Corrina Ott Named Vice President of the Greater Houston Port Bureau
The Greater Houston Port Bureau Board of Directors has announced the promotion of Corrina Ott to Vice President. Ott joined the Port Bureau in April 2025 and has been responsible for managing the Port Bureau’s Efficiency and Dredging Committee’s as well as maintaining the Port Bureau’s links with industry and Federal Partners. Additionally, she provides support for the Houston Ship Channel Security…
UN Resolution on Protecting Hormuz Shipping Vetoed
China and Russia on Tuesday vetoed a U.N. resolution encouraging states to coordinate efforts to protect commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, calling the measure biased against Iran, while Washington's ambassador to the world body called on "responsible nations" to join the U.S. in securing the waterway.The 15-member Security Council voted 11 in favor of the resolution presented by Bahrain, with two against - China and Russia - and two abstentions.U.S.
Green Tech: Rise of the [Hull Clening] Robots
For centuries, shipowners have fought a persistent enemy beneath the waterline: biofouling. Barnacles, algae, slime and other marine organisms attach themselves to hull surfaces, increasing hydrodynamic drag and reducing vessel efficiency. Traditionally, the fight against fouling relied on antifouling coatings, diver cleaning teams, and periodic drydock maintenance. But in the last decade, a new class of underwater robotics has begun to change that equation.Robotic hull-cleaning systems…
LEO Satellite Networks: Supporting Maritime Safety, Efficiency and Innovation
Across the maritime sector, the availability of data has never been higher. Supported by new data collection technologies and advanced analytics, mariners are gaining access to increasingly detailed information on the marine environment. Smart sensors are also becoming more widespread, enabling real-time monitoring of on-board equipment and cargo. Combined, these insights have the potential to provide…
Tech Talk: Time to Rethink Watchkeeping
It’s time to consider the role of “digital watchkeepers” as the become an increasingly complex tool for bridge teams.Releasing its annual report in July 2025, the UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch said that significant collisions between merchant vessels show no sign of reducing. The collision between Scot Explorer and Happy Falcon, the fatal collision between Verity and Polesie and the dramatic…
Insights: When the Climate Becomes a Cargo Risk
Rising temperatures and humidity are increasingly compromising cargo integrity during transit, making prevention essential for operational resilience.Climate change is no longer a distant concern for shipping. Across Southeast Asia, rising temperatures and humidity, and more volatile weather patterns are increasingly affecting cargo integrity during transit.The past decade has been the hottest on record, with global temperatures rising by around 1.1ºC since 1880.
Weiler Abrasives Receives Recognition for Sustainability Measures
Weiler Abrasives, a leader in surface conditioning solutions, has been recognized for its sustainability-related achievements by the Sustainable European Abrasive Manufacturers (SEAM). In a recently released CO2 Emissions Report, SEAM identified Weiler Abrasives as one of only 11 abrasives companies to achieve recognition for climate leadership for the 2024 fiscal year by achieving greater than 4%…
Fuel Transition: Emissions Targets and Cost Management
ClassNK’s Fleet Cost Simulation service is reducing the heavy burden on shipping companies attempting to estimate the costs of transitioning to low- and zero-emission operations.Over more than two decades, regulators have worked towards providing the frameworks within which low- or zero-carbon fuels, energy efficient ship design, operational data and new technologies can support maritime decarbonization.
Damen Launches Multi-Purpose Vessel for the Portuguese Navy
Damen Shipyards Group has launched the NRP D. João II a Multi-Purpose Vessel (MPV) 10720 for the Portuguese Navy. The vessel entered the water at Damen Shipyards Galati in Romania on April 7. The launch event took place in the presence of Vice Admiral Pires on behalf of the Portuguese Navy, Rear Admiral Neculae representing the Romanian Naval Forces, His Excellency Paulo Alves Cunha, Ambassador of Portugal in Romania…
Plastics Pipe Institute’s Handbook Updated for High-Density Polyethylene Pipe Projects
The Marine Installations chapter of the Plastics Pipe Institute’s Handbook of Polyethylene Pipe has been updated to include more technical information and guidance for the use of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe. “This revision significantly expands the technical depth and practical guidance for marine HDPE pipeline projects,” explained Alex LeBon, P.E., Marine Pipelines Division Manager for Makai Ocean Engineering (Hawaii).
