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Global News
Canada to Retire Aging Kingston Warships as it Plans Fleet Modernization
The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) intends to retire eight warships that have been instrumental in coastal surveillance and patrol for more than three decades. It is the latest move in the Navy’s ongoing plan to modernize its fleet to meet evolving maritime threats. RCN...
Explosion Kills Three and Sinks Ukrainian Dredge on a Danube Canal
The Sea Ports Authority of Ukraine issued a brief statement confirming that there has been an explosion killing three people working on a dredge employed by the authority. Few details were released, but the Ukrainian media is saying it was likely a mine in the Bystre...
Puntland Refuses Somalia and Turkey’s Demands to Release Weaponry on Ship
The standoff continues between the government of the semi-autonomous region of Puntland and the federal government of Somalia over a cargo ship loaded with Turkish weaponry that is being detained. The government of Puntland insists it is investigating the true...
Cargo Ship Evacuated After Grounding off Crete
The Hellenic Coast Guard and local port authority are coordinating the efforts following the grounding of a general cargo ship off the northeastern coast of Crete. The crew was evacuated, and according to the Hellenic Coast Guard, the captain and bridge watch officer...
Port of Barcelona Reduces Cruise Terminals to Limit Overtourism
The city of Barcelona is taking action to address the growing complaints of overcrowding and overtourism that critics say is linked to the cruise ships. The city, which claims to be the largest cruise port in Europe unveiling plans to redevelop its seaport, a move...
Strikes Grow as Wage Talks Drag on for Korean Shipbuilders
The Korean Metal Workers’ Union reports it is expanding its strike actions against the shipbuilding sector during this year’s round of wage talks. The union says that HD Hyundai management had promised to quickly conclude the negotiations and advance the company to...
EU Adopts New Sanctions That Lower Oil Price Cap and Hit Shadow Tankers
The European Union approved its 18th package of sanctions against Russia related to the war in Ukraine, expanding its targeting of the energy, banking, and military sectors. The package, which is being called one of the strongest sanction packages against Russia, was...
First Two-Stroke Ammonia-Fueled Engine Installed as Newbuild Proceeds
The race to launch the first commercial ammonia-fueled engines marked a key milestone, reports marine engine designer WinGD. The first two-stroke engines built from the company’s designs were tested and recently successfully installed in the first new ammonia carriers...
New Tweendecker Loading for Maiden Voyage Catches Fire
A new tweendecker preparing for its maiden voyage caught fire while docked in the Port of Antwerp yesterday, July 16. Ships in the port, as well as nearby residents, were being warned to use caution because of the smoke coming from the fire. The Antwerp Fire...
Strained by War, the Russian Navy is a Shadow of its Former Self
Russia’s Navy is facing huge pressures, primarily as a byproduct of President Putin’s over-ambitious attempts to claim great power status. The most obvious pinch-point is in the Black Sea, where Russia’s fleet has pulled back out of danger and forced into distant...
Australia Ships Decaying FPSO to Denmark for Dismantling
An obsolete and decaying Australian floating production storage and offtake (FPSO) vessel will be recycled in Denmark, despite local criticism over the selection of a foreign contractor. Five years after taking over the decommissioning process of...
Disabled Eimskip Vessel to be Towed to Port by Iceland’s Coast Guard
Icelandic shipping company Eimskip confirmed that one of its newest and largest containerships, Dettifoss (25,690 dwt), is currently disabled and drifting in the Atlantic. The Iceland Coast Guard vessel Freyja has been dispatched and is expected to...
Hamburg to Invest €1.1B to Expand Port and Modernize Operations for Growth
The Port of Hamburg announced a series of new projects that will be undertaken to enhance operations and modernize and expand terminal operations, especially for the largest containerships. It comes as the port continues to experience strong competition and needs to...
Fincantieri Delivers 12th Ocean Cruise Ship to Viking
The partnership between Fincantieri and Viking for the construction of ocean cruise ships has passed its 10th anniversary and is scheduled to continue for at least six more years. Viking took delivery on June 26 of the 12th ocean cruise ship built by the Italian...
