US President Donald Trump has retracted his proposal for a 20 percent toll on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, shifting focus to trade deals with Gulf states. This rapid change reflects “highly productive conversations” with Middle Eastern leaders, aiming to enhance economic ties while maintaining pressure on Iran’s shipping activities.
The 2026 Gender-inclusive Leadership in Maritime training course, organized by WMU and IMO, concluded on July 8, gathering 23 maritime professionals from 18 countries. The initiative aimed to enhance leadership skills and promote gender equality, featuring online learning and interactive workshops that addressed gender-related challenges in the maritime sector.
The escalating conflict in the Strait of Hormuz has resulted in tragic human casualties, with one Indian seafarer killed and at least ten injured from missile strikes on two commercial tankers. These assaults have heightened concerns over maritime security, as the confirmed death toll among seafarers now stands at 15, revealing the crisis’s harsh impact.
Italy’s competition authority, AGCM, has launched an investigation into Luise Group for potentially abusing its dominant position in the superyacht marina sector. Complaints from ACQ Italy allege that Luise denied berth requests from 2022 to 2025, later offering them to affiliated companies. The inquiry will assess compliance with antitrust laws.
SMD has delivered the first of two heavy-duty power cable ploughs to Prysmian for its new-generation cable laying vessels. Designed to bury cables up to five meters deep, this collaboration enhances offshore grid connections, linking renewable energy sources to industrial hubs across Europe while minimizing local disruption and ensuring reliable energy infrastructure.
A missile struck a tanker off Oman’s coast, reported the UK Maritime Trade Operations agency. This incident occurred amid rising tensions between Iran and the U.S. over the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil shipments. Investigations are underway, highlighting the region’s precarious maritime security.
Stolt Tankers has confirmed that the Stolt Magnesium was struck by a missile while navigating off Oman’s coast. UK Maritime Trade Operations reported the incident, prompting authorities to investigate. In light of escalating security concerns in the Strait of Hormuz, vessels are advised to exercise caution and report suspicious activities.
The Suez Canal Authority announced new transit surcharges effective July 15, significantly raising costs for various vessel categories as container lines resume operations. Crude oil tankers now face a 37% surcharge, while LPG carriers rise to 32%. Indian exporters reliant on the canal are particularly affected amid rising shipping costs.
On July 13, a Russian military strike hit a civilian cargo ship in Odesa, killing five and injuring ten. The vessel was unloading fertilizer when the attack occurred. Ukrainian officials condemned the strike, highlighting its threat to international shipping and global food security amid ongoing assaults on maritime operations.
Iran has reportedly rescued over a dozen crew members from a bulk carrier after a collision in the Strait of Hormuz, amid escalating US-Iran tensions. This incident highlights the risks vessels face in this critical chokepoint, with market analysis indicating an 88.8% chance of reduced ship transits in the coming week.
On July 14, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry reported that the merchant ship “Atlas Bey,” operated by Turkish Okean Maritime, was targeted by a drone near Odessa, Ukraine. Of the 11 Azerbaijani crew members, all were safely brought ashore except the captain, who remains missing. The embassy is coordinating efforts for his safe return.
The UAE Ministry of Defence reported that Iranian cruise missiles targeted its tankers, Mombasa and Al Bahiyah, in the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in the death of one Indian crew member and injuries to eight others. This incident highlights escalating regional tensions and the urgent need for enhanced maritime security.
The IMO Council has reaffirmed the vital importance of freedom of navigation in international straits, especially the Strait of Hormuz, amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. The resolution denounces attacks on civilian vessels, emphasizing the need for unimpeded transit passage and calling for cooperative maritime management in line with international law.
President Donald Trump has reinstated the U.S. blockade on Iranian shipping and proposed a 20% fee on cargo through the Strait of Hormuz. This move asserts U.S. authority over a vital oil transit route. Trump emphasized, “the Strait is OPEN,” signifying a significant shift in U.S. policy amid escalating tensions with Iran.
On July 13, 2026, a tanker navigating south of Aden, Yemen, encountered six small boats, prompting UK Maritime Trade Operations to label the situation as “suspicious activity.” As one boat approached dangerously close, the tanker’s armed security team fired warning shots, highlighting ongoing maritime security concerns in the region.
