Saturday, December 20, 2025
Media Kit
tanker attack

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

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UK HMS Bulwark amphibious assault ship

Brazil Gets HMS Bulwark for a Bargain Price

Published Dec 19, 2025 4:24 PM by The Maritime Executive

The Royal Navy has sold the Albion Class amphibious assault ship HMS Bulwark (L15) to the Brazilian Navy for a reported $26 million, as it was completing a nearly $100 million midlife upgrade project. News of the sale made the British tabloids this week, which questioned the expenditure to refurbish the ships if they were being sold, while also highlighting the loss of the two amphibious assault ships in the Royal Navy. Rumors of the pending sale had begun in...

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US maritime training ship

Senate Confirms FMC and MARAD Appointments

Published Dec 19, 2025 3:35 PM by The Maritime Executive

Among a broad range of nominees confirmed by the U.S. Senate on Thursday were the new head for the U.S. Maritime Administration and the first of two nominees to fill vacancies on the Federal Maritime Commission. Their confirmation comes at a critical time as the Trump administration and Congress discuss the expansion of the U.S. merchant marine and as global trade policies impact the shipping industry. The Maritime Administration has been without a permanent leader since the beginning of the...

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polar research ship S.A. Agulhas

South Africa’s Historic Polar Research Vessel Set for Auction

Published Dec 19, 2025 2:26 PM by The Maritime Executive

A South African court has ordered the auction of the country’s historic polar research vessel S.A. Agulhas. The vessel had served as South Africa’s research base for 35 years before its retirement and a sale, which had promised to revitalize the vessel. After completing two scientific charters in the first half of this year, S.A. Agulhas, however, came under judicial arrest in the Port of Durban. The vessel had been facing financial difficulties, which led financial creditors to take legal...

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USN frigate based on USCG design

SECNAV Unveils New U.S. Frigate Program Based on USCG Cutter

Published Dec 19, 2025 12:40 PM by The Maritime Executive

Three weeks after announcing that they were canceling the Constellation-class frigate program, Secretary of the Navy John Phelan announced a new program designed to quickly get ships into service cost-effectively. The new FF(X) small combatant Phelan announced would be based on the Legend-Class National Security Cutter, and he predicted the first hull would be in the water in 2028. In a video statement posted online, Phelan called the cutter a proven design that is already protecting America. He cited the...

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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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