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IN THIS ISSUE
1. Grim reminder of past tragedies
2. Sustainable shipping
3. Debt spiral
4. COLREGS
5. Digitalisation agreement
6. Piracy increase
7. Better working lives
8. Survey compass
9. Arbitration hub
10. Seaworthiness focus
11. Iron wear detection
12. Oslo Ocean Days
13. Clean shipping
14. GRC Council
Notices & Miscellany
Readers’ responses to our articles are very welcome and, where suitable, will be reproduced:
Write to: contactus@themaritimeadvocate.com
1. Grim reminder of past tragedies
By Michael Grey
A ship which can charitably be thought of in the autumn of her days. A cargo known to be problematical and with which there will be no second chances should things turn nasty. Two life rafts and two survivors out of a crew of 24, although the search was continuing. The loss last weekend of the bulker Ocean Winner in the Bay of Bengal brought back memories of those 1980-90s years, when bulker losses – mainly elderly ships which vanished with their crews – were almost so routine that the mainstream media failed to even notice them.
We were supposed to have learned a lot since them, and to do the industry credit, much has indeed improved, such that these losses are now very rare. We learned about the sin of postponed maintenance and the need for continual inspection of hard worked and corroding structures. The industry faced up to the dangers of the port equipment bashing ships around like so much scrap iron. We had hoped that the loaders might have learned of the strains which could be put upon ship structures by an injudicious departure from the loading plan, just to get the ship away faster. And most important of all, bulk carriers have, over the intervening years, been exposed to far tighter inspection regimes and stronger regulations.
We were also supposed to have learned a lot more about the dangers of liquefaction, with cargoes liable to this problem being identified and proper precautions taken to ensure that the cargo was within transportable limits. But sadly, these particular problems have persisted, and new, well-found ships have been lost, occasioning regular warnings from class, the bulk carrier owners’ organisation Intercargo and the P&I clubs, of the continuing need for vigilance, independent testing, and a firm refusal to carry doubtful cargo.
But some problems have never entirely gone away, mostly revolving around human nature. Cargoes are still stored for shipment in some places where there is heavy rainfall, and pressure is still put on shipmasters to accept cargo that is inadequately tested for moisture content, with dodgy sampling and little confidence that the tests have been undertaken by somebody who does not have a vested interest in getting the ship away.
Masters in these places probably have nobody on their side, with all interests anxious to get the cargo aboard and the vessel to sea. The owner doesn’t want the ship blacked by the charterer or the terminal, the charterer is being screamed at by the consignee who needs the cargo desperately. There might be a supercargo involved, whose focus is expediting the operation. The agent, who in another age, might have been working for the ship, is simultaneously representing the charterer. The master could make waves, but knows his job is on the line. The P&I club could help, but somebody has to alert them. The alleged can tests might have been very selective, but who knew? Maybe all will be well.
There is no evidence whatever that this sort of scenario had played out as the 73,000dwt Panama flag panamax Ocean Winner loaded her China-bound cargo in the Indian port of Paradip, earlier this month. But it is a fact that liquefaction has been a factor in a notable number of incidents in recent years, where large ships carrying these types of cargo have got into difficulties. Doubtless the flag state’s investigators will be considering this in due course.
That, and the possibility of a catastrophic structural failure, because there is no getting away from the circumstances that a 28 year old geared bulker might not be the optimum carriage for 71,000 tonnes of iron ore fines for an Indian ocean crossing in the monsoon period. The ship could have been in tip-top condition, maintained to an exemplary level by her several owners, but it would have been surprising, if three decades of hard wear had not registered on her structure. You do not, I was once told by a class surveyor of great experience, see fatigue, no matter how hard you scrutinise a piece of steel.
One can only hope for the best that the efforts of the rescuers might be successful, but when this was being written mid-week, hopes were already fading. One also hopes that we can learn something from this tragedy, although it might just result in underlining lessons that were learned in all those earlier, awful, losses. That would be a small positive, if nothing else. Michael Grey is former editor of Lloyd’s List.
