15 Major Shipping Incidents in H1 2025

In early June, the Liberian-flagged car carrier Morning Midas caught fire while transporting over 3,000 vehicles from Asia to Mexico, including nearly 800 electric and hybrid cars. After firefighting systems failed, all 22 crew members safely evacuated. The vessel drifted for weeks before sinking on June 23 in deep waters about 360 nautical miles southwest of Adak, Alaska. ⚠️ What This Incident Reveals:

• The total loss of cargo and vessel highlights growing risks tied to EV battery fires at sea.
• Salvage teams were unable to board due to high temperatures and structural damage, delaying pollution response.
• This case may trigger new insurance models and tighter EV stowage regulations for car carriers.

🚨 Industry Insight:

• Fire suppression systems on many ships are not designed to contain lithium-ion battery fires.
• New safety protocols may include segregated EV loading zones and water mist suppression systems.
• Port authorities and underwriters are closely watching how future EV shipping contracts are structured.

Bottom Line: The Morning Midas disaster has sparked an urgent conversation about how prepared the maritime industry truly is for the EV shipping boom.

On March 10, the Portuguese-flagged container ship MV Solong collided with the anchored U.S.-flagged tanker MV Stena Immaculate in the North Sea near East Yorkshire. The crash ruptured a jet fuel tank, setting off explosions and fires on both vessels. Thirty-six crew members were rescued, but one person from Solong remains missing and is presumed dead. ⚠️ What We Learned:

• This incident shows that anchored vessels still face major collision risks in poor visibility conditions.
• Investigators are examining failures in radar monitoring, bridge watch protocols, and emergency response.
• The collision led to criminal charges, oil spill containment efforts, and temporary shipping restrictions in the area.

🚨 Industry Insight:

• Claims could exceed $100 million, affecting insurers and shipowners on both sides.
• Maritime authorities stress the need for clear visibility procedures, even for stationary vessels.
• Ship operators are being urged to review fog protocols, radar alarms, and bridge staffing requirements.

Bottom Line: One avoidable mistake in foggy waters led to fire, loss, and international investigations. This case is a wake-up call to never let anchor status replace active situational awareness.

On June 9, a Singapore‑flagged container vessel, MV Wan Hai 503, experienced one or more explosions beneath deck approximately 80 km off Kerala, India. A massive fire erupted amid thick smoke. All 22 crew abandoned ship in lifeboats; 18 were rescued by the Indian Navy and Coast Guard, while four remain missing. ⚠️ Revealed Risks:

• Vessel carried over 2,000 tonnes of fuel plus at least 157 containers holding hazardous goods (explosives, corrosives, flammables).
• Explosives not listed on manifest but confirmed onboard, raising questions about cargo declaration.
• Multiple containers lost overboard, triggering concerns over pollution and marine debris washing ashore.

🚨 Industry Insight:

• Firefighting response involved naval ships, helicopters, and salvage teams, reflecting need for multi-agency coordination.
• Local police filed criminal negligence charges against operator, captain, and crew under Indian maritime safety laws.
• Salvors face challenges towing and extinguishing blaze amid drift, high seas, and hazardous cargo.

Bottom Line: The Wan Hai 503 incident underlines how undeclared explosives and hazardous cargo can escalate routine fires into full-blown crises, spotlighting gaps in cargo transparency and emergency preparedness at sea.

On May 25, the Liberian-flagged container ship MSC Elsa 3 capsized about 38 nautical miles southwest of Kochi, India. The vessel was carrying 640 containers, including 13 with hazardous cargo and several with calcium carbide. All 24 crew members were safely rescued by the Indian Coast Guard. A significant oil spill followed, including heavy fuel oil and diesel, prompting a major environmental response. ⚠️ Revealed Risks:

• Fuel and chemicals entered sensitive fishing grounds, damaging marine ecosystems and livelihoods.
• Calcium carbide's reaction with seawater released flammable gases, complicating cleanup efforts.
• Containers were scattered across the sea and several washed ashore, posing ongoing risks to coastal communities.

