Tidewater is expanding its presence in Brazil’s offshore oil and gas sector by partnering with Wilson Sons to acquire 22 Platform Supply Vessels for approximately $500 million. This strategic move will increase Tidewater’s fleet to 28 vessels, with nearly 90% being Brazilian-built, enhancing its competitive edge in the market.
Arctic Gateway Group (AGG) has partnered with Fednav to evaluate year-round shipping feasibility from the Port of Churchill. This ongoing review, expected to conclude by summer, will analyze ice conditions and shipping patterns while ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and Indigenous consultations. Chris Avery highlighted the importance of understanding operational needs for future growth.
Increased fin whale activity along Chile’s northern coast raises alarms about ship collisions and fishing net entanglements. The Mejillones and Antofagasta bays, a feeding ground from October to January, see heightened risks. Conservationists urge habitat protections, as drone footage of a washed-up whale carcass emphasizes these urgent threats to marine life.
A ship transporting Russian fuels is headed to Cuba, complicating US sanctions as the island faces a critical energy crisis. The Sea Horse, arriving in March, carries vital supplies amid severe shortages affecting daily life. Cuba’s electricity usage has plummeted, indicating a dire situation for the nation struggling with fuel imports.
Croatian pipeline operator JANAF faces pressure to allow Russian oil transit to Hungary and Slovakia, which have EU sanctions exemptions. Following the Druzhba pipeline’s suspension, both countries seek alternative supplies. While Croatia is open to assisting, it hesitates to permit Russian crude, emphasizing oil supply security in the region.
An Italian court has ordered the government to pay $89,000 to the migrant rescue NGO Sea-Watch for the unlawful detention of their vessel, Sea-Watch 3, in 2019. This ruling underscores the ongoing tensions between humanitarian efforts and government policies aimed at restricting migrant access to ports, particularly under former Interior Minister Matteo Salvini.
The IMO’s Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response held its 13th session in February 2026, focusing on environmental protection in maritime operations. Key outcomes included groundwork for a legally binding biofouling management framework and a draft strategy to eliminate marine plastic litter from ships by 2030, emphasizing public awareness and international cooperation.
Global container shipping rates have fallen for six consecutive weeks, now averaging $1,919 per 40-foot container. This decline is unexpected, as the anticipated surge before the Lunar New Year has not occurred. Carriers are responding with 31 blank sailings, highlighting a weak market amidst fluctuating demand and regional uncertainties.
Leaders in Norway and Iceland have voiced caution over proposals to seize vessels linked to Russia’s shadow fleet. Both Prime Ministers clarified their nations are not pursuing ship seizures, while considering enhanced inspections in the North Atlantic and Baltic Sea. Emphasis remains on ensuring maritime safety and compliance amidst ongoing sanctions.
Jason Turner, CEO of Entanglement, transformed the company from quantum hardware to advanced algorithms. The acquisition of Applied Ocean Sciences led to Maritech Intelligence Systems, launching MIST™ and MADEN™. These platforms enhance maritime awareness and operations, leveraging AI and ocean acoustics to predict climate events and address pollution and illegal fishing challenges.
Denmark’s maritime authority has detained the Iran-flagged container vessel “Nora” due to improper registration. Previously sailing under the Comoros flag, it was not listed in the Comoros registry. The ship, linked to U.S. Treasury sanctions via its former identity as “CERUS,” will remain detained pending verification of its registration.
The recent Pollution Prevention and Response Sub-Committee meeting at the IMO in London focused on a paradigm shift in assessing environmental performance. Discussions expanded beyond fuel types to encompass vessel lifecycles, addressing operational challenges like hull conditions and maintenance. This signifies a transformative approach to maritime environmental regulation, emphasizing actual performance.
On February 16, a Singapore-flagged containership, the Seaspan Empire, collided with two ferries in Santos Port, Brazil, around 9:30 p.m. Four crew members jumped into the water but were rescued without serious injuries. The incident was captured on video, showing the containership pushing the ferries across the harbor.
United Maritime, a Nasdaq-listed Greek bulk carrier owner, is selling its stake in a Norwegian joint venture focused on an energy construction vessel. This strategic move aims for a profit of approximately €1.7 million ($15.4 million) and marks a shift in the company’s capital restructuring efforts. The transaction is expected to close by the end of May.
Marcura has acquired Shipdem, a UK firm specializing in chemical tanker laytime and demurrage, enhancing its expertise in managing complex claims. This strategic move, following the acquisition of HubSE, reinforces Marcura’s commitment to expanding its claims management capabilities, ensuring clients benefit from tailored solutions and improved service continuity.
