Panama Canceled Flag of US-Seized Tanker a Year Ago
Panama's maritime authority on Thursday said it had canceled in January of last year the flag of the M Sophia, a Venezuela-linked oil tanker seized by the U.S. military this week.The U.S. military's Southern Command on Wednesday said it had intercepted the M Sophia before dawn, and described it as a "stateless, sanctioned dark fleet motor tanker." Panamanian authorities canceled the supertanker's flag on January 23…
The Challenges and Rewards of Pushing Ahead with Autonomous Ships
In his 2026 goal setting message, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez noted that all eyes will be on the finalization of the autonomous ships code.The MASS Code is a framework for the safe, secure, and environmentally friendly operation of remotely operated and autonomous ships.Maj. Joseph DeFlorio, U.S. Army 8th Theater Sustainment Command, National Security Law Team, highlighted in a December…
Bhagwan Marine Christens Stern Landing Vessel
Australia- based Bhagwan Marine has christened the Bhagwan Micah, a 38m state-of-the-art Stern Landing Vessel (SLV) designed from the ground up for the exacting requirements of modern offshore energy and subsea operations – particularly oil & gas decommissioning with the ability to work in shallow water environments, subsea IMR, and defense logistics projects.Unlike a traditional landing craft that loads and discharges over a forward ramp, a SLV operates from the stern.
Hanwha and HavocAI Partner on USV Development
Hanwha Defense USA (HDUSA), Hanwha Systems Co (HSC), and U.S.-based collaborative autonomy company HavocAI announced they will jointly develop 200-foot autonomous surface vessels (ASV).Hanwha is currently the only shipbuilder with an operational shipyard in the United States to enter into a joint agreement with an autonomous vessels company. Hanwha Philly Shipyard is under consideration to produce the 200-foot autonomous ASV.HavocAI recently closed a $85m funding round…
Frontline Begins Fleet Renewal Program
Frontline plc has announced a strategic fleet renewal initiative, involving both the acquisition of new vessels and the sale of older vessels.The company has entered into an agreement to sell eight of its oldest first-generation ECO very large crude carriers (VLCCs), built between 2015 and 2016. These vessels are being sold for a total sales price of $831.5 million, with delivery to the new owner scheduled during the first quarter of 2026.After repayment of existing debt on the vessels…
GTT Receives Tank Design Order for Samsung Heavy Industries LNG Carriers
GTT announced that it has received, in the fourth quarter of 2025, an order from the shipyard Samsung Heavy Industries for the tank design of two new Liquefied Natural Gas Carriers (LNGCs) on behalf of the ship-owner Purus. GTT will be responsible for the design of the cryogenic tanks for the two vessels, each offering a total capacity of 174,000 m³. The tanks will be fitted with GTT’s Mark III Flex membrane containment system.Delivery of the vessels is expected between 2028 and 2029.
HOS, Saronic Link Up to Trial Autonomous Vessels Offshore
When we interviewed Saronic Co-Founder and CEO Dino Mavrookas late last year, he insisted that Saronic's mission was to deliver commercially viable autonomous vessels first, and in turn parlay that into a ready package for defense. That vision comes to fruition as Saronic announced a partnership with Hornbeck Offshore Services, Inc. (HOS), to accelerate innovation and deployment of autonomous platforms, advanced software, and maritime solutions to the markets HOS serves.
TKMS Submits Non-Binding Bid to Buy German Naval Yards
German warship maker TKMS has submitted a non-binding bid for smaller peer German Naval Yards (GNYK), the company told Reuters on Thursday."Discussions between our two companies will continue with an open outcome," TKMS said in an emailed statement, without disclosing any details around the offer.TKMS, which was spun off from parent Thyssenkrupp in October, last month said it expected to decide soon on whether to buy GNYK, reflecting its ambition to expand in light of growing demand for defence
Oil Prices Rise 2% Amidst Venezuela Conflict, Supply Concerns
Oil prices rose about 2% on Thursday after two days of declines as investors assessed developments in Venezuela and on worries about supplies from Russia, Iraq and Iran.Brent futures rose $1.21, or 2%, to $61.17 per barrel at 11:17 a.m. EST (1617 GMT), while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude gained $1.02, or 1.8%, to $57.01.The U.S. seized two Venezuela-linked oil tankers in the Atlantic Ocean on Wednesday, one sailing under Russia's flag, as part of U.S.
