Sam Hamilton

Sam is part of the team at Maritime Bell and he works hard to bring you the latest, most up-to-date maritime industry news, including on topics such as commercial shipping, cruise ships, offshore oil and gas, regional shipping industry news, corporate maritime news and more.

Medical Emergency Forces Cruise Ship to Return to Ponce

Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas made an unscheduled stop at the Port of Ponce on Wednesday after a passenger experienced a health crisis.

Fire Erupts on Cargo Vessel Jannie Near Dutch Lock

June 25, a fire occurred on Netherlands-registered inland cargo ship, close to the Beatrix lock. The incident prompted a rapid emergency response

Saudi Signs $586M Deals to Boost Cargo Terminals at Ports

Saudi Ports Authority signs agreements totaling more than SAR 2.2B to upgrade and manage multipurpose cargo terminals throughout the country.

Fire on Ceutamar 5 Sparks Emergency in Algeciras Bay

On Wednesday June 25th, a fire erupted aboard a service vessel named Ceutamar 5 while it was operating in the Bay of Algeciras, Spain.

Ponant Plans 48 Caribbean and Central America Cruises

Ponant announces robust winter schedule for 2026-2027 season, featuring 48 sailings across 11 itineraries throughout Central America and Caribbean

AIDAdiva Upgrades Boost Demand, Carnival CEO Says

The drydock renovations of the AIDAdiva under the AIDA Evolution program have been met with enthusiasm says Carnival Corporation CEO Josh Weinstein

Seafarer Day Focuses on Ending Shipboard Harassment

The focus of this year’s International Day of the Seafarer, an event backed by the United Nations, falls on the My Harassment-Free Ship initiative

Explosion Aboard Tanker in Ireland Injures Two Crewmen

An explosion aboard the Bow Hercules, a Norwegian-flagged oil/chemical tanker, occurred on June 24 while the vessel was docked at Foynes Port, Ireland

MSC Drives West Africa Into Big Ship Trade Rankings

Mediterranean Shipping Co (MSC) has propelled West Africa into Alphaliner’s top 10 of shipping routes served by the largest vessels in operation.

Aroya Cruises Begins First Mediterranean Season in Istanbul

Saudi Arabia’s first domestic cruise brand, Aroya Cruises, made its debut in European waters with a maiden call at Galataport Istanbul this week.

LNG Canada Launches Operations in British Columbia

LNG Canada, the liquefied natural gas facility operated by Shell, officially commenced operations on June 22 in Kitimat, British Columbia.

Carnival’s New Loyalty Program Sparks Mixed Reactions

Carnival Cruise Line’s new loyalty program, now named Carnival Rewards, has stirred a range of responses since its announcement earlier this week

NYK Acquires Kadmos to Expand Digital Pay for Seafarers

interzum 2025 Showcases Global Innovation & Sustainability

interzum, the global trade fair for furniture manufacture and interior design, reported a successful 2025 show, attracting around 60,000 visitors

Belfast Harbor Celebrates 1,500th Cruise Ship Visit

Belfast Harbor reached an important milestone this week as it welcomed its 1,500th cruise ship, Princess Cruises' Regal Princess, into port.

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