Marine Link
Saturday, April 25, 2026

Coastal and Inland News

23 Apr 2026

Port of Antwerp-Bruges Reports Weak Start to the Year

Source: Port of Antwerp-Bruges

In the first quarter of 2026, Port of Antwerp‑Bruges handled 65.5 million tons of maritime cargo, a decrease of 3.2% compared to the same period last year.After a weak start in January and February, throughput recovered in March. General cargo (-4.4%) – in particular containers and conventional general cargo – was under pressure, while bulk cargo remained stable (-0.6%) and RoRo traffic increased.The port says the results reflect a complex combination of factors, including adverse weather conditions…

23 Apr 2026

Port of Antwerp-Bruges Reports Weak Start to the Year

In the first quarter of 2026, Port of Antwerp‑Bruges handled 65.5 million tons of maritime cargo, a decrease of 3.2% compared to the same period last year.After a weak start in January and February, throughput recovered in March. General cargo (-4.4%) – in particular containers and conventional general cargo – was under pressure, while bulk cargo remained stable (-0.6%) and RoRo traffic increased.The port says the results reflect a complex combination of factors, including adverse weather conditions, social actions, geopolitical tensions and a weakened European industrial base.Total cargo throughput was down 2% in Q1 2026, as container traffic impacted by weather disruptions, strike action and weak export performance.

23 Apr 2026

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Harbor Craft Pilot Study Launched in Singapore

Source: ABS

ABS, Marinteknik Shipbuilders (S), SeaTech Solutions International (S), and VINSSEN have signed a research collaboration agreement to advance the development of a hydrogen fuel cell-powered harbor craft in Singapore.The consortium will conduct desktop studies covering the feasibility of implementing hydrogen-powered harbor craft in Singapore, including vessel concept design, design evaluation and optimization, techno-economic analysis, risk assessment and mitigation and commercial viability for broader adoption.

23 Apr 2026

Why security planning matters in modern dredging and port works

Credit: Unsplash

Security is all too often treated as a purely compliance-driven exercise. This isn’t advisable in any industry, but it is particularly damaging for those that fall under critical infrastructure frameworks. Ports, and, by extension, the dredging operations that maintain and expand shipping lanes, are the backbone of global trade, underpinning essential supply lines. Security threats and workplace distributions therefore carry repercussions that extend far beyond any individual location, and facilitate a response that goes beyond passive monitoring and reactive measures.

23 Apr 2026

Senator Todd Young Receives Legislator of the Year Award for Great Lakes Advocacy

© Great Lakes Maritime Task Force

On Wednesday, April 22, 2026, the Great Lakes Maritime Task Force (GLMTF) recognized Indiana Senator Todd Young for his commitment to the Great Lakes Navigation System and the nation’s maritime revitalization.“Senator Young understands the importance of U.S. shipping on the Great Lakes with interconnected harbors that depend on each other and a healthy maritime highway. He has advocated for another heavy U.S. Coast Guard icebreaker on the Lakes fully comprehending the importance…

23 Apr 2026

Senator Todd Young Receives Legislator of the Year Award for Great Lakes Advocacy

On Wednesday, April 22, 2026, the Great Lakes Maritime Task Force (GLMTF) recognized Indiana Senator Todd Young for his commitment to the Great Lakes Navigation System and the nation’s maritime revitalization.“Senator Young understands the importance of U.S. shipping on the Great Lakes with interconnected harbors that depend on each other and a healthy maritime highway. He has advocated for another heavy U.S. Coast Guard icebreaker on the Lakes fully comprehending the importance to not only his steel mills in Indiana but the overall negative impacts to the nation when the critical raw materials that drive North American manufacturing are delayed or completely halted by winter ice…

23 Apr 2026

Golden Pass LNG Ships First Export Cargo from Texas Terminal

(Credit: Golden Pass LNG)

Golden Pass LNG, a joint venture between QatarEnergy and ExxonMobil, has loaded and shipped its first liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargo from its export terminal in Sabine Pass in Texas, marking a step toward full commercial operations.Golden Pass LNG expects to export about 18 million tonnes of LNG per year once the terminal is fully operational.Construction and commissioning of additional liquefaction trains are ongoing, with Trains 2 and 3 expected to come online following stable operation of Train 1.“Today’s first LNG export cargo is a defining moment for Golden Pass…

