Coastal and Inland News

Tanco Terminals is expanding its liquid barge facility at the Ports of Indiana–Jeffersonville to meet rising demand for blended fertilizers across southern Indiana and northern Kentucky.The $750,000 expansion includes two new 45,000-gallon tanks designed to support regional cooperative Premier Ag, which is the customer of Tanco Terminals. The tanks will enable on-demand blending of fertilizer additives tailored to local soil conditions, a capability expected to increase throughput…

Tanco Terminals is expanding its liquid barge facility at the Ports of Indiana–Jeffersonville to meet rising demand for blended fertilizers across southern Indiana and northern Kentucky.The $750,000 expansion includes two new 45,000-gallon tanks designed to support regional cooperative Premier Ag, which is the customer of Tanco Terminals. The tanks will enable on-demand blending of fertilizer additives tailored to local soil conditions, a capability expected to increase throughput and improve service to farmers.“This expansion is about more than just infrastructure - it’s about aligning with the needs of our customers and the market.

Italy's antitrust regulator said on Friday that Shipping Agencies Services (SAS), a unit of maritime group MSC, would drop its acquisition of a 49% stake in ferry operator Moby after the watchdog opened a probe into alleged restriction of competition.Moby, majority-owned by Onorato Armatori group, runs ferries linking Italy's mainland to tourist islands such as Sardinia and Corsica.The Italian authority, which opened an investigation into the acquisition last year, said the deal could have weakened competition on routes where Moby and ferry company Grandi Navi Veloci (GNV), controlled by SAS,

Columbia River Pilots is an association of independent pilots, a unique organization that uses a network of pilots and independent boats to manage a long stretch of river in the U.S. Pacific Northwest. Capt. Jeremy Nielsen serves as President, Columbia River Pilots, and in addressing the challenges his organization faces, leading the list are the maritime megatrend that sees vessel size outpacing infrastructure along the river, from bridge clearance to dockage; as well as the maritime industry's legislated drive for decarbonization…

Columbia River Pilots is an association of independent pilots, a unique organization that uses a network of pilots and independent boats to manage a long stretch of river in the U.S. Pacific Northwest. Capt. Jeremy Nielsen serves as President, Columbia River Pilots, and in addressing the challenges his organization faces, leading the list are the maritime megatrend that sees vessel size outpacing infrastructure along the river, from bridge clearance to dockage; as well as the maritime industry's legislated drive for decarbonization, specifically the role of new maritime fuels and the potential for unintended consequences, including mechanical failure.When Captain Jeremy Nielsen says the Columbia River Pilots have “one of the longer routes out there,” it’s an understatement.

The backers of a proposed 800-mile (1,287 km) gas pipeline in Alaska championed by U.S. President Donald Trump expect to complete a key engineering and cost study by the end of this year, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said on Monday.The ambitious proposal to transport gas from Alaska's far north to the Gulf of Alaska has been talked about for decades but has received new impetus under Trump, who has sought to boost U.S. development of fossil fuels.The pipeline is a joint venture between U.S.

The Houston Ship Channel is one of the nation’s busiest and most vibrant shipping lanes, a key corridor for energy and chemicals. Keeping operations running smoothly involves the Houston Pilots, facilitating more than 20,000 vessel assists each year. Clint Winegar, Presiding Officer, Houston Pilots, discusses the organization in the round, explaining how the Houston operation remains one of three in the country that still utilizes station boat. With Maritime Reporter TV he breaks down the idiosyncrasies of the operations…

The Houston Ship Channel is one of the nation’s busiest and most vibrant shipping lanes, a key corridor for energy and chemicals. Keeping operations running smoothly involves the Houston Pilots, facilitating more than 20,000 vessel assists each year. Clint Winegar, Presiding Officer, Houston Pilots, discusses the organization in the round, explaining how the Houston operation remains one of three in the country that still utilizes station boat. With Maritime Reporter TV he breaks down the idiosyncrasies of the operations, including insights on the boats, the tech and the people that keep one of the world’s busier waterways humming along safely and efficiently.When it comes to sheer volume, few waterways on earth compare to the Houston Ship Channel.

In a year marked by uncertainty, the dredging industry remains resilient, adapting to evolving challenges with steady progress.As we look toward 2026, the outlook for dredging services and equipment remains strong, with the market projected to rise from $8.9 billion to $9.3 billion—a 4.5% year-over-year improvement.Yet, as demand grows and expectations shift, industry operators must ask a more nuanced question: should they invest in brand-new equipment or retrofit existing assets?This decision is rarely straightforward; rather, it’s shaped by a multitude of practical considerations.

