Training Targets Lack of Legal Clarity Around Right to Life at Sea
A BlueRights training program held at the IMO International Maritime Law Institute in Malta has highlighted one of the most pressing challenges in international law: how to protect people at sea using the existing law of the sea, and maritime and human rights law when legal responsibilities are complex, fragmented and unclear.The two-day training, delivered in May, gave participants a practical understanding of the difficulties involved in using international law to safeguard…
Trygve Nøkleby Receives 20th WISTA Norway Leadership Award
WISTA Norway has named Trygve Nøkleby, Managing Director of the Bergen Shipowners Association, the recipient of the 20th annual WISTA Norway Leadership Award, presented at the Bergen International Shipping Conference on June 10.With the honor, Nøkleby becomes only the second man ever to receive the award which recognizes an individual who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, inspired others, and made a significant contribution to the maritime industry.As Managing Director of the Bergen Shipowners Association…
US Merchant Marine Academy Names US Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll as Commencement Speaker
The United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) announced that U.S. Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll will deliver the 90th commencement address at USMMA for the Class of 2026 on Monday, June 22.“We are excited to welcome Secretary Driscoll to Kings Point. His distinguished service and leadership are particularly meaningful for the Class of 2026 as they prepare to sail on their license and commission into military service during challenging times in the world,” said USMMA Superintendent Rear Admiral Anthony Ceraolo.
Fatigue is Maritime’s Inconvenient Truth
Adam Parnell, Director (Maritime) of voluntary near-miss reporting scheme CHIRP Maritime, says fatigue is the maritime industry’s inconvenient truth.In recent months, CHIRP has received a number of reports in which fatigue was a factor, so Parnell has prepared a special report. “This may be one of the most important documents we have ever published, as the sheer volume of reports we are receiving suggests fatigue may be widespread. In some cases, fatigue was experienced even though…
Massachusetts Maritime Academy Team Wins Electric Propulsion Competition
Massachusetts Maritime Academy (MMA), a public university with undergraduate degree programs focusing on science, engineering, technology, math, and business that blend academics and experiential learning announced that its Energy Systems Engineering (ESE) team won first place in the recent national 2026 Promoting Electric Propulsion (PEP) Workforce Development Competition. This marks the Academy’s first year participating in the event, one that draws more than 45 universities and 350 engineering students annually.The three-member team of cadets Knox Ackerman (of Mendon…
Lack of Familiarity with New Control System Led to Grounding
The New Zealand Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) has released its report into the grounding of the passenger and freight ferry, Aratere, in Titoki Bay, Picton, on June 21, 2024.The KiwiRail’s Interislander ferry grounded after an unintended turn towards the shoreline while on autopilot. Shortly after departure from Picton, the ship’s pilot engaged the autopilot and pressed the ‘execute’ button expecting the steering system to make a programmed three-degree right turn.
Multraship Launches Simulator, Training Center With Wärtsilä Technology
Novatug, the innovation and R&D department of Multraship Towage & Salvage, has launched a brand new advanced simulator and training center using technology from Wärtsilä to promote safer operations and strengthen the preparedness and effectiveness of its crew for complex towage, vessel handling and specialist maritime operations.The new simulator suite, which is based at the group’s headquarters in Terneuzen in the Netherlands, enables masters, towmasters and crews to train in realistic operational scenarios…
Lloyd’s Register Announces Nigerian Future Navigators Schools Program Pilot
Lloyd’s Register (LR) is launching its Future Navigators Schools Programme pilot in Lagos, Nigeria, aimed at inspiring young people to explore maritime and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) careers through in-person interactive workshops and a bespoke mobile game. The pilot program engaged students more than 270 young people, aged 14–16 across three schools in Lagos, combining in-person learning with digital tools designed to make maritime and STEM subjects more accessible, relevant and engaging for younger audiences.
Meyer Turku Donates Money for Professorship at Aalto University
Meyer Turku is investing in shipbuilders of the future by donating EUR 800,000 ($930,000) to Aalto University. With the donation, Aalto will establish a five-year Professor of Practice to accelerate developments in marine technology and secure expertise in the field in Finland.Aalto University’s new Professor of Practice in Interdisciplinary Naval Architecture will combine marine technology and engineering with economics, finance, contract law, as well as architecture and design. The aim is to develop shipbuilding holistically and strengthen collaboration between research and industry.
US Coast Guard Awards Contract for Construction of Training Facilities in Yorktown
The U.S. Coast Guard has awarded a $17.8 million contract to Ocean Construction Services Inc. for the construction of new engineering and weapons training facilities at Training Center (TRACEN) Yorktown, Virginia.The project is a critical step in preparing Coast Guard personnel to operate the service’s next generation of Offshore Patrol Cutters (OPCs) and Waterways Commerce Cutters (WCCs).The project will add 18,700 square feet of building space to Samuel Travis Hall, the training center’s Cutter and Weapons Training Building.
INTERCARGO Issues First Dry Bulk Ship-to-Ship Transfer Standard
INTERCARGO has published the first dedicated ship-to-ship (STS) transfer guidelines for dry bulk carriers, as such operations expand into new trading regions and offshore locations with limited port infrastructure.The ‘Ship to Ship Transfer Guidelines for Bulk Carriers’ establishes a framework for dry bulk STS operations, covering planning, risk assessment, maneuvering, fendering, cargo handling and emergency response procedures.STS transfers are increasingly used in dry bulk shipping where ports cannot accommodate vessel size…
Watch: Kitada Explains Gender Mainstreaming
The IMO and World Maritime University (WMU) have released a new Handbook on Gender Mainstreaming in the Maritime Sector, calling for action to address persistent gender inequality across the global maritime industry.The handbook, authored by WMU Professor Momoko Kitada, was launched on the International Day for Women in Maritime on May 18. Kitada is also the recipient of the 2026 IMO Gender Equality Award. The publication is the first of its kind, aimed at closing the gender gap in the maritime sector…
Professor Momoko Kitada Receives IMO Gender Equality Award
Japanese maritime academic and former seafarer Professor Momoko Kitada has been awarded the International Maritime Organization’s Gender Equality Award 2026. The award was presented by IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez during a ceremony held at IMO Headquarters in London (May 18) to mark International Day for Women in Maritime. The recipient of the Gender Equality Award is selected each year by a high-level panel and endorsed by the IMO Council, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to advancing gender equality and the empowerment of women in the maritime sector.
