IMO Adopts Revised Action Plan to Combat Marine Plastic Litter
On February 6, 2025, the International Maritime Organization’s Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response agreed on the draft 2025 Action Plan to Address Marine Plastic Litter from Ships. The plan is set for approval by the Marine Environment Protection Committee in April 2025.
Nine Countries Join IMO’s GreenVoyage2050 Program
Announced on February 6, 2025, nine nations have been selected as partners for the IMO’s GreenVoyage2050 program, which supports the implementation of the 2023 IMO Greenhouse Gas Strategy.
IMO Secretary-General Urges Enhanced Efforts to Reduce Shipping Emissions
In October 2024, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez called for increased action from the shipping industry to cut carbon emissions, emphasizing the need for immediate and comprehensive measures to meet the IMO’s emission reduction targets.
IMO Mandates Reporting of Containers Lost at Sea
Starting January 1, 2026, the IMO will require mandatory reporting of all containers lost at sea, aiming to enhance maritime safety and environmental protection.
IMO Condemns Attacks on Ships in the Red Sea
In May 2024, the IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee adopted a resolution condemning attacks on vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, calling for an immediate end to these “illegal and unjustifiable” actions.
Fincantieri Delivers LNG-Powered Cruise Ship to TUI Cruises: Fincantieri has handed over the first of two low-carbon cruise ships to TUI Cruises. The vessel is powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), marking a significant step toward sustainable cruising.
South Korea Leads in January Shipbuilding Orders: South Korean shipyards secured orders totaling 900,000 compensated gross tons (CGT) for 13 ships in January, accounting for 62% of global orders. This surge is attributed to contracts for LNG dual-fuel container ships.
Decline in Ship Recycling Prices Anticipated: The ship recycling market is experiencing downward pressure on prices due to ongoing tariffs and counter-tariffs. Industry experts predict a continued decline in the first half of 2025.
Canadian and European Ports Collaborate on Energy Transition: Canada’s Halifax Port Authority has announced an investment of up to $17 million, including $15 million dedicated to developing the Halifax-Hamburg green shipping corridor, aiming to enhance sustainable maritime practices.
Trump Administration Plans 25% Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum Imports: The U.S. government has announced intentions to impose a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports, including those from Mexico and Canada, potentially impacting shipbuilding and repair costs.
Tanker Explosion at Russian Port of Ust-Luga: A tanker suffered an engine room explosion at the Russian port of Ust-Luga. Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause and assess the impact on port operations.
🔒 Strengthening Maritime Cybersecurity: The Importance of OT Inventory for Ships 🚢
With evolving cybersecurity regulations like the IMO’s MSC-FAL.1/Circ.3 and upcoming EU NIS2 Directive, ships must enhance their Operational Technology (OT) security to prevent cyber threats. A crucial step in compliance and risk mitigation is maintaining an accurate OT inventory.
📌 Why is OT Inventory Important?
✔ Regulatory Compliance – Authorities require clear documentation of OT assets onboard.
✔ Vulnerability Management – Knowing what systems exist helps identify security risks.
✔ Incident Response – A complete inventory speeds up recovery from cyber incidents.
✔ Network Segmentation – Mapping OT systems helps separate critical assets from IT networks.
🔹 How to Build an Effective OT Inventory?
✅ Identify & Categorize – List all OT systems (e.g., ECDIS, VDR, engine control, ballast systems).
✅ Document Connectivity – Map each device’s network connections to spot potential weak points.
✅ Assess Cyber Risks – Regularly evaluate vulnerabilities and update security measures.
✅ Monitor & Update – Keep inventory updated to reflect new installations or modifications.
🌍 Take Action Now!
With cyber threats rising in maritime operations, a well-managed OT inventory is a key first step to ensuring compliance and safeguarding your vessel. Start today to protect your fleet from cyber risks!
Recent reports indicate a significant escalation in cyber threats targeting the maritime industry. Marlink’s Security Operations Center observed a sharp increase in malicious activities during the first half of 2024, with over 23,400 malware detections and 178 ransomware incidents. Phishing remains the primary method attackers use to breach corporate networks, and there’s a notable rise in sophisticated botnet attacks leveraging AI to target IoT devices.
In response to these growing threats, the International Maritime Cyber Security Organisation (IMCSO) has been established. This non-profit entity aims to standardize cybersecurity risk assessments across the maritime sector. IMCSO offers certification programs for security consultants and maintains a professional register to assist shipping organizations in selecting qualified personnel. Additionally, it will validate and standardize report outputs, storing them in a central database accessible to authorities and third parties for assessing vessel risk.
These developments underscore the critical importance of robust cybersecurity measures in maritime operations. Organizations are urged to stay vigilant, update their security protocols, and invest in advanced threat detection capabilities to safeguard their operations against evolving cyber threats.
4. MARPOL Annex I and V Amendments – Red Sea and Gulf of Aden Special Areas
Effective Date: January 1, 2025
Key Changes:
Designation of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden as Special Areas under MARPOL Annexes I and V, enforcing stricter discharge controls for oil, oily mixtures, and garbage.
