Coastal and Inland News

AD Ports Group, a global enabler of integrated trade, industry and logistics solutions, and Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), the largest premium aluminium producer in the world, have signed an agreement to enhance EGA’s dedicated berth at Khalifa Port.As part of their longstanding strategic partnership, AD Ports Group and EGA will jointly invest USD$22.87 million (AED 84 million) in a multi-phase berth enhancement program to upgrade EGA’s dedicated port infrastructure and accommodate Newcastlemax dry bulk vessels…

Construction on a new 48m catamaran passenger ferry designed by Incat Crowther for Hy-Line Cruises is now underwayat Midship Marine in Louisiana. The vessel, when completed, will operate on Hy-Line Cruise’s critical tourism and commercial routes connecting Hyannis, Mass., with the islands of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket.Capable of transporting up to 493 passengers across three passenger decks, the vessel is capable of reaching speeds in excess of 30 knots and has been designed…

Cavotec signed an order worth approximately EUR 1.5 million for shore power equipment for the expansion of a cruise terminal in Southern California.The shore power systems will enable cruise vessels to connect to the local electrical grid while at berth, helping to significantly reduce emissions and noise compared with running onboard engines.The order includes Cavotec's PowerMove, PowerFeed and PowerCover shore power technologies. Delivery is scheduled for the third quarter of 2027.

The Administration has made American manufacturing, shipbuilding, and supply chain resilience national priorities. The Great Lakes region is home to steel, autos, agriculture, energy infrastructure, defense suppliers, and advanced manufacturing. The St. Lawrence Seaway carries maritime commerce into that region.Recent events in the Strait of Hormuz have reminded policymakers and the public that maritime transportation matters. Strategic waterways matter because transportation costs matter.

The Administration has made American manufacturing, shipbuilding, and supply chain resilience national priorities. The Great Lakes region is home to steel, autos, agriculture, energy infrastructure, defense suppliers, and advanced manufacturing. The St. Lawrence Seaway carries maritime commerce into that region.Recent events in the Strait of Hormuz have reminded policymakers and the public that maritime transportation matters. Strategic waterways matter because transportation costs matter. Every additional cost imposed on cargo movement affects trade flows, investment decisions, and economic competitiveness.One such cost receives far less attention closer to home. Canada collects tolls on cargo moving to and from U.S.

The Administration has made American manufacturing, shipbuilding, and supply chain resilience national priorities. The Great Lakes region is home to steel, autos, agriculture, energy infrastructure, defense suppliers, and advanced manufacturing. The St. Lawrence Seaway carries maritime commerce into that region.Recent events in the Strait of Hormuz have reminded policymakers and the public that maritime transportation matters. Strategic waterways matter because transportation costs matter. Every additional cost imposed on cargo movement affects trade flows, investment decisions, and economic competitiveness.One such cost receives far less attention closer to home. Canada collects tolls on cargo moving to and from U.S.

Artemis Technologies launched what it says is the world’s first fully electric hydrofoil pilot boat, introducing a new zero-emission option for pilot transfer operations as ports worldwide look to decarbonize their vessel fleets.The new Artemis EF-12 Pilot has entered the water and is now undergoing sea trials ahead of customer deliveries expected over the coming months. Designed specifically for pilotage duties, the vessel combines the company's electric hydrofoil technology with a purpose-built pilot boat layout aimed at improving operational efficiency…

Artemis Technologies launched what it says is the world’s first fully electric hydrofoil pilot boat, introducing a new zero-emission option for pilot transfer operations as ports worldwide look to decarbonize their vessel fleets.The new Artemis EF-12 Pilot has entered the water and is now undergoing sea trials ahead of customer deliveries expected over the coming months. Designed specifically for pilotage duties, the vessel combines the company's electric hydrofoil technology with a purpose-built pilot boat layout aimed at improving operational efficiency, safety and crew comfort.The 12-m vessel uses Artemis’ eFoiler hydrofoil system, which lifts the hull clear of the water during operation, reducing hydrodynamic drag.

Dutch specialized shipbuilder Concordia Damen has delivered the Century Star to Century Cruises. The vessel is the first river cruise ship that the China-based cruise line has had built specifically for the European market and marks the start of a series of three sister ships. The Century Star will sail on the Danube from September 2026, with itineraries on the Rhine to follow at a later date.The vessel was built in collaboration with United Waterways, which assists Century Cruises in adapting to European operational standards, including regulations, safety management, crew and hospitality.

