Six-Year Sentence Imposed on Solong Captain Following Fatal Ship Collision

A London court has sentenced Russian mariner Vladimir Motin to six years in prison after finding him responsible for the death of a crew member in a high-profile maritime collision in the North Sea. The ruling was delivered on Thursday by Judge Andrew Baker at the Old Bailey Central Criminal Court in London. Motin, 59, was commanding the Portuguese-flagged container vessel Solong on 10 March 2025 when it struck the anchored U.S.-registered oil tanker Stena Immaculate off the east coast of England. The impact triggered a fire and explosion, engulfing both vessels. During the trial, the court heard that Mark Angelo Pernia, a 38-year-old Filipino crewman working on the bow of the Solong, was killed instantly in the collision; his body was never recovered. Prosecutors argued that Motin failed to maintain a proper lookout and neglected fundamental navigational duties, contributing to the accident.

Blue Star Patmos Damaged During Berthing at Megisti Port

Blue Star Patmos Damaged During Berthing at Megisti Port The passenger and vehicle ferry Blue Star Patmos sustained damage while attempting to berth at the port of Megisti (Kastellorizo), Greece, during scheduled operations. The incident occurred amid challenging weather conditions, which affected the vessel’s approach to the quay. According to port authorities, strong winds complicated the berthing manoeuvre, causing the ferry to make contact with the pier. The impact resulted in damage above the waterline, but officials confirmed that the vessel’s hull integrity was not compromised and there was no water ingress. All passengers and crew on board were reported safe, with no injuries sustained during the incident. At the time, the ferry was carrying passengers, vehicles, and commercial cargo as part of its regular service connecting the Dodecanese islands with mainland ports.

Malaysia Releases Tankers After Suspected Illegal Oil Transfer, Raising Enforcement Concerns

Malaysia Releases Tankers After Suspected Illegal Oil Transfer, Raising Enforcement Concerns Malaysian authorities have released two oil tankers that were previously detained on suspicion of conducting an unauthorized ship-to-ship (STS) oil transfer in Malaysian waters, a move that has drawn attention to the challenges of enforcing regulations against so called shadow fleet operations. The vessels were intercepted earlier this year during a maritime patrol off the coast of Penang. The tankers were initially detained after enforcement officers observed them positioned side-by-side at anchor, a configuration commonly associated with STS oil transfers. Authorities seized a significant quantity of crude oil and detained crew members for questioning as part of an investigation into possible violations of Malaysian maritime and environmental laws. Following several weeks of review, the vessels were released after the operators posted a financial bond in accordance with local regulations. Malaysian officials stated that the decision was made within the existing legal framework, citing documentation provided by the ship operators regarding the origin and ownership of the cargo.

MARINA Conducts Heightened Vessel Inspections in Zamboanga Region

ZAMBOANGA REGION — The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has started intensified inspections of vessels operating in the Zamboanga Peninsula and Sulu on February 2, 2026, following the directive of MARINA Administrator Sonia Malaluan. On the first day of the operation, three vessels were thoroughly inspected by MARINA Regional Office IX (MRO IX), including two roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) vessels and one passenger vessel. MARINA said the compliance inspections will continue until all operating vessels in the area have been checked.

Harren Group and NSB Group Strengthen Philippine Crewing Operations with Launch of Albireo in Manila

Harren Group and NSB Group Strengthen Philippine Crewing Operations with Launch of Albireo in Manila German ship management and maritime services companies Harren Group and NSB Group have formally joined forces in Manila through the successful launch of a new crewing joint venture, Albireo Maritime People and Performance Incorporated, marking a significant milestone in their long-term engagement with Filipino seafarers and global shipowners.

Joint Maritime Committee Conference 2026

Joint Maritime Conference 2026 Successfully Concludes, Spotlighting the Philippines’ Role in Global Shipping The Joint Maritime Conference 2026, “The Philippines in Global Shipping: Future Opportunities and Threats,” was successfully held on January 29, 2026, at Lanson Place Mall of Asia, Pasay City. Organized by the Joint Maritime Committee of the European Chambers of Commerce in the Philippines, the full-day conference concluded smoothly from opening to closing, earning strong positive feedback from participants across government, industry, and academia.

Shaping Future Seafarers Through Global Standards and Real Sea Experience

Maritime cadets under the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association (NSA) CADETS Program are currently undergoing intensive Shipboard Familiarization (MAREX), transforming classroom theory into real-world competence through hands-on training at sea. Recognized worldwide for its commitment to safety, excellence, and professionalism, the NSA Cadets Program continues to be a gold standard in developing future maritime leaders.

PMMAAI New Year’s Ball, B-Connect and Election

PMMA Alumni Association Hosts New Year’s Ball, Welcomes New Adopted Member, and Announces Elected Leaders for 2026–2027 The Philippine Merchant Marine Academy Alumni Association, Inc. (PMMAAI) successfully held its New Year’s Ball, B-Connect, and Election on January 8, 2026, at One Shangri-La Condominium Corporation, bringing together PMMA alumni from different generations for an evening of fellowship, recognition, and leadership transition.

Voyage Data Recorder (VDR)

The Voyage Data Recorder (VDR) is a critical safety device installed on board ships, often referred to as the vessel’s “black box,” similar to those used in aircraft. Its primary function is to continuously record essential data related to a ship’s operation, navigation, and surrounding environment. The VDR is required under the International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations, specifically the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention, for most commercial vessels. A VDR captures a wide range of information, including bridge audio, VHF radio communications, radar images, ship speed, heading, engine orders, alarms, and GPS position. This data is securely stored in a protective capsule designed to withstand extreme conditions such as fire, impact, and prolonged submersion in water. In the event of a maritime accident, collision, grounding, or near-miss incident, the recorded data can be retrieved and analyzed by investigators.

Understanding Bolt Failure

Understanding Bolt Failure: Key Types and Causes Bolts are critical components in marine, industrial, and structural applications, ensuring the integrity and safety of assemblies. However, improper installation, material defects, or environmental factors can lead to bolt failure, posing risks to equipment and personnel. Understanding the types of failures is essential for prevention and maintenance. 1. Tensile Failure – Occurs when a bolt is subjected to forces beyond its tensile strength, causing it to break or snap. 2. Shear Failure – Happens when forces act perpendicular to the bolt’s axis, cutting it across its cross-section. 3. Thread Stripping – Results from excessive torque or wear, damaging the bolt threads and preventing secure fastening.

Life-Saving Appliances (LSA)

Life-Saving Appliances (LSA) refer to the equipment and systems installed on board ships to protect lives and ensure survival at sea during emergencies such as abandonment, fire, collision, or sinking. These appliances are essential for safeguarding seafarers and passengers and form a critical part of a vessel’s emergency preparedness. LSA typically include lifeboats, liferafts, lifejackets, immersion suits, rescue boats, emergency communication devices, and visual distress signals. All equipment is strategically located and clearly marked to allow rapid access and deployment in emergency situations.

Fire Classification

A – Ordinary Combustibles Fires involving solid materials such as wood, paper, cloth, and plastics. B – Flammable Liquids Fires caused by liquids like gasoline, oil, paint, and solvents. C – Flammable Gases Fires involving gases such as LPG, propane, and butane.