Davie Defense Finalizes $3.5 Billion U.S. Coast Guard Arctic Security Cutter Deal

A rendering of a future Arctic Security Cutter awarded to Davie Defense, part of the U.S. Coast Guard’s expanded icebreaker fleet, operating in polar waters as Washington moves to close the U.S. Davie Defense Image
Davie Defense Finalizes $3.5 Billion U.S.
Coal demand in April rises in line with our expectations

Coal demand in April rises in line with our expectations
in
Dry Bulk Market
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International Shipping News
14/05/2026
The war in Iran and subsequent constriction of energy commodity flows appear to have been supportive of coal demand, as flows in April rise y/y for only the second time in 2026 so far.
Global seaborne coal flows increased by 6% y/y in April 2026.
Coal flows to China and India decreased by over 13% in April 2026.
The increase was driven by flows to Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Vietnam, which saw combined flows increase by 22% y/y in April 2026.
The disruption of energy commodity flows from the Gulf, particularly LNG, has led large energy-consuming nations to seek coal to secure power requirements.
Signal Ocean recorded global seaborne coal flows at 115mt in April 2026, up 6% y/y, marking only the second month in 2026 so far that coal flows have seen a y/y increase. This rise came despite the two largest coal importers, China and India, both seeing declines of 16% and
Hormuz LNG breakthrough: Four LNGCs eye the exit

Hormuz LNG breakthrough: Four LNGCs eye the exit
in
International Shipping News
14/05/2026
O
n 11 May, Al Kharaitiyat broke through Hormuz, heading for Port Qasim — the first Qatari LNGC to test supply resumption. The Q-flex LNGC loaded the cargo at Qatar’s Ras Laffan, igniting the discussions over supply resumption through the Strait of Hormuz.
Four more LNGCs eye the exit – LNGC Mizhem could reach Pakistan by 13 May
As of 11 May, 13 LNGCs remain inside the Strait of Hormuz, according to Drewry AIS, among which four laden LNGCs, including Disha, Patris, Mihzem and Al Daayen, have been showing patterns similar to those observed by Al Kharaitiyat – first loading at Ras Laffan, followed by AIS spoofing and exiting the Strait.
The similar trails suggest that more LNGCs are likely preparing to exit the Gulf. Among the four LNGCs, Mihzem could be the next to pass the Strait and reach Pakistan thereafter by 12 May 2026.
While two Adnoc LNGCs (One laden and one ballast) have exited the Strait
MEPC84 – Approval for a New Emission Control Area
MEPC84 – Approval for a New Emission Control Area
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International Shipping News
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Shipping: Emission Possible
14/05/2026
The recent International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO), Maritime Environmental Protection Committee (MEPC) meeting in London, had its main focus on setting binding greenhouse gas emission reduction targets for the global shipping sector. In keeping with the Committee’s continuing drive to decarbonise shipping and reduce the pollutant emissions from the global fleet, one major outcome from the MEPC-84 meeting was the approval of a new emission control area (ECA) covering the North East Atlantic Ocean, with agreements reached on adopted amendments to MARPOL Annex VI.
This new ECA, which will become the world’s largest emission control area, will be implemented on 1st September 2027, with the ECA requirements taking effect on 1st September 2028. It will cover the territorial seas and exclusive economic zones of Greenland, Iceland, the Faroe Islands, Ireland, the United
Hormuz oil shock tilts shipping towards alternative fuels
Hormuz oil shock tilts shipping towards alternative fuels
in
International Shipping News
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Shipping: Emission Possible
14/05/2026
A
lternative fuels more attractive now as oil shoots higher
The Middle East conflict and blockade of the Strait of Hormuz have disrupted oil supply and pushed shipping fuel prices, like marine gas oil (MGO), sharply higher. In this environment, fuel strategy is no longer just about cost, but also about securing supply and managing price risks. At the same time, higher prices and greater uncertainty are shifting the relative economics of alternative fuels, even as regulatory progress has slowed with the delayed introduction of a global carbon price under the IMO’s Net Zero Framework.
Prices for Marine Gas Oil spiked due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz
Our modelling shows how the costs and economics of renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBOs) – also called synthetic or e-fuels – change in a high oil price scenario, from a Northwest European per
Ship Recycling Markets Remain Firm With Bangladesh Leading
Ship Recycling Markets Remain Firm With Bangladesh Leading
in
Hellenic Shipping News
14/05/2026
D
espite challenging overall conditions, the ship recycling markets remained firm, with a clear edge from Bangladeshi recyclers. In its latest weekly report, Best Oasis (
www.best-oasis.com
), a leading cash buyer of ships, said that “the Indian local market remains good, with overall sentiment holding steady. However, the exchange rate remains very high, restricting India’s ability to compete with Bangladesh and Pakistan on regular tonnage.
Severe weather and Middle East conflict: Hapag-Lloyd Q1 result unsatisfactory

