A huge explosion rocked the commercial port of Bandar Abbas in Iran at 12:00 on the morning of April 26. According to Iranian media reports it killed at least 14 people and six others are listed as missing. The number of people injured is varying widely in the reports with the Minister of Interior of the Pezizkian government saying at least 300 people are in the hospitals and another 200 were treated and released. Some reports suggested as many as 750 people were injured.
Office buildings in the port have been damaged and glass blown out of windows. The immediate neighborhood around the port is a commercial rather than a residential area which helped to reduce the number of people in the immediate vacinity.
Footage shows the moment an explosion occurred in Shahid Rajaee Port, Bandar Abbas. pic.twitter.com/Sjl1X9LJqP
— IRNA News Agency (@IrnaEnglish) April 26, 2025
The explosion is believed to have started in a container stored in the hazardous and flammable section of the container park. An extensive container storage park lies immediately to the north of the port’s container loading quays. The Shahid Rajaei commercial port handles about 85 percent of Iran’s non-oil and gas exports and imports, and is connected to Iran’s transnational rail network.
The Iranian authorities have for some years been planning an expansion of the port to increase throughput. The commercial port lies 10 miles to the west of the Bandar Abbas Naval Harbor, which is the homeport to most of Iran’s regular Navy.
Fire continues to spread to nearby containers as fire fighters attempt to control the blaze at Bandar Abbas' Shahid Rajaei port.
— PressTV Extra (@PresstvExtra) April 26, 2025
Follow Press TV on Telegram: https://t.co/0EMmcJs6DL pic.twitter.com/6usWBzXrWE
In February and March, The Maritime Executive tracked the progress from China of two sanctioned ships owned by Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL), MV Golbon and MV Jairan, which then unloaded their cargoes of sodium perchlorate at Bandar Abbas. Sodium perchlorate is processed and fashioned into ammonium perchlorate rocket fuel at the Iranian facilities at Parchin south of Tehran and Khojir. Ammonium perchlorate makes up 70 percent of the standard fuel load of most of Iran’s solid-fueled ballistic missiles, such as medium range Khybar-Shikan and Fattah missiles, and the shorter range Fateh-110 and Zolfaghar missiles.
It is not known if containers unloaded from the two ships were, several weeks after unloading, still in the Sina container port at the time of the explosion, or whether the containers formed the seat of the explosion. As would be expected, an Israeli spokesman denied any knowledge of the explosion, although the Times of Israel was the first media organization to point out a possible connection.
Unusually, heat from the explosion is not yet showing in NASA fire-detecting imagery showing the Shahid Rajaei port; heat spots shown are of oil refineries and the Hormozgan steel works (FIRMS).
[By: MED MARINE]
Starting the year with solid momentum, MED MARINE has signed five new tugboat contracts with operators in Italy, Greece, and Spain—strengthening its presence across Europe and underscoring its commitment to delivering high-performance solutions tailored to regional needs.
In January, MED MARINE signed a contract for a 24-meter DRAfter 2400 series tugboat to be delivered to Greece. The vessel will deliver a minimum bollard pull of 40 tons and is powered by a twin-screw conventional propulsion system—making it a reliable workhorse for harbour duties including towing, pushing, and mooring.
Spain is also on the roster, with a RAmparts 2300-W tug designed for versatile harbour operations. Compact at 23 meters, but delivering 50 tons of bollard pull, the tug will feature dual winches, an azimuth stern drive propulsion system, and a layout optimized for efficient multi-purpose operations. These new agreements reflect MED MARINE’s dedication to quality, trust, and long-term partnerships, while marking a dynamic start to 2025. With each new vessel, the company reaffirms its mission to deliver innovative solutions to ports around the world.
