Oldendorff reflags two Capesize vessels to Germany, report says
Sources report Oldendorff Carriers has reflagged two Capesize bulk carriers to Germany, with the Alice Oldendorff already transferred and the Gina Oldendorff due to follow.
Shipping
Container shipping, freight, cargo, tankers, supply chains, shipping operations and regulatory developments relevant to maritime trade.
Dorian LPG Ltd reports record quarterly earnings and declares $53.7m irregular dividend
Dorian LPG said record results for the three months to 30 September 2026 were driven by market strength and ship resale gains, and announced an irregular cash dividend of roughly $53.7 million payable in late November.
Höegh chair reflects on ‘‘first mover’’ legacy as family marks 100 years in 2027
Leif O. Høegh will mark his family’s 100 years in shipping in 2027 and has reflected on Höegh Autoliners’ ‘‘first mover’’ legacy, sources indicated on 5 November 2026.
Iran‑linked tankers idle as visible crude loadings halt, AIS analysis shows
Analysis of AIS draft changes cited by reports indicates a halt in visible crude loadings by Iran‑affiliated tankers in the Middle East Gulf since 17 September 2026.
One of three Russian tankers still appears to be heading for US Atlantic coast, MarineLink reports
MarineLink reported on 4 November 2026 that one of three Russian tankers tracked as bound for the United States remains apparently on course for the Atlantic coast after a temporary licence allowing Russian diesel imports was issued in October.
Hormuz crossings hit highest monthly level since July in October; Red Sea also records rise
S&P Global Commodities at Sea data, cited by reports, shows Strait of Hormuz transits rose in October to their highest level since July, led by dry-bulk and LNG movements even as VLCC sailings declined; Red Sea activity also increased.
Firm Asian tanker freight into November threatens chemical and palms flows, report says
Sources report that tanker freight in Asia has remained unexpectedly buoyant into November, a development that could curb chemical and palm oil spot fixtures for the remainder of the fourth quarter.
ZIM announces ZX3 premium express service linking Shanghai and Xiamen with Los Angeles
ZIM has announced ZX3, a new premium expedited service serving Shanghai and Xiamen to Los Angeles, scheduled to begin in December 2026 and to be operated exclusively by the carrier.
ZERO44 launches free interactive calculator to map biofuel economics under carbon rules
ZERO44 has published a free, interactive calculator on its website that models how carbon regulations affect the cost case for replacing fossil bunkers with biofuel, sources indicated on 30 October 2026.
Hapag-Lloyd strengthens position in Italian ports as export volumes climb
A report cites sustained growth in Hapag-Lloyd’s Italian export volumes since 2021, with further increases anticipated in 2026 as the carrier fortifies its global network.
Wan Hai to launch CI8 service linking Haiphong, South China and West India in late-November 2026
Wan Hai Lines will open a direct China India Service 8 (CI8) connecting Haiphong, South China and West India in late-November 2026, a move the carrier says will strengthen its Indian market position and broaden its Intra-Asia offering.
Boluda to acquire Samskip in bid to build continent‑wide short‑sea network
Boluda Shipping has agreed to acquire Samskip, a transaction reported by MarineLink on 28 October 2026 and described as a step towards a continent‑spanning short‑sea network connecting Northern Europe with the Iberian Peninsula.
Permits issued for grain vessels to depart Sea of Azov after July traffic halt
MarineLink reported on 28 October 2026 that Russian authorities have authorised grain-laden vessels to depart the Sea of Azov for the first time since maritime traffic was suspended on 10 July after Ukrainian drone attacks.
Seven Japanese firms to build four ammonia-fuelled car carriers and commercialise ammonia bunkering
On 27 October 2026 seven Japanese firms said they would jointly build and operate four ammonia-fuelled car carriers and develop a commercial ammonia bunkering business in Japan.
Iraq signals interest in buying tankers to boost crude exports, minister says
Oil Minister Bassim Khudair told reports that Iraq needs to step up plans to buy tankers to lift crude exports and revenues; the ministry is considering 10 supertankers at an estimated $2 billion and is reviewing financing.
Malta‑flagged tanker Agioi Fanendes reported bound for New York with Russian diesel
S&P Global vessel‑tracking data, cited by reports on 25 October 2026, shows the Malta‑flagged tanker Agioi Fanendes en route to New York carrying Russian diesel, while the Kremlin has said shipments will continue "on a regular basis."
