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South Korean Firm Begins Construction of New Cebu Port in Philippines
After a long delay, the construction of the New Cebu International Container Port (NCICP) in the Philippines has finally kicked off. The Transportation Secretary Jamie Bautista in company of other senior government officials this week led the groundbreaking ceremony...
Russia Recommends Increased Port Security Citing Threat from NATO
Russia’s Security Council cited increasing threats to the country’s ports and seabed infrastructure calling for increased efforts to protect its assets. This comes after NATO and neighboring countries have increased patrols in the Baltic after several incidents in...
US-Sponsored 30-Nation Naval Exercise Concludes in Bahrain
With a closing address given in Bahrain on February 20, Vice Adm. George Wikoff, commander of US Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT), has brought to a close International Maritime Exercise (IMX) 2025, completing the ninth iteration of this international naval...
At Seatrade Qatar, Shipping Stakeholders Debate IMO 2050 Target
The global maritime industry is creating an avenue for effective transition of the industry into a more sustainably driven maritime environment. With the just concluded Seatrade Maritime Qatar Conference, maritime leaders considered factors and strategic...
First Commercial Installation Awarded for Michelin’s Inflatable Wind Sail
France’s Michelin Group confirmed the recent awarding of its first commercial contract for its innovative inflatable wind sail for shipping. The first installation will be on a new patrol boat for France. The new vessel will be built by the Socarenam shipyards with...
Transporting Carbon: Steering a Course to a Sustainable Future
The United States has taken the lead in the international race to capture carbon dioxide (CO2). According to reports, the U.S. will have the capacity to capture 164 million tons of carbon by 2035, which is almost the equivalent of Europe, Canada and the...
Australia and China Square Off in Latest Case of Pacific Expansionism
The government of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is taking steps that it sees as countering China’s expansionist move across the region. Australia is moving to increase its influence in the region to counter China and today China responded angrily after an...
Crew Rescued as MSC Containership Blacks Out in Storm and Driven Ashore
Multiple teams from Canada responded Saturday morning, February 15, after an MSC containership issued a mayday call during a strong winter storm. A helicopter from the Canadian SAR team was able to rescue the 20 crewmembers, but unconfirmed reports are that five of...
Process Uses Industrial Lasers for Rust, Paint, and Coating Removal
Successful trials were conducted in December 2024 on a new system that uses industrial laser technology to remove rust, paint, and other coasts from the hull of a ship. The goal is to create a system that is more environmentally friendly and the project also...
Updated: SS United States Completes First Move as Final Journey Begins
The famous ocean liner the ss United States started her final journey today moved from the Philadelphia dock where she had sat while preservations tried to find the vessel a future. Plans called for the liner to depart Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on Monday,...
AD Ports to Battle DP World for Cargo Business at Port of Luanda, Angola
The Port of Luanda in Angola is set to become a battleground of competition for two giant Arab companies after AD Ports officially commenced operations at the port under a long-term concession. AD Ports, the Abu Dhabi-based operator, announced that it has begun the...
Shanghai Port Handled Record 5 Million TEU in January as U.S. Imports Surge
Officials in Shanghai are hailing a new record throughput for the port in January 2025 while saying that the ports are a “barometer” of foreign trade. It comes after a record volume at the port in 2024 and is the fourth monthly volume record set in the past 40 months...
Panama Canal Rejects Claims of Free Passage for U.S. Government Ships
The war of words between the United States, the government of Panama, and the Panama Canal Authority continues with officials in Panama saying they were “surprised” by the U.S. posting on X claiming “U.S. government vessels can now transit the Panama Canal without...
Frustrations as Departure of Famed Ocean Liner SS United States Delayed
Excitement over the impending departure of the famed ocean liner ss United States was building last week before a further delay appeared prolonging her stay in Philadelphia. The new owners of the liner, Florida's Okaloosa County, have been trying for months...
