Author: Дмитрий

Heightened Tensions Drive Insurance Costs UpMarine underwriters in London report a noticeable decline in inquiries for war-risk coverage on voyages transiting the Strait of Hormuz, coupled with rising premiums. The shift reflects escalating prudence among shipowners amid recent exchanges of military action between the United States and Iran.Market Response to Geopolitical UncertaintyIndustry sources indicate that the cost of war-risk insurance for vessels operating in the region has increased, as underwriters adjust pricing to reflect the elevated threat level. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil and commodity shipping, remains a focal point for maritime security concerns.Shipowners are reassessing exposure, with some opting to reroute or delay voyages to mitigate po...

Advanced Autopilot Software Enhances Unmanned Maritime OperationsUAV Navigation-Grupo Oesía, a leading provider of guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) systems for unmanned vehicles, has launched version 9.2 of its VECTOR autopilot software. This update delivers critical improvements tailored for maritime professionals operating unmanned surface vessels (USVs) and autonomous systems.Key Enhancements in Version 9.2Enhanced Interoperability: Streamlined integration with third-party sensors, payloads, and communication systems, ensuring seamless compatibility across diverse maritime platforms.Modular Architecture: Expanded flexibility for custom configurations, allowing operators to adapt the system to mission-specific requirements without extensive re-engineering.Multi-Vehicle Coordinatio...

Critical Chokepoint Faces Severe DisruptionTraffic of oil tankers transiting the Strait of Hormuz has effectively stalled, according to the latest vessel tracking data and industry sources, as heightened security risks grip the region following renewed military exchanges between the United States and Iran.The strategic waterway, which facilitates nearly one-fifth of global oil supplies, has seen a sharp decline in commercial vessel movements after U.S. airstrikes prompted retaliatory actions by Tehran in the Gulf. Industry analysts report that multiple operators have suspended or rerouted voyages, citing escalating threats to safe navigation.Operational and Insurance Challenges MountSeafarers and shipping companies are facing increased operational pressures as war risk insurance premiums s...

Extension of Key Energy Infrastructure AgreementTurkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar announced that Turkey and Iraq will finalize a one-year extension to their existing crude oil pipeline agreement within days. This decision ensures the continued operation of the critical energy corridor linking the two nations.Decades-Old Pipeline Remains OperationalThe long-standing agreement, which has governed oil exports via the pipeline for decades, will remain in effect under the renewed terms. The extension reflects ongoing cooperation between Ankara and Baghdad in maintaining regional energy stability.Seafarers and maritime logistics professionals should note that this development secures the flow of crude oil through established shipping routes, supporting consistent demand for tanker oper...

Steerprop to Equip Third Med Marine Tug with Advanced PropulsorsFinnish propulsion specialist Steerprop has been selected once again by Turkish shipbuilder Med Marine to supply azimuth thrusters for its latest tugboat project. This repeat order confirms Steerprop’s position as the preferred propulsion partner for the series.The contract covers two SP 175 T propulsors, which will be installed on the third vessel in Med Marine’s ongoing tugboat construction program. The SP 175 T units are designed for high maneuverability and robust performance in demanding harbor and escort operations, aligning with the operational requirements of modern tug fleets.Med Marine’s decision to continue collaboration with Steerprop follows the successful delivery of propulsion systems for the first two tugs in t...

Record-Breaking Newbuild Contracts for Crude TankersThis year has marked a historic milestone in the maritime industry, with crude tanker newbuilding contracting reaching an unprecedented 60 million deadweight tonnes (DWT) across 234 vessels. The figures confirm 2026 as the highest year on record for crude tanker orders, surpassing previous benchmarks by a significant margin.VLCCs Lead the Orderbook SurgeThe surge in contracting activity has been predominantly driven by a sharp increase in orders for Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs). Shipowners and operators are capitalizing on favorable market conditions, strategic fleet renewal programs, and long-term charter opportunities to expand their tonnage.Analysts attribute the spike to a combination of factors, including geopolitical shifts in ...

Axess to Deliver Maintenance and Integrity Services for Golar LNG’s FLNG FleetAxess Group has secured contracts to perform maintenance build and integrity management work on two of Golar LNG’s floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) assets, following a competitive tender process.The scope of work for the Golar MK II FLNG includes maintenance build services, ensuring operational readiness and compliance with industry standards. Additional details on the second FLNG asset will be confirmed in due course.This appointment reinforces Axess’ position as a trusted partner for complex offshore maintenance and asset integrity solutions in the LNG sector. Both parties are finalizing contractual arrangements, with work expected to commence shortly.Golar LNG operates a fleet of FLNG vessels, providing f...

Strategic Expansion in Military-Grade Lighting SolutionsGlamox, the Norway-headquartered lighting specialist, has finalized an agreement to acquire Consolite Technology, a UK-based provider of advanced military lighting and optical communication systems. The acquisition marks a significant step in Glamox’s strategic expansion into the naval and defense sectors.Consolite Technology brings decades of expertise in developing high-performance lighting solutions tailored for military applications. Its portfolio includes ruggedized lighting systems, optical signaling devices, and secure communication technologies designed to meet the stringent operational and environmental demands of naval vessels, submarines, and defense installations.Key Capabilities and Market ImpactMilitary-Grade Lighting: C...

Federal Approval Progresses for Delfin LNG Export TerminalThe U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD), under the Department of Transportation, has confirmed its intent to proceed with the issuance of a deepwater port license to Delfin LNG, following a federal appeals court’s decision to reject a legal challenge filed by environmental organizations.The proposed Delfin LNG deepwater port, located approximately 50 nautical miles off the coast of Louisiana, is designed to facilitate the export of liquefied natural gas (LNG) via floating liquefaction, storage, and offloading (FLSO) vessels. The project aims to enhance U.S. energy export capabilities while adhering to stringent maritime and environmental regulations.Key Developments in the Licensing ProcessLegal Challenge Dismissed: The U.S. Court ...