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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...
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...
Local News
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...
Johor-Singapore SEZ’s faces toughest test – slashing immigration clearance delays, says Malaysian minister
[KUALA LUMPUR] The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone’s (JS-SEZ) biggest challenge is slashing immigration clearance time to 20 minutes – a crucial step to transform the congested Causeway into a seamless link for talent and trade and meet the SEZ’s ambitious...
BP Batam Responds to Malaysia-Singapore SEZ Agreement, Sees Strategic Opportunities
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Batam Indonesia Free Zone Authority (BP Batam) has responded to the recent agreement between Malaysia and Singapore to establish a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Johor, Malaysia. The agreement has prompted some business leaders...
Rafizi: RDCI overhaul in the works for a more competitive Malaysia
PUTRAJAYA, Jan 16 — The Ministry of Economy, in collaboration with the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MOSTI), is working to improve the Research, Development, Commercialisation, and Innovation (RDCI) ecosystem in the country, addressing existing...
Malaysia Freight Logistics Market Trends in 2025: Sustainable Practices and Emerging Opportunities | MRFR
MALAYSIA, January 16, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ --The Malaysia freight logistics market is a dynamic and rapidly evolving sector integral to the country’s economic growth. The sector facilitates the movement of goods across both domestic and international...
Amir Hamzah: JS-SEZ to drive Malaysia-Singapore growth, unlock billions in economic potential and create 100,000 skilled jobs in 2025
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 12 — The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) is a testament to Malaysia and Singapore’s shared vision of complementing each other’s strengths to drive economic progress, said Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan. Amir Hamzah...
Singapore less exposed to US tariff risks
Singapore’s trade balance might be less susceptible to tariff risks expected under US president-elect Donald Trump’s second term. Within the ASEAN-6 countries, Singapore is the only economy that runs a consistent trade deficit against the US. This may render...
Japan’s PM in Malaysia, Indonesia to strengthen defense, economic ties
TOKYO, Japan: Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is visiting Malaysia and Indonesia to bolster defense and economic partnerships with key Southeast Asian nations amid rising tensions with China in the region. This trip, Ishiba's first for bilateral talks outside...
Singapore-Malaysia SEZ promises a production powerhouse
Sixty years ago, Singapore’s separation from Malaysia marked the painful collapse of a bold political experiment. What began as a union based on the promise of a shared future and a common market fell apart under the weight of irreconcilable political objectives and...
Port of Tanjung Pelepas becomes ‘the first’ in Malaysia to exceed 12 million TEUs in 2024
As disclosed, the 12 millionth TEU was recorded on the evening of December 23, 2024, surpassing its previous record of 11.2 million in 2021, which, at the time, was said to represent an annual increase of 14%, compared to 2020’s 9.8 million TEUs. “By...
Saving big, but at what cost? Retreaded and Chinese tyres dominate Malaysia’s lorry fleet
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 4 — Retreaded tyres and imported tyres from China have become the top choice among heavy vehicle operators, dominating 80 per cent of the commercial vehicle tyre market. Their affordability makes them highly sought after, with costs significantly...
Bus and lorry companies facing shortage of drivers
PETALING JAYA: Bus and lorry services companies are grappling with a critical shortage of drivers, threatening their viability and sustainability, said Pan Malaysia Bus Operators Association president Datuk Mohamad Ashfar Ali. He said the affected sector, which...
Unlocking Malaysia’s e-commerce growth: The role of logistics
Today, Malaysia sits at the heart of this transformation, uniquely positioned to harness the e-commerce boom sweeping across the region. Yet, to fully capitalise on its potential and not lose ground to its neighbours, Malaysia must confront key challenges, including...
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 27 (Bernama) — The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has issued a warning for strong winds and rough seas across the country’s waters, effective from Sunday (Dec 29) to Tuesday (Dec 31).
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 27 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has issued a warning for strong winds and rough seas across the country’s waters, effective from Sunday (Dec 29) to Tuesday (Dec 31). In a statement on Friday (Dec 27) afternoon,...
Decarbonizing ports: A path to sustainability
In continuation of my previous column, this week I turn my focus the the pressing issue of carbon emissions — a cornerstone of sustainability efforts. Ports, as pivotal nodes in global trade and hubs of economic and logistical activity, are significant contributors to...
Getting on board the freight train for safer roads
KUALA LUMPUR: After yet another major fatal accident on the highway involving heavy vehicles, an association of retired policemen has suggested using trains more to transport goods. Retired Senior Police Officers Association (Respa) president Datuk Meor Chek Hussien...
Malaysia urged to adopt ready-to-go flood response
THE government has been urged to adopt a full “ready-to-go” strategy to ensure emergency aid can be delivered swiftly and efficiently during the monsoon season. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) Disaster Preparedness and Prevention Centre full member Dr A. Kogila...
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...