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Beached at CHittagong 10.04.25

On April 9 at 9 p.m. a coyuco was located about three nautical miles south of La Restinga. The 'Salvamar Adhara' was mobilized by the CCS Tenerife of Salvamento Marítimo. It accompanied the boat safely to the port of La Restinga, where its 71 occupants disembarked. Report with photo: https://x.com/salvamentogob/status/1909930503072870754

The fire at the Port of Iskenderun has finally been extinguished, Turkey's ministry of defense announced on Feb 7. It was the second time that the ministry has reported that the fire has been put out; after the previous announcement, the blaze resumed at scale, and firefighters managed to contain it later that night. Iskenderun's container terminal is still closed due to the severe structural damage, which forced the facility to halt all operations. The magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck southern Turkey on Feb 6 had a significant impact on the port, toppling stacks of containers and cracking pavement. The physical damage is severe enough that container lines were diverting vessels to other ports, like nearby Mersin. The quake also sparked a fire in the center of the terminal's container storage area. Turkey's coast guard deployed a vessel to apply water from the quayside, and the Turkish air force and army sent aircraft to drop fire retardant on the blaze. The fire spread despite these efforts, but was finally contained in the night of Feb 7. Report with video: https://maritime-executive.com/article/fire-at-port-of-iskenderun-extinguished-after-two-days

On Dec 1, 2022, at about 3 p.m. the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) was informed that 15 empty containers at Keppel Terminal had fallen from the wharf into the water as a result of strong winds during a squall. There were no reported injuries and no immediate impact to port operations. The MPA deployed two patrol crafts to monitor and cordon off the affected area to facilitate recovery work by PSA Corporation Ltd. MPA’s Port Operations Control Centre has restricted all vessel movements in the vicinity of Keppel Terminal until the containers were recovered.

Despite hopes of bringing the 'Loch Frisa' back to service on April 9 after trials, it turned out that the repairs have been unsuccessful to the main engine. Further investigations were required. As a result, the following sailings are cancelled: Departure Craignure – 6:25 p.m. Depart Oban – 5:05 p.m., 08:00 p.m. On April 10, the following sailings were cancelled: Departure Craignure - 07:10 a,m,, 10;00 a.m. Departure Oban - 08:30 a.m., 11:25 a.m. An update was expected at approximately 12:00 p.m.regarding the 12:50 p.m. sailing from Craignure.