Severe weather and Middle East conflict: Hapag-Lloyd Q1 result unsatisfactory
in
International Shipping News
14/05/2026
Hapag-Lloyd has concluded the first quarter of 2026 with a Group EBITDA of USD 494 million (EUR 422 million). In the same period, the Group EBIT declined to USD -157 million (EUR -134 million) and the Group profit to USD -256 million (EUR -219 million). Compared with the same quarter of the previous year, earnings were impacted by lower freight rates and operational disruptions as a result of severe weather conditions and the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz.
In the Liner Shipping segment, revenues decreased to USD 4.8 billion (EUR 4.1 billion), primarily due to the lower average freight rate of USD 1,330/TEU (Q1 2025: USD 1,471/TEU).
ENGINE: Europe & Africa Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook

ENGINE: Europe & Africa Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook
in
International Shipping News
14/05/2026
Northwest Europe
Availability of all bunker fuel grades is stable in the ARA hub, with buyers advised to book around 4-5 days ahead to get good coverage from suppliers, a trader said.
The ARA’s independently held fuel oil stocks have averaged 4% lower in May so far than in April, according to Insights Global data. The region’s independent gasoil inventories – which include diesel and heating oil – have averaged 7% lower this month. Gasoil stocks are at their lowest since December 2023.
In Germany’s Hamburg, suppliers require around five days of lead time to arrange deliveries of any fuel grade, a trader told ENGINE.
Off Denmark’s Skaw and in Sweden’s Gothenburg, buyers require around 10 days of notice for delivery of any fuel grade, according to a trader.
Mediterranean
Bunker availability is tight for prompt delivery dates in the Gibraltar Strait ports, a trader said.
Anemoi Marine Technologies: Wind-powered cargo ship proves itself after eight years at sea

Anemoi Marine Technologies: Wind-powered cargo ship proves itself after eight years at sea
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International Shipping News
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Shipping: Emission Possible
14/05/2026
A cargo ship fitted with modern “Rotor Sails” has completed eight years of commercial operations with no major structural or operational issues, in what industry experts say is a landmark moment for wind powered shipping.
The bulk carrier M/V Afros, one of the world’s first commercial ships equipped with modern wind propulsion technology, has now completed more than 150 voyages since entering service in 2018. A recent scheduled dry dock inspection found the vessel’s four Rotor Sails remained in strong operating condition after nearly a decade at sea.
The technology, developed by UK-based Anemoi Marine Technologies, uses rotating vertical cylinders to harness wind power and reduce engine demand, cutting fuel consumption and emissions.
According to operational data reviewed during the vessel’s latest service inspection, the sys
European natural gas prices dip amid Hormuz shipping reports, Trump’s China visit
European natural gas prices dip amid Hormuz shipping reports, Trump’s China visit
in
General Energy News
14/05/2026
European natural gas prices were slightly lower on Wednesday, with media reports suggesting that a few shipments have been allowed to transit the Strait of Hormuz.
By 09:39 ET (13:39 GMT), the benchmark Dutch front-month contract at the TTF hub had fallen by 0.6% to 46.440 euros per megawatt hour, according to Intercontinental Exchange data.
Two tankers carrying Qatari liquefied natural gas were on course for Pakistan after having bypassed the narrow waterway off of Iran’s southern coast in recent days, Reuters reported. Iran and Pakistan are said to have notched a bilateral energy deal, in a possible sign of Tehran’s control over the strait.
Restarting flows through the strait is crucial for Europe, which imports LNG that passes through the region. Gas storage sites in Europe were last 35.6% full, Reuters reported, versus roughly 42.8% the same time last year and below l