Ukraine’s Navy Gifted Two Minehunters to Boost Black Sea Security
The Dutch and Belgian governments have moved to strengthen Ukraine's mine countermeasures capabilities with the donation of two minehunter vessels. The development comes soon after NATO allies committed to continue providing support to Ukraine in its war with Russia...
Canada Becomes LNG Exporter as First Gas Ships from BC Project
The first LNG gas carrier, GasLog Glasgow (112,764 dwt) departed the LNG terminal at Kitimat, Canada, on June 30, officially marking Canada’s entry into the export market. The LNG Canada project had been gearing up in recent weeks and began the first loading...
Singapore Prosecutes Master and Crew of Chemical Tanker for Death of Sailor
The Public Prosecutor in Singapore is proceeding with a case against the master, chief officer, and the pump master of a Vietnamese chemical tanker after a crewmember died after entering a tank that had not been properly vented and inspected. The Straits Times...
Vessel Rerouting Contributed to Increase in Containers Lost at Sea
While the overall trend continues to show improvement in the number of containers going overboard, the World Shipping Council reports that in 2024, rerouting of vessels to avoid the hostilities in the Red Sea directly contributed to an increase in boxes lost at sea....
Nigeria Starts First Domestic Container Shipping Line
Clarion Shipping West Africa is starting what it calls “Nigeria’s first fully indigenous container liner,” as it looks to build regional trade and improve service versus the transshipment options of the major carriers. The company celebrated the launch of the service...
China is Preparing to Counter U.S. Submarine Surveillance System
While much of the international attention on China’s naval buildup is focused on its rapidly modernizing surface fleet, the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) is also taking bold steps to field a first-rate submarine force. By the end of this year, the service could...
Norway and France Agree to Cross-Border CO2 Transport and Storage
Norway and France completed an agreement paving the way for transporting CO2 from French industrial emission sources to Norway for storage beneath the North Sea. It is a key step in expanding the fledgling carbon capture and storage industry and comes as Norway...
Explosion Reported on Crude Tanker Off the Coast of Libya
A Greek-managed crude tanker has suffered an explosion at a position off the coast of Libya, according to maritime security consultancy Vanguard. In an advisory, Vanguard said that the 158,000 dwt tanker Vilamoura suffered a possible security incident at a...
Ship Recycling Convention Enters into Force with Uncertainty and Criticism
The long-awaited Hong Kong International Convention setting standards for the industry to dismantle end-of-life vessels has gone into force. It comes, however, amidst criticism that the agreement fails to address many key issues in safety and sustainability, and the...
Enhanced Safety Regulations Could Advance Maritime Electrification
The maritime industry is having to contend with an increasingly complex regulatory landscape. The introduction of FuelEU Maritime at the beginning of the year has, for the first time, established comprehensive regulations for phasing out the use of fossil fuels by...
Pilbara Ports Launches Roadmap for Ammonia Bunkering
Australia’s Pilbara Ports Authority has launched a clean fuel bunkering roadmap that is intended to position the region as a global leader in maritime decarbonization. The roadmap explores the creation of Australia’s first ammonia fuel bunkering hub in the...
Vessels Now Keeping to Omani Waters in Strait of Hormuz Traffic Scheme
Traffic entering and leaving the Arabian Gulf through the Straits of Hormuz stick to well-established sea lanes recognized by the UN’s International Maritime Organization. At the narrowest point, both the northern/inward channel and the southern/outwards channel lie...
Singapore Responds to Fire Aboard Tanker in Anchorage
The Singapore Civil Defense Force is reporting teams from two of its stations responded to reports of a fire aboard a smaller tanker in the eastern anchorage of the port. The fire was quickly controlled with no reports of injuries. According to the report...
First Large Boxship Transits Suez Canal in 15 Months
The Suez Canal Authority is highlighting the transit of the CMA CGM Osiris (15,536 TEU) through the Suez Canal on June 18 as the first large containerships through the canal in more than a year. The authority is calling it a new phase in its efforts to...
