South Korea Makes Record Cocaine Seizure from Cargo Ship
South Korean authorities have seized approx two tons of cocaine, the largest drug bust in the country’s history, aboard a bulk carrier in Gangneung
Asia
Japanese Shipbuilders Unite to Launch Marine Tech Lab
Leading Japanese shipyards and maritime organizations are partnering to create an advanced maritime technology research center at Osaka University
Cargo Ship Collision Off Ningbo Leaves One Dead, Three Hurt
A fatal accident occurred near Yangxiaomao Island off the coast of Ningbo, China, when two Chinese-flagged cargo vessels collided early March 29.
Speedboat Catches Fire Near Phuket, Injuring Six People
A speedboat caught fire and exploded off the coast of Thailand, on April 1, resulting in six people being injured. No fatalities were reported.
Fire Erupts on Cargo Ship Off Batangas, 12 Rescued by PCG
Philippine Coast Guard responded to a fire on board cargo vessel MV Castphill XV in the early hours of March 30 while it was NW of Limbones Island
Two Cargo Vessels Collide Near Cavite, No Injuries Reported
On March 26, the bulk carrier Sangko Uno 66 and landing craft LCT Nicia were involved in a collision off the coast of Cavite in the Philippines.
Fire Aboard Crystal Asia Injures Six Near South Korea
On March 25 fire broke out on the Crystal Asia, a Russian-flagged refrigerated cargo ship, while it was approximately 8 km off the coast of Busan
Gas Tanker Grounds Off Koh Larn, No Leaks Reported
In the early hours of March 25th, a gas tanker called NP Bangpakong ran aground off the coast of the island of Koh Larn, Thailand.
Queen Anne Makes First Call to Singapore on World Cruise
Cunard’s Queen Anne made its inaugural visit to Singapore on March 24th during an overnight stop as part of its ongoing 107-night world voyage.
Tugboat and Bulk Carrier Collide Off Sarangani Coast
A collision took place on March 25 involving the Philippine-flagged tugboat M/TUG Sadong 33 and the Panama-flagged bulk carrier Universe Kaisa.
Shanghai Sees Strong Cruise Traffic Growth in Early 2025
In the first two months of 2025, Port of Shanghai recorded 130 cruise ship calls and welcomed more than 350,000 passengers, according to a report
PNOC to Build Offshore Wind Port in Batangas by 2027
The Philippine National Oil Company has announced its intention to construct a new offshore wind integration port in the province of Batangas.
Bulk Carrier Detained for Unauthorized Anchoring in Malaysia
The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) in Perak has detained the bulk carrier Queen Harmony for anchoring without permission.
Kai Tak Cruise Terminal Welcomes Three Ships in One Day
On March 19, 2025, Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Cruise Terminal hosted three cruise ships from two major cruise lines, according to a press release.
Fuel Spill at Keelung Port Affects Multiple Vessels
A fuel spill at Taiwan’s Keelung port on March 16 led to the release of approximately 100 liters of fuel, contaminating several vessels.
Royal Caribbean Unveils 2026-27 Deployment for China & Far East
Royal Caribbean reveals its 2026-27 cruise deployment for China and the Far East, with the Spectrum of the Seas sailing year-round in the region.
Viking Expands China Market with Dedicated River Cruise Ships
CEO Torstein Hagen discussed growing focus on Chinese market, stating that four of Viking’s river vessels in Europe are now for Chinese travelers
South Korea Expands Shipyard Workforce Amid Labor Shortages
South Korea is widening its search for workers to fill labor shortages in its booming shipbuilding sector, bringing in employees from Uzbekistan.
Armed Intruders Board Tanker in Philip Channel Near Indonesia
Panama-flagged tanker boarded by seven individuals while traveling through Philip Channel yesterday, about six nautical miles east of Indonesia.
Ocean Winds Secures License for 1,125MW Wind Farm in Korea
Ocean Winds, a venture between France’s Engie and Portugal’s EDP, receives electricity business license for its offshore wind farm in South Korea