From the Marketplace

Piraeus-based Capital-Executive Ship Management announced, on January 12, that it has entered into a strategic cooperation agreement with Nicholas E Madias-led SPV Axis Maritime. The new venture, Capital Axis Maritime Corp, will provide in-house commercial and technical management services to a fleet of 20 dry bulk carriers, consisting of two newcastlemax, four capesize, and seven kamsarmax and panamax vessels currently on the water, as well as seven newbuilding capesize bulk carriers scheduled for delivery in 2027. The fleet has a total carrying capacity of approximately 3m dwt and an average age of eight years. Madias, on behalf of SPV Axis and in his capacity as president and ceo of Capital Axis Maritime Corp, said: “We are delighted to partner with a well-established and reputable organisation like Capital-Executive Ship Management Corp. We are confident this synergy will create long-term value for its stakeholders through both cost savings and revenue growth. By combining Capital-Executive Ship Management Corp strengths with our deep expertise in the dry sector, built over 25 years of experience in ownership and hands-on management of dry bulk assets, we are optimistic that this collaboration will unlock significant potential.”
According to news agency Reuters, Iran appears to have released the Greek-owned tanker St Nikolas, a 158,573dwt, 2011-built suezmax it seized in January 2024, vessel monitoring service Tanker Trackers said on January 12. Iran seized the tanker, which was carrying Iraqi crude destined for Turkey, in retaliation for the 2023 US confiscation of the same vessel and its oil, Iranian state media reported at the time. The US seizure of St Nikolas was part of sanctions enforcement operation. At the time, the ship was sailing under a different name, Suez Rajan. The Marshall Islands-flagged St Nikolas was managed by the Greek company Empire Navigation Inc.
With the naming ceremony of its first LR2 tanker, the 114,000dwt Lucknam, in Shanghai, the Alimia Shipping Ltd of Athanasios and Odysseas Laskaridis, began the implementation of an ambitious investment programme in newbuild vessels. Lucknam is equipped with state-of-the-art systems, ECO technology, and scrubbers. It is the first tanker in the fleet and forms part of a series of deliveries that will be rolled out gradually over the coming years. It will be followed by two additional LR2s, five MR2s, and two VLCCs, with deliveries scheduled for late 2027 and early 2028. Alongside its tanker segment, the company is also building a dynamic dry bulk fleet. A total of six bulk carriers is currently under construction, with deliveries planned for the first half of 2026, further strengthening the group’s footprint in the international chartering market. Additionally, Alimia Group recently placed an order for two VLCCs at China’s Hengli Shipbuilding in a strategic move marking the group’s entry in the VLCC segment. These vessels are expected to join the fleet earlier than the average delivery timeline of current orders, reflecting an aggressive approach to securing shipyard capacity.
The Andreas Martinos-led Minerva Dry announced recently that it took delivery and management of the 64,649dwt bulker Sikamia, which was built at Oshima Shipbuilding , in Japan and is registered under the Liberian registry.
The second disbursement of the loan provided by the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) for the Elefsis Shipyards is expected to take place within February, according to sources familiar with the matter. The financing is part of a $125m loan package aimed at supporting the revitalisation and modernisation of the shipyards. At the same time, a DFC delegation is scheduled to visit Greece, further reinforcing cooperation between the two sides and underlining the strategic importance of the project. The Panos Xenokostas-led ONEX is expected to submit its formal application for the second tranche in the coming days. The amount of the disbursement is estimated at approximately $30m, with collateral provided in the form of the two floating docks at the Syros shipyards. Investment works at the Elefsina yard are progressing in line with the approved business plan and timetable. The project includes, among other things, the development of new infrastructure networks, the refurbishment of crane systems, and the comprehensive modernization of electrical and mechanical installations. Overall, the pace of works is accelerating, marking a critical phase in the upgrading of the Elefsis Shipyards and strengthening the broader effort to revive and enhance Greece’s shipbuilding and ship-repairing industry.
