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. New ICS Chairman Designate named and Secretary General takes the helm as industry faces critical global challenges. Following the conclusion of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) Annual General Meeting and Board Meeting in Athens, which was opened by The Hon. Vassilis Kikilias, Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Hellenic Republic of Greece, the organisation announced several major developments, marking a pivotal moment for global maritime leadership.
https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2025/06/16/new-ics-chairman-designate-named-and-secretary-general-takes-the-helm-as-industry-faces-critical-global-challenges/
3. Governments and industry reaffirm commitment to trade and global stability at high-profile Athens Summit. Over 350 senior delegates from governments and industry convened to address global risks to shipping and trade at the Shaping the Future of Shipping Summit.
Summit highlighted need for regulatory cohesion, seafarer training and secure trade routes amid geopolitical uncertainty.
https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2025/06/16/governments-and-industry-reaffirm-commitment-to-trade-and-global-stability-at-high-profile-athens-summit/
4. UK forwarders agree to support Ethiopia’s logistics sector. The British International Freight Association has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ethiopian Freight Forwarders and Shipping Agents Association aimed at helping to modern and enhance the competitiveness of Ethiopia’s freight forwarding and logistics sector.
https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2025/06/16/uk-forwarders-agree-to-support-ethiopias-logistics-sector/
5. Blystad signs for boxship newbuilds in China. Norwegian-based Blystad Group is set to expand its boxship exposure with three newbuildings from China.
Brokers report that Arne Blystad’s investment firm has signed up for 3,000 teu vessels at Penglai Zhongbai Jinglu Ship Industry.
https://splash247.com/blystad-signs-for-boxship-newbuilds-in-china/
6. AD Ports bolsters Bahrain ties with shipyard and port initiatives. Abu Dhabi-based ports and logistics giant AD Ports Group has signed three agreements with Bahrain’s Arab Shipbuilding & Repair Yard Company (ASRY) designed to boost shipbuilding, drydocking, and port management capabilities across the Gulf region and beyond.
https://splash247.com/ad-ports-bolsters-bahrain-ties-with-shipyard-and-port-initiatives/
7. Australian professor makes ‘Google Maps for the sea’ claim in bid to cut shipping emissions. A University of New South Wales academic’s research using ocean currents to optimise shipping routes is making waves in Australia.
To find more efficient routes for cargo ships, associate professor Shane Keating, a researcher in oceanography and applied mathematics at UNSW Sydney, has developed an algorithm using ocean models and AI.
https://splash247.com/australian-professor-makes-google-maps-for-the-sea-claim-in-bid-to-cut-shipping-emissions/
8. Port of Los Angeles Cargo Volumes Drop Amid Tariff Uncertainty, But Relief Expected. Imports to the busiest U.S. seaport at Los Angeles dropped 9% year-on-year in May and could remain muted through the remainder of 2025, after companies responded to President Donald Trump’s 145% tariffs on China by canceling or putting holds on shipments, according to port officials.
https://gcaptain.com/port-of-los-angeles-cargo-volumes-drop-amid-tariff-uncertainty-but-relief-expected/
9. Empire Wind Fiasco Forces Equinor to Rethink U.S. Offshore Wind Investment. Equinor ASA expects its $5 billion wind project off New York — blocked then unblocked by the Trump administration — to proceed as planned, but said further investments in US offshore wind are likely off the table.
“In this project in particular, we feel very confident now that it will go forward undisturbed,” Chief Financial Officer Torgrim Reitan said in an interview. “But of course our appetite to continue to invest in further projects when it comes to offshore wind is lower.”
https://gcaptain.com/empire-wind-fiasco-forces-equinor-to-rethink-u-s-offshore-wind-investment/
10. Finnish Prosecutors Consider Charges Against Officers of Tanker ‘Eagle S’ Over Baltic Cable Damage. prosecutors are considering pressing charges against three senior officers of an oil tanker suspected of damaging undersea power and telecommunications cables in the Baltic Sea in December, police and the prosecutor said on Friday.
https://gcaptain.com/finnish-prosecutors-consider-charges-against-officers-of-tanker-eagle-s-over-baltic-cable-damage/