Ukraine Executes First-Ever Strike on Russian Caspian Oil Platform

Ukrainian forces have carried out their first confirmed attack on Russian oil infrastructure in the Caspian Sea, striking a major offshore production platform operated by Lukoil and forcing a suspension of operations, according to Ukrainian officials. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) deployed long-range drones against the Vladimir Filanovsky oil field, one of Russia’s largest offshore energy assets, resulting in multiple confirmed impacts on the platform. Ukrainian sources report that oil and gas extraction from more than 20 wells tied to the installation has been halted following the strike. The Filanovsky field, situated in the northern Caspian Sea and operated by Lukoil-Nizhnevolzhskneft, contains estimated reserves of approximately 129 million tonnes of crude oil and 30 billion cubic metres of natural gas. Before the attack, the platform played a significant role in Russia’s offshore production and export network. Moscow has not issued an official response, while Ukrainian officials framed the operation as part of a broader strategy to disrupt Russian energy revenues that support its military campaign. The incident underscores Kyiv’s increasing long-range operational capability and marks a notable escalation in the wider conflict. Authorities also advised all commercial vessels operating near the affected area to remain alert and exercise heightened caution due to potential follow-on risks and security uncertainties in the region.

Ukraine Hits Third Russia “Shadow Fleet” Tanker in the Black Sea

Ukraine has launched another high-precision maritime strike in the Black Sea, targeting a third tanker associated with Russia’s “shadow fleet,” a network of vessels believed to be operating outside standard regulatory and insurance frameworks to transport Russian oil amid ongoing sanctions. The latest incident involves the Comoros-flagged tanker Dashan, which Ukrainian officials reported was struck by a naval sea drone while navigating within Ukraine’s Exclusive Economic Zone. The tanker, reportedly unladen and bound for the Russian terminal in Novorossiysk, sustained significant damage near its stern area. Footage released by Ukrainian authorities appears to show the moment of impact, further highlighting the increasing sophistication of Ukraine’s unmanned maritime capabilities. This attack follows earlier strikes on the tankers Kairos and Virat in late November, signaling a sustained effort by Ukraine to disrupt Russia’s alternative export channels. The shadow fleet, composed largely of aging oil tankers with unclear ownership and registered under flags of convenience, has been central to Russia’s attempts to maintain oil exports despite international restrictions. The recent escalation marks a notable expansion of the conflict at sea, with direct implications for global energy transport routes.

Ukrainian Drone Attack Sparks Fire at Russian Oil Export Terminal

A Ukrainian drone strike ignited a fire at a Russian oil export terminal, marking another escalation in the ongoing campaign targeting key energy and maritime infrastructure linked to Russia’s war effort. The attack, reported by maritime security monitors, caused significant disruption at the facility as emergency teams moved quickly to contain the blaze and assess structural damage. Initial reports indicate that the fire broke out shortly after the drone impacted critical areas of the terminal used for storage and loading operations. While Russia has not released full details on the extent of the damage, local officials confirmed that terminal activities were temporarily halted as a precaution.

MARINA HOLDS DECEMBER OATH TAKING FOR MARINE OFFICERS

The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), through the STCW Office’s Examination and Assessment Division (EAD), officially welcomed newly certificated Marine Deck and Engineer Officers during an oath-taking ceremony held on 04 December 2025 at the AMOSUP Convention Hall, Intramuros, Manila. A total of 98 new officers took their oath. • Deck Department: 48 officers — 11 Master Mariners, 2 Chief Mates, and 35 Officers-in-Charge of a Navigational Watch. • Engine Department: 50 officers — 7 Chief Engineers and 43 Officers-in-Charge of an Engineering Watch.

The Managers’ Club (TMC) Christmas Party and Year-End Celebration

The Managers’ Club Christmas Party and Year-End Celebration, held at the elegant Levatine & Mediterranean Hall of Grand Westside Manila Bay, gathered maritime executives, managers, and industry professionals for an evening dedicated to unity, collaboration, and festive appreciation. Organized through the strong support and initiative of the Managers’ Club founders, and made possible by the generous contributions of its sponsors, the event provided a warm and vibrant setting for the maritime community to close the year together.

