Government Military News

Houthis Target Three Vessels, Including Oil Tanker

Yemen's Houthis targeted three vessels, including an oil tanker, in the Red and Mediterranean seas with ballistic missiles, drones and booby-trapped boats, they said on Monday.Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree said the latest Houthi military operations were a response to the Israeli airstrike on the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis on Saturday, an attack that killed at least 90 Palestinians and wounded 300 others, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.In dozens of attacks since November…

One Dead, One Missing After Tanker Strikes Passenger Boat in Texas

One person has died and another is missing after a commercial tanker struck a recreation vessel near Port Aransas, Texas.The U.S. Coast Guard said it received a call from a good Samaritan via channel 16 at 5:28 a.m. reporting the collision between. The recreational vessel, reported to be a commercial pleasure boat, became partially submerged, and the four people on board went into the water.After receiving the call, the Coast Guard issued an urgent marine information broadcast…

Canada Plans to Acquire Up to 12 Submarines

Canada, looking to shore up its defense of the Arctic, is moving ahead to acquire up to 12 submarines and has started a formal process to meet with manufacturers, the defense ministry said.Canada updated its defense policy this year with a focus on protecting the Arctic and dealing with challenges from Russia and China. The procurement of submarines is a critical step in implementing that strategy, the defense ministry said in a statement.Citing global warming, Canada says the Arctic Ocean could become the most efficient shipping route between Europe and East Asia By 2050…

Oil Tanker Seized by Iran in 2023 Anchors Near UAE Coast

A Chevron-chartered oil tanker seized by Iran more than a year ago has dropped anchor near the United Arab Emirates port of Khor Fakkan, ship tracking data showed on Monday.The Marshall Islands-flagged Advantage Sweet was boarded by Iran's military in the Gulf of Oman in April 2023 after an alleged collision with an Iranian boat.After sailing away from Iran last week, its latest position was located close to the UAE, LSEG data showed on Monday.A Chevron spokesperson said on Saturday it was aware of reports that the tanker was released on July 10."We are pleased to see the safe release of the v

US Army Corps of Engineers Names New Chief

The U.S. Army has selected Maj. Gen William H. "Butch" Graham Jr. to be its next chief of engineers and commanding general of the Corps of Engineers, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III announced on July 10.Graham is currently serving as the deputy chief of engineers and deputy commanding general for civil works and emergency operations. His long Army career includes leadership positions supporting both civil works and military construction.If confirmed by the Senate, Graham would succeed Lt. Gen. Scott A.

Fincantieri Launches Another Multipurpose Combat Ship for Italian Navy

Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri has launched the seventh multipurpose combat ship, named Domenico Millelire, at its shipyard in Genova.This vessel is part of the renewal plan of the operational lines of the Italian Navy vessels, approved by the Government and Parliament under the aegis of OCCAR (Organisation Conjointe de Cooperation sur l’Armement, the international organization for cooperation on arms).The 143-meter vessel is a highly flexible ship with the capacity to serve multiple functions…

Houthis Conduct Military Operations in Gulf of Aden, Israel's Eilat

Yemen's Houthis said on Sunday they had conducted two military operations, one in the Gulf of Aden and one in Eilat at the southern tip of Israel.Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree said the group had targeted the Israeli ship MSC UNIFIC in the Gulf of Aden with ballistic missiles and drones in addition to attacking military targets in Eilat with drones.The spokesperson said that the latest Houthi military operations came in response to the Israeli airstrike on Khan Younis on Saturday…

Gemini Alliance Held Up by FMC Probe

A global operational alliance between two of the world’s largest container shipping companies will not go into effect next week as planned following a move by the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission to study the potential competitive impacts of the arrangement.The FMC said on Friday it is seeking more information to determine the potential competitive impacts of the proposed Gemini Cooperation Agreement, which would allow ocean carriers Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd to share vessels in the trades between the United States and Asia…

IMO Sets 2025 World Maritime Day Theme

“Our Ocean - Our Obligation - Our Opportunity” has been selected as the IMO's World Maritime Day theme for 2025, which will culminate in the celebration of World Maritime Day on September 25, 2025.The IMO Council, meeting for its 132nd session, endorsed the theme following a proposal by IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez.The theme reflects the ocean’s vital role in the world economy, with more than 80% of global trade transported by sea. The ocean is a source of jobs and food for millions of people…

US, Canada, Finland Launch Effort to Build Icebreaking Ships

The U.S., Canada and Finland will form a consortium to build icebreaker ships, a senior U.S. administration official said, a move intended to bolster the allies' shipbuilding and counter Russia and China in increasingly strategic polar regions.The initiative, called the Icebreaker Collaboration Effort or ICE pact, is being unveiled on Thursday on the sidelines of a three-day NATO summit in Washington, where the alliance has called on China to end its support for Moscow's war against…

Captain Ian Finley to Receive IMO International Maritime Prize

Captain Ian Finley, Permanent Representative of the Cook Islands to IMO, has been selected as the recipient of the prestigious International Maritime Prize for 2023. The decision was made by the IMO Council at its 132nd session (July 8 to 12, 2024).Captain Finley was nominated for the award by the Government of the Cook Islands. As a delegate to IMO, representing Panama and latterly the Cook Islands, he has been an active participant in the development of virtually all safety…

MARAD Awards $8.75 Million to US Small Shipyards

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) on Wednesday announced $8.75 million in grant awards to 15 small shipyards in 12 states through the Small Shipyard Grant Program. The funds will help shipyards modernize, increase productivity, and expand local job opportunities while competing in the global marketplace.“Small shipyards are integral to the strength of America’s supply chains and the maritime industry” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

US Navy Takes Delivery of Future USS John Basilone

The U.S. Navy announced it has accepted delivery of its latest Flight IIA Arleigh Burke–class guided missile destroyer, the future USS John Basilone (DDG 122), on July 8.Built by General Dynamics Bath Iron Works in Bath, Maine, DDG 122 will serve as a multi-mission surface combatant capable of conducting Anti-Air Warfare, Anti-Submarine Warfare and Anti-Surface Warfare.Prior to delivery, the ship conducted a series of at-sea and pier-side trials to demonstrate readiness. A tentative commissioning date is scheduled in November.The ship is named after U.S.

US Navy Officer Relieved After Ship Grounding off Gabon

The captain of U.S. Navy ship USS Hershel “Woody” Williams has been relieved of his duties after the ship went aground under his command earlier this year.The Navy is still investigating the incident, which saw the 784-foot Lewis B. Puller-class expeditionary mobile base vessel go soft aground near Gabon's port of Libreville on May 9. But it said "sufficient findings of fact emerged during the investigation to warrant the relief" of commanding officer Capt. Lenard Mitchell."The U.S.