In February 2025, MED MARINE also secured an order for two RAmparts 2500-W and one RAstar 3200-W series tugboats to be delivered to Italy. Designed for versatility in harbour operations, the 25-meter RAmparts 2500-W tugs will offer 65 tons of bollard pull and feature an advanced azimuth stern drive propulsion system. The 32-meter RAstar 3200-W tug, on the other hand, is built for LNG terminal and escort duties. With an 80-ton bollard pull, dual winch capability, and LNG compatibility, this powerful unit will enhance safety and operational efficiency in demanding terminal environments.
These new contracts reflect MED MARINE’s dedication to quality, trust, and long-term partnerships, while marking a dynamic start to 2025. With each new vessel, the company reaffirms its mission to deliver innovative solutions to ports around the world.
[By:
International industry leaders came together at AltaSea at the Port of Los Angeles on April 16th for the annual Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies (BWBS) Awards Ceremony, which recognized the top-performing shipping lines for the 2024 season and celebrated 10 seasons of the BWBS program.
With thousands of shipping containers stacked high in the background, the Port of Los Angeles – the busiest container port in the Western Hemisphere – offered a fitting place to recognize shipping industry leaders who move cargo all over the globe for their exemplary efforts in the most impactful BWBS season yet.
BWBS “Sapphire” rated lines – meaning their fleets transited 85% of the time at 10 knots or less in the vessel speed reduction (VSR) zones – each received a coveted whale tail sculpture for the highest performance. This year, each tail was handcrafted by shipwright Nate Slater from his woodshop. All the wood was sourced from remnants or drops from his career repairing wooden seiner and prohibition-era rum runner boats in the Pacific Northwest. Whale tail awardees were: CMA CGM; Connaught Shipmanagement HK; COSCO Shipping; CSL Americas; Hong Kong Top Honor Shipping; ISM Ship Management Ltd; Maersk; Marathon Petroleum; MSC; NYK Ro-Ro; Ocean Network Express; OOCL; OSG Ship Management, Inc.; Pilion Navigation; ConocoPhillips - Polar Tankers; Starbulk SA; STX Marine Service Co; Swire Shipping; Teo Shipping Corporation; Tomini Transports LLC; Toyofuji; Wallenius Wilhelmsen; and Yang Ming Marine Transport Corp.
Ambassadors with 90% or more of eligible shipments with participating lines over the past year also received whale tail awards. They were: The Block Logistics, Who Gives A Crap, Eggboards, Nomad, and JAS Worldwide. Port of Hueneme was also recognized for the majority of ships calling on the port being enrolled with BWBS.
Gold award lines – meaning their fleets transited 60% - 84% of the time at 10 knots or less in the VSR zones – recognized were: Campbell Shipping Company, D'Amico Group; Dockendale; Empire Bulker Ltd.; Evergreen; Hapag-Lloyd; HMC Shipmanagement Co Ltd; Hyundai Glovis; K Line; Mol ACE; Pacific Basin Shipping Ltd.; Raffles Shipmanagement Services; Scorpio Group; Temm Maritime Co Ltd; Unisea Shipping Ltd; Venture Shipping Ltd; Veritas Shipmanagement and Wan Hai.
Shipping lines that volunteer to participate in the BWBS program reduce their speed along stretches of the California coast. In doing so, they help reduce the risk of fatal ship strikes on endangered whales, ocean noise, and air pollution and greenhouse gases. The program has dramatically advanced voluntary participation, research, and opportunities to protect both marine and human life in California’s coastal communities. Over the last 10 seasons, the environmental benefits brought by BWBS have only grown, and in recent years, the program has expanded to include company ambassadors that work with participating shipping lines and commit to helping promote responsible shipping.
In honor of the program’s 10-year anniversary, special recognition was given across several categories. Evergreen, CMA CGM, and K-line were recognized for their leadership in sharing the most whale-sighting information with BWBS over time. MSC was honored for achieving the Sapphire Award tier over the last eight years, reducing its fleet’s speeds to 10 knots or less for the most distance of any participant: more than 168,000 nautical miles.
