On 24 April at approximately 06:00 CET, a fire ignited in the scrap‑metal–filled cargo hold of the bulk carrier Federal Tweed, moored at Port of Amsterdam. Dense smoke from the blaze was visible in the surrounding area. In response, the Amsterdam Fire Department promptly launched fire extinguishing operation and advised nearby residents to keep windows and doors closed as a precaution. A crane at the port is involved in removing scrap metal from the hold and place it on the quay, where it could be more safely extinguished. It is expected that suppression operations to be continued for some more time. The authorities have yet not reported about any injuries in the accident. 

Ratanachai Shipyard in Phuket is rapidly emerging as a pivotal player in the superyacht refit industry in the Asia-Pacific region, which has seen a growing presence of large superyachts. An average of 400 yachts exceeding 30-metres in length annually visited the region between 2022 and 2024, underlining a robust interest in local refit services. Ratanachai Shipyard was initially established in 1979 to support Phuket's fishing fleet and has transformed over the years to service a diverse client base, including the Royal Thai Navy and private yachts. Since 2021, the shipyard has shifted its focus prominently towards the superyacht sector, enhancing its capabilities and gaining positive recognition from clients. The shipyard is equipped to handle vessels up to 45-metres in length and can accommodate 25 vessels simultaneously. Facilities are bolstered by advanced systems like a backup generator and an enhanced firefighting system, ensuring operational continuity and safety. Thailand's reputation as a leading refit destination is supported by skilled trades, cost-effective solutions, and a conducive environment for marine tourism. The Thai government supports these efforts, further elevating Phuket's appeal as a premier yacht refit hub. Ratanachai distinguishes itself with flexibility, allowing clients to bring their own contractors and fostering a collaborative environment with local marine professionals. Its strategic location near Phuket Town offers easy access to amenities, enhancing the quality of life for crews during refits. Looking forward, Ratanachai Shipyard is optimistic about continued growth and aims to attract yachts from farther regions by maintaining high service standards, positioning itself and Phuket as a trusted global destination for superyacht refits. Source:

Two Singapore‑flagged container vessels allided in the Port of Savannah, Georgia, during routine cargo operations. The Ever Memo, under tug assistance, made contact with the Wan Hai A09 as both ships maneuvered within the port’s turning basin. No injuries were reported among crew or terminal personnel. At the time of impact, five quay cranes were actively unloading and loading containers on the Wan Hai A09. Despite the collision, neither vessel sustained structural damage.

On April 22, the 182 m, tanker Invictus, suffered an engine‑room fire in the Indian Ocean. The crew extinguished the blaze by the following morning; one seafarer sustained burns and received medical aid from a nearby Indian Navy vessel. Although stabilized aboard, he remains on board pending transfer arrangements. Flooding in the engine room left the tanker adrift, and its propulsion status is under assessment. Naval authorities continue to monitor the situation, with towage and repair options under review.

Image credit: Sindicato dos Petroleiros do Norte Fluminense.   A fire broke out early Monday morning, April 21, on the PCH-1 platform in the Campos Basin, prompting a major emergency response. The incident began around 7:25 a.m., when a blaze erupted on the offshore unit, forcing one worker to jump into the sea. He was rescued alive by the vessel, sustaining burns but remaining conscious. As a safety measure, gas flow from the unit was halted. The fire was brought under control by approximately 11:25 a.m., after nearly four hours of firefighting efforts.Petrobras confirmed at 12:21 p.m. that eight workers were injured—one evacuated to Farol de São Thomé and seven to Macaé, including one Petrobras employee. By 2:00 p.m., non-essential personnel were being removed from the platform due to compromised habitable conditions. According to Sindipetro-NF, 32 workers were ultimately disembarked for treatment—17 in Campos and 15 in Macaé. Fourteen of them suffered burns, while others received medical attention for smoke inhalation. Some have since been treated and released. Union representatives continue to support victims and their families, attributing recurring incidents to long-standing neglect of offshore safety protocols.

The container vessel MSC Talia F experienced engine failure approximately eight nautical miles east-northeast of Punta Melenara, Gran Canaria, while en route from Valencia to Nouakchott.The vessel, laden with containers some reportedly carrying hazardous materials began drifting south at a speed of around two knots. At the time, weather conditions in the area included north-easterly winds of 25–30 knots and swells of up to two meters, posing additional navigational challenges. Spain’s maritime safety authority, Salvamento Marítimo, promptly deployed the emergency response tug, which secured the disabled vessel and towed it safely to the Port of Las Palmas for inspection and assessment.

