Maritime news . Week 45

Seafarers’ Shore Leave Still Declining

Seafarers are increasingly struggling to get ashore, with new research showing a 61% drop in visits to welfare centres since 2020. According to the ITF Seafarers’ Trust, nearly 70% of crews now spend less than two hours ashore, while a quarter get no shore leave at all during contracts. Researchers warn this could create a “vicious circle,” as reduced shore leave lowers demand for welfare services, leading to fewer support facilities available. Experts say reversing this trend requires coordinated action from shipowners, regulators, and welfare organizations to make shore leave a standard part of safe working conditions again.

https://splash247.com/study-warns-seafarers-shore-leave-still-in-steep-decline-since-pandemic/?utm_source=&utm_medium=smm&utm_campaign=

China unveils thorium boxship

China plans to build a 14,000 TEU containership powered by a thorium-based molten salt reactor, aiming for zero-emission, fuel-free operation. The project, led by CSSC and CNNC, could become the world’s first commercial vessel using this reactor technology, known for its safety and long endurance. Design completion is expected in 2026, though regulatory approval from international bodies like the IMO remains a key challenge.

https://splash247.com/china-developing-thorium-powered-boxship-project/?utm_source=&utm_medium=smm&utm_campaign=

Spacewear at Sea

NYK is testing “space-grade” workwear at sea in collaboration with Japanese fashion-tech brand Moonrakers, which works with JAXA to adapt aerospace materials for everyday use. The MOON-TECH fabric system provides sweat absorption, quick-drying performance, stain resistance, antibacterial protection, UV shielding, and stretch. This initiative is part of NYK’s broader strategy exploring space-related logistics and reusable rocket recovery projects, highlighting a growing convergence between maritime operations and space technology.

https://splash247.com/spacewear-hits-the-high-seas/?utm_source=&utm_medium=smm&utm_campaign=

Wärtsilä & Sinocrew Launch Training Hub

Wärtsilä and Sinocrew have opened a new maritime simulation training center in Beihai, China, aimed at preparing seafarers for decarbonisation technologies and future alternative marine fuels. The facility, the first under the MASTERS programme, features advanced Wärtsilä simulators with a focus on cruise sector operations and ASEAN-region training. The partnership also includes long-term technical support to keep the center’s systems up-to-date and ensure sustained, high-level competency development.

https://www.marineinsight.com/shipping-news/wartsi...?utm_source=&utm_medium=smm&utm_campaign=