The car carrier vessel SPLENDID ACE was left stranded at Port Kingstown, St. Vincent, after sustaining a substantial hull breach while attempting to dock at the capital’s cruise ship berth on Sunday morning. According to a statement from the St. Vincent Port Authority, the breach, located just above the waterline, presents considerable operational challenges, necessitating a comprehensive assessment to ensure secure handling and removal of the vessel. While the Port Authority did not specify the cause of the damage, sources informed the St. Vincent Times that SPLENDID ACE likely struck a submerged object, prompting the crew to offload additional cargo to mitigate water intrusion risks. Typically, divers conduct inspections of berthing areas to ensure they are free of potential hazards. However, in this case, the breach appeared before cargo offloading began, suggesting the possibility of a submerged impact. A further investigation was expected to clarify the circumstances of the incident. However, after temporary repairs, the SPLENDID ACE departed from St. Vincent without an official explanation from port authorities regarding the cause of the breach.    

An empty 141-meter tanker, SATURN-1, encountered an engine failure off the coast of Ahırkapı while traveling from Istanbul to Russia on 11 November. The incident prompted a coordinated response by the Istanbul Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) Center. Under careful guidance from the VTS, and with the assistance of Pilot teams and the Tugboat KURTARMA-11, the vessel was safely towed and anchored in the designated area off Küçükçekmece. The Istanbul VTS Center ensured secure navigation throughout the operation, prioritizing the prevention of any potential risks to the busy shipping lanes near Istanbul. The swift response highlights the effectiveness of maritime coordination efforts in the region and demonstrates the operational readiness of the VTS and emergency response teams in handling mechanical failures of large vessels.    

On November 11, 2024, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) responded promptly to a maritime incident involving the MV Maria Oliva, a RoRo/passenger vessel operated by Montenegro Shipping Lines, which ran aground near Romblon, Romblon. The Coast Guard Sub-Station (CGSS) Romblon collaborated with the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) and local authorities to provide assistance. The incident occurred as MV Maria Oliva, carrying 156 passengers, 38 crew members, and 26 rolling cargoes, departed from San Agustin Port bound for Romblon Port. While most passengers were safely transported to Romblon Port, one dialysis patient and their companion remained onboard, requiring access to dialysis equipment still on the vessel. Following the transfer of passengers, all of whom were reported to be in good health, the rescued individuals were entrusted to MDRRMO Romblon for any further support. PCG personnel conducted a preliminary oil spill assessment around the grounded vessel, which showed no signs of leakage. At present, CGSS Romblon maintains close monitoring of the vessel’s position and continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the grounding. Further updates are expected as the PCG works to ensure the safety of the maritime environment and all involved.    

A fire broke out aboard the dredging vessel Stuyvesant near Mayport, Florida, on Saturday afternoon, injuring one crew member and triggering an emergency response. At approximately 15:30, the U.S. Coast Guard Station Mayport received reports of an engine room fire aboard the vessel. Prompt action from multiple agencies, including the Coast Guard, the local fire department, the county sheriff’s office, and the harbor pilots’ association, was initiated to control the situation. First responders arrived swiftly and collaborated to contain and extinguish the fire. Despite the rapid response, one crewmember sustained serious injuries. The Coast Guard’s small boat crew transported the injured individual to shore, where an emergency medical services (EMS) team awaited. He was subsequently taken to a nearby hospital in critical condition, as confirmed by the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department. The incident underscores the challenges and risks associated with maritime operations. The Coast Guard and other involved agencies are conducting an investigation to determine the cause of the fire. Further details are expected as the investigation progresses.    

On the evening of November 1, the ro-ro passenger ferry Spirit of Tasmania V encountered an incident while under construction at Rauma Marine Construction, Finland. Severe weather, including strong winds, caused the 212-meter, 6,400 dwt vessel to break free from its moorings despite being secured with additional lines in anticipation of the storm. The force of the winds pushed the ferry away from the pier, and it eventually grounded on an embankment opposite the shipyard. Reports indicate that two barges and a tugboat positioned between the ferry and the embankment played a crucial role in mitigating potential damage. Preliminary inspections have shown no serious structural harm to the vessel, which is scheduled for a more thorough examination in the coming days to confirm its condition. No injuries were reported, and there was no indication of environmental pollution as a result of the grounding. The Spirit of Tasmania V remains on track for completion at the Rauma shipyards, with its expected delivery set for mid-2025. Once finished, the ferry will join the fleet of Spirit of Tasmania, providing vital passenger and vehicle transport between mainland Australia and Tasmania.  

