Government & Military News

BPMI, a defense prime contractor for the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, has partnered with Gecko Robotics to introduce advanced manufacturing technology that supports the production of high-quality components installed aboard U.S. Navy nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and submarines. BPMI and its suppliers are working to leverage Gecko’s robotic and AI platforms to reduce inspection time spans on items ranging from simple forgings to complex final component manufacture. Through initial trials…

Anschütz has designed an integrated Autonomous Navigation and Command System for naval vessels. Using proven, readily available and type-approved components, it provides navies with enhanced safety and sustainable capability for unmanned systems, all the while retaining full technological sovereignty.Scalable from assistance systems to highly automated solutions, and from the monitoring and control of unmanned surface vessels (USVs) to automation solutions for large combatants…

Vessel operators must embed cybersecurity into their operational procedures to meet USCG 33 CFR Part 104, writes Nicolas Furgé, President, Cyber, MarlinkAs cyber threats continue to grow in both scale and complexity, maritime stakeholders, from shipowners and operators to port facilities are facing new regulatory demands to improve cyber resilience.The latest cybersecurity rules from the United States Coast Guard (USCG), amending parts 101, 104, 105 and 106 of 33 CFR Sub-chapter F, represent a major shift in how cybersecurity is addressed by U.S.-flagged vessels and U.S.

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 of January 2024 through December 2024.Decisions and orders published in the volume may be cited by counsel and parties in Commission proceedings using the abbreviation F.M.C.2d.

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, be fitted with supporting safety systems, be tested and inspected at installation and periodically afterward…

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 customers in a rapidly changing environment.Vigor brings decades of experience in complex aluminum and small vessel fabrication…

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 decision to commit Australian troops to a conflict will be made by the government of the day…

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 decision to commit Australian troops to a conflict will be made by the government of the day, not in advance but by the government of the day," he said.The Financial Times reported on Saturday that Elbridge Colby, the U.S. under-secretary of defence for policy, has been pressing Australian and Japanese officials on what they would do in a Taiwan conflict, although the U.S.

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. When he came aboard Carnival Corporation…

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.

The Ras Alhekma terminal support/escort tug has been delivered to the Egyptian Navy in Alexandria, Egypt.The name, Ras Alhekma is a coastal region located on a cape along Egypt’s Mediterranean shoreline.The RAstar 3200-W series tug was recently completed at Alexandria Shipyard and is the first of series of five that are being built in the yard.The RAstar escort series tug features unique sponsoned hull form developed exclusively by Robert Allan Ltd., which has been proven to provide significantly enhanced escort towing and seakeeping performance.

Rescuers pulled six crew members alive from the Red Sea after Houthi militants attacked and sank a second ship this week, while the fate of another 15 was unknown after the Iran-aligned group said they held some of the seafarers.The Houthis claimed responsibility for the assault that maritime officials say killed four of the 25 people aboard the Eternity C before the rest abandoned the cargo ship. Eternity C went down Wednesday morning after attacks on two previous days, sources…

Fairbanks Morse Defense Awarded Contract for FM 175D Engine to Support U.S. Navy’s DDG(X) ProgramFairbanks Morse Defense (FMD), a portfolio company of Arcline Investment Management (Arcline), won a contract to provide the U.S. Navy with an FM 175D high-speed diesel generator engine for integration into the DDG(X) land-based propulsion system test site, supporting the U.S. Navy’s goal of reducing design risks as it continues developing the next-generation platform.Designed to succeed the Flight II Ticonderoga-class cruisers and the Flight I/II Arleigh Burke-class destroyers…

The laying ceremony of the first of the two new-generation FREMM “EVOLUTION” (“FREMM EVO”) Frigates for the Italian Navy took place today at the Fincantieri shipyard in Riva Trigoso. The delivery of the unit is scheduled for 2029.The ceremony was attended by Fulvio Palermo, Head of Project Management for the Naval Vessels Department, and Antonio Quintano, Director of the Integrated Plant in Riva Trigoso-Muggiano, in the presence of representatives of the Italian Navy, Orizzonti Sistemi Navali…

