The Quan Tum in years before the grounding (Vivian Arape / VesselFinder)

Two Teenagers Missing After Swimming Out to Play on Shipwreck

Improperly Secured Lithium-ion Battery Cargo Caused Cargo Ship Fire

Published Dec 18, 2025 5:41 PM by The Maritime Executive

Two years after a cargo ship crossing the northern Pacific experienced two cargo hold fires, the National Transportation Safety Board issued a report finding that when the vessel encountered heavy weather, improperly secured cargo caused the fires in each hold of the ship. They warn about the unique challenges of handling lithium-ion batteries and the need to properly secure cargo following the manuals and instructions. The fires began on December 25, 2023, aboard the Genius Star XI, while the vessel...

Singapore to Jail and Cane Tug Crewmember for Aiding Human Smuggling

Published Dec 18, 2025 3:54 PM by The Maritime Executive

Singapore’s State Court handed down the punishment for a young Indonesian man who was accused of aiding in smuggling individuals illegally into the country while he had been working on a tugboat. The court ordered Febry Iswanto, age 23, to spend eight months in jail and to be caned, receiving three strokes for his role in the operation. The Singapore Port Police conducted an operation at the Pulau Punggol Aggregate Terminal and arrested Ferby Iswanto and seven other foreign crewmembers...

Second Seafarer Arrested in Ferry Malware Case

Published Dec 18, 2025 3:29 PM by The Maritime Executive

Italian police have arrested a second Latvian suspect in connection with an attempted malware attack aboard a Mediterranean ferry, expanding the international scope of the investigation. The inquiry started when vessel operator GNV discovered the installation of a Remote Access Trojan (RAT) on certain IT systems aboard the ferry Fantastic, and "neutralized" it "without consequences." On the vessel's arrival at the French port of Sete, France's secret police force boarded the ship and detained two crewmembers, one Latvian and one...

EU Sanctions 41 Shadow Fleet Vessels and Plans Monthly Additions

Published Dec 18, 2025 2:17 PM by The Maritime Executive

The European Union added 41 more shadow fleet vessels, including tankers and bulkers, to its sanctions list on December 18, noting that it is “putting more pressure on Moscow and generating more support for Kyiv.” Today’s effort was the first after the EU minister’s decision not to wait for large sanction packages but instead to review the situation on a monthly basis. “Russia’s shadow fleet remains its cash lifeline, and we are cutting it,” declared Kaja Kallas, Vice-President of the...

Shipping

Construction Order Placed for First Autonomous, Wind-Powered Cargo Ship

A California-based startup called Clippership, working with a team of established leaders in the maritime community, reports it has completed designs classed by RINA for its first vessel, a wind-powered cargo ship designed for autonomous operations. The first vessel is seen as a demonstration of the company’s unique concept targeting small shippers. Naval architecture for the new vessel was carried out by Dykstra Naval Architects, renowned for innovative sailing vessels, while American naval architecture and marine engineering firm Glosten completed...

Tugs & Salvage

The derelict freighter just off Puerto Montt (Ruben Vega / VesselFinder)

Aging Freighter Sinks at Anchor in Puerto Montt

A derelict freighter has partially sunk at anchor in Puerto Montt, Chile, creating a risk of possible diesel pollution in a pristine region. According to local media, the freighter Fusion took on a list at her permanent anchorage in a sheltered bay at Puerto Montt, and on Saturday she was found partially submerged. (Local outlet Soy Chile suggests the vessel was aground on a soft bottom, and listed during an unusually high tide.) The ship is less than 100 feet...

Government

Second Seafarer Arrested in Ferry Malware Case

Corporate News

Anemoi Marine Technologies Appoints Andrew Starforth as Program Director

[By: Anemoi Marine Technologies] Anemoi Marine Technologies is pleased to announce the appointment of Andrew Starforth as its new Programme Director, strengthening the company’s delivery capability as it continues to scale its wind-assisted propulsion solutions for the global maritime sector. Andrew brings over 25 years of engineering and programme leadership experience, including eight years in senior roles within China’s marine technology industry. His background spans complex, multi-disciplinary programme delivery, international team leadership and the successful establishment and growth of engineering...

Cruise Ships

Op-Ed: LNG Has Matured Into a Proven Solution for the Cruise Industry

[By Maikel Arts] As the cruise industry embraces LNG, the focus has shifted from proving feasibility to tackling methane slip. New engine technology, independent validation, and how the cruise sector is operating high-profile vessels such as MSC’s World Europa, Princess Cruises’ Princess Sun and Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas are showing how LNG is maturing into a credible, scalable fuel solution for passenger shipping. All of these ships use the latest advanced Wärtsilä engines, demonstrating how technology and operational...

