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Residents of Manihiki, Cook Island,were relieved, after the long-awaited Coral Bay barge from Fiji arrived on June 7, 2025,, with a crew of 11 on board, to begin dismantling the wreck of the 'Grinna II'. The vessel had run aground on Manihiki’s reef on March 21, 2022, near Tukao Harbour and was resting on a shallow on its starboard side since. The National Environment Service (NES) had completed its environmental assessment for removing the vessel MV Grinna from the Manihiki reef after multiple failed attempts om January 2024. The due diligence included consultations with the Island Government of Manihiki to remove any hazardous items. In May 2023, the NES reissued a notice specifying the environmental requirements for the vessel’s removal. Additionally, a SPREP (Pacific Regional Environment Programme) marine hazardous substance expert advised an onsite evaluation by a qualified professional to address salvage and spill responses. In June 2023, the Taio Shipping Ltd. provided a full management plan for the removal of the wreck from the Manihiki reef. The report submitted to Parliament in December stated that the NES finalised the assessment of the plan with technical advice from the Ministry of Marine Resources (MMR), aiming to begin the removal process in the last quarter of 2023. Failed attempts to remove the ship from the reef were made on March 24 by two fishing vessels. Plans were made to drag the 'Grinna II'out to sea by two foreign fishing boats and sink the damaged vessel off the west side of the island. However, the passenger/cargo vessel could not be dislodged off the reef. Reports with photos: https://www.cookislandsnews.com/internal/national/local/outer-islands/manihiki-residents-relieved-as-barge-arrives-to-dismantle-mv-grinna-ii-wreck/ https://www.cookislandsnews.com/internal/national/local/environment/outer-islands/environment-agency-approves-plan-to-remove-grounded-ship/

The investigation of the US Coast Guard into the circumstances surrounding the death of a crew member of the 'Polaris', which occurred about 27 miles from New York Harbour, was continued. The vessel was carrying out installation work on Equinor’s Empire Wind I offshore wind farm on June 2, when he had been electrocuted. The New York command centre of the Coast Guard was notified of a medical evacuation aboard the 'Polaris' involving a crew member unconscious from being electrocuted.

FBCCI would like CTG port’s capacity increased After completion of some development projects like Bangabandhu Industrial City a s nd other economic zones of the country within years, the pressure on Chittagong Port will increase several times. Against this backdrop, the capacity of the port needs to be increased to cope with increasing demand As the economy recovers from the Covid, leading business leaders of the country have emphasized on increasing the capacity of Chittagong Port to cope with increasing export and import in the coming days. President of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FBCCI) Jasim Uddin made the remarks at the first meeting of the FBCCI Standing Committee on Ports and Shipping on Thursday afternoon, according to a press release. He said that Bangladesh will become a member of developed economies by 2041 as set by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the capacity and service of the Chittagong Port need to be improved like the developed countries. He u rged the standing committee to find short, medium and long the problems regarding the Chittagong Port.term solutions by identifying After completion of some development projects like Bangabandhu Industrial City and other economic zones of the country with in years, the pressure on Chittagong Port will increase several times. Against this backdrop, the capacity of the port needs to be increased to cope with increasing demands, said FBCCI boss. "If the capacity of Chittagong port is increased, it will be poss ible to reduce the cost of doing business in the country by at least 5%. At the same time, the interest of foreign entrepreneurs to invest in this country will also increase," he said. "At present, the speed of cargo vehicles on the Dhaka hour. If this speed Chittagong highway is 40 kilometres per d is doubled, the competitiveness of the export sector will increase by 6%," FBCCI boss further said. FBCCI vice-president Amin Helaly said that some more ports would be opened in the future. “If we can work according to the plan, the progress of the count utilizing the potential of these ports,” he said. FBCCI vicery can be further accelerated by president Habib Ullah Dawn alleged that importing vehicles through Chittagong port would cost double the fare as compared to Mongla port. He remarked that different fares in diff Standing Committee Directorinerent ports in the same country is unreasonable. Charge AM Mahbub Chowdhury said the profit of Chittagong port has increased several times in the last few years. Despite being a nonprofit service organization, it was taking increase the amount of profit, he added. steps to increase the tariff again to The Chairman of the committee Dr Pervez Shazzad Aktar called for not increasing the tariff in order to create a business friendly environment. He said most tariffs have to be paid in dollars. If tariff increases, the cost of also increase. foreign exchange will Moreover, foreign ship owners can also increase the fare in this opportunity. In that case, there will be fear of an increase in the price of imported goods. In the open discussion, the members of the standing committe port and customs officials to speed up the import hoped for the cooperation of the export activities.

