[By: Glosten]

Fleetzero, a leading developer and manufacturer of modular propulsion platforms for hybrid and electric ships, has selected Glosten, a leading naval architecture and marine engineering firm, to design what is expected to be the world’s longest- range hybrid electric vessel. This collaboration marks a major step forward in the effort to offer zero-emission global shipping and expand the reach of electric propulsion in commercial maritime applications.

Glosten has been working with Fleetzero on the retrofit of a Lightering Support Vessel owned and operated by AET. This vessel is being outfitted with a plug-in hybrid-electric propulsion system and will transit primarily on battery power once the conversion is complete.

“This vessel will be a major milestone—not just for us, but for the entire industry,” said Steven Henderson, CEO of Fleetzero. “Partnering with Glosten allows us to showcase how our propulsion technology can enable economical, cleaner, and more efficient operations, while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in shipping.”

“We’re excited to support Fleetzero in transforming this vessel,” added Morgan Fanberg, CEO & President of Glosten. “It’s a bold move toward the next generation of marine technology, and exactly the kind of advancement we’re proud to support.”

With the vessel design already underway, Fleetzero and Glosten will transition into detailed engineering in the coming months, with construction expected to begin in mid-2026. Once operational, the vessel will serve as a model for long-range hybrid-electric propulsion worldwide.

The United Kingdom is taking action to preserve its rich maritime history by stopping a collection of nautical charts, including some that were drawn by famed British navigator and explorer Captain James Cook, from leaving the country. The UK government placed an export bar, temporarily stopping the sale of the collection of nautical charts dating back to the late 18th and 19th centuries. The charts and a collection of other artifacts are currently owned by the historic archive of Imray Laurie Norie & Wilson Ltd and are up for sale, valued at £6 million ($8 million).

In placing the export bar, the government is hoping to allow time for a UK museum or institution to acquire the collection. It said this would ensure the extraordinary collection that forms part of Britain’s historic rise to a maritime superpower continues to be preserved in the country. The goal is to ensure they remain an important source of knowledge relating to the country’s commercial chart making at its prime.

The collection spans over 200 working charts, rare maritime atlases in their original “blueback” bindings, and unique artifacts, including a copper plate for an original chart by explorer Cook. Captain Cook is credited with drawing some of the charts that were printed using copper plate etchings, and which guided his navigation in his three important voyages of exploration to the Pacific and Southern Oceans.

Pocket chronometer that travelled on the second voyage of HMS Beagle from 1831 to 1836 (Arts Council England)

Currently under the custody of Imray, the charts form the largest surviving archive documenting the work of early commercial chart-making. Apart from the nautical charts, it also includes a chair believed to have been used by Lord Nelson, the British naval commander who became a national hero for his naval victories against the French during the Napoleonic Wars.

“This extraordinary collection helps us better understand Britain’s transformation into a global maritime power,” said Sir Chris Bryant, Arts Minister. “I hope that a museum or institution can come forward to help secure this collection for future generations so that researchers and the public can learn about this crucial chapter in British history.”

Imray has a history dating back to 1904, having been established when three chart publishing firms merged. Each of the founding companies had a long history going back to the mid-1700s when merchant ships filled the London docklands. The early cartographers, nautical instrument makers, and pilot book publishers worked alongside ships’ captains and crew to produce charts that would be supplied to mariners around the world.

Putting a temporary sale of the nautical charts comes just a month after the UK government also put an export ban on another maritime navigation treasure that is also a key piece of the nation’s history. Last month, the government stopped the sale of a , carrying Charles Darwin. The expedition is credited with playing a role in the development of Darwin’s evolutionary theory, having provided him with observations and collections that led to his groundbreaking ideas on evolution by natural selection. The chronometer is valued at £200,000 ($268,810).

The UK government imposed the two export bans based on the recommendation of the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest. Its role is advising on whether a cultural object intended for export is a national treasure.
 

Authorities in the U.S. are intensifying a crackdown on criminal syndicates masterminding the illegal exports of stolen vehicles that are often hidden in containers. In the latest report, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced that it has intercepted 32 vehicles at the ports of Houston/Galveston since October 2024, preventing their illegal export to countries in the Middle East, West Africa, Central America, and South America.

The recovered vehicles, which ranged from luxury sedans to pickup trucks, were valued at over $3 million. They had arrived at the ports and would have been smuggled out of the country, hidden in containers.

CBP reports it flagged the vehicles for examination prior to exporting after officers identified discrepancies in export documentation. They conducted thorough examinations, uncovering vehicles reported as stolen from various locations across the U.S.

The agency said that the interception of the stolen vehicles is part of a broader initiative to combat transnational criminal organizations that exploit global trade routes for illicit activities. Stopping them from leaving the U.S. was critical in helping deter crime and safeguard the integrity of international commerce.

One of the 32 stolen cars intercepted before being exported from the port (CBP)

“These interceptions highlight the critical role CBP plays in protecting American communities and businesses from criminal activity,” said Thomas Mahn, Area Port Director. “Our officers are dedicated to ensuring that stolen property does not leave the country and that those responsible for these crimes are held accountable.”

CPB says that auto theft remains a rising concern in the U.S., a menace that has forced the agency to double its efforts to stop the illegal trade. The seizures are part of a wider crackdown that also targets narcotics, firearms, counterfeit consumer goods, illicit currency, and other contraband that violate U.S. export laws.

The interceptions come just two months after two Cuban nationals were arrested and charged over allegations of being involved in a large criminal ring linked to the exportation of stolen motor vehicles. Most of the vehicles were allegedly exported to Mexico through ports of entry in Hidalgo County and El Paso.
 

Australian expeditioners and scientists are set to return to the uninhabited and remote territories of Heard Island and McDonald Islands (HIMI) after more than two decades. The voyages that will take place aboard the RSV Nuyina are being described as critical for understanding the current state of the islands and ensuring protection from the threats of climate change.

The Australian Antarctic Program (AAP) announced that in September, the country’s icebreaker, the RSV Nuyina, will make a debut voyage to HIMI. The islands form part of the most undisturbed and dynamic ecosystems in the world and where the topography and weather are notoriously bad.

