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Saturday, August 8, 2026

Usa News

07 Aug 2026

TOTE Services Hosts Medium Landing Ship (LSM) Industry Day

Rendering of the Medium Land Ship (LSM). Credit: TOTE Services

TOTE Services, LLC, a leading U.S. maritime services company specializing in vessel construction management and ship management, hosted more than 30 commercial shipbuilders, equipment manufacturers, marine suppliers, and defense contractors from over a dozen states across the country for its Medium Landing Ship (LSM) Industry Day.The Industry Day serves as the foundational step in assembling a reliable, nationwide supply chain to support multi-yard construction and ensure cost and schedule discipline.Attendees learned about the project timeline…

07 Aug 2026

Corn Belt Ports Co-Hosts National Waterways Conference Annual Meeting

© Corn Belt Ports

This year's annual meeting for the National Waterways Conference will be held in Moline, Illinois, co-hosted by Corn Belt Ports. This marks the first non-coastal state to host since Memphis, Tennessee in 2019.Attendees will be able to connect with water and waterways leaders, federal partners, and industry stakeholders for three days of policy discussion, networking, and on-the-water learning along the Upper Mississippi River system.Moline sits in the heart of the Quad Cities…

06 Aug 2026

US Will Import Highest Quantity of Middle Eastern Crude Since Start of War

© Adobe Stock/Fahroni

U.S. imports of Middle Eastern crude are set to hit about 600,000 barrels per day in August, the highest since the Iran war began, as a brief opening of the Strait of Hormuz and the rerouting of Saudi oil through the Suez Canal pushed barrels toward American ports, ship-tracking data showed.Nearly a dozen ships loaded with Middle Eastern crude were headed to U.S. ports as American refiners and traders moved swiftly to snap up barrels that exited the strait when a memorandum of understanding signed by U.S.

06 Aug 2026

Food for Peace Program Begins Wheat Shipment to Kenya

From left to right: Chris Westbrook (Vice President, Gulf Coast, Seafarers International Union), William Campbell (Executive Vice President, Liberty Maritime), Lisa Burley (Office of Cargo and Commercial Sealift, U.S. Maritime Administration), Captain Willie Barrere (President, American Maritime Officers), John Owen (Louisianan Rice Farmer and Chairman of USA Rice), Michelle Bekkering (USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs), Dr. Mike Strain (Commissioner, Louisiana Dept

The Transportation Institute (TI), representing U.S.-flag American shipping companies, joined farmers, millers, longshoremen, merchant mariners, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the World Food Programme (WFP) at the Port of New Orleans to mark the latest Food for Peace shipment of grain bound for Kenya. The U.S.-flagged LIBERTY GRACE loaded 28,420 metric tons of Louisiana Rice in New Orleans. The vessel will take on wheat in Houston before departing with enough food to feed more than 1 million people facing hunger for an entire year.

05 Aug 2026

US’ First National Coast Guard Museum Set to Open in One Year

A rendering shows the future National Coast Guard Museum along the Thames River waterfront in New London, Connecticut. The 80,000-square-foot museum, scheduled to open to the public during the week of Aug. 2, 2027, will be the nation’s first national museum dedicated to preserving and sharing the history, heritage and enduring missions of the U.S. Coast Guard. (U.S. Coast Guard rendering)

One year from today, Americans will have the opportunity to experience the National Coast Guard Museum, the first national museum dedicated to preserving and sharing the history, heritage, and missions of the Coast Guard. The museum will open to the public during the week of Aug. 2, 2027, culminating with the Coast Guard’s birthday on Aug. 4.Currently under construction along the Thames River waterfront in New London, Connecticut, the 80,000-square-foot museum will feature five public decks with three exhibit floors…

05 Aug 2026

July Great Lakes Iron Ore Trade Increases Slightly

© Lake Carriers’ Association

Shipments of iron ore on the Great Lakes totaled 5.1 million tons in July, an increase of less than one percent compared to 2025. Shipments were below the month’s 5-year average by 7.2 percent. Year-to-date, the iron ore trade stands at 22.5 million tons, an increase of 3.3 percent compared to a year ago. Iron ore shipments were 5.2 percent below their 5-year average for the first seven months of the year. Great Lakes Iron Ore Shipments: July 2021-2026 and 5-Year AverageIncludes Transshipments to Quebec City for Shipment Overseas(net tons)  AveragePort2021202220232024202520262021-2025Duluth…

05 Aug 2026

July 2026 Trade of U.S. Great Lakes Limestone Increases

© Lake Carriers’ Association

U.S. shipments of limestone on the Great Lakes increased to 3.1 million tons in July, an 8.7 percent increase compared to last year. The trade was also above the month’s 5-year average by 3.2 percent.Year-to-date, the Lakes limestone trade stands at 10.1 million tons, a decrease of 3 percent compared to 2025 and 4.2 percent below the month’s 5-year average. GREAT LAKES LIMESTONE TRADE: JULY 2021-2026 AND LONG-TERM AVERAGE (NET TONS) 202120222023202420252026Average2021-2025U.S.

