Sunday, December 21, 2025
Media Kit
US helicopter above crude oil tanker

U.S. Seizes Two More Venezuela-Linked Tankers

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containers toppled on deck

UK Investigators Say Banana Incident was Due to Unsecured Containers

Published Dec 19, 2025 6:16 PM by The Maritime Executive

Investigators from the UK’s Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) have begun an investigation into how thousands of bananas ended up on beaches near Southampton, and why shipping was disrupted after 16 reefer boxes went overboard. They are looking into the events that led to the accident, saying initial findings showed the containers were not properly secured. “The investigation will focus on the practice of removing cargo securing arrangements while vessels are underway before entering port, and the impact of the...

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Maersk Line containership

FMC Seeks Input on Spain’s Unfavorable Port Policies and Possible Penalties

Published Dec 19, 2025 5:51 PM by The Maritime Executive

The Federal Maritime Commission has completed its first phase of an investigation into possible unfavorable actions by Spain against U.S. shipping and is now seeking further input from the shipping community. It is considering what remedial actions, including fines on Spanish vessels, might be appropriate to retaliate against the policies that it believes hinder U.S. trade. The investigation was launched a year ago into the regulations or practices imposed by Spain related to port access. The Commission cited a report...

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Iranian tankers

U.S. Sanctions 29 Shadow Tankers to Further Pressure Iran and Venezuela

Published Dec 19, 2025 4:42 PM by The Maritime Executive

The Trump administration is exerting more pressure on Iran after adding a total of 29 shadow fleet tankers to its sanction list. They asserted that the move is expected to deprive Tehran of petroleum revenue that is being used to fund its military and weapons programs. The exports are also being sent to Venezuela to help maintain its oil production. The Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) asserts that the Iranian regime has increasingly been depending on shadow fleet...

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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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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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