Ukraine Seeks Auctioneer to Sell Seized Turkish Cargo Ship
Ukraine’s National Agency for Tracing and Asset Management (ARMA) is calling for proposals to manage the sale of a Turkish cargo ship it seized in 2024 on charges that it looted grain from Crimea. It is the latest step in efforts by Ukraine to sell off seized vessels...
Shipping Not Immediately Impacted as World Watches Israel-Iran Conflict
The global shipping industry is holding its breath anxiously watching the emerging conflict between Israel and Iran as is the world. Analysts are scrambling to predict the potential impact on shipping while security services are issuing cautions and some nations are...
Trigon Takes FID for Prince Rupert LPG as Canada Grows Gas Exports to Asia
Canadian firm Trigon Pacific Terminals intends to increase bulk liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) exports to Asian markets after reaching a final investment decision (FID) on a C$750 million (US$552 million) export facility at the Port of Prince Rupert, British Columbia....
WWI Shipwreck Survey to Help Tackle Threats of Environmental Time Bomb
A team of experts is planning to carry out a detailed survey of a British World War I warship sitting at the bottom of the sea, hoping that it can serve as a blueprint for tackling the environmental time bombs of wartime shipwrecks. The team from Britain’s Ministry of...
DNV: 15% of Shipboard Carbon Emissions Will be Captured With CCS by 2050
Industrial carbon capture and storage is about to take off, according to DNV. Capacity will quadruple with $80 billion in investment by 2030, and will continue to expand through 2050, DNV predicts - and shipping will be along for the ride. The concept of carbon...
Korean Bulker Rescues Crew from Cargo Ship Sinking in the Indian Ocean
The crew of a Chinese cargo ship is thankful for a Korean bulker that came to their aid. The Run Fun 3 (32,115 dwt) was taking on water in a remote part of the Indian Ocean when it issued a distress call early on Wednesday, June 11. The reports place the...
North Korea Reports Destroyer That Capsized During Launch is Now at Berth
The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported the destroyer that was damaged in a failed launch just over two weeks ago has been successfully launched and moved to a berth. While saying the 5,000-ton vessel requires re-examination, they are predicting the vessel will...
Red Sea and Suez Canal Traffic Increases But Carriers Still Avoid Transits
June 5 marked a historic day for the Suez Canal as it is 50 years since it reopened after the Arab-Israeli War of June 1967 closed the canal for eight years. Egypt marked the occasion as it again attempts to rebuild traffic in the canal following the attacks of the...
New Zealand Calls for Banning Substandard Vessels Based on 2023 Incident
Maritime investigators in New Zealand are calling for the banning of substandard ships from the country’s water to avoid potential disasters. In the wake of the release of the final report on the near catastrophic incidents involving container ship Shiling, which...
Australia Releases Report Confirming Finding Cook’s HMB Endeavour Wreck
The Australian National Maritime Museum (ANMM) released its final report detailing its conclusion that a wreck lying on the seabed in Newport Harbor, Rhode Island, is the famed HM Bark Endeavour, which carried Capt. James Cook and his crew on their voyage of...
It’s Time for Shipping to Properly Regulate Plastic Pollution
In the vast expanses of the world's oceans, a silent yet pervasive threat is taking shape: nurdles. These tiny, pre-production plastic pellets, measuring between 2 to 5 millimeters in diameter, are fundamental to the plastics industry, serving as the building blocks...
Vessel and Crew Abandonment Surge in 2025 on Course for Worst Year
The abandonment of vessels and their crews is running significantly ahead of the rate in 2024 and is on track to a new record warns the International Transport Workers’ Federation. The association of transport unions is reiterating its long-standing call for more...
Research Confirms Digital Port Queuing System Also Cuts Shipping Emissions
Researchers based in California studied the electronic reservation system established for containerships and have now concluded that the digital port queuing system is low-hanging fruit that can help drastically cut shipping emissions. They are the latest to endorse...
Sitka, a Small Town in Alaska, Resoundingly Rejects Cruise Ship Limits
There has been a growing focus in many destinations around the world on the challenges as cruise ships get larger and efforts to limit or even ban large cruise ships grow. A small town in southern Alaska, Sitka (population 8,300) however bucked the trend by rejecting...
