ClassNK CEO Hayato Suga Sees Class Evolving with AI
For ClassNK President and CEO Hayato Suga, the industry’s current moment is unlike anything he has seen in his career.Ask Suga to identify the single most consequential technical trend shaping future ship design and operations, and he answers without hesitation: AI.AI can improve risk prediction, enhance safety assessments, optimize environmental performance, streamline surveys, and fundamentally change how technical services are delivered.Internally…
US Sanctions Cuban State Oil Company
The United States issued sanctions against Cuban state oil company Union Cuba Petroleo (CUPET), the Treasury Department website showed on Thursday, adding more obstacles for the island's government to import much-needed fuel.Washington has imposed sanctions on an array of Cuban entities and people, including the island nation's president, as it seeks to intensify pressure on Cuba's communist leaders.The sanctions follow the U.S.
Ethanol Gains Traction as Marine Fuel
Shipping companies including Maersk and mining giant Vale are turning to ethanol as a marine fuel to cut emissions as abundant supply and lower cost make it more attractive than other low-carbon fuels, with further commercial usage expected as early as next year.The use of ethanol in shipping could open a new demand channel for the fuel, which in some countries is blended into gasoline, while offering…
Iran Prevents Tanker from Entering Strait of Hormuz
Iranian forces prevented a tanker from transiting the Strait of Hormuz without coordination, state media reported early on Friday.Iranian media earlier reported sounds of explosions near Bandar Abbas, but state news agency IRNA later said no explosions had been reported in the port city and that any sounds could have been related to military activity in maritime areas.Iran's top joint military command announced on Thursday the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, including oil tankers and commercial
Trygve Nøkleby Receives 20th WISTA Norway Leadership Award
WISTA Norway has named Trygve Nøkleby, Managing Director of the Bergen Shipowners Association, the recipient of the 20th annual WISTA Norway Leadership Award, presented at the Bergen International Shipping Conference on June 10.With the honor, Nøkleby becomes only the second man ever to receive the award which recognizes an individual who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, inspired others, and…
Los Angeles Adopts $3.4 Billion Port Budget
The Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners has approved a $3.4 billion annual budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026/27 for the Port of Los Angeles. The financial blueprint calls for increased investments in Port operational and community public-access infrastructure, as well as support for a range of sustainability and technology programs.The Port’s FY 2026/27 adopted budget is based on predictions of steady…
France Opens Tenders for 10GW of Offshore Wind Projects
The French energy ministry announced that it will open on Friday the long-awaited tenders for 10 gigawatts worth of offshore wind project, mainly located on France's westcoast.Some companies have scrapped their offshore wind development plans due to rising costs in some countries and political opposition, including that of the Trump administration.The new projects will significantly increase France's capacity for offshore wind, which it aims to grow from under 2GW to 15GW in 2035.
Spiridon II Livestock Transport Organizer Due in Court
The Austrian livestock dealer allegedly responsible for the weeks of livestock suffering and death on the Spiridon II is to appear before the Krems Regional Court in Austria on Friday as part of a civil lawsuit. The importers of the animals accuse him of fraud.The cattle from Uruguay—half of which were pregnant heifers—were originally destined for Turkey. Upon arrival, however, they were not allowed to be unloaded from Spiridon II because…
Saronic, Castelion Collaborate on Maritime Hypersonic Launch Capability
Saronic and Castelion have announced plans to join forces to launch a hypersonic vehicle from an unmanned surface vessel. By integrating Castelion’s Blackbeard with Saronic’s Medium Unmanned Surface Vessel (MUSV) Marauder, the two companies offer a powerful, credible option to deter would-be adversaries.A First-of-Its-Kind IntegrationThe collaboration between Castelion and Saronic marks the first integration…
U.S. Coast Guard Announces Alaska Homeport for Two Arctic Security Cutters
The U.S. Coast Guard announced it would homeport its first two Arctic Security Cutters in Kodiak, Alaska with a third Alaska Arctic Security Cutter homeported in Seward when the infrastructure is ready. This follows April’s announcement that the Service would homeport its first two Arctic Security Cutters in Alaska. With the first delivery expected in 2028, the Coast Guard is accelerating preparations…
Saudi Crude Supply to China Remain at Record Low in July
Saudi Arabia's crude oil sales to China are expected to stay at record lows in July as elevated prices in the wake of the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran continue to weigh on demand from the world's largest crude importer, sources familiar with the matter said.The allocations, closely watched by market participants as a gauge of Chinese demand, indicate that refiners remain reluctant to import high-priced…
Siemens Gamesa CEO: Wind Turbine Cutbacks Likely if Offshore Expansion Falters
Siemens Energy on Thursday warned of possible wind turbine capacity cuts in Europe if governments fall behind in efforts to expand offshore power, saying a lack of determination could become an "existential threat" to the industry.The comments by one of Europe's biggest industrial firms reflect growing concerns about the future of the continent's manufacturing capabilities, which have come under intense pressure from high energy costs and Asian competitors.Europe is currently facing delays in it
US Confirms Third Strike This Week on Indian-Crewed Tankers
A U.S. jet fired two missiles into the engine room of the tanker Jalveer off Oman on Thursday, U.S. Central Command confirmed, as authorities said the 20 crew members were safe after the third strike on Indian-crewed tankers this week.Three Indian sailors died in a U.S. strike on the Settebello tanker off Oman a day earlier."A U.S. aircraft fired two Hellfire missiles into the ship’s engine room after the crew repeatedly failed to comply with directions from U.S.
