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.
A strengthening El Niño event is anticipated to be one of the strongest on record, raising alarms for global shipping. This follows the Panama Canal’s new draft restrictions for water conservation ahead of the dry season. With a high likelihood of intensification, significant impacts on agriculture and maritime trade are expected.
On July 13, vessel transits through the Strait of Hormuz plummeted, with only six ships navigating, the lowest in five weeks. This drop coincides with rising U.S.-Iran tensions, increasing safety concerns for maritime operations. Notably, no liquefied natural gas tankers were seen entering the strait over the weekend.
Iran has announced a temporary safe maritime corridor through the Strait of Hormuz, asserting control over the critical waterway. This initiative, communicated to the International Maritime Organization, follows rising tensions with the US, which Iran accuses of violating agreements. Both nations have exchanged blame regarding disruptions in shipping routes.
Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd are cautiously resuming transits through the Suez Canal after a year-long avoidance due to Houthi attacks. This tentative return follows a ceasefire in Gaza, though concerns over regional stability persist. Increased surcharges by the Suez Canal Authority in 2026 further complicate shipping dynamics for exporters.