For inland towboat operators, engine selection is rarely about chasing the newest technology. Reliability, uptime, serviceability and lifecycle cost remain the metrics that matter most. Caterpillar Marine's new C32B engine is a 1,000-hp platform designed specifically with the demands of continuous-duty commercial operations in mind.While the C32B’ss origins can be traced to Caterpillar's pursuit of higher power density in the yacht and sportfishing markets, the end result may ultimately deliver its greatest value to towboat operators working the Mississippi River system.

At the head of the U.S.’ largest ferry system is Steve Nevey, Deputy Secretary, Washington State Ferry (WSF), which is engaged in a historic modernization to a hybrid-electric fleet. Nevey gives a candid look inside problems during the Wenatchee conversion, with insights on the hybrid electric direction and pace for newbuilds at Eastern Shipbuilding.Steve Nevey did not stumble into maritime. He was raised in it, shaped by it, and by most accounts destined for it. Born in the UK, Nevey grew up in a naval household.

Maritime recruitment has become more digital, but many platforms still replicate familiar agency workflows online. JobMarineMan.com, developed by ship and crew management company Marine MAN, is taking a different approach: a direct recruitment ecosystem built for shipowners and seafarers.The premise is straightforward but a departure from how the industry normally works. A shipowner gets a corporate presence on the platform with full account control; a seafarer gets a structured profile in a growing seafarer database.

International Car Operators (ICO), a member of Japan’s NYK Group, has started commercial operations at Belgium’s first shore power facility for roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) vessels at the port of Zeebrugge.The facility entered service after a testing phase earlier this month, during which technical specifications were validated. The first vessel connected to the system was an NYK-operated pure car and truck carrier (PCTC).The project marks the first commercial use of shore power for…

International Car Operators (ICO), a member of Japan’s NYK Group, has started commercial operations at Belgium’s first shore power facility for roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) vessels at the port of Zeebrugge.The facility entered service after a testing phase earlier this month, during which technical specifications were validated. The first vessel connected to the system was an NYK-operated pure car and truck carrier (PCTC).The project marks the first commercial use of shore power for RoRo vessels in Belgium and the first time an NYK Group-operated PCTC has used shore power while berthed.Shore power allows vessels to receive electricity from the terminal while in port…

A new engineering design and commercial advisory company focused on offshore wind, subsea transmission and marine infrastructure projects has launched in Ireland under the name of Insight Marine, targeting growing demand for specialist support across the global maritime sector.Headquartered in County Wicklow, Insight Marine has been established to provide engineering design, technical advisory and commercial services to offshore wind developers, transmission system operators, port owners…

A group of US regional partners have come together to form the Northern Grain Belt Ports Initiative.The Initiative, several years in the making, is an offshoot of the regional Corn Belt Ports Initiative, which works primarily with rural, regional inland ports to promote competitiveness, sustainability, resiliency, and integrity of inland regional port systems.The group consists of the Joint Board of Harbor Commissioners (Port of La Crosse), the City of Prairie du Chien, the Mississippi River Regional Planning Commission (MRRPC)…

A group of US regional partners have come together to form the Northern Grain Belt Ports Initiative.The Initiative, several years in the making, is an offshoot of the regional Corn Belt Ports Initiative, which works primarily with rural, regional inland ports to promote competitiveness, sustainability, resiliency, and integrity of inland regional port systems.The group consists of the Joint Board of Harbor Commissioners (Port of La Crosse), the City of Prairie du Chien, the Mississippi River Regional Planning Commission (MRRPC), the La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Prairie du Chien Area Chamber of Commerce.Among the Initiatives goals are reducing transportation costs and risks associated with river transportation…

Imports to the busiest U.S. container port in Los Angeles hit the second-highest level in history during May, as retailers rushed in products like plastic school supplies before cargo ship owners start recouping higher fuel costs from the Iran war on July 1.The Iran war has snarled shipping in the Middle East and reduced the availability of crude oil and its derivatives used to make plastic and other goods. Marine fuel costs have soared and some retailers and manufacturers are…