2. Sustainable shipping
Shipping is the backbone of global trade, and a new industry-wide report suggests its decarbonisation push may be doing more for ocean health than anyone’s tracking.
The report, from the Sustainable Shipping Initiative, finds companies investing in fuel efficiency are often improving ocean health at the same time, without tracking it, financing it, or getting credit for it.
Redesigned propellers cut fuel costs and underwater noise that disrupts marine life. Biofouling management reduces drag and limits invasive species transfer. Shore power cuts port emissions while eliminating noise and scrubber discharge.
The report is the first to track this progress at scale, and shows real momentum, though unevenly. Emissions reduction is scaling fast, while pollution control and marine spatial planning lag behind.
The wider point: shipping shares the ocean with fishing fleets, ports, coastal communities and tourism. Protecting ocean health and protecting shipping’s own business are, in practice, the same task.
For more details see the Sustainable Shipping Initiative website.
3. Debt spiral
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent tapping the $1 trillion Treasury General Account, as just announced, to fund bond buybacks is a major red flag for investors, warns the CEO of one of the world’s largest independent financial advisory organisations.
Nigel Green of deVere Group’s comments come as the US national debt punches through $40 trillion, arriving roughly two years ahead of official government forecasts, and the Treasury doubles the size of its bond buyback programme in an attempt to steady a market where 30 year yields had climbed to levels not seen since 2007.
He says: “When a government has to step into the market and start buying back its own debt, it tells you the usual buyers didn’t show up in the volume Washington needed, and officials had to find another lever to pull.
“What we’re looking at is a band aid fix, not a solution. It smooths the surface without touching the pressure building underneath it.
“Buybacks can quiet a single trading session, and that’s exactly what happened this week. Yields dropped sharply within minutes of the announcement landing.
“But a borrowing position that has just crossed $40 trillion cannot be talked down or bought down in an afternoon.
“Investors reached that conclusion almost as fast as the announcement itself moved through the wires, and the rally reversed within a day, erasing the initial drop in yields entirely.
“It’s a textbook pattern of a market testing an intervention and finding it wanting once the shock wears off. The first move was reflex. The second move, the following day, was the market doing its arithmetic.
“Layer on the reported plan to draw close to $1 trillion out of the Treasury General Account, cash built from ordinary tax receipts, to help fund further buybacks, and you have a government dipping into its own operating reserves to prop up demand for its own paper. That is not a borrower firmly in control of its financing.
“It’s a borrower running short of easy options.”
“Spreading exposure across regions, currencies and asset classes stops being a nice to have and becomes essential. Investors should be looking well beyond their biases, toward equities, alternative assets and currencies that are not tethered to a single sovereign balance sheet under this kind of strain.”
Gold and other assets that hold up well against inflation could deserve a fresh look too. When a government is signalling, however indirectly, that it needs to manage demand for its own bonds, that is precisely the environment in which real assets tend to outperform paper promises.
Nigel Green concludes: “The clearest message from this week appears to be that Washington is buying time, not fixing the problem.
“Investors who treat this as a passing headline rather than a structural warning will be the ones most exposed if or when the next, bigger test of confidence lands.”
4. COLREGS
ClassNK has granted its Innovation Endorsement for Products & Solutions to “eVa COLREGS”, an AI-powered maritime COLREG training platform developed by eDOT Solutions.
The platform is designed to enhance understanding and proficiency in the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREG) among seafarers and maritime educational institutions, and is offered as a solution to support practical maritime education and training.
In order to promote the spread and development of innovative technologies, ClassNK has offered innovation endorsement for products & solutions. ClassNK supports the deployment of products and services through third-party certification for equipment and software technology with innovative functions.