Ports

Port of NY/NJ Reaches Landmark Agreement Extending Maher Terminals Lease

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced a new agreement that it is calling a landmark as it prepares for the long-term future growth of the port, which is the largest on the U.S. East Coast. It directly supports the Port Authority’s Port Master Plan 2050, which forecasts cargo volumes doubling or tripling by mid-century. The Port Authority Board of Commissioners voted to approve a 33-year lease extension at Maher Terminals, the largest and busiest container terminal...

Shipping

Construction Order Placed for First Autonomous, Wind-Powered Cargo Ship

Tugs & Salvage

Aging Freighter Sinks at Anchor in Puerto Montt

Government

Second Seafarer Arrested in Ferry Malware Case

Corporate News

Anemoi Marine Technologies Appoints Andrew Starforth as Program Director

Cruise Ships

Op-Ed: LNG Has Matured Into a Proven Solution for the Cruise Industry

Ports

Port of NY/NJ Reaches Landmark Agreement Extending Maher Terminals Lease

Offshore

Court Denies Motion for Injunction of BOEM’s Review of Maryland COP

A federal court judge in Maryland has denied a request by offshore wind developer US Wind for a preliminary injunction against the federal government in its ongoing fight to save its planned offshore wind project off Ocean City, Maryland. It is the latest twist in the ongoing court battle over Maryland’s first offshore wind project and the broader battle against the Trump administration’s efforts to derail the industry and revoke existing permits. US Wind, which is a partnership between investment...

Shipbuilding

Austal Defense Finalized $680M First Government Contract

Austal announced on Thursday, December 18, that the contract for the Australian Army’s new Landing Craft Medium has been officially awarded, valued at over A$1 billion (US$680 million). The LCM, along with the planned Landing Craft Heavy assignment, is the cornerstone of the expansion of shipbuilding in Western Australia and the company’s selection as strategic shipbuilder for Australia. The LCM Design and Build Tasking statement contract announced today appoints Austal subsidiary, Austal Defence Shipbuilding Australia, to complete the detailed design...

Environment

Norway Grants Over $120M for Hydrogen and Ammonia Ships and Bunkering

Norway announced a new round of financing grants valued at more than $120 million as it continues to support the conversion to zero—emissions fuels in shipping and other segments. Providing the support through Enova, a state enterprise owned by the Ministry of Climate and Environment, Norway seeks to build new industry and develop leadership in the new segments of the economy while reaching its goals for decarbonization. The new round focuses on seven ships, which it views as pioneers in...

Business

Shaping Class for the Future

This has been a significant year for ClassNK and for Hayato Suga, who stepped up to the role of President & CEO in March. Drawing on 40 years of ClassNK experience, the new CEO suggests shipping needs additional support from classification societies at a time when "boundaries between industries are becoming increasingly blurred due to environmental challenges and digital transformation." "It is our responsibility to work with customers to provide certification and related services in a timely manner that meet...

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Two Teenagers Missing After Swimming Out to Play on Shipwreck

Improperly Secured Lithium-ion Battery Cargo Caused Cargo Ship Fire

Singapore to Jail and Cane Tug Crewmember for Aiding Human Smuggling

Second Seafarer Arrested in Ferry Malware Case

EU Sanctions 41 Shadow Fleet Vessels and Plans Monthly Additions

Construction Order Placed for First Autonomous, Wind-Powered Cargo Ship

Aging Freighter Sinks at Anchor in Puerto Montt

Second Seafarer Arrested in Ferry Malware Case

Anemoi Marine Technologies Appoints Andrew Starforth as Program Director

Op-Ed: LNG Has Matured Into a Proven Solution for the Cruise Industry

Port of NY/NJ Reaches Landmark Agreement Extending Maher Terminals Lease

California Protects Blue Whales and Blue Skies With Historic State Law

One Event. World Of Maritime. This February, Copenhagen is the Place to Be

Drew Marine Insights Tour: Connecting Expertise with Shipboard Challenges

Construction Order Placed for First Autonomous, Wind-Powered Cargo Ship

Aging Freighter Sinks at Anchor in Puerto Montt

Second Seafarer Arrested in Ferry Malware Case

Anemoi Marine Technologies Appoints Andrew Starforth as Program Director

Op-Ed: LNG Has Matured Into a Proven Solution for the Cruise Industry

Port of NY/NJ Reaches Landmark Agreement Extending Maher Terminals Lease

Court Denies Motion for Injunction of BOEM’s Review of Maryland COP

Austal Defense Finalized $680M First Government Contract

Norway Grants Over $120M for Hydrogen and Ammonia Ships and Bunkering

Shaping Class for the Future

Maritime Industry Conferences and Events

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