From the Marketplace

The Nikolaos Tsakos-led Tsakos Shipping and Trading announced, February 16, the recent delivery of its second, in a series of two, MR product oil/chemical tanker named Dion, at YZI Shipyard, in China. The 49,900dwt Dion was constructed by Jiangsu Yangzijiang Shipbuilding Group, incorporating the latest design innovations, advanced technical specifications, and high environmental standards to meet the demanding operational requirements of the company’s charterers. As part of the Tsakos Group’s broader strategic newbuilding programme, Dion is the second vessel in the series and the second addition to the fleet within the first two months of 2026. These additions underscore the group’s continued commitment to sustainable growth, strategic fleet renewal, and the ongoing enhancement of its environmental performance. The vessel will sail under the Marshall Islands flag and is classed with Lloyd’s Register (LR).
The Nasdaq-listed Piraeus-based United Maritime Corporation announced, February 17, a series of coordinated transactions that materially upgrade its earnings profile, enhance free cash flow potential, and underscore the company\s disciplined, return-focused capital strategy. The company has entered into an agreement to sell its early-stage investment in the Norwegian JV owning an Energy Construction Vessel (ECV) currently under construction. In parallel, United also entered into an 18-month bareboat charter agreement with Seanergy Maritime Holdings, for a 2010-built Japanese 181,452dwt Capesize bulker. In addition, United has agreed to sell its oldest kamsarmax, the 2009-built Cretansea to an unaffiliated third party making the combined release of liquidity from the transactions at approximately $15.5m.
The Evangelos Marinakis-led Capital Ship Management recently took delivery of the 307,000dwt VLCC newbuilding Aristotelis II, which was built by Hengli HI, in China. The Lloyd's Register (LR)-classed vessel has been designed and constructed to exceed mandatory international environmental regulations and is classed with the ECO LR notation, including the descriptive notes EEDI-3, P, and EAL, as well as the LR NAV1 notation for enhanced navigational safety. Numerous Energy Saving Devices (ESDs), including pre-shrouded vanes and other hydrodynamic improvements, contribute to reduced fuel consumption and lower GHG emissions. In addition, Aristotelis II is assigned the fuel gas-ready notation GR(NG,A), signifying it has been structurally and technically prepared for a future conversion to LNG propulsion, supporting long-term decarbonisation strategies and ensuring continued compliance with evolving international emission standards for VLCCs. Compliance with SOx emission regulations is ensured through the installation of an open-loop Exhaust Gas Cleaning System (EGCS), accompanied by the LR notation EGCS (OPEN, Partial), enabling the vessel to operate in accordance with Marpol Annex VI requirements.
A 16‑year‑old Greek owned suezmax, Tony, collided with a berth wall and struck a port crane while manoeuvring to load crude oil at Russia’s Ust‑Luga seaport, on February 14, prompting a prosecutor‑led probe but causing no injuries or pollution, authorities said. The Northwestern Transport Prosecutor said the incident occurred as the vessel, owned by Dynacom Tankers, arrived to load petroleum products. “The incident damaged the berth wall and the port crane. There were no injuries, and no petroleum spill occurred,” the prosecutor posted on Telegram. Preliminary reports focused on pilotage, with investigators suggesting the pilot did not maintain a safe distance, resulting in the strike. Russian authorities said the port continued operating under partial restrictions while inspections and damage assessments were carried out.
The executive committee of the Panhellenic Seamen's Federation (PNO), on February 17, announced its decision to call a 24-hour nationwide strike for all categories of ships on February 28, from 00:01 until 24:00 hours. The strike action was decided in order to mark the third anniversary since the tragic railway accident at Tempe, where 57 passengers died - an event that shocked the country and highlighted in the harshest possible way the importance of safety in transportation.
The Panos Xenokostas-led ONEX Group continues to lead the way and invest in shipyards, establishing Greece as a key player in the Mediterranean. In this context, after 15 years, the ONEX Syros Shipyards is reactivating the Syncrolift ship lifting system that can be used for the maintenance, repair, conversion, and new construction of vessels. It has the capability to lift and transfer ships with a maximum weight of 2,500 tons. In addition, it can also accommodate the launching needs of newly built vessels in this category. “New technologies, innovative ideas, and an investment plan exceeding half a billion euros daily confirm the vision of the President of ONEX Shipyards & Technologies Group, Panos Xenokostas: for our country to compete for and achieve first place in every sector”, the company stated.