Fifth X-Bow cruise ship for SunStone Ships US-based SunStone Ships are having innovative Infinity class expedition cruise ships with X-Bow built in China, and things are happening in quick succession: The GREG MORTIMER (IMO 9834648), which was completed in 2019, was followed by the OCEAN EXPLORER (IMO 9883194) in July 2021 and the OCEAN VICTORY (IMO 9868869) in October 2021, which will also be followed this year by the SYLVIA EARLE (IMO 9872327). On November 9, 2021, the fifth Infinity class ship was already launched at China Merchants Heavy Industries in Haimen: the OCEAN ODYSSEY (IMO 9880673). Like the OCEAN EXPLORER that has already been delivered, she is intended for the charterer Vantage Travel and is scheduled to be delivered in the first quarter 2022. The further ships of this class currently under construction are the OCEAN ALBATROS and OCEAN DISCOVERER. Full article + images: https://www.cruisedeck.de/stapellauf-der-ocean-odyssey/

The 'Hebridean Isles', due to be scrapped has been given a stay of execution due to the Brexit. After the final sailing to Islay, the ferry has been anchored at King George V dock on the Clyde, awaiting transfer to Denmark to be scrapped. That was first mooted for April, but the ship has been unable to enter the European Union due to regulations over hazardous waste. The issue is believed to be related to the freezer compartments on board, and in particular the insulation used in their construction. From salvaging engine parts to removing hazardous material, The project has been closely managed to ensure compliance with all partners, such as the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and the Danish equivalent. It was in the final stages of completing the required paperwork, and Calmac hoped to see her start the journey to Denmark as soon as all necessary permissions are granted. The rules have changed since Brexit and it takes more time to obtain approvals on paperwork. When paired with the complexity of decommissioning work to retain important parts of the vessel, the project has taken slightly longer than originally planned.

60 % of the fire aboard the 'Wan Hai 503' was still not doused. Efforts are being made to prevent the fire from spreading to the 2,000-ton fuel tank. The fire and explosions were particularly concentrated from mid-ship to the container bay ahead of the accommodation block. As of June 11, the smoke has subsided to some level as a result of the heavy rain in the seas but the fire was still not under control. Besides, the ship was tilting approximately 10-15 degrees to port side,, as a result of which around 50 containers have fallen overboard. 10 to 15 containers were seen drifting by the Dornie Coast Guard aircraft and may reach the coast around June 12. The ship was 81,65 kilometres away from the Azheekal port in Kannur. Lost containers may reach the Thrissur and Ernakulam areas. The ' Samudra Prahari', 'Sachet' and 'Samarth' were continuing the firefighting efforts, while smoke was still emanating from the ship. Considering the heat and explosion hazard, water is being pumped from a distance of 200 meters. The contents 157 containers are capable of burning, exploding and causing serious health problems to humans. Most of them fall under class 6,1. The ship is carrying a large quantity of explosive lithium batteries, pesticides, 19 containers of flammable solids, ethanol, printing ink, paint, and nitrocellulose-containing alcohol. the still missing missing crew members were named as: • Yu Bo Fong (32), Second Engineer from Thailand; • Sa Wing (53), Carpenter from Myanmar ; • Zainal Abidin (36), Able Seaman from Indonesia; • Heshe Chia Wen (41), Motorman from Thailand. Of the 18 rescued crew members, two had critical injuries with 35 to 40 % burns and were treated among with four others at the AJ Hospita in New Mangalore. Report with photo: https://english.publictv.in/indian-coast-guard-working-to-combat-fire-on-singapore-flagged-container-ship/

On November 18, the first steel cut for the SILVER NOVA for Silversea Cruises was celebrated at the Meyer shipyard in Papenburg, and the construction phase officially began. The SILVER NOVA will be hybrid driven: LNG is to be used as the main fuel, fuel cells and batteries are to be used in ports so that the ship can stay there without emissions. The SILVER NOVA will be measured with approx. 54,700 gross tons and designed for 728 passengers. Delivery is planned for summer 2023. Full article + image: https://www.cruisedeck.de/bau-der-silver-nova-hat-begonnen/

Fourth Edge class ship under construction. The first steel cut for the CELEBRITY ASCENT was celebrated on November 17, 2021 at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint Nazaire, France. It is already the fourth Edge class ship for Celebrity Cruises – after the CELEBRITY EDGE, CELEBRITY APEX and CELEBRITY BEYOND. The ships are each 306 meters long and measured with approx. 130,000 gross tons. A special feature of these cruise ships is the so-called Magic Carpet, a vertically movable deck on the starboard side. The CELEBRITY ASCENT is expected to be completed by the second half of 2023. Full article: https://www.cruisedeck.de/erster-stahlschnitt-fuer-celebrity-ascent/

On June 11, 2025, the 'Hein', en route from Port of Spain to St Vincent and the Grenadines, became unstable due to shifting cargo and developed a list to port side, prompting the crew to beach it to prevent it from capsizing. The ship was partially submerged, at the stern, after it was run aground on the southern side of Monas Island in Chaguaramas (Lat. 10.6809 Lng.-61.6887). The vessel was eaking hydrocarbons into the Gulf of Paria, which has raised serious concerns regarding environmental safety and creating a national emergency. The 'Hein' was carrying a shipment of bricks. Efforts were underway to refloat the ship, Report with photo and video: https://associatestimes.com/news/guyanese-cargo-vessel-hein-grounds-in-chaguaramas-leaks-hydrocarbons https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1050188550006765 https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKvnATdsj0Y/

