2018 maritime news

Here are some of the top maritime news stories from 2018:

  1. IMO 2020 Sulphur Cap: The International Maritime Organization (IMO) implemented a new sulphur cap of 0.5% for marine fuels, effective January 1, 2020. This move aimed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality.
  2. Container Shipping Consolidation: 2018 saw a wave of consolidation in the container shipping industry, with companies like Maersk Line, CMA CGM, and Evergreen Marine acquiring or merging with smaller rivals to increase efficiency and reduce costs.
  3. Tanker Market Recovery: After a prolonged downturn, the tanker market began to recover in 2018, driven by increased demand for oil and a shortage of vessels. This led to higher charter rates and improved profitability for tanker operators.
  4. Cruise Industry Growth: The global cruise industry continued to grow in 2018, with an estimated 30 million passengers carried by the world's cruise lines. This growth was driven by increasing demand for luxury travel and the expansion of cruise itineraries to new destinations.
  5. Offshore Wind Farm Developments: 2018 saw significant progress in the development of offshore wind farms, with projects like the Walney Extension and the Hornsea 1 coming online. These projects aim to reduce carbon emissions and increase the use of renewable energy.
  6. Piracy and Armed Robbery: Piracy and armed robbery remained a concern in 2018, particularly in the Gulf of Guinea and the Sulu Sea. The International Maritime Bureau reported a total of 201 incidents in 2018, resulting in 11 fatalities and 64 kidnappings.
  7. Maritime Cybersecurity: As the maritime industry becomes increasingly reliant on digital technologies, cybersecurity threats became a growing concern in 2018. The IMO and other organizations launched initiatives to raise awareness and improve cybersecurity practices in the industry.
  8. Ferry and Ro-Ro Accidents: 2018 saw a number of high-profile ferry and ro-ro accidents, including the sinking of the Philippine-registered ferry MV Sulpicio Express 7, which resulted in the loss of 31 lives.
  9. Maritime Trade Disruptions: 2018 saw several instances of maritime trade disruptions, including the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran and the detention of a Chinese tanker by the United States.
  10. Environmental Concerns: 2018 was marked by several environmental incidents, including oil spills, shipwrecks, and pollution from cargo vessels. These incidents highlighted the need for improved environmental regulations and enforcement in the maritime industry.

These are just a few of the top maritime news stories from 2018. The year was marked by significant developments in the industry, from the implementation of new regulations to the growth of new technologies and the ongoing challenges of piracy and environmental concerns.