Stay Current: Key Maritime Events and Industry News
The maritime world is always on the move. Here’s your daily summary of the most important news, incidents, and trends from leading sources. For more details, follow the links to the original articles.
Red Sea Attacks Escalate
Tensions in the Red Sea have surged again. Yemen’s Houthi militants attacked the Greek bulk carrier M/V Magic Seas, causing it to sink. Video footage released by the Houthis shows the dramatic event. Tragically, several crew members are missing, and at least four are confirmed dead.
- gCaptain: Houthi Video Shows Sinking of M/V Magic Seas
- TradeWinds: Video shows armed Houthis storming, then sinking Greek bulker
This incident is part of a renewed Houthi campaign targeting commercial shipping, using new tactics and more aggressive methods.
Maritime Accidents and Rescues
Elsewhere, the U.S. Coast Guard released overflight footage of the car carrier Morning Midas, which caught fire off Alaska’s coast. The fire spread quickly, but all crew members were safely evacuated.
In Croatia, a severe storm caused a ferry to break loose and sink a passenger vessel in Split. Fortunately, there were no fatalities, but the event highlights the risks of extreme weather at sea.
Industry Developments
Shipbuilding:
- South Korea’s K Shipbuilding (formerly STX) is up for sale after a successful turnaround and its first profit in 14 years.
Read more - Japan is launching a government-backed project to boost its shipbuilding capacity.
Offshore Energy: Japan consortium to kick off gov’t-backed project
Green Shipping:
- The world’s first hybrid solar-powered inland cargo vessel, Blue Marlin, was launched in Germany. This vessel uses solar panels to help power its propulsion system, marking a step forward in sustainable shipping.
Maritime Executive: HGK Launches First Inland Cargo Vessel Capable of Sailing With Solar Power - Singapore launched its first fully electric tug, showing the industry’s shift toward clean energy.
Offshore Energy: Singapore’s first fully electric tug launched
Offshore Wind and Energy:
- Canada granted an investigational permit for its first offshore wind farm on the West Coast.
Maritime Executive: Canada Grants Investigational Permit for West Coast Offshore Wind Farm
U.S. Maritime & Defense
- The U.S. Marine Corps and Philippine Marines are co-hosting the Pacific Amphibious Leaders Symposium in Manila, strengthening ties among Indo-Pacific allies.
USMC: U.S., Philippine Marines Co-Host Pacific Symposium - The U.S. Coast Guard received a historic investment to boost its icebreaker shipbuilding program, vital for Arctic operations.
MarineLink: US Coast Guard Icebreaker Shipbuilding Plan Gets a $8.6B Boost
Environmental and Regulatory News
- The OSPAR Commission has banned scrubber discharges in North-East Atlantic waters, aiming to reduce marine pollution.
Offshore Energy: OSPAR bans scrubber discharges - North Carolina has implemented new mandatory harvest reporting rules for marine fisheries, enhancing resource management.
NC DEQ: Mandatory Harvest Reporting
Weather and Safety
- The National Hurricane Center reports no active tropical cyclones in the Atlantic, Eastern Pacific, or Central Pacific as of July 9, 2025.
NHC: Tropical Weather Outlook
Stay Informed
For more news, subscribe to updates from these leading maritime sources:
- gCaptain
- Maritime Executive
- MarineLink
- Offshore Energy
- TradeWinds
- USMC
- MARAD
- NC DEQ Marine Fisheries
- National Hurricane Center
Check back daily for the latest maritime news and developments!