Iran Opens Hormuz for Ceasefire Period
18, April 2026
Iran said the Strait of Hormuz is open to commercial shipping for the remaining Lebanon ceasefire period, easing pressure after more than six weeks of disruption.
Maritime
Anemoi and NACKS Receive ClassNK AiP for Ultramax Rotor Sail Designs
15, April 2026
Anemoi Marine Technologies and NACKS have secured ClassNK Approval in Principle for two rotor sail integration concepts for Ultramax bulk carriers, covering a single-sail forecastle arrangement and a three-sail rail-based upper deck design.
Marine Claims Costs Rise on Machinery Failures and Fires
14, April 2026
Cefor said Nordic marine hull claim costs stayed elevated in 2025 as machinery failures and fires drove more high-value losses, more medium-sized claims and higher repair costs.
Jones Act Waiver Leaves Energy Costs Elevated
14, April 2026
Energy and shipping costs kept rising after the Jones Act waiver took effect, as disruption in the Strait of Hormuz continued to lift oil prices, freight rates and insurance costs.
Australia Bans Bulk Carrier Over Crew Welfare Violations
13, April 2026
AMSA has banned a bulk carrier from Australian waters until 4 October 2026 after an inspection in Newcastle revealed nearly seven months of unpaid crew wages, along with inadequate food supplies and no access to free drinking water, highlighting serious breaches of Maritime Labour Convention standards.
Hormuz Crisis Drives Sharp Drop in Seafarer Morale
13, April 2026
Seafarer morale declines sharply as Hormuz tensions escalate, with rising risks, supply disruptions, and restricted movement impacting crews.
Japan to End Antarctic Transport Role by 2034
13, April 2026
Japan will end Maritime Self-Defense Force involvement in Antarctic transport after the 2034 retirement of icebreaker Shirase, shifting operations to private sector.
Boreal AS Orders World’s Largest Electric Fleet for Norway
13, April 2026
Boreal AS has ordered 20 Candela P-12 vessels from Candela Technology for Norway. The order covers high-speed electric passenger transport along the coast and is described by the source as the world’s largest electric fleet to date.
CO2 Carrier Segment Continues to Grow With CCS Projects
13, April 2026
Purpose-built CO2 carriers are moving into service as CCS projects expand in Europe and Japan. Northern Phoenix, Carbon Destroyer 1, and new Japanese vessel concepts show how the segment is developing to support offshore CO2 storage.