22 Apr 2026

First LNG Export Cargo Departs Sabine Pass Terminal

Source: Golden Pass LNG

Golden Pass LNG, a joint venture between QatarEnergy and U.S. oil major Exxon Mobil, said on Wednesday that the first cargo of liquefied natural gas has departed from its new Sabine Pass terminal in Texas.Shipping data showed that the vessel, Al Qa'iyyahal, had departed but it was not immediately apparent where the first shipment was headed. Reuters previously reported it was expected to go to Italy to make up for some of the contracted LNG QatarEnergy has not been able to deliver because of the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran."As we advance toward full commercial operations…

22 Apr 2026

Dawn Services Acquires M/V COASTAL DAWN

© Dawn Services

Dawn Services has announced the acquisition of the M/V COASTAL DAWN (Ex M/VCANDACE), a Damen-designed Shoalbuster that strengthens the company’s fleet and expands its ability to serve customers across coastal, inland, and offshore markets.The addition of the M/V COASTAL DAWN represents a strategic investment in versatile marine assets designed to meet the increasing demand for marine construction and dredge support.With its shallow-draft hull, rugged construction, and strong towing performance…

22 Apr 2026

Six Partners Selected by MPA for In-Water Hull Inspection, Cleaning Trials in the Port of Singapore

© Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has selected six partners under its Call for Proposals (CFP) to advance and scale up in-water hull inspection and cleaning solutions in the Port of Singapore, in support of more efficient and lower-emission shipping.The CFP received 19 proposals from 36 companies across nine countries.The six selected partners – Alicia Bots, C-Leanship, Neptune Robotics, Oceanis Robotics, RINA and SEAHI Robotics – will receive close to USD$2.91…

21 Apr 2026

Whale Watching Catamaran Ready for Operation in Seattle

Source: FRS Clipper

FRS Clipper has welcomed its new whale watching catamaran Emerald Clipper.The new boat will be Seattle’s only whale watching tour operating from downtown Seattle and will offer two sailings per day during the summer season. The 103-foot catamaran features two expansive, wind-protected viewing decks, floor-to-ceiling windows, and cruising speeds of up to 32 knots. It has capacity for 300 guests.FRS Clipper commissioned the vessel’s owner, CNI Newco, to have the Emerald Clipper built by Mavrik Marine, Inc. in Washington.

21 Apr 2026

Singapore Launches OCEANS-X to Advance Maritime Digital Connectivity

© Travel man / Adobe Stock

Singapore has launched OCEANS-X, a new data and application programming interface (API) eXchange platform developed by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).It enables secure system-to-system connectivity across the maritime ecosystem, allowing maritime companies and government agencies to exchange trusted data directly. This in turn enables integrated digital services for better service delivery, more efficient port operations, smoother trade flows, and stronger…

21 Apr 2026

Singapore Launches OCEANS-X to Advance Maritime Digital Connectivity

Singapore has launched OCEANS-X, a new data and application programming interface (API) eXchange platform developed by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).It enables secure system-to-system connectivity across the maritime ecosystem, allowing maritime companies and government agencies to exchange trusted data directly. This in turn enables integrated digital services for better service delivery, more efficient port operations, smoother trade flows, and stronger connectivity with global ports.OCEANS-X can be accessed via https://go.gov.sg/OCEANS-X.One of the first services available on OCEANS-X is digital port clearance. Today, ship masters and agents submit port clearance documents through the portal-based digitalPORT@SGTM.

21 Apr 2026

USACE Releases Final FY2026 Great Lakes Maintenance Program

© Douglas / Adobe Stock

In early April, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) released its navigation work plan for FY2026. The overall plan outlines resources that will be used for dredging, structure maintenance, and other priorities at every port in the United States.The USACE Detroit District staff have since compiled a summary/funding analysis of Great Lakes provisions indicating that the Great Lakes region will receive $516.47 million in navigation maintenance funding in FY2026 — an increase…