Imports to the busiest U.S. container port in Los Angeles hit the second-highest level in history during May, as retailers rushed in products like plastic school supplies before cargo ship owners start recouping higher fuel costs from the Iran war on July 1.The Iran war has snarled shipping in the Middle East and reduced the availability of crude oil and its derivatives used to make plastic and other goods. Marine fuel costs have soared and some retailers and manufacturers are also worried that key raw materials and factory goods could become scarce or too expensive to ship.Companies are weighing energy costs, tariffs, inventory needs and geopolitical risks as they make sourcing and shipping decisions…

A supply boat sunk off Pasir Panjang Terminal on June 12 at about 9.30am after colliding with a landing craft. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), Police Coast Guard and SCDF Marine Division, immediately activated their crafts to the incident site and commenced search and rescue operations.The landing craft is stable with no reported injury to crew on board.The Police Coast Guard recovered three bodies from the waters, believed to be deceased crew members of the sunken supply boat.

Stena Line has signed an agreement with the Swedish Transport Administration (Trafikverket) that secures the continued operation of rail ferry services between Sweden and Germany. The agreement, the first of its kind, ensures that traffic on the Trelleborg–Rostock route can continue until 31 December 2031.The agreement was signed during a press conference at the Port of Trelleborg by Elisabeth Lönne, Chief Commercial Officer at Stena Line, and Roberto Maiorana, Director-General…

The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has published an assessment of the February 2025 tow rope incident onboard the tug Svitzer Avon.At approximately 1954 on 4 February 2025, the UK registered tugs Svitzer Avon and Svitzer Brunel left the lock at Royal Portbury Dock, Bristol, England to meet the car carrier Auto Eco in the King Road approaches to the lock. Auto Eco had a pilot embarked for the entry into port and was to employ both tugs for a ship assist move into…

A recent FreightWeekSTL panel highlighted how expanding awareness of maritime careers, strengthening industry partnerships and increasing access to hands-on experiences are critical to building the next-generation workforce for America’s inland waterways. The session explored how industry leaders, workforce initiatives and emerging professionals are working together to connect students and job seekers with meaningful career opportunities across the river system. The discussion featured Errin Howard…

The Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners has approved a $3.4 billion annual budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026/27 for the Port of Los Angeles. The financial blueprint calls for increased investments in Port operational and community public-access infrastructure, as well as support for a range of sustainability and technology programs.The Port’s FY 2026/27 adopted budget is based on predictions of steady, yet slightly lower cargo demand of 9.3 million container units, 7% less than the current forecast for FY 2025/26.

The Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners has approved a $3.4 billion annual budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026/27 for the Port of Los Angeles. The financial blueprint calls for increased investments in Port operational and community public-access infrastructure, as well as support for a range of sustainability and technology programs.The Port’s FY 2026/27 adopted budget is based on predictions of steady, yet slightly lower cargo demand of 9.3 million container units, 7% less than the current forecast for FY 2025/26. Continued volatility in global trade and uncertainty about trade policy are factors contributing to a more cautious cargo volume outlook for the coming year.The $3.4 billion budget represents a 25% increase, or $665 million, over the Port’s FY 2025/26 adopted budget.

A new joint study using the Port of Rotterdam as a case study “Enabling Nuclear-Powered Feeder Ships: A Joint Development Project on Port Call Feasibility and Regulatory Pathways” has found that existing port safety and risk-management frameworks could provide a credible starting point for assessing nuclear-powered commercial ship calls within a major European port environment.The desktop study, carried out through a joint development project involving Lloyd’s Register, the Port of Rotterdam Authority, CORE POWER and A.P.

New analysis from Danish Shipping Companies shows that the price difference for bunker oil in Singapore and Rotterdam set a new record in the spring of 2026. The difference hit $362 per ton in mid-March, with price shocks hitting Asia much harder than in Europe.In a recently published analysis, Danish Shipping Companies has looked at the price development in VLSFO bunker prices (0.5% sulfur) in Rotterdam and Singapore from September 2019 to May 2026. The difference reached its…

As weather extremes, aging infrastructure and growing freight demands place increasing pressure on the U.S. inland waterway system, industry and government leaders say one factor is indispensable to maintaining reliable navigation: collaboration.That was the central message from a panel discussion during FreightWeekSTL 2026, where representatives from American Commercial Barge Line (ACBL) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers discussed how coordinated planning, shared data and targeted infrastructure investments are helping keep commerce moving on the Mississippi River.The session…

