Stay informed with real-time maritime industry updates
Seatrade Maritime
Seatrade Maritime highlights the major maritime and shipping stories from February 2026, covering various industry developments. The Seatrade Maritime Podcast provides insights into the latest trends and events shaping the maritime sector.
Splash247
The shipping industry is avoiding the Middle East following a tumultuous weekend marked by missile attacks and damage to ships and ports, as reported by Splash247. The conflict escalated when the US and Israel went to war with Iran, resulting in the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Seatrade Maritime
Hengli Heavy Industry has signed its first Very Large Ammonia Carrier (VLAC) newbuilding contract of the year, as reported by Seatrade Maritime. This marks a significant milestone for the Chinese private shipbuilder.
Seatrade Maritime
Seatrade Maritime reports that NorthStandard has released a white paper advising shipowners on the adoption of biofuels due to a rise in related claims. The mutual insurer aims to guide the maritime industry in navigating the complexities of biofuel use.
Splash247
Resales of very large crude carriers (VLCCs) are commanding a record $39.5 million premium over newbuilds, marking the highest in the 60-year history of the supertanker, as reported by Splash247. Clarksons Research data indicates benchmark TD3C earnings have surged above $200,000 a day, levels last seen in May 2020, while one-year charter rates exceed $130,000 a day.
Splash247
America’s Mainstay Maritime is set to sell its Canadian operations and six vessels to Algoma Central Corporation, as reported by Splash247. The transaction includes Lower Lakes Towing and ships such as Kaministiqua and Manitoulin, pending standard closing conditions.
Splash247
The French navy and Belgian armed forces captured the Russian tanker Ethera, as reported by Splash247. The vessel, linked to Iranian figure Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani, was intercepted en route to Russia and escorted to the port of Zeebrugge.
Seatrade Maritime
Three tankers were reportedly struck by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman, resulting in the death of one seafarer, as reported by Seatrade Maritime.
Splash247
Splash247 highlights the pressing need for the maritime industry to embrace digitalization and AI to meet evolving customer expectations. The sector is often criticized for lagging behind in technology adoption, as emphasized by Namrata Nadkarni and Edward Parshotam of Intent Communications.
Splash247
Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS) is increasing its presence in the VLCC sector by commissioning two additional newbuilds at Hengli Shipbuilding, as reported by Splash247. These vessels are part of a five-ship order for 306,000 dwt VLCCs, with deliveries planned for 2029 and 2030.