Golden Island supplies about 5,000 mt of ISCC-certified bio‑ethanol to Maersk ship in Singapore
Golden Island’s tanker Golden Centaurus supplied about 5,000 mt of ISCC‑certified bio‑ethanol to the dual‑fuel container ship Maersk Halifax in Singapore on 19 October 2026, a transfer described by reports as the world’s largest ethanol bunker stem and the first such operation in Singapore.
Xeneta data shows offered Red Sea container capacity doubled in six weeks
Xeneta’s weekly report, published via reports on 16 October 2026, records a rapid reintroduction of container capacity to the Red Sea corridor, with offered slots shown to have doubled in six weeks.
AMS Barging christens 9,000 m³ methanol-ready tanker Felicitas in Rotterdam
MarineLink reported that AMS Barging has christened the 135-metre, 9,000 m³ diesel-electric, methanol-ready tanker Felicitas on Noordereiland in Rotterdam, with Liv and Julie, daughters of co-owner Igor Jansen, performing the naming.
Farm exports stalled as Odesa ports fall quiet, report says
Russian attacks on civilian ships and drought have brought Odesa-region ports to a standstill, disrupting the bulk of Ukraine's agricultural exports and prompting government efforts to find alternative routes.
Record tanker costs squeeze Asian refining margins, IEA warns
The International Energy Agency says rising supertanker freight rates have pushed transporting Middle Eastern crude to Asia to record-cost levels, placing pressure on refiners’ profit margins, sources report.
Soya Group launches FLOW Maritime to accelerate maritime decarbonisation
Soya Group has established FLOW Maritime to help shipowners realise the commercial, regulatory and environmental value of switching to alternative fuels and to act as a catalyst for faster decarbonisation, a report dated 12 October 2026 says.
Pakistan restores weekly direct service from Karachi to seven European ports
A weekly direct shipping link from Karachi to seven European ports has been reinstated, a move the maritime minister said will help textile manufacturers and other exporters reach a key market.
Diana Shipping secures time charter for Capesize m/v G. P. Zafirakis with Classic Maritime
Diana Shipping has agreed a time charter, through a wholly owned subsidiary, for the Capesize dry bulk vessel m/v G. P. Zafirakis with Classic Maritime Inc.; the published summary did not disclose commercial terms.
DFDS adds combined freight and passenger ferry to Algeciras–Tanger Med route
DFDS has introduced a vessel capable of carrying both passengers and freight on the Algeciras–Tanger Med link, which the company says improves capacity and flexibility on the Strait of Gibraltar route.
Iraq’s state tanker firm moves 2 million barrels through Hormuz, says director general
A reported voyage by Iraq’s state-owned tanker company saw about 2 million barrels of crude shipped through the Strait of Hormuz on a very large crude carrier, an operation the firm described as its first of this kind in decades.
Market bulletin records Hinode Kaiun commitment of Kamsarmax New Wavelet
Sources carried Advanced Shipping & Trading’s week 40, 2026 market report which records Hinode Kaiun committed its Kamsarmax New Wavelet (82/2021) with survey and docking dates noted.
MOL Ocean Bulk signs 25-year iron ore contract with Vale for two tri-fuel ore carriers
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines announced that MOL Ocean Bulk will carry Vale International S.A. iron ore under a 25‑year contract using two vessels as part of what is described as the world’s first tri‑fuel ore carrier project.
Interferry to mark 50 years as association gathers in Bangkok
MarineLink reported on 30 September 2026 that Interferry will mark its 50th anniversary at its annual conference in Bangkok, where the association’s leadership has warned members the ferry sector continues to change.
Nakilat names new LPG/Ammonia carrier Energy North at South Korean yard
Nakilat celebrated the naming of Energy North at HD Hyundai Samho in Yeongam; the LPG/Ammonia carrier is due to enter service on 2 October 2026, MarineLink reported on 30 September 2026.
Consortium completes first live sea shipment of premium Malaysian ripe durian to Dalian
A two-tonne consignment of premium Malaysian tree-drop ripe durian, shipped by a consortium including Daikin Reefer, reached Dalian in 12 days and was inspected on 19 September with quality reported as comparable to air freight.
Saudi Arabia denies buying 25 tankers and rejects link to Iraqi shipping costs
Riyadh’s Ministry of Energy has denied claims it acquired 25 oil tankers and has rejected suggestions that any such purchases contributed to higher freight costs for Iraqi crude, a report on 23 September 2026 states.