Stanley Kwiaton, MSC’s Regional Manager of West Coast Port Operations reflected: “MSC’s values of collaboration, trust, and open communication have made our consistent success in this programme a reality. MSC is committed to protecting endangered whales and safeguarding the areas where they feed and migrate. We are very grateful to be an integral part of MSC’s worldwide efforts to protect these magnificent creatures. We look forward to continuing to work with the BWBS team and local partners by minimizing the way our operations impact whale habitats.”
It was clear from the large pod of whale tails on display and other lines' reflections, that commitment to environmental protection is a genuine value for so many shipping lines.
Neil Carraher, Country Manager, Swire Shipping: “Swire Shipping recognizes that responsible stewardship of biodiversity is important to maintaining a resilient marine environment, and we are conscious of the role that we can play to safeguard marine ecosystems in the areas where we operate. In the seven years since we joined BWBS, we are proud to have received the highest-tiered Sapphire Award for six consecutive years. It is very encouraging to see the positive impact the programme has had on biodiversity along the California coast, and we look forward to continuing our collaborative efforts within the industry.”
Antonia d’Amico, Group ESG Director, D’Amico: “For d’Amico Group, participating in BWBS for the second consecutive year and achieving the Gold rating is a true honor and a great success. This initiative reflects our unwavering commitment to the environment and underscores our responsibility to reduce the impact of our operations on marine ecosystems and air quality. Initiatives like BWBS highlight our industry’s dedication to continuous improvement, demonstrating that operational efficiency and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.”
Jack Duesler, Regional Operations Manager, NYK Line: “We are excited and proud of the success of this program! It continues to be a challenge but not one that is insurmountable. Each year has its own difficulties but we are able to work as a team both internally and externally to ensure we achieve the prestigious Sapphire Rating.”
James Jeng, Chief Marine Technology Officer, Yang Ming: “At Yang Ming, we recognize our responsibility to minimize environmental impact and promote sustainable shipping practices. That’s why we are proud to continue our participation in BWBS, an initiative that delivers both environmental and social benefits while helping to safeguard a stable and biodiverse future. This effort aligns with our Protecting Biodiversity and Zero Net Deforestation Commitment announced in 2024, further reinforcing our dedication to sustainability. We are taking meaningful action to preserve the beauty and biodiversity of our oceans for generations to come.”
The Awards Ceremony was supported by Mediterranean Shipping Company S.A., or MSC; CSL Americas; Wan Hai Lines Ltd.; NYK Line; The Block Logistics and Sonos.
French shipping group CMA CGM reports it has closed the first stage in its planned acquisition of Santos Brasil, a multi-terminal operator in Brazil including the Port of Santos. CMA CGM announced in September 2024 its intention to acquire the company first buying shares from an institutional fund manager and then launching a tender offer for the remaining shares.
The acquisition comes as South America and specifically Brazil continues to draw investments from the major shipping companies. CMA CGM will be investing in excess of $2 billion to expand its operations in Brazil. MSC and Maersk have also announced expansions for their operations in Brazil as well as DP World.
CMA CGM reports it closed the acquisition of approximately 48 percent of the shares in Santos Brasil from funds managed by Opportunity, one of the largest asset managers in Brazil for a reported value of approximately $1.1 billion. Combined with a three percent position held by an affiliate of CMA CGM, the company now controls 51 percent of Santos Brasil.
A second stage tender will be launched for the remaining shares once an independent appraisal is completed.
Santos Brasil operates five terminals and a total of eight assets, including the largest container terminal in Brazil and South America. The Tecon Santos Terminal in Santos currently has a capacity of 2.5 million TEU and will be expanded to 3 million TEU. It can dock three 14,000 TEU vessels simultaneously. According to CMA CGM, the terminal handles 40 percent of Brazil’s overall container volume. They also called it the most efficient terminal in the Port of Santos.
The acquisition expands CMA CGM’s 20-year presence in Brazil and is keeping with the strategy to grow terminal operations and the logistics segments of the business. CMA CGM said it will support the development of Santos and the other ports and will integrate the operations with its group including CEVA Logistics.