The Lou Kollakis-led Chartworld Shipping Corp took delivery, January 9, of the 45,000dwt tanker Paros Star built by the Jiangsu Newyangzi Shipping shipyard and is registered under the Marshall Islands flag. Meanwhile, V. Ships has commenced operation of the Paros Star. “This is the latest vessel entrusted into our management by our valued customer, Chartworld Shipping Corporation. Through our V. Ships Cyprus team, we look forward to ensuring she operates safely, efficiently, and to the highest standards,” stated the V. Ships’ group director James Muir through LinkedIn.
The Nikolas Tsakos-led Tsakos Energy Navigation Ltd (TEN) held, January 12, the naming ceremony of its two future-proof, state-of-the-art MR tankers, Delos and Dion, which were built at Yangzijiang Shipbuilding, in China. The two 50,000dwt tankers represent TEN’s ongoing commitment to deliver technologically advanced tankers that address the evolving needs of global energy transportation and advance its decarbonisation strategy.
The Greek shipping company Minerva Marine in an official announcement about the 2005-built tanker Olina, captured by US forces, on January 9, said the company has no connection with the tanker. “Minerva Marine would like to emphasise that the motor tanker Olina (IMO No. 9282479, formerly named Minerva M), recently seized by US forces in the Caribbean Sea, has never been owned, operated, managed or otherwise connected with Minerva Marine or any associated company,” Minerva stated. Olina left Venezuela last week fully loaded with oil as part of a flotilla shortly after the US arrested the Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro, and the vessel was returning fully loaded to Venezuela following the US blockade of Venezuelan oil exports.
Lomar Shipping has entered into a new partnership with risk management company signalfusion.ai to pilot Signal’s readiness, resilience and risk intelligence platform across selected operations. The platform analyses how crews communicate and make decisions during routine and high-pressure tasks, turning short narrative inputs and voice data into structured insights for managers ashore. “This technology offers a valuable and innovative AI platform to enhance our safety management system and support our seafarers in daily operations by removing unnecessary stresses that can lead to simple and, potentially, costly mistakes," said Lomar’s ceo, Nicholas Georgiou.
The Andrianopoulos family-led Cape Shipping recently celebrated the naming ceremony and delivery of its newbuilt oil tanker Cape Olympus, ordered at Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Corp in China. The vessel is registered under the Liberian registry. Cape Olympus represents the first of two, state-of-the-art 115,000dwt LR2 vessels from Dalian Shipbuilding and is designed and built in accordance with the latest international sustainability standards, incorporating advanced eco-friendly technologies, including a scrubber system, to significantly reduce its environmental impact. The vessel also features a cutting-edge design and engineering solutions that enhance fuel efficiency and operational performance.
The Evangelos Marinakis-led Capital Clean Energy Carriers Corp announced recently that it has received a ‘B’ score in its first Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) disclosure. CDP is a global environmental disclosure system used by companies, capital markets and other stakeholders to assess and compare reported environmental information. A ‘B’ score corresponds to the Management level in CDP’s scoring scale, reflecting reported practices and actions to manage climate-related impacts. “Our first-time CDP ‘B’ score is an important milestone for CCEC and a strong endorsement of the progress we have made in establishing governance, processes and disclosure around climate-related matters,” commented Capital’s ceo, Jerry Kalogiratos. “As an LNG and gas-focused shipping company supporting the energy transition, we recognise that transparent reporting and disciplined management of climate-related risks and opportunities are increasingly important to our stakeholders. We view this first CDP score as both validation and a baseline as we continue to strengthen our data systems, enhance our reporting and further develop our approach to decarbonisation and operational efficiency across our platform,” he said. Capital intends to continue building on this foundation through ongoing enhancements to its sustainability reporting, data quality and internal controls, and engagement with relevant stakeholders.
