1. Columbia Group takes on management of three Aframax newbuildings following appointment letter with ZSFL marking next step in strategic collaboration
Columbia Group has been appointed to manage three new Aframax tankers for Chinese owner ZSFL, expanding the cooperation between the two companies. The vessels are scheduled for delivery between 2027 and 2028 and will strengthen Columbia’s tanker management portfolio.
https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2026/05/20/columbia-group-takes-on-management-of-three-aframax-newbuildings-following-appointment-letter-with-zsfl-marking-next-step-in-strategic-collaboration/
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2. V. and International Seaways female cadet programme enters second year
V.Group and International Seaways have launched the second year of their female cadet development programme aimed at increasing gender diversity in shipping. The initiative supports women pursuing maritime careers through onboard training, mentoring and professional development opportunities.
https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2026/05/20/v-and-international-seaways-female-cadet-programme-enters-second-year/
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3. Ship managers face rising litigation exposure as US$2.5 million claim highlights risk of inherited ship conditions
A new legal case involving a US$2.5m claim has highlighted growing risks for ship managers taking over vessels with pre-existing technical or operational problems. Industry experts warned that managers can increasingly face legal exposure for inherited ship conditions despite not being responsible for the original defects.
https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2026/05/20/ship-managers-face-rising-litigation-exposure-as-us2-5-million-claim-highlights-risk-of-inherited-ship-conditions/
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4. Hormuz closure drives record tanker rates, boosts Teekay earnings
Teekay Corporation reported stronger earnings as tanker freight rates surged following ongoing disruption and partial closure risks in the Strait of Hormuz. The market experienced record-high spot rates as shipowners rerouted vessels and charterers scrambled to secure available tonnage.
https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2026/05/20/hormuz-closure-drives-record-tanker-rates-boosts-teekay-earnings/
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5. Nura Shipco not the retiring type of manager
Nura Shipco is continuing to expand its commercial activities despite expectations that the company would reduce operations after recent management changes. The firm remains active in tanker and dry bulk sectors while pursuing additional fleet growth opportunities.
https://splash247.com/nura-shipco-not-the-retiring-type-of-manager/
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6. US seizes Iran-linked VLCC in Indian Ocean
US authorities have seized a very large crude carrier allegedly linked to Iranian oil trading operations in the Indian Ocean. The action forms part of continuing US enforcement efforts targeting sanctions evasion and illicit crude transportation connected to Iran.
https://splash247.com/us-seizes-iran-linked-vlcc-in-indian-ocean/
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7. US indicts four container makers and seven executives over price-fixing claims
US prosecutors have charged four container manufacturing companies and seven executives over alleged long-running price-fixing activities. Authorities claim the companies coordinated pricing and market behaviour in the global shipping container sector, potentially affecting international trade costs.
https://splash247.com/us-indicts-four-container-makers-and-seven-executives-over-price-fixing-claims/
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8. South Korea selects operator for first Arctic container trial voyage via Russia’s Northern Sea Route
South Korea has selected an operator for its first experimental container shipping voyage through Russia’s Northern Sea Route. The trial aims to evaluate the commercial and logistical potential of Arctic shipping lanes linking Asia and Europe.
https://gcaptain.com/south-korea-selects-operator-for-first-arctic-container-trial-voyage-via-russias-northern-sea-route/
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9. ICTSI secures $300 million for upgrading container terminals
ICTSI has obtained US$300m in financing to modernise and expand several container terminal operations. The investment will support infrastructure improvements, equipment upgrades and increased port handling capacity across multiple regions.
https://www.seanews.co.uk/ports/ictsi-secures-300-million-for-upgrading-container-terminals
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10. Ericsson and Net Feasa to improve cargo visibility digitalisation
Ericsson and Net Feasa are collaborating on new digital solutions designed to improve cargo visibility and supply chain tracking. The partnership focuses on enhancing real-time monitoring and data connectivity for freight transport operations.
https://www.seanews.co.uk/technology/ericsson-and-net-feasa-to-improve-cargo-visibility-digitalisation