Brent Crude Prices Rise as Trump Threatens to Attack Mine-Laying Ships in Hormuz
Brent crude futures climbed more than $1 a barrel on Thursday following U.S. President Donald Trump's threat to attack ships laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, casting doubt on the survival of a ceasefire in the war with Iran.Brent crude futures were up $1.26, or 1.24%, to $103.17 a barrel at 9:19 a.m. CDT (1419 GMT) after settling above $100 for the first time in more than two weeks on Wednesday.
Ships Seized by Iran Taken to Port
Two container ships seized by Iran near the Strait of Hormuz with about 40 crew aboard have been taken toward the port of Bandar Abbas, sources said on Thursday, Tehran having vowed to retaliate after U.S. forces seized an Iranian vessel three days earlier.Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps seized the ships on Wednesday, one operated by MSC, the world's biggest container shipping group, and according to three sources…
MacGregor to Supply Deck Machinery for Ultra-Large Cable-Laying Vessel
MacGregor has been selected to supply a comprehensive package of offshore and merchant deck machinery for ultra-large cable-laying vessels. The vessel will be constructed at Tersan Shipyard in Turkey.The contract, secured in close collaboration with Nemo Marine, was booked during Q1 2026, with delivery scheduled for 2027.The specialized package is designed to support the vessel's operational requirements…
Wärtsilä, Erik Thun Agree Overhaul Partnership for Fleet Support
Wärtsilä has signed a long-term overhaul agreement with Sweden’s Erik Thun Group, covering maintenance and technical support across its fleet.The agreement, developed with fleet management partner MF Shipping Group, includes overhaul services, field and technical services, workshop support and spare parts supply.The work is aimed at supporting the performance and lifespan of engines, propulsion systems…
Golden Pass LNG Ships First Export Cargo from Texas Terminal
Golden Pass LNG, a joint venture between QatarEnergy and ExxonMobil, has loaded and shipped its first liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargo from its export terminal in Sabine Pass in Texas, marking a step toward full commercial operations.Golden Pass LNG expects to export about 18 million tonnes of LNG per year once the terminal is fully operational.Construction and commissioning of additional liquefaction trains are ongoing…
US Navy Secretary Phelan Fired
Navy Secretary John Phelan has been fired, a U.S. official and a person familiar with the matter said on Wednesday, in another wartime shakeup at the Pentagon coming just weeks after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ousted the Army's top general.The Pentagon announced his departure in a brief statement, saying he was leaving the administration "effective immediately." But it did not provide a reason or say whether it was his decision to go.His firing was first reported by Reuters.The sources…
Korea Enters Icebreaker Construction Market
HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has signed a contract with the Swedish Maritime Administration to build a dedicated icebreaker — worth $348.9 million — marking the first time a Korean shipyard has won a contract in the global icebreaker market.Korea won on price competitiveness, delivery schedule, and technical capability.Once in service, the vessel will operate in the Baltic Sea — handling icebreaking…
Anschütz to Deliver Integrated Bridge System for Arkona Refit
The German Federal Waterways and Shipping Administration (WSV) has awarded Anschütz a contract for the refit of the multi-purpose vessel Arkona, bringing the ship’s navigation and bridge systems up to the latest technological standard.Anschütz will supply a complete SYNAPSIS Integrated Bridge System (IBS) which consolidates all relevant navigation information within a unified and consistent user interface.
NOIA Releases Offshore Energy Excellence Report
The National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA) has released its sixth annual Offshore Energy Industry's Innovation & Workforce Excellence Report, a comprehensive publication showcasing how offshore energy companies are leading on environmental performance, workforce development, safety, and corporate responsibility.The 2026 report features case studies and highlights from NOIA member companies and partners…
IACS Publishes Recommendation on Onboard Lifting Equipment
IACS, the membership organization for the world’s leading classification societies, has published a Recommendation to improve safety standards for lifting appliances, in line with SOLAS regulations covering both new and existing lifting appliances.Lifting appliances play a vital role in cargo handling and ship operations, yet their limited structural redundancy has long posed safety risks for crews and vessels.