The Alafouzos family-led Kyklades Maritime Corporation announced, January 15, the delivery of its two newbuilding suezmax vessels, the 158,072dwt Nissos Piperi and the 157,952 Nissos Serifopoula, which took place in Daehan Shipbuilding, in South Korea. “We look forward to welcoming both Nissos Piperi and Nissos Serifopoula into active service and wish them safe seas and successful voyages”, the company said.
Angelakos (Hellas) took delivery of a new 82,000dwt kamsarmax bulker from Nantong Cosco KHI Ship Engineering shipyard in Nantong, China, the first vessel to be delivered at the shipyard in 2026. The delivery and naming ceremony was held on January 6 and the Cypriot-flagged vessel was named Hispania Graeca II. María Paz de Hoz García-Bellido, professor of philology at the Complutense University of Madrid specialised in Greek epigraphy, served as godmother of the vessel, the name of which was inspired by the book “Hispania Graeca” (Greek Spain) written by the renowned Spanish scholar Antonio García y Bellido, who was the grandfather of the vessel’s godmother. Meanwhile, following delivery of Hispania Graeca II, Angelakos (Hellas) took delivery, January 8, of the third-in-a-series-of-eight new kamsarmax bulkers under construction at Nantong Cosco KHI Ship Engineering shipyard. Professor Anca Dan from École Normale Supérieure of France and researcher at the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique of France specialised in archaeology and geoarchaeology served as godmother of the 82,000dwt Scythia Graeca II.
The UN Security Council voted to adopt a draft resolution, jointly tabled by Greece and the United States as co-penholders, extending the Secretary-General’s monthly reporting on Houthi attacks against commercial and merchant vessels in the Red Sea for a further six months, until July 15. The 15-member Council adopted resolution 2812 (2026) by a vote of 13 in favour to none against, with 2 abstentions (China, Russian Federation). By its terms, members recalled all relevant Council resolutions on the situation in Yemen and the Red Sea and extended its reporting request to the Secretary-General to provide written monthly reports to the Council on any further Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. Greece’s Permanent Representative to the UN, ambassador Aglaia Balta, stated that maritime security and freedom of navigation in the Red Sea remain vital for international shipping, the safety of seafarers, and both regional and global stability. She said that the security environment in the Red Sea remains extremely volatile. "Shipping companies are increasingly forced to divert vessels towards safer yet significantly more costly and longer alternative routes", she said, warning that restoring trust along critical international maritime routes remains essential.
Performance Shipping announced, January 14, the successful naming and delivery of the tanker P. Marseille, the third in its current newbuilding programme, at Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding (SWS), in China. P. Marseille, previously referred to as Hull H1597, is a 114,000dwt LNG-ready Tier III product/crude oil tanker. The naming ceremony was held at the shipyard with Aliki Paliou serving as the vessel’s godmother. This delivery represents another important milestone in the Nasdaq-listed company’s fleet expansion and renewal strategy. All three newbuilding LR2 vessels have secured five-year time charter contracts with Clearlake Shipping, a subsidiary of the Gunvor Group. P. Marseille was delivered to the charterer and has commenced operations under its five-year time charter contract, with options for a sixth and seventh year at a base rate plus profit-sharing. One LR1 chemical/product tanker remains under construction and is scheduled for delivery in early 2027. “With the delivery of this LR2 vessel, we have now successfully completed our three-LR2-vessel newbuilding programme with Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding, further advancing our strategy to expand and renew our fleet with younger, high-specification tonnage. The addition of this modern, fuel-efficient vessel enhances our operational efficiency and improves our environmental footprint,” said Performance’s ceo, Andreas Michalopoulos.