T-Mobile Lands Multi-year US Navy Contract

Wireless carrier T-Mobile said in June it has been selected by the U.S.

Germany, Eight Other Baltic Sea Nations Seek to Jointly Buy Naval Mines

Germany and eight other countries on the Baltic Sea aim to jointly procure naval mines, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said on Tuesday, as Russia is taking an increasingly assertive stance in the Baltic Sea region.Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Washington, Pistorius said Russia had been challenging the borders in the Baltic Sea time and again."Just recently we have seen how Russia tries to extend Russian territorial waters outside Kaliningrad.

Iranian Warship Sahand Entirely Sinks Despite Rebalancing Efforts

The Iranian Navy frigate Sahand entirely sank in shallow waters on Tuesday in the southern port of Bandar Abbas, Nournews agency said, after it was briefly repositioned following its initial capsizing on Sunday."The Sahand warship, which was rebalanced on the water with great difficulty on Monday, has now sunk after the rope holding the ship broke," said Nournews, a news agency affiliated to the Supreme National Security Council.On Sunday, state media said the ship had capsized during repairs at a wharf due to water ingress and that efforts were being made to rebalance it.The Iranian-built ste

Ukraine Says Russia is Losing Crimean Hub in Black Sea

The Russian navy's Black Sea Fleet has been forced to rebase nearly all its combat-ready warships from occupied Crimea to other locations, and its main naval hub is becoming ineffectual because of attacks by Kyiv, Ukraine's navy chief said.Vice-Admiral Oleksiy Neizhpapa said Ukrainian missile and naval drone strikes had caused heavy damage to the Sevastopol base, a logistics hub for repairs, maintenance, training and ammunition storage among other important functions for Russia."They were established over many decades, possibly centuries.

Canada's West Coast Port Strike Averted After Board Order

A strike planned for Monday by ship and dock foremen at west Canadian ports has been called off after the country's industrial relations board found the union's strike notice was in violation of the labor code, the board said in an order."The Board directs the union to rescind its strike notice," Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) said in the order, adding that the strike violated the Canada Labour Code.It said that the union - International Longshore and Warehouse Union Ship and Dock Foremen Local 514 - failed to bargain in good faith.The union did not immediately respond to a request f

US Adds Six Companies to Trade Restriction List

The United States added six companies to its trade restriction list on Tuesday, including four for their links to the training of China's military forces, according to a government posting.Two of the companies are in China, one in South Africa, two in the United Arab Emirates and one in Britain.Global Training Solutions Limited and Smartech Future Limited, both in China, as well as Grace Air (Pty) Ltd and Livingston Aerospace Limited of the United Kingdom, were added over their…

Contracts Awarded for Poland's First Offshore Wind Farm

SeaRenergy Group was awarded a Marine Coordination Services contract by Baltic Power for the construction phase of the Baltic Power offshore wind farm.The services will be kicked off with the preparatory phase in summer, with operations starting in the last quarter of 2024.SeaRenergy’s comprehensive Marine Coordination Service involves ship registration, personnel registration and check-in, inspection, and construction site monitoring based on an innovative Vessel Traffic Management and Maritime Surveillance Systems provided by experienced long-term partner Vissim AS.

Two Russian Warships Sent on Training Mission to Asia-Pacific Waters, Interfax Reports

Two corvettes of the Russian navy's Pacific Fleet left the port of Vladivostok in Russia's Far East to carry out training missions in the Asia-Pacific region, the Interfax news agency cited the fleet's press service as saying on Monday."When leaving the main base of the fleet, the crews of the ships practiced emergency preparations for battle and sailing, and when passing through a narrow area, they conducted training in repelling a UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) raid of a mock enemy," the agency reported, citing the press service.The corvettes, the Rezky and the Gromky, will conduct a number o

IMO Technical Cooperation Committee Advances Capacity Development Strategy

The Technical Cooperation Committee held its 74th session at IMO Headquarters in London from Junw 24 to 28 and made progress on the IMO Capacity-Development Strategy for providing technical support for Member States. The Committee approved a new title (IMO Capacity-Development Strategy) and structure for the document. The draft revised comprehensive strategy combines the existing Capacity-Building Decade 2021-2030 Strategy, with both the strategy for the long-term financing of…

China Anchors “Monster Ship” in South China Sea

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said on Saturday that China's largest coastguard vessel has anchored in Manila's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the South China Sea, and is meant to intimidate its smaller Asian neighbour.The China coastguard's 165-meter 'monster ship' entered Manila's 200-nautical mile EEZ on July 2, spokesperson for the PCG Jay Tarriela told a news forum.The PCG warned the Chinese vessel it was in the Philippine's EEZ and asked about their intentions, he said."It's an intimidation on the part of the China Coast Guard," Tarriela said.

EU Naval Mission Says It Destroyed Drones in Gulf of Aden

The EU naval mission protecting ships crossing the Red Sea said its frigate Psara had destroyed two unmanned aerial vehicles in the Gulf of Aden on Sunday.The Aspides mission began in February in response to drone and missile attacks on vessels by Iranian-aligned Houthi militants. The Houthis describe the attacks as acts of solidarity with Palestinians in Israel's war in Gaza.Other countries, including the United States, also have naval forces operating in the area.(Reuters - Reporting by Renee Maltezou and Lefteris Papadimas; Editing by Angus MacSwan)

Iranian Warship Capsizes During Repairs

The Iranian navy frigate Sahand capsized during repairs in the southern port of Bandar Abbas, Iranian state media reported on Sunday."As Sahand was being repaired at the wharf, it lost its balance due to water ingress. Fortunately ...the vessel is being returned to balance quickly," the official news agency IRNA reported, citing a navy statement.It did not specify when the accident occurred. State media carried a picture of a capsized ship and said several people were taken to hospital with minor injuries.(Reuters - Reporting by Dubai Newsroom)

Russian Missiles Kill Two, Damage Odesa Port

Russian strikes killed two people and wounded 26 on Thursday in Ukrainian regions stretching from the south to the east and northeast, local authorities said.A missile strike in southern Odesa region killed a woman, injured seven people and damaged port infrastructure, regional governor Oleh Kiper said on Telegram.In northeastern Kharkiv region, a second woman was killed and a man wounded in a strike by a Russian guided bomb on the village of Ruska Lozova, according to regional governor Oleh Syniehubov.Nine others…

