After nearly two years of interruptions, major shipping lines have resumed sailing through the Suez Canal, crucial for global trade. The giant LNG-powered vessel CMA CGM Jacques Saade recently navigated the route, marking significant progress. However, challenges like high insurance premiums and security threats remain, complicating the recovery.
Two CMA CGM vessels have successfully navigated the Suez Canal, indicating a potential easing of disruptions from the Gaza conflict. Since November 2023, shipping companies had been avoiding the canal due to Houthi militant attacks. With a fragile ceasefire in place, shipping operations are gradually returning to normal.
The United Kingdom will launch the Maritime Innovation Center in April 2026, overseen by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. This initiative aims to support ship operators, startups, and technology developers while ensuring safety. Focus areas include maritime autonomy, alternative fuels, and smart shipping solutions, enhancing innovation in the maritime sector.
Ocean Network Express has paused cargo discharge operations for the fire-damaged ONE Henry Hudson at the Port of Los Angeles. Crews are working to remove contaminated water from the ship’s hold, leading to a temporary suspension of cargo removal. The vessel is under U.S. Coast Guard supervision, requiring clearance for resumption.
The Nigerian Navy successfully rescued 20 crew members from the motor vessel Chimba Express after a fire broke out near the Calabar Channel on December 22, 2025. Despite one crew member jumping overboard, all others were saved. Preliminary investigations indicate an electrical fault caused the fire, with ongoing rescue efforts for the missing individual.
An Arc7 ice-class LNG carrier, the Christophe de Margerie, has made history by completing the first winter pickup of LNG from Russia’s Arctic LNG 2 plant. Loaded on December 19, this pivotal achievement for Novatek signifies an effort to sustain production amid Arctic winter challenges, highlighting advancements in ice-class shipping capabilities.
The Marine Electric Vehicles Market is set to grow significantly, from USD 6.89 billion in 2024 to USD 26 billion by 2032, driven by stricter environmental regulations and a shift towards sustainable propulsion. Innovations in battery technology and digital solutions are enhancing fleet efficiency, emphasizing the need for tailored regional strategies.
The U.S. government has halted leases for five East Coast offshore wind farms, citing national security concerns over radar interference. This setback led to significant stock declines for companies involved, amid ongoing tensions with the Trump administration. Critics point to the suspension as reflective of broader challenges facing the offshore wind industry.
A drone strike struck Russia’s Taman port on December 22, causing significant damage to infrastructure and vessels. Local officials reported impacts on two tankers and piers, alongside damage to a pipeline and storage tanks. Emergency services are battling fires, as Ukraine intensifies assaults on Russian maritime assets amid rising tensions.
Chris-Marine has launched the PSL Portable Surface Lathe, a high-precision tool ideal for sealing surface machining in workshops and on-site. Designed for small and medium bore engines, it features quick setup, easy mounting, and operates by a single technician. Its concentric finish ensures optimal sealing and minimizes gas leakage.
A consortium of leading companies has launched the Bunkering Services Initiative (BSI) at the ARA ports, starting December 1, 2025. This voluntary initiative aims to enhance transparency in bunkering operations through technology-enabled insights into fuel quality and quantity, addressing industry challenges while fostering cooperation among stakeholders.
For years, the maritime industry relied on a “treat and release” method for wastewater, discharging it into the ocean if it met basic standards. However, tightening regulations and the rise of “Special Areas” are pushing towards Zero-Discharge Vessels, integrating AI and IoT to create adaptive sewage treatment systems for cleaner oceans.
Smart Ship Hub (SSH) predicts 2026 will be a transformative year for the maritime industry, emphasizing the necessity of digital transformation for profitability. CEO Joy Basu highlights the demand for measurable ROI and real-time intelligence, urging stakeholders to focus on tangible benefits from digitalization, including enhanced operational efficiency and automation through AI.
On December 21, HM Coastguard responded to reports of a lifeboat washed ashore near Sidmouth. The Beer Coastguard Rescue Team discovered the damaged vessel, named BF Carp, which had broken free from its containership. The lifeboat, missing since December 17, was secured to prevent further damage. Investigations are ongoing.
The Skipper, a large crude carrier linked to Venezuela, was seized by the US on December 10 and has arrived at the Galveston Offshore Lightering Area. Kevin Hassett from the White House’s National Economic Council stated that the seized tankers were involved in black market oil trade, emphasizing minimal market impact.
