Shipping interests call for unity
As delegates head to London for MEPC 84 and the next round of talks on the Net Zero Framework, shipping industry heavyweights are lining up to endorse the universal authority of the IMO and the value of a single global rulebook – but as ever, opinions vary on the climate regulations at issue. The main shipowners associations – ICS, BIMCO, CLIA, Intercargo, WSC and Intertanko – say that they remain committed to the NZF, offering both input and support; the world’s top three flag registries – which represent half of all global tonnage – are encouraging member states to look beyond the NZF and consider something different.
All of these stakeholders are unanimous in calling for unity behind IMO as a global regulator, citing the unique advantages of a worldwide level playing field. The ICS-led group encourages member states to “consider all options to achieve a global agreement,” thereby preempting a patchwork of different national emissions requirements in different places. The EU’s complex regional regulation for greenhouse gas emissions is often cited as a cautionary example of what might face shipping if it does not achieve a “fit-for-purpose” global ruleset at IMO first.
Hormuz traffic grinds to a halt
Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz ground to a halt on Thursday after Iran fired on commercial ships and said it had seized at least two vessels — a first in nearly eight weeks of war.
Only one ship, bulk carrier LB Energy, was seen moving through the waterway early Thursday, with none seen entering. Products tanker Ocean Jewel is currently idling at the entrance to the corridor, having aborted a transit not long after Iranian forces began firing at three ships.
Body recovered from capsized cargo ship
The US Coast Guard reported that the search efforts are intensifying after the loss of the U.S.-flagged cargo ship Mariana as Super Typhoon Sinlaku overtook the Northern Mariana Islands. Teams were able to recover the body of one seafarer from the capsized vessel while efforts continue at the wreck as well as across the region.
The wreck of the 145-foot offshore support vessel, which had been outfitted for cargo operations, was located on Saturday, April 18. The ship had reported it lost its starboard engine on April 15 as the storm was approaching. Initially, the U.S. Coast Guard maintained contact with the crew, but lost contact with the ship on April 16. Initial search efforts were hampered by the winds from the strong storm.
The overturned vessel was sighted by a USCG airplane crew about 34 nautical miles northeast of Pagan, approximately 100 nautical miles northeast of the last known position of the cargo vessel Mariana. Strong currents have continued to push the vessel, which was reported to have drifted a further 26 nautical miles to the northeast. On Sunday, USCG divers were able to confirm the identity of the wreck and began to survey the exterior of the vessel.
Genoa maritime forum to bring the industry together
The Genoa Maritime Forum, taking place on June 17–18, will gather key stakeholders from across the global shipping industry in one of Europe’s most historic port cities. The event will bring together shipowners that are local, regional, and from across the world, alongside ship managers, ports, regulators, policymakers, classification societies, technology companies, service providers, and suppliers – creating a truly international platform for dialogue, innovation, and collaboration.
This year’s agenda features ten high-level panel discussions addressing the sector’s most pressing challenges and opportunities. Topics include Navigating the Green Horizon: Global Decarbonization Strategies and Fuel Pathways Showdown, where experts will debate the future of methanol, ammonia, LNG/Bio-LNG, and drop-in biofuels. Human-centered issues will be explored in The Human Element, focusing on seafarer wellbeing and safety, while Cyberproof Operations will examine how to secure fleets and port systems against increasing digital threats.
Maritime education today
Maritime education today stands at the intersection of tradition, regulation, and rapidly evolving global expectations. As the maritime industry continues to operate as the backbone of international trade, transporting nearly 90 percent of global goods, the competence of maritime professionals must extend beyond technical proficiency. It must not only encompass regulatory literacy and environmental stewardship, but also the ability to operate effectively in multicultural environments.
Navy secretary John departs abruptly in surprise pentagon shakeup
In a surprise Pentagon shakeup, John C. Phelan is departing the administration effective immediately, the Department of War announced Wednesday, abruptly ending a turbulent tenure defined by ambitious shipbuilding plans, efforts to revive the maritime industrial base, and bold—at times controversial—visions for restoring American sea power.
Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell disclosed the move in a brief statement on social media, offering no explanation for the abrupt departure. Hung Cao, the former Navy EOD officer and current undersecretary, will assume the role of acting Navy secretary effective immediately.
The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Phelan was fired amid simmering tensions within the Pentagon and Trump Administration.
China teases new aircraft carrier
China teased in a video an aircraft carrier that could be its fourth, and the first using nuclear power, while vowing to further build up its islands, as it looks to boost maritime power, secure resources and bolster territorial claims.
The video issued on the eve of the 77th founding anniversary of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy featured fictional officers with names that are homophones of three commissioned aircraft carriers, the Liaoning, Shandong and Fujian.