1) Lloyd’s Register, EXMAR and the Belgian Federal Public Service for Mobility and Transport join forces to help develop new guidelines for ammonia cargo as fuel
Lloyd’s Register, EXMAR and the Belgian Federal Public Service for Mobility and Transport have helped to develop interim guidelines to enable the safe use of ammonia cargo as fuel on gas carriers. The new framework balances safety and flexibility, allowing shipowners and operators to move forward with ammonia-fuelled vessel designs under a recognised regulatory pathway.
https://www.lr.org/en/knowledge/press-room/press-listing/press-release/2025/lloyds-register-exmar-and-the-belgian-federal-public-service-for-mobility-and-transport-join-forces-to-help-develop-new-guidelines-for-ammonia-cargo-as-fuel/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
“> Lloyd’s Register, EXMAR & Belgian FPS develop ammonia fuel guidelines (Cyprus Shipping News)
2) India-Europe trade alert: Why container freight rates have surged by up to 60%
Shippers on the India-Europe trade lane are facing unprecedented volatility this December, with spot container freight rates reportedly soaring by 50% to 60% (from USD 750 to USD 1,200 per 40 feet container) in a matter of weeks. The sharp increase reflects strategic capacity management by carriers, including blank sailings, rather than a sudden spike in demand.
“> India‑Europe trade alert on container freight rates (AJOT)
3) DGGM and DGRPN of PMA receive ISO 9001:2015 recertification after strengthening quality-management processes
The Directorate General of Seafarers and the Directorate General of Public Registry of Ship Ownership of the Panama Maritime Authority have been recertified under the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System standard. The recertification reflects ongoing dedication to efficiency and transparency, positioning the PMA as a benchmark among ship registries worldwide.
“> PMA recertified under ISO 9001:2015 (Cyprus Shipping News)
4) Poseidon Principles opens the door to private capital
The Poseidon Principles shipping finance framework is widening its scope to include private equity firms, hedge funds and capital markets underwriters as associate members. This expansion aims to boost climate transparency across shipping finance and bring more of the maritime finance world into the climate-alignment tent.
“> Poseidon Principles opens the door to private capital (Splash247)
5) ICTSI pours $175m into Rio terminal expansion
Manila-based International Container Terminal Services Inc (ICTSI) is committing R$948 million (approximately $175 million) to expand the Rio Brasil Terminal, increasing annual capacity from 440,000 teu to 750,000 teu. The investment includes infrastructure upgrades, new equipment, and modernised cargo management systems to strengthen the port’s role as a key logistics gateway.
“> ICTSI invests $175 m in Rio terminal expansion (Splash247)
6) Black Sea shipping carnage deepens as Turkish vessels hit in Russian retaliation
Commercial shipping in the Black Sea has faced escalating risk as Turkish-controlled vessels were struck in a wave of Russian retaliation, intensifying dangers in a key transit region. The attacks underscore the growing challenges for maritime operations amid the ongoing conflict environment.
“> Black Sea shipping carnage deepens (Splash247)
7) EU blacklists more shadow fleet operators moving Russian oil
The European Union has blacklisted additional shadow fleet operators involved in moving Russian oil, expanding its sanctions enforcement to combat circumvention. The move aims to restrict illicit energy shipments and tighten compliance with international sanctions.
“> EU blacklists more shadow fleet operators (gCaptain)
8) German Meyer Werft wins €10 billion ship order from MSC Cruises
German Meyer Werft has secured a €10 billion shipbuilding order from MSC Cruises, marking a significant commitment in the cruise newbuild segment. The contract signals continued investment in large-scale passenger vessel construction amid evolving market demand.
“> German Meyer Werft wins €10 b ship order (gCaptain)
9) Somtrans christens innovative LNG bunker barge
Somtrans has christened a new innovative LNG bunker barge designed to support cleaner fuel supply operations. The introduction of this vessel reflects industry efforts to expand LNG bunkering infrastructure and reduce emissions in marine operations.
“> Somtrans christens LNG bunker barge (SeaNews)
10) World first: Incat activates largest battery-electric propulsion system on a ship
Incat has activated the largest battery-electric propulsion system ever installed on a ship, representing a milestone in maritime electrification. This development underscores advances in zero-emission technologies and the industry’s pursuit of sustainable shipping solutions.
“>Incat activates largest battery‑electric system on a ship (SeaNews)