HOKUREN MARU No.2 completed autonomous navigation trials and passed Japan’s statutory inspection as an autonomous vessel, marking the first such case for a RORO vessel in Japan.
China called for de-escalation in the Middle East as tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz dropped sharply, Chinese-linked shipping slowed, and concerns grew over energy imports and export demand.
Wattlab said its Solar FlatRack system can cut auxiliary fuel use by 2–5% after vessel pilots and full-scale installation, with development now moving toward larger bulk carriers.
Port of Aberdeen has selected Boskalis Westminster Ltd for a 2026-2028 maintenance dredging program covering North Harbor and South Harbor, with Freeway and MTS Valour assigned to the 2026 campaign.
Mexico is stepping up Gulf coast cleanup efforts while authorities work to identify the tanker suspected of causing the oil discharge, with shoreline recovery continuing across Tabasco and Veracruz.
The Trump administration approved a 60-day Jones Act waiver for foreign-flagged domestic shipping, but U.S. maritime labor and shipping groups say the move will do little to lower fuel prices.
CMA CGM is deploying alternative cargo corridors through the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Oman to keep Gulf logistics moving without relying on the Strait of Hormuz.
The International Maritime Organization said about 3,200 ships carrying around 20,000 seafarers are confined west of the Strait of Hormuz ahead of an emergency council meeting in London on 18–19 March 2026 as attacks on merchant vessels continue across the Gulf region.
NYK Line will acquire a 50% stake in Avenir LNG from Stolt-Nielsen Gas, forming a joint venture centered on small-scale LNG supply and LNG bunkering, with LNG and bio-LNG targeted for marine fuel and industrial applications.