In December, the vessel will return to HIMI for a second voyage. In both voyages, the icebreaker will take expeditioners and scientists to check on the state of the islands’ flora and fauna and carry out marine science and surveys.

The vessel, which was plagued by commissioning issues, has also been criticized for sluggishness in conducting scientific missions. The organizers look to accelerate the deployment of the 160-meter (525-foot) long vessel that started construction in 2017 and was finally handed over in 2021. Mechanical issues, however, kept her out of service till 2023.

The two islands of Heard and McDonald are two of Australia’s most remote territories located in the southern Indian Ocean, some 4,000 kilometers south-west of the Australian mainland. Heard Island has been described as a land of fire and ice owing to the fact that it is home to Australia’s only active volcano and has 12 major glaciers carving through the landscape. Penguin and seal colonies dot its coastline.

Both islands have not been visited for more than two decades, with Australia now planning expeditions to conduct terrestrial and marine surveys that can help inform fisheries management and also undertake the mapping of the bathymetry (sea floor) around the islands. The missions will also involve conducting climate science to better understand glacial retreat and surveying the current status of threatened seabirds and seals.

On the seabirds and seals, the scientists will particularly want to know if the H5 bird flu, which has killed hundreds of thousands of seabirds and seals around the world, has reached HIMI. This is due to the fact that some affected animals have been found on the French Kerguelen and Crozet sub-Antarctic islands, which are only 450 kilometers from HIMI.

“Understanding the current status and trends of the wildlife, ecosystems and environment is essential for managing this unique world heritage area and marine reserve,” said Annette Dunkley, AAP Protected Areas and Species Director.

In the first voyage in September, Nuyina will sail to Heard Island for 10 days with a science team of seabird and seal ecologists and glaciologists. Another team will have the responsibility of setting up state-of-the-art reflectors around the island to improve satellite geo-positioning. In December, the vessel will return to HIMI for 25 days with a team that will focus on marine science and surveys of terrestrial ecosystems.

The two voyages come just months after Australia significantly expanded the marine reserve, placing almost 90 percent of the exclusive economic zone around HIMI under protection. Following the move in January, visitation is strictly controlled to limit human impacts and the possible introduction of non-native species.
 

The legal woes for MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company are continuing in India, with the Kerala High Court continuing to side with plaintiffs and attach MSC vessels as collateral for the growing number of claims. Twice this week, the court has ordered ships detained at the Vizhinjam Port pending a bond from MSC.

Thursday, August 14, was the latest court hearing after six separate admiralty claims were filed. According to the court papers, the suits allege that fishing nets, wire ropes, and other fishing material became entangled with debris from the MSC Elsa 3, which went down on May 25. The court issued an interim order to detain the MSC Makoto II at the port pending a bond. At 23,722 dwt, it is a smaller vessel of the fleet registered in Panama with a capacity of 1,740 TEU, but it still interrupts operations. As of Friday night, August 15, the vessel was still docked in India.

Earlier in the week, four Indian fishermen simultaneously filed claims with the High Court at the beginning of the week for damages incurred to their fishing vessels. According to the individual claims filed with the court, the four individuals said their vessels had been damaged by debris floating below the surface after the MSC Elsa 3 went down. They also said that debris had become entangled in their fishing nets, causing severe damage. They also included claims for lost metal chains, ropes, and other fishing gear.

The filings were timed to the visit of the Liberian-registered MSC Palermo (199,999 dwt) to the Vizhinjam port. They demanded the arrest of the vessel, which is one of MSC’s newest containerships built in 2024, until their claims could be heard by the court. The 15,576 TEU vessel was making a port call in India on a route from the Far East heading for Portugal.

The High Court found for the plaintiffs and ordered the detention of the MSC vessel at the port on August 12. The company’s representatives were able to post a bond against the claims. The vessel was released and resumed its voyage on August 13.

These, however, were the fourth and fifth times that the court had detained an MSC vessel due to claims. In June, the MSC Polo II was briefly detained for a claim by the Cashew Board, and four days later, the MSC Manasa F was also detained. Both times, the company was able to post bonds for the release of the ships.

MSC Akiteta II, however, has not been as lucky, as she was detained in relation to the $1 billion claim filed by the state. MSC has not posted a bond to release the ship, which was originally detained on July 8. The ship remains at the Vizhinjam port with little prospect of being released in the short term.

MSC’s lawyers filed to limit the claims from the case and asked the court to combine all the claims into a single case, reserving a space for any future claims. The company has also disputed the scope of the claims by the government for its costs in the remediation efforts and the impact on the environment. Based on the value of the vessel, they asked the court to cap the liability at $14 million.

Last week, however, the Directorate General of Shipping (DSG) reported that yet another container had been located, this time floating in the ocean. Salvage teams were able to recover it and reported that it was empty. Previous reports have said that at least 60 containers were retrieved from coastal waters or washed ashore. Large volumes of nurdles have also been recovered from the beaches along with various other debris.

Salvage operations are moving into a critical phase, the Directorate General reported. After capping the fuel tanks, which had been weeping small quantities of oil, a new salvage team will begin saturation diving to tap and pump the fuel tanks. The DSG reported that at the end of last week, ROV certification was underway after the efforts had been delayed by bad weather.

MSC’s court filings have said that due to the nature of the incident, it was unclear how many claims might be filed. It is part of the lawyers’ reasoning for combining the claims to stop the slow drip of continuing case filings. In addition to the claims in India, Sri Lanka is also seeking compensation, reporting debris has traveled approximately 500 miles reaching its coastline.
 

PANAMA RISING

Panama is much in the news these days as the ownership battle between U.S. and Chinese interests over the key Panama Canal ports of Balboa and Cristobal drags on and Trump has threatened to fine Chinese ships transiting the Canal and calling on U.S. ports.

But the big story for us is the makeover taking place at the Panama Ship Registry, the world's largest by number of vessels. New General Director Ramón Franco is, to use his own words, "reinventing" the agency, purging it of old and disreputable vessels and focusing on "quality over quantity."

His goal? Make Panama the best registry in terms of excellence and return it to the Paris MOU's White List. The transformation, still ongoing, has been a huge success so far, and you can read all about it in this edition's Case Study and Executive Interview.

