Speakers at Unlocking Green Maritime Jobs panel-discussion (3-5th May 2023) outlined the growing demand for seafarers able to handle low and zero-carbon fuels and new technologies that will be needed in order to progress towards a decarbonized maritime shipping sector by 2050.

According to a United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure circular, double banking is strictly prohibited for all types of ships in UAE waters including the exclusive economic zones without the permission from the local port authorities or the Federal Maritime Administration (FMA).

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) has announced its decision to implement MarTrust, a digital payment service for seafarers onboard vessels.

The Assembly of the International Maritime Organization has elected the Members of its Council for the 2024-2025 biennium.

Athens saw on February 9 the kick-off meeting of the BlueBARGE project, whose main objective is the design and development of an energy barge that will support the supply of electricity to moored and anchored ships.

Crew welfare in the maritime industry remains a critical issue amid growing volatility and uncertainties. Factors such as geopolitical events, climate change, and piracy have exacerbated the situation, impacting the safety and wellbeing of seafarers.

BIMCO informs that the IMO’s Pollution Prevention and Response Sub-Committee has finalized guidance on in-water cleaning of ships' biofouling, aligning with the 2023 Biofouling Guidelines. 

The Panama Ship Registry is working on an integrated review for the verification and control of the more than 8,500 vessels that make up the Panamanian fleet and the more than 318,000 active seafarers.

In an effort to increase security and battle organized crime, the Government of Mexico, UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime) and the U.S. Embassy have launched the Container Control Programme (CCP) in the port of Manzanillo.

After running aground last month in Rio Negro river, a barge transporting three vehicles and 2,000 empty culinary gas cylinders is still stuck in spot, highlighting the plight of river transport in the Amazon region, which is experiencing a severe drought.