Incident

Port of Antwerp-Bruges restores partial shipping operations after acid leak

Port authority said a container of hydrofluoric acid was damaged and began leaking aboard the cargo vessel “Mia Summer II” at the Deurganck Dock on 14 July.

Published

1 day ago

July 16, 2026

Admin

The Port of Antwerp-Bruges on Wednesday (15 July) said shipping operations are permitted throughout the port area on the left bank in the port after an acid leak from a damaged cargo vessel disrupted operations.

In a notice on its website, the port authority said a container of hydrofluoric acid (HF or hydrogen fluoride) was damaged and began leaking aboard the cargo vessel Mia Summer II at the Deurganck Dock on 14 July.

Several workers became unwell as a result. They received immediate medical care and were evacuated to various hospitals.

The municipal emergency response phase was activated with emergency services responding in large numbers, carried out air quality measurements, and implemented measures to bring the situation safely under control.

Shipping traffic was suspended temporarily in the affected area.

On 15 July, the port authority said all terminals, except for MPET’s, were permitted to resume operations.

Specialist teams are on standby to remove the container from the vessel.

Photo credit: Port of Antwerp Bruges
Published: 16 July, 2026

Incident

MPA ‘deeply concerned’ over projectile strike on Singapore-registered ship in Hormuz Strait

Container ship “Ever Lovely” sustained minor damage to the bridge area from an unknown projectile while leaving the Strait of Hormuz on 25 June at about 10pm (Singapore Time).

Published

3 weeks ago

June 29, 2026

Admin

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Friday (26 June) said the Singapore-registered container ship Ever Lovely sustained minor damage to the bridge area from an unknown projectile while leaving the Strait of Hormuz on 25 June at about 10pm (Singapore Time).

The vessel has since completed its transit through the Strait of Hormuz and is proceeding on its voyage.

“All 21 crew members are safe. There are no Singaporeans onboard,” MPA said in a statement.

MPA said it will continue to remain in close contact with the vessel’s management company and provide the necessary assistance.

“MPA is deeply concerned about the incident, which was unprovoked, unjustifiable, and a breach of international law,” it added.

“All actions affecting international shipping must fully comply with international law, in particular the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and not endanger the safety of seafarers and ships at sea.”

Photo credit: MarineTraffic / Michael Schindler
Published: 29 June, 2026

Incident

IMO announces large scale evacuation plan for stranded ships, seafarers in Strait of Hormuz

IMO Secretary-General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez said it marked a decisive step towards restoring maritime security and bringing to an end the unacceptable attacks against civilian shipping.

Published

3 weeks ago

June 24, 2026

Admin

The International Maritime Organization on Tuesday (23 June) said it will begin implementing the evacuation plan for over 11,000 seafarers still stranded in the Strait of Hormuz.

This comes following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States.

In welcoming the peace agreement, IMO Secretary-General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez said it marked a decisive step towards restoring maritime security and bringing to an end the unacceptable attacks against civilian shipping.

“This large-scale operation will be carried out in close cooperation with Iran, Oman, all other coastal States in the region, the United States and the maritime industry,” he said in a statement.

“We have secured the necessary safety guarantees and have thoroughly verified the conditions for safe navigation to support these operations.

“We remain fully committed to ensuring the safety of seafarers and the continuity of global trade.”

Photo credit: International Maritime Organization
Published: 24 June, 2026

Incident

UK forces intercept suspected Russian shadow fleet tanker in English Channel

In the first UK-led operation of its kind, the vessel “SMYRTOS” was boarded by Royal Marine Commandos and law enforcement officers from the National Crime Agency.

Published

1 month ago

June 16, 2026

Admin

UK forces intercept suspected Russian shadow fleet tanker in English Channel

British Armed Forces on Sunday (14 June) boarded a sanctioned oil tanker, suspected of being part of the Russian shadow fleet, in the English Channel, according to the Ministry of Defence.

In the first UK-led operation of its kind, the vessel SMYRTOS was boarded by Royal Marine Commandos and law enforcement officers from the National Crime Agency.

The UK’s Prime Minister agreed in March that British Armed Forces and law enforcement officers were able to board shadow fleet vessels, in accordance with international law.

The SMYRTOS will be provisionally moved to an anchorage off the South Coast of England and will be monitored for any environmental or safety concerns.

UK’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer, said: “This operation delivers yet another blow to Russia and reminds those fueling Putin’s war in Ukraine that they cannot hide.

“I want to pay tribute to all those involved, including our Armed Forces and law enforcement officers who keep this country safe 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.”

The operation builds on recent support provided by the UK to its allies to interdict shadow fleet vessels, which included RAF and Royal Navy capabilities supporting US and French operations. The operation was conducted in close coordination with the French.

The UK has sanctioned almost 600 Russian shadow fleet vessels to date.

Photo credit: Ministry of Defence
Published: 16 June, 2026