21 Apr 2026

USACE Releases Final FY2026 Great Lakes Maintenance Program

In early April, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) released its navigation work plan for FY2026. The overall plan outlines resources that will be used for dredging, structure maintenance, and other priorities at every port in the United States.The USACE Detroit District staff have since compiled a summary/funding analysis of Great Lakes provisions indicating that the Great Lakes region will receive $516.47 million in navigation maintenance funding in FY2026 — an increase of more than $50 million (nearly 11%) over FY2025 levels.Harbor maintenance spending on the Great Lakes has grown considerably over the last decade. This has been the result of strong advocacy by American Great Lakes Ports Association for full use of Harbor Maintenance Tax revenue…

21 Apr 2026

USACE Releases Final FY2026 Great Lakes Maintenance Program

In early April, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) released its navigation work plan for FY2026. The overall plan outlines resources that will be used for dredging, structure maintenance, and other priorities at every port in the United States.The USACE Detroit District staff have since compiled a summary/funding analysis of Great Lakes provisions indicating that the Great Lakes region will receive $516.47 million in navigation maintenance funding in FY2026 — an increase of more than $50 million (nearly 11%) over FY2025 levels.Harbor maintenance spending on the Great Lakes has grown considerably over the last decade. This has been the result of strong advocacy by American Great Lakes Ports Association for full use of Harbor Maintenance Tax revenue…

21 Apr 2026

USACE Releases Final FY2026 Great Lakes Maintenance Program

In early April, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) released its navigation work plan for FY2026. The overall plan outlines resources that will be used for dredging, structure maintenance, and other priorities at every port in the United States.The USACE Detroit District staff have since compiled a summary/funding analysis of Great Lakes provisions indicating that the Great Lakes region will receive $516.47 million in navigation maintenance funding in FY2026 — an increase of more than $50 million (nearly 11%) over FY2025 levels.Harbor maintenance spending on the Great Lakes has grown considerably over the last decade. This has been the result of strong advocacy by American Great Lakes Ports Association for full use of Harbor Maintenance Tax revenue…

21 Apr 2026

UK’s Portland Port Expands Services with LNG Transfer Capability

(Credit: Portland Port)

Portland Port in Dorset has been approved to carry out liquefied natural gas (LNG) ship-to-ship transfers, expanding its fuel handling capabilities.The port, which is already operational for oil and liquefied petroleum gas transfers, said the addition of LNG ship-to-ship operations enhances its service offering.“Our new STS licence means that we can now support LNG transfers directly at our port.“It will help reduce transit times and streamline operations for the LNG supply chain while providing access to a fully compliant and experienced marine infrastructure…

20 Apr 2026

Corn Belt Ports Maritime Consortium Launches to Fill Regional Gap

Consortium members. © Western Illinois University

Western Illinois University announced the formal establishment of the Corn Belt Ports Rural Logistics & Maritime Training & Education Consortium, a multi-state collaboration designed to strengthen the inland maritime workforce and support economic growth across the Midwest.The Consortium brings together a broad network of institutions of higher education from Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, and Wisconsin, located along the Upper Mississippi and Illinois Rivers, including WIU, Black Hawk College…

20 Apr 2026

Hyke Electric Ferry Pilot Sees Success in Norwegian Public Transport

© Hyke

After 14 months in daily public transport service in Fredrikstad, Hyke’s fully electric F-15 Shuttle has demonstrated low energy consumption, strong passenger demand, and a compelling case for electric ferries as a cost-effective urban mobility solution.Traffic jams plague cities worldwide, yet their waterways remain underused. After successful public transport, Norwegian tech company Hyke has shown there’s a better alternative to building bridges or tunnels by unlocking the potential of water and existing urban infrastructure.Between April 2024 and July 2025…

19 Apr 2026

Construction Begins on Port Hedland Seafarers Centre

Source: Pilbara Ports

Construction has started on a new Seafarers Centre at the Port of Port Hedland in Australia.Benchmark Construction and Building has been awarded a contract to construct the new center which will be a welcoming space for seafarers visiting Port Hedland and will include areas for rest, connection, recreation and access to vital support services.It will feature a communal lounge equipped with games and kitchen facilities, quiet areas, a library, meditation and prayer rooms and a shared chapel.

