Policy

The European Commission is readying a 13th package of sanctions on Russia, with no new import bans expected. The aim is for swift approval to mark the second anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24. Despite some EU countries’ calls for additional bans, the Commission hopes to avoid prolonged debate and secure unanimous approval. Once passed, a 14th set of measures, potentially including new import bans, will swiftly follow.

Moran Towing’s tug Lynne Moran crew received recognition for their brave rescue of two stranded boaters near Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge on October 25, 2023. Displaying professionalism and courage, the crew utilized their water rescue equipment and training to execute a precise and safe recovery. Nathan Hauser, Regional VP-Northeast of Moran, praised the crew’s commitment to safety. The 5,100-horsepower twin screw Z-drive tug Lynne Moran was built in 2005 and is currently operated by Moran out of Baltimore/Piney Point.

A US-flagged boxship, Maersk Detroit, was targeted by three missiles in the Gulf of Aden, with one missile hitting the sea and the others being intercepted by the USS Gravely. No injuries or ship damage were reported. The Houthi movement’s recent attacks on commercial ships near Yemen in response to the Gaza conflict have prompted leading shipping companies to avoid the region, opting for longer routes and potentially boosting bunker demand and freight markets.

The Pentagon confirmed the success of joint strikes against Houthi rebel forces yesterday, targeting eight air defense and antiship missile sites in the Red Sea. The Department of Defense, along with international partners, is conducting battle damage assessments, and believes the strikes effectively degraded Houthi capabilities. The U.S., UK, Australia, Bahrain, Canada, and the Netherlands participated in the precision strikes. Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree vows retaliation, expressing concerns over the unprecedented use of Iranian-origin ballistic missiles.

New Strides in Environmental Protection Members of the European Parliament’s (MEP’s) transport and tourism committee recently announced an innovation in regulation. Ships plying the waters of the European Union could face hefty penalties not only for causing oil spills but also for discharging waste and sewage. This resolution was made public yesterday following a committee

A Hold on the Maritime Silk Road As tensions continue to escalate in the Israel-Palestine conflict, its ripple effect has reached the maritime industries, causing disruption in the Mediterranean shipping loop. A Chinese shipping giant, Zhonggu Shipping, has stopped its services to Israel until further notice, immobilizing four of its container ships, each with a

Drone-boats: Modern Maritime Weapons The Ukrainian Navy recently executed a successful campaign against the Russian Black Sea Fleet, sinking two miniature landing ships by deploying explosive-laden drone boats. This night operation tactically targeted two landing crafts stationed at Sevastopol’s port – the hub for Ukraine’s proactive measures to disable the Russian Navy.  The first vessel,

DP World’s Unforeseen Shutdown Leading terminal operator, DP World, has seen its operations come to a halt in Australia, following what the company has described as a ‘cyber-security incident’. The surprising shutdown, which occurred on the evening of November 10, was deemed necessary to ensure the safety of DP World’s personnel and clients.  Aiming to

The blueprint for revolutionizing Australia’s maritime industry, enumerated in the report from the Independent Taskforce on the Strategic Fleet, signals a deep commitment of the Australian Government to advancing its maritime workforce and sovereign capability. Capitalizing on Maritime Potential  Australia’s maritime potential has long remained underutilized, given the paucity of Australian flagged ships and a

A Long-Standing Sea Protest Turns Costly  Shell Group is taking significant legal action against the environmental watchdog Greenpeace, in the form of a staggering $2.1 million lawsuit. This hefty claim is in response to Greenpeace activists’ 13-day protest aboard a floating production storage and offloading unit (FPSO). This unprecedented event stands as one of the