Containership ONE Henry Hudson Returns to Los Angeles After Days-Long Fire Containment

The containership ONE Henry Hudson has safely returned to its berth at the Port of Los Angeles after a prolonged and complex firefighting operation that spanned several days. The incident began late Friday when a fire broke out in the ship’s lower-deck compartments while the vessel was moored at Yusen Terminal. All 23 crew members were evacuated without injury as flames spread into areas that were difficult for responders to access. A coordinated multi-agency response followed, involving nearly 200 firefighters from Los Angeles and Long Beach, along with the U.S. Coast Guard, port police, and federal partners. An explosion mid-ship knocked out the vessel’s power early in the incident, forcing crews to withdraw temporarily and continue battling the fire from the pier and waterborne units. Hazardous materials discovered in certain container bays added to the complexity of the operation. To stabilize the situation, authorities ordered the vessel moved offshore, where it anchored roughly a mile from Angel’s Gate Lighthouse. Firefighting teams continued cooling containers, extinguishing hotspots, and conducting stability assessments while environmental teams monitored air and water quality around the site. After conditions were deemed safe, the ship was escorted back to port for the next phase of recovery, which includes offloading damaged containers and removing large volumes of water used during firefighting efforts. Early assessments indicate no threat to public safety outside the controlled area. Investigators are now working to determine the cause of the fire as cleanup and salvage operations proceed.

Fire Erupts Aboard Cargo Vessel During Maintenance at Dutch Shipyard

A fire broke out aboard the general cargo vessel Ostborg while it was undergoing maintenance at a Dutch shipyard, prompting an immediate emergency response from on-site personnel. The incident occurred during scheduled repair activities, though authorities have not yet identified the exact cause of the ignition. According to initial reports, shipyard teams quickly mobilized and managed to contain the blaze before it spread to other sections of the vessel. Their fast intervention prevented the fire from escalating and helped minimize potential structural damage. No injuries or casualties were reported, and all personnel were safely accounted for following the incident.

Cargo Vessel ATA 1 Towed to Safety Following Engine Failure Near Çanakkale

The general cargo vessel ATA 1 was towed to safety after suffering an engine failure while navigating near the Çanakkale Strait, according to information released by Turkish maritime authorities. The Panama-flagged vessel reportedly lost propulsion during its northbound transit, prompting the crew to notify the Çanakkale Vessel Traffic Services Center. In response, the Directorate General of Coastal Safety deployed tugboats to the vessel’s position. The tugs were able to secure ATA 1 and guide it to a designated safe anchorage without further incident. Authorities confirmed that no injuries, pollution, or navigational disruptions occurred during the operation. Technical inspections are expected to determine the cause of the mechanical failure and assess the vessel’s readiness to continue its voyage. The Çanakkale Strait is considered a critical and high-traffic waterway, where even minor mechanical failures can pose risks to vessel safety and marine traffic flow. Maritime officials stated that the timely intervention ensured the situation remained under control and prevented any escalation.

MARINA Strengthens Maritime Partnerships with Belgium and Oman at IMO Assembly in London

LONDON, United Kingdom — The Philippines strengthened its global maritime alliances and continued its bid for re-election to the IMO Council as the country hosted a lunch reception during the 34th Session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) General Assembly on 24 November 2025. The event opened with messages from Ambassador Teodoro L. Locsin Jr. and DOTr Assistant Secretary for Maritime Villamor Ventura S. Plan, who both stressed the Philippines’ strong commitment to improving the welfare, training, and global mobility of Filipino seafarers.

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.

ALMA–UA&P CRC Landmark Study Launch

An exclusive press conference and presentation was held t at Shangri-La at the Fort, Bonifacio Global City, led by the Association of Licensed Manning Agencies (ALMA) Maritime Group in partnership with the University of Asia and the Pacific – Center for Research and Communication (UA&P-CRC). The event served as the official launch of the landmark study titled “The Overseas Seafarers’ Industry Profile, Structure, and Impact on the Philippine Economy.”This research is considered the most extensive and data-driven assessment of the Filipino seafaring sector ever conducted. For many years, the contributions of Filipino seafarers have been primarily recognized through their remittances, which support millions of households and play a major role in sustaining national economic stability. However, the study expands this perspective by examining the broader influence of the maritime sector across various economic layers. It highlights how the industry helps generate employment on land and at sea, supports maritime education and training institutions, stimulates growth in port and logistics industries, and contributes to national income and development planning.

Congratulations on 65 Years, AMOSUP!