The Hellenic Hydrocarbons and Energy Resources Management Company (HEREMA) announced, January 13, that the first meeting of the Monitoring Committee for the strategic CO2 storage project in the area of Prinos, Kavala, has been concluded, with the participation of all its members. The committee was established as a HEREMA initiative to offer local communities transparent and reliable information from distinguished scientists and professors, representatives of national scientific bodies, and institutional representatives of local authorities. “Today we officially launched the proceedings of the Monitoring Committee for the extremely important Prinos CO2storage project. I would like to warmly thank the eminent scientists and representatives of local authorities for agreeing to dedicate their time pro bono, thus supporting a strategic national effort and enhancing the transparency of the process. The role of the committee is to issue independent, non-binding opinions. It undertakes the endeavour to monitor the implementation of the project, as per the stringent environmental terms and safety measures it adheres to, and examine the relevant technical and scientific data,” explained the committee’s organisational secretary and head of Geoscience at HEREMA, Efthimios Tartaras.
Vasilis Bacolitsas-led Sea Pioneer took delivery, January 14, of the 50,000dwt product/chemical tanker Equality, which was built at K Shipbuilding in Jinhae, South Korea. Equality is the third in a series of four sister vessels ordered in November 2022, continuing the expansion of the fleet with modern and efficient tonnage. “The delivery marks another milestone in the close cooperation between Sea Pioneer’s clients and K Shipbuilding, reflecting a shared commitment to quality, safety, and innovation in vessel design and construction,” the company said in a statement.
A major infrastructure investment set to reshape the tourism and development outlook of the Sfakia area in Crete is moving into implementation, following approval for the improvement and expansion of the Mavri Limnona port, in Chora Sfakion, southern Crete. With a total budget of Euro 17.3m, the project is expected to carry strategic importance for both the port’s safe operation and the broader upgrade of the area. The port has operated since 1988 and has long served as a key maritime gateway for Sfakia, supporting passenger movement and coastal services in a region where road access to several settlements is limited. However, the harbour has faced persistent safety challenges, including wave overtopping during adverse weather, strengthening the case for upgraded protection and safer berthing conditions. Based on technical elements made public, the plan foresees the construction of a new windward breakwater of approximately 270 metres, featuring a curved alignment and head designed to better shield the harbour. It also includes around 215 metres of new internal quays, the creation of additional land areas through infill works, and reinforcement of existing protection and improved wave conditions, supported by a laboratory study by the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA). The intervention is expected to significantly strengthen Sfakia’s connectivity by improving access for passengers and visitors, enhancing the functionality of maritime transport, and boosting accessibility to coastal areas known for their natural beauty.
Representatives of the European blue economy value chain met with European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans Costas Kadis to discuss the forthcoming Roadmap for the Energy Transition of Fisheries, calling for urgent regulatory and financial changes to enable decarbonisation. The meeting brought together SEA Europe, Europeche, Copa-Cogeca, the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) and the European Association of Fish Producers’ Organisations (EAPO), representing fishers, aquaculture producers, cooperatives, workers, shipyards and maritime equipment manufacturers. The organisations said they remain committed to decarbonisation and long-term sustainability but warned that EU regulatory constraints, limited access to finance and insufficient investment certainty are slowing progress. Participants stated that EU rules restricting increases in space on board vessels are incompatible with cleaner propulsion systems and new vessel designs.
A US satellite owner is selling its equity in a Greek maritime communications provider to create value from its portfolio Viasat, the owner of Inmarsat Maritime, is selling its equity interest in Greek service provider Navarino as part of its strategy to monetise portfolio assets. Navarino’s founders Dimitris and Panos Tsikopoulos have teamed up with asset management firm Intermediate Capital Group (ICG) to purchase Viasat’s stake and grow the Greek company. Over the past 25 years, Navarino has built a strong position in the Mediterranean connectivity, IT and cyber-security sectors, providing satellite communications using various technologies to vessels. As part of the transaction, Navarino’s founders will reinvest in the business along with ICG as part of a long-term growth strategy. “While this marks a strategic step in our ongoing initiatives to monetise certain portfolio assets, we look forward to sustaining our strong commercial relationship with the Navarino team in this key market,” said Viasat commercial president Ben Palmer. Dimitris Tsikopoulos said ICG’s financial resources would enable Navarino to “accelerate growth” and “enhance the quality and breadth of the products and services” it provides vessel owners.
