From Ports to Power Plants: Decision Intel Transforms Critical Infrastructure
Critical infrastructure has never been more connected. Across ports, energy networks and industrial facilities, operators have access to unprecedented volumes of operational data generated by sensors, surveillance systems, satellite imagery, connected equipment and digital monitoring platforms. Every day, these technologies provide valuable insights into the performance, condition and security of critical assets.
Recent Changes in U.S. At-Sea Interdiction of Illicit Narcotics
Sometime back in the fall of 2025, I was contacted by a prominent national television, radio, and print news reporter with a surprising (but understandable under the circumstances) request for background information to inform her reporting. She was working on a story covering the numerous lethal military strikes on alleged drug trafficking speedboats (lanchas) in international waters and the waters of Central and South American countries that we all were seeing and hearing about in the news.
Dredging is Building the Next Generation of Northeast and Mid-Atlantic Ports
The United States’ Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions have good dredging stories to tell. Major channel projects have been completed. Ports are investing in new capacity. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and its partners are advancing more work across the region. At the same time, maintenance dredging keeps the channels that the private sector dredging industry built open for business.That progress is easy to see in Virginia.
Carbajal Questions DHS Oversight of Jones Act Waivers, Foreign Vessel Ops
U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) has called on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to explain its oversight of Jones Act waivers following reports that foreign-flagged vessels transported more than $40 million in petroleum products between U.S. ports without required disclosures.In an October 16 letter to DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin, Carbajal, Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation…
MHI to Invest $660M in Japan Shipbuilding Expansion
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) has signed an agreement with Shimonoseki City in Japan's Yamaguchi Prefecture to acquire industrial land on the artificial island of Choshu Dejima, supporting a major expansion of its shipbuilding capacity.The project, undertaken by MHI subsidiary Mitsubishi Shipbuilding, is expected to involve an investment of approximately 100 billion yen ($660 million), with up…
Tug Venture Delivered to Crowley
Crowley has accepted delivery of Venture, a new chartered tug that will provide ship assist and escort operations in the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. The addition of the vessel expands Crowley’s capability to serve customers calling on the Southern California gateway, where harbor tugs play a critical role in the safe movement of vessels transporting cargo through the ports. Purpose-built at Diversified Marine, Inc.
Viking Yachts Tests AI Whale Detection Technology Aboard 70 Convertible
Viking Yacht Company is evaluating WhaleSpotter, an artificial intelligence (AI) whale detection system, aboard its new Viking 70 Convertible demonstration vessel. The technology uses thermal imaging and AI to identify whales ahead of moving vessels, providing captains with advance warning to help prevent collisions.Installed by Viking subsidiary Atlantic Marine Electronics, the system features a thermal camera and processing computer mounted on the yacht's tuna tower.
APC Expands in Middle East, Europe
Advanced Polymer Coatings (APC) expanded its international maritime sales team with two appointments.James Kennedy has been appointed to lead sales across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman. Mark Isherwood will oversee sales in Northern Europe.“James and Mark bring valuable experience and expertise that will help us further develop customer relationships in these regions…
Thai Union Taps Zunibal for AI-Powered Monitoring of Tuna Fleet
Thai Union has selected Spanish marine technology company Zunibal to upgrade electronic monitoring (EM) systems aboard its suppliers' tuna longliners operating in the Indian Ocean.The agreement covers onboard equipment installation, technical support, cloud-based data management, video analysis and reporting. Zunibal will incorporate artificial intelligence to accelerate the review of fishing activity…
SKF Opens Ceramic Process Lab
SKF opened its new Ceramic Process Laboratory (C-Pro Lab) at its R&D Centre in Houten, The Netherlands. This capability strengthens SKF’s technology leadership across the complete ceramic manufacturing value chain, from raw material powder processing to high-performance component engineering, boosting the global adoption of advanced hybrid bearing technology.“Ceramic and hybrid bearing technologies…
Maersk Vessel Marks Ethanol First on U.S. Route
WinGD recorded the first in-service operation of its X-DF-M/E alcohol fuel engine platform on ethanol fuel, following a successful bunkering and voyage in the US. The 9,000 TEU container ship Tangier Maersk, owned by the Maersk shipping line, successfully sailed from Houston to New York on ethanol fuel.The vessel took on the bunker at the Port of Houston in late September, with the world’s largest bioethanol producer POET supplying fuel for the WinGD X82DF-Mengine powering the vessel.
