Author: Дмитрий

Strategic Strait of Hormuz Under Discussion in Iran-Oman PactA forthcoming maritime agreement between Iran and Oman is poised to grant Tehran regulatory authority over commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz into the Persian Gulf, according to a senior Iranian official and two regional sources briefed on the negotiations.The arrangement, described as one of the most significant concessions to Iran in recent maritime diplomacy, would formalise Tehran’s oversight of navigation through the critical chokepoint, which handles approximately one-fifth of global oil shipments.While neither government has released an official statement, the sources indicated that the draft accord is currently under review by both foreign ministries. If ratified, the agreement would mark a substantive shi...

New LNG Vessel Joins CNOOC FleetHuajing LNG Transport Pte. Ltd. (HLT), a joint venture involving NYK Line, officially named its newest liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier, Greenergy River, during a ceremony held at Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding (Group) Co., Ltd. yesterday.The vessel has been constructed for the CNOOC Group, China’s state-owned energy corporation, and will bolster its LNG transportation capacity. The christening marks a key milestone in the expansion of CNOOC’s maritime logistics infrastructure.Key DetailsVessel owner: Huajing LNG Transport Pte. Ltd. (HLT), a joint venture with NYK participationOperator: CNOOC GroupShipyard: Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding (Group) Co., Ltd.Vessel type: LNG carrierThe addition of Greenergy River reinforces CNOOC’s commitment to secure and effici...

Strong Performance in U.S. Great Lakes Limestone TradeJuly 2026 saw a notable rise in limestone shipments across the U.S. Great Lakes, with volumes reaching 3.1 million tons—an 8.7% increase compared to the same period last year. The month’s trade also outperformed the five-year average by 3.2%, reflecting robust demand in the region.Year-to-date, limestone trade on the Great Lakes has totaled 10.1 million tons, underscoring steady growth in the sector. Industry analysts attribute the uptick to heightened construction activity and infrastructure projects driving material requirements.Key Factors Behind the IncreaseSeasonal Demand: Summer months typically see accelerated construction schedules, boosting limestone transport.Infrastructure Investments: Federal and state-funded projects contin...

Accumulation of Iranian Crude Carriers Highlights Impact of US Export RestrictionsRecent satellite and AIS data confirm a significant build-up of very large crude carriers (VLCCs) and Suezmax tankers along Iran’s southern coastline, primarily near the Kharg Island and Lavan Island export terminals. Industry analysts interpret the growing queue—now estimated at over two dozen vessels—as clear evidence that the reinstated US maritime sanctions regime is successfully curtailing Tehran’s ability to move crude to international markets.The vessels, many of which have been stationary for weeks, are understood to be awaiting either fresh loading instructions or revised voyage orders. Market sources report that several charterers have cancelled or deferred liftings in response to heightened complia...

KING TWO Joins Fleet as Dajin Expands Offshore Wind Logistics CapabilitiesDajin Heavy Industry, a leading Chinese manufacturer of offshore wind foundations, has officially delivered KING TWO, the second vessel in its proprietary KING-class series of heavy deck carriers. The 40,000 DWT vessel strengthens the company’s position in offshore wind logistics and underscores its growing expertise in specialized maritime construction support.The KING TWO follows the successful deployment of its predecessor, reinforcing Dajin’s commitment to advancing offshore wind infrastructure. Designed for the transport of large-scale components—including monopiles, transition pieces, and substation modules—the vessel enhances operational efficiency in the installation and maintenance of offshore wind farms.Key...

Incident Reported Near Yanbu PortHouthi military sources, aligned with Iran, announced on Wednesday the execution of a missile attack targeting a Saudi-flagged oil tanker operating in the Red Sea, off the coast of Yanbu, Saudi Arabia’s key port city.Saudi authorities have yet to issue an official statement or confirm the incident following requests for comment.Houthi Military StatementYahya Saree, spokesperson for the Houthi armed forces, disclosed the attack but did not specify the exact timing or provide further operational details. The vessel’s current status, including potential damage or casualties, remains unverified.This development follows a pattern of heightened maritime security risks in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait, critical chokepoints for global energy transit. Industr...

Jones Act Waiver Likely to Be Extended Amid Energy Supply ConcernsThe U.S. Department of Energy has signaled that the Trump administration is poised to renew the temporary Jones Act waiver, citing its role in facilitating the movement of critical energy supplies.Energy Secretary Chris Wright confirmed in recent remarks that the waiver, initially granted as an emergency measure, remains a key tool in ensuring the efficient transport of fuel and other energy resources. The decision aligns with ongoing efforts to stabilize domestic supply chains and mitigate potential disruptions.Under the Jones Act, vessels transporting goods between U.S. ports must be built, owned, and crewed by Americans. While the law supports the domestic maritime industry, waivers are occasionally issued to address urge...

Contract Award Advances Autonomous Seafloor Mapping CapabilitiesThe Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVOCEANO) has selected Blue Water Autonomy, a Boston-based maritime technology and vessel construction specialist, for a multi-award contract to deliver autonomous hydrographic survey services.Under the agreement, Blue Water Autonomy will deploy its long-endurance uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) to conduct high-resolution bathymetric surveys, supporting NAVOCEANO’s mission to enhance oceanographic data collection for naval operations. The contract underscores the growing reliance on autonomous systems to improve efficiency and reduce risks in maritime survey operations.Key Contract DetailsScope: High-resolution seafloor mapping using autonomous platforms.Platforms: Long-endurance USVs equipped ...

AI-Enhanced Drilling Management Deployed Across ADNOC FleetADNOC, in partnership with SLB, has rolled out an artificial intelligence-powered Real-Time Operations Center (RTOC) platform across its entire drilling fleet, encompassing more than 120 rigs.The advanced system delivers integrated, real-time monitoring, analysis, and management capabilities for drilling operations spanning ADNOC’s onshore and offshore assets. The platform is designed to streamline decision-making, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen oversight across the fleet.By leveraging AI-driven analytics, the RTOC enhances situational awareness, enabling drilling teams to respond swiftly to dynamic conditions and optimize performance. The deployment underscores ADNOC’s commitment to digital transformation in its dr...