The 'James' offloaded more than 44,550 pounds of cocaine and 3,880 pounds of marijuana valued at approximately $509.9 million in Port Everglades on April 9, 2025. This patrol resulted in 11 interdictions in the Eastern Pacific Ocean and the detainment of 34 suspected drug traffickers who were transferred ashore to face federal prosecution. All of these interdictions have been tied to criminal investigations by federal partners and are linked to transnational criminal and foreign terrorist organizations including the Clan del Golfo, Sinaloa Cartel, and Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generacion. On Jan. 5, the 'James'’ embarked unmanned aircraft system (drone) spotted a suspicious vessel approximately 260 miles off the coast of Ecuador. The 'James'’ boarding team interdicted the vessel, apprehending three suspected smugglers and seizing more than 2,025 pounds of cocaine. On Jan. 6, a maritime patrol aircraft spotted three suspicious go-fast vessels approximately 280 miles off the coast of Ecuador. James simultaneously intercepted the three go-fast vessels, with the help from the embarked UAS and Coast Guard Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron aircrew, The 'James'’ boarding teams interdicted the vessels, apprehending nine suspected drug traffickers and seizing more than 13,960 pounds of cocaine. On Jan. 7, a maritime patrol aircraft detected a suspicious low-profile go-fast vessel approximately 330 miles off the coast of Galapagos Islands, Ecuador.The ' James'’ embarked HITRON aircrew employed airborne use of force tactics to compel the non-compliant vessel to stop, and the boarding team apprehended three suspected drug traffickers and seized over 8,240 pounds of cocaine. On Jan. 11, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Air and Marine Operations aircrew detected a suspicious go-fast vessel approximately 275 miles off the coast of Ecuador. A 'James'’ boat crew and the Coast Guard Cutter 'Stone'’s embarked HITRON aircrew interdicted the go-fast vessel, apprehending three suspected drug traffickers and seizing more than 3,385 pounds of cocaine. On Jan. 18, the Coast Guard Cutter 'Mohawk’' detected a suspicious go-fast vessel, approximately 185 miles off the coast of Ecuador. After the suspected smugglers jettisoned the presumptive narcotics into the water, James’ small boat chased down the fleeing go-fast from 60 nautical miles away while Mohawk’s crew recovered the jettisoned bales. James’ boarding teams interdicted the go-fast vessel, apprehending three suspected drug traffickers and seizing approximately 5,950 pounds of cocaine. On Jan. 30, the 'James'’ embarked UAS crew detected multiple suspicious go-fast vessels approximately 380 miles west off the coast of Peru. James’ boarding team employed surface use of force tactics to interdict the go-fast vessel, apprehending three suspected drug traffickers and seizing more than 3,870 pounds of cocaine. On Feb 1, the 'James'’ embarked UAS crew spotted a suspicious go-fast vessel operating approximately 280 miles off Ecuador. James’ boarding team interdicted the vessel, apprehending three suspected drug traffickers and seizing more than 3,630 pounds of cocaine. On Feb. 3, the 'James'’ embarked UAS crew detected multiple suspicious go-fast vessels operating 215 miles off Peru. James’ boarding team interdicted the vessel, apprehending three suspected drug traffickers and seizing nearly 3,490 pounds of cocaine. On Feb. 15, a CBP-AMO aircrew spotted a suspicious go-fast vessel, operating 260 miles off Costa Rica. The 'James'’ embarked HITRON aircrew employed airborne use of force tactics to compel the non-compliant vessel to stop. James’ boarding team interdicted the vessel, apprehending four suspected drug traffickers and seizing nearly 3,880 pounds of marijuana. The following assets and crews assisted James in the interdiction operations: - U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Mohawk (WMEC 913); - U.S. Coast Guard Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron (HITRON) Jacksonville; - U.S. Coast Guard Tactical Law Enforcement Team-Pacific (PAC-TACLET); - U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Air and Marine Operations (CBP-AMO) aircrews: - Joint Interagency Task Force-South (JIATF-S). Report with photo: https://www.news.uscg.mil/Press-Releases/Article/4150439/coast-guard-offloads-nearly-510-million-in-illegal-narcotics-interdicted-in-eas/

Thick black smoke was rising from burning containers at Iskenderun Port on Feb 6, 2023. The fire was caused by containers that toppled over during the powerful earthquake that struck southeast Turkey. ATurkish Coast Guard vessel was assisting efforts to extinguish the blaze.

Russia's Ministry of Transport has set up a ferry service across the Kerch Strait to take over vehicle traffic, offsetting some of the impact of the damage to the Kerch Strait Bridge after a truck was blown up on the westbound road deck of the Kerch Strait Bridge on Oct 7 at about 6 a.m. Two spans of the westbound deck collapsed into the water, but the adjacent eastbound deck remained in place. The blast's timing coincided with the passage of a fuel train on the adjacent rail deck, and it ignited seven fuel tank cars, which burned for hours after the explosion. A Russian salvage diving team has arrived on the site and is completing an underwater survey of the damage, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin said Sunday. An above-water inspection process is already under way. Traffic had partially resumed on the bridge by late Saturday, though restricted by the extent of the damage. Russia's Ministry of Transport said that it also resumed suburban commuter rail service over the rail track, though not heavy freight trains. Two ferries are already in operation to provide a bypass route, and eight separate parking lots have been set up for temporary storage for cars and trucks waiting to make the crossing. Two more ferries will join the effort on Monday, the Yeysh and Mriya.

The 'Loch Fyne', serving on the route Mallaig -Armadale, requires repairs prior to her return, During routine inspections, it has been discovered that sections of the exhaust system onboard the ship have to be attended. The ship berthed at the Dales Marine Systems in Greenock on April 7. Repair proposals and timeframes are currently being developed by a technical team of the operator CalMac in conjunction with external contractors. The ferry 'Loch Bhrusda' will remain on the route during this time. Due to the 'Loch Bhrusda' having a smaller capacity, some bookings may be affected. Port teams will be in contact with impacted customers.

