MSC containership struck by Houthi missile - Marine Log In the latest act of aggression, an MSC containership fell victim to a Houthi attack, as reported by the U.K. Maritime Trade Operations. The incident occurred 91 nautical miles southeast of Aden, with the vessel's master reporting two explosions, the second causing significant damage and igniting a fire on board. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the crew swiftly extinguished the blaze. Identified as the MSC Sky II by a Houthi spokesperson, the Liberian-flagged vessel is operated by Mediterranean Shipping Company, based in Switzerland. This marks the second attack on an MSC vessel, following an earlier unsuccessful attempt on the MSC Clara. While vessel operators navigating through the Red Sea acknowledge the heightened risks, the impact of such incidents extends beyond maritime safety concerns. The Suez Canal Authority, in particular, faces economic repercussions, evident in the latest data from IMF Portwatch. Despite these challenges, vessels continue their transit, underscoring the ongoing tensions and complexities in the region. UKTMO WARNING INCIDENT 044 UPDATE 002 ATTACK #MarSec pic.twitter.com/FvqY9M39Kv — United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) (@UK_MTO) March 4, 2024

Image Credits: MediaTVnl An inland container ship lodged beneath Rotterdam's Willemsbrug on March 1st, 2024, prompting its closure. After hours, the vessel broke free with the receding tide and is now docked for inspection. Authorities maintain the bridge closure for road traffic. Inspections assess potential damages to the bridge's infrastructure. Optimism prevails for regular traffic to resume soon, as confirmed by a Rotterdam-Rijnmond Safety Region spokesperson. The vessel carried empty containers, some of which fell into the Nieuwe Maas during the incident.

DHT Orders Four Vlccs DHT Holdings has finalized agreements to construct four Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCC) in South Korea, scheduled for delivery between April and December 2026. Two vessels will be built at Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries, and the other two at Hanwha Ocean (formerly Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering), with an average cost of $128.5 million each. The contracts also include options for an additional four vessels for potential delivery in the first half of 2027. These VLCCs, designed to Super Eco standards, will feature a carrying capacity of approximately 320,000 metric tons and will be equipped with Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems, meeting Tier III compliance and possessing class ready notations for multiple fuels. DHT intends to finance the project through operational cash flows, available liquidity, and new mortgage debt. DHT's President and CEO, Svein Moxnes Harfjeld, emphasized the company's commitment to delivering efficient and high-quality ships to meet market demands, noting the favorable outlook for the VLCC sector amid aging fleets and evolving regulatory standards.  

Missiles hit stranded Turkish ship in Ukraine - Splash247 In the port of Kherson, Ukraine, a Turkey-flagged general cargo vessel, the Kuruoglu 3, stranded for over two years, was struck by missiles, likely launched by Russian forces. Owned by Istanbul-based Kuruoglu Denizcilik, the 1990-built vessel sustained hits on its starboard side, causing water ingress. The ship, stuck since February 22, 2022, due to the Russian invasion, faces imminent sinking, as per the owner's statement. Maritime security firm Ambrey reported several stranded vessels in the Mykolaiv and Kherson ports suffered similar attacks in the past two years.   M/V KURUOĞLU-3 gemisi füze ile vuruldu! MV KURUOĞLU-3 gemisi Rusya-Ukrayna savaşının patlak vermesi nedeniyle Kherson Limanı'nda 22.02.2022 tarihinden beri mayın ve devletlerin tehdidi yüzünden mahsur kalmış durumda. 2800 ton dökme üre (UREA) yükü tahliye etmek amacıyla limana… pic.twitter.com/IhcG7W1kPq — Deniz İşçileri (@Deniziscileri) February 28, 2024

Wallenius Wilhelmsen declares four methanol PCTC options at Jinling | Environment news | Shipping Telegraph Norwegian car carrier operator Wallenius Wilhelmsen has exercised options to build four additional next-generation methanol-fueled and ammonia-ready Shaper Class vessels at Jinling Shipyard (Jiangsu). These vessels, with a capacity of 9,300 CEU, will be dual-fueled with methanol and designed to accommodate ammonia once it becomes available safely. This move brings the total number of Shaper Class vessels on order with Jinling Shipyard Jiangsu to eight, with Wallenius Wilhelmsen retaining further options for additional vessels. The first batch of Shaper Class vessels is expected to be delivered in the second half of 2026, while the newly ordered vessels are slated for delivery between May and November 2027. Xavier Leroi, EVP & COO shipping services at Wallenius Wilhelmsen, emphasized the company's commitment to shaping the industry and accelerating towards net-zero emissions, underscoring the significance of these new vessels in advancing their sustainability goals.  

