News
Global News
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...
India and Pakistan Coordinate to Rescue Crew from Sinking Cargo Ship
The Coast Guard from India and Pakistan along with the Pakistan Navy coordinated in an effort to save the crew of a small Indian cargo ship sinking in the Arabian Sea. In a demonstration of cooperation and coordination, the forces were able to save 12 crewmembers who...
Cargo Ship Grounds in Norway Loaded with Military Supplies for Poland
The DFDS Ro-Ro cargo ship Finlandia Seaways (8,700 dwt) grounded last night, December 5, departing Norway. It quickly became apparent it was no ordinary casualty as the Norwegian military established a security zone and confirmed the vessel was loaded with...
Wind Tunnel Tests Mark Next Milestone Toward Wind-Powered Vehicle Carrier
Wind tunnel testing got underway today in Sweden to further the design of what could become the world’s first wind-powered PCTC (Pure Car and Truck Carrier) vessel. Wallenius Marine highlights the tests calling them a milestone in the development of the vessel....
Global Trade is On Track for a New Record in 2024
With inflation easing and service trade booming, the total volume of world trade is likely to hit a new record of $33 trillion in 2024, according to UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD). The forecast represents an increase of $1 trillion over UNCTAD's last update,...
Biomimetics and Nanotechnology Create Next Generation in Hull Coatings
R&D teams are building on their use of biomimetics, the study of mimicking biological processes, adding in nanotechnology to develop new more efficient hull coatings. These developments are becoming increasingly important as the shipping industry faces the...
New Zealand Survey Ship’s Crew Ran Aground Because They Left Autopilot On
he New Zealand Defence Force has released its initial findings on the grounding of navy ship HMNZS Manawanui on a reef off Samoa last month, and it put the blame squarely on mistakes made by the crew. A Court of Inquiry established that the...
Antwerp Receives Europe’s First Electric RSD Tug in Sustainability Drive
The Port of Antwerp-Bruges celebrated the arrival of six new energy-efficient tugs including Europe’s first fully-electric RSD tugboat. The vessels built by Damen in Vietnam are the next step in the port’s ambitious sustainability plan. Damen began construction of the...
Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners Plans Ammonia Shipping Newbuilds
The well-known Danish fund manager Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) which focuses on renewable energy investments is moving forward to develop ammonia-fueled carriers to lead in the energy transition. Its Energy Transition Fund entered into agreements with...
U-Ming to Add Anemoi’s Rotor Sails to Giant Ore Carrier
Taiwan’s U-Ming Marine is becoming the latest in a growing list of shipowners to adopt wind-assisted propulsion. Bulkers are a popular category for the technology which is now planned for a broad range of vessel sizes. U-Ming plans to add rotors made by the UK’s...
Westinghouse and Core Power Partner for Floating Nuclear Power Plants
Westinghouse Electric Company, one of the leaders in nuclear power, and Core Power are launching a cooperation for the design and development of a floating nuclear power plant using a microreactor. According to the companies, by leveraging shipyard capabilities, it...
Boston to Invest $100M in Cruise Port as It Sets New Passenger Record
The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) operators of Flynn Cruiseport Boston unveiled plans for a $100 million investment into its cruise operations to support future growth and incorporate shore power into the terminal. Port officials announced the plan while...
Mexico Plans Historic Investment to Expand Port of Manzanillo
Mexico is planning a generational investment in the Port of Manzanillo, its primary container gateway on the Pacific Coast. The $3 billion expansion program will quadruple its acreage and more than double its container capacity from 3.7 to 10 million TEU per year by...
Plan Approved to Save Cal Maritime from Looming Financial Collapse
The Board of Trustees of California State University approved a plan today designed to preserve and strengthen the California State University Maritime Academy (Cal Maritime), which according to the board was in danger of financial collapse. It is the only U.S....
Australia Bans Cargo Ship for Six Months Citing Unsafe Cargo Operations
The Australia Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has issued its fourth ban this year on a cargo ship this time citing “unsafe cargo operations” as the reason for denying entry into Australia’s ports. AMSA said the authority has escalated its enforcement action to send a...
China Commissions Its First Deep-Ocean Drillship
In its quest to access deep-ocean resources, China commissioned its first drilling vessel at a shipyard in Guangzhou. The ultra-large drillship, the Meng Xiang (Dream), is a significant leap in China’s ambition for deep-sea exploration, including mineral...
Suez Canal Completes Largest Transit as Floating Dock is Towed to Turkey
The Suez Canal recently completed one of the most unique transits and the largest of its kind in the 154-year history of the waterway. A missive floating dock being transferred from Singapore to Turkey made its way north on November 7 and 8 after intricate planning....
