Maritime news . Week 27
IMO Targets Seafarer Fatigue, Work And Rest Hours, And Harassment At Sea
IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee seeks stronger compliance with global safety management standards to protect crew welfare.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is taking action to ensure that ships worldwide are safely managed and operated, with a renewed focus on seafarer issues such as work and rest hours, fatigue, and violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying and sexual assault.
Empowering Seafarers: Reflections from the 3rd CSN Mediterranean Crewing Conference
The 3rd CSN Mediterranean Crewing Conference took place on 25 June 2025 in Athens, drawing a full house of international crewing professionals, HR leaders, shipowners, and technology providers. The conference—held in celebration of the Day of the Seafarer—focused on the theme “Empowering Seafarers: Innovations in Welfare, Training, and Digital Transformation.” Hosted at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre, it was a day marked by practical insights, bold ideas, and a shared commitment to advancing the wellbeing and capability of seafarers.
NYK Bulk Carrier Saves Stranded Sailors In The Middle Of The Pacific Ocean
The bulk carrier Medi Giannutri, operated by NYK Line, Japan’s largest shipping company, rescued two sailors from a disabled sailboat in the Pacific Ocean on June 19, 2025, according to a search and rescue operation coordinated by the US Coast Guard.
The vessel was en route to the US port of Long Beach when it received an urgent request from the Coast Guard to assist in a maritime emergency.
Low Water Levels In Germany’s Rhine River Disrupt Shipping & Increase Freight Costs
Low water levels on Germany’s Rhine River due to a heatwave in western Europe have hindered shipping on the vital maritime waterway.
Freight costs have risen for cargo owners due to extra surcharges since ships are not able to sail fully loaded.
Commodity traders are stressed as low water levels have limited the shipping on the entire stretch of the river, south of Duisburg, Cologne and the maritime chokepoint at Kaub.