Author: Ruth M
A Turkish-flagged liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tanker, the MT Orinda, was struck by a drone and set ablaze on 17 November while offloading cargo at Izmail port in Ukraine’s Odesa region. All 16 crew members were safely evacuated, but the incident triggered a large-scale emergency response due to the high explosion risk associated with the vessel’s volatile cargo. Attack and Immediate Aftermath According to Ukrainian and Turkish officials, the drone impacted the tanker during discharge operations, igniting a fire on board. The vessel was carrying a substantial quantity of LPG, with around two-thirds of the cargo still on board after…
APM Terminals has officially broken ground on a major expansion of its Maasvlakte II (MVII) container terminal in the Port of Rotterdam, marking a transformational step in capacity, automation, and green operations. The project, carried out in partnership with the Port of Rotterdam Authority, is expected to reshape one of Europe’s most advanced container terminals. Key Features of the Expansion Sustainability at the Core Sustainability is a central principle of the expansion: Strategic and Economic Implications Progress on the Ground Industry Reaction and Long-Term Vision Leaders from APM Terminals and the Port Authority have expressed strong optimism. The expansion positions…
Terminal Internacional del Sur (Tisur) has unveiled a major US$700 million investment plan to expand and modernize the Matarani Port Terminal, marking one of the largest private port infrastructure commitments in southern Peru. The announcement follows the signing of Addendum No. 5 to the terminal’s concession agreement, which extends Tisur’s operating rights for an additional 30 years. The expansion is designed to significantly enhance port capacity, improve operational efficiency, and support the rapid growth of mining and agro-export activities across the Arequipa region and southern economic corridor. Major Infrastructure Upgrades Planned Tisur’s development program includes a wide range of strategic…
The global maritime industry received a decisive call for coordinated policy action and long-term investment as International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) Chairman Emanuele Grimaldi delivered a keynote address at the World Maritime Merchants Forum today. Speaking before a gathering of shipowners, cargo interests, port authorities, energy suppliers, and regulators, Grimaldi outlined the strategic policy directions he believes are essential to steer shipping toward a resilient and sustainable future. His remarks come at a time when the shipping industry faces tightening environmental expectations, rapidly evolving fuel technologies, and pressing geopolitical uncertainties—all of which, he argued, require unified global responses rather than…
As the global maritime industry navigates a period defined by larger vessels, heavier weather patterns, and unprecedented port congestion, one traditional yet critical operation is receiving renewed focus across shipping lines and port authorities: mooring. The process—often perceived as a routine part of berthing and departure—has emerged as a central safety concern as its risks and complexities multiply in today’s operating environment. A combination of hydrodynamic forces, human factors, aging port infrastructure, and evolving cargo profiles is amplifying both the frequency and severity of mooring-related incidents worldwide. Maritime regulators and safety organizations now warn that, unless ports modernize their mooring…
French shipping and logistics giant CMA CGM has announced a sweeping four-year investment program aimed at strengthening its presence in the United States through new ships, expanded port capacity, logistics infrastructure, and air-cargo operations. The move marks one of the company’s most ambitious commitments to the U.S. market and aligns with growing national efforts to reinforce supply-chain resilience. A $20 Billion Investment Across Multiple Sectors According to CMA CGM, the investment package totals $20 billion and will be distributed across four key pillars: The company says the program will support approximately 10,000 U.S. jobs as it accelerates its operations across…
A Greece-owned crude oil tanker transiting near the Strait of Hormuz was forced into Iranian territorial waters on Friday after being approached and directed by vessels belonging to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), according to security sources monitoring the region. The incident, which occurred in one of the world’s most strategically sensitive maritime corridors, did not result in casualties or physical damage, though the exact motives behind the Iranian action remain unclear. Interception Near the Strait of Hormuz Initial reports indicate that the tanker was navigating eastbound when several fast-moving IRGC craft approached and issued instructions compelling the vessel…
Athens, November 13, 2025 — Rubico Inc., a vessel-owning company specialising in modern, fuel-efficient Suezmax tankers, has successfully completed the refinancing of two of its vessels through sale-and-leaseback agreements, strengthening its balance sheet and securing long-term financial stability. The refinancing covers the M/T Eco West Coast and M/T Eco Malibu, each valued at approximately US$42 million. Following repayment of existing loans and a short-term bridge facility, Rubico reported that the transactions released around US$10.4 million in net proceeds, enhancing its overall liquidity position. Under the new arrangements, both vessels have entered into 10-year bareboat charters, with monthly installments of roughly…
Leaders and senior officials from across the Western Indian Ocean, the Gulf of Aden, and the Red Sea region gathered in Mauritius this week for the 8th High-Level Meeting on the Implementation of the Jeddah Amendment to the Djibouti Code of Conduct (DCoC/JA). The three-day event marked another milestone in the region’s collective effort to enhance maritime security, operational cooperation, and governance across some of the world’s most strategically vital sea lanes. The conference, convened under the auspices of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), brought together ministers, heads of maritime administrations, naval representatives, and international partners to evaluate progress made…
In a joint effort to enhance port performance and streamline cargo clearance operations, the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) have signed a communiqué outlining new efficiency measures for the Port of Mombasa, East Africa’s busiest maritime gateway. The announcement, made following a high-level meeting at KPA Headquarters chaired by the Executive Office of the President’s Council of Economic Advisors, brings together key port stakeholders, including KEBS, KR, KEPHIS, KSAA, SCEA, KIFWA, KTA, CFSA, and CMA. The initiative is aimed at facilitating trade, improving cargo flow, and maintaining Mombasa’s status as the region’s preferred port of…