seafarertimes.com ~ Maritime News for Filipino Seafarers

Kidnapped LPG Carrier Crew Released from Captivity in West Africa
Dec 30, 2025 https://maritime-executive.com/article/kidnapped-lpg-carrier-crew-releas...

The nine members of the crew aboard the LPG gas carrier CGAS Saturn have been released and are reported to be safe after their ordeal in West Africa. The owner of the vessel, Christiania Gas, announced on December 29 that the crew was released and being repatriated.

2026 in maritime optimisation and communications: key digitalisation technologies to transform shipping
Martyn Wingrove 31 Dec 2025 https://www.rivieramm.com/opinion/2026-in-maritime-optimisation-amp-comm...

Digitalisation and advanced communications technologies and trends will influence the maritime world in 2026

Challenges, opportunities seen for seafarers in 2026
Yashika F. Torib and Carmela I. Huelar December 31, 2025 https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/12/31/business/maritime/challenges-oppo...

2026 is here, and for the Filipino seafarer, it brings a forecast of rough seas mixed with opportunity.

India targets more crewing agencies over seafarer exploitation
Paul Peachey 31 December 2025

More than 50 companies have been barred from operating in 2025 during crackdown

India has struck off a crewing agency that supplied seafarers left unpaid for months after the US sanctioned its product tanker.

Crew manager 7 Star Shipping Services recruited seafarers for the 6,020-dwt Sondos (built 2002), but the Indian shipping regulator said that some were not paid for up to six months.

PAMI on CHED-Mar­ina shift: ‘We feel excluded’
YASHIKA F. TORIB 31 Dec 2025 https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/12/31/business/maritime/pami-on-ched-ma...

Retrospect: Philippine maritime industry
Atty. Brenda V. Pimentel December 31, 2025 https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/12/31/business/maritime/retrospect-phil...

DOTr pushes for mandatory online ticketing in domestic shipping
Roumina Pablo December 29, 2025 https://portcalls.com/dotr-pushes-for-mandatory-online-ticketing-in-dome...

Transport Secretary Giovanni Lopez supports and is intent on pushing for the mandatory use of online ticketing systems by domestic shipping lines, according to Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) general manager Jay Daniel Santiago.

All hail the Panama Canal, a frontline in the US-China trade war
Urban C. Lehner December 26, 2025 https://asiatimes.com/2025/12/all-hail-the-panama-canal-a-frontline-in-t...

Latest reason not to take it for granted: Hong Kong owner of Panama ports may ditch sales deal unless a Chinese firm keeps majority ownership

To a farmer in Nebraska or a retailer in New York, the Panama Canal is like air – noticed mainly when missing. Farmers noticed it in 2023.

How U.S. oil tanker seizures targeting Venezuela are linked to rising geopolitical tensions with China
Lori Ann LaRocco, Dec 22 2025 https://www.cnbc.com/2025/12/22/tanker-seizures-venezuela-oil-china.html

Suez Canal expects return to normal traffic by mid-2026 as Maersk, CMA CGM return
Daily News Egypt December 23, 2025 https://www.dailynewsegypt.com/2025/12/23/suez-canal-expects-return-to-n...