Assembly work for China’s second large domestically-built cruise ship commenced on April 20 at the Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding yard. Scheduled for completion by the end of 2026, the ship's construction aims to streamline efficiency by 20% compared to its predecessor, the Adora Magic City. This project marks China State Shipbuilding Corporation's (CSSC) continued advancement in cruise ship construction, following the success of the first domestically-built vessel, Adora Magic City, which entered service in January 2024. CSSC, in collaboration with Fincantieri, is enhancing the design and technology of the new cruise ship, expanding its length to 1,119 feet and accommodating 2,144 staterooms. The vessel will feature advanced environmental protection systems and desulfurization technology. The endeavor underscores China's ambition to compete with established European shipbuilders in the cruise industry. Adora Cruises, formerly a joint venture with Carnival Corporation, now operates independently, symbolizing China's growing presence in the global cruise market.  

In a recent maritime incident off the eastern coast of Sicily, a collision occurred involving two vessels, notably the Peter Doehle-managed containership EF Olivia and the Turkish-owned general cargo ship, Hayriye Ana.The EF Olivia, weighing 42,200 deadweight tons (dwt), was en route to the Italian port of Augusta. Constructed in 2006 and currently registered in Portugal, the vessel suffered a midships hull breach at or below the waterline. Conversely, the Hayriye Ana, an 8,300 dwt vessel registered in Liberia, was voyaging from Istanbul to A Coruna, Spain.   Collisione in mare a 14mn da #CapoPassero tra un cargo liberiano e una portacontainer portoghese. La #GuardiaCostiera ha inviato mezzi navali, un elicottero e un Atr42 per intervenire in caso di soccorso e monitoraggio ambientale. Le 2 unità navigano ora verso le coste siciliane. pic.twitter.com/23vfI18Xd7 — Guardia Costiera (@guardiacostiera) April 22, 2024 Following the collision, the Italian Coast Guard, or Guardia Costiera, swiftly dispatched a helicopter, airplane, and vessel to the area, commencing monitoring operations. Despite the incident, no pollution has been reported thus far. The circumstances surrounding the collision remain under investigation, with the extent of damages and potential implications for maritime safety subject to ongoing assessment.  

Turkey’s Ciner Shipping has expanded its bulk carrier orderbook with four kamsarmaxes, adding to its fleet of 24 vessels. The Istanbul-based company has inked a deal for 82,000 dwt scrubber-equipped units at Hengli Shipbuilding in Dalian. Deliveries are slated to commence from March 2027, with sources estimating a price tag of approximately $38 million per vessel. This move follows Ciner's recent order of ultramax vessels at New Dayang Shipyard, each priced at close to $34 million. With these additions, Ciner now has a total of 26 bulker newbuilding projects underway in China. The expansion of their fleet underscores Ciner's commitment to strengthening its presence in the global shipping market, particularly in the bulk carrier segment.  

A high-speed ferry, the Isola di Procida, encountered an incident upon arrival in Naples, resulting in multiple injuries among passengers. Initial reports indicated 44 passengers injured, with 29 hospitalized. One passenger, initially critical, was later upgraded to stable condition.Caremar, the shipping company, activated emergency protocols, with Italian authorities still assessing hundreds of passengers onboard. Investigations and interviews are underway. Departing from Capri, the Isola di Procida, a 1,900-ton ferry built in 1990, typically accommodates 620 passengers and 45 cars for its one-hour trip to Naples. Passengers reported windy conditions and waves up to 6.5 feet, attributing the incident to strong gusts while maneuvering into the dock. Over 100 healthcare personnel responded to treat injured passengers, amidst reports of challenging docking conditions due to strong winds. The vessel sustained damage, prompting an investigation by the Port of Naples Authority and the Coast Guard, focusing on possible mechanical failure, human error, or adverse weather conditions during docking.  

Ontario Shipyards, formerly known as Heddle Shipyards, has announced the closure of its Thunder Bay facility due to workforce shortages and sluggish market conditions. The decision follows the company's acquisition of Fabmar Metals in 2021 and its involvement in constructing blocks for Canada's Polar Icebreaker program under the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS). Delays at Seaspan prompted the Canadian government to reopen bidding for the project, resulting in Quebec's Davie Shipyards securing a portion of the contract. Although the impact on Ontario Shipyards remains uncertain, the Thunder Bay site has been temporarily mothballed, with 15 workers laid off. However, the company's operations in Port Weller and Hamilton, Ontario, continue unaffected, with ongoing investments in equipment and workforce training. Ontario Shipyards remains poised to resume operations at Thunder Bay pending market conditions.    