Four seafarers on the Liberian-flagged, Greek-operated bulk carrier Eternity C were killed in a drone and speedboat attack off Yemen, an official with knowledge of the issue said on Tuesday, the second incident in a day after months of calm.The Red Sea, which passes Yemen's coast, has long been a critical waterway for the world's oil and commodities but traffic has dropped since the Iran-aligned Houthi militia began targeting ships in November 2023 in what they said was solidarity with Palestinians against Israel in the Gaza war.The deaths on the Eternity C…

"Development of Integrated Simulation Platform for Sustainable and Competitive Maritime Industry" has been selected as a R&D project under K ProgramMTI Co., Ltd. (a NYK Group company), Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., TSUNEISHI SHIPBUILDING Co., Ltd., Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology, Japan Marine United Corporation, Mitsui E&S Co., Ltd., National Maritime Research Institute, Tsuneishi Akishima Laboratory Co.,, Graduate School of Engineering The University…

President Donald Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill' earmarks more than $8.6 billion to increase the U.S. Coast Guard icebreaker fleet in the Arctic, where Washington hopes to counter rising Russian and Chinese dominance.The funding includes $4.3 billion for up to three new heavy Coast Guard Polar Security Cutters, $3.5 billion for medium Arctic Security Cutters, and $816 million for procurement of additional light and medium icebreaking cutters.President Trump has been pushing to revive U.S. shipbuilding to counter China's growing strength in maritime manufacturing and naval dominance.

The U.S. Coast Guard renamed its operational districts from numerical to geographic designations, a key initiative under Force Design 2028 (FD2028).This strategic change, directed by Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem on May 21, 2025, aims to indicate more accurately the regions they serve and represent. Renaming operational districts revises a numbered system established during World War II, when the Coast Guard operated as part of the Navy to ensure alignment between the services. In the 80 years since the Coast Guard separated from the Navy, the Service has maintained the numbered districts. However, the Navy stopped using numbered districts over 25 years ago.Updating operational districts to regional names will more clearly align districts with their areas of responsibility…

The U.S. Coast Guard welcomed the nearly $25 billion investment included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act Friday — marking the largest single commitment of funding in service history. The investment strengthens every facet of Coast Guard operations and supports the Service's role as the Nation’s leading drug interdiction and maritime border security force. It will allow the Coast Guard to procure an estimated 17 new icebreakers, 21 new cutters, over 40 helicopters and six C-130J…

Greek police have dismantled a gang that had been hiding cocaine in sheets of leather that were smuggled from Bolivia to Greece on container ships, police officials said on Friday.They said the method used by the gang signalled a shift in methods for smuggling the drug from South America to Europe.Eleven people have been arrested so far, including nationals form Bolivia and Spain, after police monitored the suspects for months following a tip-off by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration…

Japan will export used navy destroyers to the Philippines to strengthen its deterrence against China's maritime expansion, the Yomiuri newspaper reported on Sunday, as the two U.S. allies increase cooperation to counter Beijing.The export plan involves six Abukuma-class destroyer escorts in service with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force for more than three decades, the Japanese daily said, citing multiple unnamed government sources.Defence ministers Gen Nakatani and Gilberto Teodoro agreed to the destroyer export when they met in Singapore last month…

Japan will export used navy destroyers to the Philippines to strengthen its deterrence against China's maritime expansion, the Yomiuri newspaper reported on Sunday, as the two U.S. allies increase cooperation to counter Beijing.The export plan involves six Abukuma-class destroyer escorts in service with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force for more than three decades, the Japanese daily said, citing multiple unnamed government sources.Defence ministers Gen Nakatani and Gilberto Teodoro agreed to the destroyer export when they met in Singapore last month, the Yomiuri said, adding that the Philippine military will inspect the ships this summer as part of the final preparations.A delegation of naval experts from the Philippines will conduct an in-depth assessment of the ships…

For the U.S. Navy, boats perform missions from mundane maintenance chores such as hull scraping and cleaning overboard discharges to clandestine special forces insertion and extraction. Some boats are about as basic as you can imagine, and some are equipped with sophisticated combat systems and weapons. Big or small, they all perform indispensable tasks for the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard.Boats that are carried on and launched from ships are referred to as “shipboard boats,” to distinguish them from boats based at installations ashore.