US Intercepts Three Iranian Tankers in Asian Waters
The U.S. military has intercepted at least three Iranian-flagged tankers in Asian waters and is redirecting them away from their positions near India, Malaysia and Sri Lanka, shipping and security sources said on Wednesday.Washington has imposed a blockade on Iran's trade by sea while Iran has fired on ships to prevent them sailing through the Strait of Hormuz waterway at the entrance to the Middle East Gulf. Nearly two months after the U.S.
First LNG Export Cargo Departs Sabine Pass Terminal
Golden Pass LNG, a joint venture between QatarEnergy and U.S. oil major Exxon Mobil, said on Wednesday that the first cargo of liquefied natural gas has departed from its new Sabine Pass terminal in Texas.Shipping data showed that the vessel, Al Qa'iyyahal, had departed but it was not immediately apparent where the first shipment was headed. Reuters previously reported it was expected to go to Italy…
International Chamber of Shipping Releases Sixth Edition of Tanker Safety Guide (Chemicals)
The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) announced the launch of the sixth edition of its benchmark publication, the Tanker Safety Guide (Chemicals). First published in 1971, the Tanker Safety Guide (Chemicals) is an industry reference for the safe operation of chemical tankers. This new edition provides up‑to‑date, practical guidance for those serving on board ships carrying hazardous and noxious liquid substances in bulk under MARPOL Annex II…
Global Shipping Leaders Seek Guarantee of Safe Hormuz Crossing
Safe and sustainable passage through the Strait of Hormuz is what top shipping companies require before the world's sees much oil or cargo leave or enter the Gulf, two top sector executives said on Wednesday."Two weeks ago when the ceasefire, said to be temporary, came into picture, we thought there was hope. But in reality, the agreement was not translated into the safety and passage (of the vessels)," Jotaro Tamura, chief executive of Japan's Mitsui O.S.K.
Dawn Services Acquires M/V COASTAL DAWN
Dawn Services has announced the acquisition of the M/V COASTAL DAWN (Ex M/VCANDACE), a Damen-designed Shoalbuster that strengthens the company’s fleet and expands its ability to serve customers across coastal, inland, and offshore markets.The addition of the M/V COASTAL DAWN represents a strategic investment in versatile marine assets designed to meet the increasing demand for marine construction and dredge support.With its shallow-draft hull…
Accelleron Launches ACCX300-L Turbocharger
Accelleron announced the commercial launch of the ACCX300-L, its low-speed turbocharger for two-stroke marine engines, designed to help shipowners adapt to evolving operating profiles, fuels, and emissions requirements. Combining a new service‑friendly cartridge concept, a simplified platform architecture, and integrated digital capability, the ACCX300‑L decouples turbocharger maintenance from drydock schedules while delivering long‑term efficiency…
MPA, PSA Singapore Invite Proposals for Autonomous Container Feeder Vessel Solutions
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and PSA Singapore (PSA) have launched an Expression of Interest (EOI) to invite proposals to develop and test autonomous inter-gateway container feeder vessel operations within Singapore’s port.Inter-gateway container feeder vessels move containers between terminals within the Port of Singapore (e.g. between Tuas and Pasir Panjang terminals), playing a crucial role in daily port operations.
Six Partners Selected by MPA for In-Water Hull Inspection, Cleaning Trials in the Port of Singapore
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has selected six partners under its Call for Proposals (CFP) to advance and scale up in-water hull inspection and cleaning solutions in the Port of Singapore, in support of more efficient and lower-emission shipping.The CFP received 19 proposals from 36 companies across nine countries.The six selected partners – Alicia Bots, C-Leanship, Neptune Robotics…
NYK Group Welcomes Its First Female LNG Carrier Captain
A Taiwan-based NYK Group ship-management company, NiMiC Ship Management Co., Ltd. (NiMiC), has appointed Louise Lin (Lin Yi-chun) as captain of Taitar No. 4., a NiMiC-managed liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier and she assumed her duties. This milestone marks the first time a woman has been named captain of an LNG carrier within the NYK Group.Lin began her maritime career at NiMiC as a deck cadet in…
SCI’s Center for Maritime Education, U.S. Army ERDC to Advance Maritime Simulation
The Seamen’s Church Institute’s Center for Maritime Education (CME) has established a new partnership with the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) in Vicksburg, MS, with the goal of improving maritime training, advancing ship simulation technology, and enhancing safety across the nation’s waterways. The collaboration, formalized through a recent Memorandum of Agreement by the U.S.
