News

As the war between Israel and Iran continues, speculation continues to mount over whether Iran will seek to close the Strait of Hormuz. If the strait were to be effectively closed, the consequences could be huge. Jebel Ali, on the western side of the strait, is the largest port in the Middle East and the ninth largest in the world.

The defense and security contractor building the next-generation nuclear submarines for the Royal Navy has been ordered to improve its safety measures after a fire broke out at its Barrow-in-Furness shipyard in October last year.

The global shipping industry is holding its breath anxiously watching the emerging conflict between Israel and Iran as is the world. Analysts are scrambling to predict the potential impact on shipping while security services are issuing cautions and some nations are already issuing advice to shipping.

Despite uncertainties in the North American market, the global commissioned capacity of offshore wind is on course to surpass the 100 GW mark by mid-2026 as countries in Europe and Asia ramp up projects. 

Indian authorities have opened a criminal inquiry against the master and crew of the boxship Wan Hai 503, which suffered a cargo fire off the coast of Kerala last week and continues to smolder at a position off the coast. 

Investigators working for Finland’s national police announced they have completed their criminal investigation into the damage to the subsea cables. They reported they officially suspect the master and two officers from the tanker Eagle S who have been detained in Finland since January 2025.

As the offshore wind sector across the world witnesses growth, there is a rise in safety concerns for personnel and vessels involved. Last week, the G+ Offshore Wind Health and Safety Organization released its 2024 incident report, revealing rising safety risks in the offshore wind industry.

Having made its way south through the Suez Canal on May 25, ships of the Royal Navy-led Prince of Wales carrier strike group (CSG) appear to be maintaining their original deployment program, and have not diverted from plan to linger in the Arabian Sea area adjacent to the Iranian conflict zone.

The firefighting efforts for the Wan Hai 503 containership which are now being undertaken jointly by India’s Coast Guard and Air Force are reporting progress, while India’s shipping authorities are demanding more action by the vessel’s owners and the appointed salvage team.

The crew of a Chinese cargo ship is thankful for a Korean bulker that came to their aid. The Run Fun 3 (32,115 dwt) was taking on water in a remote part of the Indian Ocean when it issued a distress call early on Wednesday, June 11.

Hapag-Lloyd is reporting it has taken the delivery of the new Wilhelmshaven Express (229,350 dwt) container vessel the twelfth in its new ultra large Hamburg Express class and its first dual-fuel LNG class of vessels.

The Pentagon has launched a review of the U.S.-Australia-UK nuclear submarine technology-transfer and purchase agreement (AUKUS), which was negotiated by the Biden administration in 2021. The deal calls for the U.S. to sell the Australian government up to five Virginia-class nuclear attack submarines beginning in the 2030s.

Thai Oil along with multiple government agencies are racing to contain an oil slick that occurred overnight as a supertanker owned by Japan’s Mitsui O.S.K. Lines disconnected from an offshore pipeline connection during a storm. Oil dispersants, booms, and skimmers are being deployed to contain the spill.

The teams working at the site of the burning containership Wan Hai 503 reported significant progress in their efforts during the third day of the firefight. The regional safety agency however emphasizes that the danger continues and that the fuel aboard the vessel may be becoming involved in the fire.

Canada’s shipbuilding group Davie reports it is fulfilling its commitment to invest in American shipbuilding with an agreement to acquire facilities in Texas. The company announced a year ago that it would invest in the U.S. shipbuilding sector as it continues to seek a key role in developing future icebreakers.

Newly released data shows the depth of decline both for car and container imports into the U.S. in May. The uncertainties and back and forth on tariffs have taken a toll but the expectation is that importers will rush to bring goods in before the short-term pause on tariff increases is due to expire.

The Alaska division of NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service has shed about a quarter of its staff since the start of planned force reduction initiatives under the Trump administration, raising alarm among ocean environmental advocates.

The Indian Coast Guard and Navy are responding to an unfolding situation as a fire is burning on a Wan Hai containership off the west coast of India. Initial reports are that four crewmembers are listed as missing while 18 were rescued from a lifeboat and life raft, some with serious injuries, and were expected to be evacuated to India. In updated reports from the Indian Coast Guard the fire is continuing to spread on the abandoned vessel.

One of the biggest challenges facing European shipowners is the end-of-life resolution for ships. EU regulations limit how and where they can dispose of ships while environmentalists highlight the energy and lack of sustainability in the dismantling of old ships.

Denmark was a pioneer in the development of the offshore wind farm energy sector more than 30 years ago and now it has issued the first permits to extend the service life of some of the farms. The decision comes at a critical time as several wind farms are facing the expiration of their original 25-year licenses.