The IMO is taking action to ensure that ships worldwide are safely managed and operated, with a renewed focus on seafarer issues such as work and rest hours, fatigue and violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying and sexual assault.Meeting in London for its 110th session (18 - 27 June), the IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee focused on improving implementation of the International Safety Management (ISM) Code. The Code sets the global standard for safe management…

The German government is still in talks with Thyssenkrupp over a spin-off of its naval ship building division TKMS, officials said on Wednesday, after a report said Berlin had no plans to take a stake.The business daily Handelsblatt, citing government sources, had reported that the chancellery as well as the ministries involved had agreed not to push for state involvement at this time, something Thyssenkrupp's labour leaders have called for."We are in talks to protect the security interests of the federal government…

Shares in European renewable energy companies rose on Wednesday after the U.S. Senate passed a revised budget bill the previous day which was more positive for wind power compared to an earlier version.U.S. President Donald Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill" makes it harder to develop wind and solar energy projects in the U.S. by effectively phasing out renewable energy tax credits after 2026 if projects have not started construction.In the Senate's final version, projects will be able to use the lucrative credits if they begin construction before 2026.

Electric Boat, a business unit of General Dynamics, announced that it was a­­­warded a $1.85 billion contract modification to a previously awarded contract supporting submarine production. This modification is for long lead time material and preliminary construction efforts for submarine production, as detailed in the June 26 U.S. Department of Defense contract award announcement.“This contract modification allows for the acquisition of critical material and components for Virginia-class submarines that require substantial lead time to manufacture and deliver.

HII announced that Virginia-class submarine Arkansas (SSN 800) was recently launched into the James River at the company’s Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division.Shipbuilders transferred the submarine from a construction facility to the floating dry dock, where it was launched and moved by tugboats to a submarine pier at the shipyard for final outfitting, testing and crew certification.The ship’s sponsors are the six women of the historic group known as the Little Rock Nine…

Researchers in South Korea at the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM) have reportedly developed a hull-attached sensor-based system for predicting underwater radiated noise (URN), a key factor in naval stealth operations.KIMM Develops First Hull-Attached Sensor System for Predicting Underwater Radiated NoiseNew algorithm predicts underwater noise in real timeBoosts naval stealth and operational efficiencyThe new technology allows real-time monitoring of underwater noise levels generated by naval vessels…

Greece introduced a 20-euro ($23) fee on tourists arriving on Santorini by cruise ship on Tuesday to try to rein in overtourism and collect revenues to upgrade the island's infrastructure.The volcanic island in the Aegean Sea attracts about 2 million tourists a year, but with a population of about 15,000, a single main port and growing concerns of seismic activity, the government has sought to reduce the impact of tourism.Introduction of the fee follows moves in other parts of…

The Iranian military loaded naval mines onto vessels in the Persian Gulf last month, a move that intensified concerns in Washington that Tehran was gearing up to blockade the Strait of Hormuz following Israel's strikes on sites across Iran, according to two U.S. officials.The previously unreported preparations, which were detected by U.S. intelligence, occurred some time after Israel launched its initial missile attack against Iran on June 13, said the officials, who requested…

Germany has pledged additional measures to further counter Russia's so-called "shadow fleet" operating in the Baltic and North Sea, the foreign ministry said on Tuesday in a statement.Western sanctions aimed at cutting Russia's oil revenues following its invasion of Ukraine have led to the rise of a vast "shadow fleet" of tankers that helps Moscow to keep its crude exports flowing.From Tuesday German authorities have begun questioning passing tankers about their insurance coverage against oil pollution damage, the foreign ministry said, adding that the insurance coverage of "shadow fleet" vess

China sanctioned former Philippine senator Francis Tolentino on Tuesday and barred him entry, citing "egregious conduct" on matters such as the disputed South China Sea a day after the end of his six-year term.Tolentino, who lost his bid for a second term in midterm elections, had canvassed on his efforts to bring in laws last year defining the country's sea lanes and maritime zones, which China opposed.A spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry accused some Filipino politicians of making "malicious remarks and moves" that hurt ties between the two nations."The Chinese government is firml

The Paris MoU has published its 2024 Annual Report, including performance lists, with France toping the white list, up from position 11 last year. Denmark, Netherlands, Norway and Singapore remain in the top five.The White, Grey and Black List is based on the total number of inspections and detentions during a three-year rolling period for flags with at least 30 inspections in that period.Overall, there are no major shifts compared to the previous year.The detention rate for 2024 has seen an increase, reaching 4.03% compared to 3.81% in 2023.

