Usa News

Activity along the Houston Ship Channel continues to strengthen America’s energy competitiveness and Port Houston’s public terminals record best monthly container volumes since last summer.Key TakeawaysStrong demand for U.S. energy products drove export growth through the Houston Ship Channel region, with crude oil export tonnage increasing 35% and refined product export tonnage increasing 29% through April.In May, Port Houston’s container terminals recorded their largest monthly volumes since July 2025.

Crude shipments through the Strait of Hormuz rose this week to their highest level since the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran began in February after a ceasefire deal reopened the waterway, data showed on Thursday.Concerns about how long the strait would stay open also boosted trade.Still, while there was an increase in oil shipments amid strong demand, especially in Asia after months of disruptions, overall sailings are still a fraction of the daily average of 125 ships passing…

The United States, Britain, France and Germany raised the alarm on Wednesday over recent Chinese activities off the east coast of Taiwan, where China has mounted Coast Guard patrols, saying they threaten regional stability and freedom of navigation.China, which views democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory, sent Coast Guard ships earlier in June into the waters off the island's east coast for what it called a "special maritime traffic law-enforcement operation," angering…

As part of its new group strategy Xcelerate29, HDI Global (HDI) announced a new organizational setup and leadership changes in its US business.In line with the Xcelerate29 strategy, HDI Global is pursuing growth in the US market. To meet the requirements of the coming years, HDI is reorganizing its US operations with the clear objective of bringing underwriting, claims, and service teams closer to brokers and clients. Shadi Albert will assume the role of CEO of HDI Global US as of July 13. Jim Clark, CEO of HDI Global US, will step down, effective immediately. Also with immediate effect, Dr.

The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) graduated 188 new merchant marine and military officers during its 90th commencement ceremony.U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean P. Duffy, whose department oversees the Academy, one of the Nation’s five service academies, introduced the keynote speaker, U.S. Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll.Driscoll delivered the commencement address to the Class of 2026 before an audience of more than 3,000 family members, friends, alumni and representatives from the federal government, U.S.

American Cruise Lines christened American Maverick in Newport, Rhode Island last week during the ship’s inaugural 9-Day New England Islands cruise, sailing roundtrip from Providence, Rhode Island. The celebration took place on board with guests, crew, community partners, and many employees from the Line’s headquarters in Connecticut. American Maverick is the newest small cruise ship in the country and the latest in the company’s growing fleet of ships exclusively designed for cruising the U.S.A., featuring many amenities surpassing those of the finest riverboats in the world.

Oil prices fell 4% on Monday after U.S. Vice President JD Vance said progress has been made in talks with Iran and that the Strait of Hormuz was open, easing supply concerns.Brent crude was down $3.18 or 3.95%, at $77.39 a barrel by 11:44 a.m. ET (1544 GMT) Prices had climbed to $82.30 at the start of trading because of threats from U.S. President Donald Trump to restart the war on Iran, as well as an announcement from Tehran that it had again closed the Strait of Hormuz.U.S.

ALMACO Group Inc., a leader in engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC solutions) for the marine and offshore industries, has officially announced its expansion into League City, Texas. Operational from June, 2026, the new location, operating under the name ALMACO Gulf Coast, will serve as a key regional hub to support accelerating shipbuilding efforts along the U.S. Gulf Coast.The new League City hub aims to firmly position the company as an integrated local partner.The new office is strategically located in a high-growth maritime environment at 2600 South Shore Boulevard…

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he had held a "very good" conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the G7 summit in France and that their two countries were working on trade deals.Trump called Modi a "tough negotiator," and told reporters that he would be going to India "sometime in the future".India has been pressing the United States for months for a Trump trip, potentially as part of a meeting including Japan and Australia.The two leaders' meeting is their first since February 2025…

U.S. energy shares fell on Monday as crude prices dropped after Washington and Tehran agreed terms to end their months-long conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil transit chokepoint.The U.S. and Iran will sign a memorandum of understanding in Switzerland on Friday, said the prime minister of Pakistan, which helped mediate talks between the two sides.U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday the Strait of Hormuz, which carries roughly a fifth of global oil consumption, would be open "toll free" and that a U.S.

The United States and Iran have signed a memorandum of understanding to settle a near four-month war, senior U.S. officials said on Monday, adding that a signing ceremony would take place on Friday and shipping traffic in the strait of Hormuz would gradually ramp up.The memorandum of understanding has been signed by President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance and Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, one U.S. official said.Speaking at a briefing with reporters, the U.S.