The acquisition comes as Santos continues to report strong growth. The Port Authority reported March was the third consecutive month of increases and at 460,000 TEU was the busiest March on record. It said the positive performance resulted in an increase of nearly seven percent for the first quarter of 2025 or a total of 1.3 million TEU handed in the port.
The federal government has committed to investments in the Santos port complex. It will invest $2.2 million to improve access both by land and sea, including new roads and the deepening of the shipping channel.
The Port of Santos is a key contributor to Brazil’s foreign trade accounting for nearly a third (30 percent) of the country’s trade flow in March. China is the main trading partner accounting for more than 28 percent of the volume in the port. In addition to containers, Santos is a major port for soybeans and other agricultural commodities as well as gasoline and the fuel sector.
The on-again-off-again acquisition of the maritime business from Spire Global by Kpler closed on Friday, April 25, the agreed date in a settlement between the two sides, but not without a new wrinkle to the contentious combination. The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) confirmed it has opened an investigation into the proposed business combination requiring the companies to be independently operated.
Kpler confirmed in the closing announcement that it is working closely with the relevant regulatory authorities and in particular with the UK Competition and Markets Authority “in light of their review of the transaction.” Both sides had to enter into a compliance statement with CMA promising to operate the business units separately, not sharing technology or confidential business data. In addition to not moving forward with an integration, they committed to ensure that sufficient resources are made available for the development of both businesses, on the basis of their respective pre-merger business plans and maintain their current product offerings.
Despite the latest glitch, Kpler called the closing a “strategic move that bolsters Kpler's capabilities in maritime data and analytics.” Mark Cunningham, CEO of Kpler, said "The addition of this high-quality data will unlock greater value for our customers and partners by providing increasingly comprehensive and timely insights into global trade flows. It's about helping them navigate complexity, uncover opportunities, and make better decisions every day."
Spire reported the completion of the sale for approximately $233.5 million, before adjustments, plus a $7.5 million agreement for services over a twelve-month period, post-close. Spire reports it used the proceeds of the sale to retire all outstanding debt and that the remaining proceeds will be used to invest in near-term growth opportunities. It followed the terms first announced for the deal in November 2024.
Spire Global reported in February it had filed a lawsuit against Kpler for a failure to close the acquisition of its maritime group while also warning shareholders of potential debt problems if the deal is not completed. At the time, it said it believed all the conditions to closing contained in the purchase agreement had been satisfied, but that Kpler had not moved forward with the closing. Three weeks ago, Spire reported an agreement had been reached to resolve the litigation and mutually release claims, if the closing occurred by April 25.
In the CMA filing, it came out that Kpler had communicated with the regulator on February 25, March 11, March 12, March 24, March 31, and April 10, requesting that the CMA consent to derogations to the Initial Enforcement Order. CMA agreed on April 16 to permit Kpler to have a level of oversight of the acquired company while requiring that they be kept independent and Spire’s business continue as a going concern so as not to prejudice the investigation. CMA reports it is continuing to consider if the combination may be expected to result in a substantial lessening of competition in any market or markets in the United Kingdom.
Spire Maritime built its niche with real-time capabilities by designing, building, and deploying nanosatellites, each the size of a wine bottle, in a constant earth orbit collecting data from all the ships. Kpler said when the deal was announced it would expand its data reach, offering comprehensive visibility across open oceans. Management said the acquisition would further strengthen Kpler’s commitment to delivering superior real-time data and analytics to its clients, supporting informed, data-driven decision-making across the global supply chain.
Kpler in 2023 acquired MarineTraffic a portal for AIS data, mapping, and visualization along with FleetMon, a vessel database. Access to Spire Global’s proprietary satellites and analytics would enhance the portfolio.
Under the terms of the agreement, Spire Global retains its satellite network, technology, and infrastructure. It said it would focus its business on its customers in aviation, weather, and the space services sectors.
