Coastal and Inland News

Hapag-Lloyd reported a recovery in second-quarter 2026 earnings as stronger container volumes and spot rates helped counter roughly $600 million in additional costs stemming from the Middle East conflict.The German container shipping group posted Q2 EBITDA of $829 million, slightly above $820 million a year earlier, while EBIT slipped to $176 million from $189 million. Group profit fell sharply to $83 million from $306 million. Revenue increased to $5.84 billion from $5.27 billion.The improvement from a weak first quarter was driven by strong Asian exports and improved U.S. demand.

Danish shipping group Maersk on Thursday raised its full-year earnings guidance for a second time this year and smashed profit forecasts as global container demand proved resilient in the face of the Middle East conflict.Surging freight rates, fuelled by gridlocked ports and strong Chinese export growth, delivered a windfall that dwarfed the additional costs caused by Middle East disruption, defying fears that the conflict would tip the global economy into recession and dent container demand.Maersk's second-quarter profit before interest…

British maritime security company Ambrey said it has been engaged in the salvage of the stricken tanker Caroline Bezengi off the Omani coast and that salvage vessels are en route to support the operation.The Caroline Bezengi tanker, carrying an estimated 800,000 barrels of Russian oil and under international sanctions, ran aground on June 30 near an Omani marine nature reserve that is home to wildlife including Arabian Sea humpback whales and Socotra cormorants.Ambrey said it was working with stakeholders in Oman and has contracted a leading international oil spill response firm."This is an ex

Greensea IQ has introduced Bayonet Sweep, an autonomous underwater robot designed to search and inspect ship hulls and underwater structures.Bayonet Sweep provides navies, security teams, and port and harbor authorities with a rapid and effective way to inspect ship hulls without placing divers in the water.Where routine hull inspection focuses on maintenance, Bayonet Sweep is specifically built for force protection. It provides a complete data workflow for security, threat assessment…

Axpo and Vitol have completed the first LNG bunkering operation at the Port of Civitavecchia in Italy, refueling the flagship vessel of an international cruise line.Green Pearl, a 7,500 m³ Italian bunkering vessel operated by Axpo, conducted the ship-to-ship refueling operation at Civitavecchia’s berth 18. Operated by Axpo, Green Pearl was brought into service in 2026 and is dedicated to ship-to-ship and ship-to-truck bunkering operations in Italian ports.The operation means that Italy’s premier cruise port…

Axpo and Vitol have completed the first LNG bunkering operation at the Port of Civitavecchia in Italy, refueling the flagship vessel of an international cruise line.Green Pearl, a 7,500 m³ Italian bunkering vessel operated by Axpo, conducted the ship-to-ship refueling operation at Civitavecchia’s berth 18. Operated by Axpo, Green Pearl was brought into service in 2026 and is dedicated to ship-to-ship and ship-to-truck bunkering operations in Italian ports.The operation means that Italy’s premier cruise port, and Europe’s second largest, now joins Genoa and Naples which both began offering LNG refueling services last year.Axpo is committed to building a dedicated low-emission fuels supply chain for the maritime and heavy transport sectors.

Ports engineer Bryan Jones has been named HDR’s marine terminals leader.Based in Savannah, Georgia, Jones guides the firm’s growing marine terminals practice worldwide, working with port authorities and terminal operators to address evolving operational demands, infrastructure needs and industry trends.He supports clients in planning and delivering investments that improve efficiency and long-term performance while developing strategies to address changing trade patterns, growing cargo volumes…

A major Ukrainian attack on Russia's Black Sea port city of Novorossiysk hit warships at a naval base and forced two major grain terminals to halt operations on Wednesday, according to Russian and Ukrainian officials as well as grain industry sources.The Ukrainian attacks killed at least two people, including an 8-year-old child, regional Governor Veniamin Kondratyev said.Describing the attack as having "strategic significance", Ukraine's SBU security service said Kyiv's forces hit the Novorossiysk naval base with drones and missiles.