Greece-based D-Marin concluded 2025 as one of the most transformative years in its history, delivering strategic expansion, major redevelopment milestones, and industry-leading progress in digital innovation and sustainability. The year also brought significant international recognition, with multiple awards across Europe and the Middle East highlighting D-Marin’s commitment to excellence in customer experience, sustainability and innovation. Guided by its brand philosophy, “Feels like yachting should feel,” the company continues to redefine what a premium marina experience means across the Mediterranean and beyond. This philosophy emphasises effortless service, intuitive journeys, and a welcoming sense of belonging, ensuring every customer feels at home. Reflecting on the year, ceo Oliver Dorschuck, said: “At D-Marin, we believe marinas should be far more than places to dock. In 2025, we focused on making every visit effortless, beautiful, and human while driving sustainable growth and innovation. Our new brand philosophy continues to elevate service standards across the Mediterranean, and we are building a selection of marinas that is intuitive, connected, and ready for the future.” The company said its 2025 key achievements were: Entered Spain with Marina Palma Cuarentena, adding 70 new super-yacht berths; Advanced major redevelopment projects across Italy, France, and Greece; Achieved a record Net Promoter Score of 62; Produced 5 MW of solar energy capacity and reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 22% since 2021; Was awarded the EcoVadis Gold Medal, ranking among the top 2% of companies globally; Nine awards for excellence in service, sustainability, and innovation across multiple awards.
Turkey’s state-owned energy company, Turkish Petroleum (TPAO), signed an MoU with a subsidiary of ExxonMobil for collaboration on oil and natural gas exploration in the Black Sea and Mediterranean region. Turkey’s Energy and Natural Resources minister, Alparslan Bayraktar, said the country looks to combine its technical expertise in deepwater exploration and drilling with ExxonMobil’s global experience to boost operational capabilities and prepare the way towards new discoveries. “In line with our goal of a fully energy-independent Turkey, we are strengthening our capabilities through international collaborations and moving forward to becoming the energy hub of our region,” said Bayraktar. TPAO is not the first Turkish company to sign an agreement with ExxonMobil. The state pipeline operator BOTAŞ signed an agreement in 2024 for the supply of LNG.
The Chinese shipyard Yangzhou COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry has delivered the Greek-flagged tanker Sea Orca (Hull No. N1172), with a capacity of 114,000 dwt, to Pantheon Tankers. The vessel is the third ship in a series of four LR2 tankers, built for the Greek-owned shipping company, confirming its strategy to renew and strengthen the fleet with high-end ships. With a length of 248.8m, a width of 44m, and a draft of 13.5m, the ship ranks among the new generation oil tankers, emphasizing energy efficiency and reducing the environmental footprint. It meets stringent EEDI Phase 3 (Energy Efficiency Design Index) standards, incorporating modern technologies of fuel economy, improved hydrodynamic design, and increased carrying capacity.
Finnish ocean rower Jari Saario was taken aboard the Alassia Newship-managed ultramax dry bulk carrier Cymona Eagle in the Atlantic, on January 11, after a prolonged period in maritime distress. The emergency began when Saario encountered severe weather while rowing alone far from land, with authorities and nearby vessels working to locate him. He was rescued from his rowing boat some 3,000 km southwest of South Africa, in a net attached to a winch, and pulled onto the ship’s deck. He had just rowed around Cape Horn, Chile, becoming the first rower known to have done so, and was heading for Cape Town, South Africa, when his vessel was swamped in the Atlantic. Before his rescue, the Finnish former fireman was a 500-m indoor rowing champion, had paddled 1,275 km from Copenhagen to Helsinki and had solo rowed the Atlantic.