India is making a major statement in its quest to become a global cruise tourism destination with the inauguration of the country’s largest terminal at Mumbai Port. After eight years of construction and ?556 crores ($67 million) of investment, the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal (MICT) has started operations, a development expected to boost India’s determination to grow cruise tourism.
MICT has been in the works since 2018 and has faced a myriad of challenges, including funding and pandemic-instigated construction delays. The inauguration of the terminal is thus a significant milestone in efforts to attract leading cruise lines to India and drive the growth of cruise tourism. Currently, the cruise tourism market in India is valued at only $100 million, which is a mere one percent of the global market.
With the new terminal developed through a public-private partnership, India is upbeat about changing the narrative. MICT is the country’s largest cruise terminal spreading over an area of more than 415,000 square feet at Ballard Pier. The terminal is designed to handle over one million passengers annually, approximately 10,000 passengers per day. MICT can handle five cruise ships simultaneously, with an 11-meter (36-foot) draft and up to 300 meters (984 feet) in length.
The Mumbai Ports Authority (MbPA) reports it signed a 30-year concession with private firms Ballard Pier Port Private Limited and J M Baxi & Co to operate the terminal. Currently, only Cordelia Cruises operates from the new terminal, with its sole cruise ship, the Empress (48,500 gross tons) with a capacity of 1,840 passengers sailing twice-weekly. The line is in the process of expanding its fleet announcing an agreement with Norwegian Cruise Line to assume operations of two of its older ships in 2026 and 2027. India is also a stopover port for cruise ships transiting the region.
India’s Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal termed the inauguration of MICT as a major step in advancing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of transforming the country into a global cruise hub through state-of-the-art infrastructures. The vision encompasses tapping the potential of the country’s long coastline and vast inland waterways to build a booming international and domestic cruise tourism industry.
In September last year, the Indian government launched the Cruise Bharat Mission to oversee the transformation of the cruise industry, setting ambitious targets that include the development of 10 international sea cruise terminals, the creation of 100 river cruise terminals, the launch of five marinas, and the integration of more than 5,000 km of waterways. The overall goal is to double cruise passenger traffic to over one million and 1.5 million river cruise passengers by 2029. This is expected to translate to the creation of over 400,000 direct and indirect jobs across the cruise value chain.
“Today, Mumbai, with its longstanding reputation as a major maritime hub in the world, commenced cruise operations from the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal, providing passengers with modern amenities for a better and safer experience,” said Sonowal.
While MICT incorporates sustainability amenities, Sonowal also inaugurated a shore power facility at Mumbai port as part of the green port initiative. Currently, however, only MbPA tugboats and Coast Guard vessels will be able to plug in before being expanded to include cruise ships in the future.
The Panhellenic Seaman’s Federation and other unions in Greece are demanding an investigation and better enforcement of safety regulations after a seafarer was killed as a ferry was unloading overnight in Patras. The unions called for a rally and 24-hour strike starting Friday, April 25, asserting that safety regulations are being repeatedly violated and ignored by the authorities.
The ferry AF Claudia (24,418 gross tons) docked at the port of Patras at 22:50 on Thursday, April 24, completing the approximately 32-hour run from Venice to Patras with a stop in Igoumenitsa. Built in 2001 and registered in Italy, the RoRo ferry can accommodate up to 950 passengers and has a 2,044 linear meter garage that can handle approximately 100 vehicles.
The ferry is owned by Italy’s Adria Ferries. It is operated under charter to Greece’s Attica Group. It is operating for the SuperFast Ferry brand.
According to the Hellenic Coast Guard, a truck was backing up on the vessel’s ramp when its trailer struck a 47-year-old female seafarer which Attica Group said was working on the vessel’s hotel department. She was fatally injured by the truck with the police reporting the driver has been detained. The ferry remained in Patras on Friday.