Our annual Training & Education edition features a number of key articles, notably News Editor Paul Benecki's survey of global maritime training centers titled "Leading the Way," which is exactly what educational institutions are supposed to do.

Sean Hogue and Chad Fuhrmann analyze the related topics of maritime software and artificial intelligence in their articles, "Charting the Course" and "Digital Sea Change," while futurist Sean Holt takes a hard look at ammonia as a viable alternative fuel in "Ambition Meets Reality."

Senior Editor Jack O'Connell got to interview Kathy Metcalf for his Executive Achievement column, and what a treat that was! Kathy recently stepped down as the long-time President & CEO of the Chamber of Shipping of America but, fortunately for all of us, remains as President Emeritus. A trailblazer in every sense of the word, Kathy has paved the way for women in a man's world for the last 51 years and is a great example for the next generation. You won't want to miss this one.

Jack also gives his "halftime" thoughts on the market at the midway point of the year in his Upgrades & Downgrades column, "Up, Up & Away!" (I guess we know which way he thinks the wind is blowing.)

Meanwhile, all-star columnists Erik Kravets and Allen Brooks were busy doing what they do best - getting to the bottom of things. In "The Sanctions Game," Erik provides a brilliant analysis of how Turkey acts as a legal conduit for Russian oil and everything else Russian while Allen, in "Maritime Revival?," uses the latest numbers from UNCTAD on the global shipbuilding industry to demonstrate the pressing need for renewal in U.S. maritime. And he sees encouraging signs.

Associate Editor Allan Jordan does the honors for our Ship Management feature, discussing its "Evolving Role" in a fast-changing maritime world and checking in on most of the world's major players. In "Open for Business, Pat Zeitler makes a compelling case for a new U.S. open registry based out of the Virgin Islands, and ports columnist Tom Peters offers his usual fine review – this time, of breakbulk ports - in "Bulking Up."

Rounding out this jam-packed edition is a fine essay by Paul Benecki on the rising state of U.S. maritime and the importance of the Jones Act workboat industry. Titled "Maritime's Moment in the Sun," it's a preview of the upcoming International WorkBoat Show in New Orleans in December and focuses on the SHIPS for America Act and other encouraging developments. Take a look - you won't be disappointed!

So that about does it for now. We hope you had a relaxing and enjoyable summer, and we thank you for your continued readership and support. See you around the dock! -- MarEx 

Tony Munoz is the Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of The Maritime Executive.

To read the latest edition of the magazine, go to The Maritime Executive July/August Ship Management Report.  To subscribe to the magazine, please go to https://www.maritime-executive.com/subscribe.

Efforts to lighten a bulker struck on the St. Lawrence River north of Montreal began on Friday morning, with the Canadian Coast Guard reporting it would take several hours before a refloating operation could be attempted. The bulker Federal Yamaska (37,153 dwt) grounded on Tuesday morning, August 12, and remained in position despite a previous effort to refloat the vessel.

Five tugs attempted on Wednesday to pull the 590-foot (180-meter) vessel free but were unsuccessful. The ship is to the south of the main shipping channel. The Canadian Coast Guard reported the vessel’s owner, Fednav, had submitted a new salvage plan that calls for the lightering operation. The vessel is loaded with sugar and was bound for Montreal.

The Canadian Coast Guard is standing by with anti-pollution capabilities. So far, they report no injuries or signs of pollution. They told CTV News that 3,200 tonnes of sugar will be offloaded. They are able to move approximately 400 tonnes per hour.

Tugs attempted to refloat the grounded bulker before they started the lightering operation (Canadian Coast Guard)

They were investigating the cause, but said on Tuesday they had been told that the vessel lost power and drifted into a position diagonal to the shipping lane. However, the lane remained open with restrictions.

Reports noted that the St. Lawrence River is at its lowest water level in 15 years. Canadian authorities acknowledged a lack of perception in southern Quebec for nearly a month, but said they do not believe that was the cause of the grounding. There are restrictions in place on the river between Quebec and Montreal, but the Coast Guard said the vessel complied with the rules regarding the loading of commercial vessels in this area of the river.

Another bulker went aground in a similar location in late December 2024. It, too, needed to be lightened before it could be refloated.

[By: United Seamen’s Service]

The United Seamen’s Service (USS) proudly announces that the 56th annual Admiral of the Ocean Sea (AOTOS) Awards will honor three champions of American maritime: Captain Willie Barrere, National President of American Maritime Officers; Edward F. Hanley, Chief Operating Officer of Maersk Line, Limited and Vincent J. Marino, Chief Executive Officer of CMC-ITI-CCS.

A Special Recognition plaque will be presented to Edward R. Morgan in honor of his extraordinary leadership as President of USS. Serving in this role for more than 20 years, Mr. Morgan helped guide the organization with steady vision and deep commitment, ensuring that seafarers and their families received the vital support and services they depend on. The plaque will be presented by F. Anthony Naccarato, the newly elected President of USS. With more than 56 years of experience in both maritime management and labor, including a distinguished tenure at Crowley Maritime Corp., Mr. Naccarato also serves as President of American Maritime Officers Services. He brings deep industry insight and unwavering dedication to continuing the legacy of service that Mr. Morgan helped build.

The coveted AOTOS Award, represented by the iconic silver Columbus statuette, will be presented at a black-tie gala on Friday, October 24, 2025, at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel. The evening will also include tributes to American seafarers honored for acts of heroism and bravery, reinforcing the core mission of USS: uplifting those who serve at sea.

For more than half a century, the AOTOS Award has recognized individuals whose leadership, integrity, and vision have advanced the U.S. maritime industry while upholding the welfare of the American seafaring workforce. This year’s honorees reflect those values and more, standing as tireless advocates for safety, progress, labor, and the strength of the American-flag fleet. “These are leaders who never forgot where they came from. They have built trust with crews, strengthened labor partnerships, and fought to keep the American maritime workforce resilient, respected, and ready. Their unwavering dedication to seafarers and to the values that define our industry makes them ideal recipients of this prestigious award,” said LTG Kenneth R. Wykle, USA, (Ret.), Chairman of the USS AOTOS Committee. “We are proud to honor Ed Morgan, whose integrity, honor, and dedication made him a trusted steward of USS’s mission, leading with purpose, advancing seafarer welfare, and strengthening the organization’s service to the maritime community.”