– Product name:
eVa COLREGS
– Scope of Certification:
AI-Powered Contextual Question Generation Engine for Adaptive COLREG Assessment
Rule-Based Real-Time COLREG Compliance Feedback and AI-Powered Post-Session Report Analysis
AI-Generated Lights, Shapes and Sound Signals Identification Training with Simulated Vessel Scenarios
Dual-Mode Delivery Architecture: Native Desktop Application and Browser-Based Game Streaming Across Devices
3D Maritime Simulation on Unreal Engine (developed by Epic Games) with Configurable Multi-Monitor Bridge Architecture
Detailed information on each product and solution is available on the following page.
5. Digitalisation agreement
Inmarsat Maritime and South Korean telecommunications services provider SK telink have signed an agreement to advance maritime digitalisation across the country’s shipping industry.
The agreement will strengthen collaboration between the two companies to bring NexusWave services, the next-generation connectivity capabilities, to shipowners seeking to enhance operational efficiency, resilience and crew welfare. It covers NexusWave implementation across car carriers, container ships, VLCCs, and other vessel types operated by the South Korean shipping companies, including HMM, SINOKOR and others.
Building on a strategic relationship dating back to 2007, Inmarsat Maritime and SK telink share a commitment to supporting South Korea’s evolving maritime connectivity requirements. By combining Inmarsat Maritime’s global network, maritime expertise and fully managed service model with SK telink’s strong market presence and customer relationships, the partners aim to help operators accelerate digital transformation while navigating an increasingly complex operating environment.
As vessel operations become increasingly data-driven, reliable and resilient connectivity is becoming a critical enabler of business performance. Inmarsat Maritime’s NexusWave is designed to provide the digital foundation required to support cloud-based applications, remote technical support, cybersecurity strategies, vessel performance optimisation and increasingly connected crews.
For South Korean operators trading extensively across Asia, NexusWave provides an approach to navigating the region’s complex regulatory environment, leveraging on Inmarsat Maritime’s regulatory expertise and longstanding relationships across markets. Its capabilities allow the service to manage the availability of individual network underlays, according to local requirements while maintaining connectivity with the bonded service.
In addition, the ViaSat-3 service is expected to substantially enhance capacity to the region. Its planned integration into NexusWave is designed to deliver enhanced performance, capacity and flexibility for customers operating across some of the world’s busiest maritime routes.
Shin-Yong Lee, Head of Satellite Business Division, SK telink, commented: “Connectivity has become fundamental to the safe, efficient and competitive operation of a modern fleet. Shipping companies need a resilient digital platform that can support operational applications, cybersecurity requirements and the expectations of today’s seafarers. NexusWave is designed to support these needs, and we are excited to bring its advanced capabilities to more South Korean operators helping them unlock greater value from connected, data-driven operations.”
Justin Yi, Regional Director APAC, Inmarsat Maritime, said: “South Korea continues to set the pace for innovation in global shipping, with operators embracing technologies that enhance performance, resilience and competitiveness. This agreement reflects both the strength of our long-standing relationship with SK telink and growing momentum behind the digitalisation of maritime operations. Together, we are helping create the connectivity foundations that will enable South Korean shipowners to realise the full benefits of a connected and increasingly data-driven future.”
6. Piracy increase
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez issued a statement following reports of the SEAMULL being hijacked on 20 August 2026:
“Shipping challenges are on the rise with the recent increase of piracy incidents in the Gulf of Aden. With the most recent highjack, a sixth vessel is being held by pirates and armed robbers in waters that are becoming too dangerous for seafarers.
“More than 90 innocent seafarers are now being held captive, their lives subject to constant uncertainty and threat, often with limited access to adequate food, fresh water, medical support and other essential services. Behind each of them is a family enduring an unimaginable ordeal, with limited reliable information about their loved ones’ well-being.
“I demand the immediate and unconditional release of all those being held captive. No seafarer should face violence, intimidation or exploitation simply for doing their jobs and keeping global trade moving.
“The deteriorating maritime security situation in the region demands urgent attention. While international focus has been drawn to other areas of heightened tension, we cannot allow the resurgence of piracy in the Gulf of Aden and surrounding waters to go unaddressed. The safety and security of seafarers must remain a global priority.