19 Apr 2026

Construction Begins on Port Hedland Seafarers Centre

Construction has started on a new Seafarers Centre at the Port of Port Hedland in Australia.Benchmark Construction and Building has been awarded a contract to construct the new center which will be a welcoming space for seafarers visiting Port Hedland and will include areas for rest, connection, recreation and access to vital support services.It will feature a communal lounge equipped with games and kitchen facilities, quiet areas, a library, meditation and prayer rooms and a shared chapel. Additionally, it will provide access to WI-FI internet, SIM cards, and proximity to local shops and amenities.The center will also feature public spaces…

16 Apr 2026

ABS, UNITED WATERWAYS Collaborate on Coastal, Inland Maritime Training

L to R: Dr. Sascha Gill, CEO of UNITED WATERWAYS, and Joshua Divin, ABS Senior Vice President, Marine Business Development. © ABS

ABS and UNITED WATERWAYS (UW) have signed a letter of intent to establish a joint venture with River Academy, UW’s training and education subsidiary, to support crew competence and qualification across the European inland barge, river cruise and coastal vessel sectors.The collaboration will enhance workforce readiness as European operators navigate evolving safety and decarbonization requirements in cruise, freight, and ferry shipping. Training programs align with recognized regional and national standards and continue to support consistent…

15 Apr 2026

Seaspan Marine Sells Chip and Hog Fuel Barge Division

Source: Seaspan

Seaspan Marine has entered in to an agreement with Hodder Tugboat to sell its legacy chip and hog fuel barge division, and remaining forestry industry transportation assets.The transaction is inclusive of the workforce, existing services and related assets, like coastal tugs, river tugs and barges, and associated maintenance facilities.Customers who rely on this vital service remain unaffected. Hodder is an established marine towing company based in Richmond with a longstanding focus on the forest industry, including the transportation of logs, timber and related forestry products.

15 Apr 2026

Alternative-Fuel Inflection Point: Gotland Horizon X and the Port Hydrogen Question

Courtesy Austal

Gotland Horizon X is a 130-meter, 18,300-gt, 1,500-passenger, 400-car, 30-knot catamaran now under construction at Austal for delivery in summer 2028. Positioned as hydrogen-ready from day one, the vessel is not a technology demonstrator. It is a frontline Ro-Pax ferry designed to maintain timetable integrity while opening a credible pathway toward hydrogen. For ports and fuel suppliers, that distinction matters. Horizon X is less about a single vessel and more about what it signals: future-fuel ships are coming that will demand corresponding evolution ashore.Jonas Moberg…

15 Apr 2026

Exmar Launches FSRU Conversion Work for Dutch LNG Terminal

(Credit: Exmar)

Exmar said it has launched conversion works for a new floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) to support the expansion of the EemsEnergyTerminal in the Netherlands.The move follows the signing of a conditional charter agreement covering both the extension of the existing Eemshaven LNG FSRU and a newly converted unit, with EemsEnergyTerminal expected to take a conditional final investment decision in the first half of 2026.Exmar said it has secured a dual-fuel diesel electric membrane LNG carrier for the conversion and has begun engineering activities…

15 Apr 2026

Exmar Launches FSRU Conversion Work for Dutch LNG Terminal

Exmar said it has launched conversion works for a new floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) to support the expansion of the EemsEnergyTerminal in the Netherlands.The move follows the signing of a conditional charter agreement covering both the extension of the existing Eemshaven LNG FSRU and a newly converted unit, with EemsEnergyTerminal expected to take a conditional final investment decision in the first half of 2026.Exmar said it has secured a dual-fuel diesel electric membrane LNG carrier for the conversion and has begun engineering activities, including ordering a regasification plant with a capacity of 750 million standard cubic feet per day.The project is aimed at supporting continued operations at the terminal…

13 Apr 2026

Carga Releases Upgrade to Cargo Management Platform

Source: Carga

Maritime software company Carga has released OceanSMART 2.0, a powerful upgrade to its flagship bulk liquid cargo management platform.The release delivers dramatically faster performance, a modernized user interface and a suite of reliability improvements designed to support operational teams working in maritime logistics.OceanSMART users have reported saving as much as $1 million in demurrage costs in a single month, a testament to what the platform’s nomination-to-discharge capabilities make possible.

