US Delays Rule on Gulf of Mexico Whale Protection
U.S. President Donald Trump's administration will delay by two years a final rule designating protections for the endangered Rice's whale in the oil and gas drilling region of the Gulf of Mexico, according to an agreement with environmental groups filed in a federal court.The U.S. Commerce Department's National Marine Fisheries Service agreed with green group Natural Resources Defense Council to finalize by July 15, 2027 the geographic area deemed critical for the Rice's whale survival.
European Ports Slow to Install Shore Power
Most European ports are lagging in installing the shore-side electrical infrastructure needed for ships to switch from highly polluting marine fuel to cleaner electricity while docked, a new study showed on Tuesday.European Union environmental rules have set a 2030 deadline for maritime ports to install the infrastructure to provide what is known as onshore power supply (OPS).To assess their roll-out…
Federal Maritime Commission Publishes Update of its Official Case Law Reporter
The latest volume of Decisions of the Federal Maritime Commission, Second Series has been published on the FMC website: Decisions of the Federal Maritime Commission, Second Series (Volume 8).This publication provides a compendium of Initial and Final Decisions of the Commission and selected other orders that may be legally significant or establish legal precedent.The volume now incorporates the period…
Rescued Crew of Eternity C taken to Saudi Arabia
Ten mariners rescued after Houthi militants sank a Greek ship last week have arrived in Saudi Arabia, maritime security sources said on Monday, after rescuers ended their search for the remaining crew.The rescue mission began on Wednesday when the Iran-aligned group sank the Liberia-flagged Eternity C cargo ship, with 22 crew and three armed guards on board, after attacking the vessel with sea drones…
MSC Group Explora Journeys' Fleet Construction Moves Full Steam Ahead
Today, at Fincantieri’s Sestri Ponente shipyard, three ceremonies took place for Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle brand of the MSC Group: the launching of Explora III, the coin ceremony for Explora IV, and the steel-cutting for Explora V.Comprised of a total of six vessels—with the first two, Explora I and Explora II, already in service—the luxury brand’s fleet, entirely built by Fincantieri, will be fully operational within three years.
US Coast Guard: Safety for Lithium-Ion Battery System Installations
An integrated Li-ion battery bank recently caught fire onboard an inspected passenger vessel when loosely crimped lugs overheated. While no one was injured and the vessel sustained minimal damage, this casualty highlights safety hazards unique to Li-ion batteries. All integrated (installations used for propulsion and electrical power) Li-ion battery systems on inspected vessels must undergo engineering plan review…
Singapore Marine Bunker Sales Dip in First Half of 2025
Sales of marine bunker fuel in Singapore dipped slightly in the first half of 2025, official data showed on Monday, as shipping uncertainties in the wake of global tariffs capped demand, particularly in the first quarter.Total sales at the world's largest refuelling hub for ships stood at 26.98 million metric tons in January to June this year, dipping 1% from 27.19 million tons in the same period last year, data from Singapore's Maritime and Port Authority showed.
Sperry Marine Delivers Terma Surveillance Radar System Delivers to Canadian Coast Guard
Terma A/S, a leader in surveillance radar technology, has partnered with Sperry Marine, a manufacturer and service provider of marine navigation systems, to deliver the SCANTER 4603 and SCANTER 6002 series of naval surveillance radar to Seaspan Shipyards for the upcoming Canadian Coast Guard’s Multi-Purpose Icebreaker and Polar Icebreaker Programs.This milestone underscores the ongoing partnership…
Saronic, Vigor Form Alliance to Advance Autonomous Maritime Capabilities
Saronic Technologies and Vigor Marine Group have entered into a strategic partnership focused on rapidly advancing the delivery of autonomous maritime capabilities and strengthening operational support for defense and commercial customers.The partnership brings together two trusted maritime innovators with complementary capabilities, whose combined expertise can help support U.S. government and commercial…
Stena Bulk Takes Next Step to Reflag First Suezmax Tanker Under Swedish Flag
Shipping company Stena Bulk confirmed that it is in the final stage of executing its plan to reflag five of its Suezmax tankers under the Swedish flag. The first vessel—Stena Sunrise—is now fully prepared for reflagging, which is scheduled to take place in Singapore at the end of July 2025.This milestone follows the company’s original ambition to complete all preparatory steps by 30 June, a goal that has now been fulfilled.
