On July 9th, a fire erupted aboard the cargo vessel LCT Lily Princess while docked at Sorcom Private Port in the Philippines. The fire started in the galley and quickly spread, prompting immediate response from the Philippine Coast Guard, fire authorities, and other agencies. All crew members were safely evacuated, though one sustained a minor injury and was hospitalized. The fire was eventually contained, and authorities are conducting an investigation to determine its cause.

Date: 12-07-2025

The Singapore-flagged MV Wan Hai 503 remains adrift off Kerala, approximately 42 nautical miles from Beypore, carrying hazardous cargo and 2,128 MT of fuel, posing environmental risks. After explosions northwest of Kochi, the crew abandoned ship; 18 of 22 crew members were rescued, with four missing. Indian Coast Guard has largely contained the fire, though inner decks continue burning, and salvage efforts are challenged by rough seas. Support includes fire-fighting vessels and aircraft, with ongoing monitoring of the vessel’s condition. The cause of the explosions and cargo details remain undisclosed.

Date: 12-06-2025

On May 25, the MSC Elsa 3 sank off Kerala, India, after a ballast system failure caused a 26-degree starboard tilt and total power loss. All 24 crew members were rescued safely. The ship was carrying 640 containers, including hazardous materials like calcium carbide, with over 100 containers drifting away—many washing ashore and posing environmental risks. A U.S.-based salvage team is on site conducting cleanup and recovery efforts. The Kerala government declared the wreck a “state-specific disaster” due to environmental and socio-economic concerns, but officials have committed to recovering the vessel and containers. The incident highlights the importance of vessel system integrity and crew preparedness.

Date: 06-06-2025

Ocean shipping rates from Asia to Europe have surged sharply due to congestion at major ports, which is disrupting schedules and reducing capacity. Additionally, carriers are redeploying vessels from Asia-Europe routes to meet rising demand on trans-Pacific routes, decreasing available ships for Europe-bound cargo. This capacity shift, combined with port delays and increased demand, is driving rates higher and creating a volatile market, emphasizing the need for shippers to plan and secure capacity proactively.

Date: 02-06-2025

Denmark has launched the world's first experiment with remotely controlled, captainless vessels navigating coastal waters. This 18-month trial, conducted by DanPilot and Danelec, involves up to 50 operations in the Kattegat and western Baltic Sea, using live data to enable onshore pilots to steer ships. The initiative aims to improve safety, efficiency, and environmental impact, with potential to revolutionize global maritime navigation if successful.

Date: 19-05-2025

The Suez Canal Authority is ramping up marketing efforts and offering financial incentives to attract ships back to the route after a challenging 2024. The canal, a vital source of Egypt's revenue, saw its income drop significantly in 2024, earning just over $880 million in Q4 compared to $2.4 billion the previous year, and totaling around $4 billion for the year—down nearly two-thirds from the record $10.3 billion in 2023.

Date: 13-05-2025