Stay informed with real-time maritime industry updates
Splash247 reports that seafarers are now required to master a wide range of new skills, including alternative fuels, AI-assisted systems, cyber risk, and emissions reporting. This development is part of a broader skills revolution in the maritime industry, as highlighted by the latest shipmanagement magazine distributed in Athens.
gCaptain
VIKING Life-Saving Equipment has announced its first orders for the VIKING Pentagon Star, a new device designed for rapid recovery of large groups from water during disasters, as reported by gCaptain. The device is expected to enhance safety measures in maritime operations.
gCaptain
The European Union is considering expanding its Aspides naval mission to take a leading role in mine-clearing operations in the Strait of Hormuz, as part of a Franco-British-led initiative, according to a document seen by Reuters and reported by gCaptain.
Venergy Maritime, a Greek company led by Vyron Vasileiadis, is expanding its crude tanker fleet by ordering up to four suezmax newbuildings from China's Hengli Shipbuilding, as reported by Splash247. The Piraeus-based firm has signed contracts for two 158,000 dwt suezmaxes at the Dalian yard, with options for additional vessels.
gCaptain
The US military is exploring quieter methods to safeguard commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz, following President Trump's initial plan to escort vessels, which was later shelved, as reported by gCaptain. This strategic shift aims to protect the crucial maritime passage without drawing significant public attention.
gCaptain
The Trump administration's initiative to revitalize the U.S. maritime industry was highlighted as Congress examined the fiscal year 2027 budget proposals for the Maritime Administration (MARAD) and the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), as reported by gCaptain. Lawmakers are considering the administration's plans to strengthen the maritime sector.
COSCO Shipping Energy is set to enhance its LNG shipping capabilities by ordering four newbuildings from Jiangnan Shipyard, as reported by Splash247. The deal, valued at approximately $953 million, involves COSCO's subsidiary, Future Ocean LNG Investment, signing a contract for 175,000 cubic meter units.
Kpler, a Brussels-based trade intelligence and maritime analytics provider, has received a strategic growth investment exceeding $1 billion from Sixth Street, as reported by Splash247. This minority equity investment aims to facilitate Kpler's expansion into adjacent markets, accelerate product development, and reinforce its standing as a leader in physical trade intelligence.
gCaptain
Northern Lights has entered into a long-term time charter contract for a new 12,000-cubic-meter liquefied CO2 carrier, as reported by gCaptain. The contract has been awarded to a consortium of Japan’s Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha ('K' LINE) and Malaysia’s MISC Berhad.
Offshore Energy
Cook Inlet LNG, a subsidiary of Gardes Holdings, is moving forward with plans to obtain regulatory approvals for an offshore LNG import project using a floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU), as reported by Offshore Energy. The initiative aims to address Alaska's gas demand and storage requirements by leveraging existing platform infrastructure.
