The Houthi spokesperson claimed to have targeted ships calling into Israeli ports, including Greek bulkers like the Roza and Vantage Dream. The Maersk Seletar, transporting materials for the U.S. military, was also reportedly attacked in the Arabian Sea. Despite strikes on Houthi storage locations, their attacks persist, with recent incidents involving anti-ship missiles and drones in June.
Onboard carbon capture (OCC) is gaining traction in the shipping industry as a way to reduce emissions while continuing to use conventional fuels. DNV emphasizes the need for collaboration between regulators, policymakers, industry representatives, and suppliers for the success of this method. The latest white paper explores OCC as a potential solution for decarbonization.
The new nurse-managed clinic at Port Tampa Bay is the first of its kind at a port globally, offering primary health services to maritime workers. Staffed by nurse practitioners, the clinic provides essential care such as physicals, screenings, and chronic disease management. With recent legislation granting nurse practitioners autonomy, the clinic is well-equipped to address the unique healthcare needs of seafarers.
Marlink President Maritime Tore Morten Olsen stresses the importance of maritime expertise in ship connectivity. With solutions like Starlink improving bandwidth and reducing latency, traditional software packages are becoming obsolete. Marlink acts as a digital partner, integrating networks and focusing on cybersecurity measures like UTM and EDR. The company offers various cyber security services to address digital threats in the maritime industry.
Libra Group exits container shipping market, selling nearly 100 ships for over $2 billion to focus on innovation and sustainability. CEO George Logothetis calls it the “biggest bet in shipping history.” Lomar Shipping, a subsidiary, shifts focus to bulk carriers and tankers as part of strategic asset strategy. Controlling family invests in various sectors globally.
Hapag-Lloyd CEO Rolf Habben Jansen noted a significant increase in demand for container transport across oceans, attributing it to restocking, high customer demand, and early deliveries. Despite rising spot prices, he believes the surge is temporary, potentially influenced by US tariffs. The CEO anticipates easing disruptions in the Red Sea by year-end.
Sales of bunker fuel in Singapore have hit record levels as global shipping routes shift to avoid the Red Sea. The increase is attributed to longer routes around Africa’s Cape of Good Hope due to ongoing attacks by Houthi militia. This diversion has led to a significant decrease in traffic through the Suez Canal, highlighting Singapore’s dominance in bunkering fuel sales.
Atlas Maritime, led by Leon Patitsas, has ordered two suezmax tankers from DH Shipbuilding in South Korea. In collaboration with European Maritime Finance, the vessels will have a capacity of 157,000 dwt, dual-fuel capability, LNG readiness, and eco-class designation. This marks the 20th and 21st newbuildings ordered by the companies, with a total of 25 vessels valued at over $2 billion since November 2019.
RightShip and ZeroNorth have joined forces to combine their solutions, aiming to improve vessel performance and emissions management. By integrating RightShip’s GHG 2.0 Rating and Safety Score with ZeroNorth’s CII Emissions Analytics, users will gain a comprehensive view of their fleet’s efficiency and environmental impact. This collaboration supports the maritime industry in meeting carbon reduction goals and promoting sustainability.
Maersk, a global indicator of world trade, raised its profit forecast due to disruptions in the Red Sea that have impacted global supply chains. The company now expects adjusted earnings of $7-9 billion, higher than the previous forecast. Analysts view the profit increase as temporary relief, with high prices expected to continue.
The Clean Hydrogen Partnership and Japan’s NEDO have signed a cooperation agreement to accelerate the deployment of hydrogen technologies globally. This milestone agreement aims to promote joint research and demonstration projects in electrolysis and hydrogen carriers. It builds on 15 years of bilateral cooperation and aligns with efforts to address energy transition and climate change challenges.
Regulations in the maritime industry are becoming more complex, making it challenging to understand and enforce them. Martin Crawford-Brunt, CEO of Lookout Maritime, highlighted the growing difficulty at the Capital Link conference. With upcoming additional costs for FuelEU voyages, the industry is facing a maze of rules. Despite differing opinions on compliance methods, the industry aims to achieve sustainability goals amidst regulatory complexities.
The Port and Free Zone of Sohar have implemented biofuel in tugboat operations, aiming to enhance marine sustainability and decrease carbon dioxide emissions. B20, a blend of 80% diesel and 20% biofuel, was used for the tug Sohar as a trial, making Sohar one of the first ports in the Middle East to use biofuel for tug operations. Impressive collaboration occurred in the biofuel bunkering process, with the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 17% and supporting Oman’s vision of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
Survitec stresses the importance of proper maintenance and inspection of ship fire safety systems in a new white paper. With a rise in fire-related deficiencies during inspections, the company highlights the need for industry-wide regulation to prevent disasters. Director Metkel Yohannes emphasizes the role of accredited service partners in ensuring ship safety and avoiding potential disasters.
The crude oil tanker market faces challenges due to an ageing fleet in need of replacement. Shipyards focus on building other vessel types. Trafigura orders five new VLCC tankers to modernize its fleet. The market requires around 1,100 new crude oil tankers, including 400 VLCCs, to meet demand. Trafigura sees potential growth in this segment.
