Latest Maritime News

Splash247

market February 18, 2026

Liberia's Iron Ore Boom to Boost Capesize Demand by 2026

Liberia's expansion in iron ore exports is anticipated to increase Capesize vessel employment by 2026, as reported by Splash247. This development is part of a shift from supramax and ultramax tonnage to larger vessels for key loadings, with Liberia emerging as a significant player in West African bulk growth. Braemar's analysis highlights this trend, which has previously focused on Guinea and Simandou.

Splash247

Splash247

security February 18, 2026

Concerns Rise Over Maritime Industry's Use of False Flags

David Heindel from the International Transport Workers’ Federation highlights the risks associated with the maritime industry's use of flags of convenience, as reported by Splash247. The rise of shadow fleets and false flags has raised concerns about maritime security, sanctions enforcement, and environmental safety, with seafarers' rights often being overlooked.

Splash247

Seatrade Maritime

regulations February 18, 2026

Seatrade Maritime Club to Tackle Key Challenges at CMA Shipping 2026

Seatrade Maritime reports that a closed-door roundtable at CMA Shipping 2026 will focus on critical maritime issues such as geopolitical risks, electronic disruptions, and delays in achieving IMO Net-Zero targets. The event aims to address these pressing challenges facing the industry.

Seatrade Maritime

gCaptain

fleet February 17, 2026

Norwegian Cruise Line Orders Three New Ships from Fincantieri

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has ordered three new cruise ships from Fincantieri, securing shipyard capacity through 2037, as reported by gCaptain. The order includes vessels for Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, contributing to a projected 4% annual capacity growth over the next decade.

gCaptain

gCaptain

accidents February 17, 2026

Fuel Removed from Grounded Barge Defiant Near San Juan Harbor

Salvage crews have successfully extracted approximately 1,000 gallons of residual fuel from the grounded barge Defiant near San Juan Harbor, mitigating environmental risks as plans are made to refloat the vessel, gCaptain reports. The port remains operational, with no pollution or injuries noted.

Defiant (barge) San Juan Harbor (PR)

gCaptain

gCaptain

fleet February 17, 2026

Hapag-Lloyd Acquires ZIM for $4.2B, Boosting Container Fleet

Hapag-Lloyd has announced a $4.2 billion acquisition of ZIM Integrated Shipping Services, a move that will strengthen its position among the top five global container carriers and expand its presence in the Transpacific market, as reported by gCaptain. This acquisition will also enhance Hapag-Lloyd's fleet with additional LNG-powered vessels.

gCaptain

gCaptain

market February 17, 2026

Port of Los Angeles Sees 12% Drop in January TEU Volume Amid Tariff Woes

The Port of Los Angeles experienced a 12% decline in container volumes in January, processing 812,000 TEUs, as reported by gCaptain. This decrease is attributed to ongoing tariff uncertainties, with exports reaching their lowest monthly level in nearly three years.

Port of Los Angeles (US)

gCaptain

gCaptain

fleet February 17, 2026

MARAD Launches Centers of Excellence for Maritime Workforce Training

The U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) has initiated a recruitment drive for its Centers of Excellence program, aiming to train future maritime professionals, as reported by gCaptain. This initiative is part of a broader effort to bolster the U.S. shipbuilding industry.

gCaptain

gCaptain

operations February 17, 2026

Baltic Sea Ice Threatens Russian Export Routes

The Baltic Sea is experiencing its most extensive sea ice in 15 years, potentially disrupting Russian export operations due to a lack of ice-capable vessels, as reported by gCaptain.

gCaptain

gCaptain

security February 17, 2026

France Releases Oil Tanker GRINCH After Penalty for Sanctions Evasion

The oil tanker GRINCH has been released by France following the imposition of a multi-million euro penalty on its owner for allegedly participating in Russia's shadow fleet to evade European oil sanctions, as reported by gCaptain.

GRINCH (tanker)

gCaptain