An external explosion has been reported about 60 nautical miles east of Muscat, Oman, the UK Maritime Trade Operations Centre said on Tuesday.
The explosion occurred near the portside and close to the waterline, as reported by a vessel.
The vessel and the crew have been reported safe, although there has been some discharge of bunker fuel into the sea, the UKMTO said.
Further investigations are on, UKMTO said.
The International Maritime Organization's Maritime Safety Committee approved a series of new interim training and safety guidelines covering ammonia, methanol, hydrogen and liquefied hydrogen, DNV said on Friday.The IMO's MSC held its 111th session from May 13 to May 22.DNV said that the MSC approved "Interim guidelines on training for seafarers on ships using methyl/ethyl alcohol as fuel" along with separate guidance for vessels operating on ammonia fuel.MSC 111 endorsed a work plan to further develop training requirements for seafarers serving on vessels using low- and zero-carbon fuels and emerging propulsion technologies, reflecting the industry's growing shift toward alternative energy systems.The committee, in addition to training standards, approved safety guidance for ships using hydrogen as fuel, marking another step in the regulatory framework for one of the shipping sector's most closely watched future energy options.For ammonia, MSC 111 approved interim guidelines addressing the use of ammonia cargo as fuel on gas carriers. The guidance focuses on safe handling practices, particularly in areas outside cargo zones, with an emphasis on protecting crew and vessel safety.The committee also adopted revisions to existing recommendations for the carriage of liquefied hydrogen in bulk, updating Resolution MSC.565. The revision introduces a new section on cargo containment systems for membrane-type tanks, including provisions for maintaining vacuum-sealed insulation spaces.Separately, MSC 111 approved draft amendments to Safety of Life at Sea, also known as SOLAS, Chapter II-1, clarifying that the International Code of Safety for Ships using Gases or other Low-flashpoint Fuels or the IGF Code applies to ships using gaseous fuels regardless of flashpoint characteristics.The amendments introduce a formal definition of "gaseous fuels" and update related provisions on "low-flashpoint fuels."Consequential amendments to the IGF Code were also agreed upon, aligning technical definitions and scope across the regulatory framework.DNV said that the draft amendments to SOLAS and the IGF Code are expected to enter into force on July 1, 2028, subject to formal adoption at MSC 112 in December 2026.
India notified amendments to the liquefied petroleum gas supply rules on Monday, allowing consumers with piped natural gas connections to terminate or restore LPG access under new, more flexible provisions.The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas issued the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Regulation of Supply and Distribution Amendment Order, 2026, according to a government statement.The revised rules target domestic LPG consumers who later obtain PNG connections and seek greater flexibility in managing fuel access, the ministry said.Under the amendment, consumers can apply to terminate their LPG connection within 30 days after receiving a piped natural gas connection.Consumers can also request a transfer voucher that allows future restoration of the LPG connection if they later move to areas without piped natural gas infrastructure.The amendment provides additional convenience for households relocating to regions where PNG networks are still unavailable.The ministry said transferable employees, migrant families, tenants, students and households shifting to non-PNG areas are expected to benefit from the revised provisions.
European Union policymakers and industry leaders said at the Copenhagen Energy Infrastructure Forum that geopolitical tensions are increasing the need for stronger energy networks.Energy and Housing Commissioner Dan Jorgensen and Danish Deputy Permanent Secretary Christian Stenberg opened the two-day forum in Copenhagen on May 21.Participants said conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East have exposed the risks tied to energy dependence while increasing pressure on Europe to strengthen energy security.Speakers said Europe now views the energy transition as both an economic and an environmental priority, as global rivals continue to advance clean-energy technologies.Discussions on electricity infrastructure focused on expanding and modernizing power grids while improving the use of existing networks through digital systems and grid-enhancing technologies.Participants said smarter planning and better technology could reduce congestion, lower expansion costs and prepare networks for rising future electricity demand across Europe.The forum highlighted financing challenges facing energy infrastructure projects and called for greater private investment alongside public support and new financing tools where needed.Participants also backed greater transparency for investors through tools such as Capacitypedia and the Distribution Network Development Plans platform to improve visibility into grid capacity.Participants said European Union countries must move faster in applying hydrogen legislation as the focus shifts from policy planning to practical infrastructure development.The forum highlighted the European Union's Hydrogen Mechanism as a key tool to improve coordination across the hydrogen market and reduce investment risks for transmission projects.The European Commission and Denmark's Ministry of Climate, Energy and Utilities organized the annual forum, which ended with calls for faster cooperation and project implementation.