The Athens-based Maritime Emissions Reduction Centre (MERC) welcomed, February 16, the Drydocks World, a DP World company, as its latest member, strengthening the consortium’s technical depth and expanding its global network. The signing of the agreement brings one of the world’s leading ship repair and retrofit facilities into the non-profit industry collaboration, which was co-established by the Lloyd’s Register Maritime Decarbonisation Hub and leading shipowners Capital Group, Navios Maritime Partners, Neda Maritime, Star Bulk and Thenamaris (Ships Management), with enabling support from LR. Drydocks World’s long-standing reputation for delivering complex engineering projects, coupled with its experience in integrating advanced technologies on board operating vessels, will be central to MERC’s next phase of collaborative work. With shipyards playing an increasingly important role in the integration of energy efficiency systems, Drydocks World expertise is expected to influence how technologies are assessed, prioritised and deployed across different vessel types. Drydocks World enters the consortium at a time when MERC is broadening its research and development programmes. These include deeper technical studies into emerging energy efficiency technologies, practical pathways for integrating more complex systems on existing vessels, and expanded work across hydrodynamic performance, wind-assisted propulsion, alternative auxiliary power solutions and data-driven operational optimisation.
Panagiotis Tsonis, the deputy ceo of Piraeus Port Authority (PPA), has outlined the Authority’s strategic roadmap for the green transition, placing particular emphasis on the electrification of vessels from shore. Central to this strategy is the development of cold ironing infrastructure — also known as Onshore Power Supply (OPS) — which forms a key pillar of the port’s investment plan to significantly reduce emissions in the wider Piraeus area. As part of its broader sustainability agenda, PPA is implementing a comprehensive development programme with targets extending to 2030–2035. Among the planned initiatives is the installation of a 1 MW photovoltaic station, reinforcing the port’s commitment to cleaner energy solutions and reduced environmental impact. The authority has also actively participated in major European initiatives, including the EALING and CIPORT programmes, aimed at advancing OPS systems at cruise berths and accelerating the decarbonisation of maritime transport infrastructure. According to the PPA's leadership, the integration of ESG criteria into corporate strategy positions sustainability as a decisive factor not only for environmental responsibility but also for securing access to capital and ensuring long-term growth.
Pollux Tech, a Greek deep-tech and space-tech company focused on maritime security, has been selected to join the European Space Agency’s business incubator in Greece (ESA BIC Greece), opening a new chapter in the interconnection of space technology and maritime operational security. Pollux Tech is developing an innovative dual-use infrastructure for the detection of people in distress at sea (Man Overboard – MOB), leveraging advanced satellite telecommunications and geolocation technologies in combination with smart sensors. Its goal is to drastically reduce Search & Rescue (SAR) time and substantially enhance the protection of human life in complex and demanding maritime environments. “Our membership in ESA BIC Greece is a decisive milestone for Pollux Tech in maturing and accelerating our entry into the market. Space is often called the next frontier. However, the sea, for millennia, has been and remains the field where man expanded his boundaries through technology and ingenuity. In our vision, these two worlds of innovation, space and the sea, meet in a single system that enhances safety, resilience and critical decision-making in real time, shifting maritime safety from a ship-centric to a human-centric model," said Georgios Exarchou, founder and ceo of Pollux Tech. The global maritime security systems market is estimated to have reached Euro 35bn in 2024 and is projected to reach Euro 68bn by 2033.
The Port of Piraeus completed a new round of ESG training, supported by the Strategy and Development Department. The session aimed to strengthen the shared understanding of ESG principles, objectives, and the practical steps that bring sustainability into the daily operations of the Piraeus Port Authority (PPA). This initiative enhances alignment with European standards and fosters a culture of sustainable growth across the PPA.
