Mixed Signals for Ship Recycling Industry
Global economies delivered mixed signals as U.S. stocks maintained a steady decline over the tail-end of December, reports cash buyer GMS. China’s industrial growth slowed, and EU stocks reportedly surged.“The U.S. Dollar started the year off-balance against ship recycling currencies, shipowners started to rejoice as the Baltic Exchange Dry Index showed signs of a resurgence, oil continued to slip on its way to USD 60/barrel even though it climbed to USD 57.17/barrel this week…
Gulf LNG Partners Take Delivery of Final Rapport 2800 Tugboat
Master Boat Builders, Inc. announced the successful launch of the Jill, marking a milestone in its ongoing partnership with Gulf LNG Tugs of Port Arthur, LLC, a joint venture comprised of Bay-Houston Management, LLC; Bay Towing, LLC; Moran Towing Corporation; and Suderman & Young Towing Company. Together, the Gulf LNG partners have more than 400 years of experience in ship assist and towage services.
Trio of WSF Vessels Pulled from Service for Mechanical Issues
At Washington State Ferries, 2026 has started with a thud, one ferry each of the first three days of the year were pulled from service for mechanical problems. Here's a rundown.Walla Walla was removed from our Seattle/Bremerton route midday Thursday, Jan. 1. A propeller blade broke off. The cause is still unknown. We expect to learn more when the vessel enters emergency dry dock at Everett Ship Repair later this week. Both propellers will be replaced.
Master Boat Launches Tugboat Jill
Master Boat Builders launched the tugboat Jill, marking a major milestone in its ongoing partnership with Gulf LNG Tugs of Port Arthur, LLC , a joint venture comprised of Bay-Houston Management, LLC; Bay Towing, LLC; Moran Towing Corporation; and Suderman & Young Towing Company. Together, the Gulf LNG partners have more than 400 years of experience in ship assist and towage services. Jill is the sixth and final vessel in a Rapport 2800 tugboat series designed by Robert Allan Ltd.
U.S. Coast Guard Releases Report on Spirit of Boston Vessel Fire
On December 3, the U.S. Coast Guard released their report on the Spirit of Boston fire on March 24, 2023. The fire occurred onboard the vessel in the Boston Harbor after an evening dinner excursion. The vessel suffered extensive fire damage and was taken out of service for repairs. The cause of the casualty was determined to be a fire in the aft section of the main deck wait station, most likely started…
U.S. Coast Guard Releases Report on 2018 Passenger Vessel Collision
On December 12, the U.S. Coast Guard released their report on the collision between small passenger vessel PROWLER and yacht ATTESSA IV, flagged under the Cayman Islands. The collision occurred on October 26, 2018 in the San Diego Bay and resulted in the loss of one life. The report determines that the initiating event of the incident was a collision between the vessels. Subsequent events include loss of propulsion, flooding and passenger injuries/death.
IMO Secretary-General Sets 2026 Priorities
International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez has emphasized key items on the IMO's upcoming agenda.In a video message, Secretary-General Dominguez said: “As we start 2026, I would like to focus on something simple: getting things done. At IMO, this is the year of implementation; moving from plans to concrete actions and measurable progress, reflected in our world maritime theme: “From Policy to Practice – Powering Maritime Excellence.”   “Seafarers.
Latvia Finds No Link Between Ship, Baltic Cable Breach
Latvian police have found no evidence linking a ship docked in the port of Liepaja to damage to an underwater telecoms cable running in the Baltic Sea from Latvia to Lithuania, but are investigating the incident further, authorities said on Monday.The Baltic Sea region is on high alert after a string of power cable, telecom link and gas pipeline outages since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, and the NATO military alliance has boosted its presence with frigates…
Chevron Resumes Exports of Venezuelan Oil to US fter Four-Day Pause
An oil tanker chartered by U.S. Chevron carrying some 300,000 barrels of Venezuelan heavy crude bound for the U.S. Gulf Coast departed on Monday from the OPEC country's waters, shipping data showed, after a four-day pause in the company's exports of Venezuelan oil.Chevron is the only company currently authorized by Washington to export Venezuelan crude amid an oil embargo that U.S. President Donald…
Oil Tankers Depart Venezuela Despite Trump Blockade
About a dozen tankers loaded with Venezuelan crude oil and fuel have left the country's waters in dark mode since the start of the year, according to documents seen by Reuters and industry sources including monitoring service TankerTrackers.com.The movements suggest a potential breaking of a strict blockade imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump before the dramatic capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by U.S. troops in the early hours of Saturday morning.
W2W Vessl Acta Pegasus Delivered
Acta Pegasus was delivered to Acta Marine, its fourth Walk-to-Work (W2W) vessel, a DP2 Construction Service Operation Vessel (CSOV).Acta Pegasus is one of four newbuild vessels currently under construction for Acta Marine at Tersan Shipyard in Turkey. The vessel can accommodate up to 135 persons and is equipped with advanced offshore access and lifting systems, including a 3D motion-compensated SMST gangway and a 3D-compensated crane.
Tallink Passenger Numbers Remained Stable in 2025
AS Tallink Grupp has published the Group’s passenger and cargo statistics for the fourth quarter and December 2025 to the stock exchange. Compared to the same period in 2024, passenger numbers decreased by 0.3%. During the holiday season in December, passenger numbers grew by 0.2%. For the year as a whole, results stabilized at the level of 2024.“2025 was full of challenges, ranging from the generally unfavorable economic climate in the region to weak consumer confidence.
Palau Open Ship Registry Continues Normal Operations
The Ministry of Public Infrastructure and Industries (MPII) reaffirmed that the Palau Open Ship Registry continues to operate normally under the authority of the Government of the Republic of Palau, with all registry services being delivered without interruption through the Bureau of Marine Transportation.Since December 15, 2025, the Bureau of Marine Transportation has ensured the uninterrupted provision of vessel registration…
Wind Power LAB Names New Chief
Wind Power LAB (WPL), a Danish specialist in blade inspection and wind turbine consulting services, has appointed Lene Hellstern as its new Chief Executive Officer.Hellstern brings over 24 years of experience in the global onshore and offshore wind industry, with a background in developing wind farms, managing technical teams, and shaping O&M strategies.She is known for her expertise in wind resource assessment…
CIMC Picks TMC’s Compressors for Golar LNG’s MK II FLNG Unit
CIMC Raffles has awarded a contract to TMC Compressors to deliver a complete marine compressed air system for the MK II floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) facility, currently under construction for Golar LNG.TMC’s scope includes instrument air compressors, utility compressors, nitrogen feed air compressors, and air driers. The company did not disclose the value of the contract.The MK II FLNG project involves converting Golar’s LNG tanker, Fuji LNG, into a floating liquefaction facility.
ABB to Build World’s Largest Shore Power System at Port of Rotterdam
ABB has signed contracts with Rotterdam Shore Power (RSP) to engineer and construct what is expected to be the world’s largest shore power system by capacity at the Port of Rotterdam.The system will provide over 100 megavolt-amperes (MVA) of shore power capacity and is set to begin operations in the second half of 2028, serving three deep-sea container terminals.The installations aim to reduce emissions…
Schwandt Appointed Schottel CEO
On January 1, 2026, Roland Schwandt took over as CEO of SCHOTTEL GmbH from Stefan Kaul as part of an orderly succession plan. Christian Bock was appointed Deputy CEO. In the future, Stefan Kaul will focus on production and materials management for the German production facilities in Dörth and Wismar and will continue to support the new management with his many years of experience.The succession plan was initiated early on by Stefan Kaul and coordinated with all parties involved.
