involved. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, and there was no indication of environmental pollution, as confirmed by port authorities. Following the incident, port officials immediately began assessing the extent of the material damage. Simultaneously, the Port Authority of Constanța launched an investigation to determine the cause of the collision. The inquiry will examine potential factors that caused the collison. Further details on the findings are pending as the investigation continues to unfold.    

On the evening of September 21, 2024, the Asia Glory 6 encountered a maritime accident near Benteng Asakota Beach, Soromandi District, Bima Regency, West Nusa Tenggara Province. The incident occurred at approximately 7:20 p.m. local time. The Bima Police Polairud team responded promptly after receiving reports from the public.The investigation revealed that the accident began when the KM Asia Glory 6 departed from Dili, East Nusa Tenggara, on September 20, 2024, en route to Bima Port. The ship, was navigating Bima Bay when a fishing boat unexpectedly appeared on its left side. In an attempt to avoid a collision, the vessel struck the shore of Benteng Asakota Beach and became grounded.Fortunately, there were no casualties reported as a result of the incident. The captain and all 19 crew members onboard were confirmed to be safe. Authorities continue to assess the situation, and efforts are underway to address the grounding of the vessel.