ANTWERPEN was delivered to EXMAR, the Belgian gas shipowner and infrastructure developer, a ship powered by WinGD’s X52DF-A ammonia-fueled engine, reported to be the world’s first ocean-going ship designed to operate on ammonia fuel.The achievement is the result of a collaboration between WinGD, EXMAR, engine builder HD Hyundai Engine Machinery Division (HHI EMD) and shipyard HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. This is the first in a series of four newbuild ammonia dual-fuel midsize gas carriers, for EXMAR, each to be named after a Belgian city.ANTWERPEN is a 46,000m³ LPG/ammonia carrier.

China's trade in major commodities in May underscored that price moves are the primary driver of changes in flows in the world's biggest buyer of natural resources.The headline-grabbing number from customs data was the collapse in crude oil imports to an eight-year low of just 7.79 million barrels per day (bpd). The fallout from the war in Iran was blamed for the 29% slump in crude imports. In the months prior to the start of the conflict on February 28, levels of around 11 million bpd were common.The war resulted in the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz…

Escalating geopolitical tensions and regional conflicts are having a profound impact on international trade, subjecting supply chains to intense operational volatility, rigid compliance demands, and significant financial pressures. Out of necessity, logistics providers are taking a more selective, risk-averse approach when preparing and executing their business plans.For The Heavy Lift Group (THLG), a global alliance of specialized heavy transport companies, caution and pragmatism…

Eastern Shipbuilding Group delivered the vehicle-passenger ferry Falcon to the Fisher Island Community Association (FICA), where it aims to provide reliable transportation service to the Fisher Island community.Falcon completed trials prior to delivery and has entered service supporting daily operations between Fisher Island and Miami.“We are honored to deliver the Falcon to the Fisher Island Community Association,” said Joey D’Isernia, Chairman and CEO of Eastern Shipbuilding Group. “This project reflects the dedication, craftsmanship, and attention to detail of our shipbuilding team.

The UK government has extended its efforts to cement stronger rights and protections in law for seafarers.Following the introduction of the national minimum wage equivalent for seafarers in domestic waters, the new laws being developed would guarantee minimum rest periods and fair pay for every seafarer working on frequent crossings between the UK and France and the Channel Islands, extending protections beyond UK territorial waters for the first time. Measures being consulted…

The Australian Trasport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has published an interim report from its ongoing investigation into the breakaway of four ships during a storm at the Port of Brisbane last year.Three large container ships broke their moorings, and one subsequently grounded, when Brisbane was hit by a fast‑moving, severe thunderstorm on the afternoon of November 24, 2025.A car carrier, which was in the process of mooring as the storm approached, was also pushed off the berth, but kept…

The Australian Trasport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has published an interim report from its ongoing investigation into the breakaway of four ships during a storm at the Port of Brisbane last year.Three large container ships broke their moorings, and one subsequently grounded, when Brisbane was hit by a fast‑moving, severe thunderstorm on the afternoon of November 24, 2025.A car carrier, which was in the process of mooring as the storm approached, was also pushed off the berth, but kept under control by its attending tugs.An interim report summarises the evidence gathered so far in the ATSB’s ongoing investigation, and outlines the order of events…

A dual fuel combustion system developed by Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) in collaboration with Caterpillar Inc. addresses the challenge of methanol ignition in diesel engines, with clear relevance for inland and coastal marine vessels.Methanol is typically produced from natural gas, an abundant domestic resource, and converting it into a liquid allows easier storage and handling. However, methanol does not ignite easily, creating a barrier for vessels that rely on compression…

A maritime drone self-detonated on Friday in Romania's Black Sea port of Constanta near an oil terminal, without causing casualties, as Ukraine accused Russia of jamming one of its vessels before it drifted into Romanian waters.The explosion was the second major incident in a populated area in Romania on NATO's eastern flank in just a week as the spillover threat increases from the war in Ukraine, which has been fighting against a full-scale Russian invasion since 2022.Ukraine's navy said one of its naval drones lost control while on a mission in the Black Sea…

Oil prices edged down after Oman said operations at Mina al Fahal port were proceeding normally, following a Reuters report that oil loadings had been suspended after an explosion.Brent crude futures LCOc1 fell 24 cents, or 0.25%, to $94.79 a barrel by 0704 GMT after settling down 2.84% in the previous session.U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude CLc1 was at $92.48 a barrel, down 56 cents, or 0.6%, following a 3.1% loss on Thursday.Both contracts are set to post their first weekly gain in three weeks…