Philippines President Orders De-Escalation in South China Sea

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has ordered his armed forces to defuse tensions in the South China Sea, his military chief said on Thursday, after a flare-up with China over missions to resupply Filipino troops on a contested shoal.Marcos' instructions came after Manila and Beijing agreed on the need to restore trust and confidence to better manage maritime disputes during a round of talks which Manila hosted on Tuesday.But that did not stop the Philippine military from…

Ukrainian Ports Cargo Shipments up Jan-June

Cargo shipments at Ukraine's Black Sea and Danube ports were 68% higher in January to June than in the same period of last year, a senior lawmaker said on Thursday.Six functioning ports processed 52.7 million tons of cargo compared with 31.3 million tons last year, Danylo Hetmantsev, head of the parliamentary finance committee, said on the Telegram messenger.More than 63% of total shipments constitute agricultural products, he said.In the first half of 2023, shipments were carried…

German Government Considers Lifeline for Embattled Shipbuilder Meyer Werft

The German government is considering support for Meyer Werft, one of the world's biggest cruise ship builders, an economy ministry spokesperson said on Wednesday, as the cash-strapped company mapped out hundreds of planned job cuts to stem costs.The government is considering federal assistance for Meyer Werft together with the state of Lower Saxony, home of the shipyard in Papenburg where the over 200-year-old company is based.Meyer Werft needs to raise around 2.7 billion euros ($2.91 billion) in the coming years, according to restructuring chief Ralf Schmitz.

Banksy's Migrant Rescue Ship Detained in Italy

A rescue ship funded by British street artist Banksy has been grounded at port for 20 days for ignoring migrant disembarkation orders from Italian authorities, the charity running the vessel said on Wednesday.The Louise Michel ship had been told to take 37 people rescued at sea to Pozzallo in Sicily, but instead took them to the island of Lampedusa, saying the sea was too rough to reach its prescribed destination."Our rescue ship MV Louise Michel has been detained for 20 days in the port of Lampedusa," the Louise Michel charity wrote on X.

Military Groups Say They Set Fire to Russian Warship

A Ukrainian military intelligence official said on Wednesday that a fire on a Russian warship in the Baltic Sea in April was caused by a joint operation conducted by his GUR agency and a pro-Kyiv Russian military group.On April 7, the Serpukhov missile ship stationed in Russia's Kaliningrad region was set on fire, the GUR intelligence agency said at the time. It did not claim responsibility earlier.GUR spokesperson Andriy Yusov told Reuters the operation was conducted in tandem with the Freedom of Russia Legion.

Houthi Explosive Drone Boat Attacks Escalate Red Sea Danger

Yemen's Houthis are sending drone boats packed with explosives into the Red Sea as they intensify their attacks on merchant ships that have little defense against the "sophisticated shift" in tactic, maritime security sources say.Iran-aligned Houthi militants first launched aerial drone and missile strikes on the trade route in November in what they say is solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. In over 70 attacks, they have sunk two vessels, seized another and killed at least three seafarers.In recent weeks…

Missing Bulk Carrier Crewman Found Safe On Board

A crewmember reported missing from a Panamanian registered bulk carrier has been found safe on board following a dayslong search effort that involved multiple international agencies and commercial vessels.On June 25, the master of the 568-foot-long vessel Daiwan Glory issued a distress alert relayed via the Japanese Coast Guard early in the morning of June 25, 2024, reporting of a possible man overboard situation approximately 607 nautical miles south of Guam, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) said.

Taiwan Says China Seized Fishing Boat

Chinese officials boarded and then seized a Taiwanese fishing boat operating near China's coast close to a Taiwan-controlled island and took it to a Chinese port, the Taiwan coast guard said late on Tuesday in a further escalation of tensions.China views democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory and has ramped up pressure on Taipei since President Lai Ching-te took office in May, a man Beijing accuses of being a "separatist".The fishing boat was operating near the Taiwan-administered Kinmen islands, which sit next to the Chinese cities of Xiamen and Quanzhou, on Tuesday night when it

Fiji's New Patrol Boat Recovered After Grounding Incident

Salvors have recovered Fiji's naval patrol boat RFNS Puamau, three weeks after the brand new vessel went aground on its maiden patrol.The vessel was successfully recovered from the reef at Fulaga and towed to the safe waters of Ogea Island where a thorough damage assessment will be conducted, the Republic of Fiji Navy said.RFNS Puamau is a Guardian-class Patrol Boat (GCPB) built by Austal for the Australian Department of Defence, which gifted the vessel to Fiji's Navy.Just months after the vessel's official handover in March…

US Supreme Court Curbs Federal Agency Powers, Overturning Chevron Deference

The U.S. Supreme Court dealt a major blow to federal regulatory power on Friday by overturning a 1984 precedent that had given deference to government agencies in interpreting laws they administer, handing a defeat to President Joe Biden's administration.The justices ruled 6-3 to set aside lower court decisions against fishing companies that challenged a government-run program partly funded by industry that monitored overfishing of herring off New England's coast. It marked the…

Crew Safe after Incident Southwest of Yemen's Al Mukha

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said on Sunday it had received a report of an incident 13 nautical miles southwest of Yemen's Al Mukha, but that the vessel and its crew were safe.An UKMTO advisory note said a merchant vessel had reported being approached by 12 small craft which remained in the vicinity of the vessel for about an hour before leaving the area.The vessel and crew were reported safe, and the vessel is proceeding to its next port of call, the advisory note added.Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi group has been launching drone and missile strikes in shipping lanes sin

America Must Renew its Commitment to Maritime

The United States must renew its commitment to a strong, reliable American maritime capability to confront emerging threats. China’s aggressive shipping expansion poses significant challenges to the United States and our allies. Global tensions have highlighted the vulnerability of maritime supply chains, and our domestic waterways remain a potential pathway for increasingly belligerent adversaries to cause harm.The Merchant Marine Act — commonly known as the Jones Act — is vital to defending American interests and sovereignty amid these complex challenges.

USCG Commissions First Pacific Northwest Fast Response Cutter

The U.S. Coast Guard commissioned its 56th Fast Response Cutter and first one to be stationed in the Pacific Northwest during a ceremony held in Astoria, Ore., Thursday, marking the vessel's official entry into active service.Built by Bollinger Shipyards and delivered to the Coast Guard earlier this year, the Coast Guard Cutter David Duren (WPC-1156) is the first of three planned Fast Response Cutter’s (FRC) to be homeported in Astoria.The ceremony was presided by Vice Adm. Andrew Tiongson, Pacific Area Commander.