The Indian government has extended import curbs on low-ash metallurgical coke, a steelmaking raw material, for six months starting July, a government order said on Monday, dealing a blow to steelmakers who oppose restrictions on overseas purchases.India, the world's second-largest crude steel producer, will set country-specific import quotas and cap purchases at 1.4 million metric tons from July 1 to December 31, the order said.Reuters in February reported that India could extend curbs on low-ash met coke imports to encourage local steel mills to use domestic suppliers.

HII, America’s largest military shipbuilder, and C3 AI, the Enterprise AI application software company, have announced a strategic partnership to expand digital technologies and apply artificial intelligence (AI) to accelerate shipbuilding throughput at HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding and Ingalls Shipbuilding divisions.These efforts are expected to accelerate production and support the U.S. Navy’s fleet readiness needs. The collaboration will also include opportunities in uncrewed…

One woman died, two people were feared missing and 87 were rescued following a migrant shipwreck off the Italian island of Lampedusa, a U.N. migration agency official said on Monday.Lampedusa lies between Tunisia, Malta and the larger Italian island of Sicily and is the first port of call for many migrants seeking to reach the EU from North Africa, in what has become one of the world's deadliest sea crossings.The migrants, initially rescued by a Tunisian fishing boat and then picked up by the Italian coastguard, arrived in Lampedusa at around 4 a.m.

Military leaders are working to enforce a "one-theatre" concept in both the East and South China seas, the Philippines' defence minister said on Monday, adding that the Southeast Asian country facesthreats in disputed waters that are similar to Japan's.Japanese newspaper Asahi reported in April that Japanese defence minister Gen Nakatani made a proposal to U.S. Pentagon Secretary Pete Hegseth to consider the East China Sea, the South China Sea, the Korean Peninsula and surrounding areas as a single "theatre"…

HII christened the future USS Jeremiah Denton (DDG 129), the third Flight III Arleigh Burke-class destroyer to be built at the company’s Ingalls Shipbuilding division.The ship’s name honors former U.S. Sen. Jeremiah Denton Jr., a Vietnam War veteran who was awarded the Navy Cross for his heroism as a prisoner of war. Denton spent 34 years as a naval aviator, including eight years as a prisoner of war in Vietnam. He is known for his act of genius during a televised broadcast in captivity, when Denton spelled out the word “torture” through Morse code using his eyes to blink the code.

Russian warships and coastal missile systems struck simulated maritime targets with cruise missiles during exercises in the Sea of Japan, TASS state news agency reported on Monday, citing Russia's defense ministry.The ships and missiles systems, all part of Russia's Pacific Fleet forces, "carried out a joint missile strike against a complex target setup in the Sea of Japan, simulating enemy ships", TASS cited the ministry's statement as saying."All targets were successfully hit."The Fleet's flagship…

As there is currently a shortage of mariners, the U.S. Coast Guard has considered the barrier to mariner career progression presented by Title 46 CFR 11.211(d), Service on Articulated Tug Barges (ATB) and Integrated Tug Barges (ITB). This regulation limits the crediting of sea service based on the aggregate tonnage of the ATB or ITB to a two-for-one basis up to only 50% of the required service.The inability to receive sea service credit for the aggregate tonnage of the ATB or ITB limits career progression and is unnecessarily burdensome for mariners holding unlimited tonnage endorsements…

On March 5, 2025, the United States Senate passed an important bill to authorize funding for our United States Coast Guard, after failing to do so in the previous Congress. S. 524, the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025, would if enacted into law authorize appropriations to fund the Coast Guard totaling $30.45 billion for fiscal years 2025 and 2026. The bill is sponsored by Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee Chairman Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) and cosponsored by Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI).

Rates for shipping cargo containers from China to the U.S. have dropped by more than half since earlier this month, as imports rebounded less than expected after the slump that followed President Donald Trump slapping 145% tariffs on China.Trump quickly reversed course by lowering the rate to 30%. That cost increase on goods from the nation's No. 1 ocean trading partner remains significant, especially at a time when U.S. economic data is signaling weakness.Rates on the closely watched Shanghai-to-U.S.

U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) introduced legislation to reauthorize the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), the independent federal agency responsible for regulating the U.S. international ocean transportation system.“Ocean shipping is a critical aspect of America’s national, food, and economic security. That’s why our Federal Maritime Commission must be equipped with the proper tools to keep the industry operating above bar,” said Johnson. “Ocean shipping is integral to our economy, from farmers to phones, critical minerals to cars. I’m proud to lead this legislation with Rep.

