Maritime Bell Staff

State of Maryland Secures Record Dali Bridge Settlement

The State of Maryland has finalized a $2.25 billion settlement with the owner and operator of the containership Dali following the collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge.

The Francis Scott Key bridge in Maryland, before its collapse

Costa Cruises Rules Out Fuel Surcharges for 2026

While some operators have introduced fuel surcharges due to rising energy prices, Costa Cruises has confirmed it will not apply additional fuel fees on cruises departing through September 30, 2026.

The Costa Diadema cruise ship sailing close to shore

Indian Officer Missing After US Shore Leave

An Indian Merchant Navy officer from Uttar Pradesh, has been reported missing in the United States after not returning to his ship following shore leave in Pennsylvania on May 6.

An aerial view of the container terminal and port in Philadelphia, USA

Columbia Cruise Services Opens Shanghai, China Office

Columbia Cruise Services (CCS) has launched a new office in Shanghai, positioned alongside its cruise partner Adora Cruises.

The Pudong District skyline in Shanghai, China

Singapore Tests Jetpacks for Maritime Security

Singapore Police Force is testing jetpacks and armed drones as part of new efforts to improve maritime security operations in high-risk situations.

An aerial view of Singapore harbor at sundown

MSC Cruises Reveals 2028 Caribbean Summer Deployment

MSC Cruises has announced its North America and Caribbean deployment plans for the 2028 summer season, featuring itineraries across seven ships.

The MSC Divina cruise ship docked off a tropical beach

Norwegian Cruise Line Survey Explores Longer Crew Contracts

A new survey conducted onboard several NCL vessels is prompting discussion about whether the company may be considering longer contracts for crew and officers.

The Norwegian Bliss cruise ship

UK Offshore Wind Supplies Nearly 20% of Power

Offshore wind is playing an increasingly important role in the UK’s energy sector, supplying close to 20% of the country’s electricity in 2025.

An offshore windfarm

Virgin Cruises Warns Guests of Delays at Spanish Ports

Virgin Voyages is warning passengers about longer disembarkation times in Spain following the introduction of new European Union border control procedures.

A large red sign saying 'Bilbao' at the Port of Bilbao, Spain

Brazilian Authorities Seize Cocaine From Bulk Carrier at Santos Port

Brazilian authorities have confiscated around 340 kilograms of cocaine from the Liberia-flagged bulk carrier Green K-Max 1 while the vessel was docked at the Port of Santos on May 10.

A View of Santos Port in Brazil

Royal Caribbean Reminds Symphony Guests of Door Rules

Passengers currently sailing on Symphony of the Seas have received a notice from Royal Caribbean International outlining guidelines for decorating stateroom doors during the cruise.

The cruise ship Symphony of the Seas at sunset

OOCL Ordered to Pay Record $45.6m in Shipping Case

A US administrative law judge has ruled that OOCL must pay $45.6 million in reparations to the bankruptcy estate of retailer Bed Bath & Beyond.

An OOCL container ship docked in a port

PSA Expands Investment in Xiamen Container Terminals

PSA International acquires stake in Xiamen Container Terminal Group, which operates eight terminals with an annual capacity of around 20 million TEU.

Xiamen Port in Fujian Province, China

Massachusetts Activates Vineyard Wind Contracts for Savings

An offshore windfarm at sundown

Piracy Attempt off Somalia Coast Reported by UKMTO

The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has reported another attempted piracy incident 500 nautical miles off the coast of Somalia on April 28.

A map showing the location of a piracy attack off Somalia

US Buys Out Offshore Wind Projects in $900m Deals

The Trump administration has reached agreements with two more energy firms to exit their offshore wind projects, with nearly $900 million being paid out.

An offshore wind farm against a blue sky

Containership Refloated After Bosphorus Grounding

Turkey’s Directorate General of Coastal Safety (KEGM) confirmed on April 28 that the grounded containership Kappa had been successfully refloated.

The Bosphorus Strait in Turkey

Sapphire Princess Diverts After Bodies Found at Sea

Sapphire Princess was forced to alter its route during a Mediterranean voyage after a watch developed into a serious incident for those onboard.

The bow of a Princess cruise ship showing the Princess logo

Drone Strikes Hit Odesa Port and Damage Infrastructure

Reports say Russian drones targeted infrastructure at Ukraine’s Port of Odesa on the Black Sea, causing damage and igniting a fire in a vessel.

The Port of Odesa, Ukraine

US Forces Board Iran-Linked Tanker Tifani in Indian Ocean

U.S. forces boarded a tanker while it was sailing through the Indian Ocean on April 21. The operation was completed without any reported issues.

The flag of Iran