Captain Willie Barrere, National President, American Maritime Officers
Captain Willie Barrere is a mariner’s mariner—an accomplished captain, seasoned union leader, and steadfast champion of U.S. maritime labor. A graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, he spent 27 years at sea, many as captain aboard Crowley and Maersk vessels, before bringing his deep-sea experience ashore to lead with the same discipline, resolve, and purpose that defined his time on the water.

Since taking the helm of American Maritime Officers, Captain Barrere has emerged as a formidable negotiator and unapologetic advocate for his members. He has led from the front, securing stronger wages, better benefits, and building critical recruitment pipelines. His leadership has delivered tangible wins, including new tonnage, expanded contract fleets, and safeguarded jobs for U.S. officers in a volatile industry climate. He brings persistence, clarity, and strategic insight to every negotiation, fighting not just to maintain ground, but to advance it.

Respected for his steady leadership and commanding presence at the table, Captain Barrere is known for getting results. He combines credibility with conviction, navigating complex challenges with calm determination and an unshakable focus on those he represents. Whether leading a ship or shaping the future of maritime labor, his compass remains fixed: To serve, to strengthen, and to secure the future for American mariners.

Edward F. Hanley, Chief Operating Officer, Maersk Line, Limited
Edward F. Hanley has dedicated more than four decades to strengthening American-flag shipping, earning a reputation as one of the most respected and effective leaders in the U.S. maritime industry. With a career marked by operational excellence, strategic vision, and an unshakable commitment to seafarers, Mr. Hanley has championed the growth of the U.S.-flag fleet and the safety, dignity, and welfare of those who sail under it. As a seasoned labor relations expert and longtime COO of Maersk Line, Limited, he has played a critical role in bringing new tonnage under

U.S. registry and ensuring that crews are supported not only with jobs, but with safe, stable, and honorable careers.

A graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, Mr. Hanley holds dual licenses in navigation and engineering and served in the U.S. Naval Reserve. His leadership spans key executive positions at Sea-Land Service and U.S. Ship Management, where he earned the trust of both labor and management for his rare ability to balance operational demands with an unwavering focus on mariner safety and workforce development. He has been a driving force in advancing shipboard safety standards and investing in the systems and people that keep vessels moving, and crews protected.

Across the maritime community, Mr. Hanley is known as a unifier. He understands the human, technical, and operational dimensions of this industry like few others, and he brings those worlds together with purpose and clarity. His lifelong devotion to the U.S. Merchant Marine and his enduring work to expand its capabilities, while never losing sight of the seafarers at its core, make him not only a trusted leader, but a legacy builder whose impact will resonate for generations to come.

Vincent J. Marino, Chief Executive Officer, CMC-ITI-CCS
Vincent J. Marino is a driving force in intermodal operations, a leader whose commitment to safety, workforce development, and strong labor partnerships has helped shape the backbone of American cargo movement. As CEO of CMC-ITI-CCS, Mr. Marino has transformed the company his parents founded over half a century ago into a powerful, multi-regional network of equipment service facilities spanning the East Coast, Gulf, Midsouth, and Midwest. Under his leadership, the company has remained grounded in its founding values of family, integrity, and respect for labor, while pushing forward with bold operational growth.

Throughout his career, Mr. Marino has viewed organized labor not as a challenge to overcome, but as a cornerstone of success. He has earned deep respect across the labor-management spectrum for his consistent investment in the workforce and his unwavering commitment to labor stability. His hands-on leadership has fostered long-standing partnerships with labor unions, built on mutual trust, transparency, and a shared priority: creating safe, well-paying, and sustainable jobs. His forward-thinking strategies in container maintenance, repair, refurbishment, and drayage support have not only kept cargo moving efficiently but have set new standards for safety and reliability in the field.

Following the passing of his brother and business partner, Anthony V. Marino, in 2022, Mr. Marino has continued to grow the company with both purpose and heart. He remains a mentor to many, a fierce advocate for the men and women who keep the industry running, and a clear example of what’s possible when leadership is grounded in values and committed to people. His legacy is one of progress through partnership, where safety is non-negotiable, labor is valued, and the workforce is always front and center.

Proceeds from AOTOS benefit USS’s global network of seafarer support services, which provide aid and facilities to American mariners, allied crews, and U.S. military personnel overseas.

David W. Heindel, President of the Seafarers International Union, will serve as Dinner Chairman, with F. Anthony Naccarato of American Maritime Officers Service and Joseph J. Cox of Cox Maritime LLC as National Committee Co-Chairmen. USS is led by President F. Anthony Naccarato and Executive Director Roger T. Korner.

For event inquiries, tickets, or advertising opportunities in the AOTOS Journal, please contact the USS AOTOS Coordinators Lisa Aurichio or June Chin at aotos@bsya.com or (732) 817-0400. To contact USS directly, call (201) 369-1100.

Activists from Greenpeace staged another demonstration this time to call attention to their demands for taxes on the fossil fuel industry and the dangers of global warming. They climbed a gas platform off the English coast and unfurled an artwork by Anish Kapoor.

The group reports seven experienced Greenpeace climbers boarded and scaled Shell’s Skiff gas platform located about 45 nautical miles off the English coast between Hull and Norwich. The platform went into production in 2000, jointly owned by Shell and Esso.

“Extreme weather is hitting close to home,” said Philip Evans, Senior Campaigner at Greenpeace UK. “The extraction of fossil fuels driving the climate crisis is often out of sight. This artwork is a visual gut-punch that makes visible the suffering and damage caused by the oil and gas industry right at the place where the harm begins.”

The group highlights that they used gas monitors and spark-free gear. They assert the climbers kept clear of the high-risk zones on the platform and were “following industry safety standards.”

