Russia has formally requested the U.S. to cease its pursuit of an oil tanker, previously known as Bella 1, which has been evading American authorities in the Atlantic for two weeks. The vessel, initially from Iran, was allegedly attempting to load oil in Venezuela when it ignored Coast Guard orders.
Hon. Busayo Oluwole Oke commended Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola for his impactful leadership in Nigeria’s maritime sector. In his 2026 New Year message, Oke praised Oyetola’s initiatives that enhanced maritime infrastructure and expanded the blue economy, emphasizing the importance of sustainable development for Nigeria’s economic diversification and competitiveness.
In early November, maritime industry leaders gathered in London for the Kind Leadership Workshop, aiming to integrate empathy and accountability into the sector. Based on a 2023 report, 88% of professionals support this approach. The workshop produced an “Implementation Passage Plan” to promote Kind Leadership through training and mentoring, enhancing operational safety.
Norwegian hydropower plants threaten aquatic life due to oversaturated water, causing gas bladder disease in fish. Researchers at NTNU, led by Professor Ole Gunnar Dahlhaug, are investigating this issue exacerbated by extreme weather. Their DeGas project uses ultrasound technology to mitigate dissolved air levels, aiming to protect vulnerable species.
The Saudi Red Sea Authority (SRSA) has launched the first digital Introductory Guide to Coastal Tourism Activities, centralizing vital information for tourists, investors, and industry professionals. This comprehensive resource streamlines access to regulations and procedures, enhancing the coastal tourism sector and supporting Saudi Vision 2030’s growth objectives.
Ocean Infinity has launched a renewed search for the missing Flight MH370, which disappeared in 2014. Utilizing advanced technology, the vessel Armada 86 05 is meticulously scanning challenging underwater terrain. If successful, Ocean Infinity could earn $70 million, but previous searches have yielded no results, underscoring the immense challenges ahead.
Finnish police have seized the cargo vessel “Fitburg,” suspected of sabotaging an undersea telecom cable between Helsinki and Estonia. The incident, occurring in the Gulf of Finland, raises alarms amid a series of similar disruptions. The crew has been detained, and NATO countries remain on high alert for potential threats.
A team from the Viking Ship Museum in Denmark has uncovered the largest medieval cargo ship in Europe, named Svaelget 2. Measuring 100 feet long and dating back to the early 1400s, the ship highlights the era’s long-distance trade, with advanced features like a brick-hearth galley and a unique deckhouse.
Saudi Arabia has launched limited airstrikes on Mukalla’s port in Yemen, alleging unauthorized military equipment shipments by the UAE. This escalation highlights the rivalry between the nations, each supporting different factions in Yemen’s conflict. The UAE denies wrongdoing, emphasizing a focus on counterterrorism amid rising tensions.
Turkish authorities swiftly responded to two tankers near Istanbul in distress due to strong winds. The empty Azerbaijan-flagged Kalbajar and the Turkish-flagged Alatepe, carrying 2,500 tons of chemicals, faced a collision risk as the Kalbajar’s propeller became entangled with the Alatepe’s anchor chain. Emergency tugs were dispatched.
The UN Development Program (UNDP) praised Mexico’s new Sustainable Ocean Plan, a significant step in long-term ocean governance. This policy, replacing the 2018 framework, aligns national efforts with global sustainability goals, emphasizing environmental protection and sustainable ocean production. It promotes marine ecosystem preservation and responsible ocean industries through comprehensive collaboration.
Oil prices held steady on Tuesday as hopes for a Russia-Ukraine peace agreement faded, with tensions rising in the Middle East, particularly Yemen. Brent crude rose to $62.21 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate climbed to $58.44. Analysts note limited expectations for short-term breakthroughs in peace talks.
The Caspian Pipeline Consortium has halted oil exports from its Black Sea terminal due to severe weather and full reservoirs. This disruption follows a Ukrainian drone attack that limited loading operations, causing Kazakhstan’s oil production to decline. December exports are expected to be the lowest in 14 months, averaging 1.082 million barrels daily.
In 2025, the subsea vessel market transitioned to a cautious outlook despite strong long-term demand driven by deepwater projects. High dayrates for AHC crane vessels persisted, but a shift towards contractor-controlled fleets and short-term charters introduced volatility. Newbuild orders surged, indicating potential growth as the market stabilizes by 2026.
Wind-assisted propulsion systems (WAPS) are pivotal in the maritime sector’s decarbonization efforts. With rising fuel costs and stricter regulations, technologies like wingsails can cut fuel consumption significantly. Studies show potential savings of up to 35%, making WAPS essential for shipping companies aiming to reduce their carbon footprints effectively.