China's sanctions on U.S.-linked units of shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean threaten to impact ambitious plans for shipbuilding cooperation between Seoul and Washington by disrupting supplies of Chinese equipment and materials, officials in Seoul said on Friday.Beijing announced the sanctions on Tuesday as the U.S. and China began charging additional port fees on each other's vessels, in the latest exchange in a protracted trade war ahead of a planned meeting of the two countries' leaders.South…

igus, a leading global manufacturer of motion plastics, was presented with the “Maritime Innovator of the Year” award for its igus Mobile Shore Power Outlet (iMSPO) family of products. The honor was bestowed on October 7 during the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) conference held in Quebec. The igus Mobile Shore Power Outlet (iMSPO) is designed to overcome the infrastructure limitations and evolving operational challenges facing modern ports. As shipping alliances shift and vessel sizes increase…

Cavotec has successfully delivered and commissioned three MoorMaster automated mooring systems at the Iroquois Lock in Ontario, Canada. The systems were officially handed over to the Saint Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC) on June 30, 2025.With this latest installation, Cavotec’s MoorMaster systems support vessel transit at nearly all locks of the St. Lawrence Seaway, with only Lock 8 in the Welland Canal remaining to be equipped in 2026. The new systems at the Iroquois Lock will contribute to operational benefits…

Ports across the U.S. are learning a critical lesson: depending solely on government grants or an increasingly unstable electric grid is no longer enough to keep operations running smoothly. There’s a smarter, more cost-effective solution already proving its worth on the ground - propane.The exclusive webinar ‘Power & Performance at the Port: How Propane Moves Maritime Operations Forward’ - to be held October 16, 2025, at 11.00 AM ET - will bring together energy and maritime specialists…

Ports across the U.S. are learning a critical lesson: depending solely on government grants or an increasingly unstable electric grid is no longer enough to keep operations running smoothly. There’s a smarter, more cost-effective solution already proving its worth on the ground - propane.The exclusive webinar ‘Power & Performance at the Port: How Propane Moves Maritime Operations Forward’ - to be held October 16, 2025, at 11.00 AM ET - will bring together energy and maritime specialists to talk about propane and its transformational role in port operations.Featuring industry experts - Jim Bunsey, Senior Manager for Business Development…

China announced sanctions on Tuesday against five U.S.-linked subsidiaries of South Korean shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean amid trade tensions between the world's two largest economies, sending the company's shares sharply lower.The move, announced by the Chinese commerce ministry, comes on the day that China and the U.S. implement additional port fees targeting each others' vessels, although China has exempted ships it built.Organisations and individuals within China are prohibited from engaging in any transactions…

The U.S. and China on Tuesday began charging additional port fees on ocean shipping firms that move everything from holiday toys to crude oil, making the high seas a key front in the trade war between the world's two largest economies.A return to an all-out trade war appeared imminent last week, after China announced a major expansion of its rare earths export controls and President Donald Trump threatened to raise tariffs on Chinese goods to triple digits.But after the weekend…

Click HERE to sign up for the October 16, 2025 webinar Power & Performance at the Port: See How Propane Moves Maritime Operations ForwardTrade has been a rollercoaster recently. Between the unpredictability of tariffs and uncertain economic outlooks, ports have faced big swings in trade volume as well as pressure to do more with less. Operational efficiency and cost control are critical, which is why propane continues to emerge as a cost-effective, dependable energy solution that…

Vessels owned or operated by U.S. firms and individuals, or those built in the United States or that fly the U.S. flag, will be charged additional port fees per voyage starting on Tuesday, China's transport ministry said.The fees are a countermeasure against upcoming U.S. port fees on Chinese ships, the ministry said on Friday.Also starting on October 14, ships built in China - or operated or owned by Chinese entities - will need to pay a fee at their first port of call in the United States.

HGK Shipping celebrated the naming ceremony for the gas tanker, “GAS 96”, in Rotterdam on October 9, 2025. This is the third gas tanker that combines optimization for operations in shallow waters with a diesel-electric “future-fuel-ready” drive system for Europe’s largest inland waterway shipping company.The “GAS 96” will operate on the Rhine routes between Rotterdam, Antwerp and Cologne with immediate effect and transport gases that have been liquefied under pressure for the chemicals group, LyondellBasell (LYB).