Belgian tanker giant Euronav has made a significant move by ordering two dual-fuel 17,000 dwt bitumen tankers from China Merchants Jinling Shipyard. Expected to be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2026, these vessels mark a strategic expansion for Euronav. They have already secured a decade-long charter with an undisclosed reputable client, showcasing Euronav's ability to attract strong partnerships. These tankers are designed to carry asphalt at high temperatures of up to 250 degrees and are equipped with dual-fuel green methanol engines, setting the stage for potential future operation on ammonia. The Saverys family-controlled company aims to significantly upscale its bitumen tanker fleet, as the newbuilds will be twice the size of the existing vessels in this category. This announcement follows Euronav's recent time charter contracts with Valero and its pioneering initiative in partnership with CMB.TECH, NCL, and Yara to construct the world's first ammonia-fueled containership. With these developments, Euronav's total contract backlog now stands at an impressive $1.97 billion, reflecting a strong vote of confidence from top-tier industry players. image credit: Euronav Alexander Saverys, CEO of Euronav, expressed confidence in the company's ability to secure long-term partnerships, stating, "In recent months, we have secured a total of 55 years of time charter cover.This proves that our customers are ready to partner with Euronav and CMB.TECH to develop future-proof solutions for the shipping industry."

In separate incidents, two cargo vessels encountered engine failures at sea, prompting emergency responses to ensure the safety of the vessels and their crews. The first incident involved the MBC DAISY (IMO: 9609902), which experienced a machinery failure approximately 12 nautical miles southwest of Cape Espichel, Portugal, on February 23, 2024. The vessel was swiftly taken under tow by a tug to the port of Sines for inspection and potential repairs. In another incident, the general cargo vessel UAL BODEWES (IMO: 9542336) encountered an engine failure about 24 nautical miles east-northeast of Boulby, UK, on February 22, 2024. Following the incident, a tug was dispatched to tow the vessel to Teesport, UK, where repairs were carried out. The UAL BODEWES later resumed its voyage toward Las Palmas, Spain. While the exact causes of the engine failures remain under investigation. Prompt response measures were taken in both cases, ensuring the safety of the vessels, their crews, and the surrounding marine environment.

Pertamina back at Hyundai Mipo for LPG carriers - Splash247 Indonesia's Pertamina International Shipping (PIS) has ordered two 23,000 cubic meter LPG carriers from Hyundai Mipo Dockyard in Ulsan. The deal, valued at approximately $129.5 million, follows the company's recent order for 15 MR product tankers from the same shipbuilder. The dual-fuel LPG carriers are set for delivery in the second and third quarters of 2026. Pertamina aims to enhance its fleet of very large gas carriers (VLCGs) by six ships this year and is considering a public offering in 2023 to fund its ambitious expansion plans.  

UK-owned ship set on fire off the coast of Yemen in suspected Houthi attack | The Independent According to the UK Maritime Trade Organization (UKMTO), a merchant vessel fell victim to a missile attack by Houthi rebels approximately 70 nautical miles southeast of Aden. The vessel, identified as the General Cargo ship ISLANDER (IMO: 9136565), was reportedly struck by a missile launched by the rebels on February 21, 2024. According to maritime security firm Ambrey and ship tracking data, ISLANDER, flagged in Palau and owned by the UK, was en route from Thailand to Egypt. As per media reports the attack ignited a fire on board. Fortunately, all crew members are reported safe, and the vessel has diverted to a safe location for inspection. UKMTO confirmed minor damages to the vessel. Further investigations are underway to assess the extent of the damage.   UKMTO WARNING INCIDENT 037 UPDATE 002 ATTACK #MarSec pic.twitter.com/xTmhuuh2nX — United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) (@UK_MTO) February 22, 2024

2 dead, 3 missing after Guangzhou bridge collapse - RTHK Two fatalities have been reported after a barge collided with a bridge over the Pearl River Delta in China's Guangzhou city, causing a section of the bridge to collapse, state media announced on Feb 22. The incident occurred at 5:30 a.m. local time in the Hongqili Waterway as the barge traveled from Foshan city to a southern district of Guangzhou. Images from China Central Television (CCTV) revealed the barge lodged between two columns of the Lixinsha Bridge, with part of the bridge's road deck missing. The collision resulted in four vehicles, including a bus, falling into the water, while three vehicles landed on the barge. Two individuals died, one crew member sustained injuries, and two others were rescued, with three still missing. Emergency and rescue teams, including divers and salvage vessels, have been dispatched to the scene by city authorities.     "Bridge of Stupidity" in Chinese: a cargo ship demolished a bridge span in the city of Guangzhou. The emergency happened early in the morning. An empty container ship was sailing along the Pearl River under the Humen Suspension Bridge, but hit one of the structure's supports. As… pic.twitter.com/duf7tB6sQd — Jack Straw (@JackStr42679640) February 22, 2024