OpenTug announced a strategic collaboration with Blessey Marine Services, Inc., a provider of inland marine transportation solutions, to modernize voyage invoicing through BargeOS. By implementing BargeOS Invoice Intelligence, Blessey will connect operational and financial workflows to automate invoice processing, improve billing visibility, and enhance financial transparency across its customer network.Through the implementation, Blessey Marine will process voyage costs in near real time, incorporating vendor expenses, operational data, and voyage activity into a unified billing workflow.

The most important advisory body concerning the Nation’s inland waterways infrastructure is the Inland Waterways Users Board (IWUB), a Congressionally mandated, non-discretionary advisory committee established in the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 1986 and codified by 33 U.S.C. § 2251. Comprised of the users and payers of the inland waterways system, the IWUB does not appropriate funds , but its recommendations are critically important to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers…

The river Rhine in Germany has fallen to new lows, stranding cargo vessels, the country’s inland navigation agency said on Wednesday, as Europe has entered another heatwave.German companies report growing disruption from Rhine water levels that have hit a series of record lows.Chemical producers, utilities, steelmakers and agricultural traders have warned of higher costs, transport bottlenecks and curbed production.Inland navigation agency WSV said the navigable water depth at the chokepoint of Kaub near Koblenz was 12 centimetres (4.72 inches) on Wednesday…

A vast oil spill from a leaking tanker has started to hit Oman's coastline, its environment agency confirmed on Wednesday, in what threatens to become one of the world’s worst in years after spreadinglargely unchecked for weeks.The oil could end up impacting 40 km (25 miles) of coast near Ras Madraka as well as Masirah Island, the agency said.The slick now covers an area of more than 2,000 square km, said John Amos, an oil spill specialist who reviewed satellite imagery obtained by Reuters.MARINE NATURE RESERVE THREATENEDThe Caroline Bezengi tanker…

"In the first half of 2026, Chinese iron ore mining fell by 7% y/y due to a 6% y/y increase in iron ore net imports and weaker steel production. The country is increasingly sourcing its iron ore from abroad because it is often of higher grade and competitively priced. Iron ore net imports now account for 57% of China’s iron ore supply compared to 50% in the first half of 2022,” says Filipe Gouveia, Shipping Analysis Manager at BIMCO.While China’s iron ore supply slightly increased in the first half of 2026, demand from steel mills weakened.

Air quality screenings recorded at the port of Ilulissat in Greenland show high air pollution levels with an average around 60-70 times higher than safe low particle levels recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) of 1,000 particles/cm3.The measurements, taken by Dr Kåre Press-Kristensen, senior advisor on air quality and climate at Green Global Future, found average concentrations in Ilulissat port between 60,000 and 70,000 particles/cm3 (with peaks above 200,000), suggesting that port workers and residents are regularly exposed to high levels of toxic air pollution…

German companies are reporting growing disruption from Rhine water levels that have hit record lows, with chemical producers, utilities, steelmakers and agricultural traders warning of higher costs, transport bottlenecks and curbed production.While Germany has not yet suffered the widespread production outages experienced during previous Rhine crises, traders said on Tuesday that it was no longer possible to book some cargo shipments after weeks of drought and companies are increasingly reporting operational issues.Chemicals company Covestro said the lack of transport capacity could not be off

Corvus Energy will supply battery energy storage systems for four new hybrid-electric Summit Class ferries being built for BC Ferries, with a total initial installed capacity of 40 MWh.Each double-ended ferry will receive a 10-MWh Corvus Dolphin NxtGen battery system. Corvus will also provide battery interfaces and control systems designed to accommodate significant additional capacity, supporting a future transition toward near-zero-emission electric operation as shore charging infrastructure becomes available.The four vessels — Summit Arbutus…

Descartes Systems Group has released its August Global Shipping with figures indicting that July 2026 U.S. container import volumes increased 4.5% over June to 2,508,310 TEUs, reflecting typical month-over-month seasonal growth.July U.S. containerized imports from the top 10 countries of origin increased 4.9% month-over-month for a combined increase of 83,706 TEUs. China recorded the largest volume gain, increasing 58,655 TEUs (7.2%) to its highest monthly total since July 2025.Other notable increases came from Hong Kong…

