LR2 Tankers in Dirty Trade Hit Record After Hormuz Closure
LR2 tankers shift to dirty cargo at record levels from October 2025, driven by Strait of Hormuz closure, raising maintenance costs by 20-30%.
Lost 52 uncovers four WWII wrecks at 3.8 km with underwater robotics
Lost 52 Project discovers four WWII wrecks at depths up to 3.8 km in the Sea of Japan using AUV and SAS sonar, advancing maritime archaeology and honouring 243 sailors.
2026 Maritime Reset: Freight Rates to Drop 10-20% After Red Sea Crisis Adaptation
In 2026, maritime freight rates are set to stabilise 10-20% below peaks as industry adapts to Red Sea disruptions with longer Cape of Good Hope routes.
Los Angeles BECAP Summit 3rd: 15 Institutions Train Blue Economy Workforce
Los Angeles launches 3rd BECAP summit with 15 institutions to develop blue economy workforce, supporting maritime sustainability and climate action.
Russia escalates grey-zone maritime tactics in Baltic Sea from 2022, NATO reports
NATO reports Russia’s increased grey-zone maritime activities in Baltic since 2022, boosting fuel costs by 10-15% and requiring 5-10% more in security budgets, with STCW training updates needed.
Armas Trasmediterránea Allocates 2 Million Berths for 2026 Gibraltar Strait Summer Operation
Armas Trasmediterránea sets nearly 2 million berths for the 2026 Strait Crossing Operation from June to September, handling up to 3 million passengers annually in the Western Mediterranean.
Hudong-Zhonghua to double LNG carrier capacity by 2030 amid 57 orders
Hudong-Zhonghua plans to double LNG carrier capacity by 2030 with 57 orders, impacting global shipbuilding and LNG transport markets amid rising demand.
VLCC Rates Soar to 21-Year High After Hormuz Closure in March 2026
VLCC rates from Middle East to Asia hit 21-year high in March 2026 after Iran closed Strait of Hormuz, increasing voyage distances by 40% and operational costs.
U.S. Coast Guard RFI for 7 Light Icebreakers to Secure Icy Trade Routes
U.S. Coast Guard issues RFI for up to seven light icebreakers to replace ageing fleet and secure year-round navigation in icy waters like the Great Lakes, with costs over $100M per vessel.
Strait of Hormuz Visible Traffic Drops 80% in 24 Hours, Spurs ‘Dark’ Navigation
Strait of Hormuz AIS-visible traffic fell 80% to 16 vessels, with 427 ‘dark’ AIS-off events and GPS interference affecting 1,100+ ships, while oil exports divert via alternative routes.