Artists Anish Kapoor conceived the work which was a canvas covered with a red liquid to look like blood (© Andrew McConnell / Greenpeace)

Once in position on the platform, they installed a 12 x 8-meter (39 x 26-foot) canvas on one side of the structure. The activists then hoisted a high-pressure hose to the top of the canvas at a height of 16 meters (52 feet) above sea level. They pumped 1,000 liters of a mixture of seawater, beetroot powder, and non-toxic, food-based pond dye onto the canvas to simulate blood. Greenpeace reports the artist Kapoor conceived the piece titled Butchered for this action.

The group highlights the action came as parts of the UK are in the fourth heatwave of the summer, which has triggered health alerts. They also highlight worsening droughts hitting farmers and their crops, and record-breaking wildfires. They note the climate events have not been limited to the UK, as Europe is also experiencing record-breaking temperatures and massive wildfires in Spain. 

The group calls on the UK government to take action by placing new polluter taxes on oil and gas companies. They suggest a tax on fossil fuel extraction and taxes on shareholders in fossil fuel firms.

The group has frequently targeted Shell. In 2023, four protestors climbed aboard a Shell platform that was being transported to the North Sea and unfurled banners. Shell sued and settled with Greenpeace in December 2024 in an agreement that included a Greenpeace donation of £300,000 ($383,000) to the RNLI, a charity that provides lifeboat search and rescue, lifeguards, water safety education, and flood rescue around the UK. In addition, Greenpeace defendants agreed not to travel within 500 meters (1,640 feet) of three Shell sites in the North Sea for five years and another site for 10 years. Greenpeace boarded another Shell site in 2015 and has staged protests at the company’s refineries.
 

[By: NorthStandard]

Sunderland Marine, part of global marine insurer NorthStandard, has announced its contribution to the release of "The Lifeboat," a stirring new single by Celtic music icons Skipinnish featuring renowned sea shanty group The Fisherman’s Friends. The song is a tribute to two centuries of bravery by Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RNLI) volunteers, honouring their courageous service saving lives at sea under the most challenging conditions – including the North East shores.

Written by Skipinnish co-founder, lifelong fisherman and Sunderland Marine member, Angus MacPhail, "The Lifeboat" reflects the selfless dedication of RNLI crews who are ready to respond to emergencies at a moment’s notice. Sunderland Marine’s sponsorship has been instrumental in supporting the production and promotion of this tribute, which will donate all proceeds to the RNLI.

The connection is personal for Sunderland Marine, which has deep roots in the North East’s maritime community. Sunderland’s own RNLI Lifeboat Station is the oldest operational station in Great Britain, and has protected seafarers for over 200 years.

Angus MacPhail said: “Having lived my life around the sea, I know firsthand the extraordinary dedication of lifeboat volunteers. Sunderland Marine’s support has been invaluable in bringing this tribute to life, helping us share the story of the selfless bravery that saves lives every day.”

Craig McBurnie, Head of Sunderland Marine, added: “At Sunderland Marine, we are proud to support a project that celebrates the life-saving work of the RNLI and the spirit of the maritime community. This single reflects values we share, including courage, commitment, and a deep connection to the sea.

“This sponsorship is part of an ongoing commitment to supporting the maritime and fishing industries, and the communities we serve.”

The North East’s insurer is committed to supporting sustainability and safety in the sector, as demonstrated by its previous initiatives such as backing the Whitby Lobster Hatchery and funding coastal fishing line recycling schemes, reinforcing its role as a responsible partner in regional maritime heritage.

"The Lifeboat" will be officially released on Thursday, 14th August, accompanied by a music video launch. The single will be performed live by Skipinnish and The Fisherman’s Friends at Skipinnish’s headline concert at Glasgow’s OVO Hydro on 27th September 2025.

[By: ABS]

ABS and Saronic Technologies signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to explore autonomous technologies for maritime applications.

The agreement establishes a cooperative framework for both organizations to collaborate on projects related to improving technical requirements for autonomous surface vessels (ASV) and classification services for Saronic autonomous capabilities.

“Advancing autonomous technologies and uncrewed systems unlocks safer, more efficient operations across the maritime sector. We are delighted to work together with Saronic to foster innovation in this space, supporting cutting-edge solutions to redefine what’s possible for maritime operations worldwide,” said Christopher J. Wiernicki, ABS Chairman and CEO.

“We are excited to work with ABS, a recognized authority in maritime safety and innovation standards,” said Dino Mavrookas, Co-Founder and CEO of Saronic. “Through this agreement, we look forward to collaborating with ABS to contribute our experience and expertise to inform the advancement of industry standards for this emerging class of vessels, while ensuring our technology and platforms meet a high bar for safety, reliability, and efficiency.”

ABS is the leading provider of technical support for groundbreaking autonomous and remote-controlled technologies for the maritime and offshore industries. Learn more here and download a copy of the ABS Requirements for Autonomous and Remote Control Functions here.

X-Press Feeders, the operator of the containership X-Press Pearl, lost off Sri Lanka after a container fire in 2021, has issued a statement critical of the Sri Lanka Supreme Court while appealing for “rational decision-making and judgments regarding liability and compensation.” The company says it is “deeply” concerned by the recent court decision ordering an initial payment of $1 billion within the year.

While saying it recognizes the need for compensation for any environmental damage, X-Press Feeder writes, “we believe that it must be done in an equitable and fair manner.” They point to the poor decisions by Sri Lanka’s Harbor Master, Director General of Merchant Shipping, the environmental authorities, and the ignored pleas for help from the ship. They highlight that Qatar, India, and Sri Lanka all refused requests to offload the container before the fire started.

“The court’s intent to lay all blame and liability on the vessel’s owners and operators is blatantly apparent in their judgment,” asserts X-Press Feeders. It points out that Sri Lanka’s experts visited the ship more than a week before it sank, and no alarm was raised or an immediate reason for concern. They also point out that the environmental authority did not issue decisive and clear orders to take the vessel further offshore.

Instead, they assert the court has “effectively pronounced the vessel’s master and local agents guilty of criminal charges before their trials have concluded.” They highlight that the master has been detained in Sri Lanka for four and a half years and was not present or represented when the Supreme Court was conducting its case. They say he master was not given the chance to respond during the hearing. The master also faces a separate criminal trial.

