A fire incident occurred on Thursday aboard a vessel undergoing repairs at the Harland and Wolff Shipyard in Belfast, prompting an evacuation. The shipbuilder confirmed that the fire originated in a tank space and emergency responders were summoned. All personnel were safely evacuated, with no reported injuries. Harland and Wolff stated that the fire was deemed accidental, though an investigation is ongoing, emphasizing the primacy of personnel safety.  Renowned for constructing iconic vessels such as the Titanic, Harland & Wolff faced stiff competition from Asian shipbuilders in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, leading to a decline in business. However, since its acquisition out of bankruptcy in 2019, the company has undergone a resurgence. Recent endeavors include securing government contracts, such as the revitalization project for the HMS Quorn and a significant partnership with Navantia to supply dry stores auxiliaries to the Royal Navy. Additionally, Harland & Wolff's commercial ventures, including the construction of garbage barges for Cory Group, signify its return to prominence in the shipbuilding and repair sectors.  

HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering has secured a substantial contract valued at 631.9 billion won ($466.4 million) to construct four very large ammonia carriers (VLAC) for a European client. According to a regulatory filing made on Tuesday, the VLAC vessels will be manufactured at the facilities of Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries, with a scheduled delivery set for July 2028. Notably, the identity of the European shipper has not been disclosed by the company.  This achievement further underscores HD Korea Shipbuilding's successful year, as it has already garnered orders for 86 vessels, totaling $9.86 billion. These orders represent an impressive 73 percent of the company's yearly target of $13.5 billion. The diverse range of vessels ordered includes liquefied natural gas carriers, petrochemical carriers, liquefied petroleum gas and ammonia carriers, among others. HD Korea Shipbuilding operates as a subsidiary of the prominent shipbuilding, oil refining, and machinery conglomerate, HD Hyundai. It oversees three domestic entities: HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, Hyundai Mipo Dockyard, and Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries. This latest contract underscores the company's position as a key player in the global shipbuilding industry.  

In the Gulf of Aden, U.S. forces successfully defended a Maritime Security Program boxship from an attack by Yemen's Houthi rebels on Tuesday. The U.S.-flagged and U.S.-crewed vessel Maersk Yorktown, escorted by destroyers USS Laboon and USS Mason, was targeted with an anti-ship ballistic missile. Fortunately, the munition was intercepted and destroyed, resulting in no injuries or damage reported. Central Command identified the Yorktown as the likely target, a confirmation echoed by Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree on Wednesday evening. Additionally, Saree claimed Houthi fighters had targeted the boxships MSC Darwin and MSC Gina. This marks the second time Houthi leaders have claimed an attack on the latter vessel, which frequents ports in the Gulf of Aden and Oman. The Houthi group's motivation is allegedly linked to the conflict in Gaza, targeting vessels associated with Israel or its allies. Despite a 50 percent drop in Red Sea voyages due to persistent Houthi attacks, Maersk and MSC continue to transit the area about 70-80 times a month, according to Windward's analysis.  

Fincantieri has secured a significant order from Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings for the construction of four new next-generation cruise ships. The order comprises two vessels for Regent Seven Seas Cruises and two for Oceania Cruises, with deliveries scheduled between 2026 and 2029. The Regent ships will accommodate 850 passengers, while the Oceania vessels will hold around 1,450 passengers. Financing for the four units is already in place. Additionally, Fincantieri is exploring the construction of four more ships for Norwegian Cruise Line, expected to be the largest in the company's fleet. The deal replaces a two-ship order for Oceania Cruises. CEO Pierroberto Folgiero expressed pride in the partnership, while NCL's CEO Harry Sommer hailed the order as crucial for their future growth. Delivery dates are tentative and subject to change.

A massive container ship, the M/V APL Qingdao, encountered propulsion issues near New York City's Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, less than two weeks after another cargo vessel incident in Baltimore. The US Coast Guard confirmed the 89,000-ton vessel's loss of propulsion while traversing the Kill Van Kull shipping lane between Staten Island and Bayonne, New Jersey, on Friday night. Three tugboats assisted the APL Qingdao until it regained power and anchored north of the bridge. Following Coast Guard requirements for certification of repairs and a detailed casualty report, the vessel, owned by French company CMA CGM and registered in Malta, resumed its voyage to Charleston, South Carolina. This incident prompted safety measures in one of the Port of New York and New Jersey's busiest waterways.    

