Severe Weather Forces Ferry to Turn Back in Strait of Gibraltar, Dozens of Vehicles Damaged

A ferry crossing between the Spanish port of Algeciras and the Spanish enclave of Ceuta was disrupted over the weekend after severe weather associated with Storm Emilia battered the vessel, forcing it to return to port and leaving many vehicles on board damaged. The Ciudad de Mahón, operated by Balearia, departed Algeciras late Saturday night but encountered Force 7 winds and large seas in the Strait of Gibraltar, conditions that exceeded initial forecasts. The ferry was subjected to violent pitching and rolling as it made way toward Ceuta before the captain elected to reverse course and return to Algeciras early Sunday morning for safety reasons. Passengers described a difficult voyage as the vessel battled the rough conditions. Although no physical injuries were reported, the journey was described by some aboard as extremely stressful. Upon returning to Algeciras, passengers disembarked after a prolonged period at sea. After the crossing was aborted, port staff and passengers observed significant damage to vehicles stored on the ferry’s car deck. Numerous cars suffered dents and other impacts likely caused by shifting during the turbulent passage. Authorities and the ferry operator are assessing the full scale of the losses. Storm Emilia also caused widespread disruption to maritime traffic in the region over the weekend, leading to the cancellation of most ferry services between Algeciras and Ceuta on Saturday and Sunday as strong winds and seas made navigation unsafe for high-speed craft and conventional vessels alike. Maritime officials continue to monitor weather conditions in the Strait of Gibraltar, a key shipping lane prone to rapid changes in sea state, particularly when Atlantic storms impact the region.

Russian Drone Hits Commercial Product Tanker in the Black Sea

Black Sea — A commercial product tanker was struck by a Russian drone while transiting the Black Sea after departing a Ukrainian port, according to reports and video footage released by Ukrainian authorities. The incident occurred after the vessel had safely left Ukraine and was sailing through an established maritime corridor. The drone reportedly impacted the tanker’s superstructure, causing visible damage. Despite the strike, the vessel remained operational and continued its voyage. No injuries among the crew were reported. Ukrainian officials stated that the tanker was carrying agricultural cargo and was not involved in any military activity. They emphasized that the vessel was navigating in international waters at the time of the incident, raising serious concerns over the safety of neutral commercial shipping in the region. Video footage circulated online shows the moment of impact, highlighting the increasing risks faced by merchant vessels operating in the Black Sea amid the ongoing conflict. The strike marks another escalation affecting civilian maritime traffic, even as shipping continues under designated corridors intended to ensure the movement of essential goods. Maritime analysts note that such incidents further complicate risk assessments for shipowners and insurers. War-risk premiums for Black Sea operations have already increased, and continued attacks on commercial vessels could lead to route disruptions, higher operating costs, and greater uncertainty for global trade. The Black Sea remains a critical route for the transport of food, energy products, and raw materials. Industry stakeholders have reiterated calls for stronger international measures to protect civilian shipping and uphold the principles of freedom of navigation under international maritime law. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as commercial operators reassess safety protocols for vessels trading in the region.

PPA Highlights 2025 Performance, Reinforces People-Centered Port Development

The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), led by General Manager Jay Santiago, held a media conference today, 15 December 2025, to present the Authority’s 2025 year-end performance, highlighting key accomplishments in port operations, infrastructure development, and revenue growth. The briefing underscored the PPA’s sustained expansion in cargo, container, and passenger traffic, alongside continued port modernization initiatives across the country. It also reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to delivering efficient, inclusive, and people-centered maritime services in alignment with the national government’s broader development agenda.

Ferry Cenk T Damaged in Attack on Ukrainian Black Sea Port

Black Sea — The ferry Cenk T sustained damage following an attack on a Ukrainian port in the Black Sea, according to maritime security reports. The incident occurred while the vessel was in port during a reported strike targeting port infrastructure. Initial information indicates that the ferry was affected by the blast, resulting in material damage. There were no immediate reports of casualties among the crew, and the full extent of the damage remains under assessment. Authorities have not confirmed whether the vessel was the primary target of the attack. Maritime security analysts believe the damage was likely collateral, underscoring the heightened risks faced by commercial vessels operating in or near conflict-affected ports in the Black Sea region. The attack forms part of the ongoing hostilities impacting maritime operations around Ukraine, where repeated strikes on port facilities have disrupted shipping activity, increased insurance premiums, and raised safety concerns for civilian seafarers and port workers. Industry stakeholders continue to emphasize the need for enhanced risk mitigation measures, including stricter port security protocols and updated voyage risk assessments for vessels trading in the area. Shipowners and operators are closely monitoring developments as geopolitical tensions persist. The Black Sea remains a strategic maritime corridor for regional and international trade, and incidents affecting commercial vessels highlight the broader implications of the conflict on global shipping and maritime security. Investigations into the incident are ongoing, and further updates are expected as more information becomes available.

Marlow Navigation Unmasks Excellence at Year-End Masquerade Celebration

Marlow Navigation concluded the year with an elegant and memorable year-end celebration, “Unmask the Extraordinary: A Masquerade Party,” held at the Fiesta Pavilion, Manila Hotel. The event gathered distinguished guests from government, industry partners, stakeholders, employees, seafarers, awardees, and their families, with the presence of a company representative from Cyprus and the strong support of the Directors of Marlow, highlighting the organization’s global reach and unified leadership.

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.

Mooring Equipment

Mooring Equipment plays a critical role in ensuring the safe berthing and securing of vessels in ports and terminals. Designed to handle heavy loads and dynamic forces, these fittings guide, control, and hold mooring lines in place while minimizing wear and operational risk. Double Bollards ‣Used for securing mooring lines on deck; allows multiple lines to be fastened and provides strong holding capacity during berthing. Mooring Roller ‣Guides mooring lines smoothly during heaving or paying out, reducing friction and preventing line damage. Horn Cleat ‣Simple deck fitting used to secure light mooring lines or ropes by wrapping them around its two horns. Panama Bow Curved Bulwark ‣Reinforced bow fitting designed to guide mooring lines safely over the ship’s bulwark with minimal wear. Cruciform Bollard ‣Cross-shaped bollard that allows multiple mooring lines to be secured from different directions. Smit Bracket ‣Heavy-duty fitting used for towing operations; guides towing lines and absorbs high towing loads.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF BOW DESIGNS

The bow is the forward-most part of a ship, designed to cut through water efficiently. Its shape affects speed, fuel efficiency, stability, and seakeeping. Different bow designs help vessels perform better in various conditions such as rough seas, ice navigation, or high-speed operations. Spoon Bow A smoothly curved bow that reduces wave resistance and improves fuel efficiency. Common on: bulk carriers, tankers, container ships, and general cargo vessels. Bulbous Bow A bow with a protruding bulb below the waterline designed to reduce drag and improve speed and fuel economy. Usually seen on: large container ships, tankers, bulk carriers, LNG/LPG carriers, and cruise ships. Ram Bow A strong, forward-projecting bow built to withstand impact, originally for naval use. Usually seen on: naval warships, ice-strengthened vessels, and some specialized research ships. Plumb Bow A nearly vertical bow that maximizes waterline length and improves speed and cargo efficiency. Usually seen on: modern container ships, passenger ships, ferries, and naval vessels. Raked Bow A backward-sloping bow that reduces spray and improves performance in rough seas. Usually seen on: tankers, bulk carriers, offshore supply vessels (OSV), and fishing vessels. Clipper Bow A long, curved bow designed to cut through waves smoothly. Usually seen on: traditional sailing ships, older passenger liners, and classic training vessels.

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.