“I call on flag and coastal States to ensure ships flying their flag are adequately prepared to manage security risks and that crews are not exposed to avoidable dangers. This includes the implementation of industry best management practices (BMP Maritime Security) and relevant IMO guidance, including MSC.1/Circ.1601/Rev.2.
“IMO will continue to support regional efforts led by coastal States to address this resurgence of piracy, through initiatives such as the Djibouti Code of Conduct and its Jeddah Amendment.
“At the same time, sustained international naval cooperation remains essential to protecting merchant shipping and the seafarers who serve it. The international community has successfully confronted this threat before, and it must do so again.
“I will keep raising this important matter across the UN-family, and engage with governments and all stakeholders to assess how IMO can best support collaborative efforts aimed at enhancing maritime security and protecting seafarers.”
7. Better working lives
The Nautical Institute has launched Better Working Lives at Sea, a new podcast series exploring the communication, leadership and mentoring skills that underpin safe and successful careers at sea. The series is sponsored by The Seafarers’ Charity.
Hosted by Catherine Logie, Head of Learning and People Strategy at OneOcean, the five-part series brings together experts with practical experience at sea and ashore. Deirdre Lane FNI, Harbour Master of Dunmore East and Chair of The Nautical Institute’s Technical Committee, discusses effective communication, while Steve Cameron , Chair of the London Branch of The Nautical Institute, examines the case for kind leadership.
Captain Ann Pletschke FNI, a Master Mariner with more than 25 years’ experience in maritime and a long-standing mentor, explains why mentoring matters throughout a career. Dr Nippin Anand, Founder and CEO of Novellus Solutions and a former Master Mariner, challenges conventional thinking about safety culture, while Neil Dulling , Senior Specialist, Gas Ships at International Registries, and Vice President of The Nautical Institute, explains why soft skills are essential to safe operations.
Their conversations turn real experience into practical guidance: the danger of acknowledging a message without fully understanding its meaning; how leaders can combine high standards with empathy; why mentoring matters at every career stage; and how people across ranks and cultures can be given the confidence to question decisions and speak up. The series supports The Nautical Institute’s commitment to empowering the leaders of tomorrow and is intended for seafarers at every stage of their career.
Captain John Lloyd , Chief Executive of The Nautical Institute, said: “Supporting maritime professionals throughout their careers is central to the work of The Nautical Institute. Technical competence is essential, but excellence at sea also depends on communication, professional judgement, leadership and the ability to bring people together as an effective team.
“Our role is to give maritime professionals the tools, knowledge and practical guidance they need to continue developing and to perform at their best. This series draws on real experience to explore the skills that can make a genuine difference to people’s working lives at sea. With the support of The Seafarers’ Charity, we can make those lessons freely available and help empower the maritime leaders of tomorrow.”
Tina Barnes, Impact Director at The Seafarers’ Charity added: “A supportive work environment for seafarers is crucial at a time when the global workforce faces many and varied challenges. Effective, empathetic leadership and communication can make the difference between seafarers thriving rather than simply surviving in their careers.”
Better Working Lives at Sea is available via The Nautical Institute’s podcast page, as well as on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and The Nautical Institute’s YouTube channel.
8. Survey compass
ClassNK has launched ‘Survey Compass,’ an AI assistant that supports shipowners and ship management companies in their survey-related operations. Survey Compass is an AI assistant that responds in natural language to questions on classification survey matters faced by shipowners and ship management companies. Users can quickly confirm the information they need together with its supporting sources, thereby improving the efficiency of survey preparation and response work and reducing their workload. This initial release marks the first step toward ClassNK’s vision of a digital service platform for ships in service. ClassNK will continue to expand and enhance Survey Compass together with its customers, incorporating feedback and requests gathered through its practical use.
Survey Compass is available on ‘ClassNK Customer Hub – Ship in Service – (CCH SiS), a web portal service for shipowners and ship management companies.
