News
Global News
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...
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...
Local News
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...
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...