The Inter Maritime Group Hosts First Joint Year-End Celebration at The Manila Hotel

The Inter Maritime Group gathered its Philippine subsidiaries for the first-ever joint year-end celebration at The Manila Hotel’s iconic Fiesta Pavilion. The event brought together executives, maritime professionals, and industry partners representing the group’s three local entities: INC Navigation Company Philippines, Intership Crew Philippines, and the Intership Navigation Training Center, Inc.

Navitas Crew Conference 2025

The Navitas Crew Conference 2025 has formally concluded at the City Garden Grand Hotel in Makati, bringing together seafarers, fleet personnel, and company leaders for a comprehensive program centered on the theme “Navigating Together – Built on Family, Driven by Professionalism.” Held at the Rosemary Ballroom, the conference featured discussions on safety culture, teamwork, leadership, crew welfare, and Navitas’ long-term direction for improving vessel operations. Each session highlighted the company’s commitment to raising standards and ensuring a supportive environment for all crew members. Participants recognized the event as an important platform for strengthening communication, aligning expectations, and reinforcing the family-oriented culture that Navitas promotes across its fleet. The successful conclusion of the conference demonstrates Navitas’ continued dedication to building a highly professional, well-supported, and cohesive maritime workforce.

INTERTANKO Holds Seafarers’ Vetting Seminar in Manila

A specialized Seafarers’ Vetting Seminar organized by INTERTANKO is taking place in Manila, bringing together maritime professionals, shipping officers, and industry stakeholders to strengthen awareness on vetting and Port State Control (PSC) requirements. The seminar focuses on the critical role seafarers play in ensuring vessels meet international safety and compliance standards. Key discussions include current vetting trends, PSC priority areas, practical inspection preparation, and the human-element factors that influence a vessel’s operational performance. Industry experts are also expected to share real-world case studies and updated best practices to help crews and manning agencies improve readiness during vetting and PSC inspections. This Manila event highlights INTERTANKO’s continued commitment to supporting Filipino seafarers one of the world’s largest maritime workforces by providing updated knowledge essential to safe, compliant, and efficient tanker operations.

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS USED ON SHIPS

Fire extinguishers are essential first-response tools used to control and suppress different types of fires onboard ships. Each extinguisher is designed with a specific firefighting agent that targets certain classes of fire such as solid combustibles, flammable liquids, gases, metals, cooking oils, and even electrical sources. Onboard vessels, the correct selection and proper use of a fire extinguisher can prevent a small incident from escalating into a major emergency. Understanding the types, functions, and limitations of each extinguisher ensures safe and effective response by the crew. Types of Fire Extinguishers Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher This versatile extinguisher uses a fine powder that interrupts the chemical reaction of fire. It is considered an “all-rounder” because it can tackle multiple classes of fire, including flammable gases and electrical fires. Effective For: Class A, B, C, D, K/F, Electrical fires Best Use Onboard: Machinery spaces, engine rooms, areas with fuel, chemicals, and electrical equipment. Foam Fire Extinguisher Foam extinguishers work by forming a blanket over the burning surface, cooling the fire and preventing oxygen from reaching the fuel. Ideal for liquid-based fires. Effective For: Class A and B fires Best Use Onboard: Cargo areas, storerooms with paints/fuels, accommodation spaces. CO₂ (Carbon Dioxide) Fire Extinguisher This extinguisher releases high-pressure CO₂ gas that displaces oxygen, suffocating the fire without leaving any residue. Safe for electrical panels as it does not damage equipment. Effective For: Class B fires, Electrical fires Best Use Onboard: Control rooms, bridge equipment, engine control panels, electrical rooms. Water Fire Extinguisher Water extinguishers cool the burning material by reducing the temperature below ignition point. They are simple, effective, and environmentally friendly—but ONLY for solid combustible fires. Effective For: Class A fires Best Use Onboard: Storage areas with paper, wood, cloth, and other solid materials. Warning: Never use on electrical, fuel, or grease fires. Wet Chemical Fire Extinguisher This extinguisher is specifically designed to fight fires involving cooking oils and fats. It works by cooling and forming a chemical layer that prevents re-ignition making it vital for galley operations. Effective For: Class A and Class F/K fires Best Use Onboard: Ship galleys, cooking stations, and food preparation areas.

