- Shipping industry veteran Heinrich Schulte passes away
The global shipping community is mourning the passing of Heinrich Schulte, a highly respected industry veteran whose career spanned several decades. Schulte was widely recognised for his leadership, long-term commitment to maritime development, and influence on international shipping circles.
https://splash247.com/shipping-industry-veteran-heinrich-schulte-passes-away/ - Upbeat capesize sentiment sees dry bulk freight market enjoy a year-end bonus
Positive sentiment in the capesize segment has lifted the dry bulk freight market toward the end of the year, supported by stronger demand and improved earnings. Market analysts note that firmer rates are providing owners with a welcome year-end boost after earlier volatility.
https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2025/12/18/upbeat-capesize-sentiment-sees-dry-bulk-freight-market-enjoy-a-year-end-bonus/ - The Nautical Institute appoints project lead for the STEER project
The Nautical Institute has appointed a new project lead to drive forward the STEER project, which focuses on strengthening seafarer training, competence, and safety standards. The initiative aims to support maritime professionals through improved education frameworks and industry collaboration.
https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2025/12/18/the-nautical-institute-appoints-project-lead-for-the-steer-project/ - Ukraine sanctions nearly 700 vessels tied to Russia’s shadow fleet
Ukraine has imposed sanctions on almost 700 vessels linked to Russia’s so-called shadow fleet, targeting ships involved in bypassing international oil and trade restrictions. The move is intended to tighten enforcement and disrupt illicit maritime activities supporting Russia’s economy.
https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2025/12/18/ukraine-sanctions-nearly-700-vessels-tied-to-russias-shadow-fleet/ - Mikki Koskinen takes the helm as ECSA president with Nikolas Veniamis elected vice president
Mikki Koskinen has been elected president of the European Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA), with Nikolas Veniamis appointed as vice president. The new leadership team is expected to focus on competitiveness, decarbonisation, and regulatory stability for European shipping.
https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2025/12/18/mikki-koskinen-takes-the-helm-as-esecsa-president-with-nikolas-veniamis-elected-vice-president/ - Why the path towards decarbonisation in 2026 will shift from targets to trade-offs
The maritime industry’s decarbonisation journey is expected to move from ambitious target-setting toward difficult operational and commercial trade-offs in 2026. Stakeholders will need to balance fuel availability, costs, safety, and regulatory pressures as the energy transition accelerates.
https://splash247.com/why-the-path-towards-decarbonisation-in-2026-will-shift-from-targets-to-trade-offs/ - Fatal drone strike on tanker in Rostov-on-Don
A tanker has been hit by a fatal drone strike in Russia’s port city of Rostov-on-Don, highlighting escalating security risks for shipping in the region. The incident underscores growing concerns over vessel safety amid ongoing regional conflict.
https://splash247.com/fatal-drone-strike-on-tanker-in-rostov-on-don/ - China expands Arctic container shipping with record 14 voyages in 2025
China has significantly expanded its Arctic container shipping operations, recording a total of 14 voyages in 2025. The development reflects Beijing’s growing interest in alternative trade routes as melting ice improves navigability along the Northern Sea Route.
https://gcaptain.com/china-expands-arctic-container-shipping-with-record-14-voyages-in-2025/ - Russian oil tankers cleave to Turkish coast to cut drone risks
Russian oil tankers are increasingly navigating close to the Turkish coastline in an effort to reduce exposure to drone attacks. The routing change illustrates how geopolitical tensions are reshaping tanker operations and risk management strategies.
https://gcaptain.com/russian-oil-tankers-cleave-to-turkish-coast-to-cut-drone-risks/ - Driving up welfare standards
Industry leaders are calling for stronger and more consistent welfare standards across the maritime sector, emphasising the importance of crew wellbeing, mental health support, and fair working conditions. Improving welfare is increasingly seen as critical to long-term safety and workforce sustainability.
https://www.seanews.co.uk/maritime/driving-up-welfare-standards