12 Apr 2026

Singapore: Container Ship Fire Extinguished

© Travel Wild / Adobe Stock

A fire involving containers on board the London-registered container vessel Ever Lenient at Singapore’s PSA Pasir Panjang Terminal was extinguished on April 11.Firefighting efforts continued through the night, led by the Singapore Civil Defence Force, with Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore deploying patrol craft to conduct seaward cordon duties and drones to provide aerial surveillance in support of the firefighting operations.PSA Singapore is assisting with the safe discharge of the affected containers as part of follow-up operations. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

10 Apr 2026

Port Tampa Bay Welcomes Container Vessel with Largest Carrying Capacity

With downtown Tampa as its backdrop, the ZIM Canada arrives carrying 11,900 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) — the highest capacity ever handled at Port Tampa Bay. © Port Tampa Bay

Port Tampa Bay welcomed a container vessel Thursday that set a new record for carrying capacity at the port. The ZIM Canada docked with 11,900 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), nearly 2,000 more than any vessel previously handled at the port. The arrival underscores the port’s growing role in handling larger, high-capacity container ships and highlights the importance of ongoing infrastructure investments.The ship, stretching 1,083 feet and measuring 158 feet wide, carries enough containers that…

10 Apr 2026

Oil Spill Forces Partial Shipping Halt at Port of Antwerp

Illustration (Credit: Port of Antwerp)

Shipping traffic around Belgium's Port of Antwerp has been partially halted because of an oil spill that has spread from one of the port's docks into the river Scheldt.Antwerp harbour typically handles 60 to 80 ships daily. A port spokesperson could not immediately say how long traffic will remain halted or how many ships would be affected."An oil spill occurred during a bunkering operation in the Deurganckdock.

10 Apr 2026

Oil Spill Forces Partial Shipping Halt at Port of Antwerp

Shipping traffic around Belgium's Port of Antwerp has been partially halted because of an oil spill that has spread from one of the port's docks into the river Scheldt.Antwerp harbour typically handles 60 to 80 ships daily. A port spokesperson could not immediately say how long traffic will remain halted or how many ships would be affected."An oil spill occurred during a bunkering operation in the Deurganckdock. The source of the spill has since been stopped and contained," the port said in a statement, adding that pollution had spread to the Scheldt.Antwerp port is part of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, the second-largest port in Europe by cargo tonnage, behind Rotterdam.(Reuters - Reporting by Charlotte Van CampenhoutEditing by David Goodman)

09 Apr 2026

Port Tampa Bay Receives $10m Federal Investment to Strengthen Supply Chain, Regional Economy

© Port Tampa Bay

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor joined Port Tampa Bay leadership to announce $10 million in federal funding to support the Tampa Harbor Navigation Improvement Project, an investment that will enhance navigation safety, expand cargo capacity and strengthen supply chains across Florida.The funding included $3 million secured by Rep. Castor through Fiscal Year 2026 community project funding requests to advance Phase 1 planning, engineering and design. In addition, Rep. Castor led the Florida Congressional Delegation in securing $7 million in general-use funding through the U.S.

09 Apr 2026

US Grants $70M to Port of Los Angeles for Maintenance Projects

(Credit: Port of Los Angeles)

The Port of Los Angeles said it has secured about $70 million in federal funding for harbor maintenance and infrastructure upgrades, marking its largest allocation to date.The funding, provided by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund, will support projects including dredging, seismic upgrades and navigational safety improvements.The San Pedro Bay port complex, which includes Los Angeles and Long Beach, received a combined $131.8 million allocation.The trust fund is financed through a cargo tax paid by U.S.

09 Apr 2026

US Grants $70M to Port of Los Angeles for Maintenance Projects

The Port of Los Angeles said it has secured about $70 million in federal funding for harbor maintenance and infrastructure upgrades, marking its largest allocation to date.The funding, provided by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund, will support projects including dredging, seismic upgrades and navigational safety improvements.The San Pedro Bay port complex, which includes Los Angeles and Long Beach, received a combined $131.8 million allocation.The trust fund is financed through a cargo tax paid by U.S. importers, with recent reforms aimed at ensuring ports that contribute large volumes of revenue receive a more equitable share of funding.Congress appropriated $3.245 billion from the fund for fiscal year 2026…

