HD Hyundai Wins $470M VLGC Order, Achieving 35% of 2024 Target
HD Hyundai secures $470M contract for four VLGCs, reaching 35.2% of its 2024 order target. LPG transport demand grows 3% annually, boosting need for certified gas officers.
South Korea Launches Advisory Body for IMO Ship CO2 Capture Standards
South Korea’s Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries launches an advisory body on 15 April to set IMO standards for shipboard carbon capture, targeting 50% GHG reduction by 2050.
Izmail Port Drone Strike Hits Panama-Flagged Vessel
Drone attack on Izmail port, Ukraine, on 14 April damaged Panama-flagged vessel, heightening Black Sea maritime risks and likely increasing insurance premiums.
Hormuz Strait: 34 Ships Transit After US Blockade Amid Operational Confusion
34 ships passed Hormuz Strait after US blockade, but operational confusion risks persist. This chokepoint handles 20% of global maritime oil, with potential 30% insurance hikes and 15-day detours.
Sailing Regattas Cancelled; Team Secures 5th in Ilca 6 at Trofeo Azqueta
Local sailing events cancelled due to bad weather; sailing school team places 5th in Ilca 6 class at Trofeo Azqueta regatta in Getxo amidst variable winds.
National Geographic 2026 Expedition Sweepstakes Signals Specialised Cruise Boom
National Geographic and Lindblad Expeditions launch third annual Earth Month sweepstakes for a 2026 expedition cruise, reflecting rising demand for specialised maritime tourism with ice-class vessels and sustainable practices.
US Navy Random Urinalysis Programme Criticised: Global Maritime Safety Debate
Critique of US Navy’s random urinalysis programme highlights inefficacy and morale impact, contrasting with civil STCW standards since 1995.
Hormuz Strait blocked: 17 vessels transit on 11 April, US deploys mine-clearance
Strait of Hormuz sees only 17 vessels transit on 11 April post-ceasefire. US mine-clearance ops deploy as 172 crude tankers reroute to US Gulf Coast. Iranian exports continue with 6M barrels loading.
Red Sea Crisis Adds 10-14 Days to Transit, Surges Global Logistics Costs
Houthi attacks force ships to reroute via Cape of Good Hope, adding 10-14 days transit and 3,000+ nautical miles. Fuel costs surge by 1,000 tonnes for Panamax ships, raising logistics costs.
GNV deploys Altair ferry on Barcelona-Ibiza route with 2,700 passenger capacity
GNV launches the GNV Altair on the Barcelona-Ibiza route from 13 December, with capacity for 2,700 passengers and 820 vehicles, intensifying Mediterranean ferry competition.