Peru Becomes New Center of Rivalry Between the U.S. and China
The U.S. has moved to counter China’s investments in a mega port in Peru with the Department of State funding an initiative that will establish a sister relationship between the ports of Hueneme in California and Paita in Peru. As China’s President Xi...
Managing Cyber Risk With USCG’s New Maritime Security Directive
In this article Michael DeVolld, Maritime Transportation System (MTS) Cybersecurity Lead at ABS Consulting looks at the potential implications to vessel owners, operators and port authorities impacted by the new directive, the importance of acting now to prepare...
Shipping Coalition of Leading Brands Sets Tender for E-Fuel Deployment
ZEMBA, a buying collation for sustainable shipping for major consumer brands, released details on its second-ever tender which will require e-fuels for primary propulsion. The effort works by consolidating shipping volumes from the nearly 40 current members including...
China and Peru’s Leaders Celebrate Opening of New Chinese-Built Megaport
China’s President Xi Jinping and Peru’s Dina Bouluarte celebrated the opening of the new Chancay megaport on Thursday, November 14, during an elaborate ceremony in Lima at the start of Xi’s state visit to South America timed to coincide Asia-Pacific Economic...
“Concerning Absence of Urgency” as Canadian Port Strikes Get Nasty
Strikes are continuing on each of Canada’s coasts shutting down many of the busiest ports in the country. As the actions are dragging on, the unions and employers are trading barbs while government officials and businesses express frustrations. Canada’s Minister of...
Cybersecurity: Ghosts in the Machine
In the dead of night, a fully laden LNG tanker quietly navigates the narrow channel of a strategic U.S. port. Suddenly, the ship's GPS blinks and alarms, showing the vessel miles off course. The crew has no idea their instruments have fallen prey to a sophisticated...
Partnership in Mobile Presents Option for Dismantling USS Enterprise
The continuing effort by activist groups to interrupt the shipment of military supplies to Israel took a new turn as an activist group demanded that Spain stop permitting port calls for Maersk Line, Limited ships. The groups calling themselves Progressive...
BOEM Releases EIS for Next Offshore Wind Farm as Industry Faces Uncertainty
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management on Friday, November 8, reported the availability of the final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed SouthCoast Wind Project off the coast of Massachusetts. It is the next step in continuing to approve offshore wind...
Philippine Coast Guard Triples Fleet With French and Japanese Newbuilds
On Thursday, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. approved an order for five 320-foot cutters for the Philippine Coast Guard, bringing the service's orderbook for new patrol vessels to a total of 49 hulls. The orders will roughly triple the service's number of...
Tanker Collision Spills Paraffin Off Algeciras
After a collision between a bulker and a chemical tanker near the Strait of Gibraltar on Friday, white balls of solid paraffin wax have been floating ashore near the port of Algeciras, Spain. The substance appears to be connected to the cargo released by the...
Cummins Showcases Proven Marine Solutions at International Workboat Show
Cummins Inc., a global leader in power solutions, will exhibit its latest marine technologies at the International Workboat Show in New Orleans from November 12-14, 2024. Visitors to Booth 3001 will have the opportunity to examine the QSK38 EPA Tier 4 solution,...
Judge Vacates Permits for Construction of New Delaware Container Terminal
Plans to develop a massive new container terminal in Wilmington, Delaware that will quadruple the port’s capacity and dramatically increase vessel traffic were put on hold by a U.S. District Judge who vacated the construction permits. Judge Mark Kearney on Monday,...
All Hands Feared Lost from Philippine Cargo Ship Missing for a Week
The Philippine Coast Guard on Thursday reported that it was investigating the growing number of reports of debris and a possible sighting of bodies after days of intensive searching for a missing coastal cargo ship. Contact was lost with the vessel during one of the...
American Cruise Lines Expands Orders to 10 Coastal and River Ships by 2027
American Cruise Lines, an operator of U.S.-flagged coastal and river cruise ships, reports its signed contracts with Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Maryland for four additional new cruise ships as part of the company’s continuing expansion. ACL reports the U.S. cruise...
New Warnings of Piracy Activity in Indian Ocean and Singapore Strait
Despite the numerous reports that crime against seafarers has fallen dramatically, fresh warnings have gone out this week to vessels operating both in the Indian Ocean and transiting the Singapore Strait. EUNAVFOR warns that it is investigating suspected pirate action...
Contract Negotiations to Resume for U.S. East Coast Dockworkers
The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) will resume their contract negotiations in November to resolve a new master contract for container and Ro-Ro operations at 36 U.S. ports along the East Coast and Gulf Coast....