In the maritime industry, regulations, particularly those related to environmental compliance, are becoming increasingly complex, requiring shipowners and ship management companies to manage a growing number of requirements and an ever-expanding volume of information. Against this backdrop, personnel responsible for survey-related matters are often required to identify the applicable requirements within a limited timeframe.
Survey Compass accepts questions in natural language, directly searches classification survey-related documents, and presents a concise summary together with links to the underlying information sources. Because information related to classification surveys and ship management is closely tied to the safe operation of vessels, a high level of accuracy and reliability is required.
For this reason, Survey Compass adopts a retrieval-based approach that generates answers based on relevant source documents, reducing the risk of AI-generated inaccuracies. Through this approach, it aims to serve as a trustworthy AI assistant that users can rely on with confidence.
By providing links to the source documents used to generate each answer, Survey Compass enables users to review the original references directly and make informed professional judgments. In the first version, the service will start by covering Part B of the Rules for the Survey and Construction of Steel Ships, the Guidance for Undergoing Surveys, and Technical Information.
9. Arbitration hub
Hong Kong has reinforced its position as a leading maritime arbitration hub, with maritime disputes accounting for nearly one in five arbitration references before the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC) in 2025, the highest proportion recorded in almost a decade, according to a new report from global law firm HFW.
The seventh edition of HFW’s annual Maritime Arbitration in Numbers report, which analyses 2025 statistics from the principal maritime arbitration bodies in Hong Kong, Singapore and London, found that HKIAC recorded 388 arbitration references in 2025. Maritime disputes accounted for 19.9% of those cases (approximately 77 matters), the highest proportion recorded since 2016, when maritime matters represented 21.16% of HKIAC’s caseload.
Maritime disputes were the second-largest category of disputes before the Centre in 2025, behind only Corporate and Shareholder Disputes (23.6%), underscoring the growing importance of maritime arbitration within Hong Kong’s dispute resolution market. This marked a significant increase from 12% of cases in 2024 and 16% in 2023.
Strong activity was also evident at the Hong Kong Maritime Arbitration Group (HKMAG), which reported 144 maritime appointments during 2025, remaining close to record levels. Together, the HKIAC and HKMAG figures highlight the continued strength of Hong Kong’s maritime arbitration market and reinforce its position as a leading venue for resolving complex international shipping disputes.
Nicola Hui, Partner, HFW conmented: “Hong Kong continues to build momentum as a maritime arbitration centre, with increasing activity at the HKIAC and a sustained high level of appointments at the HKMAG.
“Hong Kong’s combination of a trusted arbitration framework, a pro-arbitration judiciary and unique access to Mainland Chinese interim measures makes it particularly attractive for parties involved in maritime disputes connected with China and the wider Asia-Pacific region.
“As maritime trade continues to evolve, Hong Kong is likely to play an increasingly important role in resolving complex international shipping disputes.”
Paul Dean, Partner and Global Head of Shipping, HFW said: “This year’s data offers fresh insight into the evolution of the global maritime arbitration landscape. While London remains the dominant centre for maritime arbitration globally, the increasing prominence of Hong Kong highlights the growing appeal of arbitration across Asia.
“The statistics show that the market is responding to continued investment and reform across the leading arbitral jurisdictions, creating greater choice and helping to strengthen the global maritime arbitration landscape..
“As geopolitical conditions and trade disruption continue to generate complex disputes across the shipping sector, we expect demand for high-quality, experienced and internationally recognised dispute resolution forums to remain strong.”
See the HFW website for more details.
10. Seaworthiness focus
The need to look at seaworthiness beyond the physical condition of a vessel, strengthen long-term career pathways for seafarers, and keep seafarer welfare at the centre of maritime decision-making emerged as key areas of discussion at the Nautical Institute (Singapore) Conference 2026, held on 20 August at Furama City Centre.
Held in conjunction with MPA Safety@Sea Week, the conference brought together over 250 maritime professionals across shipping, ship management, law, insurance, crewing, training, welfare and maritime operations under the theme “Seaworthiness and Seafarers in a Changing World”.