Greece is moving forward with plans to upgrade marina infrastructure and promote year-round tourism in Corfu, said Tourism minister Olga Kefalogianni during a visit to the island. Speaking after a series of meetings with regional and municipal authorities, the minister highlighted ongoing and planned investments aimed at enhancing Corfu’s maritime tourism offering and extending the season beyond the summer months. Among the key projects discussed was the upgrade of Gouvia Marina in Central Corfu, supported by Euro 4.5m in funding as part of a broader Euro 10m project. Funding has also been allocated for updated studies concerning the Fioroula marina in Pentati, in the municipality of South Corfu. In addition, Kefalogianni conducted an on-site visit to Imerolia in Kassiopi, where plans are progressing for the siting of a new marina in North Corfu. The initiatives form part of a broader push to strengthen yachting and sea tourism infrastructure, seen as critical to attracting higher-spending visitors and supporting more balanced tourism flows throughout the year. During meetings with locak authorities, discussions focused on sustainable tourism growth, infrastructure needs and visitor management. Emphasis was placed on targeted digital promotion of the island’s cultural, gastronomy and natural assets, as well as on improving service quality. The minister also met with tourism stakeholders, including hotel associations, travel agents and local business representatives, who raised issues related to infrastructure, quality standards and support for small and medium-sized enterprises. “The goal is to ensure Corfu develops with sustainability and quality at its core,” Kefalogianni said, noting the island has the potential to evolve into a 12-month destination. She added that the ministry will continue working with local authorities and industry bodies to shape a long-term plan aimed at enhancing Corfu’s competitiveness.
A coalition of environmental and clean-shipping groups is urging the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) to block any move that would allow ammonia-fueled ships to discharge toxic waste at sea, warning that shipping’s push toward zero-emission fuels must not come at the expense of ocean health. The call follows a meeting of the IMO’s Pollution Prevention and Response Sub-Committee in London, where member states debate for the first time, how to regulate ammonia wastewater. The waste is generated when excess ammonia gas is captured during routine ship operations, typically by dissolving it into water, creating a highly toxic liquid byproduct. In a joint statement, seven organisations warned that proposals allowing conditional discharge based on dilution or operational thresholds risk normalising pollution before the impacts are fully understood. They warn that repeated low-level discharges could add significant reactive nitrogen to marine ecosystems, contributing to eutrophication, oxygen depletion, and acidification, pressures many regions already face. The coalition is calling for mandatory onboard retention of ammonia effluent, with offloading at port reception facilities. They argue the waste could potentially be reused by chemical or fertiliser industries, turning a disposal problem into a circular-economy opportunity.
The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has cautioned Washington over its plans to revitalise domestic shipbuilding by charging foreign-built vessels higher port fees. The Trump administration’s Maritime Action Plan (MAP) has resurrected a controversial proposal to charge foreign‑built ships a per‑kilogram fee on imported cargo, a universal infrastructure or security fee on all foreign‑built commercial vessels calling at US ports, to be assessed on the weight of the imported tonnage arriving on the vessel. The plan modelled a fee range from $0.01 to $0.25 per kilogram – a penny‑a‑kg yield of roughly $66bn over a decade, the high‑end scenario approaching $1.5trn, vastly higher than 2025’s briefly enacted port fees. The ICS in a release said the proposed fees would represent a “substantial” additional cost burden on maritime transport. “Such measures risk distorting trade, increasing costs for US consumers and businesses, disrupting the smooth flow of global commerce, and could encourage retaliatory measures,” warned the ICS.
The United Nations Convention on the International Effects of Judicial Sales of Ships, also known as the Beijing Convention, entered into force, on February 17. This is the culmination of a process that started in 2007 when the Comite Maritime International (CMI) drew the shipping community’s attention to problems arising around the world from the failure in recognising the free and unencumbered title given to purchasers of vessels in judicial sales. The United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) picked up the gauntlet and turned the CMI’s Beijing draft aimed at solving cross-border recognition of judicial sale of ships into an international convention, which was adopted by a resolution of the United Nations, on December 7, 2022. The convention paves the way towards greater harmonisation and commercial certainty for purchasers where the judicial sale occurs in one jurisdiction and registration of that vessel is sought in another jurisdiction.
