MTF Issues Safety Guidelines for Wind-Assisted Ships
The Maritime Technologies Forum (MTF) has published new guidelines to support the safe operation of ships using wind-assisted propulsion systems, as the shipping industry increasingly adopts technologies aimed at reducing fuel use and emissions.The guidelines provide recommendations for developing and implementing safety management systems tailored to vessels equipped with wind-assisted propulsion systems (WAPS), including rotor sails, suction sails and wing sails.The report highlights the need to address operational…
The Impact of U.S.-Venezuela Relations on Ocean Shipping
U.S.–Venezuela relations have entered a consequential phase for ocean transportation, energy markets, and trade compliance. Sanctions targeting Venezuela’s oil sector and maritime networks now combine escalated enforcement, including tanker seizures, vessel interdictions, and intensified scrutiny of shipping structures, with narrowly-tailored licenses permitting specific oil exports, diluent shipments, and related maritime services. This has blurred traditional lines between operational risk, trade compliance, and risk transfer strategies.
Towage Giant Delivers Record Results, Eyes Global Expansion
SAAM closed 2025 with record financial performance, underscoring the continued strength of its harbor towage business across the Americas while positioning the company for further international expansion. For a company that has spent the past several years reshaping its business model and sharpening its strategic focus, the results signal both operational momentum and growing scale in the global tug market.The Chile-based maritime services provider reported net income of $80.4 million for 2025, while EBITDA reached $216.9 million, representing a 15% increase compared to the previous year.
Baron Weather Expands Services to Support Recreational, Commercial Maritime Operations
Baron Weather, a global provider of meteorological and metocean (oceanographic) intelligence services, announced the advancement of its services to support worldwide recreational and commercial maritime operations. With decades of experience supporting inland waterway and offshore services, Baron delivers current and forecast marine weather and metocean intelligence backed by 24/7 operational expertise that drive informed, confident planning and underway decision making. As part of this advancement…
Nakilat Increases Annual Net Profit by 3.1%, Delivering $460m in FY2025
Qatar Gas Transport Company Q.P.S.C. Nakilat announced its financial results for the year ending December 31, 2025. The Group delivered a net profit of USD$460 million (QAR 1.69 billion), representing an increase of 3.1% compared to USD$450 million (QAR 1.64 billion) in 2024.In recognition of the Group’s performance and its ongoing focus on delivering shareholder value, the Board of Directors has recommended:A cash dividend of USD$1.98 (7.2 Qatari Dirhams) per share for the second half of 2025.
The Pasha Group Appoints Cary Davis as Vice President of Government Affairs
The Pasha Group, a leader in integrated global logistics and maritime services, announced that Cary Davis has joined the company as Vice President of Government Affairs to lead advocacy and corporate communications. In this role, Davis will oversee federal, state, and local government relations; industry and stakeholder engagement; media relations; and strategic communications in support of Pasha’s long-term growth and service to customers and communities.A business leader and trade attorney, Davis brings deep experience in maritime policy, infrastructure finance, and public affairs.
Action on Russia Should Not Impact Legitimate Shipping, say Cyprus and Malta
Discussions on the need to tighten sanctions on Russia, including the possibility of a blanket ban on providing maritime services, should not be at the expense of legitimate businesses in the industry, key EU shipping nations Cyprus and Malta said.The Group of Seven countries and the European Union are in talks to replace a price cap on Russian oil exports with a full maritime services ban in an attempt to reduce the oil revenue that helps finance Russia's war in Ukraine, Reuters exclusively reported on Dec.
Bourbon Inks Multi-Year PSV Deal with ExxonMobil in Guyana
French offshore services provider Bourbon has signed a five-year contract, with extension options, with ExxonMobil Guyana (EMGL) to provide maritime services in Guyana.It will start in the first quarter of 2026, with the commissioning of the large platform supply vessel (PSV) Bourbon Calm and covers the transport of products essential to offshore operations in one of the world's most dynamic oil basins.The discovery of oil fields in 2015 has made Guyana one of the fastest-growing offshore operations…
Oil Prices Steady with Ukraine Peace Talks, US Interest Rate Decision Looms
Oil prices steadied on Tuesday after falling 2% in the previous session, with investors keeping a close eye on peace talks to end Russia's war in Ukraine, concerns about ample supply and a looming decision on U.S. interest rates.Brent crude futures edged 3 cents higher to $62.52 a barrel at 1317 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude gained 4 cents at $58.92 a barrel.Both contracts fell by more than $1 a barrel on Monday after Iraq restored production at Lukoil's West Qurna 2 oilfield, one of the world's largest.Ukraine will share a revised peace plan with the U.S.