Russian-Bound Tanker Struck in Black Sea Drone Attack
A Russia-bound oil tanker suffered a drone attack in the Black Sea that prompted it to request Turkish coastguard assistance and divert from its course, according to a notice by Lloyd's List Intelligence and a separate maritime security source on Thursday.Maritime data specialist Lloyd's List Intelligence said the Palau-flagged Elbus vessel "experienced an unmanned marine-vehicle and drone attack" on Wednesday targeting its engine room…
US Department of Labor Awards $13.8m to Train American Shipbuilders
The U.S. Department of Labor announced the award of nearly $14 million in funding to support the development of programs aimed at reinvigorating and rebuilding the U.S. maritime industry and workforce.Administered by the department’s Bureau of International Labor Affairs, the department awarded $8 million to Delaware County Community College and $5.8 million to the Massachusetts Maritime Academy to…
Lloyd's Register Explores Hydrogen's Potential for Decarbonization in Recent Report
Lloyd’s Register (LR) has published the latest report in its Fuel for thought series, providing an assessment of hydrogen’s potential role in maritime decarbonization. Fuel for thought: Hydrogen examines hydrogen from production and supply through to onboard use, highlighting the fuel’s advantages alongside the safety, infrastructure and cost challenges that currently restrict its adoption. Green hydrogen…
Kongsberg Maritime to Supply Rim-Drive Thrusters for Indian Research Vessel
Kongsberg Maritime has secured a contract to supply its rim-drive thrusters for a new acoustic research vessel being built for India’s Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL). The vessel, under construction at Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), will play a critical role in oceanographic and acoustic research for the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).The Kongsberg…
Solstad’s Normand Turquesa AHTS on Extended Stay with Petrobras
Norwegian offshore vessel owner Solstad Offshore has extended the previously agree four-year contract with Petrobras for its anchor handling tug supply (AHTS) vessel Normand Turquesa.The current Normand Turquesa contract with Petrobras has been extended by one year, and the start of the previously announced four-year contract has been amended from the first quarter of 2026 to the first quarter of 2027.This represents an additional gross value of approximately $15.4 million…
ONE, MTI Launch QUAVEO JV to Accelerate AI-Driven Digital Transformation
In a move that underscores how quickly artificial intelligence is moving from pilot projects to production systems in global shipping, Ocean Network Express (ONE) and MTI Ltd.
Union Maritime Takes Delivery of LNG and Wind-Powered LR2 Tanker
Union Maritime has taken delivery of what it said is the world’s first long-range 2 (LR2) tanker powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and wind-assisted propulsion.The vessel, MT SPA, was delivered on January 6 in Jingjiang, China, and was built by Yangzijiang Shipbuilding. It is a high-specification LNG dual-fuel LR2 tanker fitted with WindWings technology, combining alternative fuel capability with…
AI Goes Subsea: Autonomous Welding Robot Debut
Underwater welding is one of the most demanding and hazardous tasks in the maritime and offshore world, relying heavily on a small, highly specialized pool of industrial divers. As port infrastructure ages and offshore structures expand, demand for underwater repair continues to outpace available manpower. A new research project out of Germany aims to fundamentally change that equation.Led by the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence…
Magnet Defense Acquires Metal Shark
The face of U.S. shipbuilding continues to evolve at speed, as Magnet Defense LLC has completed its acquisition of Metal Shark, bringing together autonomous systems, artificial intelligence and established U.S. shipbuilding capacity to accelerate delivery of unmanned surface vessels (USVs) for national security missions.The combination positions the newly integrated company as a supplier of AI-enabled USVs for U.S.
Suez Canal Rebound Muted Despite Houthi Attack Stoppage
“100 days ago, on 29 September, the Minervagracht was to become the last ship to be attacked by the Houthis, at least for now. Forty-three days later, the Houthis declared an end to their attacks on ships. Despite this, traffic through the Suez Canal have not significantly increased and in the first week of 2026 remained 60% below the corresponding week in 2023, before ships started diverting around the Cape of Good Hope…
PCTC Vessel MV Ocean Explorer Delivered
Sallaum Lines accepted its latest Pure Car and Truck Carrier (PCTC) vessel, MV Ocean Explorer as part of its Ocean Class fleet. The newbuilding’s arrival represents a major milestone in the company’s ongoing fleet expansion strategy and its commitment to advancing sustainable and energy-efficient maritime operations.“With the delivery of MV Ocean Explorer, we are proud to take another bold step toward a more sustainable future for maritime transport,” said Mr.
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