This milestone celebrates AMOSUP’s unwavering unity, dedicated service, and profound commitment to the Filipino seafarer. We honor the visionary legacy of AMOSUP’s founder, Capt. Gregorio S. Oca, and the steadfast leadership of its President, Dr. Conrado Oca, whose dedication continues to guide AMOSUP’s mission.

Deck Officer

‣ Who is a Deck Officer? A Deck Officer is a licensed seafarer responsible for the safe navigation, cargo operations, crew supervision, and overall safety of the ship. They work under the Captain (Master) and are essential for the smooth operation of the vessel at sea and in port. Responsibilities & Duty Schedule Captain ‣Overall command of the ship, crew, and cargo ‣Ensures compliance with maritime laws & safety regulations ‣Decision-maker during navigation, emergencies, and port operations ‣Represents the ship to port authorities & company Chief Officer ‣Manages deck crew & cargo operations ‣Responsible for ship’s stability, loading, and ballasting ‣Supervises safety drills & emergency preparedness ‣Ensure safe navigation and safety at all times. TIME: 04:00 – 08:00 → (Morning Watch) 16:00 – 20:00 → (Evening Watch)

MARPOL Annex I–VI

MARPOL, the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, sets global standards to minimize marine pollution from shipping. The convention is divided into six annexes, each addressing specific types of pollutants: Annex I – Oil Pollution: Regulates the discharge of oil and oily mixtures from ships, including operational and accidental oil spills. It mandates oil discharge monitoring and containment measures. Annex II – Noxious Liquid Substances: Covers the control of pollution by harmful liquid substances carried in bulk, requiring proper documentation, handling, and discharge restrictions. Annex III – Harmful Substances in Packaged Form: Focuses on preventing marine pollution by packaged hazardous materials, including labeling, documentation, and stowage standards. Annex IV – Sewage: Sets requirements for the treatment and discharge of sewage from ships, aiming to protect coastal and open waters from contamination. Annex V – Garbage: Regulates the disposal of ship-generated waste, prohibiting dumping of plastics and controlling the discharge of other refuse to safeguard the marine environment. Annex VI – Air Pollution: Limits emissions from ships, including sulfur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and ozone-depleting substances, promoting cleaner shipping fuels and engine technologies.

Safety Valves vs Relief Valves

Safety Valves vs Relief Valves: Understanding Their Roles in Marine Engineering Safety valves and relief valves are crucial pressure-control devices used throughout marine and industrial systems, but they are often misunderstood or used interchangeably. In reality, each valve serves a distinct purpose based on the type of fluid in the system and the level of protection required. Safety valves are primarily used in systems containing compressible fluids, such as steam, air, or gas. Their main purpose is to prevent dangerous overpressure conditions that can occur suddenly, especially in boilers and steam lines. When pressure reaches the set limit, a safety valve opens instantly, releasing a large amount of steam or gas in what is known as “pop action.” This rapid discharge prevents severe equipment damage, structural failure, and potential explosions, making safety valves one of the most critical safety components on board a vessel.

Maritime Zones Explained: The Boundaries of Our Seas

The concept of maritime zones is a cornerstone of international maritime law, defined primarily by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). These zones determine the extent of a coastal state’s rights, responsibilities, and jurisdiction over the waters and resources adjacent to its shores. Background • Maritime zones were established to resolve disputes over navigation, resource ownership, and national security. • Boundaries are measured from a country’s baseline (usually the low-water mark along the coast). • The key zones include: • Internal Waters – full sovereignty like land territory. • Territorial Sea – up to 12 nautical miles. • Contiguous Zone – up to 24 nautical miles. • Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) – up to 200 nautical miles. • Continental Shelf – may extend beyond 200 nautical miles depending on natural features. Purpose • Internal Waters – treated like land territory, full state control. • Territorial Sea (12 nm) – authority over navigation, resources, and law enforcement. • Contiguous Zone (24 nm) – enforcement against smuggling, illegal entry, and security threats. • Exclusive Economic Zone (200 nm) – exclusive rights to explore and exploit resources (fish, oil, gas). • Continental Shelf – rights over seabed resources even beyond EEZ. Importance • Safeguards national security and territorial sovereignty. • Ensures sustainable use of marine resources (fisheries, oil, gas). • Provides control over shipping routes and trade lifelines. • Strengthens sovereignty in disputed waters (vital for nations like the Philippines). • Globally, reduces conflict, promotes order and cooperation, and protects the marine environment.