News

The Singapore Registry of Ships (SRS), under the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, is a major player in the global ship registry realm, boasting a fleet of around 4,000 vessels with over 100 million gross tonnage. The SRS is known for its youthful and high-quality fleet, and the recent addition of the Eagle Veracruz, a cutting-edge LNG VLCC, exemplifies its commitment to innovation and sustainability. With a focus on energy-efficient design and future-ready technology, the SRS is setting the stage for a greener, digitally-driven maritime industry.

Diana Shipping has sealed a deal to offload its oldest vessel, the 18-year-old panamax bulk carrier Artemis, for $12.99 million to an undisclosed buyer. The sale, scheduled for completion by March 8, will trim the Greek shipowner’s fleet to 39 dry bulk vessels. This includes four Newcastlemax, nine Capesize, five Post-Panamax, six Kamsarmax, six Panamax, and nine Ultramax ships.

Yankee Freedom, based in Key West, Fla., has commissioned Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding to construct a new 300-passenger, high-speed catamaran for service between Key West and the Dry Tortugas National Park. This vessel will replace the Yankee Freedom III, offering improved accommodations, including seating for 130 passengers, a snack bar, and an audio/visual passenger information center. The new catamaran aims to maintain the strong brand presence established by the company with tourists visiting the national park.

After a fatal accident prompted an investigation, Hanwha Ocean has resumed production at its South Korean shipyard following receipt of an official document from the Ministry of Employment and Labor, marking the first fatal accident since its acquisition of Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering in 2023. The company has pledged to keep the workshop closed until the accident’s cause is determined and preventative measures are implemented, while unionized workers are urging authorities to arrest the managing executive.

Van Oord, contracted by FSRU Wilhelmshaven, is responsible for constructing a Floating Storage and Regasification Unit jetty at Wilhelmshaven, Germany. The project aims to enhance Germany’s energy security by filling the supply gap. With expertise in dredging, infrastructure, and offshore energy, Van Oord is committed to completing the project within a challenging timeline. The jetty’s foundation will consist of 10 monopiles, aided by a trailing suction hopper dredger for dredging purposes.

Belgium has once again seen a surge in cocaine seizures smuggled through its ports in 2023, solidifying its position as the epicenter of the illicit trade from Central and South America. Officials from Belgium and the Netherlands convened in the port of Flushing to showcase their anti-smuggling efforts, emphasizing the need for enhanced collaboration to combat organized crime. Minister Vince Van Peteghem reported a over a five percent increase in cocaine seizures in Antwerp, with an additional five tonnes seized in Zeebrugge. Notably, Colombia, Ecuador, and Panama were identified as the primary sources of the smuggling operations in 2023. The European Union is urging Belgium, the Netherlands, and Spain to intensify efforts to combat drug trafficking through their ports.