A Glance at World Maritime News

Trade & Tariffs:

  • US and China Temporarily Lower Tariffs: In a significant development, the United States and China have agreed to temporarily reduce some of their reciprocal tariffs for 90 days. This truce aims to de-escalate the ongoing trade war between the world's two largest economies.  

  • First Chinese Goods Hit by New US Tariffs Arrive: The first vessels carrying Chinese goods subject to the recent 145% tariffs imposed by the Trump administration have arrived at US ports, specifically Los Angeles and Long Beach. More such vessels are expected to arrive in the coming days.  

  • Container Shipping Companies Adjust Asia-US Services: Major container lines are responding to the trade situation by suspending some weekly routes between Asia and the US, reportedly to manage capacity and stabilize freight rates amidst fluctuating demand.  

Geopolitical & Security:

  • EU Navy Urges Vigilance Despite Yemen Ceasefire: The European Union's naval force operating in the region is advising shipowners to maintain maximum vigilance while transiting the Bab al-Mandab Strait, even after the announced truce between the US and Yemen's Houthi rebels.  

  • Unmanned Boat Rams Merchant Vessel Near Iran: An unusual security incident in the Persian Gulf involved a small, unmanned craft colliding with a merchant vessel, after having made prior attempts to approach and hit other ships in the vicinity.  

Environmental & Sustainability:

  • South Korea Aims for World's Largest Liquid Hydrogen Carrier: South Korea has announced its intention to build what could be the world's largest vessel for transporting liquefied hydrogen, signaling a move towards hydrogen as a future marine fuel.  

  • CEVA Launches Low-Carbon Ocean Freight Service: Logistics company CEVA has introduced a new ocean freight service focused on reducing carbon emissions.  

  • First LNG Bunkering of a Cruise Ship in Vancouver: The Port of Vancouver marked a milestone by conducting its first-ever bunkering operation for a cruise ship using Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) as fuel.  

  • Gasum's Bio-LNG Bunker Vessel for Emissions Offsetting: Gasum's LNG bunker vessel "Kairos" will be used to offset emissions for other vessels within Gasum's FuelEU Maritime pooling service by running on bio-LNG.  

  • Oman's Asyad Group Introduces Wind-Powered Mega Vessel: The Asyad Group in Oman has unveiled a new mega vessel that will utilize wind power, highlighting the growing interest in wind propulsion for large ships.  

  • World's First Fully Electric Autonomous Container Ship Anniversary: The "Yara Birkeland," the world's first fully electric and autonomous container vessel, has completed three years of service.  

  • MOL to Participate in Taiwan Offshore Wind Project: Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) will join an offshore wind power project in Taiwan, participating from the construction phase, demonstrating the shipping industry's increasing involvement in renewable energy.  

Shipbuilding & Technology:

  • EPS Names Final Dual-Fuel Car Carrier: Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS) has named the last of its 7,000 CEU (Car Equivalent Units) dual-fuel car carriers built in China.

  • JR Shipping Re-enters Dry Cargo Market with Wind-Ready Vessels: Dutch owner JR Shipping has ordered two new diesel-electric vessels designed to be wind-ready, marking their return to the dry cargo sector.  

  • Cavotec Secures Shore Power Order: Cavotec has received an €8.1 million order for shore power systems from an unnamed container shipping company.  

  • Scana to Install Shore Power System in Norwegian World Heritage Fjord: Scana has been contracted to install a shore power system for cruise ships in a UNESCO World Heritage fjord in Norway.  

  • "World's Largest" Electric Ferry Progresses in Australia: Australia's project to build the "world's largest" electric ferry is moving forward.  

  • Southern China Debuts First Homegrown All-Electric Tug: Southern China has launched its first domestically developed all-electric tugboat.  

  • HD Hyundai and Maersk to Collaborate on Decarbonization: HD Hyundai and Maersk have agreed to explore joint pathways for the decarbonization of the maritime industry.  

  • Seatrium Installs CO2 Capture System on MOL Tanker: Seatrium has fitted a carbon dioxide (CO2) capture system onboard a tanker owned by MOL.  

  • LiqTech Water Treatment Solution Approved for Dual-Fuel Engines: LiqTech's water treatment solution has been approved for use in WinGD's dual-fuel engines.  

  • "World's Largest" Jack-Up Vessel Highlighted: The development and capabilities of the world's largest jack-up vessel have been featured in maritime news.

  • Silverback Marine to Build Electric Law Enforcement Vessels: Silverback Marine has been contracted to build the first law enforcement vessels utilizing PETESTEP hull technology.  

  • Kotug Canada Orders Methanol-Fueled Tugs with Hybrid Drives: Kotug Canada has ordered two new tugboats that will run on methanol and feature Schottel hybrid propulsion systems.  

  • Incat Tasmania Launches Large Battery-Electric Ship: Incat Tasmania has launched what is reported to be the world's largest battery-electric vessel.  

Other News:

  • Pangaea Logistics Cuts Dividend, Approves Buybacks: Pangaea Logistics has announced a halving of its dividend payout and the approval of stock buybacks.

  • Danaos Increases Stake in Star Bulk Carriers: Greek shipowner Danaos Corporation has increased its shareholding in dry bulk company Star Bulk Carriers, becoming its second-largest investor.  

  • Major Greek Owner Eyes Shuttle Tanker Newbuildings: A prominent Greek shipowner is reportedly in a strong position as oil major Repsol prepares for new shuttle tanker constructions.  

  • Indian Navy Receives "Most Silent Ship": The Indian Navy has taken delivery of a newly built ship, described as its "most silent," designed for submarine tracking in shallow waters.  

  • Trump Administration Considers New US Virgin Islands Ship Registry: The US government under President Trump is reportedly considering creating a new international shipping registry in the US Virgin Islands to boost the size of the American-flagged commercial fleet.  

  • DP World to Invest in Dominican Republic Port: DP World has announced a significant investment of $760 million to expand the Port of Caucedo in the Dominican Republic.  

  • First Drop in Inbound Containers Forecast After Tariff Surge: An initial decrease in inbound container volumes to the US is expected following a surge in shipments ahead of the recently implemented tariffs.

  • Morocco's Tanger Med Wins Contract for Liberian Ports: Morocco's Tanger Med port authority has secured a contract to upgrade ports in Liberia.

  • Ontario Seeks Arctic Port on James Bay: The Canadian province of Ontario is exploring the development of an Arctic port on James Bay.

  • USCG Releases Updated Reflagging Process Rules: The United States Coast Guard has issued new rules aimed at streamlining and consolidating the process for reflagging vessels under the US flag.

Chris Baker