🚨 Industry Insight:

• Authorities implemented a 20 nautical mile fishing exclusion zone while cleanup and containment efforts began.
• Investigations are focusing on cargo misdeclaration and improper weight distribution contributing to instability.
• Regional ports are now reviewing hazard labeling and loading protocols for outbound vessels.

Bottom Line: The MSC Elsa 3 disaster demonstrates how quickly an unstable load and undeclared hazardous cargo can escalate into an environmental emergency with lasting damage to regional economies and ecosystems.

On May 17, the Mexican Navy sail-training vessel Cuauhtémoc lost power while departing from Pier 17 on the East River in New York City. The ship drifted backward and its three tall masts struck the underside of the Brooklyn Bridge. Two cadets were killed and nineteen others were injured; many were caught in collapsing rigging and some dangled from the broken masts before being rescued. ⚠️ Revealed Risks:

• Mechanical failure amid strong currents can lead to rapid loss of control in dense urban waterways.
• Tall-masted ships face unique clearance hazards, especially under bridges.
• The high number of personnel onboard amplified the impact of even minor technical failures.

🚨 Industry Insight:

• Training vessels should incorporate redundant propulsion systems or immediate-stop protocols in restricted waters.
• Urban maritime operations demand stricter power-loss drills and bridge clearance planning.
• Cruise and training ship operators may face renewed calls for enhanced crew safety systems during port maneuvers.

Bottom Line: The Cuauhtémoc collision underscores how even routine port departures can become deadly when mechanical failures meet urban constraints. Safety drills and backup systems are non-negotiable in these environments.

In early June, two tankers operating near Fujairah in the Strait of Hormuz collided. The ships caught fire after their hulls were breached. All 24 crew members evacuated safely, and firefighting vessels extinguished the blaze. The vessels were left adrift pending salvage. ⚠️ Revealed Risks:

• High-traffic strategic chokepoint raised collision risk under tight vessel spacing.
• Escalating regional tensions may be contributing to navigational errors or reduced situational awareness.
• Rapid ignition of cargo emphasizes vulnerability of product tankers in tilting and impact scenarios.

🚨 Industry Insight:

• Strait traffic management plans are under review to enhance vessel separation and route clarity.
• Operators are increasing bridge watch resources and investing in redundant navigation equipment.
• Insurers are reassessing risk premiums for tankers passing through politically sensitive regions.

Bottom Line: The Strait of Hormuz collision highlights the challenge of managing safe operations in dense, geopolitically fraught waters. It underscores the need for strict traffic control and vigilance to avoid potentially catastrophic tanker incidents.

On April 26, a devastating explosion ripped through the Shahid Rajaee port near Bandar Abbas, Iran’s largest commercial harbor on the Strait of Hormuz. A fire in hazardous containers triggered a massive blast felt up to 50 km away. Reported fatalities range from 57 to 70, with more than 1,000 injured. Dozens of buildings were destroyed, windows shattered, and operations at the port came to a halt. ⚠️ Revealed Risks:

• Improper storage and mislabeling of chemicals—including oxidizers used in missile fuel—can spark chain reactions in ports handling mixed dangerous goods.
• The blast damaged infrastructure central to Iran’s trade and oil exports, disrupting maritime supply chains.
• A delayed response and media restrictions fueled concerns about transparency in emergency management.

🚨 Industry Insight:

• Port authorities worldwide must review chemical handling, segregation, and container stacking practices.
• Emergency services need training for large-scale industrial blasts near civilian areas.
• Insurance and liability models for ports handling high-risk cargo may be renegotiated in response.

Bottom Line: The explosion at Shahid Rajaee is a stark reminder that ports storing mixed hazardous cargo require extreme diligence, strong safety culture, and effective emergency transparency to prevent catastrophic loss of life and trade disruption.