07 Apr 2026

CK Hutchison's Panama Unit Files Arbitration Against Maersk

© Visual Voyager / Adobe Stock

Hong Kong-based conglomerate CK Hutchison's Panama unit has launched an arbitration against Maersk after the takeover of two strategic ports near the Panama Canal which are at the center of a legal battle that has embroiled Beijing and Washington.In a statement, Panama Ports Company (PPC) said Maersk broke a long-term contract by siding with the Panamanian government to help remove PPC from its operations at the Balboa port and replace it with a Maersk-affiliated operator."Contrary to the contract…

07 Apr 2026

Massive Increase in Oil Transport Through Danish Waters

© Peter Hermes Furian / Adobe Stock

Major geopolitical events have led to massive changes in the patterns of global oil transport at sea. This underlines the importance of effective Danish marine environmental preparedness when almost five million barrels of oil pass through Danish waters every day, according to Danish Shipping Companies.In the first half of 2025, as much oil was shipped through the Great Belt and the Sound as through the Suez Canal. Here, 4.9 million barrels of oil were shipped through both places per day. For the Great Belt and the Sound, this is an increase of 58 percent from 2021 to 2025.

06 Apr 2026

Virgin Voyages Now Sailing from Port of Los Angeles

Source: Port of Los Angeles

Virgin Voyages has started a new West Coast itinerary sailing from the Los Angeles Cruise Terminal, with its newest ship, Brilliant Lady, making the Port of Los Angeles its homeport this spring.“Virgin Voyages brings a fresh, contemporary cruise product to Los Angeles, and we’re proud to welcome them as a new homeport partner,” said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka. “With these well-crafted itineraries, passengers can make the most of their time exploring destinations…

06 Apr 2026

Port Milwaukee Celebrates Start of 2026 International Season With First Vessel Arrival

© Port Milwaukee

Port Milwaukee welcomed the Marshall Islands-flagged Federal Nagara as the first vessel of the 2026 international season on Friday, April 3.The Federal Nagara arrived at the Logistec terminal to unload specialty steel products following its transit through the St. Lawrence Seaway from Spain and Belgium, where it was loaded. The St. Lawrence Seaway locks opened for the season on March 22, connecting the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean. The St. Lawrence Seaway is a binational system…

06 Apr 2026

Ports of Indiana-Burns Harbor Welcomes the First Vessel of the International Shipping Season

© Ports of Indiana-Burns Harbor

Ports of Indiana-Burns Harbor celebrated the start of the 2026 international shipping season Saturday with the arrival of the Ocean7 Ranger. The ocean vessel completed a 52-day voyage carrying equipment for facility improvements at U.S. Steel Gary Works, the largest integrated steel mill in North America.The 2026 opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway to ocean vessels marked one of the shortest winter closures in history, totaling just 69 days from Jan. 12 until March 22.To commemorate the occasion…

06 Apr 2026

Ukrainian Drones Attack Caspian Pipeline Consortium's Black Sea Terminal

© Timon - stock.adobe.com

Russia on Monday said that Ukrainian drones attacked the Caspian Pipeline Consortium's Black Sea terminal, which handles 1.5% of global oil supply, damaging the single point mooring (SPM), loading infrastructure and four vast storage tanks.Separately, the Ukrainian military said it had struck oil loading facilities at the nearby Sheskharis oil terminal in Novorossiysk.The strikes could be among the most significant on Russia's Black Sea export facilities during the more than four-year-old war with Ukraine…

06 Apr 2026

Successful Asia Pacific Maritime 2026 Closes

APM 2026 attendees on the exhibition floor. Photo credit: APM

The 19th Asia Pacific Maritime (APM) held its largest-ever edition in Singapore last week, welcoming 19,431 attendees, alongside more than 819 exhibitors from 41 regions and countries, including 20 pavilions, and 112 speakers from across the globe. Amid the strong turnout, APM saw a significant number of announcements, covering product launches and the inking of partnerships, signalling strong momentum for advancing the industry and underscoring the industry’s unwavering confidence in Asia’s premier maritime event and conference.Yeow Hui Leng…

06 Apr 2026

Iron Ore Trade on the Great Lakes Down in March 2026

© Lake Carriers’ Association

Iron ore shipments on the Great Lakes in March 2026 decreased 23.5 percent from a year ago. Loadings were also below the month’s 5-year average by 35.1 percent. The iron ore trade stands at 2.7 million tons, a decrease of 7.7 percent compared to 2025. For the first three months of the year, iron ore shipments are 21.2 percent below their 5-year average.Since 1880, Lake Carriers’ has represented the U.S.-flag Great Lakes fleet, which today can move more than 90 million tons of cargos annually that are the foundation of American industry…

