MarineCraft Journal | Global Trade Sweeping U.S. import tariffs, the prospective lapse of AGOA in September 2025, and significant USAID reductions together represent a systemic shock to African exporters. The immediate challenge is negotiation and damage limitation. The longer-term project is diversification — of markets, products, and partners — alongside deeper intra-African integration under AfCFTA. […]
Advanced Technologies That Ship Operators Can Use for Enhanced Security
MarineCraft Journal | Maritime Technology Traditional security measures — vigilant crews, controlled access, regular patrols — remain the foundation of ship safety, but they are no longer sufficient against today’s sophisticated threats. AI, blockchain, smart port systems, satellite weather intelligence, and autonomous vessel technology are reshaping what maritime security can achieve and what operators are […]
PFOS Ban in Firefighting Media
MarineCraft Journal | Regulation & Compliance From January 1, 2026, firefighting media containing more than 10 mg/kg of PFOS will be prohibited on ships worldwide under SOLAS amendments adopted by IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee. The ban affects both new and existing vessels — and for operators trading to Europe, it intersects directly with IHM obligations […]
Guarding Our Oceans
MarineCraft Journal | Regulation & Compliance MARPOL Special Areas represent the ocean’s most ecologically sensitive and vulnerable regions — designated under international law for heightened protection against the full spectrum of ship-sourced pollution. Understanding which areas are designated, under which Annexes, and what discharge restrictions apply is essential for every vessel operating in international waters. […]
Mastering the Marine Sextant
MarineCraft Journal | Maritime Technology The sextant has guided mariners across open ocean for centuries — and it remains an essential skill and a required instrument on vessels where GPS alone cannot be trusted as the sole means of navigation. This guide covers the principles, components, error types, usage techniques, and maintenance practices every mariner […]
Charting the Seas: World’s Biggest Flag States
MarineCraft Journal | Maritime Operations The flag a vessel flies determines the regulatory regime it operates under, the taxes its owner pays, the labour standards that govern its crew, and the environmental controls it must meet. Understanding which nations lead global ship registration — and why — matters for everyone working in maritime trade, safety, […]
