Oil Sheen Closes Kiel Canal Lock for Hours
The northern lock of the Kiel Canal was shut down for approximately six hours on May 18 after an oil sheen was discovered inside one of the lock chambers.
Shipping
Europol Targets Atlantic ‘Cocaine Highway’
European law enforcement agencies say they've disrupted a major drug trafficking route across the Atlantic known as the “Cocaine Highway."
Merchant Ships Hit in Russian Drone Attack at Odessa
Two commercial vessels, including a Chinese-owned ship, were struck by Russian drones while approaching ports in Ukraine’s Odessa region on Monday, May 18
Panama Canal Delay Worries Grow Ahead of June Maintenance
Congestion at the Panama Canal is increasing as authorities prepare for maintenance work next month that is expected to temporarily reduce transit capacity.
Second Crew Member Detained by Sweden on Sea Owl 1
A second crew member has been detained as Swedish authorities continue investigating the tanker Sea Owl 1, which remains under detention in Sweden.
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.
Mission to Seafarers Launches Shore Happiness Index
Mission to Seafarers is introducing a new Shorebased Happiness Index, designed to assess the wellbeing of maritime professionals working ashore.
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.
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.
SINAY Acquires MariTrace to Expand Maritime Data Platform
The consolidation of vessel tracking companies is continuing, with UK-based MariTrace now acquired by French ocean data intelligence firm SINAY.
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.
Freighter Stoer Hits Pier on River Elbe, Captain Injured
Inland cargo vessel strikes pier on Germany’s River Elbe on April 17. One person was injured and no pollution was reported following the incident.
Nicaragua, Equatorial Guinea & Rise in Shadow Shipping
Windward has identified Nicaragua and Equatorial Guinea as newly emerging ship registries that are beginning to take on shadow fleet tonnage.
India Launches Maritime Insurance Pool for P&I Cover
India is taking steps to develop its own protection and indemnity (P&I) framework through the creation of the Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool.
Search Underway After U.S. Cargo Vessel Missing in Pacific
U.S. Coast Guard reports a US-flagged cargo ship went missing in the western Pacific after being caught in Typhoon Sinlaku on Wednesday, 15 April.
IMO Approves New Ship Registration Transparency Rules
The IMO has introduced new guidance intended to increase transparency in ship registration and address the rising misuse of vessel flags.
Wilhelmsen Launches Cyclus Marine for Vessel Lifecycle
Wilhelmsen Ship Management has introduced a new company, Cyclus Marine, focused on managing the full lifecycle of vessels from build to recycling.
MSC Eyes Cruise Ships to Evacuate Seafarers in Gulf
MSC Cruises proposes using ships currently stranded in the Persian Gulf to evacuate thousands of seafarers who remain onboard commercial vessels.
Alliance Launches Framework to Tackle Misconduct at Sea
All-Aboard Alliance, companies and organizations focused on improving seafarer life, introduces initiative to address unwanted sexual behavior.
Malaysia Detains Tankers Over Suspected Fuel Smuggling
Malaysian authorities detained two tankers on April 11 forr suspected involvement in illegal ship-to-ship fuel transfers. All 22 crew were arrested.