Attica Group issued a brief statement expressing condolences for the loss early on Friday morning of the crewmember. The Greek Maritime Accident Investigation Service (ELYDNA) reported it was sending a team to Patras to investigate the cause of the tragic incident.
Media reports are highlighting that the Patras Labour Center had earlier this month issued a warning of “grave risk” for the safety of crew and passengers as well as ships. They contend that safety is in danger during loading and unloading and as vessels arrive and depart ports. Reports assert there is a poor safety record for the ferries operating on the routes between Italy and Greece.
The unions called for a rally starting at 18:30 today, Friday, April 25, and for a 24-hour strike beginning at 19:00 today till Saturday, April 26 at 19:00. It comes as the summer tourist season begins in Greece.
A strike had previously been planned for May 1. The unions announced another rally planned for next Thursday preceding the start of that strike. The union was planning to use the May Day event to highlight working conditions in its ongoing protests. It also staged a one-day strike on April 9 as part of its demands for better wages and working conditions.
Greece’s Minister of Shipping and Island Policy Vassilis Kikilias wrote his condolences on social media. He said it was important to never forget that seafarers face danger every day at sea and their protection and safety must always come first.
Adults who plan to fly within the U.S. or visit a military base or federal buildings on or after Wednesday, May 7, will need a Real ID or other Transit Security Administration-approved documentation.
Here’s what you need to know to get a Real ID in Wisconsin before enforcement begins.
AReal ID is a state-issued driver’s license or identification card that meets security standards of the federal REAL ID Act, which Congress enacted in 2005.
Wisconsin-issued Real IDs are marked with a star in the upper right corner. You can check if your Wisconsin ID is a Real ID here.
Over 64% of Wisconsin residents now have a federally compliant driver’s license or ID card, according to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation Division of Motor Vehicles.
Starting May 7, a Real ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card, or another TSA-acceptable form of identification, will be required for domestic air travel or visiting U.S. military bases or federal buildings.
The Wisconsin DMV offers both Real IDs and non-compliant IDs.
You do not have to apply for a Real ID if you have no plans to fly or visit a federal building, or if you have another accepted form of identification, like a valid U.S. passport.
You can continue to use your current driver’s license or ID for other identification purposes until its expiration date.
You can apply to get a Real ID online or through a local branch of the Wisconsin DMV.
Using the DMV’s interactive driver licensing guide, you can start an application online, print out a checklist of required documents and schedule an appointment.
Appointments are not required, but the DMV is seeing an increase in visitors as the Real ID enforcement deadline approaches, a department spokesperson said.
When you apply, you must provide additional documentation in the form of an original document or certified copy (not a photocopy, fax or scan) from each of the following categories, according to the Department of Transportation.
Some documents can apply to multiple categories, but others may only meet the requirements of one category.
The document categories include:
If you were born in Wisconsin, you or an immediate family member can request a copy of your birth certificate online through the Department of Health Services..
This process also requires forms of identification. The cost of the certificate is $20, plus $3 per additional copy.
If you are a U.S. citizen born outside Wisconsin and need a birth certificate, check this guidance.
The simplest way to provide proof of a name change is to bring a valid, unexpired U.S. passport in your current name when you apply for a Real ID. If you don’t have that, you will need to provide documents to support each name change from birth to the current date.
Travelers planning to fly within the U.S. without compliant identification could face delays, additional screening and possibly not be allowed into an airport security checkpoint, according to the Transportation Security Administration.
TSA accepts some other forms of identification.
Minors are not required to have a Real ID, but it is required of adults accompanying them to travel.
Meredith Melland is the neighborhoods reporter for the Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service and a corps member of Report for America, a national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on under-covered issues and communities. Report for America plays no role in editorial decisions in the NNS newsroom.
Here’s how to get a Real ID in Wisconsin as new requirements start May 7 is a post from Wisconsin Watch, a non-profit investigative news site covering Wisconsin since 2009. Please consider making a contribution to support our journalism.
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