Ships must comply with enhanced discharge regulations, including the prohibition of certain discharges unless specific conditions are met.
New rule changes adopted at the 108th session of the International Maritime Organisation’s maritime safety committee will result in the reporting of lost containers becoming mandatory from 1st January 2026.
The rule changes – which take the form of amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) – will mean that Masters involved in the loss of containers must immediately report specific details of the loss to nearby ships, the nearest coastal state, and the vessel’s flag state.
Additional information that must be provided includes the total number of lost containers, and if any containers contained dangerous goods.
Masters will also – voluntarily – be able to provide details about the sea conditions and more, should they wish.
Following the provision of information, it will then be up to the flag state to pass the data to the IMO via a new module in the Global Integrated Shipping Information System (GISIS).
The changes to SOLAS also cover requirements if drifting containers are observed. In this instance, the position and total number of drifting containers must be reported.
The amendments have been warmly welcomed by stakeholders across the maritime industry, perhaps most notably the World Shipping Council, which has been gathering lost container data from its members since 2008. This information has been published by the Council each year in their ‘Containers Lost at Sea’ report.
Commenting on the amendments to SOLAS, the World Shipping Council’s SVP Safety & Security, Lars Kjaer, said:
“The new regulations, specifically amending SOLAS Chapter V Regulations 31 and 32, mark a significant advancement in maritime safety and environmental protection. By ensuring prompt and detailed reporting of lost and drifting containers, these amendments will enhance navigational safety, facilitate swift response actions, and mitigate potential environmental hazards”.
The World Shipping Council’s Containers Lost at Sea report for 2024 (covering 2023), shows a decline in lost containers. 2023 saw 221 containers lost, compared to 661 in 2022. An impressive number when one considers that approximately 250 million containers were transported by sea last year. The report also highlights that of the containers lost, some 33% were recovered.
Shipping remains the dominant mode of cargo transportation worldwide, ensuring the safe and efficient movement of goods in compliance with international regulations. As part of these regulations, nations have the authority to inspect vessels calling at their ports under established agreements.
This study examines the human factors contributing to bridge-related deficiencies on bulk carriers, focusing on inspections conducted under the Paris Memorandum of Understanding (Paris MoU). By analyzing data from annual reports and the 20 most common bridge deficiencies, the study highlights key areas affecting navigational safety.
Using the Delphi method, industry experts identified several critical factors influencing deficiencies on the bridge. These include lack of motivation, skills, knowledge, familiarity with procedures, general awareness, experience, adherence to company directives, excessive workload, fatigue, and stress. However, there was no consensus regarding the impact of indifference on navigational safety.
The findings underscore the importance of addressing human factors in maritime operations to enhance bridge performance and overall vessel safety. Implementing targeted training programs, reducing workload, and fostering awareness can significantly improve compliance and navigation safety standards.
To support these efforts, our software CrewExpress provides an efficient solution for recording crew work and rest hours, ensuring compliance with international regulations and improving operational oversight.
Marine Order 504 (Certificates of operation and operation requirements – national law) outlines safety management system including risk assessment and crewing requirements for domestic commercial vessels (DCVs).
Recently, Marine Order 504 underwent a review and consultation process aimed at improving the safety outcomes of the SMS requirements and making them easier to understand, fit for purpose and practical for the diverse range of DCVs across Australia.
Read the revised Marine Order 504 which comes into effect on 1 June 2025:
The Europe maritime cybersecurity market is projected to reach $3.49 billion by 2033 from $972.3 million in 2023, growing at a CAGR of 13.64% during the forecast period 2023-2033
Protecting digital assets and networks in the maritime industry from online threats is the main goal of maritime cybersecurity in Europe. As maritime operations depend more and more on digital technologies, cybersecurity has become crucial to ensuring efficiency, safety, and risk mitigation. These dangers range from widespread cyberattacks like viruses and scams to more complex attacks that target shore-based infrastructure and vessel systems. Serious repercussions, including interruptions in business operations, monetary losses, harm to the environment, and even death, can result from cybersecurity breaches. Shipping firms, port authorities, regulatory agencies, and trade associations are important participants in the European maritime cybersecurity market.
Techniques like risk assessment, access control, incident response planning, and continuous employee training are necessary for effective cybersecurity management. Global rules, like those established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, provide frameworks for improving cybersecurity within the maritime sector. Collaboration between public and private sectors, along with technological innovation and information sharing, is crucial to address cyber threats effectively. As the maritime industry continues its digital transformation, robust cybersecurity measures will be vital for ensuring resilience and sustainability across European maritime operations.
Market Introduction
The maritime sector’s growing dependence on digital technologies for communication, navigation, and operations is driving a notable expansion in the European maritime cybersecurity market. Strong cybersecurity is crucial to protecting ships, ports, and associated infrastructure because of the increased susceptibility to cyberattacks that comes with this increased digitization. These dangers can cause operational disruptions, monetary losses, environmental harm, and threats to human safety. They range from viruses and phishing scams to more sophisticated attacks that target vital systems.
