Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence River Face Moderate Drought Conditions
The International Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence River Board has announced that as of July 31, the Canadian Drought Monitor shows the Lake Ontario and upper St. Lawrence River regions are experiencing a moderate drought and the lower St. Lawrence River is experiencing abnormally dry conditions.For the period of August 6 through 12, the U.S. Drought Monitor shows moderate drought conditions in western Lake…
UK Issues Sanctions for Iranian Oil Magnate and Companies
Britain sanctioned an Iranian oil magnate and four companies on Thursday, saying they are part of a network that supports Tehran's overseas activities, including "destabilisation" in Ukraine and Israel.The sanctions include an asset freeze and travel ban on Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani, and an asset freeze on companies in the shipping, petrochemical and financial sectors, the Foreign Office said."Iran's…
US Sanctions Networks and Vessels Involved in Iranian Oil Transport
The Trump administration on Thursday issued more Iran-related sanctions, targeting 13 entities based in Hong Kong, China, the United Arab Emirates and the Marshall Islands, as well as eight vessels, the U.S. Treasury Department said.The measures cover Greek national Antonios Margaritis and his network of companies and vessels that Treasury said was involved in transporting Iranian oil exports in violation of sanctions.Treasury also designated Ares Shipping Limited in Hong Kong…
Asia to Take More US LNG ... but is it Enough to Placate Trump?
There are early signs that some Asian countries are stepping up their imports of U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) as part of trade deals with President Donald Trump.Asia's imports of the super-chilled fuel are on track to hit an eight-month high of 2.01 million metric tons in August, according to data compiled by commodity analysts Kpler.But of far more importance is the Kpler estimate that Asia's LNG imports from the United States will surge to 3.61 million tons in October…
Havila Shipping Reports Solid Q2 on Strong Fleet Utilization
Offshore supply vessel operator Havila Shipping ASA delivered stronger results in the second quarter of 2025, supported by high fleet utilization and stable freight revenues.Freight revenues reached NOK 165.5 million in Q2, up NOK 19.5 million from the same period in 2024 and broadly in line with the previous quarter. Total operating income rose to NOK 175 million compared to NOK 152.9 million last…
Ukrainian Man Arrested in Connection to 2022 Nord Stream Pipeline Attacks
A Ukrainian man was arrested at a holiday bungalow in Italy on suspicion of coordinating attacks on three Nord Stream gas pipelines in 2022, officials said on Thursday, a breakthrough in an episode that sharpened tensions between Russia and the West.Described by both Moscow and the West as an act of sabotage, the explosions largely severed Russian gas supplies to Europe, prompting a major escalation in the Ukraine conflict and squeezing energy supplies on the continent.
Venezuelan Oil Imports Resume Under New Chevron License
Two tankers chartered by Chevron carrying Venezuelan crude reached U.S. waters on Thursday, marking the first U.S. imports of the South American country's oil following a new license granted by Washington, vessel tracking data showed.The U.S. Treasury Department last month issued a restricted license to Chevron allowing the U.S. company to operate in the OPEC country and export its oil after a three…
Turkish Ports Place New Barriers For Israel-Linked Vessels
Turkish port authorities have begun informally requiring shipping agents to provide letters declaring that vessels are not linked to Israel and not carrying military or hazardous cargo bound for the country, according to two shipping sources.The move is another step Turkey has taken against Israel after it last year severed trade with the country, worth $7 billion annually, over its war in Gaza with…
Zelim Signs CRADA with US Navy to Trial Maritime AI Detection System
Zelim, a leader in AI-driven maritime safety and security systems, has signed a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the U.S. Navy’s Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC), Division Newport to trial ZOE for the detection of uncrewed surface vessels (USVs).The agreement enables Zelim’s participation in BlueTIDE 2025, a demonstration event led by 401 Tech Bridge, NavalX, and the Northeast Tech Bridge.