Britain has rejected a 25 billion pound ($34.39 billion) Moroccan renewable energy project that would have used solar and wind power from the Sahara to supply up to seven million UK homes.The British government, which is aiming to largely decarbonise its electricity sector by 2030, said on Thursday it believed domestic projects could offer better economic benefits."The government has concluded that it is not in the UK national interest at this time to continue further consideration of support for the Morocco-UK Power Project," energy department minister Michael Shanks said in a written stateme

Leaders of the four biggest Pacific Islands nations have delayed adopting a joint security strategy that could provide an opening for Beijing, against a backdrop of increasing rivalry between China, Australia and the United States in the Pacific Ocean.The Melanesian Spearhead Group, which includes Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and Fiji, had been negotiating its first joint security framework, focused on maritime security.A meeting of the group's leaders on Monday in Fiji delayed a decision…

Konecranes has completed an order for BAE System’s new Govan shipbuilding hall that includes two 20t x 56m electric overhead travelling (EOT) cranes and two 100t x 70m Goliath cranes. The hall will be able to build two Type 26 naval frigates at the same time, accelerating efficiency and removing any impact of the Scottish weather on production. The order was completed in June 2025.Measuring 170m long and 80m wide, the hall consists of more than 6,000 tonnes of steel and 20,000m3 of concrete, and accommodate up to 500 workers per shift.

“As the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships (Hong Kong Convention) enters into force we have updated our estimate for the ship recycling potential over the next 10 years. We now estimate the potential to be 16,000 ships, or 700m deadweight tonnes (DWT), from previously 15,000. The new estimate equals twice the number of ships, and nearly triple the DWT, recycled over the last 10 years and highlights the need for investments in compliant recycling facilities…

Fincantieri has strengthened its strategic role in the Italian Navy's fleet renewal program with a new contract for the construction of two PPA- Multipurpose Combat Ships, set to replace the vessels previously earmarked for the Indonesian Navy.The contract extension, originally launched under the most recent Naval Act, is managed by OCCAR (Organisation Conjointe de Coopération en matière d’Armement) within the Temporary Business Grouping (RTI) formed by Fincantieri, as lead contractor…

U.S. President Donald Trump wants a pay raise for troops, more high-tech missiles and drones in next year's defense budget, while cutting Navy jobs, and buying fewer ships and fighter jets to save money, according to budget materials posted Wednesday.At $892.6 billion, the defense and national security budget request is flat compared with this year.The budget, which also includes nuclear weapons-related activities carried out by the Department of Energy and increases funding for homeland security…

The U.S. sent letters to Enterprise Products and Energy Transfer on Wednesday informing the companies they could load ethane on vessels destined for China but could not unload the ethane in China without authorization, according to a person familiar with the matter and copy of one letter.The letters from the U.S. Department of Commerce follow a licensing requirement imposed several weeks ago on the companies' exports of ethane to China, which halted shipments and led to vessels anchoring in or hovering around the U.S. Gulf Coast.The letters may signal the U.S.

U.S. President Donald Trump's administration on Wednesday announced policy changes it said would speed up the search and development of offshore critical minerals.The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement are updating policies across all stages of development to "reduce delays, improve coordination and provide greater certainty for industry", the U.S. Interior Department said in a statement.WHY IT'S IMPORTANTThe move is a part of the Trump administration's goal of reshaping a critical mineral industry dominated by China, the top U.S.

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management announced the publication of a Proposed Notice of Sale (PNOS) for an oil and gas lease sale in the Gulf of America.As directed by Secretary of the Interior and outlined in the PNOS, Lease Sale 262 will offer approximately 15,000 unleased blocks located 3 to 231 miles offshore across the Gulf’s Western, Central, and Eastern Planning Areas. Covering roughly 80 million acres, these blocks are situated in water depths ranging from 9 feet to more than 11…

Kongsberg Maritime has signed a contract with Damen Naval to supply twin Controllable Pitch Propellers (CPP) and shaftlines as part of a contract with the Colombian Navy for a new frigate.In September 2022, the Colombian Ministry of Defence announced that COTECMAR and Damen Naval will develop the new frigate. Construction is to begin at the end of 2025, with commissioning expected at the end of 2029 or the beginning of 2030.The new Colombian frigate is based on Damen’s SIGMA design (Ship Integrated Geometrical Modularity Approach)…

June 30, 2025, marks the conclusion of Louis E. Sola’s tenure as Chairman of the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission (FMC).Sola issued a statement saying: “Serving our nation in this capacity has been the honor of a lifetime. I have had the privilege of helping safeguard the integrity of the U.S. maritime industry, bringing greater transparency to port operations, and overseeing a supply chain that moves more than $5 trillion in goods annually.“Nominated by President Donald J. Trump in 2018 and unanimously confirmed by the U.S.

Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi movement will likely be a persistent problem for the U.S. in the future, a senior U.S. military official said on Tuesday, even after Washington and the Houthis reached an agreement last month that ended a U.S. air campaign against the group."The Houthis are likely to be a persistent problem... that we'll be dealing with in the future a few times again," Air Force Lieutenant General Alexus Grynkewich, director for operations of the Joint Staff, told lawmakers. Grynkewich has been nominated to lead the U.S.

Orizzonte Sistemi Navali (OSN), the joint venture owned by Fincantieri and Leonardo, has signed the Through Life Sustainment Management (TLSM 2) in-service support contract with OCCAR (Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation). This marks the continuation of a long-standing strategic collaboration that began with the delivery of the first FREMM-class frigates and their related logistical support. TLSM2 is an in-service support contract for all systems and equipments on FREMM units built and delivered by OSN to the Italian Navy.The agreement…

President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that China can continue to purchase oil from Iran after the U.S. bombed the OPEC member's nuclear facilities and hoped that China would also buy "plenty" of it from the United States."China can now continue to purchase Oil from Iran. Hopefully, they will be purchasing plenty from the U.S., also," he said in a post on Truth Social.Trump's post came after he had announced that Iran and Israel had agreed to a ceasefire following the U.S. bombing over the weekend on three nuclear facilities.

Greece will deploy two frigates and one more vessel off Libya's territorial waters to deter migrants from arriving at its southern islands of Crete and Gavdos, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said on Monday.Mitsotakis did not elaborate on the role of the vessels or explain what they would do, but said the move would be in coordination with Libyan authorities and the rest of the European forces operating in the area.Sea arrivals from northeastern Libya of migrants trying to cross to Europe mainly from the Middle East and North Africa…

Iran's Supreme National Security Council must make the final decision on whether to close the Strait of Hormuz following U.S. bombing raids, Iran's Press TV said on Sunday, after parliament was reported to have backed the measure.Iran has long used the threat of closing the Strait, through which around 20% of global oil and gas demand flows, as a way to ward off Western pressure which is now at its peak after the overnight U.S.

At least two supertankers made U-turns near the Strait of Hormuz following U.S. military strikes on Iran, shiptracking data shows, as more than a week of violence in the region prompts vessels to speed, pause, or alter their journeys.Washington's decision to join Israel's attacks on Iran has stoked fears that Iran could retaliate by closing the strait between Iran and Oman through which around 20% of global oil and gas demand flows.That has spurred forecasts of oil surging to $100 a barrel.

The 110th session of the Maritime Safety Committee takes place from June 18-27. IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez opened the meeting by highlighting recent maritime casualties as a stark reminder of IMO's role in ensuring safety, security, and environmental protection of shipping, and the importance of implementing IMO regulations.The Secretary-General expressed his sadness at reports of four seafarers unaccounted for in an accident involving the MV Wan Hai 503 off the Indian coast days ago.

The Dutch city of The Hague will host the NATO summit next week, with tight security in place as it welcomes around 6,000 delegates and world leaders from 32 countries, including U.S. President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, and U.K.