Hanwha Ocean Co., the world's third-largest shipbuilder based on order backlog, announced on Wednesday its acquisition of a 176.4 billion-won (US$127 million) contract to construct a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carrier for an undisclosed American-based shipper.The vessels will be constructed at Hanwha Ocean's shipyard in Geoje, situated on the south coast of South Korea, with delivery slated for the first quarter of 2027, according to a regulatory filing by the company.  Throughout the current year, Hanwha Ocean has amassed orders totaling $3.39 billion, comprising the construction of 12 liquefied natural gas carriers, two very large crude carriers, two ammonia carriers, and one LPG carrier. This surpasses its $4.1 billion order intake for the entirety of 2023.Hanwha Ocean, formerly known as Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co., transitioned into its current entity as the shipbuilding arm of the Hanwha Group conglomerate in May of the preceding year.  

A UK based leading Marine insurance and transit claim consultant has reported that the Chemical/Products Tanker, KEOYOUNG PIONEER, ran aground on reefs northwest of Kuchinoshima Island, Japan, on April 16, 2024. The vessel, built in 2006, sustained damage to its hull and is reportedly leaking fuel as a result of the grounding. The KEOYOUNG PIONEER, a South Korean flagged chemical tanker, is classified under the Chemical/Small 1 segment with an IMO number of 9355020, MMSI number 441656000, and callsign D7TI. The vessel has a summer deadweight of 3970 tonnes and was en route from Kemen, China, to Nagoya, Japan, when the incident occurred. Authorities are likely investigating the cause of the grounding and the extent of the damage. It is not yet known if there were any injuries or if the leak poses a significant environmental threat. This is a developing story, and further information will be reported as it becomes available.

On Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at approximately 7:30 p.m. local time, the Tanzanian-flagged livestock carrier DEALA became stranded at the entrance to Raša port in Croatia, as disclosed by the Ministry of the Sea, Transport, and Infrastructure. The vessel, carrying 15 crew members of Egyptian nationality, remained unharmed during the incident, with no indications of sea pollution observed. Prompted by strong winds and apprehensions regarding the vessel's potential grounding, the Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC) received a distress call from a tugboat shortly after 7 p.m. The Port Authority of Pula relayed information to the MRCC regarding the tugboat's dispatch from Raša to assist the vessel. Subsequently, the DEALA ran aground at approximately 7:30 p.m., situated approximately 40 meters from the shoreline and at a depth ranging between 2 and 5 meters. Tugboats have been positioned near the vessel since the onset of the incident, with salvage operations contingent upon weather conditions, as indicated by the ministry.

On the afternoon of April 15th, the cruise vessel Celestyal Journey experienced an incident while endeavoring to dock at the port located in the Kuşadası district of Aydın, Turkey. Regrettably, during the maneuvering process towards the Aegean Port, the vessel was unable to arrest its forward motion, resulting in a collision with the pier. This collision inflicted minor damage upon both the ship and the pier structure. The occurrence was documented by witnesses who captured the moment of impact using their mobile devices. Fortunately, there were no reports of significant injuries stemming from the incident.

Image Credits: Chakranews.id A fire broke out onboard the Tanzania-flagged freighter, LAYAR ANGGUN 8 (LA8), in Singapore territorial waters off Pedra Branca, prompting action from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA). The incident, reported to MPA on April 16 at 12:50 pm local time, involved a cargo vessel measuring 72 meters in length overall (LOA) and 10 meters in width. All 12 crew members have been successfully rescued onto a Singapore Police Coast Guard craft and are currently en route to Singapore for further assistance. Responding to the emergency, a firefighting vessel from the Singapore Civil Defence Force and MPA patrol craft, alongside tugs, are en route to provide support and contain the situation. Fortunately, no pollution has been sighted, and there is no immediate risk to navigational safety. However, as a precautionary measure, MPA is issuing regular navigational broadcasts to advise passing vessels to steer clear of the vicinity of LA8.