More workers joined a strike at BHP's Port Hedland operations in Western Australia on Sunday, a union spokesperson said, in the first major industrial action at the ‌iron-ore export hub in a quarter-century.On the second of the planned two days of stoppage, some 100 workers downed tools at the world's biggest export hub for iron ore at 5:30 a.m. (2130 GMT), taking the total involved to around 150, the spokesperson said.Sunday's 24-hour stoppage by the three unions of the Combined BHP Ports Unions…

More workers joined a strike at BHP's Port Hedland operations in Western Australia on Sunday, a union spokesperson said, in the first major industrial action at the ‌iron-ore export hub in a quarter-century.On the second of the planned two days of stoppage, some 100 workers downed tools at the world's biggest export hub for iron ore at 5:30 a.m. (2130 GMT), taking the total involved to around 150, the spokesperson said.Sunday's 24-hour stoppage by the three unions of the Combined BHP Ports Unions, which represents some of BHP's ‌workforce of more than 800 people ⁠at the port, followed a 24-hour ship-loading halt on Saturday.Melbourne-based BHP…

Low water levels risk halting cargo traffic on a key stretch of the Rhine this week, effectively splitting the critical waterway into two separate zones, the federal association of German inland shipping (BDB) said on Monday.BDB managing director Jens Schwanen told the Rheinische Post newspaper water levels at Germany's Kaub gauging station, a major bottleneck for Rhine navigation, were forecast to drop into single digits for the first time due to lack of rainfall.Kaub lies south…

This year's annual meeting for the National Waterways Conference will be held in Moline, Illinois, co-hosted by Corn Belt Ports. This marks the first non-coastal state to host since Memphis, Tennessee in 2019.Attendees will be able to connect with water and waterways leaders, federal partners, and industry stakeholders for three days of policy discussion, networking, and on-the-water learning along the Upper Mississippi River system.Moline sits in the heart of the Quad Cities…

This year's annual meeting for the National Waterways Conference will be held in Moline, Illinois, co-hosted by Corn Belt Ports. This marks the first non-coastal state to host since Memphis, Tennessee in 2019.Attendees will be able to connect with water and waterways leaders, federal partners, and industry stakeholders for three days of policy discussion, networking, and on-the-water learning along the Upper Mississippi River system.Moline sits in the heart of the Quad Cities, where water resources infrastructure, agriculture, freight movement, flood management, water supply, ecosystem restoration, recreation, and regional economic priorities come together in one watershed.

Shipments of iron ore on the Great Lakes totaled 5.1 million tons in July, an increase of less than one percent compared to 2025. Shipments were below the month’s 5-year average by 7.2 percent. Year-to-date, the iron ore trade stands at 22.5 million tons, an increase of 3.3 percent compared to a year ago. Iron ore shipments were 5.2 percent below their 5-year average for the first seven months of the year. Great Lakes Iron Ore Shipments: July 2021-2026 and 5-Year AverageIncludes Transshipments to Quebec City for Shipment Overseas(net tons)  AveragePort2021202220232024202520262021-2025Duluth…

U.S. shipments of limestone on the Great Lakes increased to 3.1 million tons in July, an 8.7 percent increase compared to last year. The trade was also above the month’s 5-year average by 3.2 percent.Year-to-date, the Lakes limestone trade stands at 10.1 million tons, a decrease of 3 percent compared to 2025 and 4.2 percent below the month’s 5-year average. GREAT LAKES LIMESTONE TRADE: JULY 2021-2026 AND LONG-TERM AVERAGE (NET TONS) 202120222023202420252026Average2021-2025U.S.

