The shipping industry faces mounting retention and safety risks, Splash 247 reports, after new research from the World Maritime University (WMU) showed that nearly half of seafarers plan to leave the profession within five years – a trend that could deepen global crewing shortages.
Maersk Tankers has taken a practical step toward decarbonisation and fuel efficiency by completing its first wind-assisted propulsion retrofit, as reported by The Maritime Telegraph. The project marks the debut installation of bound4blue’s eSAIL technology on the medium-range tanker Maersk Trieste, under a wider agreement aimed at cutting fuel use and emissions across the fleet.
Seafarer abandonment climbed to an unprecedented level in 2025, leaving 6,223 crew members stranded aboard 410 vessels worldwide, as reported by The Maritime Telegraph. The figures confirm that the problem is no longer episodic, but a persistent and worsening feature of global shipping.
A potential 25 percent US tariff on Chinese goods has emerged as a key tool in Washington’s effort to increase pressure on Tehran, reports Maritime Executive. The move would target all countries maintaining trade ties with Iran, but China stands at the center of the policy due to its dominant role in Iranian commerce.
Eastern Pacific Shipping has expanded its newbuilding programme by adding another capesize bulker order, strengthening its presence at Chinese shipyards amid continued demand for large dry bulk tonnage, as reported by Splash 247.
According to NextShip, U.S. President Donald Trump has announced plans to develop a new Trump-class battleship, which he described as the future flagship of a renewed U.S. Navy fleet. The administration is considering large-scale orders and aims to accelerate construction timelines.
NextShip.net reports that in 2026 shipping will focus on practical decisions rather than bold decarbonisation targets. After 2025, the industry still struggles with high climate goals, limited fuel supply, and uneven rules. Shipowners will need to manage short-term compliance, costs, and fragmented policies. IMO’s net-zero plans remain, but timelines are slipping.
According to Splash 247, London-based shipping company Zodiac Maritime has initiated a major fleet renewal worth around $1.6 bn, placing fresh orders for large tankers and containerships in China.
Global container shipping company A.P. Moller-Maersk has reflagged two vessels under the Indian registry, becoming the second major carrier after CMA CGM to do so, Maritime Executive reports. The move signals Maersk’s deepening commitment to India, where it plans to invest up to $5 billion in logistics and infrastructure.
A new global initiative, Carbon Measures, has brought together leading shipping companies, ports, and major charterers to create a more accurate carbon accounting framework, Splash 247 reports. The coalition aims to improve emissions tracking and promote market-based solutions to cut carbon at the lowest cost.
The age of autonomous shipping is no longer a distant vision – it’s set to begin as early as 2026, according to Konstantinos Kyriakopoulos, CEO and co-founder of DeepSea Technologies, one of the maritime industry’s most recognized AI innovators. In an interview with Maritime CEO, reported by Splash 247, Kyriakopoulos predicted that next year will mark the takeoff of propulsion automation.
Two prominent Greek shipowners, Eastmed and Seanergy Maritime, are deepening their cooperation with Chinese shipyards. Hengli Heavy Industries continues to expand its growing orderbook with European tonnage. According to Splash 247, the Dalian-based yard has secured contracts worth approximately $211 million for five new bulk carriers from the two companies.
The Ukrainian icebreaker Noosfera has set sail from Cape Town, South Africa, marking the start of its fifth Antarctic expedition, reports The Maritime Telegraph, citing the National Antarctic Scientific Center (NASC). Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Noosfera has served as Ukraine’s vital link to the Akademik Vernadsky Station in Antarctica.