Amid heightened tensions in the Red Sea, Crystal Cruises' vessel, CRYSTAL SYMPHONY, encountered a concerning situation during its repositioning voyage from Mumbai to the Mediterranean, without passengers. The UK Maritime Trade Operations received reports that the ship, located northwest of Al Hudaydah, Yemen, was contacted by an entity claiming to be the Yemeni Navy, requesting deactivation of its AIS tracking system. Although a crew member reported suspected gunfire, investigations revealed no such incident occurred. Despite warnings, Crystal Symphony continues its journey, now nearing the Suez Canal, en route Limassol, Cyprus. The cruise line confirmed the vessel's safe transit, escorted by the US Navy. While passenger voyages were canceled earlier due to safety concerns, Crystal Symphony is set to resume its itinerary from Limassol to Athens on April 6, steering clear of high-risk areas.  

Celebrity Apex, while sailing its 7-night Western Caribbean Easter cruise, performed a timely rescue of seven migrants stranded in a small boat near Cuba on April 1. The rescued individuals, four men and three women, had been adrift for five days, attempting to reach Mexico from Cuba.The cruise director, Lewis, confirmed the successful rescue, highlighting the migrants' dire situation and the need for immediate assistance. Upon being taken aboard, they received medical care, food, and water, and were accommodated in cabins specifically allocated for them, under ship security's watch.Plans are underway to hand them over to authorities at the next available port, contingent upon acceptance, with Fort Lauderdale being the fallback option. Celebrity Apex, a 130,818-gross-ton Edge-class vessel, continues its scheduled itinerary with stops in Key West, Belize City, Cozumel, and Grand Cayman, before returning to Florida on April 6.    

Mexico's state energy company Pemex reported a fire outbreak at one of its platforms in the Gulf of Mexico on Saturday. The incident prompted the activation of emergency protocols, with Pemex confirming containment of the fire. However, nine workers sustained injuries during the accident. Of these, two were Pemex employees, while the remaining seven were from other companies. Fortunately, none of the injuries were severe.  The fire erupted late afternoon at a section of the Akal B platform housing gas pipelines. Videos and images circulated on social media, apparently captured from a nearby boat, depicted massive plumes of black smoke billowing from the oil and gas infrastructure. Pemex assured that the situation is under control, though the incident underscores the occupational hazards faced in offshore energy operations.  

Sallaum Lines reached a major milestone today with the steel-cutting ceremony at the Fujian Mawei Shipbuilding Co Ltd Shipyard in Shanghai, China, marking the commencement of construction for their Ocean Class series. This new fleet expansion initiative introduces cutting-edge vessels led by the "OCEAN EXPLORER," boasting a 7,500 CEU capacity and dual-fuel LNG technology for enhanced efficiency and environmental sustainability. Larger than conventional Pure Car and Truck Carriers (PCTC), the Large Car and Truck Carrier (LCTC) vessel offers expanded cargo capacity with 14 vehicle decks and advanced ramp features. Developed in collaboration with SDARI, the innovative dual-fuel LNG design allows the vessels to utilize liquefied natural gas (LNG), marine gas oil (MGO), and very low sulfur fuel oil (VLSFO), resulting in a significant 25% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions compared to traditional vessels. Scheduled for delivery in late 2025, the "OCEAN EXPLORER" represents a paradigm shift in maritime innovation, setting new standards for eco-friendly cargo transportation globally.    

In Cape Town, a luxury cruise liner, the AMBIENCE, collided with a cargo carrier, the GREY FOX, during docking amidst windy conditions, confirmed by Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA). Despite minor damages to both vessels, the Ambience is expected to depart on schedule. TNPA's acting port manager, Ophelia Shabane, assured that no passengers or crew were harmed, with investigations underway into the incident's cause and damage assessment. The collision, possibly exacerbated by gale-force winds, did not disrupt port operations. The Ambience, reportedly embarking on its maiden round-the-world cruise, suffered mishap in Cape Town, prompting response from UK-based ship owners Ambassador Cruise Line. South African Maritime Safety Authority (Samsa) confirmed no injuries and minimal environmental risk. Investigations continue into the incident's details, ensuring safety and operational integrity for both vessels and the port.  