V.Group’s acquisition of green tech advisory Njord from Maersk Tankers has made waves in the shipping industry. For Rene Kofod-Olsen, chief executive at V.Group, the acquisition highlights the increased breadth of service and application of AI and digitalisation among a clutch of top ship managers that are leading the charge in creating value. “There are maybe four or five of us [top-tier ship managers] in global ship management, and I think we should be commanding better value for what we are doing,” he said in an interview. Creating value was, in part, the driver behind the Njord deal, the development of its own digital platform, ShipSure, and its own artificial intelligence tool, Sentinel AI, Kofod-Olsen said, explaining what sets V.Group apart from others and how the acquisition fits with its strategy.
Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (BV) has issued Approval In Principle (AIPs) for two innovative ammonia-powered ship designs. The designs were developed by CIMC Ocean Engineering Design & Research Institute (ORIC) in collaboration with Zhoushan Changhong International Shipyard and involve a 159,000 dwt suezmax dual-fuel ammonia crude oil tanker and a 21,700 teu ultra-large container ship. The tanker incorporates a latest generation ammonia engine, C-type fuel tanks and wind-assisted propulsion, aiming for ultra-low to zero emissions. The containership has been designed with an emphasis on high energy efficiency, route adaptability and readiness for zero-carbon fuels, strengthening shipping’s path towards low and zero-emission solutions.
The ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre (ISC) issued its 2025 annual report on piracy and armed robbery against ships in Asia highlighting that 132 incidents of piracy and armed robbery were reported to in 2025 - a 23% increase over the 107 incidents reported in 2024. One hundred and eight of these were in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore (SOMS), a 74% increase over 2024 numbers. This is the highest number of incidents recorded in the SOMS during the 19-year period from 2007 to 2025. The incidents were mostly opportunistic theft committed during hours of darkness between 8pm and 6am. In the majority of incidents, the crew was not injured. Approximately 87% of the incidents in the SOMS in 2025 occurred in the first seven months of the year (January to July). There was a significant decline in the number of incidents in the SOMS from August to December 2025, following the arrests of perpetrators by the Indonesian authorities in July and August 2025. In about half the incidents reported in the SOMS, nothing was stolen. The remaining incidents reported stolen items such as engine spares, scrap metal, unsecured items, ship stores, and personal belongings of crew. Over half of the incidents in the SOMS occurred onboard bulk carriers (52%), with the remaining incidents occurring onboard tankers (23%), container ships (10%), tug boats towing barges (12%) and general cargo ships (3%). Fewer incidents were reported in ports and anchorages in Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Philippines in 2025 compared to 2024. There was a marginal increase in the number of incidents in India’s anchorages. The incidents in Asia in 2025 were of lower severity compared to 2024. Of the 127 actual incidents in 2025, 53% were classified as CAT 4 (lowest severity), where the perpetrators were not reported to have carried any weapon and the crew were not injured. In comparison, 44% of the actual incidents in 2024 were CAT 4. There were no CAT 1 incidents (highest severity) reported in 2025, compared to two CAT 1 incidents in 2024.
Lloyd’s Register (LR) has introduced a major upgrade to its suite of container stowage solutions, offering shipowners new tools to help reduce container loss, maximise utilisation, and boost operational performance while keeping cargo safe. The package combines enhanced BoxMax and Roll Design Assessment (RDA) notations with the latest versions of the existing LashRightUX and new RollRight digital platforms. The integrated suite aims to help operators load more efficiently and address the issue of container loss through excessive rolling. According to the World Shipping Council, 576 containers were lost at sea in 2024 – more than double the previous year. While the number is small compared with the hundreds of millions of boxes moved annually, the financial, environmental and reputational risks remain significant. LR’s enhancements are designed to help operators tackle these risks through better modelling, faster calculations and ship-specific roll management. LR’s latest updates introduce more detailed motion modelling and new algorithms to calculate safe stack loads, enabling ships with BoxMax notation to carry increased cargo without compromising safety.