Korean Shipbuilders Top Chinese in January After Return to Profits in 2024
The rivalry between China and South Korea’s shipbuilders continues to heat up. While there is growing concern due to China’s apparent domination of the market, South Korea’s shipbuilders achieved strong results in 2024 and continue to carve out the high-end market....
AD Ports to Battle DP World for Cargo Business at Port of Luanda, Angola
The Port of Luanda in Angola is set to become a battleground of competition for two giant Arab companies after AD Ports officially commenced operations at the port under a long-term concession. AD Ports, the Abu Dhabi-based operator, announced that it has begun the...
Two Sunken Tankers at Kerch Strait Were Refueling Russia’s Dark Fleet
The two river-sea tankers that broke up near the Kerch Strait last month were part of a flotilla that bunkers Russia's "dark fleet," including at least three U.S.-sanctioned deep sea tankers, according to Russian investigative news outlet IStories. Many of their...
How to Get Ready for the U.S. Coast Guard’s Cybersecurity Rule
On January 17, the US Coast Guard released its much-anticipated final rule on cybersecurity in the US Marine Transportation System, which establishes mandatory minimum cybersecurity requirements for the maritime sector. The new regulations are effective July 16,...
Norway Releases Reefer Cargo Ship After Investigation into Cable Damage
Norwegian authorities late on Friday, January 31, reported they have released a Norwegian-owned reefer cargo ship used in the fish trade after a day-long investigation. It was the latest vessel to be detained in the growing investigations into damaged cables in the...
Canada Aims to Restore Reliable Ferry Service on Critical Route to PEI
Canada is hoping to restore reliable ferry transport on the critical Prince Edward Island (PEI) and Nova Scotia route following the arrival of ro/pax ferry MV Northumberland. The government acquired the ferry in November 2023 as an interim replacement for the...
Russian Tanker Abandoned in Poland Draws Renewed Interest
A Russian-registered product tanker languishing in the Port of Gdynia is drawing renewed interest from Polish authorities. According to a report on Poland’s Radio ZET, new security concerns as well as safety issues with the tanker were raised in light of the ongoing...
Vessels Approached and Hailed as Iran Stages Persian Gulf Naval Exercise
Reports coming from the Persian Gulf and the area around the vital Strait of Hormuz indicate that one vessel was approached and others contacted and instructed to alter course toward Iranian territorial waters. The incidents came as Iran highlighted its naval...
WinGD Reports Ammonia Engine Progress Targeting First Deliveries in June
The competition to deliver the first ammonia-fueled engine continues to report progress with Swiss-based WinGD now reporting it expects to complete final validation in time for the first engine deliveries in June 2025. After achieving results with a single-cylinder in...
Sistership to Containership Dali Breaks Down in Pacific
One of the sisterships to the containership Dali which destroyed Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key bridge is reporting engine troubles in the Pacific. The vessel which is also managed by Synergy Marine and sailing under charter as the Maersk Saltoro is...
France Faces More Port Strikes to Protest Lack of Action on Pension Reforms
The long-running dispute between the French government and the powerful trade unions over proposed pension reforms is again prompting threats of port strikes across the country. The government has been pushing for pension reforms and changes to France’s work rules...
Retailers Continue to Front-Load Imports into U.S. Ports
Retailers are continuing to front-load their imports which is driving up the volumes seen at major U.S. ports. The National Retail Federation in its monthly read on container volumes expects the rush to get merchandise into the country will continue in part started by...
Video: USCG Icebreakers Aid Great Lakes Bulkers as Winter Sets In
It is the end of the season on the Great Lakes and with the deep cold that has set across the region this week, the U.S. Coast Guard extended its ongoing icebreaking operations to aid two bulkers caught in the ice flows. It is part of an annual tradition on the lakes...
China Calls Shipbuilding Report “Obvious Unilateralism and Protectionism”
Chinese officials ranging from the ministries of commerce and foreign affairs to the shipbuilding association each condemned the U.S. Trade Representative’s report on the shipbuilding industry. They used some of their harshest language saying the report contains false...