Ang Wee Keong, Chief Executive of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), delivered the opening address. The conference featured two keynote addresses from senior maritime leaders whose careers span both the operational and strategic sides of the sector -. Nick Potter, President & CEO of AET and Vice President, Petroleum & Products of MISC Group and Sakura Kuma Executive Officer of Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and Managing Director of MOL (Asia Oceania) .
One of the day’s most poignant moments came from Kuma, who shared the story of the seafarers aboard MOL’s LNG Saturn and their involvement in rescuing fellow seafarers from another vessel. The crew remained engaged in the rescue effort for approximately six hours, working to complete the operation before sundown. Beyond the operational response itself, the account offered delegates a powerful reminder of what the maritime profession can demand of those at sea: sound judgement, seamanship, teamwork and the willingness to act when another life depends on it. Kuma’s comment was just one of many throughout the day, highlighting the strides the industry is making to keep seafarers in mind, especially during challenging times.
Discussions moved from the responsibilities that underpin seaworthiness and safe operations to the realities of building a career at sea, where attracting new talent is only part of the challenge. Equally important is giving seafarers the support and opportunities to stay and progress. Against a backdrop of geopolitical uncertainty, security threats and changing expectations of life at sea, the conversations also reinforced the need to safeguard seafarer wellbeing and create working environments where people feel supported. While the challenges may differ, the thread connecting them is the same: the future of shipping depends not only on seaworthy vessels, but on the people who operate them.
“The responsibility our seafarers carry remains enormous, and in many ways, the world they operate in is more complex, more dynamic, and the risks have changed significantly. Our response is not simply to make ships capable of surviving that world, but it’s to make sure our people aboard them can thrive in it,.” Nick Potter said.
“Shipping isn’t a straight line. It’s a complex industry and to really learn from it, one must be curious.” commented Captain Kunal Nakra at the conference. “The goal is not simply to prevent poor mental health, but the goal should be to create the right conditions on board in which seafarers can genuinely thrive.” said Captain Yves Vandenborn. .
“The engaging and informative discussions you’ve had today don’t end here. They make a real impact when you bring them back to your workplace and continue the conversations around important issues that affect seafarers globally.” added Captain Ken Ellam.
11. Iron wear detection
CM Technologies (CMT) has introduced two new instruments for measuring ferrous metal debris in the drained cylinder oil of marine engines, extending the electromagnetic monitoring options available for detecting engine component wear onboard ship.
The FWDM Ferrous Wear Debris Meter Pro and next-generation Ferrous Particle Quantifier (FPQ) – officially unveiled at the SMM 2026 exhibition – have been designed to provide more reliable insight into the condition of two-stroke marine engines.
In any engine, mechanical stress on piston rings, cylinder liners, bearings, gears, and more can result in ferrous debris in the cylinder oil. These metal particles accumulate over time and the amount detected in the sample reflects the overall health of the engine.
“Compared to its predecessor, the new FWDM Pro delivers improved usability allowing engineers to carry out trend analysis directly from the device,” explained CMT Managing Director David Fuhlbrügge. “It is one of the most advanced test kits we have developed for onboard cylinder oil analysis.”
With magnetic sensors housed in a rugged casing along with an integrated battery, the new kit cuts measurement time without sacrificing accuracy. It can measure oils or grease, analysing iron content in parts per million (ppm) from a sample size of just 2ml.
The Ferrous Particle Quantifier (FPQ), meanwhile, is used to deliver reliable laboratory-grade results onboard by measuring magnetic mass providing a Particle Quantifier (PQ) index.
For laboratories and condition monitoring services, ferrous particle analysis is a key diagnostic parameter, used across marine, industrial, and heavy machinery applications to detect developing wear at an early stage, enabling scheduled intervention before minor issues escalate into serious failures.
However, not all ferrous particle tests are equal, Fuhlbrügge said. “Most conventional methods assess iron content by measuring the surface area of particles in the sample. The problem is that surface area does not scale linearly with particle size.” As a result, what appears within normal limits may be concealing a significant wear event, he said..