Atlantska Plovidba, a Croatian bulker owner and operator, has expanded its orderbook in China by adding another ultramax newbuild. The Dubrovnik-based company, primarily owned by compatriot Tankerska Plovidba from Zadar, exercised an option at Jiangsu Hantong Ship Heavy Industry for an additional vessel, following a $65 million deal for two 63,500 deadweight tonnage (dwt) bulkers earlier this year. Atlantska is investing approximately $32.5 million for the latest newbuild, designed to comply with IMO Tier III and EEDI Phase 3 requirements, with delivery scheduled for 2027. The first two ultramaxes are set to be delivered in 2026. Currently managing a fleet of 11 bulkers, Atlantska also placed an order for four kamsarmaxes at Jiangsu Hantong in 2021.

China’s Seacon Shipping has returned to Fujian Southeast Shipbuilding for additional tanker acquisitions. The Hong Kong-listed company has augmented its fleet with two 18,500 deadweight tonnage (dwt) chemical/product carriers, adding to the four vessels already secured earlier this year. This latest deal amounts to a total investment of $129.2 million. Each newly ordered vessel comes at a price of $32.3 million, with delivery scheduled for December 2025 and March 2026. Seacon, headquartered in Qingdao, has been strategically expanding its presence in the tanker market, spreading its newbuild orders across various Chinese shipyards. Last month, Seacon secured a $30.1 million deal with Wuhu Shipyard for another 18,500 dwt unit. In February, Chengxi Shipyard clinched an order for four MR product tankers, further diversifying Seacon's portfolio in the maritime industry.

Singfar Group, a Singapore-based owner, has expanded its newbuild series with a contract in China for two aframax tankers, each weighing 115,000 deadweight tons (dwt). The deal, secured at New Times Shipbuilding, marks a significant move for the company, renowned for its bunkering business but also active in crude and product tanker markets. This expansion follows Singfar's earlier order for four 50,000 dwt MR vessels at China’s Chengxi Shipyard, set for delivery in 2026. Notably, Singfar International rebranded as SFI Energy last year, signaling a strategic shift. The upcoming New Times aframaxes, equipped with LNG dual-fuel propulsion, are scheduled for delivery in 2027. While the contract price remains undisclosed, industry estimates suggest similar tonnage in China fetches upwards of $68 million.  

Finnish shipping company Meriaura has confirmed its order for two Ecotrader cargo ships from Dutch shipyard Royal Bodewes. These vessels, scheduled for delivery in January and December 2026, will be constructed in Hoogezand.Measuring 105 meters in length and boasting a 1A ice classification, the 6750 deadweight tonnage (DWT) ships are meticulously designed to minimize emissions, aligning with Meriaura's commitment to sustainability. Notably, akin to the EcoCoaster vessels Eeva VG and Mirva VG, delivered in 2016, the newbuilds will utilize biofuel produced by Meriaura's subsidiary VG-Ecofuel.  As the International Maritime Organization (IMO) aims for carbon-neutral shipping by 2050, Meriaura's climate strategy targets carbon neutrality in the 2030s. The investment for this initiative is supported by Oma Säästöpankki Turku, LähiTapiola Keskinäinen Vakuutusyhtiö, and Climate Fund. Additionally, Shipmanager, Meriaura's key partner, will play a crucial role in overseeing the construction and management of these eco-friendly vessels.  

                                          Mediterranean Shipping Co (MSC), the world's largest containerline, continues its robust activity in the secondhand market as week 16 commences. VesselsValue reports that MSC has acquired 11 ships thus far this year, excluding data from MB Shipbroking, which highlights the recent procurement of two additional vessels. These acquisitions include the 2007-built AS Nadia, boasting a capacity of 3,586 TEU, and the younger AS Ragna, a two-year-old vessel with a capacity of 1,496 TEU, acquired from MPC Capital. Notably, these two additions mark the youngest vessels integrated into MSC's fleet this year. With a remarkable track record of acquiring approximately 350 secondhand ships in less than four years and significant orders for newbuilds, MSC is poised to secure nearly 20% of the global market share in the liner segment. Presently, MSC anticipates the delivery of 108 vessels from Asian shipyards.