The 'James' offloaded more than 44,550 pounds of cocaine and 3,880 pounds of marijuana valued at approximately $509.9 million in Port Everglades on April 9, 2025. This patrol resulted in 11 interdictions in the Eastern Pacific Ocean and the detainment of 34 suspected drug traffickers who were transferred ashore to face federal prosecution. All of these interdictions have been tied to criminal investigations by federal partners and are linked to transnational criminal and foreign terrorist organizations including the Clan del Golfo, Sinaloa Cartel, and Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generacion. On Jan. 5, the 'James'’ embarked unmanned aircraft system (drone) spotted a suspicious vessel approximately 260 miles off the coast of Ecuador. The 'James'’ boarding team interdicted the vessel, apprehending three suspected smugglers and seizing more than 2,025 pounds of cocaine. On Jan. 6, a maritime patrol aircraft spotted three suspicious go-fast vessels approximately 280 miles off the coast of Ecuador. James simultaneously intercepted the three go-fast vessels, with the help from the embarked UAS and Coast Guard Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron aircrew, The 'James'’ boarding teams interdicted the vessels, apprehending nine suspected drug traffickers and seizing more than 13,960 pounds of cocaine. On Jan. 7, a maritime patrol aircraft detected a suspicious low-profile go-fast vessel approximately 330 miles off the coast of Galapagos Islands, Ecuador.The ' James'’ embarked HITRON aircrew employed airborne use of force tactics to compel the non-compliant vessel to stop, and the boarding team apprehended three suspected drug traffickers and seized over 8,240 pounds of cocaine. On Jan. 11, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Air and Marine Operations aircrew detected a suspicious go-fast vessel approximately 275 miles off the coast of Ecuador. A 'James'’ boat crew and the Coast Guard Cutter 'Stone'’s embarked HITRON aircrew interdicted the go-fast vessel, apprehending three suspected drug traffickers and seizing more than 3,385 pounds of cocaine. On Jan. 18, the Coast Guard Cutter 'Mohawk’' detected a suspicious go-fast vessel, approximately 185 miles off the coast of Ecuador. After the suspected smugglers jettisoned the presumptive narcotics into the water, James’ small boat chased down the fleeing go-fast from 60 nautical miles away while Mohawk’s crew recovered the jettisoned bales. James’ boarding teams interdicted the go-fast vessel, apprehending three suspected drug traffickers and seizing approximately 5,950 pounds of cocaine. On Jan. 30, the 'James'’ embarked UAS crew detected multiple suspicious go-fast vessels approximately 380 miles west off the coast of Peru. James’ boarding team employed surface use of force tactics to interdict the go-fast vessel, apprehending three suspected drug traffickers and seizing more than 3,870 pounds of cocaine. On Feb 1, the 'James'’ embarked UAS crew spotted a suspicious go-fast vessel operating approximately 280 miles off Ecuador. James’ boarding team interdicted the vessel, apprehending three suspected drug traffickers and seizing more than 3,630 pounds of cocaine. On Feb. 3, the 'James'’ embarked UAS crew detected multiple suspicious go-fast vessels operating 215 miles off Peru. James’ boarding team interdicted the vessel, apprehending three suspected drug traffickers and seizing nearly 3,490 pounds of cocaine. On Feb. 15, a CBP-AMO aircrew spotted a suspicious go-fast vessel, operating 260 miles off Costa Rica. The 'James'’ embarked HITRON aircrew employed airborne use of force tactics to compel the non-compliant vessel to stop. James’ boarding team interdicted the vessel, apprehending four suspected drug traffickers and seizing nearly 3,880 pounds of marijuana. The following assets and crews assisted James in the interdiction operations: - U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Mohawk (WMEC 913); - U.S. Coast Guard Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron (HITRON) Jacksonville; - U.S. Coast Guard Tactical Law Enforcement Team-Pacific (PAC-TACLET); - U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Air and Marine Operations (CBP-AMO) aircrews: - Joint Interagency Task Force-South (JIATF-S). Report with photo: https://www.news.uscg.mil/Press-Releases/Article/4150439/coast-guard-offloads-nearly-510-million-in-illegal-narcotics-interdicted-in-eas/