Fincantieri CEO Folgiero Honored
Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and General Manager of Italian shipbuilding group Fincantieri, received the National Italian American Foundation's (NIAF) Dea Roma Special Achievement Award for Outstanding Leadership in Maritime Industry during the organization's 51st Anniversary Gala in Washington, D.C.The award marks the first time NIAF has recognized an executive specifically for leadership and achievements…
Twelve Migrants Die in Two Boat Capsizings Off Greek Islands
Twelve migrants drowned in two separate incidents off the Greek islands of Lesbos and Samos in the northeastern Aegean Sea on Monday, after their boats capsized as the coast guard chased them, authorities said.Five men and one woman died after a speedboat carrying migrants from Turkey made a sudden manoeuvre and overturned roughly four nautical miles north of Samos, the Greek coast guard said.Fourteen men survived and a search-and-rescue operation was under way.
Rheinmetall, MSC Take Over Romania’s Mangalia Shipyard in $155M Deal
German defense contractor Rheinmetall and Swiss shipping company MSC have won an auction to acquire Romania's Mangalia shipyard for approximately $155 million (€138 million), with plans to develop the facility for both commercial and military shipbuilding.The acquisition, expected to be completed within a few weeks, will be jointly funded by the two companies, Rheinmetall said.The shipyard, located south of Constanța…
Two Oil Tankers Hit Mines While Crossing Strait of Hormuz
Iran's Revolutionary Guards Navy said on Saturday that two oil tankers had caught fire after hitting naval mines while crossing the Strait of Hormuz, the official Iranian news agency IRNA reported.State media said both tankers were carrying about 2 million barrels of crude oil.There was no independent confirmation of the reports.IRNA reported that the vessels had switched off their positioning and radar systems and attempted to use an unauthorised route through the strategic waterway.
Eidesvik's Viking Avant PSV on Extended Stay with Equinor
Norwegian offshore vessel owner Eidesvik Offshore has secured a contract extension from Equinor for its platform supply vessel (PSV) Viking Avant, keeping the vessel under contract until the end of 2027.The extension follows directly from the current contract and includes an option for a further extension, according to Eidesvik."Viking Avant has served Equinor since delivery in 2004, and we are pleased to extend our collaboration on current market terms.
Tampa Bay Pilots Orders New 56-ft. Vessel
Rozema Boat Works, Inc., of Mount Vernon, Washington, won a contract for the construction of a 56-ft. pilot transfer vessel for the Tampa Bay Pilots Association, based in Tampa Bay, Florida. Designed by Camarc Design, the all-aluminum vessel features a refined double-chine hull optimized for efficient, reliable performance and safe pilot transfer operations in a wide range of operating conditions.The…
Fincantieri Integrates AI, Robotics to Advance Shipyards
Fincantieri is accelerating the transformation of its shipyards through the integration of advanced robotics, Physical AI, and next-generation automation systems, with the aim of making production processes increasingly efficient, safe, and competitive.This is the vision behind BOOST² – The Shipyard of the Future, the industrial innovation program launched by the Group three years ago to identify, develop, and integrate new technologies into its production processes.
Oil Prices Rise by More Than 3%
Oil prices gained more than 3% and were heading for weekly gains on continued uncertainty over Middle East supplies, and as investors kept assessing how much diesel Russia could supply to the global markets.Brent crude futures were up $3.41, or 3.2%, at $109.34 at 12:41 p.m. ET (1641 GMT), while US West Texas Intermediate crude futures rose $2.74, or 2.8%, to $100.67, crossing $100 for the first time since September 21.So far this week…
All American Marine Build Report: October 2026
All American Marine recently launched M/V North Star, the second high-speed, long-range eco-tour vessel built for Phillips Cruises & Tours. Like her sistership, Chugach Express, North Star will operate from Whittier, Alaska, carrying passengers through the tidewater glaciers and wildlife-filled waters of Prince William Sound.The 84.5-foot, hydrofoil-assisted aluminum catamaran features a Teknicraft…
