Korean oil tanker clears Red Sea in first since Hormuz blockade
Korean oil tanker clears Red Sea in first since Hormuz blockade
in
International Shipping News
17/04/2026
A Korean ship carrying crude oil safely passed through the Red Sea, the country’s first successful use of the bypass route to the effectively blockaded Strait of Hormuz, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries said Friday.
The vessel loaded crude oil at Yanbu, a Saudi Arabian port on the Red Sea.
While the Red Sea serves as an alternative route to the Strait of Hormuz, the waterway is also threatened by the Iran-backed Yemen Houthis.
The Ministry has been monitoring the situation in real time to ensure the safety of the vessel. It also provided safety information and operated a live communication channel with the ship.
The news signifies a success for the Korean government’s attempt to stabilize crude supply from the Middle East amid continuing uncertainties stemming from the Iran war, according to the Oceans Ministry.
“We will continue to do our utmost so that crude shipments to Kore
DNV and Equinor introduce the Event Learning Taxonomy CLUE to improve incident understanding for industry
DNV and Equinor introduce the Event Learning Taxonomy CLUE to improve incident understanding for industry
in
International Shipping News
17/04/2026
DNV, the independent energy expert and assurance provider, in collaboration with the international energy company Equinor, has introduced a new incident taxonomy that helps organizations improve how they classify, understand, and learn from incidents. The taxonomy, called Event Learning Taxonomy CLUE, uses neutral language, fewer categories, and a systems-based approach to strengthen learning and reduce bias.
Many organizations rely on incident reporting systems to identify risk and support learning. However, existing taxonomies often use deficit‑based language that encourages hindsight bias and individual blame.
Shipping Industry Pushes Back on ‘Open’ Hormuz Narrative as Risks Persist
A bird flies near the Jag Vasant vessel transferring LPG at a port after transiting the Strait of Hormuz amid supply disruptions linked to the U.S-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Mumbai, India, April 1, 2026. REUTERS/Francis Mascarenhas
Shipping Industry Pushes Back on ‘Open’ Hormuz Narrative as Risks Persist
Mike Schuler
Total Views: 1
April 17, 2026
The global shipping industry is urging caution after declarations from both Washington and Tehran that the Strait of Hormuz is “open,” warning that conditions on the water remain far from normal.
Today’s messaging that the Strait of Hormuz
originates from Tehran
, which declared the Strait open to commercial shipping explicitly “in line with the ceasefire in Lebanon,” and statements made by President Trump. “[The] Strait of Iran is fully open and ready for full passage,” Trump posted to social media in an apparent reference to Hormuz.
However, Iran’s own statement makes clear that vessels are expected to follow a designated “coordinated ro
Aygaz orders two more VLGCs from HD Hyundai
Turkish LPG distributor Aygaz has expanded its deepsea gas shipping fleet with two additional dual-fuel VLGCs ordered from HD Hyundai Heavy Industries.
EU’s employment rate grew above 76% in 2025
EU’s employment rate grew above 76% in 2025
in
World Economy News
17/04/2026
In 2025, 76.1% (197.7 million people) of the EU’s 20 to 64-year-olds were employed, the highest share recorded since the start of the time series in 2009. The employment rate was up 0.3 percentage points (pp) compared with 2024 and 0.8 pp compared with 2023.
Among EU countries, the highest employment rates were recorded in Malta (83.6%), the Netherlands (83.4%) and Czechia (82.9%). The lowest rates were recorded in Italy (67.6%), Romania (69.0%) and Greece (71.0%).
This information comes from the data on the labour market published today by Eurostat.
Himalaya Shipping locks in new premium charter for Mount Emai
Oslo-listed Himalaya Shipping has secured a 12-to-14-month index-linked charter for its LNG dual-fuel newcastlemax Mount Emai.
Europe Moves From Rhetoric to Planning as Paris Summit Weighs Hormuz Security Mission
A CMA CGM containership transits the South Red Sea under escort by a EUNAVFOR warship. Photo courtesy Operation ASPIDES
Europe Moves From Rhetoric to Planning as Paris Summit Weighs Hormuz Security Mission
Paul Morgan
Total Views: 0
April 17, 2026
By Paul Morgan (gCaptain) – The prospect of a multinational mission to secure commercial shipping through the
Strait of Hormuz
has moved sharply up the diplomatic agenda after European leaders gathered in Paris today, even as Iran and the United States
declare the waterway “open” following a ceasefire
tied to Lebanon.
Chaired jointly by Emmanuel Macron and Keir Starmer, the meeting brought together representatives from around 40 countries in what is now the clearest sign yet that Europe is preparing for a post-conflict maritime stabilisation operation. Leaders or senior representatives from Germany, Italy and a wider coalition from Europe, Asia and the Middle East were expected to participate, with some attending virtually.
For shipping marke
Iran and Trump Declare Hormuz ‘Open,’ But Route and U.S. Blockade Cloud Reality
Luojiashan tanker sits anchored in Muscat, as Iran vows to close the Strait of Hormuz, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Muscat, Oman, March 7, 2026. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier
Iran and Trump Declare Hormuz ‘Open,’ But Route and U.S. Blockade Cloud Reality
Mike Schuler
Total Views: 0
April 17, 2026
Iran has declared the Strait of Hormuz open to commercial shipping following the ceasefire in Lebanon, but the terms of that reopening—and how it interacts with ongoing U.S.
Fincantieri Lands First U.S. Navy LSM Contract as Program Moves Toward Construction
The Damen Landing Ship Transport 100 (LST100) design will be the basis of the U.S. Navy’s Medium Landing Ship.
Fincantieri Lands First U.S. Navy LSM Contract as Program Moves Toward Construction
Mike Schuler
Total Views: 0
April 15, 2026
Fincantieri has secured its first U.S.
Ernst Russ AG Acquires Four Intermediate-Class Tanker Newbuildings
Ernst Russ AG Acquires Four Intermediate-Class Tanker Newbuildings
in
International Shipping News
15/04/2026
Ernst Russ AG continues its strategic growth course: the Hamburg-based shipowner has entered into an agreement to acquire four modern IMO Type II chemical/product tankers of the Intermediate class (18,500 dwt) – with all four vessels secured under fixed charters of at least five years from delivery. The charter backlog of the Ernst Russ Group increases by approximately USD 126 m.
The four newbuildings, built at Wuhu Shipyard Co., Ltd., China, feature a technical specification that clearly positions them in the premium segment:
Twelve tanks with high-quality MarineLINE coating enable the transport of a broad range of cargo including vegetable oils, petroleum products and chemicals
The methanol-ready design ensures high ESG compliance and long-term viability of the four vessels
Ice Class 1B and Great Lakes capability provide access to niche markets with attractive rate structures