Author: Дмитрий

Partnership with CMB.TECH to Advance Zero-Carbon ShippingFortescue, the Australia-based mining and resources leader, has formalized a strategic charter agreement with CMB.TECH, the Belgian maritime and cleantech innovator, for up to 12 ammonia-capable bulk carriers. The move marks a significant step in the industry’s transition toward sustainable maritime operations and the adoption of green ammonia as a viable alternative fuel.The vessels, designed to operate on ammonia while maintaining compatibility with conventional marine fuels, will support Fortescue’s long-term decarbonization strategy. The agreement underscores the company’s commitment to reducing emissions across its supply chain, aligning with global regulatory targets and industry best practices for low-carbon shipping.Key Objec...

Qatari LNG Carriers Navigate Strait of Hormuz Despite Declining TrafficFour LNG carriers under Qatari flag resumed transit through the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, according to vessel tracking data, even as overall maritime traffic in the critical chokepoint experienced a notable decline.This movement follows Iran’s weekend announcement of renewed restrictions in the waterway, a development that has prompted caution among regional operators. The vessels—including the Wadi Al Sail—proceeded along established routes, underscoring the strategic importance of the strait for global energy flows.Industry analysts note that while commercial shipping volumes have dipped, key energy exporters continue to prioritize uninterrupted LNG deliveries. The Strait of Hormuz remains a vital artery for Qatari ...

Operational Impact on Maritime Transit in Key ChokepointSINGAPORE – Maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz experienced a marked reduction on Sunday, 22 June, after Iranian authorities declared the strategic waterway temporarily closed. The announcement has prompted shipping operators to adjust routes and schedules in response to heightened security concerns.The Strait of Hormuz, a critical conduit for global oil and commercial shipping, remains one of the most closely monitored maritime chokepoints. Industry sources report a noticeable drop in vessel transits, with operators exercising caution amid evolving geopolitical developments.Industry Response and Risk MitigationShipping companies and maritime stakeholders are actively monitoring the situation, with some vessels opting for al...

Heightened Vigilance Required as US-Led Initiatives ProgressThe United States-led efforts to restore safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz are enabling a cautious resumption of vessel transits, though maritime security in the critical chokepoint remains unpredictable, according to industry insurers and naval analysts.Speaking on condition of anonymity, a senior underwriter at Chubb Limited confirmed that while operational channels are being incrementally reopened, the security environment continues to demand hour-to-hour risk assessment. The Strait, a vital artery for global energy shipments, has seen heightened tensions following recent maritime incidents, including vessel seizures and drone attacks.Operational Realities and Industry ResponseNaval patrols and coalition escort operatio...

Critical Chokepoint Maintains Operational StatusDespite recent assertions by Iranian authorities regarding the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, vessel tracking data confirms that oil shipments through the strategic waterway have proceeded without disruption. Industry analysts report that millions of barrels of crude and refined products transited the strait over the weekend, underscoring its continued role as a vital artery for global energy markets.Market Response and Vessel MovementsMaritime intelligence platforms indicate normal traffic patterns, with supertankers and product carriers maintaining scheduled passages. The absence of reported incidents or diversions suggests that commercial shipping operations remain unaffected by the political rhetoric. Market observers note that any prol...

Aluminum Prices Mitigated by Covert Shipping and Chinese ProductionBy Mark Burton and Julian Luk | June 21, 2026The aluminum market faced one of its most severe supply shocks in history following escalations in the Iran conflict. However, the anticipated surge in prices has been tempered by strategic measures within the industry.Dark Transits and Supply Chain AdaptationsSeafarers and shipping operators have increasingly relied on dark transits—voyages conducted without standard AIS (Automatic Identification System) tracking—to circumvent high-risk zones. This practice has helped maintain the flow of aluminum shipments, reducing the immediate impact of geopolitical disruptions on global supply chains.Port authorities and maritime security firms report a notable rise in vessels operating und...

ABS Bolsters Digital Solutions Amid Rapid Offshore Industry EvolutionThe offshore energy sector continues to embrace digital transformation, yet the pace of technological advancement—particularly with artificial intelligence—brings both significant opportunities and critical challenges. ABS is reinforcing its digital and remote support capabilities to address these complexities, ensuring operational resilience in an era of heightened cyber risks.As offshore operators integrate smarter systems, the reliance on AI-driven analytics, automation, and real-time monitoring grows. However, this shift also exposes vulnerabilities, demanding robust cybersecurity measures and adaptive remote assistance frameworks. ABS is aligning its services to meet these demands, providing seafarers and offshore pe...

Operational Update for Maritime ProfessionalsThe U.S. Navy has formally refuted recent assertions by Iranian authorities regarding the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, confirming that the strategic chokepoint remains fully operational for commercial and military traffic.In a statement issued on 20 June, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) emphasized that naval assets under its command continue to conduct routine surveillance and security operations in the region. The Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global energy shipments, has not experienced any disruption to maritime transit.Key DevelopmentsOperational Continuity: All shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz remain open, with no reported interruptions to vessel movements.Enhanced Monitoring: U.S. naval forces are maintaining heightened sit...

Updated Guidance for Strait of Hormuz NavigationProfessional mariners are advised that vessels may now transit the Strait of Hormuz via the southern route at any hour while maintaining active Automatic Identification System (AIS) transmissions.The updated recommendation, issued by maritime security authorities, aims to enhance situational awareness and reduce risks in one of the world’s most critical chokepoints for global shipping.Key Considerations for Safe TransitAIS Compliance: All vessels must ensure continuous AIS operation throughout the transit, in accordance with SOLAS regulations and regional security protocols.Route Selection: The southern corridor remains the preferred option for deep-draft vessels, with navigational warnings to be monitored in real time via official maritime c...