Source: In a controversial move, the Trump Administration has announced the imposition of fees on China-linked ships docking at US ports, a decision that has been criticized as short-sighted by various stakeholders. The plan, initially proposing taxes of up to $1.5 million per port call for Chinese vessels, has been adjusted to levy fees based on net tonnage, containers, or cars unloaded. Shipbuilders in China have expressed opposition to this measure, arguing that it represents protectionism that will ultimately harm the US economy and contribute to inflation. The proposal has been designed to support the struggling US shipbuilding sector and reduce China's dominance in global shipping. New tariffs will be enforced from October 14, affecting Chinese-built and owned ships. These ships will be charged $50 per net ton, with the rate increasing by $30 annually over three years. Alternatively, a fee of $120 per container will apply, escalating to $250 within three years. Non-US-built ships carrying vehicles will incur a $150 fee per car. Notably, ships serving specific US regions, such as the Great Lakes and Caribbean islands, will be exempt. Chinese-owned but non-Chinese-built vessels will face a lower levy of $18 per net ton, with a $5 annual increase over the same timeframe. This provides a competitive advantage to non-Chinese shipping firms against companies like Cosco. This announcement coincides with the one-year anniversary of a USTR investigation, which concluded that China employs unfair practices to maintain its global shipping supremacy. The actions of both the Biden and Trump administrations demonstrate a bipartisan commitment to revitalizing US shipbuilding. While US labor unions have welcomed this plan, viewing it as a job creation strategy, organizations such as the American Apparel & Footwear Association argue it could dampen trade and raise consumer prices. The China Association of the National Shipbuilding Industry has strongly opposed the US measures, claiming they will disrupt international maritime trade and exacerbate US inflation. Cosco Shipping also voiced its disapproval, labeling the US actions as harmful to competitive equity within the global shipping sector. Critics argue that these developments could escalate tensions and invoke retaliatory measures from China.

The supply ship Glomar Venture collided with a windmill in the North Sea around 7:00 a.m. on 20 April, approximately 24 kilometers off Callantsoog, Noord-Holland. The vessel, had eight crew members aboard. Two sustained injuries and were treated by the Royal Netherlands Sea Rescue Institution (KNRM) before being transferred to a hospital via Den Helder. The ship returned to Den Helder under its own power. Multiple rescue and coast guard vessels responded to the incident. The cause of the collision is under investigation, and the extent of damage to the ship and windmill remains unclear.

On April 19, Lite Ferry 5 ran aground approximately 200 meters from the Port of Jagna in Bohol. The vessel drifted into shallow waters during low tide, prompting a distress call. The Philippine Coast Guard Central Visayas (PCG-7), supported by the Philippine Navy,and local fishermen, launched an overnight rescue operation. The next day, all 506 passengers and crew were safely evacuated and brought ashore without injuries. An initial inspection confirmed no internal hull damage. A tugboat has been dispatched to assist in the vessel's refloating. Authorities continue to monitor the situation to ensure safe recovery and avert potential environmental hazards.

Image credit: Norden-Frisia Shipping On April 16, the passenger ferry Frisia E I collided with another ferry while departing from Norddeich port in Germany. The collision caused a 30-by-30-centimetre hole on the port side of Frisia E I, located above the waterline. No injuries were sustained by passengers or crew in the accident. Ther was no environmental pollution occurred as a result of the incident. Authorities have initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the collision. Meanwhile, the damaged section of the vessel was promptly repaired. Following successful maintenance, Frisia E I has returned to regular service.

A fire broke out around 15:00 aboard the Maltese-flagged Ro-Ro vessel Delphine at the Zeebrugge terminal. The blaze, which started on a cargo deck carrying vehicles, prompted a swift response from emergency services, including firefighters and three tugboats.The crew was safely evacuated, and no injuries were reported. The onboard fire suppression system helped bring the fire under control. However, authorities warned of a possible flare-up when the hatches are reopened. According to the port Authority, port operations remain unaffected. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Vessel MV Hong Hai 16, capsized off the coast of Barangay Malawaan, Rizal, Occidental Mindoro at around 5:20 PM on April 15, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) confirmed. Of the 25 crew members aboard 13 Filipinos and 12 Chinese , 14 have been rescued. Two fatalities have been confirmed including one Chinese and one Filipino. Nine remain missing.  The vessel, operated by Keen Peak Corporation, was found partially submerged but upright, with possible survivors feared trapped in the engine room.Search and rescue operations continue, supported by PCG units and divers. Environmental response teams deployed 250 meters of oil spill booms after a light diesel sheen and strong fuel odor were observed. The ship was reportedly carrying 30,000 liters of diesel and 2,000 liters of lube oil.     

A fire broke out aboard the ALTZEK, a Liberian-flagged dry bulk carrier transporting coal to Poland, shortly after it departed from Nacala Port in northern Mozambique on 13th April. Preliminary information from the Maritime Transport Regulatory Authority (Itransmar) suggests a possible explosion in the engine room, though the cause remains unconfirmed. Four crew members sustained minor injuries and are currently receiving medical care at a clinic in Nacala. The vessel had only recently set sail when the incident occurred. While four tugboats with fire-fighting capabilities from CFM-Logistic and Corredor Logístico Norte were dispatched to assist, the fire was successfully extinguished by the ship’s crew before their arrival. The incident highlights ongoing safety challenges in maritime transport in the region.

On April 15, a mobile crane collapsed at the Tinnemans Shipbuilding yard in Maasbracht, partially striking the foreship of the docked vessel 'Rimini’. The incident while work was underway on the ship. The crane fractured and toppled, injuring two operators. Emergency services responded promptly and the injured individuals were rescued by the fire brigade and transported to a hospital in Maastricht; their condition remains undisclosed. After the accident recovery operations to remove the damaged crane commenced. The Labour Inspectorate has taken charge of the investigation to establish the circumstances leading to the collapse.

Emergency services responded to a major vessel fire in Northfleet, Gravesend, on 13 April,early sunday morning. The blaze broke out aboard the Sider Olympia, a bulk carrier moored on the River Thames. Kent Fire and Rescue Service, supported by the London Fire Brigade and Coastguard, arrived at Crete Hall Road to tackle the fire. Marine response teams coordinated with firefighters also arrived to manage the situation. No injuries were reported. The fire was fully contained by 3:30 p.m local time. An investigation into the cause is ongoing.