The Port of Kiel expects another good season in 2023, resulting in 218 cruise calls, said its MD Dirk Claus in the morning of Jan 17, 2023, as part of a presentation reflecting on last year's results. It follows 2022's record-breaking 244 calls, which saw the port handle over 2.24m passengers, 836,000 of those from cruise vessels. The number of calls in 2019 was 37% less by comparison, numbering 178, and passenger volumes 4.1% lower. 2020 had been forecast to become a record season for Kiel, with 200 calls and 880,000 passengers, but aspirations were dashed owing to the pandemic. This year, a number of larger vessels are scheduled to arrive at Kiel on multiple occasions making the gross tonnage of arriving ships similar to 2022. For 2023, the choice of routes and destinations approached from Kiel will be slightly broader. Moving into the future, Claus expects Kiel to settle on between 200 and 250 cruise calls annually. According to the port, last year’s promising results were the result of ‘intense planning’ with international cruise operators. While 11 calls were cancelled owing to the conflict in Ukraine and the resulting loss of St Petersburg from itineraries, nine were newly added as a result of rerouting by operators. Looking ahead, there will be a strong focus on greener shipping with Claus hoping that between 60 and 100 calls can be supplied with green shore power this year. He stated that Kiel will continue to look at strengthening shore power in line with its corporate sustainability strategy to lower carbon emissions. Work on the new Ostuferhafen shore power plant is expected to conclude towards the end of this year, resulting in Kiel being able to offer shoreside connectivity at all its ferry and cruise terminals from 2024. Along with this €17m investment, a further €2m will be invested to install solar arrays. The systems, which will be fitted on roofs at Kiel Port, are intended to cover up to 30% of the port's electricity requirements in the long term.  Kiel’s first call is expected to arrive April 7 with the river vessel 'Frederic Chopin'. The first cruise ship of the season, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ 'Balmoral', will arrive a week later.  The largest ships to call will be 'MSC Euribia' and 'AIDAnova'. At the other end of the scale, the 'Ocean Majesty' will visit Kiel on six occasions while chartered to Hansa Touristik. The vessel, which celebrates its 57th anniversary this year, is popular with the German source market. One of its calls is scheduled to occur on June 18 during the Kieler Woche sailing festival which will run from June 17-25. Traditionally, this marks the peak of the cruise season with this year no exception: 22 calls are expected by Kiel at the same time as the event takes place. While the highest number of calls is expected between mid-April and the end of September as usual, some ships will continue to call later in the year. 'AIDAnova'’s last departure is scheduled for November 4 whilst December 20 will see Phoenix Reisen's 'Amera' arrive at Kiel as part of a pre-Christmas itinerary. The season will draw to a close a few days later with the 'Spirit of Discovery' on December 29. Costa-, AIDA-, MSC- and TUI Cruises will again be the port's largest cruise customers. The majority of calls account for turnarounds serving the German-speaking source markets, but a number of transit calls will also take place, P&O Cruises’ Britannia, Swiss Ruby, Holland America Line’s 'Nieuw Statendam' and Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ 'Seven Seas Splendor' among them. As in previous years, the Ostuferhafen outside the city centre will be heavily utilised by MSC Cruises and most other cruise ships will arrive at the Ostseekai. 

The Crimean Bridge across Kerch Strait suffered an explosion and fire in the morning of Oct 8, 2022. Two spans of the motorway bridge collapsed and fell into the water, the railway bridge above the motorway witha cargo train including railway car tanks with fuel, was on fire. All bridge traffic was suspended. The Crimean Bridge was more than a Bridge, both for Russia and Ukraine. For Russia it was a symbol of the Russian “victory” and historical justice. For the Ukraine, it was a symbol of the Russian aggression and Crimea occupation. The navigation span of the Bridge is yet undamaged, and therefore, the Kerch Strait Channel remained navigable. The Kerch Strait Transit is from now on, however, a risky undertaking, so all ship owners are advised to calculate risks and probably, change their ships voyages, avoiding Azov sea calls.