1. ITIC steps in after scheduling oversight costs of US135,000 to liner agent. A routine ship on a special call, outside the normal liner schedule, turned into a costly oversight for a liner agent, resulting in unexpected expenses of US$135,000 – ultimately reimbursed by International Transport Intermediaries Club.
https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2025/05/14/itic-steps-in-after-scheduling-oversight-costs-of-us135000-to-liner-agent/
2. Aging vessels push crew to the limit as Seafarers Happiness Index hits 10-year milestone. The Mission to Seafarers’ latest edition of its quarterly Seafarers Happiness Index has revealed a steadying in seafarer satisfaction, marking a small rise as the survey enters its 10th year.
https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2025/05/14/aging-vessels-push-crew-to-the-limit-as-seafarers-happiness-index-hits-10-year-milestone/
3. The hydrogen system is taking shape at Port of Rotterdam. A hydrogen system is under construction in the port of Rotterdam, combining production and use primarily in industry, as well as the import and transit of hydrogen to other parts of Northwest Europe. Despite challenges posed by increased costs and economic uncertainties, the system is steadily taking shape.
https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2025/05/14/the-hydrogen-system-is-taking-shape-at-port-of-rotterdam/
4. “Don’t underestimate the importance of people”, says Chair of the Association of Average Adjusters. At its annual conference at Lloyd’s of London this week, Chair of the Association of Average Adjusters Ann Waite was clear that good communication and a hands-on approach was vital to ensure the continuation of high-quality average adjusting. She said:
“High levels of communication are required between those involved in a maritime casualty. Collaboration with colleagues, clients and experts is vital but I am concerned that today’s increasing reliance on keyboards and screens in place of phones and face-to-face will erode the richness of verbal and non-verbal cues vital for meaningful communication.”
https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2025/05/14/dont-underestimate-the-importance-of-people-says-chair-of-the-association-of-average-adjusters/
5. Equinor extends stay for Simon Møkster ERRV trio. Norwegian energy major Equinor has exercised the first extension option for three Simon Møkster Shipping’s emergency response and rescue vessels.
The vessels in question are the 2003-built Stril Poseidon, the 2011-built Stril Merkur, and the 2008-built Stril Herkules. The vessels will continue their services on the Norwegian Continental Shelf.
https://splash247.com/equinor-extends-stay-for-simon-mokster-errv-trio/
6. Greta Thunberg-led activists storm Maersk Tankers Copenhagen office. Over 50 activists from the Green Youth Movement (Den Grønne Ungdomsbevægelse) have broken into the Copenhagen office of Maersk Tankers.
The activists claim that the action is part of a larger series of actions over the next 10 days that will focus on the alleged role of Maersk in the climate crisis and Israel’s war crimes. They stated that the actions will take place all over Europe.
https://splash247.com/greta-thunberg-led-activists-storm-maersk-tankers-copenhagen-office/
7. Tariff truce tipped to usher in covid era uptick in box fortunes. The 90-day tariff ceasefire between the world’s top two economies could see covid era surges in shipments and box freight rates, one leading analyst has suggested.
The US and China have agreed to slash reciprocal tariffs by 115% for the next 90 days. Now the US tariff on China is at 30%, whilst the Chinese tariff on the US has been set at 10%.
https://splash247.com/tariff-truce-tipped-to-usher-in-covid-era-uptick-in-box-fortunes/
8. Maritime EO and SHIPS Act Target Critical Gaps Blocking Military Vets from Merchant Marine Roles. For decades, bureaucratic hurdles have blocked veterans and transitioning military service members from filling critical roles in the U.S. Merchant Marine, a workforce they are uniquely trained for but often cannot access. With the nation facing a documented shortage of mariners impacting national security readiness, a concerted effort is underway by both the executive and legislative branches to finally clear these pathways.
https://gcaptain.com/maritime-eo-and-ships-act-target-critical-gaps-blocking-military-vets-from-merchant-marine-roles/
9. OFAC Adds Multiple Shipping Entities and Two Vessels to SDN List in Iran-Linked Sanctions Update. The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has expanded its Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List to include several maritime entities and vessels linked to Iranian interests.Among the designated vessels are the Cameroon-flagged floating storage tanker BALU and the Panama-flagged crude oil tanker ROC. These vessels are connected to Forsal Chartering Corporation and Fine Sanmata Shipping Co., Limited, respectively.
https://gcaptain.com/ofac-adds-multiple-shipping-entities-and-two-vessels-to-sdn-list-in-iran-linked-sanctions-update/
10. GPS Spoofing Suspected in Containership’s Grounding Near Jeddah Port. Maritime AI specialist Windward reports that GPS spoofing likely caused the containership MSC ANTONIA to run aground near the Eliza Shoals close to Jeddah Port on May 10, 2025.
The incident occurs amid an escalating pattern of GPS interference in the Red Sea region, where signal spoofing continues to pose risks to vessels and global trade.
https://gcaptain.com/gps-spoofing-suspected-in-containerships-grounding-near-jeddah-port/