Stay informed with real-time maritime industry updates
Splash247
Global oil markets saw prices rise above $100 per barrel as the U.S. implemented a naval blockade of Iranian ports, marking an escalation in the ongoing Hormuz crisis. The collapse of peace negotiations in Islamabad further diminished hopes for a diplomatic solution, as reported by Splash247.
Seatrade Maritime
Seatrade Maritime reports that the United States has initiated a blockade targeting Iranian ships, following Iran's failure to open the Strait of Hormuz to all traffic under a ceasefire agreement. This move aims to disrupt Iran's maritime trade.
Offshore Energy
Petrobras has awarded a $56 million contract extension to Solstad Maritime for a construction support vessel (CSV), as reported by Offshore Energy. The two-year extension underscores the ongoing collaboration between the two companies.
Splash247
The Swedish coastguard detained the Panamanian-registered bulk carrier Hui Yuan after it discharged coal residue into the sea off Sweden's southern coast, as reported by Splash247. The captain admitted the offense and paid a deposit against a future fine.
Splash247
The VLCC newbuilding market has reached unprecedented levels, with orders in late 2025 and early 2026 surpassing the highest annual total previously recorded, as reported by Splash247. The orderbook-to-fleet ratio has surged from 10% to 26% over 15 months, a sharp rise from around 1% in mid-2023.
Splash247
Indonesia's Buana Lautan Line has purchased the 138,000 cu m LNG carrier Seapeak Jupiter, now renamed Gas Polaris, for $14.9 million, as reported by Splash247. This acquisition marks a rare case of a vintage steam turbine LNG carrier being repurposed instead of scrapped.
Splash247
A 22-year-old aframax tanker, Asia Ascend, has been sold for a record $33 million to an undisclosed buyer in China, as reported by Splash247. The vessel, previously sold by Greece’s IMS for $22 million to the Marshall Islands-registered Global Crown, highlights a new benchmark in the vintage aframax segment.
Splash247
Yangpu Zhongxin Shipping, a Chinese bulker owner, is expanding its presence in the tanker sector with a newbuilding agreement valued at nearly $350 million, as reported by Splash247. The Hainan-based company has contracted Yangzhou Ryuwa Shipbuilding to construct up to five 114,000 dwt LR2 product carriers, including three firm orders and options for two additional vessels.
Splash247
The ongoing Gulf crisis, with the US president calling for a Hormuz blockade, is drawing comparisons to the early-pandemic isolation faced by seafarers, according to Splash247. Steven Jones, founder of the Seafarers Happiness Index, highlights the difficulties crews are experiencing in this tense environment.
Seatrade Maritime
Firefighters successfully extinguished a fire on an Evergreen container ship in Singapore, as reported by Seatrade Maritime. The blaze was battled overnight and put out on April 11.