U.S. shipments of limestone on the Great Lakes increased to 3.1 million tons in July, an 8.7 percent increase compared to last year. The trade was also above the month’s 5-year average by 3.2 percent.Year-to-date, the Lakes limestone trade stands at 10.1 million tons, a decrease of 3 percent compared to 2025 and 4.2 percent below the month’s 5-year average. GREAT LAKES LIMESTONE TRADE: JULY 2021-2026 AND LONG-TERM AVERAGE (NET TONS) 202120222023202420252026Average2021-2025U.S. Ports2,959,1543,041,0113,388,3302,912,2842,882,5543,134,7303,036,667Canadian Ports839,825931,669770,365651,155646,418NA**767,886Total3,798,9793,972,6804,158,6953,563,4393,528,9723,134,7303,804,553 YEAR-TO-DATE 2021-2026 AND LONG-TERM AVERAGE (NET TONS) 202120222023*202420252026Average2021-2025U.S.

McDonough Marine said that Michael Alfortish has joined the company as its Director of Maintenance. Alfortish brings more than 14 years of experience in the marine industry, holding key leadership roles in both shipyard and marine transportation operations. His experience includes overseeing vessel and barge repairs, supporting new construction projects, managing environmental compliance programs, and leading fleet operations for a large marine transportation company. "We are excited to welcome Michael to the McDonough Marine team," said David Beerbohm, Vice President of Maintenance.

Ocean Network Express (ONE) reported a profitable first quarter for fiscal 2026, overcoming higher fuel costs and geopolitical disruptions through strong cargo demand, disciplined capacity management and rising freight rates, while continuing to invest in fleet modernization under its long-term ONE2030 strategy.For the quarter ended June 30, 2026, the Singapore-based container carrier generated revenue of $4.54 billion, EBITDA of $707 million and EBIT of $76 million, resulting in a net profit of $31 million.

The American maritime industry depends on policy that supports economic growth and investment and protects national security; however, recent policy decisions have too often relied on broad administrative actions and outdated assumptions rather than modern, data-driven approaches. The extension of the Jones Act waiver and the continued use of rigid seasonal dredging windows illustrate this trend. Though distinct issues, both carry significant consequences for maritime investment, operational efficiency, and the long-term strength of the maritime industry.

There are several major dredging opportunities emerging across the United States that extend well beyond traditional maintenance dredging, channel deepenings, or harbor expansions. Increasingly, the American dredging industry is becoming a strategic tool for addressing some of the nation's most pressing challenges, including water security, agricultural sustainability, coastal resilience, maritime industrial revitalization, and national defense. Among the most significant opportunities…

Record low water levels in Europe's major rivers have curtailed the transport of goods, reduced electricity output and shrunk company earnings, stoking fears about the economic impact of searing heat and erratic rainfall.As Europe experiences the fastest warming of any continent and record-breaking heatwaves, drought has exposed the need to reconsider business practices.From the bustling port of Rotterdam to hydropower plants in Serbia, waterways have become a less reliable way to transport goods such as grains and oil…

France has selected five ports to receive nearly $300 million (€260 million) in funding under the France 2030 investment program to support infrastructure upgrades for the country's floating offshore wind industry.The projects, located at the ports of Cherbourg, Brest, Nantes-Saint-Nazaire, Port-la-Nouvelle and Marseille-Fos, were chosen under a 2024 call for projects aimed at adapting French port infrastructure for the manufacture, assembly and integration of floating offshore…

France has selected five ports to receive nearly $300 million (€260 million) in funding under the France 2030 investment program to support infrastructure upgrades for the country's floating offshore wind industry.The projects, located at the ports of Cherbourg, Brest, Nantes-Saint-Nazaire, Port-la-Nouvelle and Marseille-Fos, were chosen under a 2024 call for projects aimed at adapting French port infrastructure for the manufacture, assembly and integration of floating offshore wind components.The government said the selected projects are expected to unlock nearly $1.5 billion (€1 billion) of total port infrastructure investment, supporting the large-scale deployment of floating offshore wind in France.The investments include the construction and modification of quays…

SSA Marine and the Mississippi State Port Authority at Gulfport (Port of Gulfport) announced the commissioning of a new Liebherr LHM 550 hybrid mobile harbor crane at the Port, along with $1.6 million in state grant funding that will enable the electrification of the crane.The crane has a lift capacity of 124 metric tons and will be SSA Marine’s second LHM 550 in operation at the Port of Gulfport. The crane runs on a hybrid drive system, and the Port and SSA Marine are working…

An international general cargo vessel sank off the coast of Ukraine's Black Sea port of Odesa on Sunday, a week after Ukrainian officials said it had been struck by Russian forces.Ukraine's ports authority said the Golden Leo, sailing under a Guinea-Bissau flag, had sunk near the port.

