International Association News

Major cruise operators are steering their ships - and millions of dollars in investments - into their own private destinations packed with excursions, beaches, bars and restaurants.The phenomenon appears to have started with Royal Caribbean Group, which in 2019 opened "Perfect Day at CocoCay," an amusement park-like private destination in The Bahamas that has caught the eye of Wall Street.By operating their own private destinations on small Caribbean islands, Royal Caribbean and…

The maritime industry's push toward decarbonization brings an unexpected benefit: the reduction of underwater radiated noise (URN). While the sector focuses intensively on emissions reduction and fuel efficiency, these same measures are quietly contributing to a healthier acoustic environment in our oceans. For ship owners and operators already investing in green technologies, addressing URN can be a natural extension of existing environmental initiatives, offering a dual benefit…

INTERCARGO, the International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners, has announced significant changes to its leadership following its annual general meeting. The new appointments will take effect from January 1, 2025.In recognition of their distinguished service, Dimitrios Fafalios has been appointed Honorary Chairman following six years as Chairman. Fafalios, President of Fafalios Shipping, has led INTERCARGO through significant developments in the shipping sector since 2019,…

The Clean Energy Marine Hubs (CEM Hubs) project has welcomed the government of Greece, a nation that represents 20% of global shipping.The initiative aims to accelerate and de-risk the production, transport and use of low-carbon fuels that will be transported by shipping for the world.Greece joins the governments of Brazil, UAE, Canada, Norway, Uruguay and Panama, as supporters of this first of its kind cross sectoral public-private platform.Other new partners include ABS, Lloyd’s Register Maritime Decarbonisation Hub…

The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has responded to plans by the Greek government to impose a 20-euro levy on cruise ship visitors to the islands of Santorini and Mykonos during the peak summer season.The move is a bid to avert over-tourism, said Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, announcing the fee earlier this month.CLIA has responded with a statement: “The cruise sector is a success story for Greece contributing 1.4 billion euros to the economy in 2022. CLIA…

After more than 10 years of work and four diplomatic conferences, The International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) has officially changed from a non-governmental organization (NGO) to an Intergovernmental Organization (IGO).The transition to an Intergovernmental Organization will place IALA in a much stronger position to develop and harmonize Marine Aids to Navigation, as governments will be directly involved in the work. All major decisions will be made by representatives of their governments…

Theodore, Ala. boatbuilder Silver Ships said it has recently delivered a newly built fireboat to first responders in Cape Coral, Fla.The Freedom 30 aluminum fireboat is the second vessel delivered by Silver Ships to the Cape Coral Fire Department in the past two years.Powered by twin Suzuki DF350 outboards, the 30-foot-long newbuild includes a walkaround cabin and special features enabling fast, fire response missions. The vessel is equipped with a Simrad electronics package including radar and side scan sonar…

A 2022 fire aboard the Staten Island Ferry Sandy Ground was caused by a combination of engine design flaws and insufficient training for engineering crewmembers, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) revealed on Tuesday.The incident occurred on December 22, 2022, as the ferry, carrying 884 passengers, was navigating New York Harbor between Staten Island and Manhattan. The fire ignited in the engine room, resulting in $12.7 million in damages. Despite the severity, quick…

Carnival Corporation, the world's largest cruise company, announced on Tuesday that it has ordered a trio of ultra large cruise ships from Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri for its Carnival Cruise Line brand.At nearly 230,000 gross registered tonnes, and with capacity for nearly 8,000 passengers in 3,000 guest staterooms, the new ships will be the largest in Carnival's global fleet.The three liquefied natural gas (LNG)-fueled ships will be delivered in the summers of 2029, 2031 and 2033…

The global cruise industry expects to carry 10% more passengers by 2028 than the 31.7 million who took cruise holidays in 2023, when the sector surpassed pre-pandemic levels, but sees some routes exposed to protests over overtourism.Long criticized for its impact on the environment and coastal communities, the industry has ordered 57 more cruise ships in addition to some 300 now in operation to meet the projected demand, said the European director of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), Marie-Caroline Laurent.At the same time, companies are working to adapt the ships so they can swit

Walt Disney unveiled plans on Tuesday to launch a new cruise ship that will set sail from Tokyo starting in fiscal 2028, adding a ninth vessel to the brand's growing fleet.The new ship, to be built by Germany's Meyer Werft and modelled after the Wish that is the largest vessel in the group, is a partnership with Oriental Land Company (OLC), the operator of Tokyo Disneyland. It is part of a 10-year, $60 billion expansion of Disney's theme parks and cruise business.Disney currently has five cruise ships in operation.