Australia Bans Bulker for a Year When Ship Fails to Provide Repair Updates The Australia Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has taken action against the Liberian-registered bulk carrier KMAX Leader, marking its first ban of 2024. The vessel, with a deadweight tonnage of 91,800, arrived in Gladstone in late October 2023, reporting unidentified engine room vibrations. Despite initial assurances of a quick fix within 8 to 10 days, the ship remained disabled in Gladstone during cyclone season, posing safety risks. AMSA issued a "refusal of access Direction" effective February 15, citing serious safety violations by the ship's master and owner. Multiple notices were sent to conduct damage surveys and arrange towage, but the lack of cooperation led to the 12-month ban.  Smit Lamnalco Australia engaged six tugs on February 4 to tow the vessel into anchorage. Subsequently, the KMAX Leader left under tow, prompting AMSA's ban due to non-compliance with international standards.   Michael Drake, AMSA's Executive Director of Operations, emphasized the importance of prompt and transparent engagement from ship operators. The incident reflects AMSA's increasing enforcement efforts, with nine bans issued in 2023, up from two in 2022 and four in 2021, totaling 20 since 2020. These measures aim to ensure vessel safety and adherence to labor regulations in Australian waters.  

Image credits: KBS  Two vessels, a cargo ship, and an LNG carrier SM JEJU LNG1 collided in waters near Yeoseo Island in South Jeolla Province early Saturday, prompting a swift rescue operation. The collision occurred around 4:20 a.m., involving a 5,900-ton freighter and a 9,000-ton LNG carrier SM JEJU LNG 1. Authorities deployed a helicopter and patrol vessel for rescue, successfully evacuating all 77 individuals on board within four hours. Fortunately, all passengers were wearing life vests, and there are no critical injuries reported. Both vessels sustained damage but are not at risk of sinking. The cargo ship was transporting vehicles and containers, while the LNG carrier was empty. The Coast Guard has initiated inspections to assess any additional damage and investigate the cause of the collision, particularly focusing on the possibility of the freighter exceeding its passenger limit.  

Trinidad Government Hires Salvors To Recover Sunken Oil Trinidad and Tobago's Ministry of Energy has announced the engagement of two specialized firms, T&T Salvage LLC and QT Environmental Inc, to address an ongoing oil spill crisis off Tobago's Atlantic coast. The spill originated from a barge running aground on a reef nearly two weeks ago, releasing oil into the Caribbean Sea and posing a threat to neighboring Venezuela and Grenada. The firms will focus on oil recovery, surveying, and executing plans for cargo lightering and wreck removal. The barge, reportedly carrying up to 35,000 barrels of fuel oil, was being towed from Panama to Guyana via Aruba when it sank. Efforts to identify the barge's owners and contain the spill's impact on coastal resorts and the Scarborough cruise ship port are underway, with diplomatic communications initiated with Panama, Aruba, and Guyana.  

The General Cargo vessel STAVFJORD (IMO 9321380) encountered a mishap while navigating northeast of Bergen, Norway, on February 18, 2024. The vessel ran aground but was successfully refloated with the assistance of a tug and later berthed in Stord, Norway. During the incident, the vessel experienced water ingress in the bow, which was promptly brought under control. Additionally, damage to its rudder was reported. STAVFJORD, built in 2005 and flying the flag of the Netherlands, boasts a carrying capacity of 6100t DWT. Its current draught is recorded at 6.5 meters, with an overall length (LOA) of 113.76 meters and a width of 14.4 meters. Following its recent grounding northeast of Bergen, Norway, the cargo vessel STAVFJORD has successfully reached the port of Stord, Norway.

Crew Forced To Abandon Ship After Houthi Missile Attack | The Daily Wire The UK Maritime Trade Organization (UKMTO) revealed that Yemeni Houthi rebels damaged the Rubymar, a British-owned bulk carrier, during an attack on Sunday. The incident occurred approximately 35 nautical miles south of Al Mukha, Yemen, as the vessel traversed the Strait of Bab el-Mandeb. The ship's master reported an explosion near the vessel, causing damage, but all crew members remained unharmed. According to UKMTO's latest update, the crew abandoned the vessel on Monday morning, and unidentified military responders are providing assistance. The Rubymar, a 171-meter bulk carrier flagged in Belize, was en route from Khorfakkan, UAE, to Bulgaria. While the vessel was described as partially loaded, the cargo details remain unconfirmed.      UKMTO WARNING UPDATE 002 ATTACK #MarSec pic.twitter.com/JsFGJldgZc — United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) (@UK_MTO) February 19, 2024