Italian Navy Places $535M Oder for Fourth NFS Submarine from Fincantieri

Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri has secured a contract to build the fourth new-generation submarine related to the U212NFS (Near Future Submarine) program for the Italian Navy.The order for the new submarine, valued at $534 million (€500 million), has been exercised by OCCAR (Organisation Conjointe de Coopération en matière d’Armement, the international organization for joint armament cooperation).The contract also activates all other options that complete the maintenance support for the submarines already contracted.The signing of the new contract took place at the Muggiano shipyard…

Bill Moves USCG Closer to Obtaining a New Great Lakes Icebreaker

The U.S House of Representatives on Wednesday passed an amendment to the Homeland Security Appropriations Bill that would move funds from the Office of the Secretary of Homeland Security to the U.S. Coast Guard for the procurement of an already authorized Great Lakes icebreaker (GLIB).The GLIB is needed to maintain winter deliveries of raw materials to the U.S. steel manufacturing industry (supporting nationwide automobile and appliance manufacturing) and respond to winter flooding of Great Lakes coastal communities.The amendment was submitted by Representative John James (MI-10)…

Greek Coastguard Officers to Testify as Suspects in Migrant Shipwreck Probe

Greek coastguard officers will testify as suspects as part of a disciplinary investigation into their role in a deadly migrant shipwreck off Greece, three sources told Reuters on Thursday.Hundreds are feared to have died when a vessel, monitored by the Greek coastguard for several hours, capsized and sank in international waters off the southwestern Greek coastal town of Pylos on June 14, 2023.Up to 700 people were in the trawler which left Libya heading for Italy. Some 104 survivors were rescued but only 82 bodies were recovered.

IMO's Technical Cooperation Committee Meets to Upgrade 10-Year Strategy

A streamlined strategy outlining IMO’s goals and plans for capacity building, resource mobilization and partnerships will be a key focus as IMO’s Technical Cooperation Committee (TCC) meets this week (June 24-28) in London.TCC oversees IMO’s capacity-development program and the implementation of projects aligned with the Strategic Directions of IMO and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).Opening the meeting on Monday, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez…

Austal USA Holds Keel Laying Ceremony for LCU 1710

Mobile, Ala. shipbuilder Austal USA on Wednesday held a keel laying ceremony for LCU 1710, marking the official start of construction on the first of three Landing Craft Utility (LCU) vessels for the U.S. Navy.Austal USA was awarded a $91.5 million contract in September 2023 that includes three LCU and associated support efforts.LCU are carried aboard amphibious assault ships to the objective area and used across a range of military operations to deliver vehicles, personnel and cargo from sea-to-shore and back.

Venezuela Resorts to Dark Fleet to Supply Oil to Cuba

Venezuela's state oil company PDVSA has begun using tankers that navigate off radar to supply its closest political ally, Cuba, as a fleet of state-owned vessels that have historically covered the route dwindles, according to documents and ship monitoring services.Cuba and its main oil supplier, Venezuela, for over a decade had exclusively used their own tankers to navigate between the two countries.Delayed maintenance, however, has taken some ships out of service and the emergence…

Austal USA Cuts Steel for USNS James D. Fairbanks

Mobile, Ala. shipbuilder Austal USA announced it has started construction on the future USNS James D. Fairbanks (T-ATS 13), the third of five steel U.S. Navy Navajo Class Towing, Salvage, and Rescue Ships Austal USA has under contract with the U.S. Navy.Construction is well underway on both the future USNS Billy Frank Jr. (T-ATS 11) and USNS Solomon Atkinson (T-ATS 12), the shipbuilder said.“It’s exciting to see another ship begin traveling down the steel production line which has been busy since we opened it just a little over two years ago…

New Contract & First Steel Cut for Australia's Hunter Class Frigate Program

Australia has awarded BAE Systems Maritime Australia a contract to build the first three Hunter class frigates as the program celebrates its transition into formal construction phase.Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles and the Premier of South Australia, Peter Malinauskas, officially cut steel on the first ship at a ceremony at the Osborne Naval Shipyard in Adelaide, South Australia.

International Day of the Seafarer Spotlights Safety

On June 25, the International Day of the Seafarer, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez pays tribute to the two million seafarers who keep global markets functioning and supply chains going.In a video message to seafarers, Dominguez said: “Seafarers have been sorely tested in recent years – facing hostile acts from piracy or in conflict zones. I humbly acknowledge seafarers’ resilience and sacrifice in the name of work.”  United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres marked the day…

Singapore Spill: Removal of Bulk Oil Near Completion

The removal of bulk oil from the sea and beaches in Singapore is nearly complete after the Singapore-flagged bunker vessel Marine Honour was hit by Netherlands-flagged dredger Vox Maxima on June 14.The Singapore MPA reports that there has been no observed oil slick along the East Coast and Changi since June 18 based on both satellite and drone images. The bulk of oil-soaked sand has been removed from most of the affected public beaches, with the exception of Tanjong and Palawan beach at Sentosa.

Keel Authenticated for Future USNS Sojourner Truth

The keel for the future USNS Sojourner Truth (T-AO 210), a John Lewis-class fleet replenishment oiler, was authenticated at General Dynamics NASSCO, June 21.The ship is named for human rights pioneer Sojourner Truth, an abolitionist and women’s rights activist.The ship sponsor is Marian Wright Edelman, civil rights trailblazer and Founder and President Emerita of the Children’s Defense Fund.“The future USNS Sojourner Truth will aid in expanding refueling capability at sea,” said John Lighthammer, program manager, Auxiliary and Special Mission Ships, Program Executive Office (PEO) Ships.

US Says It Destroyed Three Houthi Vessels in Red Sea

U.S. forces destroyed three Iranian-backed Houthi uncrewed surface vessels in the Red Sea in the past 24 hours, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Saturday.Separately, the Houthis launched three anti-ship ballistic missiles into the Gulf of Aden but there were no injuries or significant damage reported by U.S., coalition, or merchant vessels, CENTCOM added.The U.S. military's Central Command also dismissed as "categorically false" recent claims about a successful attack by Houthi forces on the aircraft carrier Dwight D.