06 Apr 2026

Nikkiso Partners Exion Asia to Launch Southeast Asia Marine Hub

(Credit: Nikkiso CE&IG)

Nikkiso Clean Energy & Industrial Gases Group (Nikkiso CE&IG) has entered into a strategic service partnership with Exion Asia to establish its first marine hub in Southeast Asia, aimed at supporting growing demand for cryogenic equipment services.Under the agreement, Singapore will serve as Nikkiso’s Southeast Asia Marine Hub, providing regional support for cryogenic pumps and related equipment used on marine vessels.The partnership leverages Exion Asia’s network of 17 workshops across Southeast Asia…

05 Apr 2026

Ukrainian Drones Sink Russian Cargo Vessel

© Peter Hermes Furian / Adobe Stock

A cargo ship carrying wheat sank in the Sea of Azov after coming under attack from Ukrainian drones, a Russia-installed official said on Sunday, leaving one person dead and two missing.Vladimir Saldo, Moscow-installed leader of the Russian-controlled parts of Ukraine's Kherson region, said the attack occurred on Friday but crew members were unable to make known what had happened to them until Sunday."It became known that the reason for the sinking of the Volgo-Balt in the Sea of Azov was a terrorist attack by the Kyiv regime…

02 Apr 2026

Concerns Raised by Repeated Chinese Detentions of Panama-Flagged Vessels

© Adobe Stock/BlackMac

Detentions of Panama-flagged vessels by China that followed a Panamanian court ruling raise serious concerns about efforts to undermine rule of law in the Latin American country, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Thursday.The U.S. Federal Maritime Commission said last week that it was closely monitoring a surge in detentions of Panama-flagged vessels in China that appears tied to a Panama court ruling against Hong Kong-based port operator CK Hutchison."China's recent…

01 Apr 2026

Conrad Industries Shares 2025 Results, Backlog

© Conrad Industries

Conrad Industries, Inc. announced its 2025 results and backlog.For the quarter ended December 31, 2025, Conrad had net income of $4.7 million and earnings per diluted share of $0.94 compared to net loss of $14,000 and earnings per diluted share of $0.00 during the fourth quarter of 2024. The Company reported net income of $19.9 million and income per diluted share of $3.96 for the twelve months ending December 31, 2025 compared to net income of $11.2 million and income per diluted share of $2.24 for the twelve months ending December 31, 2024.

01 Apr 2026

Insights: As Ships Get Bigger, Pilots Keep Maritime Commerce Flowing

Images courtesy Houston Pilots

Over 95% of large ocean-going vessels moving in U.S. waterways are under the direction and control of a pilot that is a member of the American Pilots’ Association  (APA). The enormous increase in vessel sizes – as much as five times bigger than just twenty years ago – without corresponding expansions of waterways has made the already difficult work of these pilots even more challenging.APA-member pilots are generally the only U.S. citizen aboard foreign ships moving in the fragile bays, ports, rivers, and lakes that are the lifeline of this country.

31 Mar 2026

IMO Facilitation Committee Approves Digitalization Strategy

Source: IMO

The IMO Facilitation Committee (FAL) has approved a global strategy for maritime digitalization as well as cybersecurity measures for maritime single windows.Meeting in London for its 50th session (23 - 27 March), the Committee approved the IMO Strategy on Maritime Digitalization which emphasizes interoperability, system standardization, data-sharing and effective data governance across organizations and jurisdictions.The Strategy establishes maritime digitalization as an overarching IMO policy…

31 Mar 2026

Russian Oil Tanker Arrives in Cuba's Matanzas Port

Raul Navarro González/Wirestock © Adobe Stock/Creators

A Russia-flagged tanker carrying some 700,000 barrels of crude arrived in Cuba's Matanzas Bay at daybreak on Tuesday, according to a Reuters witness and shipping data, marking the first significant oil delivery since the Trump administration cut off the island's fuel supply.The Anatoly Kolodkin vessel, under U.S. sanctions, entered Cuban territorial waters late on Sunday not far from the U.S. Navy base at Guantanamo Bay. The U.S. said it was allowing the tanker to deliver fuel…

