Maritime news
Shipping, ports, trade and policy, reported with clear sources and practical context.
Browse the archiveMiddle Eastern buyers drive more than 60% rise in quarter of tanker purchases, report says
reports says Middle Eastern purchasers completed 34 tanker acquisitions between 1 July and 5 October 2026, up from 21 in the same period a year earlier; the report says the rise is concentrated at the top end of the fleet.
Follow the industry
Global maritime desks
Follow specialist reporting across international operations, passenger shipping, offshore activity, technology, safety and environmental change.
Middle Eastern buyers drive more than 60% rise in quarter of tanker purchases, report says
reports says Middle Eastern purchasers completed 34 tanker acquisitions between 1 July and 5 October 2026, up from 21 in the same period a year earlier; the report says the rise is concentrated at the top end of the fleet.
El Niño established; shipbroker warns timing and location will shape 2027 freight risk
reports on 19 October 2026 relays Intermodal’s warning that a strong El Niño is now established and that timing and geography will determine where freight could be affected first, with potential consequences for 2027.
Baltic Dry Index ends 10-day slide as larger ships rebound
The Baltic Dry Index climbed about 1.4% to 2,546 points on 19 October 2026, breaking a ten-day decline as gains in the larger vessel classes, notably capesizes, lifted the benchmark.
Tanker on fire after hitting mine in Strait of Hormuz, Guards say
Sources indicated on 19 October 2026 that Iran's Revolutionary Guards said an oil tanker struck a mine and caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz, the latest such incident since Tehran tightened its control of the waterway after hostilities began in late February.
Online auction announced for 4,917t tanker ZJ2026‑0064 with half‑hour bidding window on 3 November 2026
Sources published on 19 October 2026 that a bidding company acting for the sellers will hold an online public auction for the 4,917‑ton oil tanker ZJ2026‑0064 on Shipbid from 16:00 to 16:30 Beijing Time on 3 November 2026.
ATPI Greece marks 50 years as Athens grows into ATPI Marine Travel hub
ATPI Greece is celebrating its 50th anniversary in October 2026 as its Athens office grows into a global hub, managing 35% of ATPI’s marine business and employing more than 130 staff.
Thai Union appoints Zunibal to upgrade electronic monitoring on Indian Ocean tuna longliners
Thai Union has selected Spanish marine technology company Zunibal to upgrade electronic monitoring systems aboard suppliers’ tuna longliners in the Indian Ocean; the agreement covers equipment installation and technical support, MarineLink reported on 19 October 2026.
The commercial currents shaping global trade
Follow connected reports, reference pages and operational context across this desk.
View Shipping desk
Vessel profiles, movements and new tonnage
Follow connected reports, reference pages and operational context across this desk.
View Ships desk
Infrastructure, operations and coastal logistics
Follow connected reports, reference pages and operational context across this desk.
View Ports desk
The people and vessels behind passenger shipping
Follow connected reports, reference pages and operational context across this desk.
View Cruise desk
Luke Smout
Founder and Editor, The Maritime Gazette
Luke Smout is a maritime journalist, PR and communications specialist. He leads the Gazette’s editorial direction across shipping, ports, vessels, maritime business and public policy.
Meet Luke Smout