Tsuneishi Shipbuilding announced, January 15, Tsuneishi Heavy Industries Cebu Inc (THI), whose manufacturing base is in the Philippines, has successfully delivered the world’s first methanol dual-fuel kamsarmax bulk carrier. At the naming ceremony, the 82,000dwt vessel was named Brave Warrior by the president of the Republic of the Philippines, Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. The vessel is being managed by the Japanese Mitsui & CO, Ltd. This milestone marks a significant step forward in THI’s efforts to advance sustainable shipbuilding and support the decarbonisation of the maritime industry. By adopting methanol as a propulsion fuel, the vessel achieves a reduction of approximately 10% in CO2 emissions, 80% in nitrogen oxides (NOx), and 99% in sulphur oxide (SOx) during operations compared with conventional vessels. The use of green methanol further enhances the vessel’s potential to reduce environmental impact and promote environmentally responsible shipping.
French company Nexans acknowledged in a written statement that rescheduling is underway for the Cyprus-Crete electrical interconnection cable project, inevitably leading to delays in completion beyond the initial target of late 2029 or early 2030. The company said it is executing the project according to its contractual obligations and milestones set since 2023, but activity rescheduling is now underway with its client. Nexans said it is working closely with the client to assess the best available options for a revised execution timeline. Whilst the changes will affect the project delivery date, they will not affect Nexans’ financial forecasts for 2028, the company said. The company said it remains committed to executing the project with its client. Beyond the GSI project, Nexans remains highly optimistic about strong long-term growth prospects in the PWR transmission sector, supported by structural trends and a strong, diversified order backlog, the statement said. Julien Hueber, Nexans ceo, said the GSI project remains in progress and the company is fully committed to supporting its client in completing the critical infrastructure.
Suez Canal traffic remains sharply lower more than three months after the last said Houthi attack, underlining how slow ship operators have been to return to the Red Sea route. According to BIMCO, it has now been over 100 days since the last vessel was attacked, when the 2011 general cargo shipMinervagracht was hit on September 29, 2025. The Houthis declared an end to attacks 43 days later, but transit volumes through the canal have yet to recover in any meaningful way. “In the first week of 2026, Suez Canal transits were still around 60% below the same week in 2023, before widespread diversions around the Cape of Good Hope began,” said Niels Rasmussen, BIMCO’s chief shipping analyst. Suez Canal dwt transits were 57% to 64% lower than pre-crisis levels, with container shipping seeing the sharpest drop. In the fourth quarter of 2025, container ship transits were down 86% compared with 2023, while bulkers, crude tankers and product tankers were down 55%, 32% and 19%, respectively.
Texas-headquartered autonomous vessel developer Saronic Technologies reports that it has entered a strategic partnership with OSV operator Hornbeck Offshore Services (HOS) to accelerate innovation and deployment of autonomous platforms, advanced software, and maritime solutions to the offshore energy and defense markets. As part of the agreement, Saronic and Hornbeck intend to pursue commercial solutions to support offshore services and energy operations, including pilot projects for Marauder, Saronic’s 180-foot autonomous ship. The companies will also evaluate how Saronic’s technologies could support a wide spectrum of Hornbeck’s operational functions – ranging from voyage planning and service delivery to fleet management and predictive maintenance – creating opportunities to streamline workflows, create safer working environments for its crews, and drive efficiencies over time. These efforts will inform how autonomy-enabled capabilities can augment offshore service delivery in complex maritime environments and improve safety, situational awareness, endurance, and operational efficiency. Dino Mavrookas, co-founder and ceo of Saronic, said “At Saronic, we focus on building technology that improves outcomes and reduces risk in high-complexity maritime environments. Our autonomous maritime capabilities can increase the safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of offshore operations. Through our partnership with Hornbeck, we will work to responsibly deploy autonomous maritime systems to improve offshore service delivery – advancing energy security, and, in turn, economic and national security.”