OCIMF and the Central Commission for the Navigation of the Rhine (CCNR) published the second edition, updated July 2026, of the International Safety Guide for Inland Navigation Tank-barges and Terminals (ISGINTT), making the industry reference guide available simultaneously in English, French, German, Dutch and Portuguese.ISGINTT provides recommendations for the safe handling and transport of crude oils, petroleum products, chemicals and liquefied gases as well as guidance on the interface between inland tank-barges and other vessels or terminals.

For decades, cargo criminals followed a familiar playbook: steal consumer electronics, cigarettes, pharmaceuticals or luxury goods. These products were easy to fence and commanded healthy profits. But according to the latest BSI Consulting and TT Club 2025 Cargo Theft Report, the economics of cargo theft are changing rapidly—and nowhere is that more evident than copper. The report reads less like a crime summary and more like a lesson in commodity markets. Criminal organizations are no longer simply stealing what is valuable today…

SeaTac Marine Services, a small business marine transportation company in Seattle, WA, took delivery of a Taylor 700XL Forklift in May 2025. With help from the US Maritime Administration’s Marine Highway Grant program, SeaTac Marine Services was able to purchase this American-made machine, built by Taylor Forklifts in Louisville, Mississippi, it is fully "Build America, Buy America Act" compliant. Established in 2007, the US Marine Highway Program provides federal funding for projects and water-based freight improvements.

Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi militia told shipping companies not to load or discharge cargo at Saudi Arabian ports or they may be targeted, according to an email the group sent to companies.The Houthis on Monday declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia, opening a potential new front against the United States in its war with Iran and raising the threat to global energy supplies and trade beyond the Gulf."Vessels are banned from loading or discharging cargo at or from any Saudi ports…

Marine Group Boat Works (MGBW), a boatbuilding and repair company operating a shipyard in Chula Vista, California, has been selected to begin construction of a new low-emissions passenger ferry for Catalina Express. The vessel is expected to be launched and begin sea trials in the third quarter of 2027.Catalina Express is part of the LA MER (Los Angeles Marine Emission Reduction) project, a collaborative initiative between CARB and the Port of Los Angeles. Backed by a $31 million CARB grant, the project aims to accelerate the adoption of lower emission harbor craft across California.

Dozens of people were feared dead after a ferry carrying 133 people capsized off the coast of Guyana late on Saturday, with authorities suggesting an inaccurate passenger list and drug use by the crew might have contributed to the situation.No survivors have been found since Sunday afternoon, when Guyanese authorities announced they had rescued 67 people, including 15 children.The captain and other crew members are now in police custody, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill said at a press conference late on Sunday."Search and rescue is still in progress," Edghill said.

Saronic has selected Brownsville, Texas, as the site for Port Alpha, a next-generation shipyard the company plans to build to expand U.S. shipbuilding capacity.The company said it plans to invest more than $3 billion in the facility, with construction expected to begin in 2026 and operations scheduled to start in 2028.Initially spanning 835 acres at the Port of Brownsville, the site could eventually expand to nearly 4,400 acres. The shipyard will be capable of building vessels up to 850 feet long…

The Port of Antwerp-Bruges, against a backdrop of geopolitical tensions, trade conflicts, and operational disruptions, context handled 133.9 million tons of maritime goods in the first half of 2026, a decrease of 2.4% compared to the same period last year. While RoRo grew (+5.9%) and bulk remained virtually stable (-1.3%), the decrease was primarily situated in the general cargo segment, with container handling being the main factor. At the same time, the Port of Antwerp-Bruges maintained its market share in container handling and continued to invest in additional capacity…

Modern dredging vessels can comfortably compete as being one of the most mechanically demanding ships in service today. Whether configured as cutter suction dredgers or trailing suction hopper dredgers, they are required to manage extreme torque fluctuations, high power transmission, and long operating hours in harsh marine environments – all while being expected to maintain their uptime and productivity without concern.Unlike conventional vessels, however, dredgers impose unique stresses on their drivetrains.