Austal Tallies Order for More Guardian-class Patrol Boats

Australian shipbuilder Austal announced that the Australian Government has ordered two additional Guardian-class Patrol Boats from Austal Australia, valued at approximately A$39 million.The 39.5-meter, steel-hull patrol boats, to be constructed at Henderson in Western Australia and scheduled for delivery in 2026, are in addition to the 22 Guardian-class Patrol Boats previously ordered by the Australian Government under the Pacific Patrol Boat Replacement Project (SEA3036-1) since…

Navy Combat Craft - Boats Evolve to Keep Pace with Threats

Combat craft are used by both large and small navies, and every navy, coast guard or maritime service operates some kind of boats.The U.S. Navy’s boats are used for a variety of tasks from personnel and cargo transport to ship repair and maintenance to environmental response.The combat craft range from pull sized patrol boats down to ridged-hull inflatable boats (RIBs) armed with machine guns. Boats include shipboard RIBs, maritime security boats, dive support boats, workboats…

Houthi Claim of Attack on US Aircraft Carrier False, US Officials Say

A claim by Yemen's Houthi group on Saturday that its forces had attacked the U.S. aircraft carrier Dwight D. Eisenhower in the Red Sea is false, two U.S. officials told Reuters."That is incorrect," one of the officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity.The Iran-aligned Houthis first launched drone and missile strikes in the key waterway for trade in November in what they say is solidarity with Palestinian militants in Gaza, where Israel has waged a more than eight-month war.In more than 70 attacks, the Houthis have sunk two vessels, seized another and killed at least three seafarers.

Crew Forced to Abandon Vessel Southeast of Yemen's Nishtun

United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said on Sunday that the captain and crew of a vessel 96 nautical miles southeast of Yemen's Nishtun were forced to abandon ship after it suffered flooding that could not be contained.The crew has been recovered by an assisting ship while the abandoned ship remains adrift, it added.UKMTO earlier reported that it had received a report of a distress call from the vessel and that it was investigating the incident.Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi group has been launching drone and missile strikes in shipping lanes since November, saying that it acts in so

Houthis Claim Attacks on Two Ships in Red Sea and Indian Ocean

The Yemeni Houthi group said on Sunday its forces had attacked two ships in the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean.The first ship, Transworld Navigator, had been targeted in the Red Sea using "an uncrewed surface boat" which led to a direct hit against the ship, Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said.The second vessel, Stolt Sequoia, was attacked in the Indian Ocean with a number of cruise missiles, he said.It was not clear when the attacks took place.He said the ships belonged to companies that "violated the ban on entering the ports of occupied Palestine."Yemen's militant Houthi group has been

Houthis Claim Attack on Four Ships at Israel's Haifa Port

Yemen's Houthis said early on Sunday that they had conducted a joint military operation with the Islamic Resistance in Iraq militant group, targeting four ships at Israel's northern Haifa port.The Houthi military spokesperson, Yahya Saree, said in a televised statement that the two groups launched a drone attack on two cement tankers and two cargo ships at the Haifa port on Saturday.He said the ships belonged to companies that "violated the ban on entering the ports of occupied Palestine".The Israeli military did not immediately comment…

RAL Tugs Delivered in the Philippine Navy

Robert Allan Ltd. said that YT 027 and AT 010, a RAmparts 2700 and RAmparts 3000-W respectively were delivered to the owner, the Philippine Navy, in May 2024. The tugs were built at Josefa Slipways Inc. in Sual, Philippines and are designed by Robert Allan Ltd. to provide support to the navy’s surface vessel fleet.Propulsion machinery of YT 027 consists of two MTU 12V4000M53 diesel engines rated at 1380 kW at 1800 rpm coupling with Schottel SRP 340 Z-drives with 2.1 m diameter…

EU Sanctions Target Russian Gas for the First Time

European Union countries agreed on a 14th package of sanctions against Russia over its war in Ukraine, diplomats said on Thursday, including their first restrictions on Russian gas.The package bans re-exports of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) in EU waters but stops short of banning imports as the bloc did in 2022 for Russian seaborne oil. Some EU countries still import pipeline gas from Russia via Ukraine.However, gas market experts say the measure will have little impact…

Ukraine's Drone Success Shapes US Pacific 'Hellscape' Strategy

On a website run by the Ukrainian security service, donors anywhere in the world can pledge money to build Ukraine's cutting-edge "Sea Baby" unmanned maritime drones.It is a slick, professional site offering donors the chance to sign up for newsletters or even name the drone themselves if they donate the full $220,000 cost.Only six meters (20 feet) long and 60 cm (two feet) high above the water level, the craft can carry up to 850 kg of explosives up to 1,000 km (620 miles), often…

Alabama Shipyard Wins MSC Oiler Maintenance Contract

Alabama Shipyard has secured a contract to perform maintenance work aboard the Military Sealift Command's (MSC) fleet replenishment oiler USNS Kanawha (T-AO 196).The Mobile, Ala. shipyard was awarded an $11,339,193 firm-fixed-price contract for a 106-calendar day shipyard availability. The deal includes a base work package and four unexercised options for additional work and time which, if exercised, would increase the cumulative value of this contract to $11,807,789.Alabama Shipyard was one of five bidders for the job.Work will begin August 31…

Damen Books Order for Two More F126 Frigates for German Navy

Dutch naval shipbuilder Damen Naval has signed a contract with the Procurement Organization of the German Armed Forces (BAAINBw) to supply two additional multipurpose frigates to German Navy, bringing the total to six F126 vessels.The first frigate is due to be delivered in 2028. Ship five and six will be delivered in 2033 and 2034 respectively.The construction of the two additional F126 frigates will take place entirely in Germany. In the coming months, work will begin in parallel at the German Naval Yards shipyard in Kiel…

Philippines Tells Beijing Words Must Match Actions in South China Sea

The Philippines urged China on Wednesday to avoid actions that endanger sailors and vessels in the South China Sea, saying peace could not be achieved if China's words did not match its behaviour in the disputed waters.The Philippine foreign ministry denounced as "illegal and aggressive" China's actions during a routine resupply mission on June 17, which the Philippine military said had severely injured a navy sailor and damaged Manila's vessels."The department has been exerting efforts to rebuild a conducive environment for dialogue and consultation with China on the South China Sea…

Fiji's Brand New Patrol Boat Runs Aground

Responders are working to salvage Fiji's brand new naval patrol boat, which ran aground during its maiden voyage last week.The vessel, RFNS Puamau, is a Guardian-class Patrol Boat (GCPB) built by Austal for the Australian Department of Defence, which gifted the vessel to the Republic of Fiji Navy.Just months after the vessel's official handover in March, it hit a reef on Fiji's remote Lau group of islands on June 10, during its first patrol.Now salvors are working to recover the stricken vessel while minimizing environmental impacts, including a potential oil spill.