The agents, X-Press Feeders, point out had no decision-making role in the vessel’s operation. Sri Lanka, however, has contended that the agents supplied incomplete and incorrect information as the casualty was unfolding. The agent has not yet been charged on some of the allegations, says X-Press Feeders, yet the Supreme Court mandates the police to investigate the agents further and prosecute them.

“The judgment effectively holds him (the master) and the agents as human collateral to ensure compliance of the owners and operators,” asserts X-Press Feeder. It responds to the judgment saying it ignores accepted international maritime law and establishes an unprecedented level of risk, which it believes most shipping companies will struggle to meet.

The company asserts that it has already paid over $150 million to date for the removal of the wreck, removal of the nurdles from the beaches, and compensation for the affected fishermen.

The Supreme Court in July gave the companies six months to make an initial payment against the total judgment of $1 billion. They have to make two additional payments before the end of one year.

Russia’s shipbuilding industry continues to feel the impact of Western sanctions, with the latest reports that a major icebreaker contract has been canceled. At the same time, shipyards in the Far East are also reporting layoffs due to a lack of new orders.

Russian media reports indicate that the state-owned ports operator Rosmorport has canceled a contract for two innovative icebreakers that had initially been ordered in July 2021, before the invasion of Ukraine. According to the reports, they are citing delays with the original delivery date pushed back from 2024 to December 2026, caused by the sanctions and the inability to obtain key equipment from the West. Rosmorport is reported to be demanding the return of an advance payment of $116 million.

The order had been placed with the Onega Shipyard in Russia’s Far East and was valued at approximately $200 million. The yard was to build two 95-meter (312-foot) icebreakers able to navigate through ice up to 1.5 meters (nearly 5 feet). The state-developed design was also innovative as it used dual-fuel propulsion with LNG.

Onega is reported to have subcontracted portions of the work to Turkey’s Kuzey Star Shipyard, with the reports saying the Turks were unable to proceed due to the sanctions. In addition, the design called for Azipods from France and a Wartsila generator, which were also restricted under the sanctions. Russia has said it was developing internal capabilities to cover the gaps in equipment due to the sanctions.

Reports indicate that with a lack of work, shipyards are increasing their layoffs. Onega was building commercial fishing boats, but has not won other orders from the state or the commercial industry. Analysts said one of the challenges is that the remote location in the Far East contributes to increased costs. 

Russia’s state shipbuilder, United Shipbuilding Corporation, is reporting plans for further layoffs, citing the lack of production orders. It has already reduced staffing levels at the Khabarovsk Shipbuilding Plant, one of the largest in the Far East, and is now reported to be moving to nearly close the facility. From a report of over 500 workers in 2023, employment was cut to 293 in 2024, and now 70 percent of the remaining staff will be laid off by the end of October. The report says employment will be reduced to just 90 people.

Employees at the Vympel shipyard in the Far East are also expected to be laid off. The report cites a lack of funding for fleet modernization.

While Russia officially denies the impact of the sanctions, they are believed to be a major concern for Vladimir Putin. Reports are that the Russian President will push Donald Trump to reduce sanctions in return for any concessions on the war in Ukraine during their meeting in Alaska on August 15.
 

Ukraine’s armed forces are reporting they struck the Port of Olya, the largest in Russia’s Caspian region, and a key port for the transport of arms and other munitions for the war in Ukraine. Unconfirmed reports are that they were able to damage a Russian cargo ship that was offloading components for Iranian-made Shahed drones.

“According to available information, the ship Port Olya 4, loaded with components for the Shahed type UAV and ammunition from Iran was hit,” the General Staff reported in a social media posting. They said that the results of the attack were still being “clarified,” but Ambrey Analytics is reporting the vessel has sunk while alongside the pier.

The vessel is a general cargo ship built in 2012 and registered in Russia. It is 403 feet (123 meters) in length and 5,185 gross dwt. 

Russian drone attacks have become a nightly occurrence, report the Ukrainian media, focusing on infrastructure targets. Ukraine’s General Staff reports it has “launched a broader campaign to degrade Russia’s ability to launch air attacks.”

Iran has been frequently cited for supplying drones and other equipment to Russia. In addition to drones, it is supplying ballistic missiles. Ukrainian media, however, notes that with Iran’s help, Russia has begun manufacturing its version of the Shahed called Gerans. 

Olya is located 500 miles from the front lines in Ukraine on the Bakhtemir River of the Volga Delta. It is part of the Volga-Caspian Canal system and, according to the port’s online data, handles approximately 1.5 million tons of cargo a year.  It is reported to have 10 docks with a depth of more than 16 feet.

“This facility is used by Russia as an important logistics point for the supply of military goods,” reported Ukraine’s General Staff. 

The attack, which took place on August 14, comes ahead of the meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, and as both sides have increased their attacks. Ukraine reported there were 149 combat clashes on Thursday, followed by an additional 65 so far on August 15. For its part, Russia claimed to have shot down 53 Ukrainian drones overnight.

[By: Everllence]

MEYER RE has established a strategic partnership with Everllence to advance methanol retrofit solutions in the maritime industry. This partnership marks a significant step towards reducing the sector’s carbon footprint while ensuring operational efficiency and compliance with stringent environmental regulations.

The collaboration focuses on the retrofitting of existing Everllence four-stroke engines and vessels, providing a practical and scalable solution for shipping companies transitioning towards greener fuel alternatives. By leveraging the combined expertise of both companies, this initiative aims to set new industry standards for sustainable maritime operations.

"By concluding this Partnership Frame Agreement, we are laying the foundations for strong, trusting, and sustainable cooperation – a joint path to and for a greener future. With our methanol retrofit packages, we offer our customers an economically attractive opportunity to convert their older engines to a future-proof engine type. Together with MEYER RE, we will now develop a holistic concept for retrofitting the entire ship system," says Bernd Siebert, Head of Retrofit & Upgrade at Everllence.

Henning Jongebloed, Head of Sales at MEYER RE, adds: "The challenges for cruise ships are substantial. Retrofitting cruise vessels is a relatively new concept, as these ships function like small cities with complex subsystems. A holistic approach is necessary - changing an engine or fuel alone is not enough. That’s why teaming up with experienced partners is crucial to ensuring that the entire system functions seamlessly, including energy production."