Fouling

Fouling in the Engine Room Fouling inside heat exchangers, piping and machinery is a persistent threat to vessel reliability, fuel efficiency and safety. Left unchecked, deposits and films build up on internal surfaces, reducing heat transfer, increasing pump and compressor loads, and accelerating corrosion. Below we explain the six common types of engine-room fouling, their root causes, operational impacts, and practical prevention measures every chief engineer and technical manager should know. Types of fouling 1. Scaling Mineral salts precipitate from hard water (e.g., calcium or magnesium salts) and form hard, insulating layers on heat-transfer surfaces. Scaling reduces thermal efficiency and flow, increasing fuel consumption and risking overheating of machinery. 2. Particulate fouling Suspended solids sand, rust particles, paint flakes or sediment settle and accumulate in piping and exchangers. These deposits obstruct flow paths and erode components, leading to frequent filter replacements, higher head loss and reduced system performance.

Common Ropes used on Cargo Ships

Merchant ropes are heavy-duty lines, often synthetic (nylon, polyester) or wire, used on commercial ships for mooring (securing to docks), towing, cargo handling, and safety, designed for extreme strength, durability, and specific elasticity to manage ship movement against wind, tides, and currents, with different types like spring lines and breast lines handling specific motions. Key Functions & Type ‣Mooring: Securing vessels to berths using bollards and cleats, controlling lateral (breast lines) and longitudinal (spring lines) movement. ‣Towing & Guiding: Assisting other vessels or guiding ships into port. ‣Cargo Handling: Lifting and moving cargo during loading/unloading. ‣Safety: Acting as lifelines or barriers on deck. Types of Ropes ‣Nylon: Excellent shock absorption (elasticity) for heavy impacts, good abrasion resistance, but degrades in UV light. ‣Polyester: Strong, low stretch, good UV and water resistance, ideal for steady loads but can be slack under tension. ‣Polypropylene: Lightweight, floats, affordable, resistant to chemicals, but high stretch and less durable long-term. ‣HMPE (Dyneema/Spectra): Extremely strong, low stretch, very light, excellent performance for heavy loads but costly. ‣Wire Rope: Steel cables for maximum strength in very harsh, heavy-duty applications. ‣Manila (Natural): Biodegradable, traditional, but susceptible to rot and UV damage.

Law of Thermodynamics

The Laws of Thermodynamics: Essential Principles Behind Heat, Work, and Energy Understanding the Laws of Thermodynamics is fundamental in engineering, science, and industrial operations. These four principles describe how heat and energy behave in physical systems whether in marine machinery, automotive engines, refrigeration units, or power plants. Each law provides critical insights that help engineers design safer, more efficient, and more reliable systems. Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics: Foundation of Temperature Measurement The Zeroth Law states that if two bodies are each in thermal equilibrium with a third body, then all three are in equilibrium with one another. This simple but powerful principle forms the basis of all temperature measurement. It ensures that thermometers can serve as accurate reference points in determining temperature across different systems. First Law of Thermodynamics: The Conservation of Energy The First Law explains that energy cannot be created or destroyed it can only change forms. In marine and industrial applications, fuel energy is transformed into mechanical work, heat, and other forms of output. Although energy transitions from one type to another, the total amount within the system remains constant. This principle drives the design of engines, generators, and thermal processes.