The thirteenth session of the IMO Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response (PPR 13), held February 9 - 13, cleared a broad package of draft amendments covering pollution prevention, emissions control and cargo regulation for submission to the Marine Environment Protection Committee at its eighty-fourth session, according to the sub-committee’s summary report. Among the measures forwarded were revised carriage requirements for 12 existing products listed in chapter 17 of the IBC Code, together with their inclusion in List 1 of MEPC.2/Circ.32 with global validity and no expiry date, alongside an agreed list of cleaning additives. PPR 13 also advanced draft amendments to Marpol Annex I introducing a new regulation 12B on oily bilge water holding and service tanks. The package includes draft 2026 guidelines for machinery-space oily waste handling systems and revised guidance on recording operations in Oil Record Book Part I. Further submissions cover amendments to the NTC 2008 to capture emissions from the combustion of alternative fuels, and changes to regulation 15 and appendix I of Marpol Annex VI requiring the installation of pressure-vacuum devices on crude oil tankers. Beyond technical amendments, PPR 13 agreed a draft 2026 strategy and action plan to address marine plastic litter from ships and recommended the development of a new mandatory code, to be applied through MARPOL Annex III and/or SOLAS, aimed at reducing environmental risks from plastic pellets carried in freight containers. The session also tasked ESPH 32 and correspondence groups with further work on several outstanding items, including enhanced discharge location reporting under Marpol Annex II, draft IBC Code amendments on temperature monitoring for inhibited cargoes, regulatory treatment of “polar fuels” under Marpol Annex VI, protective measures linked to exhaust gas cleaning systems, approaches to NOx control at low engine loads, and the possible development of a stand-alone, goal-based convention on biofouling.
CSM Energy, a specialised ship management and maritime service provider focused on the offshore, oil & gas, and renewable energy sectors, part of Cyprus-based Columbia Group, announced the delivery and takeover of the management of a newbuild Platform Supply Vessel (PSV), marking a significant milestone in the company’s fleet expansion programme. The vessel is the first large PSV from the SPEC SPP40 series, constructed at a shipyard in China and delivered following the successful completion of sea trials and acceptance procedures. CSM Energy will take on the full ship management operations of the vessel. A formal naming ceremony was held at the shipyard to commemorate the occasion, attended by representatives from ship manager CSM Energy, together with the owner and guests. The ceremony featured traditional celebrations, including a lion dance, symbolising good fortune, safety, and prosperity as the vessel enters service. The vessel was also unveiled and officially named CL SPEC Lisa. Kyriacos Tsangaris, managing direcdtor at CSM Energy, said: “This delivery marks an important step forward for CSM Energy as we continue to modernise and strengthen our fleet. The SPEC SPP40 design aligns closely with our operational requirements and long-term vision. This vessel provides the capability, reliability, and efficiency our clients expect, while positioning us well for future offshore market opportunities.”
A study by Greece’s Growthfund recommending separate development of Larnaca’s port and marina is heading for a direct clash with Prosperity Group’s Euro 1.2bn bid to revive joint development of both infrastructures — and an emergency meeting in Larnaca, on February 20, will force the issue. If the study is approved, Prosperity’s proposal is automatically sidelined. If it is not, the delays that have already paralysed the project deepen further. Cyprus’ Transport minister will present the Growthfund findings in an emergency session of the Larnaca Development Committee, which will then be called to make critical decisions. The study evaluates three scenarios for the port and three for the marina, with no use of the port ruled out — commercial, tourist or a combination of both. Larnaca mayor and committee president Andreas Vyras said three items are on the agenda: the Growthfund study, the Prosperity revival proposal, and the possible creation of a Working Group — including the Larnaca Municipality — to monitor implementation and intervene when schedules slip. “This discussion is of decisive importance for the development of Larnaca port and marina,” Vyras said. “We are coming with responsibility, documentation and a willingness to cooperate, with the sole criterion being the interest of the city and its citizens. The Prosperity issue must be resolved, the options presented by the Growthfund must be laid out, and concrete timelines must be given.” After the presentation, Vyras said, time will be sought to study the findings before the city takes its own decisions. A lot of time has already been lost. Of the state works announced for the marina — the Nautical Club and landscaping, estimated at Euro 30m — only the small dredging project has been completed. The architectural competitions for the Nautical Club and the landscaping have not even been launched, despite original schedules calling for landscaping to be finished by September 2026 and the Nautical Club by December 2027. For the marina, one scenario envisages expansion through a private investor; the alternative limits development to those state works alone.