USMMA Honors Top Graduates of Class of 2026
The United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) announced its valedictorian and salutatorian for the Class of 2026, recognizing two midshipmen who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and perseverance throughout their time at Kings Point.Midshipman John Walter Smolenski, a Maritime Logistics and Security major from Colonia, New Jersey, has been named valedictorian, graduating with a 3.87 GPA.
Rotterdam Study Outlines Port Calls for Nuclear-Powered Commercial Vessels
A new joint study using the Port of Rotterdam as a case study “Enabling Nuclear-Powered Feeder Ships: A Joint Development Project on Port Call Feasibility and Regulatory Pathways” has found that existing port safety and risk-management frameworks could provide a credible starting point for assessing nuclear-powered commercial ship calls within a major European port environment.The desktop study, carried out through a joint development project involving Lloyd’s Register…
NEPTUN WERFT Delivers Two River Cruise Ships to Viking
In Basel today, June 11, 2026, NEPTUN WERFT officially delivered the river cruise ships Viking Annar and Viking Fjolvar to Viking. The technical handover of the vessels by the project management had already taken place yesterday, June 10, in Lelystad in the Netherlands.At 135 meters, the Viking Annar is a vessel of the Longship series. It accommodates 190 passengers and 53 crew members and operates on the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers.
European FIT-HORIZONS Project Aims to Decarbonize Existing Fleet
A new European partnership is set to help shipping companies navigate one of the industry's biggest climate challenges: how to decarbonize the existing fleet quickly, safely, and cost-effectively.The new FIT-HORIZONS project is bringing together 19 leading maritime companies, researchers, universities, software developers, and technology providers from across Europe to develop an intelligent and flexible…
BIMCO Adopts Biofuel Clause to Address Shipping Industry Challenges
BIMCO has adopted a Biofuel Clause for Time Charter Parties to address legal and operational challenges as the use of low-carbon fuels in shipping increases.As the shipping industry decarbonizes, regulatory frameworks reshape companies’ fuel strategies. The integration of biofuels into charter party agreements is complex, however, and often raises questions around fuel quality, engine compatibility and liability.
ASRY Further Strengthens European Presence at Posidonia 2026
The Arab Shipbuilding and Repair Yard Company (ASRY), a leading industrial maritime hub, took part in the "Posidonia 2026" exhibition held in Athens, Greece, June 1-5. The exhibition provided ASRY with a platform to showcase its integrated services and specialized maritime solutions across different sectors of the industry, while also strengthening engagement with key clients, strategic partners, decision-makers, and representatives of global shipping and maritime operators.
ABS, HHI Team to Develop U.S.-Flag Tanker
ABS and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. (HD HHI), signed a joint development agreement to support the development of a U.S.-flagged 50,000 DWT oil and chemical tanker.Under the agreement, ABS will review the HD HHI design in accordance with ABS Rules and U.S. Coast Guard requirements.“From the first 100,000 DWT tanker to today’s most advanced tanker designs, ABS has provided owners and operators with the insight and guidance they need to achieve their goals, always with a focus on safety.