The partnership aims to develop a comprehensive roadmap outlining the technical and operational steps required for the transition to methanol as a primary fuel source. This includes vessel retrofitting, infrastructure development for methanol fueling, and the establishment of industry-wide safety standards and best practices.

By working together, MEYER RE and Everllence are providing the shipping industry with a clear strategy for sustainable transformation, reinforcing their commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility.

BC Ferries' plan to buy four vessels from a Chinese shipyard - instead of keeping the contract inside Canada - has drawn an increasing volume of fire in Ottawa. The order itself troubles advocates for Canadian shipbuilding, but the financing is an added controversy: Canada's policy bank provided a CA$1 billion loan to help pay for the overseas purchase, contrary to the intent of federal policies to strengthen domestic yards. The head of the Conservative Party has called for the cancellation of the loan, not just to redirect the project to Canadian yards, but also to retaliate against China for new tariffs on Canada's exports.

"While the federal government says it will stand up for Canadian farmers and industry, it continues to underwrite a $1 billion loan for BC Ferries to buy ships from a state-backed Chinese shipyard that undercuts Canadian companies on environmental standards, worker safety and wages," Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre said. "This makes no sense. Canadian workers are capable of building world-class ships, with Canadian steel, aluminum and technology, here at home."

B.C. Conservative leader John Rustad made a similar call this week, demanding that the province cancel B.C. Ferries' contract. "You don’t reward a country that is quite frankly attacking other sectors of our economy," Rustad told Global News Canada. "I think there probably would be a penalty and quite frankly I think the board of BC Ferries should be fired for incompetence for actually putting us in this position in the first place."

Canadian shipbuilders have also slammed the purchase. In a letter to a Quebecois member of parliament earlier this month, Chantier Davie CEO James Davies said that the commercial terms of BC Ferries' tender made it impossible for Canadians to bid - despite attempts to engage with the ferry operator on the merits of buying domestic. (No Canadian yards submitted a bid, but B.C. Ferries said that a European-built series would have cost CA$1.2 billion more, implying that Canadian construction costs would also be higher.)

"Unfortunately, the [BC Ferries] procurement criteria were heavily weighted toward the lowest price, effectively favoring Chinese shipyards," he said. "Due to inherent price disadvantage caused by massive state subsidies for Chinese shipyards, coupled with low wages, weak environmental standards and minimal labor protections, no Canadian or Western shipyard could reasonably compete, leaving us with no choice but to withdraw."

BC Ferries says that it selected shipbuilder China Merchants Industries Weihai (CMI Weihai) for its technical capabilities, quality, dependable delivery record, and overall cost. The ferry agency is far from alone: most commercial vessel operators order from China, including Canadian operators. China's state-subsidized shipyards compete on price, speed and quality, and today they hold the majority of the global orderbook, with South Korea and Japan as distant runners-up. Beijing has taken an intense interest in the shipbuilding sector, and has spent 25 years building it up. Today, the Chinese government owns the world's biggest commercial shipbuilding group, CSSC, as well as many smaller shipyard enterprises like CMI Weihai.   

After an extended search, the U.S. Coast Guard has suspended efforts to find a commercial fisherman who went missing from a salmon boat off the coast of Oregon earlier this week.

Fisherman Joel Kawahara, 65, departed Quilcene last week aboard his salmon fishing vessel, Karolee. He was last heard from at 0730 hours on Friday, and for the next few days, his boat maintained a constant speed of about four knots, heading on a southerly course off Oregon.

A friend of Kawahara, Heather Rehtaeh, contacted the Coast Guard to report him missing. The Coast Guard made multiple callouts to the vessel, which was still visible on AIS, but received no response. On Tuesday morning, the service dispatched a C-27 airplane out of Air Station Sacramento to meet the vessel and examine it; the aircrew found no signs of distress aboard the vessel or in its wake, and the Karolee's liferaft was still in its cradle. The Karolee did not respond to the aircrew's hails. 

At this point, the Coast Guard launched a search and rescue operation for a possible man-overboard situation. The service dispatched a helicopter out of Air Station Astoria and a Coast Guard cutter, the Douglas Denman, to join the search. 

The cutter Sea Lion also diverted to intercept the Karolee, which was still non-responsive. Sea Lion arrived alongside Karolee at about 1000 hours Wednesday and carried out a boarding; there was no one onboard, and all safety equipment appeared to be present and accounted for. 

Without further information, distress reports or responses to VHF hails, the Coast Guard decided to suspend the search on Wednesday, after 18 hours of effort and 2,100 square miles covered. 

“Suspending a search for someone is the toughest decision we make in the Coast Guard,” said Cmdr. Chelsey Stroud, search and rescue mission coordinator for the Coast Guard’s Northwest District. “Our crews diligently search hundreds of miles. We are grateful for the numerous Coast Guard crews along the West Coast who assisted in this search. We send our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of the missing man.”

Sea Lion's crew took Karolee in tow and delivered the vessel safely to Eureka, California. Its custody was transferred to Station Humboldt Bay.

Heather Rehtaeh, the friend who reported Kawahara missing, said that there had been challenges in working with local Coast Guard stations before the case was elevated to district level. But even if the search had started earlier, the outcome would likely have been the same, she said. "I owe everything to the team that worked to recover Joel's boat and offer us closure," she said in a social media statement, adding that she hopes to see an investigation into comms challenges at local stations. 
  
 

[By: Mocean Energy]

Scottish ocean energy pioneer Mocean Energy has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Netherlands-headquartered floating solar developer SolarDuck.

The strategic collaboration aims to deliver hybrid power systems that combine SolarDuck’s cutting-edge floating solar platforms with Mocean Energy’s innovative wave energy technology.
Together, the companies - which have both individually received investment from Norwegian clean-tech fund manager Katapult Ocean - will target applications for remote offshore sites in a variety of sectors, such as energy, defence and the wider Blue Economy.