03 Aug 2026

USACE, Port Freeport Cut Ribbon After Channel Improvement Project

© U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Galveston District and Port Freeport recognized a milestone in the Freeport Harbor Channel Improvement Project during a ribbon-cutting ceremony July 28, 2026.The federal navigation project deepens and partially widens the harbor channel, enhances the upper turning basin and eases the lower channel bend. The improvements provide greater vessel access, operating flexibility and navigation capability at one of Texas’ leading commercial ports.The deeper…

03 Aug 2026

Sedgwick Awarded Lloyd's Surveyor Agency Appointments for Houston, New Orleans Ports

© Sedgwick

Sedgwick, a risk and claims administration partner, has secured Lloyd's Surveyor Agency appointments for Houston and New Orleans, further strengthening the company's  ability to support marine clients across two of the most significant United States ports.A Lloyd's Surveyor Agency appointment is a designation awarded to marine surveyors and claims adjusters within the Lloyd's market. Appointed agencies serve as trusted local resources, providing expertise and support to the global…

30 Jul 2026

Gulf Markets Ease as US, Iran Hostilities Resume

© Adobe Stock/Jimmy

Major Gulf bourses ended lower on Thursday as investor sentiment weakened amid mounting concern over escalating hostilities between the U.S. and Iran. The U.S. military said it struck dozens of Islamic Revolutionary Guard targets in Iran, including military command centres and drone facilities, in a two-hour operation launched after Tehran fired ballistic missiles at U.S. forces in the Middle East.On Wednesday, the United States and Saudi Arabia carried out strikes on Iran-backed paramilitary groups in Iraq, marking the first publicly acknowledged Saudi participation in U.S.-led airstrikes.

30 Jul 2026

Resolve Marine Announces New Tacoma, Washington Facility

© Resolve Marine

Resolve Marine, a provider of marine solutions, has moved its Pacific Northwest (PNW) facility to a new location on the Foss Waterway in Tacoma, Washington. The new waterfront facility address is 700 E D Street, Tacoma, WA 98421. This location provides operational advantages, including dedicated dock space, expanded yard capacity, and upgraded equipment to support a growing range of marine services, including marine salvage and environmental response across the region.Key features…

30 Jul 2026

Hybrid Mobile Harbor Crane Commissioned for Port of Gulfport

© SSA Marine

SSA Marine and the Mississippi State Port Authority at Gulfport (Port of Gulfport) announced the commissioning of a new Liebherr LHM 550 hybrid mobile harbor crane at the Port, along with $1.6 million in state grant funding that will enable the electrification of the crane.The crane has a lift capacity of 124 metric tons and will be SSA Marine’s second LHM 550 in operation at the Port of Gulfport. The crane runs on a hybrid drive system, and the Port and SSA Marine are working…

27 Jul 2026

United States, Norway Complete North Atlantic Interoperability Exercise

The Norwegian vessel HOPEN participates in a search and rescue exercise alongside Legend-class national security cutter USCGC Stone (WMSL 758), July 11, 2026. Norway is one of seven Arctic Council member states with claims or interests in the region, and the training reflects growing cooperation among Arctic partners. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Laticia Sims)

The U.S. Coast Guard successfully completed a major interoperability exercise conducted by the crews of Legend-class national security cutter USCGC Stone (WMSL 758) and Norwegian Coast Guard Vessel Hopen, marking a significant milestone in international Arctic cooperation and operational readiness.The exercise, part of Operation Arctic Cohesion (OAC) 2026, took place from July 8 to 15 off the coast of New England and ashore in Newport, Rhode Island.During the exercise, the crews of Stone and Hopen focused on building familiarity, strengthening coordinated response, and improving seamanship.

27 Jul 2026

Fraser Industries LLC Signs Shipyard Modernization Memorandum of Understanding with HD Hyundai to Advance U.S. Shipbuilding Revitalization

© Fraser Industries

Fraser Industries LLC announced that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on cooperation for shipyard modernization to revitalize the U.S. shipbuilding industry with HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE), the intermediate holding company of HD Hyundai's shipbuilding division.HD Hyundai will advance Fraser Shipyards as a hub for rebuilding the U.S. shipbuilding industry and will provide a shipyard modernization solution that includes shipyard design and construction expertise…

24 Jul 2026

USGC Holds Change-of-Command for Sector New York

A U.S. Coast Guard 29-foot Response Boat-Small II (RB-S II) provides security during an operational tour of New York Harbor. (DoW Photo by Benjamin Applebaum)

Capt. Jonathan Andrechik transferred command of Coast Guard Sector New York to Capt. Doreen McCarthy Monday, during a change-of-command ceremony at Sector New York in Staten Island. Rear Adm. Michael Platt, Commander, Coast Guard Northeast District, presided over the ceremony.Capt. McCarthy reported to Sector New York and has served as the deputy commander since May of 2024. Prior to serving as the Sector New York Deputy Commander, Capt. McCarthy completed a Senior Service School at the United States Air War College in Montgomery, Alabama.Following the change-of-command ceremony, Capt.

