Every picture tells a story, as they say, and the front covers of this year’s issues of SMI provide a convenient reminder of some of the main maritime themes of 2024. The
Every picture tells a story, as they say, and the front covers of this year’s issues of SMI provide a convenient reminder of some of the main maritime themes of 2024.
The year has unquestioningly been dominated by Houthi attacks on vessels in the Red Sea area, causing many to divert away from the Suez route in favour of the Cape to safeguard seafarers’ lives. Others have preferred to continue using the canal but made payments to try and ensure ‘safe passage’, as detailed in a latest U.N. report covered in our Notebook section this issue.
Decarbonisation remains one of the main challenges facing shipping and the big Posidonia event in Athens this year coincided with the launch of an important new initiative on this front involving major Greek shipowners, as reported in the March/April issue.
The most dramatic shipping accident of the year occurred with the allision of containership Dali with the main bridge in Baltimore in March, causing the entire construction to collapse and tragically killing six workers. But the wreck was cleared and all shipping in the waterway was restored in only 11 weeks, serving as a testament to the vital work of marine salvors.
The uptake of wind-assisted propulsion has been the defining technical trend of the year, as reflected in the number of systems exhibited at this year’s SMM event in September as well as the myriad retrofit and newbuild contracts being placed.
Growing awareness impact of mental stress on seafarers, especially as the Houthi attacks have continued, has been another noticeable trait this year, with Michael Grey MBE returning to the subject in his Alternative Viewpoint this issue.
Finally, our Hong Kong report in the latest issue details how the authorities in HKSAR are now setting about trying to revive that territory’s fortunes as a global maritime hub with creation of a new HK Maritime and Port Development Board.
All issues of SMI magazine past and present can be found on this website.
Happy reading and best Christmas and New Year wishes!
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