Germany’s Hapag-Lloyd confirmed it is in advanced negotiations to acquire all shares in Israeli rival ZIM Integrated Shipping Services in a deal reported to be worth up to $3.7bn. In a brief statement, the Hamburg-based carrier said no binding agreement has yet been signed and that approvals from its management and supervisory boards are still pending. The transaction would also require the consent of ZIM’s corporate bodies, regulatory clearance and approval from ZIM shareholders. Crucially, the consent of the state of Israel is required under special rights set out in ZIM’s articles of association. Negotiations are said to be well advanced with Israel-based FIMI Opportunity Funds regarding the assumption of obligations linked to those special rights. As part of the proposed deal, Hapag-Lloyd would acquire 100% of ZIM’s shares, leading to the Israeli carrier’s delisting from the NYSE where it has traded since its 2021 IPO. Hapag-Lloyd would focus on the chartered fleet, which accounts for roughly 611,000teu, or about 87% of ZIM’s operated capacity, based on Alphaliner data. If completed, the acquisition would lift Hapag-Lloyd’s global market share from around 7% to 8.8%, taking its operated capacity to about 3m teu. That would cement its position as the world’s fifth-largest container line, widening the gap to sixth-placed Ocean Network Express (ONE) of Japan, while still trailing fourth-ranked COSCO of China.
Sunlight Group, a global leader in integrated and innovative energy storage technologies, announced, February 18, a strategic agreement for its Hamburg-based subsidiary, Lehmann Marine which has secured the largest order in its history, undertaking the supply of advanced battery systems for three new, fully electric passenger vessels that will operate in the port of Hamburg. With completion scheduled for 2028, these three vessels, the first fully electric passenger vehicle ferries of their kind in the region, will upgrade transportation on the River Elbe. Each 30-meter vessel will provide high-frequency, sustainable transport services, with the capacity to carry 250 passengers per trip. Confirming its role in the broader industrial shift in shipping, Lehmann Marine guarantees top performance through its specialised CUBE battery systems and Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) technology. By utilising modular energy storage systems with a capacity of 3.8 MWh per vessel, the project demonstrates that technological solutions for a sustainable maritime future are now mature enough for large-scale implementation. This strategic choice prioritises the strictest safety standards in maritime operations, demonstrating that high operational performance is inseparably linked to safety.
ClassNK and Prevention at Sea announced, on February 16, a strategic collaboration aimed at delivering high quality Dry Bulk Management Standard (DryBMS) training to shipping companies worldwide. This strategic collaboration is founded on a shared commitment to building awareness and understanding of the DryBMS framework. Both parties have agreed to explore future synergies and expanded cooperation in related areas, including gap analysis and benchmarking of Safety Management Systems (SMS) against DryBMS requirements and other key maritime standards such as RightShip RISQ, SIRE, and TMSA. The collaboration also envisages undertaking joint projects to support shipping companies in designing and implementing comprehensive compliance strategies aligned with DryBMS and other industry standards, as well as the development of mutually branded guidance materials. The initiative reflects both organisations’ shared commitment to strengthening safety culture, operational excellence, and continuous improvement within the dry bulk sector. By combining ClassNK’s global reach and technical authority with Prevention at Sea’s hands-on compliance expertise, the partnership aims to deliver practical, tailored solutions to the needs of dry bulk operators. Both organisations said they look forward to working closely with shipping companies to support safer, more resilient, and more sustainable dry bulk operations.
Marcura announced, February 18, that it acquired the UK-based Shipdem, a company that specialises in chemical tanker laytime and demurrage, from its parent company, Casper Shipping. The acquisition deepens Dubai headquartered Marcura’s capability in one of the most technically demanding tanker segments. Shipdem brings proven expertise in chemical tanker demurrage, where operational complexity and contractual nuance demand deep technical knowledge and disciplined claims handling process. The team has built strong relationships within the chemical market, managing the full end-to-end claims process for traders and operators. The acquisition follows that of HubSE in 2025 and continues Marcura’s investment in claims management capabilities across all major cargo types. HubSE’s self-service technology for tanker demurrage complements Shipdem’s fully managed service capability, providing end-to-end services that adapt to how customers operate. Shipdem will be fully integrated into Marcura Claims, with the current team continuing to focus on chemical demurrage while contributing specialist knowledge across the wider organisation. Current Shipdem customers will benefit from complete continuity of service, now supported by Marcura’s global infrastructure, broader dispute expertise and ongoing technology investment.
