05 JAN 2026 China’s effort to adapt merchant ships into naval assets gained attention last month when a Chinese container feeder, the otherwise-unassuming Zhong Da 79, moored in downtown Shanghai with 60 missile launch tubes on deck. The quad-pack containerized launchers suggested a new ability to turn a normal boxship …
Read More »A RUSTING OIL TANKER AND A CAN OF PAINT HAVE JUST SPARKED THE MOST SURREAL MARITIME STANDOFF OF THE DECADE.
03 JAN 2026 For nearly two weeks, American forces have been shadowing the VLCC formerly known as Bella 1 across the Atlantic Ocean. The vessel’s crew, facing seizure by the US Coast Guard, pulled what might be history’s most audacious maritime escape maneuver: they grabbed some paint, slapped a Russian …
Read More »U.S. SHATTERS LNG EXPORT RECORD, BECOMES FIRST NATION TO TOP 100 MILLION TONS
02 JAN 2026 The U.S. in 2025 became the first country to export more than 100 million metric tons (mmt) of liquefied natural gas in a single year, powered by the startup of production from new plants, preliminary data from LSEG showed. The world’s largest LNG exporter sold 111 mmt of the fuel, …
Read More »HONG KONG COURT SENTENCES OIL TANKER CAPTAIN TO JAIL FOR POOR SEAMANSHIP
01 JAN 2026 A court in Hong Kong sentenced the master of a Chinese-registered oil tanker to 14 months in jail after he pleaded guilty to one count of endangering the safety of others at sea. The judge said the captain’s actions were “obviously too slow,” and it resulted in …
Read More »KIDNAPPED LPG CARRIER CREW RELEASED FROM CAPTIVITY IN WEST AFRICA
30 DEC 2025 The nine members of the crew aboard the LPG gas carrier CGAS Saturn have been released and are reported to be safe after their ordeal in West Africa. The owner of the vessel, Christiania Gas, announced on December 29 that the crew was released and being repatriated. …
Read More »OVER 50% OF HEART ATTACKS IN YOUNGER WOMEN AREN’T FROM CLOGGED ARTERIES
29 DEC 2025 Traditionally, most heart attacks have been blamed on clogged arteries causing atherothrombosis – where blood clots block flow to the heart. But research suggests we may be underestimating the role of other causes, particularly in younger adults. Scientists from the Mayo Clinic in the US analyzed 1,474 …
Read More »A DISTINCT NEW TYPE OF DIABETES IS OFFICIALLY RECOGNIZED
28 DEC 2025 This year, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) officially recognized a fifth form of diabetes, after decades of controversy. It’s now urging other health authorities, like the World Health Organization (WHO), to follow suit. Type 5 diabetes is rarely discussed or researched, and yet it is thought to …
Read More »‘SCRAPPED’ TANKER RISES FROM THE DEAD: INSIDE VENEZUELA’S EXPANDING ZOMBIE FLEET
27 DEC 2025 A 27-year-old crude tanker that was supposedly scrapped in 2021 is due to reach Venezuela late this week, according to ship-tracking data, in the latest example of how the South American country keeps its embattled oil industry alive. The tanker identifying itself as Freesia I is likely …
Read More »IRAN SEIZES ANOTHER TANKER ACCUSED OF FUEL SMUGGLING
26 DEC 2025 Iranian officials announced the seizure of an unidentified tanker, which they claimed was smuggling fuel. They are calling this latest interception a “significant blow” to the ongoing problem of fuel smuggling in the region. The unnamed vessel was reportedly stopped by the Iranian forces in the area …
Read More »CMA CGM SENDS ULCV THROUGH SUEZ CANAL AS 2026 TRAFFIC RETURN IS PREDICTED
23 DEC 2025 The Suez Canal Authority is highlighting what it is calling a “new phase in the return of containerships” as it marked the first transits in two years by ultra-large vessels. Today, December 23, was a milestone for the Suez Canal as two of CMA’s large vessels passed …
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