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Francesco Gargiulo: The Man Behind IMEC
Aug 24, 2026

Francesco Gargiulo is the Chief Executive Officer of the International Maritime Employers’ Council, widely known as IMEC. He is one of the key figures in global maritime labour relations, representing the voice of maritime employers in important discussions that affect seafarers, shipowners, and the wider shipping industry.

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IALA Maritime Buoyage System

The IALA Maritime Buoyage System is an internationally recognized system of buoys, beacons, and navigation marks used to guide vessels safely at sea and in navigable waterways. Developed by the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA), it helps mariners identify safe channels, hazards, isolated dangers, and special areas through standardized colors, shapes, topmarks, and lights. The system includes Lateral Marks, Cardinal Marks, Isolated Danger Marks, Safe Water Marks, Special Marks, and Emergency Wreck Marking Buoys, providing mariners with a common and reliable system for safe navigation worldwide.

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Iran Vows to Resist Wider U.S. Sanctions as Diplomatic Talks Continue

Iran has vowed to resist a new round of U.S. sanctions aimed at increasing economic pressure on Tehran. The U.S. Treasury announced sanctions targeting around 60 individuals, companies, and vessels connected to Iran. Countries that continue certain business dealings with Iran could also face restrictions involving access to the U.S. financial system. Iranian officials said the country is prepared to respond to the increased pressure and expects some of its major trading partners to oppose the U.S. measures. China, a major buyer of Iranian oil, said its cooperation with Iran is conducted under international law and should not be disrupted by other countries.


Search Continues for 22 Missing Crew After Bulker Sinks in Bay of Bengal

The Indian Coast Guard and Indian Navy are continuing search operations for 22 missing crew members of the Panama-flagged bulk carrier Ocean Winner, which is believed to have sunk in the Bay of Bengal. A Navy reconnaissance aircraft located lifeboats and life rafts from the vessel, while Coast Guard ship ICGS Varad later searched a damaged lifeboat but found no survivors inside. The vessel was located about 230 nautical miles off the Odisha coast. Ocean Winner had departed Paradip, India, on August 20 and was bound for Singapore carrying about 72,200 tonnes of iron ore fines. An emergency beacon was recovered, while an oil slick believed to be connected to the vessel was also spotted in the area.


Iran Blacklists 45 Tankers Over Strait of Hormuz Rules

Iran has blacklisted 45 tankers for allegedly violating its rules for transiting the Strait of Hormuz, raising further concerns over the safety and movement of commercial shipping through the strategic waterway. The list was announced by the newly established Persian Gulf Strait Authority, which said the vessels could face penalties for future voyages. According to reports, the blacklisted vessels include very large crude carriers, LNG and LPG tankers, and clean-product vessels. Ships linked to major operators, including ADNOC Logistics and Shipping, Navig8 Tankers, Saudi Arabia’s Bahri, Klaveness Ship Management, Stolt Tankers, and South Korea’s Sinokor, were among those identified.


US Expands Iran Sanctions Against Shipping and Oil Trade

The United States has launched a new sanctions campaign against Iran, placing greater pressure on companies, individuals, and vessels allegedly involved in the country’s oil trade. The initiative, called “Operation Economic Outcast,” aims to further limit Iran’s access to the global financial system. The US Treasury Department introduced new sanctions covering several parts of Iran’s economy, including shipping, aviation, technology, gold, and digital assets. The measures also widen the risk of secondary sanctions against foreign companies and service providers that continue to support sanctioned Iranian activities. Nearly 60 Iran-linked entities, individuals, and vessels were included in the latest action. US authorities said the targeted networks operate across several locations, including the United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong, China, Singapore, Switzerland, and other parts of Europe.



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Giant Manning Group ALMA Maritime Group Tackles 2026 Seafarer Employment, Seabased Rules and DMW Reforms

MAKATI CITY — ALMA Maritime Group brought major regulatory developments affecting Filipino seafarers and licensed manning agencies to the forefront during its Annual General Meeting and Election on August 18, 2026, in Makati City. The gathering focused on the newly issued seafarer employment framework, updated seabased recruitment and employment regulations, and government initiatives involving licensing, accreditation, and digitalization. Bringing together leaders and representatives from the manning sector, the meeting provided members with updates on regulatory changes expected to influence agency operations, principal relationships, compliance requirements, and the employment and welfare of Filipino seafarers.


UMTC Breaks Ground on Green Energy Center to Advance Future-Ready Maritime Training

MANILA, PHILIPPINES — United Marine Training Center (UMTC) has officially broken ground on the United Marine Green Energy Center, marking a major step toward strengthening the Philippines’ capacity to prepare seafarers for evolving technologies, alternative fuels, and operational demands. The initiative aims to ensure that Filipino maritime professionals remain equipped for the changing requirements of global shipping.


Virtue Maritime Maps Its Future While Growing a Greener Tomorrow

ALFONSO, CAVITE — Virtue Maritime Services Corp. (VMSC) and Virtue Maritime Shipmanagement Corp. brought their people together for the Strategic Planning Workshop 2026, held from August 14–16 at Pintoresco, Barangay Esperanza Ilaya, Alfonso, Cavite. Anchored on the theme “One Team. One Virtue. One Mission,” the three-day gathering combined strategic thinking, teamwork, fellowship, and meaningful activities intended to strengthen the organization and its people.


AMOSUP Celebrates International Youth Day 2026, Strengthens Youth Empowerment

MANILA — The Associated Marine Officers’ and Seamen’s Union of the Philippines (AMOSUP) is celebrating International Youth Day 2026 today, August 14, bringing together young seafarers and transport workers under the theme “Empower Young Transport Workers!”


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HOW TO CALCULATE CYLINDRICAL WATER TANK CAPACITY IN LITERS

The image explains a simple method for calculating the water capacity of a cylindrical tank in liters. The formula used is Capacity (L) = (π × D² × H ÷ 4) × 1,000, where D represents the internal diameter of the tank in meters, H represents the actual water height in meters, and π is approximately 3.1416. The illustration also shows where the diameter and water height are measured, making the calculation easier to understand and apply in practical situations.


Anchor Chain Marking

Anchor chain markings are essential identification points used to determine the length of anchor chain paid out during anchoring operations. These markings help deck officers and crew accurately monitor the number of shackles in the water, supporting proper anchoring, effective communication between the forecastle and bridge, and safe vessel operations.


DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AC AND DC MOTOR

The image compares the basic construction and components of AC and DC motors. Both motors convert electrical energy into mechanical energy, producing rotational motion that can be used to operate different types of machinery and equipment.


Types of Ships Rudder

A ship\\'s rudder is an essential hydrodynamic control surface used to steer a vessel through the water. Mounted at the stern, typically just behind the propeller, it functions by deflecting the water flow as the ship moves forward. This deflection creates a transverse force that pushes the stern to one side, seamlessly altering the vessel\\'s overall heading. The efficiency, maneuverability, and mechanical power required to steer a ship depend heavily on the specific engineering of this mechanism. The graphic provided in rudder.jpg highlights the fundamental design variations, which are categorized based on how the rudder\\'s surface area is distributed relative to its pivoting axis (the rudder stock).