Turkey’s state-owned energy company, Turkish Petroleum (TPAO), has signed a memorandum of understanding with oil super major BP for collaboration on oil and natural gas exploration in the Black Sea and internationally. According to Turkey’s minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Alparslan Bayraktar, the agreement, signed in Istanbul last week, provides a comprehensive framework for cooperation opportunities, including the development of existing fields, joint evaluation of new exploration potential, oil export capacity, and natural gas transportation infrastructure. The agreement will focus on the possibility of joint projects in regional countries, particularly Iraq and Central Asia. “By 2026, we will be moving TPAO into a new phase of exploration and production. With our projects in the Black Sea and Gabar, we will further advance our production capacity in line with our 2028 targets of 500,000 barrels of oil and gas,” said Bayraktar. Earlier this month, TPAO signed a similar MoU with another super major – Chevron. The Turkish firm also signed an MoU with ExxonMobil in early January to collaborate on oil and natural gas exploration in the Black Sea and Mediterranean.
The Bulgarian port operator BMF Port Burgas which carries out extensive cargo handling at the Black Sea Port of Burgas has joined international association of cargo handling interests ICHCA. The company which operates modern port terminals with focus on containerised, bulk, liquid and general cargo, believes membership of ICHCA will enhance its pursuit of safety excellence.
US forces boarded and seized the Panamanian‑flagged VLCC Veronica III, built 2006, in the Indian Ocean after tracking the tanker from the Caribbean, the Pentagon said, on February 15, the latest sign that Washington is willing to take extraordinary measures to enforce its blockade of sanctioned oil flows linked to Venezuela and other state actors. The Pentagon said US units closed the distance and “shut it down” after the 298,522dwt vessel tried to “defy President Trump’s quarantine – hoping to slip away." A social media post from the Department of Defense emphasised the global reach of the operation: “International waters are not sanctuary. By land, air, or sea, we will find you and deliver justice.” TankerTrackers identified the ship as departing Venezuela, on January 3, the same day US forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, and said the vessel was carrying roughly 1.9m barrels of crude and fuel oil. In a post accompanying photos, it noted the vessel’s history of involvement in Russian, Iranian and Venezuelan oil trades and suggested only one of the original break‑through tankers remained at large after recent interdictions. The seizure follows a string of high‑profile interdictions since December as Washington reshapes Venezuelan crude export flows.
Marine fuel sales at the world's largest bunker hub of Singapore posted a strong start to 2026, driven by healthy demand and higher price premiums, based on port data and trade sources. January 2026 volumes totalled 5.23m metric tons, up 16.5% year-on-year, though easing from the record monthly highs of 5.51m tons in December, data from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) showed. Container throughput at Singapore dipped 0.7% from the prior month to 3.89m teu in January, while vessel calls for bunkering held firm, climbing 1.5% to 3,778 calls, said MPA. Bunker market sources in Singapore said that spot demand was largely healthy in January this year, which is also typically a strong month for seasonal demand ahead of Lunar New Year. Volumes for 0.5% low-sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO) totalled 2.56m tons in January, down 9.5% from December but higher year-on-year, while high-sulphur marine fuel volumes were up 2% from December at 2.16m tons.
The global harbour management software market is forecast to grow from $1.8bn in 2026 to $3.2bn by 2033, implying a compound annual growth rate of 8.1%, according to Persistence Market Research. Rising seaborne trade volumes and tighter operational requirements are increasing demand for digital systems to manage vessel traffic, berth allocation and cargo flows. World maritime trade exceeded 12.7bn tonnes in 2024, adding pressure on ports to improve efficiency and congestion management. Software solutions account for more than 68% of market revenue in 2026, valued at over $1.2bn. Cloud-based deployment represents 56% of the market, reflecting demand for scalable platforms across multi-terminal port operations. Harbour operations management is the largest application segment, holding a 23% share. North America leads with more than 34% of global market share, supported by regulatory requirements and established digital infrastructure. Asia Pacific is forecast to be the fastest-growing region, with a CAGR of 13.2%, driven by smart port investment and rising trade volumes. Europe continues to record steady growth under environmental and reporting frameworks affecting port operations.