In a distressing turn of events aboard Royal Caribbean's Liberty of the Seas cruise ship, a 20-year-old passenger plunged overboard while sailing between Cuba and the Bahamas' Grand Inagua Island. Eyewitnesses recounted the harrowing scene as the young man's father and brother looked on in disbelief at his impulsive act. Royal Caribbean promptly responded, initiating a search and rescue operation in collaboration with the US Coast Guard, who assumed control of the efforts. While the cruise line extended support to the family amidst the ordeal, details remained scant. Passengers, shaken by the incident, rallied to offer assistance. The Coast Guard confirmed the ongoing search in the Cuban waters, yet the individual's whereabouts remained unknown.  

A&P Tees, a prominent shipyard spanning five acres in northeast England, is set to close its doors. Specializing in ship repair with two drydocks and 240 meters of jetty frontage, the site has been a hub for shipbuilding since the early 1900s. A&P took over the location in 2003 following the collapse of Cammell Laird. Workers at the Tees facility are being offered positions at another nearby A&P yard, as the closure deals a blow to the local workforce. This development comes despite the UK government's £4 billion ($5.16 billion) plan, unveiled two years ago, aimed at revitalizing UK shipbuilding and supporting coastal communities through the National Shipbuilding Strategy Refresh.    

Damen Shipyards Group and CMA CGM have initiated a collaboration aimed at enhancing the efficiency of CMA CGM's fleet, with approximately 10 vessels slated for significant modifications this year. The modifications, set to be carried out at Damen Shiprepair Dunkerque (DSDu) and Damen Shiprepair Amsterdam (DSAm), will focus on installing bulbs on the vessels' bows to improve fuel efficiency by over 10%. This marks the first time CMA CGM will utilize European yards for such complex modifications, having previously relied on Chinese and Middle Eastern shipyards. The collaboration also includes additional upgrades such as propeller enhancements and silicone paint applications, aiming to achieve further fuel savings and reduce emissions. Furthermore, three vessels will be equipped for shore power access, aligning with CMA CGM's commitment to cleaner operations. This endeavor underscores a joint commitment to environmental sustainability and maritime efficiency.

In a tragic maritime incident off the coast of Hainan, China, eight individuals are reported missing following a collision between a fishing boat and a Panama-registered container vessel. According to CCTV reports on Wednesday, the collision occurred near a town in Hainan, prompting a swift response from local authorities. The SITC Danang container vessel collided with the fishing boat shortly after midnight, sparking a search and rescue mission. Hainan's emergency response teams, including police and military units, were promptly dispatched to the scene upon receiving the distress call. As of 5:30 pm, 21 vessels and five aircraft are actively engaged in the ongoing search and rescue operation. The cause of the accident remains under investigation as authorities work tirelessly to locate the missing individuals and ensure their safety.

Singapore-based shipbuilding firm, Seatrium, has clinched contracts worth S$350 million ($259m), covering a spectrum of vessel projects set for completion by 2025. Notable deals include converting three LNG carriers into FSRUs for Karpowership, commencing in Q2 2024, with a potential fourth project. Seatrium will also collaborate with Modec to upgrade Woodside Energy's Pyrenees Venture FPSO, aiming for redeployment off Western Australia's coast.  Further projects entail major remediation work for Chevron in Thailand, starting Q2 2024, and significant repairs on the Hakuryu 5 semi-submersible drilling rig. Additionally, Seatrium will conduct LNGC dry dockings for Hyundai LNG Shipping and naval work. A significant portion of Seatrium's recent haul involves retrofitting ten cruise vessels, six from Carnival and four from Royal Caribbean. These developments underscore Seatrium's stature as a leading shipbuilder, reinforcing its pivotal role in the maritime industry's ongoing evolution.