Strait of Hormuz The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important maritime energy corridors. A prolonged disruption not only affects vessels physically passing through the Strait. It can influence: crude oil prices; LNG prices; bunker prices; tanker freight rates; war-risk insurance premiums; hull and machinery exposure; cargo insurance; vessel availability; charter-party performance; port congestion; ship-to-ship transfer operations; voyage duration; crew-change arr

The keel-laying ceremony for the second next-generation U212NFS (Near Future Submarine) destined for the Italian Navy was held at Fincantieri’s Muggiano shipyard, as part of the program for the construction of four submarines and the development of the related logistical support, managed and entrusted to OCCAR (Organisation Conjointe de Coopération en matière d’Armement), the international organization responsible for managing cooperative programmes in the Defence sector. Del

2026 is shaping up to be one of the most consequential years for the maritime industry in decades. The major story is no longer simply decarbonisation or digitalisation; it is the combination of geopolitical risk, energy security, alternative fuels, AI, cybersecurity, fleet renewal and increasingly complex regulation. Top 10 Maritime Industry Trends of 2026 1. Geopolitical risk is becoming the No. 1 commercial issue for shipping The biggest change in 2026 is the extent to whi

Strait of Hormuz Lagos, 22 September 2026 — The security situation in and around the Strait of Hormuz has deteriorated further following attacks on two commercial tankers on 20 and 21 September, adding to a growing series of incidents involving merchant shipping since the escalation of the U.S.-Iran conflict. The latest attacks underscore the increasing risks being faced by commercial vessels, shipowners, charterers, cargo interests and seafarers operating through one of the

The keel of the first naval support ship for the Portuguese Navy was laid in Ada Shipyard in Istanbul this week. Turkish shipbuilder STM signed a contract to construct two Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment (AOR) and Logistics Support Ships in Lisbon on December 17, 2024. This marked Turkey’s first military ship export to a European Union and NATO member state. The ceremony was attended by the defence ministries, commanders of naval forces and air forces of both countries. The shi

The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Seneca has intercepted a suspected drug-smuggling vessel in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, seizing about 4,400 pounds of cocaine and detaining three suspected traffickers. The seized drugs are valued at over $33 million. The interception took place northwest of Ecuador as part of Operation Pacific Viper, a mission targeting drug trafficking routes used by criminal organisations moving narcotics from South America to the United States. The operation aim

In maritime trade, the shipowner occupies a central position, not merely as the owner of the vessel but as the party ultimately responsible for ensuring that the ship can safely and legally participate in global commerce. While charterers, shippers, and agents all play defined roles, the shipowner’s responsibilities form the foundation on which the entire operation rests. A clear understanding of these duties is essential for anyone involved in shipping contracts, vessel oper

Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ) has completed the acquisition of 100% ownership of NQXT Australia, a natural deep-water, multi-user export terminal located at Abbot Point in North Queensland. The company confirmed that the transaction was concluded after fulfilling all regulatory and procedural requirements. These included approvals from majority-of-minority shareholders, the Reserve Bank of India, and Australia’s Foreign Investment Review Board, among o

China has delivered the world’s first methanol dual-fuel very large crude carrier (VLCC), New Explorer. The vessel was handed over on 22 December in Dalian, China, and has now entered commercial service. The ship was built by Dalian Shipbuilding, part of China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), for China Merchants Shipping. It is classed by the China Classification Society (CCS), which supported the project and helped facilitate its early delivery. New Explorer is an eigh

Trump Tariffs: Introduction and Context The latest blow to international trade and global supply chains has come in the form of Trump’s...

We have had many marine accidents involving failure of the hull structures. Whether it was a crack in the midship region, a total...

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has achieved another important step towards establishing a legally binding framework to...

The report highlights the role of IACS and its members in developing technical rules and guidance to meet new and emerging safety issues...

A recent increase in incidents involving attendant ships colliding with offshore oil and gas, and renewable energy structures has led the...

Equinor's Sleipner Riser platform has had to halt some of its gas transport operations due to a crack discovered in an onboard pipeline....

1. Artificial Intelligence In the maritime sector, artificial intelligence finds use in predictive maintenance, autonomous navigation,...

In the vast expanse of the open sea, where the forces of nature meet the ingenuity of maritime professionals, the importance of a robust...

In the vast and interconnected world of global trade, cargo inspection stands as a critical checkpoint. It's the safeguard that ensures...

Today is a banner day on Maersk’s decarbonization path with Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, in Copenhagen...

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF P&I CLUBS IN THE MARITIME INDUSTRY