Dismantling Contract Awarded for Nuclear Aircraft Carrier USS Enterprise
The U.S. Department of Defense confirmed on Friday, May 30, that the dismantling contract for ex-USS Enterprise has been awarded. It marks the official end to the process that began several years ago after the first U.S. Navy nuclear aircraft carrier was...
Coast Guard Cutter Delivers 13 Tonnes of Cocaine to Port Everglades
The crew of the Coast Guard cutter USCGC Thetis have offloaded nearly 30,000 pounds of cocaine onto the dock at Port Everglades, Florida, the product of four different interdictions in the Eastern Pacific. Unusually, the majority of the drugs were found...
Port of Tilbury Proposes Second Expansion as Part of Thames Freeport
Forth Ports operator of the Port of Tilbury located near London in the UK, released plans for a large expansion, which they are calling T3. It would represent a nearly 10 percent increase in the land area for the port which is reported to be the largest multi-modal...
Panama Registry Cracks Down on STS Actions to Stop Shadow Fleet
The Panama Maritime Authority (PMA) is taking further actions to crack down on suspicious tankers by establishing new rules for ship-to-ship oil transfers for vessels in its registry. It is the latest in a series of steps responding to international pressure to stop...
Groundbreaking Electric Tour Vessel Evacuates All Passengers Over Smoke
The world's first all-electric, zero-emissions passenger vessel conducted an emergency evacuation of hundreds of passengers on Tuesday after smoke was spotted coming from a battery compartment. No one was injured, and the operator believes that it has identified the...
Fire on Offshore Oil Platform at Vietnam’s First Decommissioning Project
Vietnamese officials confirmed that there was a devastating fire at the Song Doc offshore oil platform on Wednesday. The platform is the country’s first decommissioning project. An unconfirmed report in the Viet Nam News and appearing in the other local outlets...
Western Sanctions Take Big Bite Out of Sovcomflot’s Results
Russia’s tanker operator PAO Sovcomflot is citing the impact of the Western sanctions on the company’s results. It reported a significant drop in revenues and a loss for the first quarter of 2025 along with recording a non-cash impairment related to the fleet. The...
More Delays and Cost Overruns for Troubled Scottish Ferry Glen Rosa
The deeply troubled construction project to deliver two LNG-fueled ferries for Scotland’s CalMac continued to experience problems. Shipbuilder Ferguson Marine confirmed that the delivery of the second of the ferries, Glen Rosa will yet again be delayed by up...
Local News
MOT to implement digital monitoring for driver fatigue and health
KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Transport is conducting stakeholder engagements to examine digital monitoring technology for detecting driver fatigue and health conditions. Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah stated these discussions involve industry...
Malaysia determined to advance regional cooperation in digital trade
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is determined to advance regional cooperation in digital trade and this is clearly seen with the country hosting the inaugural Asean E-Commerce Conference 2025 in November, said Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Deputy Minister Datuk Dr...
Malaysia Targets Smart Logistics Growth At Selangor Aeropark
Malaysia is intensifying efforts to establish itself as a regional hub for smart warehousing and logistics through new initiatives at the Selangor Aeropark. The government has identified the logistics sector as a high-growth area that can enhance regional...
The Strait of Malacca is at a breaking point: A global supply chain crisis
The Strait of Malacca, one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes, is reaching a breaking point. Stretching roughly 800 kilometers between Indonesia and the Malay Peninsula, this narrow passageway connects the Indian Ocean to the South China Sea and...
Integrating Malaysia’s railway network with ‘China and beyond’ a key priority for operator KTM’s new chief
KUALA LUMPUR: Seamless rail networks from Malaysia to Indochina, China and even Europe - for freight and passenger travel - are among the key priorities for Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad’s (KTM) newly appointed acting chief executive officer Ahmad Nizam Mohamed Amin....
New business park in Iskandar Malaysia focuses on sustainability
AKASIA Business Park is well- positioned to take advantage of Johor’s robust economic growth and progress under Maju Johor 2030 vision. Its chief executive officer Melvin Lee said the project, strategically located at the border of Ulu Tiram and Kota Tinggi, was set...