Liebherr to Equip dship’s Fleet with Eight Heavy-Lift Cranes
dship Carriers from Hamburg has selected Liebherr’s LS 250 heavy-duty cranes to equip at least four of the ships in its fleet.The LS 250 cranes are designed to comply with the requirements of the St. Lawrence Regulations. These regulations apply to ships navigating the St. Lawrence Seaway and connecting the Great Lakes in Canada with the Atlantic Ocean.Manufactured at Liebherr’s Rostock site at the German Baltic coast, the eight cranes will be delivered to a Chinese shipyard in 2026.
U.S. Partially Terminates Contract with Eastern Shipbuilding
The United States Department of Homeland Security has announced the partial termination of a shipbuilding contract with Eastern Shipbuilding Group (ESG), saying it was wasteful of taxpayer’s money.The Coast Guard is reviewing contracts which are failing to meet delivery agreements. An existing Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC) contract with ESG has been slow to deliver four OPCs, so Secretary Kristi Noem partially canceled ESG’s contract for two out of the four OPCs expected from ESG in Panama City…
Hamburg Deploys AI to Boost Efficiency of Electric Ferry Fleet
Hadag, the operator of Hamburg’s ferry services, is adopting an AI-powered platform to optimize the scheduling and operation of its electric ferry fleet.The AI system will support daily operations by tailoring charging strategies, managing energy demand, and enhancing communication with passengers via digital displays and mobile apps. With three electric ferries already delivered in 2024 and more on the way…
Syria Signs $800 Million Agreement with DP World
Syria's General Authority for Land and Sea Ports on Sunday signed a $800 million agreement with UAE's DP World to bolster Syrian ports infrastructure and logistical services, Syrian state news agency SANA reported.The agreement follows on from a memorandum of understanding signed between the two sides in May.The deal with DP World, a subsidiary of United Arab Emirates investment company Dubai World…
Australia Won’t Commit Troops in Advance to Any Conflict
Australia will not commit troops in advance to any conflict, Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy said on Sunday, responding to a report that the Pentagon has pressed its ally to clarify what role it would play if the U.S. and China went to war over Taiwan.Australia prioritises its sovereignty and "we don't discuss hypotheticals", Conroy said in an interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation."The…
Search Called Off for Crew Missing from Eternity C
Maritime agencies Diaplous and Ambrey said on Sunday they had ended their search for the remaining crew of the Eternity C cargo ship that was attacked by Yemen's Houthi militants last week.The decision was made at the request of the vessel's owner, both agencies said.The Liberia-flagged, Greek-operated Eternity C sank on Wednesday morning following attacks over two consecutive days, according to sources…
Trelleborg Acquires Masterseals Sealing Specalist in Singapore
Trelleborg Group has, through its business area, Trelleborg Sealing Solutions, signed an agreement to acquire Masterseals, a Singapore–based company specializing in sealing solutions for the energy sector and industrial applications.Masterseals is known for its engineered sealing solutions produced in small series for demanding operating environments. In addition to manufacturing, the company also operates as a technical service center focused on aftermarket support and short delivery times.
Carnival Corporation: Celebrating Bill Burke’s Leadership
After nearly half a century of making his mark on the maritime world, Vice Admiral (Ret.) William (Bill) Burke is charting a new course: retirement.Bill joined Carnival Corporation in 2013 as Chief Maritime Officer, bringing with him a legacy of leadership forged beneath the waves. A submariner at heart, he commanded the USS Toledo and Submarine Squadron Two, later rising through the Navy’s highest ranks to shape U.S. national defense strategy and fleet readiness.
Whatever the Mission, the Coast Guard’s Got a Boat for It
The Coast Guard (including its heritage services) have employed boats since the beginning. Boats are just as important, if not more so, than ever.America’s first “boat force” came about in 1878, with the creation of the United States Life Saving Service (USLSS), whose boat crews rescued mariners in distress along the nation’s coast line. In 1915, the USLSS merged with the United States Revenue Cutter Service (established in 1790) to form the modern-day United States Coast Guard.
Inland Freight Shipping on Mosel River Reopened After Passenger Vessel Accident
Inland waterways freight shipping on the river Mosel in western Germany is back to normal with ships able to use a damaged lock for sailings in both directions on the river, navigation authorities said on Friday.Shipping was stopped on the river, an important transit route for grains and rapeseed between Germany and France, after an accident involving a passenger vessel last week damaged a lock at Sankt Aldegund between Koblenz and Trier.But the damaged lock is functioning…