Significant progress has been made on the 'MSC Elsa 3' on June 10. Diving operations off the wreck from 'Seamac III' have moved into a stabilised phase. A crucial oil leak from Fuel Oil Tank 22 was successfully sealed using a layered capping of plastic and polyester cloth. Another minor leak from a loose cap on a separate sounding pipe was also contained. Preparations are now underway to seal a newly discovered seepage from the Main Engine Lube Oil Tank 25 or 26. 12 divers are currently operating in shifts, with a second set of 12 being prepared to increase dive rotation and meet the narrow weather window. The operations were being coordinated closely with salvage consultants and are laying the groundwork or the eventual commencement of oil removal operations, which can only begin with saturation diving using specialised equipment expected to arrive within 48 hours. So far, 56 containers from MSC ELSA 3 have been brought ashore, with four more under active recovery by the Marine Environment Response Centre (MERC), volunteers, and district authorities. A fresh survey is planned to verify two containers sighted earlier near Kollam. The Fort Kochi Coastal police have registered a case against the owner of the shipping company, the captain and the crew under Sections 282 (rash navigation of vessel), 285 (addresses danger or obstruction in public ways or lines of navigation), 286 (negligent conduct involving poisonous substances), 287 (negligent conduct with respect to fire or combustible matter), 288 (rash or negligent actions, endangers human life or causes harm by using explosive substances), and 3(5) (criminal act is done by several people in furtherance of a shared common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita..The case was registered on a complaint filed by C Shamji of Neerkkunnam Malsya Gramam in Alappuzha.

The Port of Kiel has launched a three-step plan that puts the port's 'Blue Port' concept into concrete terms, as a framework of its effort to completely reduce all of its carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 2030. "The port will be climate-neutral by the end of this decade," noted Dr. Dirk Claus, Managing Director of Port of Kiel. The port's three-step plan envisages covering 60% of the energy requirements of ships calling at Kiel with green electricity as early as next year. This figure is expected to reach 80-90% by 2025, before climate neutrality is achieved for all activities of the German port in 2030, through a range of measures to supply port facilities with 100% climate-neutral green electricity that have already been implemented. The port is also planning to further decrease nitrogen oxides emissions. According to an environmental report, the Port of Kiel already avoided more than 6,200 tonnes of CO2 in 2020, while almost 18,800 tonnes were still emitted. The energy demand at the terminals has already been sustainably reduced by switching to economical LED technology and increasing energy efficiency, while photovoltaic systems provide around 290,000-kilowatt hours of solar energy every year. The port in the Baltic is also gradually converting its own vehicle fleet to electric drive and offers incentives to customers to promote the decarbonisation process. Moreover, the port has invested in on-shore power to reduce emissions. After the first system for shore-side power supply was connected to Norwegenkai in 2019, a second larger one was commissioned at Ostseekai in June, earlier this year. In the meantime, the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMVI) is funding the establishment of a digital test field in the port to make the processes at the freight terminals even more efficient. Operational processes will therefore be optimised and made more sustainable on the basis of a 5G campus network. In this way, climate-neutral growth in port handling is expected to be supported by innovative information technology (IT). Measures towards zero emissions by 2030 in the German port also include electrification of the vehicle fleet, such as industrial trucks, digitalisation of operational processes for increased efficiency, as well as tariff-based environmental discount as an incentive for climate-friendly transformation.

BMF Port Burgas EAD is a private-owned port operator of terminal Burgas East 2 and terminal Burgas West, part of the national public port of Burgas, Republic of Bulgaria. On June 5 2019 of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Bulgaria decided to expand the duration of the concession term of both of the terminals from 35 to 46 years and 8 months each. A couple of days ago, we took an opportunity to talk with Mr. Boris Balev, CEO of BMF Port Burgas EAD, who provided us with invaluable insight into the company’s business and development plans and their most important projects on the horizon. Mr. Balev, how much money and in what directions are your investments in the development of BMF Port Burgas since 2012? The investments that will be realized for the 2021 amount to nearly 8 million euros. With them, the total amount of investments since 2012 is approximately 158 million euros. I dare say that with these funds we have completely transformed the two terminals of the Port of Burgas since they were given to us for management and operation. We have talked many times about the facilities we have built and modernized in the port in the past, so I will focus on what is new for this year. We have put into operation a new installation for discharging oil bitumen from ships to railway cars and tank trucks. We strive not only to constantly increase the number of available equipment, but also to modernize it to such with modern technologies for energy efficiency. We are constantly working towards expanding and modernizing the storage areas in the terminals. The project for expansion of our silo complex is going well so far. This year we built 2 more silos, 5,100 m3 each. The construction of another 2 is forthcoming. The total capacity of the complex after the completion of the construction activities will be 119,000 m3. The implementation of this project allowed us to mark a number of strong months in the processing of cereals this year. Interview in English: https://maritime1.com/65710/