Shippers in Asia and Europe said confidence in resuming transit through the Strait of Hormuz could take weeks to rebuild and navigation will only restart once safety is assured, after the U.S. and Iran agreed a framework deal to reopen the waterway.U.S. and Iranian officials are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding to end their war and reopen the strait on Friday. Global oil prices fell about 5% on Monday in response.President Donald Trump said in a Truth Social post that ships loaded with oil are starting to move out of the strait…

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 U.S. Coast Guard announced it would homeport its first two Arctic Security Cutters in Kodiak, Alaska with a third Alaska Arctic Security Cutter homeported in Seward when the infrastructure is ready. This follows April’s announcement that the Service would homeport its first two Arctic Security Cutters in Alaska. With the first delivery expected in 2028, the Coast Guard is accelerating preparations to ensure each location is ready to support sustained Arctic operations including…

A U.S. jet fired two missiles into the engine room of the tanker Jalveer off Oman on Thursday, U.S. Central Command confirmed, as authorities said the 20 crew members were safe after the third strike on Indian-crewed tankers this week.Three Indian sailors died in a U.S. strike on the Settebello tanker off Oman a day earlier."A U.S. aircraft fired two Hellfire missiles into the ship’s engine room after the crew repeatedly failed to comply with directions from U.S. forces," Centcom said in a statement.It said U.S.

The United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) announced its valedictorian and salutatorian for the Class of 2026, recognizing two midshipmen who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and perseverance throughout their time at Kings Point.Midshipman John Walter Smolenski, a Maritime Logistics and Security major from Colonia, New Jersey, has been named valedictorian, graduating with a 3.87 GPA. Midshipman Connor Conrad Crymes, a Marine Engineering Systems major from Lincoln University…

The United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) announced that U.S. Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll will deliver the 90th commencement address at USMMA for the Class of 2026 on Monday, June 22.“We are excited to welcome Secretary Driscoll to Kings Point. His distinguished service and leadership are particularly meaningful for the Class of 2026 as they prepare to sail on their license and commission into military service during challenging times in the world,” said USMMA Superintendent Rear Admiral Anthony Ceraolo.

Gulf hostilities flared again on Wednesday as Iranian attacks on Kuwait damaged its airport and injured dozens while the U.S. military carried out strikes near the Strait of Hormuz, with diplomacy to halt the war showing little sign of progress.The attacks are the latest to test a shaky ceasefire, sending oil prices up nearly 2%, as the strait remains largely closed more than three months after the U.S. and Israel launched strikes on Iran.Flights at Kuwait International Airport were suspended after an Iranian drone and missile attack damaged airport facilities and diplomatic missions…

Maritime Tactical Systems, Inc. (MARTAC), a provider of fully autonomous unmanned surface vessels (USVs), announced the opening of the MARTAC Innovation Center West in San Diego, California. The new facility marks a milestone in the company’s expansion, strengthening its ability to serve defense, security and commercial customers across the West Coast and Pacific regions.The MARTAC Innovation Center West will serve as a hub for research, development, testing and customer engagement, complementing MARTAC’s headquarters in Melbourne, Florida. San Diego’s deep ties to the U.S.

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.

Maritime Tactical Systems, Inc. (MARTAC), a provider of autonomous unmanned surface vehicles (USVs), and Mystic Power boats, a leader in high-performance composite vessel construction, announced a co-production partnership to increase MARTAC’s domestic production capacity to meet growing requirements from U.S. and allied customers.MARTAC’s partnership with Mystic is the first of several pending domestic co-production partnerships the company is finalizing that will support a expansion of its co-production framework.

Inchcape Shipping Services announced the launch of its new Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC) service in the United States. The launch follows the company's receipt of an Ocean Transportation Intermediary (OTI) license from the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), authorizing Inchcape Shipping Services to operate as a licensed NVOCC for cargo moving to and from the US. The new service marks an expansion of Inchcape Shipping Services' capabilities, allowing the company to act as a contractual carrier on behalf of its customers.

Oil futures fell more than 2% on Friday, closing out their steepest weekly decline since early April as traders awaited word that the U.S., Israel and Iran had reached agreement on a ceasefire.Brent crude futures for July, which expired on Friday, settled at $92.05 a barrel, down $1.66, or 1.8%. WTI U.S. oil futures Reutersfinished at $87.36 a barrel, down $1.54 or 1.7%."Obviously, the market thinks the ceasefire will be all easy-peasy and is done and dusted," said John Kilduff, partner with Again Capital.The three-month war between the U.S.