31 Mar 2026

Delaware River and Bay Authority Looks to Electric in Cape May-Lewes Ferry Modernization

© ABB

One of North America’s busiest ferry routes is joining the growing trend for U.S.-based operators to make the efficiencies of electrification central when they modernize their fleets, after an integrated hybrid-electric propulsion system from ABB was selected for the new ship ordered by Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA).Shipbuilder Senesco Marine contracted ABB to deliver full propulsion and automation systems for the 75-car passenger and vehicle ferry, which will replace the 45-year-old Cape Henlopen in connecting Lewes, Delaware and Cape May, New Jersey.

31 Mar 2026

Kangnam to Build New Incat Crowther 80m Vessel Design

© INCAT CROWTHER

Incat Crowther was commissioned by South Korean shipbuilder Kangnam Corporation (Kangnam) to design a new 80-m high-speed catamaran RoPax ferry for operation by Korea Express Ferry (KEF). The new vessel will service routes between Incheon Metropolitan City and the Yellow Sea islands of Daecheongdo, Baengnyeongdo and Socheongdo in Ongjin County, Republic of Korea (South Korea).The project renews the successful partnership between Incat Crowther, Kangnam and KEF, with the companies…

30 Mar 2026

UK Grants $85M to Develop Port Talbot Floating Wind Hub

(Credit: ABP)

The U.K. government has committed up to $85 million (£64 million) to support the development of a floating offshore wind port at Port Talbot in Wales, as part of efforts to expand clean energy capacity.The funding will support Associated British Ports (ABP) in completing design and engineering work required to develop infrastructure for floating offshore wind projects in the Celtic Sea.The project is expected to enable at least 4.5 GW of floating offshore wind capacity, enough to power around 6.5 million homes…

29 Mar 2026

Russia's Ust-Luga Port Damaged by More Ukrainian Drones

© max5128 / Adobe Stock

Russia's Baltic Ust-Luga port, one of its largest petroleum export hubs, was damaged again on Sunday by a Ukrainian drone attack which sparked a blaze later brought under control, Russian officials said.It followed several Ukrainian drone strikes last week on Russia’s western energy corridor when facilities at the ports of Ust-Luga and Primorsk came under fire, igniting storage tanks and forcing a suspension of oil and oil product loadings.The regional governor of Leningrad said…

27 Mar 2026

Russian Oil Producers Threaten Force Majeure Over Baltic Port Attacks

© Adobe Stock/max5128

Russian oil producers have warned buyers they could declare force majeure on supplies from major Baltic Sea ports as Ukraine presses ahead with attacks on Russian energy infrastructure, two industry sources said on Friday.Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy told Reuters this week that Kyiv was using long-range strikes to maintain pressure on Russia after international oil sanctions on Moscow were eased due to global supply disruptions caused by the Iran war.Ukrainian drones on Friday targeted the port in Ust-Luga, where a fire caused by a previous strike on Wednesday was still raging, the

27 Mar 2026

U.S. Great Lakes Shipping Stands Still Due to Ice Conditions, Lack of Icebreakers

© Lake Carriers’ Association

A little over a day and half since the Soo Locks opened providing access to Lake Superior and critical raw materials like iron ore, and the U.S.-flagged Great Lakes commercial fleet is at a standstill in the St. Marys River and Whitefish Bay, the critical connection between Lakes Superior and all other Great Lakes.The only way into Lake Superior is through the St. Marys River and Whitefish Bay, but ice conditions and a lack of a heavy U.S. Coast Guard icebreaker are creating substantial delays for American shipping and manufacturing. Some U.S.

26 Mar 2026

Maraen Approves $40M Port of Nigg Upgrade After Rebrand

Yoshihiro Hayakawa, CEO and Managing Director of Maraen (Credit: Maraen)

Maraen has approved plans for more than $40 million (£30 million) investment for the upgrades at the Port of Nigg, following the integration of three energy businesses under a new brand.Maraen combines the capabilities of Port of Nigg, Global Energy (Group) and Global Energy Services, after their acquisition by Mitsui & Co. Europe and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) in 2025.The company said a final investment decision has been taken to develop a new heavy-duty quay and roll-on/roll-off capability at the port…