Residents near the port of Lisbon and elsewhere hope plug-in infrastructure can take some of the pain out of sharing their cities with cruise ships that belch out fumes while pleasure-seeking passengers see the sights.European Union rules designed to reduce carbon emissions have focused attention on the issue by setting a 2030 deadline for maritime ports to have installed the infrastructure ships need to use electricity rather than highly-polluting marine fuel when they are moored.Residents say switching to electricity could be a boon."It is as if a giant car had its engines on in front of us…

July 1 is World Marine Aids to Navigation (AtoN) Day.Established by the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) in 2019, this day highlights the vital role that AtoN play in ensuring safe navigation for mariners worldwide. This year, IALA has chosen Faro di Genova 'Lanterna' in Italy as lighthouse of the Year, with a virtual tour available here.The prestigious honor was previously awarded to Australia’s Cape Byron Lighthouse in New South Wales in 2021.

The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has published its investigation report into the collision between the Kirkella and Shovette on June 24, 2022.While alongside at King George Dock, Hull, England, the crew of the UK registered fishing vessel Kirkella lost control of its propulsion system, and the vessel collided with the unmanned tug Shovette, which was moored ahead of Kirkella.During the collision Shovette’s hull and starboard fuel tank were breached by Kirkella’s bulbous bow.

Annual casualty figures from INTERCARGO, the International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners, highlight continuing improvement in the safety performance of the sector.The Association’s Bulk Carrier Casualty Report records the yearly loss of vessels and lives across the dry bulk sector, with the intention of monitoring the impact of safety measures in the sector across the globe.The bulk carrier fleet has grown significantly in recent years to cater for the world’s growing economy.

Denmark-based Danelec reports it has become the first Voyage Data Recorder (VDR) manufacturer to receive new DNV Cyber Security Type Approval for IACS UR E27, for its advanced DM100 VDR platform.The International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) has introduced the new IACS Unified Requirements E27 to enhance cyber safety and protect maritime assets from cyber threats, which is now mandatory for all classed ships contracted for construction from July 1, 2024. Covering both operational and information technology systems on ships…

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings on Monday raised its full-year profit forecast for a second time in less than three weeks, betting on record demand for cruise vacations and higher ticket prices, sending its shares up as much as 7.7%.More travelers are choosing sea-based vacations that offer a range of fun activities under one roof, compared to expensive land-based holidays, benefiting cruise operators and giving them room to raise prices.Expectations have also been high for the Miami-based Norwegian after strong booking trends drove up results and shares last year, and rival Royal Caribbean Gro

India's ship certification agency has withdrawn safety cover issued to Russian oil tankers that have been placed under U.S. sanctions, according to its website, with the vessels instead turning to a domestic provider.Major insurers and ship engine makers have already  withdrawn cover for Russia's tanker fleet, which Moscow is relying on to maintain the country's oil trade after Washington and its allies including the European Union imposed a raft of sanctions for its invasion…

Shares of Viking Holdings rose 9% in their debut on the New York Stock Exchange on Wednesday, giving the travel and cruising company a valuation of $11 billion.Viking opened at $26.15 compared with its initial public offering (IPO) price of $24 in a stellar debut, amid a rebound in stock market listings and at a time when cruise stocks have delivered outsized returns.Founded in 1997, Viking provides destination-focused itineraries including a shore excursion at every port and an onboard and onshore program through performances of music and art, cooking demonstrations, port talks and guest lect

The evolving environmental, social and governance (ESG) agenda is a roadmap for thriving amidst challenges and securing sustainable success, says The International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO) on publishing its first ESG Review.Kostas Gkonis, INTERCARGO Secretary General advised that a forward-looking attitude is certainly required when addressing key aspects shaping the future of maritime operations and the dry bulk shipping sector more particularly. “Dry bulk shipping should embrace the ESG agenda as a catalyst for innovation…

The International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) has published its 2023 IACS Annual Review which includes a broad range of articles highlighting IACS’ work in 2023, with a strong emphasis on the significant advancements made in alternative fuels.This includes the development of a new Unified Requirement on the release of ammonia from ammonia fuelled vessels, and the newly established Safe Digital Transformation Panel that focuses on the safety implications of increasingly digitised ships…

The SMM 2024 trade show will run from September 3-6 this year, and organizers are expecting more visitors and exhibitors than last time; the exhibition halls are nearly fully booked.“We are expecting more than 2,000 international exhibitors from 70 nations,” says Claus Ulrich Selbach, Business Unit Director Maritime and Technology Fairs & Exhibitions at Hamburg Messe und Congress. “We are overwhelmed by the response. We are actually setting-up an additional hall to accommodate all requests.

The IMO's Facilitation Committee held its 48th session (FAL 48) from April 8 to 12, in person at IMO Headquarters in London.The Facilitation Committee (FAL) meets annually to deal with matters related to the facilitation of international maritime traffic, including the arrival, stay and departure of ships, persons and cargo from ports. The Committee also addresses electronic business and aims to ensure that the right balance is struck between regulation and the facilitation of international maritime trade.