Author: Ruth M
Kalmar and Patrick Terminals have renewed their long-standing partnership with the signing of a new 10-year supply and support agreement, marking two decades of successful terminal automation at the Port of Brisbane. The milestone underscores both companies’ commitment to next-generation container handling technologies and sustained operational excellence in Australia’s busiest east-coast port. The new deal extends Kalmar’s role as the primary provider of automated straddle carriers and lifecycle support services at Patrick’s Brisbane Autostrad Terminal—one of the world’s pioneering facilities for automated straddle carrier operations. Since its launch in 2005, the terminal has become a benchmark for automated container handling…
December 3, 2025 Winning International Group has strengthened its strategic foothold in the global bauxite trade by ordering six additional mega bauxite carriers, marking one of the company’s most ambitious fleet expansion moves in recent years. Industry insiders indicate that the new vessels—each expected to exceed 200,000 deadweight tonnes—will be built at a major Chinese shipyard, with deliveries projected to begin in 2027. The order follows Winning’s ongoing fleet renewal and expansion programme, which aims to secure long-term shipping capacity for its West Africa–Asia bauxite corridor. Reinforcing the Guinea–China Supply Chain Winning remains a central force in the Guinea bauxite…
2 December 2025 — Helsinki, Tokyo, LondonIn a landmark development for wind-assisted propulsion, Norsepower has signed a breakthrough agreement with Idemitsu Tanker Co., Ltd. to equip two next-generation Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) with the Norsepower Rotor Sail™ — marking the first time in global shipping history that VLCCs will be delivered with mechanical sails installed. The newbuild vessels, to be constructed by Japan Marine United Corporation (JMU) and Nihon Shipyard Co., Ltd. (NSY), will each feature two explosion-proof 35m x 5m rotor sails, with the first VLCC scheduled for delivery by the end of 2028. Pushing the Boundaries of…
2 December 2025 — Sohar, OmanIn a significant step toward greener port logistics, Hutchison Ports Sohar has begun introducing electric container trucks at Oman’s primary gateway port under a newly signed agreement with Chinese smart-technology specialist Westwell. The initiative marks another milestone in Oman’s national push toward sustainable maritime operations, aligning with both Oman Vision 2040 and the growing drive across the MENAT region to cut emissions from port and terminal activities. A Shift Toward Smarter, Cleaner Operations Under the agreement, Westwell will supply and integrate a new fleet of fully electric, intelligent container trucks designed to improve yard efficiency,…
Maritime Context News – 1 December 2025 Ocean Network Express (ONE) has declared general average following last month’s fire aboard the container vessel ONE Henry Hudson, which broke out while the ship was alongside at the Port of Los Angeles. The declaration signals that shippers with cargo on board will now share in the costs associated with the firefighting response, salvage operations, and subsequent vessel stabilisation. Fire Broke Out While Vessel Was Berthed The incident occurred on 21 November 2025 at around 6:38 p.m. local time. The ONE Henry Hudson, a large container vessel serving trans-Pacific trade, was loading and…
Maritime Context News – 1 December 2025 Inbound shipping operations at the Port of New South Wales were temporarily suspended after a group of climate activists entered active shipping lanes using kayaks, prompting immediate maritime safety concerns and forcing port authorities to take urgent precautionary action. Kayak Protesters Disrupt Harbour Traffic According to the Port Authority of New South Wales, the decision to halt vessel movements came after protestors paddled into restricted navigation zones used by commercial ships. The demonstrators, carrying banners and chanting slogans, positioned themselves inside the marked traffic separation areas—sections of the harbour where large vessels manoeuvre…
Maritime Context News – 1 December 2025 Hengli Heavy Industry has received a landmark multi-segment shipbuilding order that will see the yard construct a total of 12 high-specification vessels, further cementing its position as one of China’s fastest-growing large-tonnage builders. The new order covers six Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs), two LNG dual-fuel Suezmax tankers, and four 6,000-TEU container ships, reflecting strong and diversified demand across the global fleet renewal cycle. Strategic Win Amid Tightening Fleet Modernisation Needs The combined order underscores the ongoing push by major shipowners to modernise their fleets ahead of tightening decarbonisation requirements and shifting capacity…
The global “shadow fleet” crisis has escalated once again, with a third tanker suffering a major incident off the coast of Senegal this week, heightening alarm across maritime security circles already unsettled by recent drone strikes on shadow-operated vessels in the Black Sea. The latest incident involved an ageing, uninsured crude carrier operating under obscure ownership and a flag of convenience—common hallmarks of the opaque network of vessels known as the shadow fleet. According to regional maritime authorities, the tanker suffered a severe mechanical failure that led to a temporary loss of propulsion, drifting dangerously close to fishing grounds before…
Abu Dhabi, UAE – 28 November 2025 — The 2025 Abu Dhabi Maritime Awards have set a new benchmark for excellence in the MENAT marina industry, spotlighting innovation, sustainability, safety, and outstanding leadership across the region’s rapidly evolving maritime landscape. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in the Al Dhafra Region, the ceremony took place on 20 November during the Abu Dhabi International Boat Show. Now in its third edition, the Awards continue to grow in influence and industry relevance, drawing participation from marinas, professionals, and project teams spanning the Middle…
London, 25 November 2025: The UK P&I Club and the TT Club have announced that they are engaged in discussions regarding a potential merger between the two mutual insurers. Both Clubs have collaborated closely for many years through their common manager, Thomas Miller. At meetings in November, the Boards of both Clubs agreed to explore the possibility of formalizing this long-standing relationship through a merger. If completed, the combined Club would bring together complementary expertise across the maritime and transport sectors, enabling an enhanced and integrated service to Members while addressing the evolving needs of the industry. The strategic visions…