US Harbor Craft: Measuring Opportunity for Zero Emissions

There are more than 4,000 harbor craft vessels in the U.S. deemed highly suited for zero-emissions operations, according to a recent report produced by CALSTART in partnership with Intelatus Global Partners.The report - “Sizing the U.S. and California Harbor Craft Market” - looked at the U.S. commercial harbor craft and inland and nearshore vessels above 600 kilowatts (kW) or 805 brake horsepower. Approximately 10,000 vessels were counted in total, including crew and supply boats…

Taiwan Keeping Watch after Chinese Submarine Surfaces in Taiwan Strait

Taiwan's defence minister said on Tuesday that they have a "grasp" of the situation after pictures appeared online of a Chinese nuclear submarine surfacing in the sensitive Taiwan Strait near Taiwanese fishermen.The narrow strait that separates Taiwan from China is a frequent source of tension. Taiwan reports Chinese warplanes and warships operating there on a daily basis, as Beijing seeks to assert its sovereignty claims against the democratically governed island.Taiwanese media published the pictures of the surfaced craft…

Industry Leaders Highlight Impact of Increasing Protectionism

The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and the Chamber of Marine Commerce, Canada (CMC), convened over 120 industry leaders from 90 organisations and nearly 30 different countries to the Shaping the Future of Shipping Summit on Thursday 13 June. The summit focused on the challenges and risks to global trade.During the closed-door summit industry leaders discussed the emerging concern of increased protectionism across the world.Emanuele Grimaldi, International Chamber of Shipping…

Denmark Tops 2023 Paris MoU White List

The Paris MoU Committee has approved the 2023 inspection results and adopted new performance lists for flag States, with Tanzania and Cameroon graded as “very high risk” and Denmark topping the White List.The “White, Grey and Black List” presents the full spectrum, from quality flags to flags with a poor performance that are considered high or very high risk. It is based on the total number of inspections and detentions during a three-year rolling period for flags with at least 30 inspections in that period.The White List represents quality flags with a consistently low detention percentage.

Canada Defends Sending Ship to Cuba

The Canadian Liberal government, criticized by opposition legislators for sending a patrol ship to Havana while Russian vessels were there, on Monday said the visit was meant to send a message of deterrence to Moscow.The Canadian navy patrol ship sailed into the harbor early on Friday, two days after the arrival of a Russian nuclear-powered submarine and a frigate. Canada and the United States said they were closely monitoring the vessels."The deployment ... sends a very clear…

China and Philippines Quarrel over South China Sea Collision

China and the Philippines traded accusations over a collision in the South China Sea on Monday, with Manila saying its armed forces would resist Beijing's actions in the disputed waters, the latest in an increasingly testy series of confrontations.U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson condemned China's "aggressive, dangerous" manoeuvres in a post on X, saying the collision had "caused bodily injury."The U.S. State Department condemned what it called "escalatory and…

Russian Navy to Hold Drills in Pacific, Sea of Japan, Sea of Okhotsk

The Pacific Fleet of the Russian Navy will hold exercises June 18-28 in the waters of the Pacific Ocean, the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk, TASS state news agency reported on Tuesday.The drills involve about 40 ships, boats and support vessels, around 20 naval aircraft and helicopters, including long-range anti-submarine aircraft Tu-142M3, Il-38 and Il-38N, as well as anti-submarine and search and rescue helicopters, TASS reported, citing the fleet's press service.(Reuters - Reporting by Lidia Kelly in Melbourne; Editing by Jacqueline Wong)

Denmark Seeks to Stop Shadow Tanker Fleet Carrying Russian Oil

Denmark is considering ways to stop a so-called shadow fleet of tankers from carrying Russian oil through the Baltic Sea, the Nordic country said on Monday, triggering a sharp response from Moscow's diplomats who said any such move would be unacceptable.Russia sends about a third of its seaborne oil exports, or 1.5% of global supply, through the Danish straits that sit as a gateway to the Baltic Sea, so any attempt to halt supplies could send oil prices higher and hit the Kremlin's finances.Since Western nations imposed a price cap on Russia's oil in an attempt to curb vital funds for its war

Survitec Snags JMSDF Submarine Escape Suit Contract

Survitec won a multi-year servicing contract from Sojitz Aerospace, on behalf of the Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF), to service Submarine Escape Immersion Equipment (SEIE) MK11 suits carried on board its submarine fleet.With this contract, the company sets a new precedent, establishing an in-country servicing capability to accommodate the JMSDF’s SEIE servicing and maintenance requirements through a strategic partnership with Kawasaki head-quartered Marinair Liferaft Co. Ltd.Marinair Liferaft Co.

China Coast Guard: Philippine Supply Ship Bumped Chinese Ship

A Philippine supply ship dangerously approached a Chinese ship resulting in a slight collision after it illegally intruded into waters adjacent to the Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea, the Chinese coast guard said on Monday.The Philippine transport and replenishment ship ignored China's repeated solemn warnings, the coast guard said in a statement.The guard said the vessel deliberately and dangerously approached the Chinese ship in an unprofessional manner, resulting in a collision.

Singapore Oil Spill Spreads Along Coast

An oil spill off southern Singapore has spread to other areas of the island's coast and is threatening a marine reserve, government agencies said, adding that authorities were intensifying efforts to mop up the fuel.The oil spilled into Singaporean waters after a Netherlands-flagged dredger struck a stationary Singapore-flagged bunker vessel on Friday afternoon in the southern port of Pasir Panjang. The dredger Vox Mariner had reported a sudden loss in engine and steering control before its allision with bunker vessel Marine Honour.

Houthis Say they Attacked Two Ships and American Destroyer

Yemen's Houthis said on Sunday that they had attacked two civilian ships along with an American destroyer in the Red Sea and Arabian Sea, their latest effort to disrupt shipping in what they say is support for Palestinians in Gaza.In a statement, the Houthi military spokesperson, Yahya Saree, said the militant group fired ballistic missiles at the American destroyer, naval missiles at a ship called the Captain Paris, and drones at a ship called the Happy Condor. It was not clear…

Mammoet Wins Contract for Hawaii Dry Dock Upgrade

Mammoet has entered into an agreement with DHO (Dragados/Hawaiian Dredging/Orion JV) to perform transportation and lifting services for the construction of Dry Dock 5 in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.This initiative stems from the Navy’s Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program (SIOP), which aims to support Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility’s (PHNSY & IMF) ability to continue serving the Navy decades into the future by maintaining and modernizing the U.S.

US Says it Destroyed Houthi Patrol Boats, Drone

The U.S. military said on Thursday it destroyed two Houthi patrol boats, one uncrewed surface vessel and one drone over the Red Sea in its latest effort to degrade the capabilities of the Iran-backed group.The Houthis, who control the most populous areas of Yemen, targeted the Verbena in the Arabian Sea as well as the Seaguardian and Athina in the Red Sea, the Iran-aligned group's military spokesman Yahya Saree said in a televised speech earlier on Thursday.The attack on the Palau-flagged Verbena cargo ship sparked a fire and severely injured one of her crew, U.S.

Vard Holds Naming Ceremony for Norway’s Third and Final Coast Guard Vessel Newbuild

The last of the three coast guard vessels, strengthening the control and surveillance in the northern area of Norway, has been named KV Hopen by Minister of Climate and Environment Andreas Bjelland Eriksen at Vard Langsten in Norway.With the naming ceremony of the third vessel in the Jan Mayen class, one of Norway's largest maritime acquisitions ever is about to be completed.Norway's new coast guard vessel KV Hopen is said to be very important for guarding Norway's interests in…

Russia Says West is Deaf to Moscow's Diplomatic Signals

Russia said on Thursday that the United States should not be nervous about Russian warships in Cuba but that the West appeared deaf to any diplomatic signals from Moscow and only took notice when the army or navy took action.A Russian navy frigate and a nuclear-powered submarine churned into Havana harbor on Wednesday, a stopover the U.S. and Cuba said posed no threat but which was widely seen as a Russian show of force as tensions rise over the Ukraine war.White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said there was no evidence of Russia transferring any missiles to Cuba…

Officials Tout Quick Baltimore Channel Reopening

This week's reopening of Baltimore's main shipping channel - less than three months after the Key Bridge collapse - was due to expertise gained from a COVID-era task force, a highway overpass collapse and the 2021 infrastructure law, government officials said.The deadly March 26 collision of the cargo ship Dali into the Francis Scott Key Bridge had paralyzed a major transportation artery for the U.S. Northeast.Within hours, President Joe Biden directed aides to get the channel reopened, the bridge rebuilt and vowed the federal government would cover the full costs.

Russian Warships Enter Havana Harbor Under Washington's Watchful Eye

Russian navy ships churned into Havana harbor on Wednesday, a stopover the U.S. and Cuba said posed no threat but which was widely seen as a Russian show of force as tensions rise over the Ukraine war.Small groups of fishermen and curious onlookers lined the Malecon seafront boulevard in light rain to welcome the ships as they passed the 400-year old Morro castle at the harbor's entrance.The first to arrive was a fuel ship, the Akademik Pashin and a tug, the Nikolay Chiker, while…

Taiwan Arrests Former Chinese Navy Captain Whose Speedboat Entered Taipei Harbor

A Chinese man arrested after his speedboat illegally entered a Taipei harbor is a former navy captain who could have been probing the island's defenses, senior Taiwanese officials said on Tuesday.Taiwan's coast guard arrested the man on Sunday at the coastal neighborhood of Tamsui after his boat entered a river that leads into Taipei, an incident that happened amid ongoing tensions between Taiwan and China.China views the democratically governed island as its own territory, a claim Taipei rejects.Kuan Bi-ling…

Russian Warships En Route to Cuba, Hold Missile Drills in Atlantic

A Russian naval frigate and a nuclear-powered submarine conducted missile drills in the Atlantic Ocean while en route to Cuba, the Russian defence ministry said on Tuesday.The drills by the submarine Kazan and the warship Admiral Gorshkov involved firing high-precision missiles at mock enemy targets from a distance of more than 600 km (370 miles), it said in a statement.The Admiral Gorshkov also conducted training in recent days to repel an air attack, the ministry said.The vessels are among a group of four Russian warships that is due to arrive in Cuba on Wednesday.

US Navy Christens USNS Cherokee Nation

Bollinger Shipyards on Saturday hosted a ceremony at Bollinger Houma to christen the U.S. Navy’s newest towing, rescue and salvage ship (T-ATS) USNS Cherokee Nation.The Hon. Franklin Parker, Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Manpower and Reserve Affairs joined ship’s sponsor and Deputy Speaker of the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council, the Hon. Victoria Mitchell Vazquez and Matron of Honor, Kailey Beth Rincher to celebrate the new addition to the fleet and pay homage to its namesake.The second Bollinger-built ship of the Navy’s Navajo class…

New Tugs Delivered to the Philippine Navy

The Philippine Navy in May accepted delivery of a pair of new tugs built at Josefa Slipways Inc. in Sual, Philippines.The vessels, YT 027 and AT 010, a RAmparts 2700 and RAmparts 3000-W respectively were designed by Robert Allan Ltd. to the navy’s surface vessel fleet.Propulsion machinery of YT 027 consists of two MTU 12V4000M53 diesel engines rated at 1380 kW at 1800 rpm coupling with Schottel SRP 340 Z-drives with 2.1 m diameter fixed pitch propellers.Propulsion machinery of AT 010 consists of two MTU16V4000M63 diesel engines rated at 1920 kW at 1600 rpm…

Stricken Freighter Anchors in Thunder Bay After Flooding Incident

A 72-year-old Great Lakes freighter has anchored safely in Thunder Bay, Ontario following a flooding incident in Lake Superior.At around 7 a.m. on Saturday morning, the Canadian-registered Michipicoten reportedly struck an underwater object and began taking on water in U.S. waters about 35 miles south of Isle Royale, the U.S. Coast Guard said. The ship, which is owned and operated by Canadian-based Lower Lakes Towing, was hauling taconite from the U.S. to Canada at the time of the incident.The flooding caused the 689-foot self-discharging bulk carrier to list to 15 degrees…

Chinese Fighter Jets Approached Dutch Ship 'Unsafely'

Chinese air force jets circled a Dutch frigate and approached a Dutch helicopter in the East China Sea in a way that "caused a potentially unsafe situation," the Netherlands' Defense Ministry said on Saturday.In a statement, the Ministry said the HNLMS Tromp was patrolling on Friday in support of U.N.

Chinese Fighter Jets Approached Dutch Ship 'Unsafely'

Chinese air force jets circled a Dutch frigate and approached a Dutch helicopter in the East China Sea in a way that "caused a potentially unsafe situation," the Netherlands' Defense Ministry said on Saturday.In a statement, the Ministry said the HNLMS Tromp was patrolling on Friday in support of U.N.