Libya's internationally recognised government of national unity has objected to Greece's approval of an international tender for hydrocarbon exploration off the island of Crete, saying some of the blocks infringe upon its own maritime zones.The two countries have been trying to mend relations strained by an accord signed in 2019 between the Libyan government and Greece's regional rival Turkey, which mapped out a sea area between them close to the Greek island.Greece opposed the agreement…

Iran and Israel accused each other of endangering commercial activity in sea lanes around the Gulf and the Red Sea at the UN's shipping agency on Wednesday, as their military conflict escalated.Iran's delegation told a session of the International Maritime Organization's security committee that Israel had in recent days extended its "unlawful attacks" to include petrochemical and gas infrastructure in Asalouyeh along Iran's Gulf coast."These actions directly endanger international maritime security and the global energy supply chain…

A British Royal Navy patrol vessel has sailed through the Taiwan Strait, a Navy spokesperson said on Thursday, saying the passage complied with international law."HMS Spey's routine navigation through the Taiwan Strait was part of a long-planned deployment and took place in full compliance with international law," the spokesperson said in a statement.While Britain's Ministry of Defence did not say when the passage took place, Taiwan's foreign ministry said in a statement that…

The Nigerian Navy has arrested 76 vessels and at least 242 suspects in anti-oil theft operations, and destroyed more than 800 illegal refining sites during a two-year crackdown, it said on Thursday.Rampant oil theft from pipelines and wells has crippled Nigeria's oil industry in recent years, damaging government finances and stifling exports.Since June 2023, naval authorities have seized around 171,000 barrels of crude and millions of litres of illegally refined fuels from criminal networks…

Iran is maintaining crude oil supply by loading tankers one at a time and moving floating oil storage much closer to China, two vessel tracking firms told Reuters, as the country seeks to keep a key source of revenue while under attack from Israel.The conflict between Iran and Israel which broke out last week poses a fresh hurdle for Iran, which uses a shadow fleet of tankers to conceal their origin and skirt U.S. sanctions reinstated in 2018 over its nuclear program.Crude exports from Iran, OPEC's third-largest producer, mainly head to China.

Iran could shut the Strait of Hormuz as a way of hitting back against its enemies, a senior lawmaker said on Thursday, though a second member of parliament said this would only happen if Tehran's vital interests were endangered.Iran has in the past threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz to traffic in retaliation for Western pressure, and shipping sources said on Wednesday that commercial ships were avoiding Iran's waters around the strait."Iran has numerous options to respond to its enemies and uses such options based on what the situation is…

Global maritime leaders have reaffirmed their commitment to fair treatment, due process and coordinated action to protect seafarers’ rights.Seafarers detained in connection with their professional duties must be treated fairly and with dignity, with full respect for their human rights, high level participants from the IMO, International Labour Organization (ILO), International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), and International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) have urged, following…

Opening Ceremony sets the tone for a pivotal three-day event focused on global cooperation,  diversified supply, and pragmatic climate solutions  Global CEO Panel featuring JERA, TotalEnergies, and Woodside underscores LNG’s role in energy  security and decarbonisation  Delegates from over 50 countries convene at Tokyo Big Sight to chart the course for a secure, sustainable energy futureThe Japan Energy Summit & Exhibition 2025 officially opened today at Tokyo Big  Sight, welcoming energy leaders, policymakers, and innovators from across the global energy value chain.

CCGS Naalak Nappaaluk, the Canadian Coast Guard’s (CCG) new Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessel (OOSV), began sea trials this week in North Vancouver, sailing from Seaspan Vancouver Shipyards where final outfitting, installation, and commissioning work has been taking place since the vessel’s launch in August 2024.CCGS Naalak Nappaaluk is a Polar Class 6 vessel, with a displacement of 5,058t, and is 88 meters long, 17.6 meters wide, and will accommodate up to 60 personnel.Sea trials mark the final major phase of a shipbuilding project before delivery.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced it is seeking comments on its proposal to renew and revise 56 existing nationwide permits and issue one new nationwide permit authorizing activities associated with improving fish passage. Nationwide permits authorize activities in wetlands and other waters that are regulated by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act and/or Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899.“The streamlined set of nationwide permits proposed today offers a clear…

Admiral Daryl L. Caudle has been nominated by President Donald Trump to be the next Chief of Naval Operations, more than three months after Admiral Lisa Franchetti, the first woman to lead the U.S. Navy, was fired in President Trump's purge of military leadership following his inauguration.The Senate Armed Services Committee received Adm. Caudle's the nomination on June 17, 2025.Adm. Caudle - currently Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command - is a native of Winston-Salem, North…

Iran and Israel accused each other of endangering commercial activity in sea lanes around the Gulf and the Red Sea at the UN's shipping agency on Wednesday, as their military conflict escalated.Iran's delegation told a session of the International Maritime Organization's security committee that Israel had in recent days extended its "unlawful attacks" to include petrochemical and gas infrastructure in Asalouyeh along Iran's Gulf coast."These actions directly endanger international maritime security and the global energy supply chain…