Vessels owned or operated by U.S. firms and individuals - or those built in the United States or that fly the U.S. flag - will be charged additional port fees per voyage starting on October 14, China's transport ministry said.The fees are a counter-measure against upcoming U.S. port fees on Chinese ships, the ministry said on Friday.Also starting on October 14, ships built in China - or operated or owned by Chinese entities - will need to pay a fee at their first port of call in the United States.

Concordia Damen, a Werkendam-based shipbuilder, has commenced construction of a new River Cruise vessel for Century Cruises, one of China’s leading river cruise operators. The vessel has been developed in partnership with United Waterways, and marks Century Cruises’ official entry into the European river cruise market.The hull of the vessel, to be named Century Star, has recently arrived at Concordia Damen’s yard in Werkendam for outfitting. Delivery is scheduled for June 2026.

ADNOC Logistics & Services (ADNOC L&S) and TA’ZIZ have signed a 50-year strategic agreement to establish United Arab Emirate’s first dedicated chemicals port at the TA’ZIZ Industrial Chemicals Zone in Al Ruwais, supporting the country’s industrialization and chemicals expansion goals.Under the agreement, ADNOC L&S will build, own and operate the $300 million port, while TA’ZIZ will use the facility to export chemicals and derivatives efficiently. Scheduled for completion in the fourth quarter of 2026…

ADNOC Logistics & Services (ADNOC L&S) and TA’ZIZ have signed a 50-year strategic agreement to establish United Arab Emirate’s first dedicated chemicals port at the TA’ZIZ Industrial Chemicals Zone in Al Ruwais, supporting the country’s industrialization and chemicals expansion goals.Under the agreement, ADNOC L&S will build, own and operate the $300 million port, while TA’ZIZ will use the facility to export chemicals and derivatives efficiently. Scheduled for completion in the fourth quarter of 2026, the port is expected to generate more than $1.3 billion in revenue for ADNOC L&S over the first 27 years.The port will feature shore-to-ship power connections to the local clean energy grid…

The Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD) and the International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH) have signed a two-year partnership agreement aimed at accelerating the decarbonization of the maritime sector.IAPH has a global port network comprising more than 200 port authorities and operators in over 85 countries. Together, GCMD and IAPH aim to strengthen the industry’s readiness for shipping’s fuel transition by tackling challenges and seizing opportunities in advancing alternative fuels bunkering…

In a recent sustainable fuel panel discussion, I once again found my self sucked into the sustainable fuel chicken and egg conundrum.I have discussed it before; shipowners will not buy ships that use a fuel for which no viable supply chain exists and fuel suppliers will not develop supply chains for which no buyers exist.In general, it is very difficult to break a chicken and egg conundrum, except through a direct directive or through, often very large, subsidies.Often direct directives leave the problem solution to the market.

The U.S. is one week away from imposing port fees on certain vessels with links to China, a move expected to cost the top 10 carriers $3.2 billion next year as President Donald Trump seeks to address China's growing dominance on the high seas."While some observers believe the October 14 deadline may be extended - or even scrapped - as part of broader negotiations, the uncertainty has already unsettled carriers, adding another layer of geopolitical risk to fleet deployment strategies…

The U.S. is one week away from imposing port fees on certain vessels with links to China, a move expected to cost the top 10 carriers $3.2 billion next year as President Donald Trump seeks to address China's growing dominance on the high seas."While some observers believe the October 14 deadline may be extended — or even scrapped — as part of broader negotiations, the uncertainty has already unsettled carriers, adding another layer of geopolitical risk to fleet deployment strategies…

Shipments of iron ore from U.S. ports on the Great Lakes decreased 14.2 percent from 2024 to 4.7 million tons in September. Shipments were below the month’s 5-year average by 7.4 percent.Year-to-date, the iron ore trade stands at 31.4 million tons, a 14 percent decrease compared to last year. Through September, iron ore loadings are 6.6 percent below their 5-year average for the first three quarters of the year.Since 1880, Lake Carriers’ has represented the U.S.-flag Great Lakes fleet…

St. Johns Ship Building, a Jones Act shipyard and a subsidiary of Americraft Marine, has been awarded a new contract by Johnson Bros. Corporation, a Southland Company, for the construction of three 140’ x 40’ x 8’ steel material deck barges with spud wells.All fabrication and assembly work will be performed at St. Johns Ship Building’s Palatka, Florida facility. The project further accelerates the shipyard’s growth, following multiple recent vessel deliveries and new contract awards from both commercial and government customers.This contract also supports St.