The Maritime Executive’s Global Salvage Edition is Out Now, Read Online
Salvors live a dangerous life. While they're a unique breed, their deployment means danger made worse by twisted steel, pollution, and an unstable marine environment. A famous salvor once told me he always carries a rosary with him and prays often while on a job. Case...
Dockworkers to Strike in Montreal as Uncertainty Also Hangs Over Vancouver
Canada’s ports continue to struggle with labor disputes impacting both coasts and the potential to create disruptions and delays. Both disputes have been prolonged mirroring similar disputes that have developed at ports around the world as longshoremen and other...
Two “Shunned” Cargo Ships Find Resolution to Disputes
Two cargo ships have been making international headlines as they were shunned by ports and were being treated as “pariahs” endangering public welfare. Both ships, the Malta-registered general cargo ship Ruby and the Portugal-registered Kathrin, have...
Heavy Industry Needs Carbon Capture – But It Has to be Done Right
The UK government has given the go-ahead to carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS) schemes worth £22 billion (US$28.6 billion). Critics are insisting that this technology – which involves capturing carbon as it is emitted or taking it back out of the...
U.S. Treasury Adds Shipmanager Aurum to Houthi Sanctions List
The U.S. Treasury has blacklisted 18 people, companies and ships for alleged ties to the Sa'id al-Jamal shipping network, the Iranian-backed oil smuggling organization that finances Yemen's Houthi terrorist group. It is the latest in a long series of actions...
Shipping and the Energy Transition
Although the extreme demands of energy transition activists are receiving pushback from the public, the pressure for change remains. International forecasters point to the recent rapid growth of renewable energy as confirming that the transition is not merely underway...
UK Pursues Clean Shipping with EU Through Green Corridors
The United Kingdom is living up to its promise to establish green shipping corridors to decarbonize the maritime sector. In December last year, the country made a pledge in the Clydebank Declaration at COP26 to establish six green shipping corridors by the middle of...
Brazil Moves Ahead With Privatized Container Terminal at Port of Santos
Brazil is moving ahead with the long-delayed development of a new container terminal at the Port of Santos. Early this week, the Ministry of Ports and Airports (MPor) directed the state-owned logistics company Infra SA to draw up a concession model for the STS10...
Maritime Crime and Piracy at Lowest Level in 30 Years
In the first nine months of 2024, reported incidents of piracy and armed robbery fell to the lowest levels since 1994, according to the latest report by the ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB). Despite the lowest number of reported incidents in three decades, IMB...
Hurricane Milton Interrupts Operations for the Florida Cruise Industry
Florida is preparing for the overnight impact of one of the worst hurricanes to ever come ashore in the state. While the state’s West Coast and Tampa Bay area is expected to take the brunt of the storm as it comes ashore, Hurricane Milton will impact the majority of...
Container Imports Projected to Level Off at Strong Volumes After ILA Strike
After a surge to get merchandise, equipment, and supplies into the U.S. ahead of the long-promised but short-lived International Longshoremen’s Association strike, the forecast is that container import volumes will level off for the remainder of 2024. Ports however...
Canadian Coast Guard Contracts to Remove Oil from Long-Forgotten WWII Wreck
As part of its efforts to protect Canada's oceans and waterways, the Canadian Government is bringing back to life the story of a long-forgotten wreck from the World War II era which continues to haunt the Inside Passage between Canada and Alaska. The Canadian Coast...
S. Korea Upgrades Ties With Philippines, Backs Manila’s Maritime Rights
South Korea has added its weight to the Philippines' effort to defend the rule of law in the South China Sea, where China's ambitions have created friction with coastal states. In a memorandum of understanding signed in Manila on Tuesday, South Korean President Yoon...
Local News
10 trends set to shape APAC supply chain and logistics
As we approach 2025, it is clear that supply chains and logistics will continue to be disrupted and shaped by many factors keeping the industry on its toes in 2024. Among them, technology is increasingly taking centre stage. Geopolitical tensions are continuing to...
2024 in review: Seven taxes and e-invoicing to boost Malaysia’s revenue
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 11 — The government will continue efforts to narrow its fiscal deficit to 4.3 per cent in 2024 and 3.8 per cent in 2025, down from five per cent of the gross domestic product (GDP) in 2023. Simultaneously, it will advance fiscal reforms to strengthen...
Shipping poised to play a vital role in APAC cross-border CCUS initiatives
Singapore, 10 December 2024 - A joint study by the Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD) and Boston Consulting Group (BCG) has identified shipping to play a key role in enabling CCUS initiatives, particularly when there is a large...
Premier: Private sector sets sights on Tg Embang deep sea port, KIA projects
KUCHING (Dec 3): The private sector has shown significant interest in Sarawak’s two major projects, the Tanjung Embang Deep Sea Port and the new Kuching International Airport (KIA), said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. This was highlighted in...