24 Jul 2026

USCG Cutter Healy Returns to Homeport After Engineering Casualty

U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Healy (WAGB-20) arrives at Pier 46 on Coast Guard Base Seattle, Oct. 26, 2025. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Lieutenant Christopher Butters)

U.S. Coast Guard Cutter (CGC) Healy experienced an engineering casualty while operating northwest of Port Angeles, Washington. There were no reported injuries. On July 13, tugs safely towed CGC Healy back to homeport for an investigation into the incident and to undergo major repairs.The Coast Guard maintains a strong presence in the Arctic to control, secure, and defend the U.S. northern border and approaches, and uphold U.S. sovereignty against adversaries’ aggressive economic and military actions in the Arctic.

24 Jul 2026

US Missiles Strike Across Iran After Houthis Announce Naval Blockade

© Laurentiu Bratu - stock.adobe.com

U.S. missiles struck targets across Iran, reaching as far as its Caspian coast, on Friday after President Donald Trump vowed "major military punishment" for Tehran and its Houthi allies in Yemen for extending the Middle East war to a second major shipping chokepoint, the mouth of the Red Sea.Two weeks after the collapse of an interim truce meant to end the war, the Iranian armed forces responded by firing at U.S. bases in neighbouring Arab countries and warning people there that they may strike non-military buildings used by U.S.

23 Jul 2026

Saronic, Samsung Heavy Industries Collaborate on Autonomous Marine Systems

© Saronic/Samsung Heavy Industries

Saronic and Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) announced a strategic partnership to accelerate the development of autonomy-capable maritime systems and technologies to strengthen America’s shipbuilding industrial base. Through this partnership, the companies will harness technology and expertise to build the maritime industrial capacity and workforce needed to deliver on American and allied shipbuilding needs, both today and into the future.The companies unveiled the partnership at the launch of the Korea–U.S.

23 Jul 2026

US Begins Importing Iraqi Oil Through Syria

© Adobe Stock/ink drop

The United States has begun importing fuel oil of Iraqi origin shipped through Syria for the first time, according to shipping data and two sources familiar with the operations, as Iraq expands a Mediterranean export route established after disruptions to Gulf trade routes earlier this year.The alternative route is a further example of shippers seeking ways to move supplies around the world that circumnavigate the Strait of Hormuz, which has been effectively closed for several months…

17 Jul 2026

US, Iran Renew Conflict With Strikes on Bridge, Desalination Plant

© Adobe Stock/ Rokas

The United States struck bridges and an airport in Iran on Friday, provoking Tehran to respond by hitting a power and desalination plant in Kuwait, as the warring foes risked further escalation by expanding their targets to include infrastructure.At sea, where the renewed conflict has again cut off energy supplies from the Gulf, U.S. Marines boarded a tanker near the Strait of Hormuz. Another vessel was seized by armed men off Yemen, raising concern over security in the Middle…

16 Jul 2026

Oil Prices Dip Slightly Amidst Continued Middle East Tensions

Credit: Adobe Stock/chakisatelier

Oil prices edged lower on Thursday but held near the highest since mid-June as the Iran war escalated, with Tehran asking Yemen's Houthi movementto be prepared to close the Red Sea oil export route.Brent crude futures were down 19 cents, or 0.2%, to $84.76 a barrel by 11:25 a.m. EDT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate futures were down 17 cents, or 0.2%, to $79.43 a barrel. At their session highs, both contracts were up more than 1%.On Wednesday, Brent futures settled at their highest since June 12…

16 Jul 2026

US LNG Tanker Completes First Direct Sail to China Since Tariff Dispute

Credit: Adobe Stock/vladsv

A vessel carrying U.S. liquefied natural gas has sailed directly from the U.S. to China for the first time since trade tensions between Washington and Beijing effectively halted direct shipments, vessel-tracking data showed.However, analysts say it may never enter China as the terminal's bonded storage facilities allow re-exports without import duties.Carrying a cargo loaded in early June from U.S. energy firm Venture Global LNG's VG.N Plaquemines export plant in Louisiana, the…

15 Jul 2026

Shipping Companies Turn Down US-Guided Military Transit Through Hormuz

© Adobe Stock/alones

Shipping companies are avoiding using a U.S. military-guided transit scheme through the Strait of Hormuz after a wave of Iranian attacks on vessels sparked safety concerns, seven maritime security and shipping industry sources said.For decades ships sailed into and out of the Gulf using a safe set of lanes down the middle of the strait established by the U.N.’s shipping agency in 1968 dubbed the Traffic Separation Scheme.Since the Iran war began on February 28, Iranian forces have mined this area…

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