Following MCTC urging on the celebration of Cook’s Day on May 30th, 2025, onboard and ashore participation this special MCTC initiative honouring the dedication of our onboard cooks took place.

Onboard:

An Apple Cake recipe was provided to all vessels; a sweet and simple way to say thank you to the Chief Cook. Non-galley crew members were encouraged to step into the galley and bake this delicious cake. 

M/T Proteus submitted there photo attached. I'm certain the rest followed M/ Proteus example.

Ashore:

On the same day, in the honour of our Chief Cooks, at team of 5 persons from Empire Navigation office participated in MCTC Cook-Off Competition in Athens. 

Participants:

• Zacharoula Lempesi
• Andreas Makris
• Marilena Andreou
• Eleni Kostaki
• Dimitris Poungouras

During the evening, three teams were formed of appx. 10 persons (all members of shipping companies established in Greece) and each was guided by a Chief on forming a menu of three course menu on the spot. The outcome was then judged by a team of Chefs.

We were extremely happy to be the winning team and also have in our team the announced MVP (Mrs. Lempesi).

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• Empire Navigation ,
• Office ,

The National Transportation Safety Board is continuing its investigation and release of data from the 2024 incident in which the containership Dali destroyed Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge. In April, it posted the transcript of the VDR and crew interviews, which are now getting extensive attention in the Baltimore media.

The full 74-page transcript of the voice conversations was posted following the NTSB’s outline of the information in a March press briefing. Unlike the formal briefing, the actual wording shows the panic, terror, and frantic situation as multiple commands were shouted and the pilots and crew struggled to manage the situation.

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• Empire Navigation ,

Maritime casualty incidents have increased dramatically over the past six years, with DNV’s latest report revealing a 42% rise between 2018 and 2024, far outpacing the modest 10% growth in the global fleet during the same period.

The comprehensive analysis, based on Lloyd’s List Intelligence data showing over 2,200 annual casualty incidents since 2021, highlights machinery damage and failure as the primary concern. These incidents represented 60% of all cases in 2024, a significant jump from 38% a decade earlier.

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• Empire Navigation ,

The Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers (Republic Act No. 12021) was enacted on October 11, 2024, marking a significant milestone in the protection and welfare of Filipino seafarers.

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• Empire Navigation ,