Northport handles 3.32 million TEUs in November
Northport carried 3.32 million TEUs of containers as of 27 November 2024. On 28 November 2024, the firm also exceeded its traditional cargo record by handling 11.43 million FWTs, surpassing the previous yearly record of 11.40 million FWTs set in 2023. Dato’ Azman Shah...
Pahang aims to be East Coast EV production hub
Following further news on Malaysia’s aim to become an ASEAN EV hub, and Selangor, Johor and Negeri Sembilan ramping up on EV charging infrastructure, Pahang has chimed in, with state investment, industry, science, technology and...
Four factories in Johor linked to fatal blaze lacked safety compliance, say fire officials
JOHOR BARU, Dec 6 — A lack of adherence to operational requirements and faulty fire prevention systems were identified as key causes of a deadly fire at four factories in the Southern Industrial Logistics Clusters (SILC) in Gelang Patah, last October. Utusan...
Singapore spillover of data centres benefits Malaysia’s Johor
Businesses in Johor are reporting a boom driven by new data centres pivoting from being based in Singapore, industry insiders say, as Kuala Lumpur looks to banish long delays in developing the Malaysian border territory. Johor ranked 2024’s fastest-growing data...
Transport Ministry forms committee to review maritime law, port Acts
KUALA LUMPUR: The Transport Ministry has formed the Malaysia Maritime Law Revision Committee (MLRC) to review and update the Merchant Shipping Ordinance (MSO) 1952 and the respective Port Acts to ensure they remain relevant and effective in the face of evolving...
Johor’s Forest City SFZ to focus on banking, logistics for economic growth, says MB
ISKANDAR PUTERI, Nov 27 –– The Forest City Special Financial Zone (SFZ) has identified two main sectors as its main focus areas, said Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi. He said services for the first sector will be provided on Pulau Satu, while services for...
Malaysia’s logistics sector just got safer with the launch of Volvo’s new trucks, here’s how
Trucks get a bad rap for being intimidating road companions, but looks like Volvo is trying to flip that narrative with its safety technologies. Not only that, but Volvo Malaysia Sdn Bhd’s (Volvo Trucks) latest range of heavy-duty trucks are also...
Malaysia-India ties strengthened through Anwar’s visit – Indian Ministry of External Affairs
NEW DELHI: The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has described the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s recent official visit to India, as marking a significant milestone in strengthening the partnership between the two nations. Its official spokesperson...
Transportation sector key driver of job creation and ASEAN growth, says DPM Fadillah
KUALA LUMPUR: The transportation sector has emerged as a key driver of job creation and economic growth within the ASEAN region, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof. Speaking at the 30th ASEAN Transport Ministers Meeting here today, he said that...
Malaysia: Selangor Powers Data and Logistics Growth
Selangor is intensifying its focus on infrastructure development to bolster key industries such as data centres and logistics, aligning with its commitment to driving investment and economic growth. Addressing industry-specific needs, the state government aims to...
HSR decision still pending as existing projects are a ‘priority’: Malaysia minister
KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia’s Cabinet has yet to discuss reviving the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High-Speed Rail (HSR) project, as the government focuses on completing existing transport links that will support economic development and sustained growth, said Finance Minister...
Transport Ministry proposes new logistics hub in Nilai or Enstek
Minister Anthony Loke said the location is ideal due to its proximity to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and its strategic connectivity via highways linking the northern, southern, eastern, and western regions of Peninsular Malaysia. “We have initiated...
Logistics and connectivity: Cornerstones of Asean development, says Dr Wee
PETALING JAYA: Logistics and connectivity are key driving factors for Asean’s development, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong. The former Transport Minister acknowledged maritime transport’s essential role in international trade, adding that land or rail transport must...
Maritime laws need updates to stay relevant – Loke
PUTRAJAYA: Laws related to the maritime sector need to be amended from time to time to ensure they remain relevant to current developments and needs, said Transport Minister Anthony Loke. Loke noted that some of the laws in use for this sector are outdated as they...
Malaysia gears up for ASEAN 2025 Chairmanship with comprehensive preparations – KSN
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia is actively preparing for its ASEAN 2025 Chairmanship, focusing on full readiness in logistics, security, cleanliness, meeting schedules, event management and documentation. Chief Secretary to the Government (KSN) Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar...
PM Anwar: RM1.24bil potential export to Peru generated
LIMA (Peru): Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's maiden official visit to Peru has generated potential exports worth RM1.24 billion (US$0.3 billion), particularly in high potential sectors on the initiative of the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation...