Samsung Heavy Industries has secured a $226 million contract to build two very large gas carriers for a Bermuda-based client. Finalized on September 29, the project will run until February 28, 2030, with payments tied to construction milestones. This order represents about 2.9% of the company’s projected 2025 revenue.
The Indian Coast Guard, in collaboration with Gujarat’s Anti-Terrorism Squad, intercepted a maritime drug smuggling operation in the Arabian Sea on September 25. They seized approximately 526 kg of narcotics, valued over Rs 3,000 crore, and arrested five Pakistani nationals aboard an Iranian dhow, enhancing efforts against drug trafficking.
The Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) has granted type approval to WAYSHIP, an electronic record book by Volteo Maritime. This innovation digitizes essential shipboard records, enhancing accessibility and streamlining management. WAYSHIP supports various statutory documents, promoting efficiency in inspections and data analysis while reducing reliance on traditional paper formats.
The situation in the Strait of Hormuz is deteriorating, highlighted by delayed reports of a vessel struck by a projectile. UK Maritime Trade Operations indicated the incident as “suspicious activity,” amidst unverified claims by Iran of targeting multiple vessels. This fragmentation complicates monitoring and creates challenges for shipping operations.
Gujarat Maritime University has initiated a two-week capacity-building program on Maritime Law, Governance, and Administration for senior officers of the Directorate General of Maritime Administration. Led by Dr. Justice Kaushal J. Thaker, the program aims to enhance understanding of legal frameworks, preparing participants for emerging challenges in India’s maritime sector.
During the 18th BRICS Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced a Seafarers’ Emergency Support Network, aimed at protecting commercial mariners in crisis situations. This initiative, supported by industry leaders, seeks to enhance communication and assistance for seafarers navigating volatile regions, ensuring timely aid and reinforcing maritime trade security amid geopolitical tensions.
A.P. Moller-Maersk has achieved a significant milestone by bunkering its Tangier Maersk containership with 100% U.S.-produced corn ethanol in Houston. This marks the first ship-to-ship commercial ethanol bunkering for deep-sea vessels in the U.S., highlighting the company’s exploration of diverse alternative fuels for its fleet.
The MSC Hermes III faced a crisis after a crew member suffered a severe head injury, prompting an emergency evacuation by Vietnamese authorities on September 29. The ship, previously towed after drifting, raised concerns about potential toxic gas exposure. The remaining crew members were rescued by another vessel.
India is actively monitoring the safety of over 4,500 Indian seafarers operating in the Persian Gulf, including 163 aboard 12…
Japan is nearing the completion of its first Arctic research vessel, Mirai II, equipped with full icebreaking capabilities. Set for delivery this year and its first expedition in 2027, the vessel will enhance scientific research in the Arctic, focusing on vital environmental observations amid climate change challenges.
The VLCC market has experienced a paradigm shift, where older vessels are selling for prices surpassing those of newbuilds. Demand and geopolitical factors have driven valuations sharply upward, with five-year-old ships increasing from $145 million to $172 million. This trend underscores the growing preference for immediate vessel availability amidst rising earnings.
Puntland security forces have successfully rescued the MT Honour 25, a petroleum tanker hijacked by pirates in April. The operation resulted in the capture of the pirates, who will face legal action. This incident highlights the resurgence of piracy off Somalia’s coast, raising concerns over shipping safety in the region.
VOC Port reported a remarkable 74.5% increase in wind turbine blade handling from April to August 2026, managing 2,188 blades compared to 1,254 in the prior fiscal year. With 52 vessels transporting these components, the port is expanding its infrastructure to meet the growing logistics demands of India’s renewable energy sector.
A fire erupted on a vessel in the Strait of Hormuz after being struck by an unidentified projectile, as reported by the UK Maritime Trade Operations agency. The fire has since been extinguished, and all crew members are safe. No environmental damage has been reported amid rising tensions between Iran and the U.S.
Saudi Arabia has resumed oil tanker loadings at Yanbu port following the East-West Pipeline’s restart, boosting Middle Eastern oil export prospects. Loadings were halted after a drone attack earlier this month. Operations are gradually increasing, with current throughput at 2 million barrels per day and expected to rise soon.