Using advanced electromagnetic sensors, the FPQ includes a large touchscreen to help users through the measurement process, with in-device analysis and trend visualisation across the full range of sample volumes encountered in professional testing workflows. Results are delivered immediately and without the need for additional software.
Typically, the type of fuel the engine burns determines the type of iron test kit required.For example, the use of HFO+scrubber tends to result in higher cold corrosion risk with chemical testing the most effective way of detecting corroded ferrous particles. VLSFO, on the other hand, results mostly in abrasive wear with non-corroded particles best detected by magnetic devices.
While CMT has chemical- and magnetic-based iron test kits for use with all fuel types, Fuhlbrügge said crews prefer the magnetic devices because they are easy to use and avoid chemical handling. However, these devices only test for abrasive iron and to get a full picture a cold corrosion test can also be carried out.
“Operators burning mainly VLSFO tend to see less cold corrosion and can benefit from the simplicity and speed of the FDWM Pro and FPQ’s magnetic detection kits,” said Fuhlbrügge. “With immediate, cylinder-specific results available, onboard crews can implement more informed lubrication strategies, reduce the risk of unplanned downtime, and better protect critical engine components.”
SMM takes place at the Hamburg Messe und Congress centre in Hamburg, Germany, between 1 and 4 September. For more details see the CMT website.
12. Oslo Ocean Days
How can the industry navigate change while staying on course to achieve business, operational and environmental ambitions? Jan Ole Huseby, Global Head of Ocean Industries at DNB, argues that insight, flexibility and consistency are essential, while outlining the need for a new form of broad-based dialogue. “Well, it’s not getting any less complex, is it?”, he says.
Huseby is considering the convergence of geopolitical upheaval, technological change, market uncertainty, and the drive to be more energy efficient.
Any one of those individual elements, he stresses, poses challenges for modern shipping and ocean businesses. When taken on board at the same time, even the strongest operators may feel ready to capsize.
“And that’s why, as an industry, we need to come together,” Huseby states.“There’s a real necessity for an ongoing, broad dialogue that lays the foundations for wider cooperation across the entire value chain. No one has the capacity to solve challenges of such magnitude alone… or, for that matter, to fully realise the business opportunities they may create. So we have to address these issues together.
“And that,” he adds with commitment, “is why there’s such a strong case for a gathering like Oslo Ocean Days.”
Oslo Ocean Days is to be held across Oslo city centre venues on 8-10 September 2026. It aims to bring together industry leaders, investors and policymakers around the fast-moving topics highlighted by Huseby, while providing a fresh space for insight, dialogue and international networking.
Participants will represent the highest levels of industry, with discussions designed to deliver impacts far beyond the waters of the Oslo fjord. Huseby describes the Norwegian capital as the “perfect location” for such an initiative, given both its fully integrated maritime cluster and its standing with “stakeholders of genuine understanding and authority”.
DNB, DNV and Höegh Autoliners are the main partners of Oslo Ocean Days, where a full programme of discussions, knowledge sharing, networking and social events awaits participants.
“Shipping and the ocean industries are often seen through lenses of heavy assets, balance sheets and technology,” he remarks, “but this is first and foremost a people business, where expertise, connections and face-to-face understanding are what makes all the difference.
“That sums up the need for Oslo Ocean Days in a nutshell. It puts the spotlight on people power. That’s what can really drive us forward into the future with confidence.”
13. Clean shipping
The Clean Shipping Alliance (CSA) and the Marine Fuels Alliance (MFA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support the shipping industry and bunker suppliers in meeting regulatory requirements on emissions, and to advance the transition to alternative fuels and emissions reduction technologies.
The agreement will see CSA’s expertise in exhaust gas cleaning systems and marine environmental technology brought together with MFA’s network and knowledge across the marine fuels supply chain. Both organisations share an interest in supporting the maritime industry’s transition toward a sustainable, compliant and lower-emission future, and the agreement sets out a structure for the two bodies to share technical insight and coordinate on regulatory pathways.
