1. Japanese shipowners increasingly embracing technology to stay competitive, says Columbia Group. The Japanese shipping market is seeing a shift with more owners recognising the role of technology in driving efficiency and sustainability, according to Columbia Group.
Smaller shipowners, traditionally hesitant to adopt value-added services such as vessel optimisation, digitalisation, catering, and crew welfare solutions, are now showing greater interest in these offerings, said Columbia Group’s Demetris Chrysostomou, who was recently promoted to CEO of Asia region.
https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2025/06/16/japanese-shipowners-increasingly-embracing-technology-to-stay-competitive-says-columbia-group/
2. Geopolitical Spillover: Assessing the Impact of Iran-Israel Tensions on the Tanker Shipping Industry. Escalating tensions between Iran and Israel are analysed for their potential effects on global energy markets, particularly concerning the Strait of Hormuz. While historical data indicates a full closure by Iran is improbable, disruptions via attacks, mines, or vessel harassment could significantly affect oil prices, shipping routes, and freight rates.
https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2025/06/24/geopolitical-spillover-assessing-the-impact-of-iran-israel-tensions-on-the-tanker-shipping-industry/
3. PD Ports named Business of the Year and Green Innovation winner at North East Chamber Awards. PD Ports has been crowned Business of the Year and winner of the Green Innovation category at the prestigious North East Chamber of Commerce Awards, recognising the company’s outstanding commitment to sustainability and regional economic growth.
https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2025/06/24/pd-ports-named-business-of-the-year-and-green-innovation-winner-at-north-east-chamber-awards/
4. Birdon begins construction on first Waterways Commerce Cutter. Investments in Shipyard, Workforce Are Enabling Company to Build Strategic Coast Guard Asset
Birdon announced it has started construction on the first new Waterways Commerce Cutter, a critical milestone in achieving the U.S. Coast Guard’s goal to recapitalize the aging Inland Waterways fleet.
https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2025/06/24/birdon-begins-construction-on-first-waterways-commerce-cutter/
5. 100 days to surrender. In less than 100 days, shipping companies operating in Europe face a critical test as the deadline for surrendering carbon allowances under EU ETS is September 30. Miss the deadline, and the consequences could be severe, Costly fines, exclusion from EU ports, public naming and shaming, even vessel detention in extreme cases.
https://splash247.com/100-days-to-surrender/
6. ENEOS Xplora extends gas deal in Malaysia. ENEOS Xplora, formerly JX Nippon Oil and Gas, has announced a major new agreement to keep producing natural gas in Malaysia for another 10 years.Malaysian subsidiary, ENEOS Xplora Malaysia, has signed a deal with Petronas to extend the current contract for offshore gas field Block SK10. The agreement has been extended to run through to 2038.
https://splash247.com/eneos-xplora-extends-gas-deal-in-malaysia/
7. LNG Canada Produces First Liquefied Natural Gas For Export. The Shell-led SHEL.L LNG Canada project has produced the first liquefied natural gas for export from its facility in Kitimat, British Columbia, two people familiar with the startup of the plant told Reuters on Sunday.
https://gcaptain.com/lng-canada-produces-first-liquefied-natural-gas-for-export/
8. NYK buys German crew payment platform. In 2019, NYK established MarCoPay in Manila as a financial services platform. MarCoPay has since evolved to offer loans and insurance designed to support the well-being of Filipino seafarers and their families. It services shipowners and shipmanagement companies employing Filipino seafarers, and has solidified its market position as the only digital salary payments provider for Filipino seafarers with an electronic money issuer license from Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, the central bank of the Philippines.
https://splash247.com/nyk-buys-german-crew-payment-platform/
9. Seatrade books 2,800 teu newbuild series. Dutch reefer specialist Seatrade has placed a newbuilding order for a series of up to eight 2,800 teu vessels at Huanghai Shipbuilding in China.
The initial contract covers two firm vessels scheduled for delivery in 2027, with options for six additional ships. Financial terms have not been disclosed.
https://splash247.com/seatrade-books-2800-teu-newbuild-series/
10. West Africa Gas inks VLAC orders in South Korea. West Africa Gas is expanding its fleet with a pair of very large ammonia carrier (VLAC) newbuilds in South Korea.
The joint venture between Nigeria’s state oil company, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), and Sahara Group has contracted 93,000 cu m vessels at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries with delivery from the flagship Ulsan yard scheduled for the second half of 2028, according to Clarksons.
https://splash247.com/west-africa-gas-inks-vlac-orders-in-south-korea/