In mid-June, hundreds of vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf reported GPS and AIS disruptions. Ships drifted off-route, some appearing miles offshore or offshore areas that were clearly wrong. One collision during this period appears linked to erratic positioning data. Vessels began limiting movements to daylight hours for safety. ⚠️ Revealed Risks:

• Electronic interference can mislead navigation systems, increasing collision hazards.
• Reliance on GPS/AIS without backup systems leaves vessels vulnerable in conflict zones.
• Unsupported jamming events can strand vessels or force rerouting, disrupting schedules and costs.

🚨 Industry Insight:

• Shipping operators are restarting manual navigation protocols and using radar and compasses.
• Night-time transits are being avoided; many are delaying departures until GPS stability returns.
• Insurers and charterers are recalibrating risk premiums and voyage clauses for vessels in the area.

Bottom Line: GPS jamming in the Strait of Hormuz shows how electronic warfare tactics can degrade basic maritime safety. It underlines the need for backup navigation, updated voyage plans, and higher vigilance in high-risk zones.

During the second quarter of 2025, emergency response teams and salvage operators reported a noticeable rise in major vessel incidents—specifically fires, explosions, groundings, and capsizings. High-profile cases such as the Morning Midas fire and MSC Elsa 3 capsize defined the trend. ⚠️ Revealed Risks:

• Increase in EV-related fires and undeclared hazardous cargo contributed to flare-ups at sea.
• Vital salvage and firefighting resources are being stretched thin across multiple simultaneous crises.
• The rise in incidents reflects deeper issues with cargo transparency, vessel maintenance, and route planning.

🚨 Industry Insight:

• Salvage companies are urging fleet operators to adopt proactive emergency preparedness and risk assessments.
• Major insurers are warning of premium hikes and stricter cargo declarations tied to hazardous materials.
• Port states and flag administrations are reviewing safety protocols for live-fire drills, stability checks, and container scanning.

Bottom Line: The surge in Q2 maritime incidents shows that routine global supply chains now increasingly intersect with high-risk cargo and complex operational zones—requiring a sharp shift in industry risk management and infrastructure readiness.

The first quarter of 2025 saw a sharp rise in piracy and armed robbery at sea. Globally, there were about 45 reported incidents—a jump of around 35% compared with Q1 of 2024. Asia was especially affected with 43 incidents, a nearly 50% increase over the previous year. The Straits of Malacca and Singapore alone accounted for 27 incidents, up from just 7. Attacks ranged from opportunistic theft to hijacking, including some involving firearms and crew hostage situations. ⚠️ Revealed Risks:

• The surge in Asia, particularly the Singapore Straits, highlights overcrowding, low vigilance, and easy access for attackers.
• Armed gangs are increasingly targeting crew and vessels, reporting cases of firearms use, hostage-taking, and hijacking attempts.
• Global hotspots now include the Singapore Straits, Gulf of Guinea, Somali basin, and parts of Southeast Asia.

🚨 Industry Insight:

• Ship operators are adopting BMP standards and boosting crew security measures in high-risk areas.
• Insurance underwriters may impose stricter risk assessments and higher premiums for transits through troubled zones.
• Regional maritime authorities are enhancing patrols and coordination to counter the rise in incidents.

Bottom Line: The Q1 piracy surge shows maritime security remains fragile. Escalating incidents demand stronger protection measures, vigilant crews, and international cooperation to protect ships and seafarers.

In the first quarter of 2025, several scientific survey vessels from Pakistan and the Philippines reported harassment by ships identified as Chinese. These incidents occurred in contested waters of the South China Sea and northern Indian Ocean. The survey teams encountered close maneuvering, water cannon usage, and radio interference but no physical boarding or damage. The actions forced survey missions to abort or reroute their operations. ⚠️ Revealed Risks:

• Nonmilitary vessels engaged in scientific work are now exposed to coercive tactics in contested maritime zones.
• Harassed ships face threats to crew safety, mission integrity, and scientific data collection.
• The behavior hints at escalating gray-zone conflicts without triggering full military responses.