In the early hours of November 1, the chemical tanker Southern Puma, carrying paraffin to San Roque, collided with the bulk carrier Louisa Bolten in the Strait of Gibraltar, around 20 miles southeast of Punta Europa and 15 miles east of Ceuta. As a result, Southern Puma sustained a hull breach on one side, causing an estimated spill of 500 cubic meters of paraffin, while Louisa Bolten incurred bow damage. No injuries were reported among crew members on either vessel. At 4:30 a.m., the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Tarifa responded to the incident, dispatching the rescue vessels Luz de Mar and Salvamar Denébola to assess the damage. After verifying that both ships could navigate safely, rescue personnel noted a smell resembling cleaning products, suspected to be paraffin, and collected samples for analysis at the Port of Algeciras. The helicopter conducted an aerial survey, observing a minor sheen from Southern Puma. The Algeciras Maritime Authority subsequently directed Southern Puma to maintain a 12-mile distance from the port until further notice, with the tugboat alongside.Monitoring efforts continue to assess potential environmental impact.    

The tanker Global Lake, a 112-meter vessel traveling from Samsun to Aliağa, encountered an engine malfunction while navigating the Akbaş area in the Çanakkale Strait. In response, the Çanakkale Ship Traffic Services Center took swift action to coordinate repairs, ensuring minimal disruption and no further risk to maritime traffic in the strait. The tanker was able to complete necessary repairs on-site, aided by authorities, and has since resumed its intended route.  Authorities have confirmed that there were no injuries to crew members, no structural damage to the vessel, and no pollution detected in the surrounding waters. Further monitoring will continue as a precautionary measure, although normal operations have since resumed.    

A fire erupted in the engine room of the FG Sevil, a 104-meter dry cargo vessel, while it was en route from Yalova, Turkey, to Bulgaria, near Sedef Island in the Sea of Marmara. Promptly responding to the incident, the Directorate General of Coastal Safety (KEGM) dispatched specialized rescue resources to the scene, including the KEGM-4 fast rescue boat and the tugboats Kurtarma-7 and Şark. Authorities report that the coordinated effort aimed at containing the situation swiftly, prioritizing both vessel safety and environmental protection. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported among the crew, and there is no indication of pollution in the surrounding waters, as confirmed by initial assessments. KEGM continues to monitor the vessel and the surrounding area as a precautionary measure. The cause of the engine room fire is yet to be determined.    

On October 28, an oil spill occurred off Changi, Singapore, during a bunkering operation between the Bahamas-flagged bulk carrier INES CORRADO and a licensed bunker tanker. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) received an alert around 5:40 PM local time, reporting that approximately 5 tonnes of oil had overflowed during the refueling process. In response, MPA dispatched an emergency vessel, which arrived at the site by 5:50 PM and began spraying dispersants to contain and reduce the environmental impact. The bunkering operation was immediately stopped following the spill. As of 8:00 AM on October 29, MPA confirmed that no oil was visible in the vicinity of the spill or along the shoreline. As a precaution, MPA deployed a Current Buster, an advanced containment device, to collect any remaining oil in the water if detected. Relevant government agencies have been notified to monitor the coastlines for any possible oil sightings, and Malaysian authorities have also been informed to maintain surveillance along their shores.MPA has launched an investigation to determine the cause of the spill.    

On October 26, Samsølinjen's ferry operating between Ballen and Kalundborg on Samsoe   experienced an incident at Kalundborg harbor. While docking, a door for foot passengers collided with a fender – a device installed to absorb impact energy between the ferry and quay. In this instance, the door caught on the fender, causing it to shift out of alignment. The damage necessitated repairs, as skilled workers were required to restore the door’s hinges and structural components. After repairs were completed, the vessel awaited approval from both a classification society and the Danish Maritime Authority to ensure operational safety standards.Clearance was granted by late afternoon, allowing the ferry to resume its scheduled route toward Ballen around 4:45 p.m.    