Zimbabwe is the latest African nation to flag a false registry to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). The landlocked country has let the UN body know it has no registry or maritime authority, after a flag hopping aframax was linked to the nation. The 2005-built Range Vale, which is listed as owned by Range Maritime Services & Trading in St Kitts & Nevis, has been listed with the false flags of Comoros, Zimbabwe, and currently Sierra Leone over the past five months. The ship is currently heading south through the Suez Canal with Singapore listed as its destination. Madagascar is also warning of a surge in fraudulent ship registrations after its authorities identified nine vessels using flag state documents in the country’s name. Throughout 2025, more than 300 shadow fleet tankers involved in sanctioned Iranian, Venezuelan, or Russian oil trades shifted to fraudulent flags, often after repeated flag hopping, according to data from maritime analytics firm Windward. Windward data shows approximately 120 Russia-trading tankers of over 180mtr in length broadcasting flags from 19 fraudulent registries, including Botswana, Guyana, Guinea, and Madagascar.
Greece’s tourism competitiveness is increasingly being shaped not only by demand trends, but by the modernisation of its transport infrastructure. Across airports, ports and railways, the Greek state with a new wave of upgrades is redefining how visitors enter, move through and experience the country — with sustainability and regional connectivity emerging as common themes. At sea, investments are underway to modernise port infrastructure and reduce the environmental footprint of maritime transport. The port of Piraeus is advancing energy upgrades and digital management systems designed to improve efficiency and support more environmentally friendly vessels. Improved port infrastructure enhances connectivity with destinations such as the Cyclades and Crete, while contributing to emission reduction efforts. For island communities, maritime accessibility remains essential not only for tourism flows but also for year-round economic activity. As maritime tourism evolves, greener port infrastructure is becoming a critical component of long-term competitiveness. Taken together, developments in air, sea and rail transport reflect a broader shift in how Greece approaches tourism growth. Infrastructure is no longer simply a support system; it is becoming a strategic lever for shaping visitor flows, extending accessibility and improving environmental performance.
At first glance, the addition of an intermediate stop on the Piraeus – Heraklion route might appear to be little more than a routine commercial adjustment. But when it comes to Crete’s “golden” ferry line, few moves are accidental. The shift began on February 1, 2024, when the Grimaldi Group-led Minoan Lines introduced Milos as an intermediate stop on its service between Piraeus and Heraklion. This year, rival Attica Group is following suit, submitting a request to add Serifos as a stop, starting February 16. Behind what appears to be a network expansion lies a more strategic calculation. Both companies are seeking to restructure their operating costs in response to the European Union’s Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), which has extended carbon pricing to maritime transport. Crete occupies a unique position in this framework. As Greece’s only island with a population exceeding 200,000, it falls fully within the scope of the EU’s emissions regime. All other Greek islands, with populations below that threshold, are exempt. The financial implications are far from negligible. The cost of emissions allowances can run from hundreds of thousands to several million euros per vessel annually, depending on fuel consumption and prevailing carbon prices. However, by inserting an intermediate stop at a smaller island such as Serifos or Milos, operators technically alter the structure of the route. In doing so, the service may fall outside the direct scope of the EU ETS requirements.
By decision of the ministry of Shipping, the Municipality of Aegina has been approved for a grant to procure and install two autonomous drinking water production and distribution units (Water Kiosks), aimed at addressing the island’s urgent water supply needs. The decision, dated February 17, provides for funding of up to Euros 37,200 (including 24% VAT). Water Kiosks are essentially “automated water stations” installed in public spaces, allowing residents to access clean, filtered drinking water at a low cost.
This Easter, MSC Cruises operates itineraries to Piraeus, Katakolo, Syros, Kefalonia, Corfu, Mykonos, and Santorini with the MSC Lirica and MSC Sinfonia. The company invites travellers to enjoy getaways to warm destinations with the comfort of a cruise ship. From the Caribbean and the Antilles to the Mediterranean, guests can indulge in a relaxing spring escape, discover more than one destination without having to unpack and repack their suitcases, and choose from a wide range of onboard activities. With flexible itineraries and activities for all ages, MSC Cruises makes vacation planning easy and convenient for every generation. From short cruises ideal for quick getaways to weekly itineraries to iconic destinations, MSC Cruises offers a variety of packages, a wide range of accommodation options – including suites in the MSC Yacht Club on selected ships – and activities for all ages.