Another Sanctioned LNG Carrier Berths at Arctic LNG 2
An LNG tanker targeted by U.S. sanctions berthed at Russia's Arctic LNG 2 on Thursday, shiptracking data from LSEG and Kpler showed, the fifth such tanker to stop at the project this year.Loadings resumed late in June at the Arctic LNG 2 project, which has been sanctioned over Moscow's war in Ukraine, with four cargoes heading east toward Asia via the Northern Sea Route on sanctioned tankers as well.The fifth…
Brazil Ships More Iron Ore to China, Competitors Lag
Between January and August 2025, Brazilian iron ore shipments are expected to rise 4% y/y, supported by stronger mining activity. Shipments to China have increased despite weaker demand, replacing shipments from Australia, Peru and India, says Filipe Gouveia, Shipping Analysis Manager at BIMCO.Brazil is the world’s second-largest exporter of iron ore, accounting for 23% of global shipments, while Australia leads with 54% of cargoes.
Davie Cuts Steel for Canada’s Polar Max Icebreaker
Davie shipyard has officially begun construction of the Polar Max icebreaker, a vessel that, once delivered by 2030, is expected to redefine Canada’s Arctic capabilities.The Polar Max is a production-ready heavy icebreaker designed to operate in some of the world’s harshest conditions. The vessel will support Canada’s Arctic sovereignty, critical scientific missions, environmental protection efforts…
Taiwan Ramps Up Defense Spending
Taiwan's defence spending next year will exceed 3% of gross domestic product to demonstrate to the world the government's determination to fulfil its shared responsibility for security, Premier Cho Jung-tai said on Thursday.The move comes as China, which views democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory, has ramped up military and political pressure over the past five years to assert its claims…
Indian Refiner Looks to Dark Fleet After Sanctions
Indian refiner Nayara Energy, backed by Russia and under European Union sanctions, is relying on a dark fleet to import oil and transport refined fuels, according to shipping reports and LSEG flows.Nayara, which controls about 8% of India's 5.2 million barrel-per-day refining capacity, has been struggling to transport fuel since being placed under EU sanctions in July, a move that prompted shippers to back out…
Panama Canal Adopts Measures to Protect Río Indio Communities
The Panama Canal presented has proposed budget for fiscal year 2026 to the Cabinet Council.The budget is focused on long-term investments, with a particular emphasis on water sustainability through the Río Indio Lake project. It also includes efforts to diversify business activities, invest in workforce development and well-being, support the traditional and Western basins, and ensure the sustainable and competitive operation of the Canal.During its presentation to the Cabinet Council…
General Dynamics NASSCO Takes Delivery of New Floating Dry Dock
General Dynamics NASSCO has taken delivery of a new dry dock at its Long Beach location, after achieving over 40 years of operation from its existing floating dry dock.“This is more than an arrival. This is our commitment to the future of ship repair, strengthening our ability to meet the evolving needs of our customers,” said the company.The 17,300-tonne dry dock measures over 253 metres in length…
Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Takes Delivery of Hopper Dredge
Great Lakes Dredge & Dock, the largest provider of dredging services in the United States, has taken delivery of its newest Jones Act-compliant hopper dredge, the Amelia Island from the Conrad Shipyard in Morgan City, Louisiana.The Amelia Island is specially designed for efficient and safe operations along shallow and narrow waters throughout all U.S. coastlines. The vessel is approximately 346 feet in length, 69 feet in breadth, 23 feet in depth with 16,500 total horsepower installed.
Eureka Naval Craft Teams Up with Strategic Marine in Singapore
Houston-headquartered defense company Eureka Naval Craft is ramping up production of its AIRCAT BENGAL MC warship in Asia after signing an MOU with Singapore shipbuilder Strategic Marine (S) Pte Ltd.Eureka Naval Craft CEO Bo Jardine said the aim of the partnership is to bring a highly advanced Modular Attack Surface Craft (MASC) to the US Navy and allied navies quickly at a time of increased threat.
Industry Veteran Strengthens ABS Wavesight Customer Focus
ABS Wavesight™, the ABS-affiliated maritime Software-as-a-Service company, has appointed Captain Steve Bomgardner as Chief Customer Officer (CCO).Bomgardner brings more than 23 years of maritime leadership experience encompassing operations, regulatory compliance and environmental innovation. Most recently, he served as Vice President of Shipping & Offshore Solutions at Pole Star Global, where he directed…
US Deploying Amphibious Squadron to Caribbean
The United States has ordered an amphibious squadron to the southern Caribbean as part of President Donald Trump's effort to address threats from Latin American drug cartels, two sources briefed on the deployment said on Wednesday.The sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that the USS San Antonio, USS Iowa Jima and USS Fort Lauderdale could arrive off the coast of Venezuela as early as Sunday.