The increasing use of cloud computing, automation, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices in the maritime industry is propelling the market. In order to adhere to international standards like the ISPS Code and the regulations of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), major industry participants, including shipping companies, port authorities, and regulatory bodies, are concentrating on fortifying their cybersecurity frameworks. Furthermore, tackling changing cybersecurity challenges requires cooperation between the public and private sectors, improvements in threat detection, and continual staff training. The need for efficient cybersecurity solutions is anticipated to increase as Europe continues to embrace digital transformation in the maritime industry, guaranteeing safer and more robust operations.
How can this report add value to an organization?
Product/Innovation Strategy: The product segment helps the reader understand the different types of services available for deployment and their potential in Europe region. Moreover, the study provides the reader with a detailed understanding of the Europe maritime cybersecurity market by products based on solution, service, and threat type.
Growth/Marketing Strategy: The Europe maritime cybersecurity market has seen major development by key players operating in the market, such as business expansion, partnership, collaboration, and joint venture. The favored strategy for the companies has been partnerships to strengthen their position in the Europe maritime cybersecurity market
Competitive Strategy: Key players in the Europe maritime cybersecurity market analyzed and profiled in the study involve maritime cybersecurity products and service offering companies. Moreover, a detailed competitive benchmarking of the players operating in the Europe maritime cybersecurity market has been done to help the reader understand how players stack against each other, presenting a clear market landscape. Additionally, comprehensive competitive strategies such as partnerships, agreements, and collaborations will aid the reader in understanding the untapped revenue pockets in the market.
Companies Featured
SAAB AB
Thales
Leonardo S.p.A.
Airbus SE
BAE Systems
Terma
Westminster Group Plc
Kongsberg Digital
Smiths Group plc
Nettitude Ltd.
HGH
Key Attributes:
Report Attribute
Details
No. of Pages
73
Forecast Period
2023 – 2033
Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2023
$972.3 Million
Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2033
$3490 Million
Compound Annual Growth Rate
13.6%
Regions Covered
Europe
Key Topics Covered:
1 Markets
1.1 Trends: Current and Future Impact Assessment
1.1.1 Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Cybersecurity
1.1.2 Increased Connectivity
1.1.3 Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA)
1.2 Supply Chain Overview
1.3 Regulatory and Environmental Considerations
1.3.1 Regulatory Implications
1.4 Ecosystem/Ongoing Programs
1.4.1 Series of Assessments, including Threat Modeling and Open-Source Intelligence, Performed by NCC Group
1.5 Startup Funding Summary
1.6 Market Dynamics Overview
1.6.1 Business Drivers
1.6.1.1 Increasing Cyber Threats and Attacks
1.6.1.2 Digitalization of Maritime Operations
1.6.1.3 Global Supply Chain Reliance on Maritime Transport
1.6.2 Business Challenges
1.6.2.1 Lack of Trained Personnel
1.6.2.2 Complex Regulatory Environment
1.6.3 Business Opportunities
1.6.3.1 Cybersecurity for Autonomous Vessels
1.6.3.2 Integration of Internet of Things (IoT) and Operational Technology (OT) Security
2 Regions
2.1 Regional Summary
2.2 Drivers and Restraints
2.3 Europe
2.3.1 Regional Overview
2.3.2 Driving Factors for Market Growth
2.3.3 Factors Challenging the Market
2.3.4 Application
2.3.5 Product
2.3.6 U.K.
2.3.7 Application
2.3.8 Product
2.3.9 Germany
2.3.10 Application
2.3.11 Product
2.3.12 France
2.3.13 Application
2.3.14 Product
2.3.15 Rest-of-Europe
2.3.16 Application
2.3.17 Product
3 Markets – Competitive Benchmarking & Company Profiles
3.1 Next Frontiers
3.2 Geographic Assessment
3.2.1 Overview
3.2.2 Top Products/Product Portfolio
3.2.3 Top Competitors
3.2.4 Target Customers
3.2.5 Key Personnel
3.2.6 Analyst View
3.2.7 Market Share, 2022
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The International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) Maritime Safety Committee has recently formally adopted new amendments to its Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) regulations. and will require mandatory reporting of all containers lost at sea from 1st January 2026.
SOLAS Regulation 31 now mandates that the master of a ship involved in the loss of containers must immediately reports specific details to nearby ships, the nearest coastal state, and the vessel’s flag state. The flag state is then responsible for passing this information to the IMO via a new module in the Global Integrated Shipping Information System (GISIS). SOLAS Regulation 32 outlines the reporting process, stipulating that reports of containers lost at sea must be made as soon as possible, with updates provided as more information becomes available. A final count of lost containers must be confirmed after a thorough inspection. Mandatory details include the position of the lost containers, the number lost, and whether any contained dangerous goods.
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