Southeast Asia’s economic corridors, building resilience amidst global and regional friction
Southeast Asia is subtly growing as an important part of global commerce as emerging risks shake the region. But as the recent brief border skirmish between Thailand and Cambodia revealed, regional connectivity also faces challenges from within.“ASEAN is already among...
Malaysia reopens doors to foreign labour: Lifeline for industries or looming local job crisis?
MALAYSIA: The Malaysian government has welcomed foreign workers back into major economic segments such as agriculture, mining, and plantations, in order to meet severe labour scarcity. In the latest report from HRD Asia, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution...
Malaysia strengthens economic zones to bridge regional development gaps
KUALA LUMPUR: The government continues intensifying efforts to attract investments into special economic zone development areas to bridge regional gaps throughout the 13th Malaysia Plan period. Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan stated that investment...
Johor–Singapore SEZ touted as ‘next Shenzhen’ in push to reshape cross-border growth
JOHOR BAHRU: For decades, the Causeway has been a bottleneck; millions of people crossing daily, traffic jams stretching for hours, and businesses caught between two very different economies. Now, the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) is being pitched as...
Malaysia, China to unlock services sector’s potential in digital, green tech
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia aims to fully unlock the potential of its services sectors through enhanced collaborations with China, particularly in the areas of digital economy, green technology, and connectivity. Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry’s (MITI) Services...
Service tax exemption on ship and aircraft leasing clarified by MOF
The exemption aims to maintain the competitiveness of Malaysia’s local industries. Without the exemption, local ship and aircraft owners might register their assets abroad, reducing economic activity in Malaysia. The MOF stated that taxation could drive owners to...
Sepanggar welcomes Singapore shipping route
Kota Kinabalu: Sapangar Bay Container Port (SBCP) welcomed the maiden call of the Ji Yun 16, operated by Warisan Shipping Line under its newly launched Singapore Express Service. The service connects Muara – Sapangar – Singapore – Muara on a regular schedule,...
Johor leads Malaysia in growth for the first time, charting a new economic era
MALAYSIA: Johor has emerged as Malaysia’s fastest-growing state in 2024, recording an economic growth rate of 6.4% compared to the national average of 5.1%, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia’s July 2025 report. In a Facebook post on Tuesday (Aug 13),...
Finance Ministry defends exemption, says to stop ship, plane owners from registering abroad as Malaysia’s neighbours don’t tax leases
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 16 — The service tax exemption on ship and aircraft leasing was not done discreetly, with the exemption aimed at maintaining local industry competitiveness, says the Ministry of Finance (MOF). The MOF emphasised that the imposition of such a tax...
Finance Minister II : Budget 2026 will address cost of living
PUTRAJAYA: The government’s upcoming 2026 Budget will focus on safeguarding public welfare while addressing structural economic challenges, said Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan. Speaking at the opening of the Budget 2026 consultation sessions here...
Focus On US Tariff Impact On Asia
After US President Trump’s 1 August tariff deadline came to an end and as investors watch what will happen in the US-China trade talks, Swiss private bank Julius Baer shares its insights on the impact on Asia’s asset allocation and economies. After the market...
Top global leaders to attend Asean Summit
CYBERJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has announced the attendance of an unprecedented gathering of global leaders at the Asean Summit, including US President Donald Trump, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, South African President Cyril...
Vietnam eyes expanded exports to Halal markets via Malaysia gateway
Vietnam is seeking to boost exports to Halal markets through Malaysia, which is viewed as a strategic gateway to the global market, heard a business forum in Ho Chi Minh City on August 7. Vietnam – Malaysia trade reached 14.2 billion USD in 2024. In the first half of...
Westports posts stronger earnings in 2Q, sees resilient demand ahead
KUALA LUMPUR: Westports Holdings Bhd sees resilient global trade and regional shipping trends driving future demand, according to executive chairman Datuk Ruben Emir Gnanalingam. “The US economy remained resilient despite trade tariffs, whereas the region’s...