Ukraine will do everything possible to protect its seaports and guarantee grain exports at no less than last season's level,its deputy economy minister, Taras Vysotskiy, told Reuters on Wednesday.Russia has sharply stepped up attacks in recent weeks on Ukrainian Black Sea ports' infrastructure and on cargo vessels entering Odesa ports to export grain and other agricultural goods.Brokers say shipowners are refusing to enter Ukrainian ports because of sharply increased war risks…

Interferry has unveiled its lineup of keynote speakers and ferry leaders for its upcoming annual conference. Running from October 31 to November 4, 2026, in Bangkok, Thailand, the event centers on the pivotal theme “Stronger than Ever… Together.” This year's focus highlights the industry's collective drive to tackle unprecedented operational and environmental shifts through global unity. The Interferry2026 speakers program anchors its discussions with two keynote speakers chosen for their roles in bridging complex viewpoints.

“Global grain shipments have increased 13% y/y so far this year, supported by strong wheat, maize and soya bean exports from the Americas and Europe. Improved harvests across most major exporters have boosted their export surpluses, driving higher shipments to Asia, the Middle East and North Africa,” says Filipe Gouveia, Shipping Analysis Manager at BIMCO.Grain shipments to China have jumped 15% y/y, supported by stronger soya bean, sorghum and barley imports. An improvement in trade relations between the US and China has led to a 137% increase in US grain shipments to the country…

Thyssenkrupp Steel has suspended shipping of raw materials to the western German city of Duisburg with its own vessels due to low water levels on the Rhine river, the company said on Tuesday.Thyssenkrupp Steel transports about 50,000 tons of iron ore and coal per day roughly 240 kilometres (149 miles) up the Rhine from Rotterdam to its Duisburg steel mill.Commodity traders said already on Monday that low water levels during the current heatwave were preventing cargo vessels from sailing fully loaded on the Rhine…

UK port and logistics business PD Ports has appointed current chief operating officer (COO) Paul Foreman as chief executive officer (CEO), succeeding Frans Calje who will step down from the position.Foreman was appointed following a competitive recruitment process, and will take up the new position from September 1, while Calje is set to step down after almost 10 years as CEO and more than 18 years with the company.The leadership change comes as PD Ports plans to accelerate growth…

Dutch shipyard Concordia Damen announced it has received a contract from TUI River Cruise for two CDS River Cruise 135 vessels. These cruisers are of in-house design and have been tailored to TUl's needs.TUI River Cruises' fleet is currently expanding from six to 10 ships, which will operate across Europe, the Rhine, Nile and the Douro. The two river cruisers that Concordia is constructing are designed for the UK market.These two newbuilds are constructed with methanol as a future fuel in mind. Each ship will contain 94 cabins for 188 guest capacity. Delivery is expected in 2028.

Ports of Indiana has been awarded a $25 million federal “BUILD” grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) to support a $32 million expansion of its Jeffersonville port. This grant is the largest federal award in Ports of Indiana’s 65-year history.The BUILD program (Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development) is administered by USDOT to provide grants for surface transportation infrastructure projects with significant local or regional impact. This week…

The U.S. Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration (MARAD) has decided to move forward with issuing a deepwater port license to Delfin LNG after a federal appeals court denied review of a legal challenge by environmental groups.The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit denied the review, allowing MARAD to continue work toward issuing the license for the Delfin LNG deepwater port.Delfin FLNG 1 is planned as the first offshore LNG export project in the United States…