LR says 200,000m³ LNG carriers are a credible next step for fleet renewal
Lloyd’s Register’s analysis, published by MarineLink on 23 September 2026, finds 200,000m³ LNG carriers could raise cargo throughput and lower unit transport costs without necessitating major terminal modifications.
Nord Gas Solutions wins contract to outfit eight 90,000 m³ VLGCs for BW LPG
Nord Gas Solutions will supply cargo handling and LPG fuel systems for eight 90,000 cubic metre VLGCs ordered by BW LPG and built at HD Hyundai Mipo Dockyard, MarineLink reported on 23 September 2026.
Trafigura launches Volare Shipping to operate modern VLCC fleet
Trafigura has set up Volare Shipping Ltd. to own and scale a modern fleet of oil tankers, beginning with six VLCCs and eight newbuilds, with commercial management handled by Trafigura’s shipping arm.
Model of Greek salvage tug AIGAION PELAGOS placed on display at IMO headquarters
A model of the Greek salvage tug AIGAION PELAGOS was placed on display at the International Maritime organisation headquarters in London after a ceremony on 9 September attended by the IMO Secretary-General and Greek embassy representatives.
Weekend ship traffic through Strait of Hormuz falls to 12 vessels, report says
Sources indicated that only 12 commodity vessels passed through the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday and Sunday, a decline of nearly two-thirds from the previous weekend's 35, citing Reuters and the latest shipping data.
Strait of Hormuz transits slump as Gulf tensions persist, report says
MarineLink reported on 21 September 2026 that visible transits through the Strait of Hormuz fell to 17 commodity vessels over the weekend, down from 37 a week earlier, amid continuing Gulf tensions.
Rhine water falls to 20 cm; forecasts warn levels may reach zero and halt barge traffic
A The report on 20 September 2026 records Rhine levels at 20 cm on 18 September and cites forecasts that levels could fall to zero by the end of the month, posing a threat to barge traffic on a key European fuel artery.
CENTCOM reports two‑week rise in Hormuz oil and LNG transits after mine‑clearance and escorts
U.S. Central Command says intensified mine‑clearance and naval escort operations have produced a two‑week surge in oil and LNG transits through the Strait of Hormuz, marking the highest flow in six months.
NYK PCTC makes first call at Chan May as central Vietnam begins finished-vehicle exports
A NYK-operated pure car and truck carrier made the first recorded call at Chan May Port on 18 September 2026, enabling the region's first export shipment of finished vehicles and creating a new logistics option for central Vietnam.
Supertanker orders surge as US-Iran war reshapes oil trade
Data reported by MarineLink and compiled by Signal Group show shipowners have placed over twice the number of supertanker orders this year compared with 2025, in a buying spree worth more than $20 billion and the largest in at least 25 years as a US‑Iran war alters oil trade.
Transito launches Total Freight to tackle Rhine low-water disruption
Dutch charterer Transito has unveiled Total Freight, an integrated sea-and-inland service under a single contract designed to ease cargo movements between European seaports and the hinterland as low-water conditions persist.
Suez Canal records first transit of mega-ship OOCL PORTUGAL as tonnage rises
The Suez Canal Authority announced the first transit of the mega container ship OOCL PORTUGAL among the north convoy and reported container-ship net tonnage of 72.1 million tons for the first eight months of 2026, with COSCO’s return also recorded.
El Niño and US energy flows coincide with 22% drop in Panama Canal bulker transits
A MarineLink report says Panama Canal bulker transits have fallen 22% year on year since July as tankers gain slots amid rising US energy exports to Asia and El Niño threatens water levels.
Japanese environment minister inspects ICO vehicle terminal and LNG-fuelled PCTC at Zeebrugge
A delegation led by Japan’s environment minister inspected International Car Operators’ finished-vehicle terminal at the Port of Zeebrugge and toured the LNG-fuelled PCTC Wild Rose Leader on 6 September, a The report says.
Report: Russia turned to Hong Kong‑operated tankers as Greek firms withdrew from Black Sea in August 2026
A The report on 14 September 2026 said that during August Russia relied increasingly on tankers operated by Hong Kong companies to carry seaborne crude after Greek operators largely left the Black Sea following heightened maritime attacks.
BGN and IINO KAISHA LTD sign time charter for 90,000 cbm dual‑fuel VLGC
BGN and IINO KAISHA LTD have signed a time‑charter for a new 90,000 cbm dual‑fuel VLGC under construction at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, the trade press reported on 14 September 2026.