Carriers Adopt New Standard to Prevent Deadly Charcoal Fires
The shipping industry is taking proactive steps to implement improved safety measures for transporting charcoal, ahead of mandatory IMO regulations in 2026. Experts have long warned that misdeclared, poorly handled, and poorly packed dangerous goods are one of the...
Germany’s First Fully Electric Seagoing Vessel Completes Trials
The first fully electric seagoing vessel in Germany, a catamaran ferry, has completed its acceptance trials and is preparing to be deployed. It joins a growing number of battery-powered ferries that are demonstrating the growing opportunities for electric power. The...
Maritime Trade Leads Revival of Ukraine’s Export Economy
Ukraine's export economy posted a 13% increase in value and a 29% rise in tonnage, according to year-end data released by Ukraine's economy ministry. The war-torn nation exported 129 million tons of goods valued at $41 billion, outpacing 2023's figures of 100 million...
DP World’s Global Footprint Crosses 100 Million TEU Mark
Ports operator and logistics giant DP World is celebrating a major milestone: it now has 100 million TEU in container handling capacity across its global footprint. Over the past four and a half decades, the Dubai-based conglomerate has been aggressive in bidding for...
Norway Launches Second Phase of Nuclear Propulsion in Shipping Study
Norway’s NuProShip (Nuclear Propulsion in Shipping) project is transitioning into its second stage as of January 2025 after having completed initial studies into Generation IV reactors. The project which launched in 2023 has the ultimate purpose to develop a...
Bangladesh Could Lose Top Position in the Global Shipbreaking Market
With global ship demolition at record low levels, Bangladesh’s shipbreaking industry has reported that 2024 saw a massive drop in scrap ship imports. Only 144 ships were sent to Bangladesh last year for recycling, equivalent to 968,000 GT, the lowest since 2005. As...
U.S. Sanctions More Than 180 Russian “Shadow Fleet” Tankers
The U.S. Treasury has announced new action against the Russian "shadow fleet" with sanctions on an unprecedented 183 tankers, along with two Russian insurers specializing in questionable P&I cover. "The United States is taking sweeping action against...
Report: ILA-USMX to Resume Contract Negotiations for East/Gulf Coast Ports
A report from S&P Global’s Journal of Commerce says talks are set to resume between the International Longshoremen’s Association and the terminal operators at U.S. East Coast and Gulf Coast ports represented by the U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX). This comes after...
Singapore PSA Terminal Operator Sets Record Passing 40 Million TEU in 2024
In what is being called a “significant milestone,” Singapore’s largest terminal operator PSA Singapore reported that as of December 24, it surpassed 40 million TEU handled at its terminal in 2024. Representing significant volume growth, it came as the port struggled...
Helsinki Court Rejects Release of “Dark Fleet” Tanker Eagle S
Legal activities around the “dark fleet” tanker Eagle S continued to intensify in Finland as a court heard arguments for the release of the tanker and additional complaints were filed. The authorities have said the investigation could take months and have...
UANI Calls for New Enforcement Methods as Iran’s Oil Exports Grow
The NGO United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI), which is at the forefront of tracking Iran’s dark tanker fleet and oil exports, is out with its year-end review citing continued dramatic growth in the dark tanker fleet supporting Iran’s oil exports. The group is calling...
Canada Sells Vandalized Coast Guard Ship for Scrap
The Canadian Coast Guard has finally contracted with a metal recycler to dispose of its patrol ship CCGS Corporal McLaren six years after vandals damaged the ship. The Financial Post newspaper located the awarding of the contract on the government’s website...
Baltic Countries Increase Infrastructure Patrols and Call for NATO Support
The nations of the Baltic region, including Estonia, Lithuania, Sweden, and Finland, all report they have launched new efforts to monitor and protect critical undersea infrastructure in response to the Christmas Day incident which damaged a key power cable between...
China Floats Largest, Next-Generation Amphibious Assault Ship
The Chinese PLA Navy today, December 27, celebrated the float out of the first of its next-generation amphibious assault ships. The vessel named Sichuan is reported to be the largest of its kind and incorporates advanced technology. The new ship was built at...
