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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...
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....
Local News
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...
Malaysia SME Association presses Putrajaya for urgent SST review in wake of US tariffs
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 1 — The SME Association of Malaysia has urged the government to urgently review the Sales and Services Tax (SST) framework in response to a new 19 per cent tariff on Malaysian exports to the United States. The association said the tariff, which...
Malaysia’s data centre boom set to create over 30,000 jobs by 2030
[KUALA LUMPUR] Malaysia’s data centre boom is becoming a powerful engine for employment, with projections indicating significant job growth by the end of the decade. According to the Asia-Pacific Data Centre Association (APDCA), the sector is set to create 30,900 jobs...
Malaysian manufacturers optimistic as sector nears stabilisation, demand improves
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 1 — Malaysia's manufacturing sector moved closer to stabilisation in July as business conditions showed the softest deterioration in five months, according to the latest S&P Global PMI data. The seasonally adjusted Malaysia Manufacturing PMI rose...
‘Malaysia moving at own pace’
COUNTRIES like Singapore and South Korea have integrated artificial intelligence-enabled surveillance, predictive logistics and cyber command structures into their militaries. How does Malaysia’s cyber and AI modernisation trajectory compare with regional peers and...
People-centric initiatives boost MSME sector in Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR: Recent government measures aimed at easing financial burdens on Malaysians are expected to provide significant relief to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s announcements include continued fuel...
Malaysia: how proactive enforcement measures and harsh penalties are shaping a culture of compliance
In summary This article provides an overview of what is considered engaging in cartel behaviour in Malaysia with reference to recent decisions made by the Malaysian Competition Commission (MyCC). Discussion points What amounts to cartel behaviour What are the...
Johor drives transport upgrades, Singapore links
Johor government is doubling down on efforts to upgrade its public transport systems, especially at key cross-border checkpoints, in a move to boost connectivity with Singapore ahead of Visit Johor 2026. With over 60,000 daily commuters crossing between Johor and...
Malaysia’s export-oriented businesses fret as deadline for US tariff deal draws near
KUALA LUMPUR – As Malaysian trade negotiators race against the clock to seal a deal that could reduce the Trump administration’s 25 per cent tariff rate before the Aug 1 deadline, the business community continues to grapple with the uncertainty. Given the...
China-Malaysia visa-free agreement: A golden gateway for tourism and logistics
In a world where travel often feels like a maze of forms and border checks, the recent extension of the mutual visa-free agreement between Malaysia and China is nothing short of a breath of fresh air. For five more years, citizens of both countries can now move across...
Malaysia’s export-oriented businesses fret as deadline for US tariff deal draws near
BANTING: The government is actively exploring ways to expand biodiesel usage nationwide as part of its push for cleaner and more sustainable fuel alternatives, said Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani. He noted that while Malaysia’s...
SEKO Logistics Launches New Singapore Logistics Hub to Strengthen APAC Operations
SEKO Logistics (SEKO), the leader in end-to-end global logistics, today announced the relocation of its Singapore corporate office and warehouse to new facilities – marking a major milestone in the company’s Asia Pacific growth strategy. Strategically located in the...
As Scope 3 reporting deadline looms, Malaysian SMEs under pressure to provide sustainability disclosures
There is increasing pressure on small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia to provide better sustainability disclosures. As Malaysia forges ahead with its 2050 net zero climate ambition, new policies are prompting businesses to embed sustainability...




































































