The Iranian-supported Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) has launched an official presence on social media, asserting control over shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Their inaugural post emphasizes that navigation now requires coordination with Iranian authorities, alarming the shipping industry and raising concerns over safety and legal risks amid regional tensions.
On April 11, a fire broke out on the London-registered container vessel Ever Lenient at Singapore’s PSA Pasir Panjang Terminal. Emergency services, led by the Singapore Civil Defence Force, responded swiftly, with firefighting efforts continuing overnight. The cause of the blaze is currently under investigation, while affected containers are being safely discharged.
In her upcoming address, British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper will strongly oppose Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing that freedom of navigation cannot be compromised. She will also advocate for Lebanon’s inclusion in a ceasefire, warning that exclusion could escalate regional tensions and threaten vital trade routes.
Libyan officials have successfully secured the damaged Russian LNG carrier, Arctic Metagaz, which had been adrift in the central Mediterranean since an explosion in March. The Libyan Ministry of Defense confirmed the vessel is being towed away to mitigate environmental risks, shifting its status from a “ghost ship” to a controlled operation.
Efforts to advance ship automation for fully independent operation are progressing, with HD Hyundai achieving a milestone by demonstrating autonomous operation and remote control integration on an 8,000 TEU containership. Certification from both the Korean Registry of Shipping and the Liberia State Flag Bureau marks progress towards commercializing third-stage automation.