Houthis Claim Retaliatory Attack on Maersk Ship and Israel’s Airport
A day after Israel pounded Houthi targets including reports of paralyzing all three Red Sea seaports in Yemen, the militants claimed to have responded with attacks on a containership and Israel’s international airport. Spokesperson Yahya Sare'e claimed direct hits...
Oslo Bulk Refutes Russia’s Claims It Refused Aid to Crew of Ursa Major
Russian authorities continue to present a wide range of claims associated with the sinking of the cargo ship Ursa Major off Spain at the beginning of the week. After saying that it was an act of terrorism, the shipowner and Russia’s Dmitry Medvedev...
Vietnam Completes Construction of Its Largest Bulk Carrier
Vietnamese officials were on hand for the handover of the largest dry bulk carrier ever built in a domestic shipyard. The 65,000 dwt Truong Minh Dream was hailed as a key advancement and in keeping with the government’s plans to expand shipbuilding and...
Shipowners Need to Prepare for the HKC Hazardous Materials Inventory
On June 26, 2025—right around the corner—the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships (Hong Kong Convention) will enter into force. This landmark agreement is crucial for...
Castor Maritime Expands into Containerships Buying Stake in MPC
Cyprus-based Castor Maritime led by Petros Panagiotidis is expanding its role in containership to take advantage of the hot charter market. Castor reports it has agreed to acquire 74 percent of Frankfurt-listed investment and asset manager MPC Münchmeyer Petersen...
Matson’s Third LNG Conversion Boxship Entered Service
The containership Kaimana Hila (50,981 dwt) has returned to service after completing the third LNG conversion for Matson. When she was completed in 2019, Matson highlighted that commercial supplies of LNG were not available along its network but the vessel...
Indian-Owned Tanker Saves 73 Migrants South of Gavros
The U.S. Navy's undergunned Littoral Combat Ship classes are both about to get a major armament upgrade, according to USNI. At the USNI Defense Forum on Wednesday, outgoing Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro told the audience that many LCS hulls will eventually carry the...
Littoral Combat Ships Could Come Off the Sidelines With SM-6 Launchers
The U.S. Navy's undergunned Littoral Combat Ship classes are both about to get a major armament upgrade, according to USNI. At the USNI Defense Forum on Wednesday, outgoing Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro told the audience that many LCS hulls will eventually carry the...
Local News
Economy Ministry expects JS-SEZ blueprint completion by Q3 2025
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 20 — The much anticipated Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) blueprint is expected to be completed by the third quarter this year, the Economy Ministry said today. The ministry led by Rafizi Ramli said that funding for the economic zone’s...
Customs’ digitalisation efforts enhance efficiency, integrity, says industry expert
KUALA LUMPUR: The Royal Malaysian Customs Department has been lauded for its efforts in enhancing efficiency and integrity through the digitalisation of customs processes, particularly with the implementation of the Import Export Support Document System (SDSIE)....
‘Heavy vehicle ban drives down logistics industry’
KUALA LUMPUR: Five trade associations representing around half of Malaysia’s heavy vehicle owners and operators are asking the government to reconsider the restricted hours for heavy vehicles on three major expressways. In a press conference here yesterday, they said...
Logistics sector must take advantage of govt support to adopt Industry 4.0 – Loke
SUBANG JAYA: The logistics sector must take advantage of government support, such as the income tax exemption for smart logistics complexes, to further uplift the sector and encourage the adoption of Industry 4.0 technology, said Transport Minister Anthony Loke. He...
Malaysia’s Industrial Transformation: 3000 Smart Factories by 2030
The Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry (MITI) has announced its goal to establish at least 3,000 smart factories by 2030 as part of Malaysia’s industrial transformation under the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030). This ambitious initiative...
