IEA: Middle East Conflict Reshaping Medium-Term Gas Outlook
The Iran war has already led to a loss of about 120 billion cubic metres of global liquefied natural gas supply over the 2026 to 2030 period, Gergely Molnar, an analyst from the International Energy Agency, said on Thursday.Speaking at the Budapest LNG Summit, Molnar said the conflict was reshaping the medium-term gas outlook, with tighter market conditions likely to persist longer than previously expected.He said the crisis had cut LNG supply by around 15%, but a strong increase in new liquefac
U.S. Forces Disable Unladen Tanker Attempting to Violate Blockade
U.S. forces operating in the Gulf of Oman enforced blockade measures by disabling an Iranian-flagged unladen oil tanker attempting to sail toward an Iranian port at 9 a.m. ET, May 6.U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces observed M/T Hasna as it transited international waters enroute to an Iranian port on the Gulf of Oman. American forces issued multiple warnings and informed the Iranian-flagged vessel it was in violation of the U.S.
Construction Underway on New Matson Container Ships
Matson has marked two milestones in its fleet renewal program with the beginning of hull assembly on the second of three new LNG powered "Aloha Class" container ships and the start of construction on its third new vessel at Hanwha Philly Shipyard, Inc. (HSPI) in Pennsylvania.The three new Jones Act-compliant vessels, representing an investment of approximately $1 billion, will match the size and speed of Matson's two existing Aloha Class ships, Daniel K.
Australia Bans Bulk Carrier for MLC Violations
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has issued a third ban in less than two months after another shipping company was found to have underpaid its crew, breaching the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC).On April 23, AMSA boarded the Liberia-flagged bulk carrier, FPMC B Forever, operated by Formosa Plastics Marine Corporation, in the Port of Newcastle for a port State control inspection.Inspectors found the crew had been underpaid by almost A$15…
Cuba Blasts “Dangerous” US Threats
Cuba's top officials blasted a growing litany of U.S. statements and threats of military action against the Caribbean island, calling them dangerous and an international crime alongside an ongoing U.S. oil blockade that has vastly restricted fuel shipments amid a devastating energy crisis.Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez characterized the U.S. as "hinting at a military action" to "liberate" Cuba…
Non-Genuine Parts Implicated in Engine Failure
The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) as released its report on the investigation into the catastrophic engine failure and subsequent fire on board the site investigation vessel Kommandor Susan in the Firth of Forth, Scotland, on January 25, 2025.The vessel suffered a catastrophic failure of a diesel generator engine while conducting sea trials in the Firth of Forth, Scotland. The failure resulted in an engine room fire and a complete power blackout.The crew responded promptly…
MSC 111 Expected to Adopt MASS Code
The Maritime Safety Committee meets for its 111th session from 13-22 May 2026.The meeting is expected to adopt the goal-based International Code of Safety for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS Code).The MASS Code aims to address the functions needed for safe, secure, and environmentally sound operations of MASS insofar as they are not adequately or fully addressed in other applied IMO instruments…
Europe Funds Large-Vessel Hydrogen Project
A consortium led by the University of Vaasa has been awarded Horizon Europe funding for the H4PERION – Hydrogen FOR Performance Enhancement and Reliable Ice OperatioN – project which aims to demonstrate how a large vessel can operate with a hydrogen‑capable internal combustion engine.Long‑distance shipping remains one of the hardest sectors to decarbonise. Ships operating for weeks at a time need enormous…
Sara Fuentes Named as President of Transportation Institute
The Transportation Institute (TI), representing U.S.-flag American shipping companies, announced the appointment of Sara Fuentes as President of the organization. Fuentes previously served as the organization’s Vice President for Government Affairs and will lead TI’s continued work to advance a strong U.S.-flag merchant marine and a resilient American maritime workforce.“I am honored by the confidence of the board and grateful for Jim Henry’s extraordinary leadership.
U.S. Coast Guard Counters Maritime Threats With New Special Missions Command
The Coast Guard is standing up the Special Missions Command to oversee its deployable specialized forces. The command will enhance the operational effectiveness of the Coast Guard in responding to a wide range of national emergencies and events as the demand for deployable specialized forces capabilities increase. The Coast Guard selected the existing Coast Guard C5I Service Center facility in Kearneysville, West Virginia, as the future site of the Coast Guard’s Special Missions Command (SMC).