Oil Prices Fall as Iraqi Production is Restored, Ukraine Talks Continue
Oil prices slipped more than $1 on Monday after Iraq restored production at one of its oilfields which accounts for 0.5% of world oil supply, while investors weighed ongoing talks to end the war in Ukraine.Brent crude futures were down $1.07, or 1.68%, at $62.68 a barrel by 11:05 p.m. EDT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude was at $59.07, down $1.01, or 1.68%.Iraq restored production at Lukoil's West Qurna 2 oilfield, one of the world's largest, after a leak on an export pipeline slashed its output…
Inchcape Shipping Services Opens New Office in Geoje, Korea
Inchcape Shipping Services, a leader in port agency and maritime services, has announced the opening of its new office in Geoje, Korea. This expansion increases Inchcape’s footprint in South Korea to three offices—Seoul, Busan, and now Geoje, covering 23 ports nationwide.Geoje is a strategic hub for global shipbuilding and offshore projects, playing a critical role in the construction of LNG carriers, container vessels, naval ships, and offshore platforms. The city is central to international shipping and energy sectors…
Jifmar Concludes Takeover of 15 Seacontractors Workboats
Jifmar Group has completed the transfer of Seacontractors’ fleet of 15 workboats, finalizing a deal signed in August and strengthening its presence in the Middle East and Indian Ocean.The vessels and associated teams formally joined Jifmar on November 19, the company said.The transaction also includes a six-month transfer services agreement under which Seacontractors will continue supporting fleet operations to ensure continuity for clients. The Dubai office team and the seafaring…
Marine News Boat of the Year: William E Moran, First in Class
The William E. Moran has entered service in New York, bringing enhanced capability and performance to Moran’s evolving fleet. As the first vessel in the company’s next-generation class, it is purpose-built to meet the demands of modern port operations, support evolving customer needs, and advance Moran’s goals for safety, efficiency, and environmental responsibility. These next-generation tugs will be among the largest in the fleet, underscoring Moran’s continued focus on delivering safe…
UK Set to Block Maritime Services for Russian LNG Exports
Britain plans to ban companies from providing services such as shipping and insurance for Russian liquefied natural gas exports, in its latest attempt to help Ukraine in its war against Russia by trying to choke off Kremlin revenue.In October, the European Union approved new sanctions against Russia that ban Russian LNG imports from January 1, 2027, and Britain and the U.S.
Solar System Installed on Dutch Coaster
Dutch maritime solar company Wattlab has delivered a solar energy system for globally operating shipping, trading, and maritime services company Vertom.The recently delivered Vertom Tula is a 7,280dwt diesel-electric multipurpose cargo vessel. The solar system represents a major technical milestone and a step forward for sustainable shipping. Wattlab has delivered and installed 44 Solar Flatracks that will provide power to onboard systems, reducing 20% of the hotel load. Vertom operates a fleet of over 100 vessels…
Wärtsilä, Sinocrew Launch Advanced Maritime Training Centre in China
Finnish technology group Wärtsilä and Sinocrew Maritime Services have inaugurated an advanced maritime simulation and training centre in Beihai, China, to support the next generation of seafarers in the Asian cruise industry and advance the adoption of decarbonization technologies.The Beihai International Seafarer Training Center (BISTC) will provide simulation-based training focused on cruise ship operations and sustainable maritime practices. The project aims to equip seafarers…
Drydocks World, Cochin Shipyard Limited Enter Agreement to Develop Ship Repair Cluster in Kerala
Drydocks World, a DP World company, and Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) have signed an Agreement of Heads of Terms to evaluate and develop India’s first ship repair cluster at the International Ship Repair Facility (ISRF) in Cochin, Kerala.The MoU was exchanged in the august presence of the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), Shri Sarbananda Sonowal and H.E. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DP World, between Captain Rado Anotolovic…
“K” Line RoRo Bulk Ship Management taps Cobham for Vessel Satcom
Cobham Satcom was selected to supply satcom antenna systems for more than 100 vessels under “K” Line RoRo Bulk Ship Management Co., Ltd., (KRBS), a core company of the “K” LINE Group, as part of their upgrade to Inmarsat’s NexusWave connectivity service. Numerous installations are already successfully completed and the programme will continue over the next two years across the company’s fleet of roll-on/roll-off and bulk carriers.As part of the fleetwide upgrade, Cobham Satcom will supply its advanced 1m SAILOR XTR GX-R2 VSAT antenna systems.
Rio Marine Achieves First AWO RCP Certification
The Towing Vessel Inspection Bureau (TVIB) announced that Rio Marine, Inc. has become the first maritime services provider to achieve certification under the American Waterways Operators’ (AWO) Responsible Carrier Program (RCP).The RCP is a safety management system for the tugboat, towboat, and barge industry that sets standards for safety, environmental stewardship, and continuous improvement. To earn certification, companies undergo a third-party audit evaluating policies, procedures, employee practices, and operational performance.Capt. David A. Foret Jr.
Damen Delivers ASD Tug 2111 Argo to WUZ Port, Maritime Services
On October 23, Damen Shipyards Group delivered an ASD Tug 2111 to WUZ Port and Maritime Services in the Port of Rotterdam. The vessel Argo is the eighth Damen tug to set sail in the WUZ Port and Maritime Services fleet. The company is growing its fleet in order to support the development of the Port of Gdansk, Poland. As a result of this expansion over the years the company has become Poland’s largest towage company and now operates eighteen vessels and a range of different Damen tug models.The ASD 2111 is one of the latest models in Damen’s Compact Tugs series.
Fincantieri Hosts Discussion of U.S. Navy’s Next 250 Years
Fincantieri Marine Group, the American subsidiary of one of the world’s largest shipbuilding groups Fincantieri, hosted an event in honor of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary on October 15 at the Army and Navy Club in the nation’s capital.The event featured remarks by George Moutafis, CEO of Fincantieri Marine Group, as well as a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Steven Wills of the Center for Maritime Strategy. The panelists included Brent Sadler of Heritage Foundation…
UK to Launch Maritime Innovation Hub in April 2026
The U.K. will launch a Maritime Innovation Hub in April 2026, aimed at accelerating the development of new technologies across the shipping sector while maintaining safety standards.The initiative, hosted by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), will support vessel operators, shipbuilders, start-ups and technology developers in bringing novel ideas into real-world operations.Plans for the hub were unveiled earlier this year under the Department for Transport’s Maritime Decarbonisation Strategy.
UK to Ban Maritime Services for Russian LNG Exports
Britain plans to ban companies from providing services such as shipping and insurance for Russian liquefied natural gas exports, in its latest attempt to help Ukraine in its war against Russia by trying to choke off Kremlin revenue.In October, the European Union approved new sanctions against Russia that ban Russian LNG imports from January 1, 2027, and Britain and the U.S.