Seatrium Limited has successfully secured multiple contracts worth S$100 million for a range of vessel repairs, retrofits, and upgrades. These agreements, obtained from longstanding partners and clients, are expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2025, reinforcing Seatrium’s standing as a leader in vessel repair, upgrade, and conversion services. Key projects include two Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) retrofits for Solvang ASA’s Clipper Eris and MOL’s Nexus Victoria, scheduled for November and December 2024, respectively. These retrofits highlight Seatrium’s commitment to maritime decarbonization by providing cutting-edge solutions to reduce emissions. Additionally, Seatrium will carry out repairs on a mega yacht from the Middle East, alongside maintenance work on the Paspaley Pearl and Le Jacques Cartier from Compagnie du Ponant. Offshore refit contracts include a jack-up rig for COSL Protector Pte Ltd and a pipelay vessel for McDermott. Seatrium will also conduct scheduled maintenance and damage repairs on tankers, LNG carriers, container ships, and roll-on/roll-off carriers. The scope of work includes significant steel renewal projects, notably for a vessel damaged in a collision. The projects collectively reflect Seatrium’s diverse capabilities and leadership in delivering comprehensive maritime solutions.    

The Seychelles Port Authority (SPA) successfully refloated the grounded cargo vessel, MV Spil Ningsih, near Ste Anne Island during a coordinated operation on October 19, Saturday. The incident, which occurred in the protected Ste Anne Marine Park, prompted an immediate emergency response involving multiple agencies.Upon receiving the report, the Harbour Master activated the SPA’s emergency response team of approximately 30 members. Marine assets, including tugs and mooring personnel, were quickly dispatched to the site. SPA highlighted the urgency of the operation, given the vessel's location and size. There was a significant risk of the ship turning parallel to the land, which could have increased the likelihood of pollution and complicated the recovery. A preliminary assessment found no signs of pollution, and the ship remained stable, minimizing the risk of an oil spill. MV Spil Ningsih was refloated at 1:10 am on Sunday, aided by the rising tide. The vessel was towed to a safe anchorage for inspection and later docked at Mahe Quay at 5:47 pm.     

A cargo ship, the Grigory Lovtsov, carrying crushed stone and sand, capsized near Sakhalin Island on October 18, Governor Valery Limarenko confirmed. The incident occurred at approximately 14:00 local time (06:00 Moscow) while the vessel was approaching the port of Korsakov. Preliminary reports suggest the ship capsized due to overloading.Of the seven crew members aboard, three were thrown into the sea and were subsequently rescued by a helicopter. One of the rescued crew members sustained injuries and has been hospitalized. The remaining four crew members are reported missing. In response, local authorities have initiated an extensive search and rescue operation to locate the missing crew. The cause of the capsizing is under investigation, with overload being the primary suspected factor. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as rescue efforts remain ongoing.    

On October 21, 2024, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) responded to an engine room fire onboard the Malta-flagged tanker MED ATLANTIC, anchored in the East Johor Strait within Singapore waters. The incident was reported to the MPA at 10:30 a.m. All 22 crew members aboard the vessel were safely evacuated without injury. In response, an MPA patrol craft, two Police Coast Guard vessels, three Singapore Civil Defence Force marine firefighting and rescue ships, and two tugboats were swiftly dispatched to the scene to assist and ensure navigational safety.The fire has not disrupted vessel traffic in the area, with MPA issuing navigational warnings to nearby ships to avoid the incident site. Meanwhile, the authorities is monitoring the situation closely and has advised nearby fish farms to take necessary precautions. The MED ATLANTIC remains anchored, and authorities continue to monitor and manage the situation to prevent any escalation or environmental impact.    

PT. Trans Mahaka Interkontinental “Transk01 Maritime Services” is the Indonesia’s Leading, Independent Maritime Services Provider. We hold strong partnerships with leading players in the maritime industry on local, regional and international: VESSEL OWNERS VESSEL MANAGER / OPERATORS CARGO SHIPPERS & CONSIGNEE SHIPS BROKERS, CHARTERERS, TRADERS PORT / TERMINAL PROVIDERS INTERNATIONAL SHIPS AGENCY For nearly 15 years, we have worked alongside the critical industries we serve by providing best-in-class ships agency and maritime logistics. Our aim is simple – we want to deliver certainty for a world that never stops. Our team of highly qualified shipping and maritime logistics experts comes with significant local-knowledge, and resources, and our passion to service the maritime industry results in ongoing services development to ensure top operational performance.   Please never hesitate to contact us for more information.