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NATO’s Gender Wording: Opportunity or Backstep?
NATO is reportedly considering changes to its terminology around the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda. This development, emerging amid broader political shifts, raises a critical question: is this an opportunity or backstep for the alliance? The existing WPS framework, anchored in UN Security Council Resolution 1325, recognises the distinct impacts of conflict on women […]

April 23, 2025
When The FBI Gets It Wrong: Urgent Need for Maritime Governance
A recent arrest by the FBI, published on 3 April 2025, has highlighted the urgent need for maritime governance. The incident involved an alleged assault aboard a non-state vessel, over 70 nautical miles from the nearest coastline — well outside any national jurisdiction. Despite this, U.S. authorities charged the individual under domestic law: “Assault within […]

April 23, 2025
The Unexpected Dimension of AI in Cruise Planning
AI in Cruise Planning is gaining traction across the maritime sector, not as a replacement for human expertise, but as a reliable tool to support more informed decision-making. The industry is steadily embracing AI as part of a broader move towards data-driven operations and more resilient itineraries. As highlighted in the Spring 2025 edition of […]

April 23, 2025
A word about Maritime Leadership Trends
A survey shared by Columbia Cruise Services shows a clear shift in crew expectations: 25% of seafarers prefer annual training. This trend reflects a broader movement across the shipping sector and maritime leadership trends: training more often than the law requires. International regulations mandate periodic updates. But good operators know this isn’t enough. Risks evolve. […]

April 23, 2025
Detention Governance at Sea
Wrongful Detention on a Cruise Ship: A Case of Bad Governance and Abuse of Power The cruise industry is built on luxury, relaxation, and trust. However, a shocking case of wrongful detention and abuse of authority exposes deep governance failures. This case highlights negligence, lack of legal oversight, and security mismanagement in the shipping industry. […]

March 2, 2025
A Word about Data in Protecting Human Rights at Sea
Safeguarding Life, Liberty, and Health Through Data The maritime industry plays a crucial role in global trade and tourism. However, ensuring fundamental human rights at sea—life, liberty, and health—remains a challenge. Accurate data collection can help to protect human rights. The maritime industry will encounter a serious governance crisis. Lack of accountability and poor safety […]

February 26, 2025
The Unexpected Dimension of Desalination Prices
As climate change intensifies, freshwater scarcity becomes a pressing concern. Transforming seawater into drinkable water – Desalination – emerges as a viable solution. Historically, high costs have limited its widespread adoption. However, technological advancements are making desalination more affordable and accessible. Reducing Desalination Costs Innovations are driving down desalination expenses. Researchers at MIT have developed […]

February 26, 2025
The Interplay between Behaviour and Incidents at Sea
Why Situational Awareness Matters at Sea Maritime tourism offers unique experiences, but behaviour-based risk exposure can disrupt safety and comfort. Both passengers and crew contribute to the cruise experience, yet unpredictable human behaviour introduces risks that can lead to incidents. Understanding the interplay of behaviour and incident is crucial, hence raising awareness of behaviour-based exposure […]

February 26, 2025
The Unexpected Dimension of Autonomous Aquafarming
China Launches Autonomous Offshore Aqua Farm: A Game-Changer for Aquaculture? A recent industry newsletter covered an exciting story: China has introduced an autonomous offshore aqua farm in the resource-rich Liusha Bay area in the South China Sea. While this step forward in aquaculture technology is significant, the innovation raises key questions: how will China’s new […]

January 16, 2025
The Significance of Destination Intelligence
Relying on niche expertise and the understanding the environment of investments, Destination Intelligence has proven its value in support of investors, business developers, and cruise planners through all phases of investment – from planning through execution to crisis management. In an increasingly complex global environment, the private investment sector faces unprecedented challenges in ensuring predictability, […]

January 14, 2025