Iran, Oman Working on Strait of Hormuz Agreement
Iran and Oman are still working on the details of an agreement on the Strait of Hormuz, a senior Iranian source said on Wednesday, after Iran's Revolutionary Guards said the two countries had agreed how to share the waterway and its revenues.The elite force's spokesperson, echoing Tehran's official stance, also said the strait would not open unless the U.S. met Tehran's conditions under an interim ceasefire agreement that was struck in June before unravelling.
Seventy Vessels Wait to Load Grain Near Sulina Canal
Up to 70 vessels are waiting near the Danube's Sulina Canal for access to Ukrainian ports to load grain for export, traders and analysts said on Wednesday, with a shortage of pilots and priority given to other cargoes creating long delays.After Russian attacks effectively blocked Ukraine's Black Sea ports, which had handled 90% of the country's grain exports, some shipments were rerouted through Danube river ports…
TDI-Brooks Completes Subsea Cable Survey Project Offshore Alaska
TDI-Brooks recently completed a third-party geotechnical project offshore Alaska, supporting a short cable route survey for Woolpert utilizing their Gravity CPT Stinger (gCPT) system. The project consisted of a geophysical and geotechnical survey for a marine cable route in the Valdez Arm.Designed for rapid deployment in remote and challenging environments, the gCPT tool enables efficient in-situ soil characterization without the need for conventional drilling.
Saltchuk Tanker Companies Ordered by NLRB to Bargain With Licensed Deck Officers
The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has ordered both Alaska Tanker Company (ATC) and Overseas Shipholding Group (OSG), Saltchuk Resources subsidiaries, to immediately recognize the International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots (MM&P) and bargain in good faith with more than 125 Licensed Deck Officers.The officers voted decisively for MM&P representation in separate NLRB-certified elections in 2024, winning 70% at OSG and 80% at ATC.
Installation of 35-Ton Propeller Sets the Stage for SMM 2026
The giant ship propeller supplied by Mecklenburger Metallguss (MMG) will once again take its place in front of the Hamburg exhibition halls. On Thursday, August 27, the maritime heavyweight will return to the exhibition grounds, providing a visible signal that SMM 2026 is about to begin. Just a few days later, from September 1-4, the international maritime industry will gather in Hamburg.The propeller weights around 35.5 tons, measuring 7.8 meters in diameter and with five blades.
Cadmatic Expands US Presence With Local Specialists
Marine design software company Cadmatic is expanding its US presence by hiring more local specialists to serve its rapidly growing customer base in the key US shipbuilding market. With demand driven by fleet renewal, naval procurement programs, and capacity investment, American shipyards are looking for tools that reduce manual workload, improve production planning accuracy, and keep complex projects on schedule. Cadmatic's portfolio addresses each of these directly.
Kongsberg Maritime Expands Tunnel Thruster Range with Larger Models
Kongsberg Maritime has expanded its Rim-Drive Tunnel Thruster range with two larger models designed for vessels requiring higher thrust and enhanced dynamic positioning (DP) capability.The new RD-TT 2300 and RD-TT 2600 models have propeller diameters of 2,300 mm and 2,600 mm and are rated at 2,100 kW and 2,700 kW, respectively.The models extend the upper end of Kongsberg Maritime's existing Rim-Drive range and are aimed at applications including offshore construction…
Lloyd’s Register Joins Austal’s $715M Australian Army Landing Craft Program
Lloyd’s Register has secured a $7.8 million (A$11 million) contract from Austal Defence Australia to provide naval classification services for the Australian Army’s Landing Craft Medium program.The contract covers classification services throughout the construction of 18 landing craft, supporting quality, compliance and assurance from construction through to delivery.Austal Defence Australia is delivering…
Astro Offshore, Oceaneering Team Up on Integrated Subsea Solutions
Dubai-based offshore vessel operator Astro Offshore has signed a strategic memorandum of understanding with Oceaneering International to jointly pursue and deliver offshore and subsea projects.The agreement combines Astro Offshore's offshore vessel capabilities with Oceaneering's remotely operated vehicle (ROV), survey and integrated project delivery expertise.Astro Offshore said the partnership will…
Solstad’s Normand Valiant CSV Hooks $62M Contract with Petrobras
Petrobras has signed a two-year contract for the Normand Valiant construction support vessel (CSV), owned by Solstad Maritime (SOMA).The contract is expected to start in fourth quarter 2026 in direct continuation of the current agreement and subsequent class renewal.The vessel will provide accommodation services to support production activities on the Brazilian continental shelf.The Normand Valiant…
Oil Companies to Steer Clear of Iran Blacklisted Ships
At least three Indian oil refiners and a global energy major plan to stop using vessels on Iran's new blacklist, including for ship-to-ship transfers, due to security concerns, four sources with direct knowledge of the matter said this week.Tehran announced on Sunday a blacklist of 45 ships it said had broken its rules for crossing the Strait of Hormuz, and would take action against any vessels transferring loads with them…
Iran-Oman Talks on Hormuz Reopening Drive Down Oil Prices
Oil prices fell more than $2 a barrel on Wednesday as talks between Iran and Oman revived hopes that the Strait of Hormuz could reopen and remove shipping constraints affecting supply in the key Middle East region.Brent crude futures LCOc1 fell $2.30, or 2.6%, to $86.28 a barrel by 0447 GMT, earlier dropping to their lowest since August 13. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures CLc1 were down $2.08…