🚨 Industry Insight:

• Flag states and vessel operators are increasing surveillance, liaison, and incident reporting protocols.
• Some governments are advocating for escorting civilian survey vessels with coast guard ships in contested zones.
• Regional maritime law clarity and diplomatic pressure are being sought to curb civilian harassment at sea.

Bottom Line: The civilian maritime harassment incidents in early 2025 signal that geopolitical tensions are spilling over into civilian maritime operations. Survey and research missions now face deliberate disruption tactics that require legal, diplomatic, and security mitigation measures.

After the explosion and fire, MV Wan Hai 503 was left drifting in the Arabian Sea. When salvage teams attempted to guide the vessel toward port refuge nearby, local authorities denied entry due to safety and environmental concerns. The ship later grounded on a rocky shoal before temporary repairs allowed it to be towed away. ⚠️ Revealed Risks:

• Lack of clear port refuge protocols can leave damaged vessels adrift and at risk of grounding.
• Authorities may delay entry to mitigate pollution risk, worsening the vessel's condition during standoff periods.
• Pandemic-port infrastructure may not be ready to handle emergency cargo ships carrying hazardous goods.

🚨 Industry Insight:

• Port states need clear, pre-defined refuge protocols that balance environmental safety with vessel aid.
• Charterers and salvors must negotiate port entry terms quickly in emergency scenarios.
• Damage-control teams emphasize real-time cooperation among insurers, ports, and shipowners.

Bottom Line: The grounding of Wan Hai 503 illustrates how the absence of port refuge procedures can worsen maritime emergencies. It highlights the need for ready frameworks to assist distressed vessels before further incidents occur.

Early 2025 saw a notable increase in machinery breakdowns and fires aboard ships, echoing trends from 2024. Machinery damage accounted for over half of maritime incidents in 2024, while fire incidents hit a ten-year high of 250 cases. These failures ranged from engine breakdowns to onboard fire outbreaks, straining emergency response systems globally. ⚠️ Revealed Risks:

• Older vessels in the ‘shadow fleet’ are driving maintenance-related failures.
• Fires often stem from aging machinery, poor maintenance or undeclared hazardous goods like lithium batteries.
• Simultaneous incidents across regions are stretching firefighting and salvage capacity.

🚨 Industry Insight:

• Owners are facing pressure to invest in maintenance, machinery upgrades, and early fault detection systems.
• Insurers are tightening maintenance clauses and cargo declarations amid rising claim volumes.
• Flag states and port authorities are ramping up inspections, especially for older, high-risk vessels.

Bottom Line: The surge in early‑2025 machinery and fire incidents shows that aging fleet components and undeclared cargo remain high-risk triggers. Industry-wide upgrades in maintenance standards and risk detection are now imperative.

In the first half of 2025, the International Maritime Organization and Seatrade issued multiple safety alerts covering groundings, explosions, fire outbreaks and near miss collisions. These bulletins targeted common shipping operations, vessel types, and cargo categories prone to incidents detected by global surveillance systems and operator reports. ⚠️ Revealed Risks:

• The breadth of alerts shows that multiple risk vectors remain active across different vessel classes and trades.
• Many alerts focus on repeat issues such as EV battery fires, inadequate stability checks, and fire control deficiencies.
• The increasing frequency of alerts signals that oversight alone is not reducing incident recurrence.

🚨 Industry Insight:

• Operators are urged to review all safety alerts proactively and adjust internal procedures without waiting for flag state enforcement.
• Manufacturers and shipyards are being asked to align with updated safety circulars when delivering vessels and systems.
• Industry groups recommend using safety alerts as training tools in crew drills and onboarding processes.

Bottom Line: The volume of IMO and Seatrade alerts in early 2025 makes one thing clear: routine safety issues are still hurting shipping. Proactive review and training using these alerts could save lives and vessels before another incident hits.