Through the collaboration, the two associations intend to encourage dialogue between technology providers, fuel suppliers and ship operators, share technical insights and support the development of practical regulatory pathways.
Under this framework, the two associations will:
Share technical data and research: on MARPOL compliance, alternative fuels and emissions reduction technologies.
Coordinate joint advocacy: including at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) level and alongside sessions of the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC).
Support industry events: on fleet modernisation, retrofitting and fuel quality standards.
Develop practical operational guidance: linking technology providers, fuel suppliers and ship operators.
14. GRC Council
The Global Ro-Ro Community (GRC), whose participants include ro-ro carriers and other stakeholders, and which covers approximately 80% of the transport capacity of the global car carrier fleet has established the GRC Council (GRCC), a body responsible for the operation of the GRC.
Since the establishment of the GRC, ClassNK has participated as an independent verifier. In connection with the establishment of the GRCC, ClassNK has also contributed to the development of its operational foundation through the formulation of the Governance Framework and data handling rules.
With the establishment of the GRCC, a formal governance framework has been put in place for the continuous review and improvement of emissions accounting methodologies and data handling rules. This will strengthen the environment in which not only Ro-Ro carriers, but also cargo owners and vehicle manufacturers, can utilize reliable and transparent GHG emissions data. As a result, emissions management and decarbonisation efforts throughout the supply chain can be advanced more effectively. In addition, the continuous improvement of internationally aligned emissions accounting methodologies is expected to enhance the transparency of environmental information and promote decarbonization across the industry.
Growing demand for reliable primary emissions data is being driven by developments such as FuelEU Maritime, the IMO’s greenhouse gas reduction measures, and the advancement of corporate Scope 3 emissions disclosure requirements. Against this background, the GRC was established in 2024 to promote cross-industry collaboration between ro-ro carriers and cargo owners. The GRC brings together ro-ro carriers, independent verifiers, cargo owners and other stakeholders to improve the accuracy, transparency and comparability of greenhouse gas emissions accounting. Participating companies account for approximately 80% of the transport capacity of the global car carrier fleet and are working to establish an industry-wide emissions data platform.
Notices and Miscellany
LMIS award
London Marine Insurance Services (LMIS) has been awarded the King’s Award for Enterprise in the International Trade category, marking a significant milestone for the specialist marine insurance provider and reinforcing its position as a leading British exporter of financial services.
The King’s Award recognises outstanding achievement in international trade. For LMIS, the award reflects more than two decades of sustained global growth, product innovation, and a consistent ability to adapt to the evolving demands of the marine insurance market.
Space Norway
Morten Tengs will step down as Chief Executive Officer of Space Norway with effect from 1 September, when he will take up the role of Special Adviser. The Board has appointed Rune Jensen as acting Chief Executive Officer until a permanent successor is appointed.
SSI member
The Sustainable Shipping Initiative (SSI) has announced that marine insurer NorthStandard has joined SSI as a member.
NorthStandard joins with a particular focus on the SSI’s Human Risk & Resilience platform, bringing the perspective of a global marine insurer to work on making people risk, safety, welfare and workforce conditions visible and material in operational and commercial decisions.
Please notify the Editor of your appointments, promotions, new office openings and other important happenings: contactus@themaritimeadvocate.com
And finally …
With thanks to Paul Dixon
Q: How many lawyers does it take to screw in a light bulb?
A: Whereas The Party Of The First Part, Also Known As ‘Lawyer’, And The Party Of The Second Part, Also Known As ‘Light Bulb’, Do Hereby And Forthwith Agree To A Transaction Wherein The Party Of The Second Part (Light Bulb) Shall Be Removed From The Current Position As A Result Of Failure To Perform Previously Agreed Upon Duties, I.E., The Lighting, Elucidation, And Otherwise Illumination Of The Area Ranging From …..
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