Author: Ruth M
The Panama Canal, one of the most vital maritime trade routes in the world, has celebrated its 111th anniversary, marking more than a century since its official inauguration on August 15, 1914. The historic waterway was opened to traffic with the passage of the SS Ancon, an event that transformed global shipping by providing a faster and safer route between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Since that first transit, the canal has served as a cornerstone of international trade, facilitating over one million vessel passages and handling close to six percent of global commerce. More than 140 maritime routes across…
Dammam, Saudi Arabia – August 18, 2025 Ocean Network Express (ONE) has introduced a new intermodal “Door Delivery” service in Saudi Arabia, marking a significant expansion of its logistics portfolio in the Middle East. The initiative reflects the carrier’s broader strategy of offering integrated supply chain solutions while supporting Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a leading logistics hub under Vision 2030. Comprehensive End-to-End Connectivity The service will operate from the Port of Dammam, Saudi Arabia’s primary container gateway on the Arabian Gulf, and provide direct inland connections to Neom, Jeddah, Riyadh, and Jubail. ONE confirmed that deliveries will be completed…
The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) acted promptly following a report on August 12, 2025, that an unmanned vessel—described as a “ghost ship”—was drifting toward the Semangkok A offshore oil platform near Terengganu. Detection and Immediate Action An alert from the oil platform reached MMEA’s Maritime Rescue Sub Centre in Kuantan at around 4:45 p.m. The ghost ship was visible approximately four nautical miles from the rig, prompting concern over a potential collision hazard. In response, Malaysia’s Special Task and Rescue (STAR) team was mobilized. The team boarded the vessel at approximately 6:58 p.m., secured it with a towline, and…
A fire broke out onboard the Maersk ultra-large containership Marie Maersk on August 13, 2025, while it was sailing off the coast of Liberia. The vessel, en route from Rotterdam, Netherlands to Tanjung Pelepas, Malaysia, detected smoke emanating from containers on deck during the morning hours. The crew acted immediately, initiating firefighting procedures and activating both fixed and portable suppression systems. All crew members were reported safe, and no injuries occurred. Emergency Response and Containment Efforts By the evening of August 13, two tugboats equipped with firefighting gear—Captain Cat and Med Rigel—had arrived to assist with onboard efforts. The Marie…
Australia’s cutting-edge icebreaker, RSV Nuyina, is preparing for two major scientific voyages to the remote Heard Island and McDonald Islands (HIMI), marking the first visits to these territories in more than two decades. The expeditions are expected to provide crucial insights into fragile ecosystems, climate change, and potential wildlife health risks. Two Voyages Planned for 2025 The Australian Antarctic Program has confirmed that the first voyage will take place in September 2025 and last for around 10 days. A multidisciplinary science team including ecologists, glaciologists, and geospatial experts will participate. Their work will include seabird and seal surveys, glacial mapping,…
Liberia and Sri Lanka have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening maritime cooperation following high-level discussions at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London. The meeting, held between Liberia’s Permanent Representative to the IMO, Robert Wilmot Kpadeh, and Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom and Permanent Representative to the IMO, Nimal Senadheera, marked a significant step in building stronger bilateral ties in the maritime domain. According to statements shared by the Liberia Permanent Mission to the IMO and reported by Maritimafrica on 14 August 2025, both delegations expressed a shared determination to enhance collaboration in key areas such as maritime…
ST. CLAIR COUNTY, Mich., August 14, 2025 — Federal prosecutors today announced that Mel Stackpoole, 62, former owner and lead instructor of Great Lakes Charter Training, has pleaded guilty to a felony charge of falsifying records intended for the U.S. Coast Guard. According to court documents, Stackpoole admits that in August 2020, he delivered fewer than the required 80 hours of classroom instruction for the Master 100 Ton Captain’s Course—providing under 50 hours instead—yet falsely certified that students had completed the full program. Investigators found that Stackpoole went further, instructing students to misrepresent their sea service, medical history, and drug…
New York, August 12, 2025 — New York City has officially launched its first hybrid-electric public ferry, marking a historic step in the city’s push toward sustainable maritime transport. The Harbor Charger made its maiden voyage from Lower Manhattan to Governors Island on Tuesday, showcasing advanced technology designed to cut carbon emissions and improve passenger experience. Built at a cost of $33 million, the 1,200-passenger, 30-vehicle vessel is equipped with 122 lithium-ion batteries, allowing it to operate for about 2.5 hours on electric power alone. When battery levels drop, the system automatically switches to diesel power, ensuring uninterrupted service. City…
Vaasa, Finland / Umeå, Sweden – August 14, 2025 — The maritime link between Vaasa and Umeå is advancing towards recognition as one of the world’s first pilot international green shipping corridors, following years of cross-border cooperation and investment in sustainable shipping technologies. While the corridor is not yet fully operational, stakeholders are laying the groundwork for a climate-neutral route by 2030. Building the Green Corridor The project formally began in October 2023 when the City of Vaasa, Umeå municipality, Umeå Hamn AB, Umeå Kommunföretag AB, ferry operator Wasaline, and port operator Kvarken Ports signed a Memorandum of Understanding to…
Los Angeles, August 13, 2025 — The Port of Los Angeles, the nation’s single busiest seaport, posted a historic milestone in July 2025: handling 1,019,837 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs)—more than any other month in its 117-year history and an 8.5% increase compared to July 2024. Behind the Numbers What Sparked the Surge? Port officials attribute the unprecedented volume spike to importers and manufacturers frontloading cargo ahead of looming tariff hikes later in the year. Port Executive Director Gene Seroka remarked that terminals were “jam-packed with ships loaded with cargo, processed without any delay,” praising the efficiency of longshore workers, terminal…