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
U.S. Turns Back Nine Ships as Iran Port Blockade Holds, Tankers Test Limits
Stock Photo: Garry2014 / Shutterstock
U.S. Turns Back Nine Ships as Iran Port Blockade Holds, Tankers Test Limits
Mike Schuler
Total Views: 85
April 15, 2026
The United States says its
maritime blockade
of Iranian ports is continuing to hold, with U.S. Central Command reporting that nine vessels have been turned back in the first 48 hours of enforcement and no ships have successfully entered or exited Iranian ports by sea.
In a statement, CENTCOM said the vessels “complied with direction from U.S.
BGN Signs JV With CCEC For First LNG Carrier, the AMORE MIO I
BGN Signs JV With CCEC For First LNG Carrier, the AMORE MIO I
in
International Shipping News
15/04/2026
BGN, the 6th largest independent energy and commodities trading group, has successfully signed a long-term vessel charter agreement with an affiliate of Capital Clean Energy Carriers (CCEC), a recognized leader in the global shipping industry.
Under the agreement, BGN has partnered with CCEC in a joint venture company, BM Capital LLC, for the long-term charter and operation of LNG vessel, the Amore Mio I. This is BGN’s first long-term ownership of an LNG vessel, in a deal comprising a charter period of 10 years, with the option to extend by a further 6-years.
The Amore Mio I is a 2-stroke 174,000 cbm LNG carrier equipped with onboard reliquefication, shaft generators and compliant with IMO Tier III emissions standards.
BGN Shipping Director Ozan Turgut said: “We are delighted to enter into this landmark agreement with CCEC. This is a major milestone for BGN as we continue to invest