SG’s logistics rents fall by 6.2% in H2 2024
Singapore’s logistics rents fell by 6.2% in the second half of the year 2024 (H2 2024) but remained unchanged year-on-year (YoY), according to a Knight Frank report. Despite this, Singapore is amongst the markets expected to see growth in the next 12 months,...
More choices, more competition: Loke stands by Puspakom overhaul
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 12 — Transport Minister Anthony Loke has defended the government’s decision to open up the motor vehicle inspection industry to new players, ending Puspakom’s long-standing monopoly. Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Exio Logistics Hub...
PM reminds civil servants to uphold integrity
PUTRAJAYA: The recent arrest of several Customs officers in connection with a vape smuggling syndicate at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) should serve as a reminder to the civil service that integrity is crucial, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar...
Malaysia has a new singular border control agency — what is the AKPS and what does it do?
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 5 — Malaysia now has a single agency in charge of border control, known as the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS). The agency was established this month to oversee all international borders. AKPS currently manages 22...
Step up and target RM63.1b halal exports in 2025, DPM Zahid tells Malaysian companies as global race heats up
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 8 — Despite being recognised as a leader in the global halal industry, Malaysia must not rest on its laurels, as other nations are now competing to dominate the halal market, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. He emphasised...
With Singapore SEZ, CM says Johor will be more than just data centres
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 9 — The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (SEZ) will encourage the industry diversification needed for the state to shield itself from global trade uncertainties, said Chief Minister Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi. In an interview with Channel News Asia,...
How businesses can maximise the newly signed Johor-Singapore SEZ deal
A year after the initial memorandum of understanding, the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) agreement is now signed, presenting significant opportunities for businesses looking to expand cross-border operations. "The intention behind this agreement is...
Eye on Malaysia’s evolving climate reporting
KUCHING (Jan 26): Human activities have undeniably caused global warming, fuelling record-setting wildfires, historic floods, prolonged droughts and scorching heatwaves. Indeed, 2025 has started off with a bevy of bad news, like the deadly wildfires across Los...
MCBA offers more seamless entry into Malaysia, says DPM Fadillah
SEPANG: With the formation of the Malaysia Border Control and Protection Agency (MCBA), the government wants logistics for trade and travellers entering the country through its international entry points to be more seamless, says Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof. Speaking at...
Govt approves RM60m for Sultan Azlan Shah Airport expansion, says Minister Nga
IPOH, January 31 — Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said the government has approved an RM60 million allocation for the expansion of Sultan Azlan Shah Airport here. Nga said this was a special Chinese New Year gift for Perakians from Prime Minister...
Global LNG: Asian spot LNG little changed on ample stocks, mild weather
KUALA LUMPUR: Asian spot liquefied natural gas (LNG) prices were little changed this week, as ample inventories and mild weather capped demand from East Asian buyers. The average LNG price for March delivery into north-east Asia rose slightly to $14.00 per million...
13MP: Govt committed to enabling policies to drive growth in key industries – Rafizi
KUALA LUMPUR: The government is committed to prioritising enabling policies over direct intervention to drive creativity and growth in key industries for the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli said. He said the focus would be on...
MOH Proposes Jumpstarting Local Pharmaceutical Investments with Three-Year Contracts
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 24 — The Ministry of Health (MOH) has suggested three-year contracts to incentivise local pharmaceutical companies to produce certain off-patent drugs that currently only have single product registration holders (PRH). MOH deputy secretary-general...
Malaysia has strategic advantage to become Southeast Asia’s supply chain hub: SIS CEO
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has the strategic advantage to become Southeast Asia’s supply chain hub as the global supply chain paradigm is shifting and expanding from China to other countries in the region. The chief executive officer of US-based Synergies Intelligent...
Opportunity for Malaysia to seize its moment in Southeast Asia e-commerce boom: Blackbox Research
PETALING JAYA: Southeast Asia is experiencing a transformative e-commerce boom, with Malaysia emerging as a key player in this digital revolution, according to a report. Business Opportunity for Malaysia to seize its moment in Southeast Asia e-commerce boom: Blackbox...