A new hybrid, 350-passenger vessel is now in operation at the Port of Los Angeles, the result of a Port-led partnership with Harbor Breeze Cruises, the California Air Resources Board (CARB), and the Port of Long Beach.The Harbor Breeze Cruises’ El Escudo harbor craft features some of the newest emission-reduction technologies on the market. The El Escudo will be berthed at the Port of Los Angeles and serve the San Pedro Bay ports.The vessel features a parallel hybrid propulsion system, enabling operation in fully electric (zero-emission), diesel, or hybrid modes. It exceeds U.S.

A new hybrid, 350-passenger vessel is now in operation at the Port of Los Angeles, the result of a Port-led partnership with Harbor Breeze Cruises, the California Air Resources Board (CARB), and the Port of Long Beach.The Harbor Breeze Cruises’ El Escudo harbor craft features some of the newest emission-reduction technologies on the market. The El Escudo will be berthed at the Port of Los Angeles and serve the San Pedro Bay ports.The vessel features a parallel hybrid propulsion system, enabling operation in fully electric (zero-emission), diesel, or hybrid modes. It exceeds U.S.

Shipments of limestone from U.S. quarries on the Great Lakes decreased 8.1 percent from May of last year to 2.7 million tons. May’s loadings were also below the month’s 5-year average by 5.4 percent.Year-to-date, the Lakes U.S. limestone trade totals 3.9 million tons, a decrease of 14.9 percent compared to 2025 and 15.7 percent below the 5-year average.

Logistic Services Inc. (LSI) announced the acquisition of substantially all assets of Five Rivers Distribution, LLC (Five Rivers), strengthening LSI’s inland waterways operations and expanding its presence on the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System.Five Rivers operates two strategically located multimodal terminals at the ports of Van Buren and Fort Smith, Arkansas. The terminals provide barge, rail, and truck connectivity for a diversified mix of agricultural, industrial, and bulk commodities.

From Congestion-as-Normal to Time-as-a-ServiceAt the Port of the Future Conference in Houston, Texas, I had the privilege of speaking on a subject that, at first hearing, may sound radical, perhaps even impractical: “Zero-Queue Ports – No Anchored Ships and No Truck Lines.” Yet the packed room, the close attention of the audience, and the thoughtful discussion that followed confirmed something important. The maritime world is ready to challenge its old assumptions. It is ready to ask whether congestion…

Methanol has been in the news this week with the announcement by Jumbo of a contract with Dajin Heavy Industry for the construction of two methanol-ready heavy lift vessels and with Sanmar’s announcement that the world's first dual fuel methanol escort and rescue tug has officially been granted full class certification by ABS.Additionally, the container ship Eco Levant, operated by X-Press Feeders, is now operating on a methanol and ethanol mix after a bunkering first in the port of Rotterdam.Perhaps the Port of Long Beach tops the news…

Zinus has been awarded its first-ever contract in Australia by UGL Transport with the end customer being Transport for NSW for a charging tower installation at the iconic Barangaroo Wharf in Sydney.Under the contract, Zinus will deliver its fully autonomous DC Charging Tower, the ZPP800. The ZPP800 is designed to provide reliable, efficient, and future-ready charging infrastructure, supporting the growing demand for electrified transport solutions in urban and maritime environments.The…

Cemex US and Port Tampa Bay, joined by Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, have celebrated the opening of the newly expanded Cemex Aggregate Terminal at Port Tampa Bay.The expansion, supported by a $29 million Cemex investment and a $7 million Florida Department of Transportation grant, significantly increases the terminal's capacity to receive, store and distribute the aggregates used in concrete, asphalt and construction projects across the region.The expanded terminal moves aggregates from Newfoundland…

Inchcape Shipping Services has opened a new office in Brunei Darussalam, expanding its presence in Southeast Asia and targeting offshore, naval and logistics operations in the country.The company said the Brunei office will initially focus on offshore services, oil and gas tanker operations, navy-related activities and integrated logistics support services.Inchcape said it has also been appointed as the authorized ship-to-ship agency in Brunei by MPABD.The company said the office…