China Says US Provoking Arms Race in South China Sea

The U.S. poses the largest security challenge in the South China Sea as its military deployment there is turning it into "the whirlpool of an arms race", Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong said in remarks published on Sunday.Recent maritime run-ins between China and the Philippines, a U.S. treaty ally, have made the highly strategic South China Sea a potential flashpoint between Washington and Beijing."At present, the biggest security challenge in the South China Sea comes from outside the region…

UK Dismisses Statement by Houthis Saying They Attacked Destroyer

Britain's defence ministry said on Sunday a statement by Yemen's Houthis that they had fired ballistic missiles at a British destroyer in the Red Sea was false.The Houthis did not say whether the attack they said they had carried out on the HMS Diamond had caused any damage, but described it as "accurate"."These claims are untrue," a British Ministry of Defence (MoD) spokesperson said.The Houthis said they had also attacked two commercial vessels which they identified as the Norderney and Tavvishi.The statement said the Tavvishi - which was in the Arabian Sea - and the Norderney had both been

Two Vessels Catch Fire After Missile Strikes off Yemen

Two ships caught on fire after being hit by projectiles off Yemen's Aden, two UK maritime agencies reported on Sunday.The British security firm Ambrey said on Sunday an Antigua- and Barbuda-flagged general cargo ship was struck by a missile 83 nautical miles southeast of Aden and caught fire. The fire was later contained.Earlier, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said it had received a report from a captain of a vessel of an incident 80 nautical miles southeast…

Two Dead After Vessels Collide in Alaska

One person is dead after two vessels collided near Wrangell, Alaska Wednesday morning, authorities said.U.S. Coast Guard Sector Southeast Alaska Command Center received a mayday call over VHF radio at approximately 8:52 a.m. reporting a person in the water.A 58-foot fishing vessel collided with a 20-foot skiff, throwing one person from the skiff into the water, who was recovered by good Samaritans on-scene.The U.S. Coast Guard and on-scene partner agencies commenced a search for the second person.

Bulk Carrier Crew Rescues Sailors Stranded in Rough Seas

A Panamanian registered bulk carrier came to the aid of a sailboat that was stranded in heavy seas 250 nautical miles off the U.S. East Coast.On April 24, 2024, the crew of CSL's self-unloader Sheila Ann received a mayday call from a sailboat stranded 16 nautical miles away in rough seas and strong winds. The ship's master and crew relayed the distress call to the U.S. Coast Guard, which said it could not immediately assist due to the adverse weather conditions and long distance from land.When Sheila Ann arrived on scene…

Amphibious WW2 'Duck' Vehicle Reenacts Normandy Landing on D-Day Anniversary

With a single piper playing bagpipes on deck, a restored World War Two amphibious vehicle landed on Gold Beach in Normandy on Thursday, exactly 80 years after the allied landing that started the liberation of France from Nazi occupation.The son of a World War Two soldier, British lawyer and vehicle historian Nigel Stoate, 55, steered the craft ashore after driving off a Royal Marines ship that had picked it up in Portsmouth harbour earlier this week."We landed at 7:25 a.m., at exactly the time that British boots hit the beaches on D-Day…

US Coast Guard Aids Supply Ship Taking on Water in the Caribbean Sea

A U.S. Coast Guard aircrew came to the aid of a Vanuatu-flagged supply vessel that was taking on water in the Caribbean Sea, approximately 22 nautical miles south of Puerto Rico.On May 25, the Sea Falcon was transiting to Tortola, British Virgin Islands with four people on board when the vessel's master reported to watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector San Juan that the 121-foot-long ship was taking on water through a crack in its hull. The master said the rate of flooding was approximately 300 gallons per minute…

USCG Seeks Feedback on Training Requirements for New Fuels

The U.S. Coast Guard is seeking public input on the training and experience requirements necessary for mariners working aboard vessels using alternative fuels, including methyl/ethyl alcohols, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), fuel cells, batteries and ammonia. Recent newbuild statistics show that owners of commercial vessels are embracing alternative fuels as a means to reduce emissions of nearly all types from their operations.As new ships using alternative fuels come into service…

Congress Raises the National Security Alarm on Shipbuilding

A bipartisan, bicameral group is emerging in Congress as the thought leaders for future maritime policy. On January 30, 2024, Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Representative Mike Waltz (R-FL-6) led a letter to President Biden, joined by 17 other members of Congress, urging the White House to embrace a “bold and clear vision” for the future of U.S. sea power. Among other recommendations – including establishing an interagency maritime policy coordinator – the Congressional group urged President Biden to issue a Presidential Determination to establish “commercial…

World Leaders, Veterans Commemorate D-Day's 80th Anniversary

U.S. President Joe Biden made an impassioned call for the defense of freedom and democracy at the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy on Thursday, urging Western powers to stay the course with Ukraine and not surrender to Russian tyranny.At a joint ceremony with French President Emmanuel Macron and U.S. veterans at the Normandy American Cemetery, Biden said it was "simply unthinkable" to surrender to Russian aggression and he promised no let-up in support for Ukraine.He…

US Expecting Russian Naval Exercises in Caribbean this Summer

Russia plans to send combat vessels into the Caribbean region this summer as part of naval exercises that will likely include port calls in Cuba and possibly stops in Venezuela, a senior U.S. official said on Wednesday.The United States does not see the move involving a relatively small number of vessels and planes as threatening, but the U.S. Navy will monitor the exercises, the official told a small group of reporters.Tensions between the United States and Russia have increased since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The official said Russian naval activity had ratcheted up because of U.S.

Canada Removing 'Problem' Vessels from Port of Bridgewater

Canada is removing a trio of "problem" vessels that have been abandoned in Nova Scotia's Port of Bridgewater.The three vessels—Hannah Atlantic, Cape Rouge and Rupert Brand VI—all showing signs of disrepair, have been moored at a privately owned wharf on the LaHave River for a number of years, posing a threat to the marine environment.The Canadian Coast Guard's Marine Environmental and Hazards Response team is leading a six-month operation to remove, deconstruct and dispose of the derelict vessels.

Government Shipbuilding Could Soon Enter American Living Rooms

With the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard FY 2025 budget requests offering uninspiring news for traditional shipbuilders, industry observers might be forgiven for checking out and dismissing 2024 as just another dull year in the frustrating business of government shipbuilding.But with an election season underway and an increasingly disorderly sea, the year may end up being far more exciting for industry than most U.S. shipbuilders expect.In fact, it might even be time to prepare for a “Remember the Maine” moment.