1) Poseidon Principles minimum climate alignment scores improve by nearly 8%
Ship financiers’ lending portfolios are getting closer to reaching climate alignment with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) ambitious decarbonisation trajectories, according to the Sixth Annual Disclosure Report of the Poseidon Principles. The report reveals the financial sector’s alignment with shipping’s minimum net-zero climate goals has improved by nearly 8%, despite more demanding year-on-year emissions reduction targets.
2) Bunkering Services Initiative marks the start of operations across the ARA region
Leading marine fuel buyers and suppliers developed the Bunkering Services Initiative to deliver unprecedented levels of accountability and efficiency, with operations underway across Amsterdam–Rotterdam–Antwerp (ARA) ports. The initiative introduces a new standard of technology-enabled, traceable insights into fuel quantity and quality to help address long-standing industry issues.
3) Seafarers face the brunt of alternative fuels with little medical support
The global shift to alternative marine fuels is bringing potential new medical risks for seafarers, including exposure to toxic substances and fuel-related injuries, according to Marine Medical Solutions (MMS). MMS is urging shipowners and regulators to ensure medical safety evolves with decarbonisation efforts, as current protocols may not fully address the hazards posed by fuels such as LNG, methanol, ammonia, and hydrogen.
4) KCC Capital Markets Day – Fleet expansion and optimization supporting continued profitable growth and value creation
Klaveness Combination Carriers ASA (KCC) hosted its Capital Markets Day at its Oslo headquarters, presenting its 2026–2030 strategy focused on onboarding new vessels, targeting profitable growth, expanding market share, and leadership in low-emission shipping. CEO Engebret Dahm highlighted the company’s strong foundation to deliver efficient solutions while maintaining attractive shareholder returns.
5) Norway’s Amon Bulk expands ammonia bulker scheme with three more Kamsarmax newbuilds
Norway’s Amon Bulk is advancing plans to construct three ammonia-fuelled kamsarmax bulk carriers after securing approximately NOK 298 million in investment support. The vessels are designed to operate on ammonia, aligning with broader decarbonisation goals in deep-sea shipping.
6) 2026 must be the year we put people first
Industry leaders call for a shift in maritime priorities for 2026, emphasising the need to strengthen crew welfare, working conditions, and support systems to ensure that humanitarian considerations keep pace with operational demands in shipping.
https://splash247.com/2026-must-be-the-year-we-put-people-first/
7) Trump moves to choke Venezuelan oil shipping with ‘total and complete’ tanker blockade
The US government has ordered a “total and complete” blockade of sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela, aiming to tighten pressure on the Maduro regime and choke the country’s crude export capabilities.
8) Port of Los Angeles poised for third-best cargo year despite tariff headwinds
The Port of Los Angeles is on track for its third-highest cargo throughput year on record, overcoming tariff headwinds thanks to resilient import demand and logistical adjustments by terminal operators and shipping lines.
https://gcaptain.com/port-of-los-angeles-poised-for-third-best-cargo-year-despite-tariff-headwinds/
9) Hapag-Lloyd, NCL win landmark tender for hydrogen-based maritime fuels
Hapag-Lloyd and Norwegian Cruise Line have secured a significant tender for hydrogen-based maritime fuels, marking a notable milestone in the adoption of cleaner energy sources in commercial shipping operations.
https://gcaptain.com/hapag-lloyd-ncl-win-landmark-tender-for-hydrogen-based-maritime-fuels/
10) Mariners vs. mortgage underwriters: How to win the homeownership battle
A new analysis explores strategies for mariners to overcome challenges posed by mortgage underwriters, addressing issues like irregular income patterns and credit considerations to improve homeownership prospects for seafaring professionals.
https://gcaptain.com/mariners-vs-mortgage-underwriters-how-to-win-the-homeownership-battle/