Equinor Sees Increased Energy Export Requests Since Start of Iran War
Equinor has seen a surge in interest for energy exports out of Norway from customers as far afield as Australia after the Iran war curbed exports of petroleum and liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the Gulf, the energy group said on Wednesday.The conflict has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a choke point for energy exports from producers in the Gulf, especially affecting clients in Asia.The…
Rheinmetall Seeks 12 Billion Euros From Germany to Save Frigate Program
Rheinmetall could sign a contract to take over Germany'sdelayed F126 frigate programme in the second quarter, CEO Armin Papperger said on Thursday, further highlighting the company's growing focus on the naval sector."The biggest contract will be for sure F126, where we expect that in Q2 there could be a signing," Papperger said on a conference call after first-quarter results.His comments appear to…
Canary Islands Residents Worry About Arrival of Cruise Ship Infected with Hantavirus
The arrival this weekend of a cruise ship hit by an outbreak of hantavirus is reviving memories for residents of Spain's Canary Islands of the quarantines they experienced during the Covid pandemic.The MV Hondius, carrying 150 people, is expected to reach Tenerife on Saturday, where it will dock after Spain agreed to requests from the World Health Organization to receive it despite protests from the…
Cruise Ship Impacted by Hantavirus Headed to Canary Islands
A luxury cruise ship hit by a deadly hantavirus outbreak and marooned since Sunday off the coast of Cape Verde was set to leave for Spain on Wednesday after three people, two of them seriously ill, were evacuated.The MV Hondius, with nearly 150 people on board, is expected to dock in Spain's Tenerife, in the Canary Islands, within three days, Spain's health minister said, adding that those still on board were not presenting any symptoms of the disease.Once in Tenerife…
UAE Ports Become Country's Lifeline as Gulf Trade Remains Fragile
At the UAE port of Fujairah, conveyor belts offloaded grain from bulk carriers on Wednesday, while crude oil flowed through pipes and onto tankers berthed along its quay.Dozens of loaded trucks lined up near the port and others parked outside waiting their turn, while offshore, vessels labelled Cosco, Gardenia and other shipping lines lay at anchor, service boats weaving between them.Fujairah and Khor Fakkan…
France Deploys Aircraft Carrier to Red Sea Ahead of Possible Hormuz Mission
France on Wednesday deployed its carrier strike group to the Red Sea as part of planning for a potential mission to secure the Strait of Hormuz, urging Washington and Tehran to consider the proposal given the global economic impact of their competing blockades.Fresh exchanges of fire on Monday underscored the stakes as the U.S. and Iran struggle for control of the narrow waterway, a vital artery for global energy and trade…
Kongsberg Maritime to Supply Technology Package for Svitzer’s New Electric Tugs
Kongsberg Maritime has secured a contract from Cochin Shipyard Ltd. (CSL) to deliver a fully integrated equipment and technology package for Svitzer’s next generation of full‑electric TRAnsverse tugs. The contract covers four vessels, with options for four additional units, and represents a step in Svitzer’s strategy to advance efficient, zero‑emission harbor and terminal towage.Kongsberg Maritime’s scope extends across the full electrical and automation architecture…
Limestone Shipments from US Ports Down 27.5% in April
Limestone shipments from U.S. ports decreased 27.5 percent compared to April 2025 to 1.1 million net tons. Loadings were also below the month’s 5-year average by 35.4 percent. Year-to-date, the U.S. limestone trade stands at 1.2 million tons, a decrease of 26.6 percent from last year and 31.9 percent below the 5-year average.As of April 2026, Canadian ports are no longer supplying information regarding…
At the Helm: How the U.S. Coast Guard is Shaping the Future of Maritime Nuclear Power
Introduction. Looking back at history one could argue that it was French author Jules Verne in his book “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea”, published in 1869, who was speculating about a new power source much in the same out of the box thinking that H.G. Wells employed when he wrote about inter-planetary flight in “War of the World’s. Verne was writing about “electricity” from batteries using seawater…
VPS: Abrasive Catfines Can Damage Marine Engines
A common concern of maritime chief engineers, regarding vessel engine damages, is the presence of highly abrasive “catfines” within marine fuel. To fully understand the seriousness of this issue, we first need to understand the source of the problem.Oil refineries use catalysts in their Fluid Catalytic Cracking Units (FCCU) or “Cat Plants” to process crude oils in the production of numerous products from the source crude.