Oil Prices Rise, Hormuz Remains Closed Ahead of Trump's Deadline
Oil prices climbed on Tuesday and U.S. crude was on track for its highest close since 2022 ahead of a deadline set by U.S. President Donald Trump for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz or face attacks on power plants and other infrastructure.Brent futures rose 63 cents, or 0.6%, to $110.40 a barrel at 10:41 a.m. EDT (1441 GMT), while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose $3.95, or 3.5%, to $116.36.Typically WTI trades at a discount to Brent…
US Lawmakers Press Treasury Secretary on LNG Tanker Tax Credits
A group of Democratic U.S. senators on Tuesday pressed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on whether enormous tankers that ship liquefied natural gas qualify for a lucrative tax credit meant for smaller boats that burn the fuel.Here are details about the issue.The Alternative Fuel Excise Tax credit, signed by former President George W. Bush in 2005, was meant to decrease oil dependence by subsidizing a transition among smaller motorboats to alternative fuels…
Wilson Sons to Represent Brazilian Port Industry at Intermodal South America
Wilson Sons operates in the port and shipping logistics industry throughout Brazil, boasting more than 188 years of experience. They offer solutions to over 5,000 clients, including shipowners, importers and exporters, the offshore energy industry, renewable energy projects, the agribusiness sector, as well as other players across various economic segments. Engaged in the continuous pursuit of new technologies…
EcoNavis Introduces New Flettner Rotor Technology to Further Wind-Assisted Propulsion
EcoNavis Solutions is developing a next generation wind-assisted propulsion system designed to enhance the performance and commercial viability of Flettner-type rotor sails for deep-sea shipping. The company’s Eco Rotor Sail introduces a patented tail-appendage device designed to increase thrust, reduce power demand, and widen the range of wind angles in which rotor sails can operate efficiently.Flettner rotors…
Jan De Nul Launches Second Giant Cable Laying Vessel
Belgian marine contractor Jan De Nul has launched its second next-generation cable laying vessel (CLV), William Thomson, as it expands capacity to support growing offshore wind and grid interconnection projects.The William Thomson vessel follows the earlier launch of its sister ship Fleeming Jenkin in October 2025, with both units set to become the largest cable-laying vessels of their kind.Both vessels…
US Coast Guard Rescues Stranded Family After Seven Days at Sea
The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has rescued a family of three who had been missing for seven days in waters off the Federated States of Micronesia.The crew of the USCGC Midgett located the family on April 6 after authorities reported the vessel overdue following its departure from Fananu Island on March 30.The 23-foot skiff, carrying two men and one woman, had suffered an engine failure during what was intended to be a short journey to Murillo Island…
SDHI Books Order for Four Ammonia Dual-Fuel Bulk Carriers
Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Limited (SDHI) has secured an order from Energy ONE Limited to build four ammonia dual-fuel bulk carriers, marking the first such vessels to be constructed in India.The contract covers four 92,500-deadweight tonne bulk carriers, which will be among the largest commercial ships built at an Indian yard, the company said.The vessels will measure about 229.5 meters in length with a beam of 37 meters and will be equipped with ammonia-fueled propulsion systems.
RINA, Hanwha Team Up to Develop Battery-Hybrid Propulsion Systems
RINA has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with South Korea’s Hanwha Group to promote the adoption of battery-hybrid propulsion systems in the maritime sector.The agreement involves Hanwha affiliates Hanwha Power Systems, Hanwha Aerospace and Hanwha Engine, and targets the development of hybrid propulsion solutions for both newbuild vessels and retrofits, with a focus on the roll-on/roll-off…
KR Adds AI Tools to Maritime Compliance Platform
Korean Register (KR) has launched an upgraded version of its maritime conventions database, adding artificial intelligence (AI)-powered features to help shipowners navigate increasing regulatory complexity.The organization said Version 24 of its KR-CON platform introduces enhanced search functionality and a restructured classification system, aimed at improving access to international maritime regulations.The…
CPC Oil Exports via Black Sea Stable After Attack Reports
Kazakhstan's energy ministry said on Tuesday that oil shipments via the Caspian Pipeline Consortium were stable after Russia's military accused Ukraine of damaging loading facilities belonging to the group in the Black Sea.Russia's Defence Ministry said on Monday that Ukraine had attacked facilities at the maritime transhipment complex in the port of Novorossiysk overnight, damaging a mooring point…