Based on combined ocean energy and floating solar technologies, the pair will deliver a high-level joint concept that provides clean, reliable energy for power, communications and auxiliary systems to support remote offshore assets.

Cameron McNatt, Managing Director at Mocean Energy, said: “This MoU marks the next step in a promising business and technical collaboration between Mocean Energy and SolarDuck, focused on delivering integrated ocean energy solutions, combining wave and solar technologies for offshore applications. Particular focus is being given to providing power and communications to remote sites in challenging environments.

“Over the past few months, we’ve been sharing commercial insights and have identified a strong opportunity to conduct an internally funded technical feasibility study focused on offshore energy needs in Asia Pacific.

“Both Mocean Energy and SolarDuck are backed by Katapult Ocean, a leading Norwegian investor in clean and ocean-tech, which underscores the strategic alignment of our vision. At a broader level, this partnership reflects a growing movement toward leveraging offshore renewables to address power challenges and accelerate decarbonisation across the Blue Economy.”
Mocean Energy has already showcased the viability of its innovative wave and solar-powered technology through the successful deployment of its Blue X wave energy converter prototype.
As part of the Renewables for Subsea Power programme, this prototype, which can be seamlessly integrated with battery storage systems, has demonstrated its ability to provide consistent and reliable renewable power in offshore environments.

Building on the success of Blue X, Mocean Energy is now preparing to deploy its first commercial product, Blue Star - a next-generation wave energy device designed for long-term operation and scalability across a range of offshore applications.

During the term of the MOU, Mocean Energy and SolarDuck will also collaborate on a commercial and technical basis to identify engineering studies and commercial opportunities. As part of this the pair will share insights into each’s respective technology and requirements to more effectively approach market opportunities.

This cooperation reflects the increasing demand for resilient, sustainable and low-carbon power systems in offshore industries, as well as both parties’ commitment to driving innovation and setting new standards in offshore renewable energy deployment.

Arnaud Ayral, Chief Commercial Officer, SolarDuck, said: “This partnership aligns with SolarDuck and Mocean Energy’s shared vision to enable clean energy solutions in challenging offshore environments.

“By combining complementary technologies, we aim to unlock new capabilities and value for customers in the offshore sector. Working with Mocean Energy, we can bring robust, scalable, and sustainable power to remote offshore locations, revolutionising the way in which the industry operates.”

Anthony Bellafiore, Investment Manager, Katapult Ocean, added: “We see immense value in our portfolio companies collaborating to unlock greater technical and commercial potential. Mocean Energy and SolarDuck are taking an ambitious step to show what’s possible when pioneering offshore technologies work together to address global infrastructure needs.
“While scaling renewable offshore energy continues to have its challenges, we continue to back it because of its outsized ability to generate systemic impact and shift our blue economy from an extractive industry to a more sustainable one. With all this in mind, we are very excited to see what Mocean and Solarduck can achieve together.”

[By: Tokyo Kisen Co., Ltd.]

Tokyo Kisen Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Yokohama; President & CEO: Hiroyuki Saito, hereinafter “Tokyo Kisen”) and Marindows Inc. (Head Office: Tokyo; CEO: Yasumasa Suetsugu, hereinafter “Marindows”) have officially launched Japan’s first pure battery-powered EV harbor tugboat development project.

This EV harbor tugboat which will be operated in the ports of Yokohama and Kawasaki is aiming to contribute to “zero GHG emissions from the ports” in accordance with the Carbon Neutral Port (CNP) policy.

In January 2023, Tokyo Kisen put into service “TAIGA” which was the Japan’s first series-hybrid electric-powered tugboat equipped with a large-capacity 2,486 kWh battery. Building on two and a half years of operating experience with electric-powered tugs, this project advances to the next stage—enabling truly zero-emission (zero CO?) operations—by developing and constructing a pure battery-powered EV tugboat. This could be possible by the combination of a large-capacity onboard battery system (6.66 MWh) and MW-class fast chargers.

Project and Vessel Overview

Planned Schedule
2025: Detailed feasibility study and concept design.
(Final construction decision will be made based on the results of the detailed FS including the concept design.)
2026: Basic design (vessel, key equipment/systems, fast chargers).
2027: Detailed design (vessel, key equipment/systems, fast chargers).
2028: Construction starts of the vessel and fast-charging pier works.
2030: Commercial service starts at the ports of Yokohama and Kawasaki.

The Hawaiian population of the false killer whale is trending towards extinction, according to a new study in the journal Endangered Species Research. 

The false killer whale is a large, sharp-toothed dolphin that hunts large fish like tuna and mahi-mahi. When first discovered, it was initially classified in the same genus as the killer whale because of the similarities of its skull and other factors. It is found off the coasts of every continent; world-wide, it is considered near-threatened, indicating relative abundance. The dolphins mature and breed comparatively slowly, and local populations can come under pressure - particularly as it has a habit of taking fish off hooks, a hazard to the dolphin and to longline fishermen's livelihoods.

A distinct, non-migrating population resides near Hawaii, and this subgroup was listed as endangered in 2012. At the time, the group numbered about 184 individuals, but (after considerable survey efforts and modelling) the researchers behind the new study calculated that by 2022, it was down to just 139 - a loss rate of about 3.5 percent per year.

Entanglement and hooking caused by interaction with Hawaii's near-shore commercial fisheries are a likely factor in the population's decline, according to the authors. "Analyses of photographs over the same period as our abundance and trend analyses reveal that over one-quarter of individuals from this population have evidence of surviving prior fisheries interactions," the researchers found. "While this method does not allow for an assessment of bycatch directly, it does reveal that depredation of bait or catch is widespread among the population and that hooking occurs regularly."

Relatively high levels of bioaccumulated PCBs in the dolphins' blubber and a tendency towards inbreeding in small social groups could also contribute to decline, the study found. 

The extent of conflict with fisheries is hard to estimate, especially since small nearshore vessels don't have fisheries observers who could report on instances of bycatch, but the researchers believe that this is the primary cause of the shrinking population size. Since female false killer whales only have one calf every seven years on average, they do not rebound quickly from mortality, and conservation advocates warn that they could be headed for extinction if NOAA Fisheries doesn't take more active measures to protect them.