Friday, December 19, 2025
Media Kit
tanker attack

Video: Ukraine Claims First Strike in the Mediterranean on Shadow Tanker

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Landing Craft medium Australia

Austal Defense Finalized $680M First Government Contract

Published Dec 18, 2025 7:18 PM by The Maritime Executive

Austal announced on Thursday, December 18, that the contract for the Australian Army’s new Landing Craft Medium has been officially awarded, valued at over A$1 billion (US$680 million). The LCM, along with the planned Landing Craft Heavy assignment, is the cornerstone of the expansion of shipbuilding in Western Australia and the company’s selection as strategic shipbuilder for Australia. The LCM Design and Build Tasking statement contract announced today appoints Austal subsidiary, Austal Defence Shipbuilding Australia, to complete the detailed design...

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The derelict freighter just off Puerto Montt (Ruben Vega / VesselFinder)

Aging Freighter Sinks at Anchor in Puerto Montt

Published Dec 18, 2025 6:54 PM by The Maritime Executive

A derelict freighter has partially sunk at anchor in Puerto Montt, Chile, creating a risk of possible diesel pollution in a pristine region. According to local media, the freighter Fusion took on a list at her permanent anchorage in a sheltered bay at Puerto Montt, and on Saturday she was found partially submerged. (Local outlet Soy Chile suggests the vessel was aground on a soft bottom, and listed during an unusually high tide.) The ship is less than 100 feet...

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sail-powered autonomous cargo ship

Construction Order Placed for First Autonomous, Wind-Powered Cargo Ship

Published Dec 18, 2025 6:39 PM by The Maritime Executive

A California-based startup called Clippership, working with a team of established leaders in the maritime community, reports it has completed designs classed by RINA for its first vessel, a wind-powered cargo ship designed for autonomous operations. The first vessel is seen as a demonstration of the company’s unique concept targeting small shippers. Naval architecture for the new vessel was carried out by Dykstra Naval Architects, renowned for innovative sailing vessels, while American naval architecture and marine engineering firm Glosten completed...

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cargo ship after cargo fire

Improperly Secured Lithium-ion Battery Cargo Caused Cargo Ship Fire

Published Dec 18, 2025 5:41 PM by The Maritime Executive

Two years after a cargo ship crossing the northern Pacific experienced two cargo hold fires, the National Transportation Safety Board issued a report finding that when the vessel encountered heavy weather, improperly secured cargo caused the fires in each hold of the ship. They warn about the unique challenges of handling lithium-ion batteries and the need to properly secure cargo following the manuals and instructions. The fires began on December 25, 2023, aboard the Genius Star XI, while the vessel...

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Offshore

Ocean City Maryland

Court Denies Motion for Injunction of BOEM’s Review of Maryland COP

A federal court judge in Maryland has denied a request by offshore wind developer US Wind for a preliminary injunction against the federal government in its ongoing fight to save its planned offshore wind project off Ocean City, Maryland. It is the latest twist in the ongoing court battle over Maryland’s first offshore wind project and the broader battle against the Trump administration’s efforts to derail the industry and revoke existing permits. US Wind, which is a partnership between investment...

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Shipbuilding

Landing Craft medium Australia

Austal Defense Finalized $680M First Government Contract

Austal announced on Thursday, December 18, that the contract for the Australian Army’s new Landing Craft Medium has been officially awarded, valued at over A$1 billion (US$680 million). The LCM, along with the planned Landing Craft Heavy assignment, is the cornerstone of the expansion of shipbuilding in Western Australia and the company’s selection as strategic shipbuilder for Australia. The LCM Design and Build Tasking statement contract announced today appoints Austal subsidiary, Austal Defence Shipbuilding Australia, to complete the detailed design...

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Environment

hydrogen-powered bulk carrier

Norway Grants Over $120M for Hydrogen and Ammonia Ships and Bunkering

Norway announced a new round of financing grants valued at more than $120 million as it continues to support the conversion to zero—emissions fuels in shipping and other segments. Providing the support through Enova, a state enterprise owned by the Ministry of Climate and Environment, Norway seeks to build new industry and develop leadership in the new segments of the economy while reaching its goals for decarbonization. The new round focuses on seven ships, which it views as pioneers in...

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Business

Hayato Suga

Shaping Class for the Future

This has been a significant year for ClassNK and for Hayato Suga, who stepped up to the role of President & CEO in March. Drawing on 40 years of ClassNK experience, the new CEO suggests shipping needs additional support from classification societies at a time when "boundaries between industries are becoming increasingly blurred due to environmental challenges and digital transformation." "It is our responsibility to work with customers to provide certification and related services in a timely manner that meet...

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