The Front Tyne oil tanker was sailing through the Gulf between Iran and the United Arab Emirates on Sunday when just past 9:40 a.m. shiptracking data appeared to show the massive vessel in Russia, in fields better known for barley and sugar beets.By 4:15 p.m., the ship's erratic signals indicated it was in southern Iran near the town of Bidkhun, before later placing it back and forth across the Gulf.Mass interference since the start of the conflict between Israel and Iran has affected nearly 1…

The EU Commission has put forward a proposal to gradually stop the import of Russian gas and oil into the EU by the end of 2027. This will help the EU become more energy independent, improve the security of the energy supply and boost the Union's energy independence and competitiveness.The proposal follows the REPowerEU roadmap, the EU’s strategy to completely remove Russian oil, gas and nuclear energy imports from EU markets. It includes steps for phasing out pipeline gas and…

The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Arsenio Dominguez has applauded the important commitments made at the United Nations Ocean Conference (9-13 June) in Nice, France, while urging countries to deliver on these promises as soon as possible.Dominguez said: “Commitments are a necessary first step, but they are not the finish line. We must now move beyond the statements and turn those words into real, measurable action. That will take all stakeholders coming together…

Frontline, the owner of Front Eagle oil tanker which was involved in a collision with Adalynn, a tanker owned by India-based Global Shipping Holding, has confirmed the collision was a navigational incident and not related to the current regional conflict between Israel and Iran.The incident occurred approximately 15 nautical off Fujairah in the Gulf of Oman, off the United Arab Emirates (UAE), at 00:15 local time on June 17, 2025.All the crew onboard the Front Eagle are reported safe…

Domestic U.S. shipping interests are closely monitoring a United States Trade Representative (“USTR”) proposal for import and export trades involving Chinese vessels. There is an ongoing Section 301 investigation prompted by domestic industry concerns about China’s industrial ambitions in sectors that are critical to U.S. economic and national security. The outsized role of China in international ocean shipping is greater than many would expect. China’s global tonnage of the shipbuilding market share grew from less than 5% in 1999 to over 50% in 2023.

When tensions rise in the Middle East, it can be helpful to look at what is not happening as much as what is.In the crude oil market, this means focusing on the fact that so far not a single barrel of crude oil supply has been lost. It is in the interests of all involved parties that this remains the case.Crude oil prices rose again in early trade in Asia on Monday, with global benchmark Brent futures LCOc1 gaining 2.1% to trade at $75.76 a barrel.This built upon the 7% leap on June 13…

A key U.S. warship arrived in Australia on Saturday ahead of joint war games and the first summit between Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and President Donald Trump, which is expected to be dominated by military issues.The America, the U.S. Navy's lead amphibious assault ship in the Indo-Pacific, entered Sydney Harbour as the first of three ships in a strike group carrying 2,500 sailors and marines, submarine-hunting helicopters and F-35B fighter jets.More than 30,000 personnel from 19 militaries have begun to arrive in Australia for Talisman Sabre, the largest Australian-U.S.

U.S. aircraft carrier USS Nimitz left the South China Sea on Monday morning heading west, according to data from ship tracking website Marine Traffic, after a reception for its planned port call in central Vietnam was cancelled.The carrier had planned to visit Danang City later this week, but two sources, including one diplomat, said a formal reception slated for June 20 had been called off.One of the sources said the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi had informed him about the cancellation…

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said on Monday it had received multiple reports of increasing electronic interference in the waters of the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.It added that the interference is significantly impacting vessels' positional reporting through automated systems.The warning coincides with heightened tensions between Israel and Iran, with Israel continuing to strike targets inside Iran and Tehran launching missile attacks on Israeli territory.UKMTO advised vessels to transit with caution and to report incidents of electronic interference.(Reuters)

Vietnam and the United States made progress during a third round of trade negotiations last week, but critical issues remain unresolved, requiring further analysis and continued dialogue, Vietnam's trade ministry said on Sunday.The talks, in Washington, D.C. from June 9-12, were held as a pause on 46% "reciprocal" tariffs on Vietnamese exports approaches expiration in early July, adding pressure on both sides to reach a compromise.Vietnam's trade surplus with the United States surged to $12.2 billion in May…