Shipping Industry Leaders Condemn Recent Attacks on Seafarers
BIMCO, the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), INTERCARGO and INTERTANKO unanimously condemns recent attacks on seafarers and commercial shipping in and around the Strait of Hormuz. According to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the organization has verified 46 attacks on international shipping in and around the Strait of Hormuz since February 28, 2026, with 14 confirmed seafarer fatalities.There is grave concern about the recent escalation of the conflict which puts the lives of our seafarers at risk…
WMU Launches Seafarer Abandonment Research Project
In response to the increase in reported cases of seafarer abandonment, the World Maritime University (WMU) has launched a large-scale research initiative titled Seafarer Abandonment: A focused investigation into regulatory implementation.Funded by The TK Foundation, The ITF Seafarers’ Trust, and The Seafarers’ Charity, the research will examine how existing international protections, particularly those under the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC, 2006), are implemented across flag…
Report Reveals Continued Labor Rights Gap for Sea Workers in Europe
On 27 May, a new report titled “Charting the Distinct Rights of Sea Workers in European Waters: A Focus on Decent Working Time,” was released by the World Maritime University (WMU) commissioned by the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) and the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF). The study is primarily driven by the differential treatment of sea workers compared with land-based workers, which has resulted in their exclusion from several EU directives and in working and living conditions that fall below general labour standards.
Iran's Continued Control of Hormuz Intensifies Seafarer Misery
Iran's publication of a new map asserting its control over the Strait of Hormuz risks extending an already punishing ordeal for thousands of mariners trapped on ships in the Gulf.More than 20,000 sailors are stuck on around 2,000 vessels in the Gulf, many of them unable to leave ship, lacking adequate supplies of food and fresh water, and fearful of an uncertain future at sea in a war zone.Sailors interviewed by Reuters in recent weeks have described the hardships and anxieties of their experience…
NexusWave Implemented on IEA Fishing Vessels
Inmarsat Maritime, a Viasat company, has worked with its Argentinian partner Ingenieros Electrónicos Asociados (IEA) to implement NexusWave for Glaciar Pesquera to support the fishing company’s fleetwide targets to achieve greater operational efficiency and enhanced crew welfare.As a fully managed, bonded multi-network service, NexusWave delivers the cost and performance predictability Glaciar requires to meet its data-intensive commercial and crew connectivity needs. Previously, IEA had to monitor data usage and frequently experienced overages.
Direct Travel Expands Avenir Platform for Specialty Markets
Direct Travel announced the expansion of Avenir, its global travel platform across its specialty market divisions, including Energy, Marine and Mining. Delivered through ATPl's specialist businesses, Avenir provides a single global platform and unified service model for executive and project-based business travel complementing the company's sector specific logistics and workforce mobility solutions.With this expansion, organizations operating in complex and logistically demanding environments will benefit from a more consistent and scalable approach to business travel…
Cyprus Officially Recommends ICS International Medical Guide for Seafarers and Fishers
The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) announced that Cyprus officially recommended the ICS International Medical Guide for Seafarers and Fishers for use on board vessels under its flag.The Republic of Cyprus Deputy Shipping Ministry has issued a circular to its fleet recommending the comprehensive medical guide, joining an expanding list of leading flag states that recognize the guide's value in protecting seafarer and fisher health and safety. In addition to recommending inclusion of the guide in the list of publications to be on board Cyprus flagged ships…
Compact Plant Cultivation Rack Installed on Coal Carrier
NYK has installed a compact plant cultivation rack aboard the coal carrier Pirika Moshiri Maru, which is operated for Hokkaido Electric Power Co., Inc.The system, called the “PUTRACK” and developed by Plants Laboratory Co., Ltd., uses a water-saving cultivation technology that requires only a small amount of water. Its design allows for flexible adjustment of the number of racks and tiers to match the ship’s available space, enabling efficient cultivation of the required quantity of vegetables even within the limited space on board a ship.
KVH Link to be Deployed Across MOL Chemical Tankers Fleet
KVH Industries has announced that, together with MOL Chemical Tankers (MOLCT), they are deploying KVH Link across their in-house managed fleet. MOLCT has contracted MOVIElink, TVlink, MUSIClink, and YOURlink to create a crew content package onboard for their crew. With a wide selection of movies, including Hollywood blockbusters, Bollywood hits, major Pinoy releases in addition to top TV series and documentaries delivered each month, crew will have access to quality entertainment options during designated off-duty hours…
Sailors’ Society Releases Latest Cadet Report, Highlighting the Digital Seafarer Generation
Revealing both the positives and negatives of increased connectivity at sea and the growing reliance on peer support by the next generation of maritime, Sailors’ Society has published its latest Cadet Report, "The first digital seafarer generation." Sponsored by Inmarsat Maritime (a Viasat company), the report captures the voices of cadets, ratings and trainees from 30 countries. Drawing on insights gathered from more than 9,000 Gen Z seafarers who attended the maritime charity’s global 2025 Wellness at Sea Conferences…
Seafarers Maintain the Right to Refuse to Sail Through Mideast Gulf Region
Seafarers have the right to refuse to sail on ships passing through the Middle East Gulf, including the Strait of Hormuz, after the threat level for the region was raised to its highest level, the leading labour union and shipping industry groups said on Thursday.Around 300 ships are anchored on both sides of the Strait while the U.S.-led war against Iran escalates. Since February 28, nine ships have been damaged and at least one seafarer has been killed.As part of negotiated arrangements reached on Thursday between mariners and commercial shipping companies…
WMU Report Highlights Growing Strain on Seafarers' Work, Health and Retention
The World Maritime University (WMU) has published a new report, In Search of a Sea-Life Balance in an Adverse Environment, shedding light on the realities of seafarers’ work, health and career intentions in today’s shipping industry. Commissioned by the Officers’ Union of International Seamen (OUIS), the study draws on responses from 4,372 seafarers representing 99 nationalities, making it one of the most comprehensive recent surveys of life and work at sea.The findings point to persistently long working hours…
NYK, Tama Art University Present Research About Onboard Space Design for Seafarer Wellness
On September 26, NYK and Tama Art University (TAU) hosted the final presentation of their second co-creative research project, “Cozy・Comfy — Discovering Joy in Work and Life at Sea” at NYK’s head office in Tokyo. Seventeen master’s and bachelor’s students from Studio 3 of TAU’s Product Design Course unveiled a series of design proposals aimed at enhancing the well-being of future generations of seafarers through spatial concepts that re-design both work and living environments…