A consortium led by Keppel Ltd. has been appointed by the Energy Market Authority (EMA) and Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) to conduct the next phase of the project to develop a low- or zero-carbon ammonia solution on Jurong Island, Singapore for power generation and bunkering.The appointment follows EMA and MPA’s Request for Proposal (RFP) process, where Keppel and its consortium partners, Sumitomo Corporation, and Advario, conducted a preliminary front-end engineering…

Hardik Gajjar, ENV SP, has joined HDR as maritime planning lead for the firm’s growing ports and maritime practice. Based in New Jersey, Gajjar will leverage his experience in maritime and intermodal planning to support port owners and operators around the globe as they pursue more efficient operations and smart infrastructure development.“It’s an honor to join one of the best ports and maritime firms in the industry,” Gajjar said. “I’m looking forward to leveraging HDR’s outstanding cross-sector collaboration to help clients as they assess the impact of emerging trends such as automation…

Ecuadorian activist María Chóez, a vocal advocate for the families of missing tuna fishers, has been murdered.According to witnesses cited by NGO Human Rights at Sea, the 48-year-old was shot in the head by occupants of a vehicle on September 25 in Manta, Ecuador.She was reported as being a family member of one of the 21 fishermen from the Patricia Lynn tuna vessel that went missing on December 22, 2024. She had been a vocal advocate about the case.María's assassination underscores the increasing impunity faced by those people who legitimately challenge abuses…

Shipments of limestone on the Great Lakes totaled 3.3 million tons in September, a decrease of 11.5% compared to 2024.  Limestone cargos were also below the month’s five-year average by 6%.Loadings from U.S. quarries decreased 13.5% from last year to 2.7 million tons.  Shipments from Canadian quarries totaled 663,144 tons, a decrease of 2.3%.Year-to-date, the limestone trade stands at 19.6 million tons, a decrease of 5.8% compared to 2024.  Loadings from Michigan and Ohio quarries decreased 4.2% to 16 million tons; while shipments from Ontario quarries decreased by 12.3% to 3.6 million tons.

The EU Commissioner for Animal Welfare Olivér Várhelyi has responded to a letter from animal welfare NGOs about the plight of calves transported by truck on ferries from Ireland to the EU.The letter detailed three separate studies which found that the calves were negatively impacted, suffering from dehydration, muscle fatigue, low energy, and hypoglycaemia.The Commissioner invited the NGOs to a meeting which was attended by Caroline Rowley from Ethical Farming Ireland (EFI) and…

The Port of Philadelphia - PhilaPort has acquired the Mustin Yard from Norfolk Southern Corporation, deemed as one of the critical assets for the port’s future growth.Located adjacent to PhilaPort’s SouthPort Marine Terminal, the 152-acre Mustin Yard represents the last available land at the nexus of deep water, rail, and highway access.The acquisition of Mustin Yard, which was originally part of the former Philadelphia Navy Yard, will allow PhilaPort to significantly expand its cargo handling capacity…

Sofar Ocean has launched Wayfinder Voyage Simulator, a voyage planning tool that lets operators, commercial teams and chartering desks generate and compare unlimited voyage scenarios in seconds, aiming to improve fleet efficiency and profitability.Part of Sofar’s Wayfinder platform, the simulator incorporates the company’s marine weather forecasts, informed by what Sofar says is the largest private real-time ocean sensor network and ‘outperform traditional models by up to 50%’…

Energy services company Global Energy Group has rebranded as Global and unveiled plans to build a new 2,000 square meter headquarters in Inverness as part of its strategy to grow turnover from $400 million to $670 million within three years.Group companies, Global Port Services, Global Crane Services, Global Wind Projects, Global Infrastructure, and Global Power Services (formerly Approved Power Services) will each undergo a brand refresh to bring them in line with the new Global corporate identity.As part of the rebrand…

The US Coast Guard is moving forward with the acquisition of the new Waterways Commerce Cutter (WCC) class, designed to replace the legacy fleet of inland tenders and facilitate commerce vital to the nation’s economic security and strategic mobility.The service has ordered production of the first river buoy tender (WLR) and long lead time material (LLTM) for the second inland construction tender (WLIC), with construction to take place at Birdon America, Inc.’s shipyard in Bayou La Batre…

Singapore's Aster Chemicals and Energy is investing $125 million to upgrade its single buoy mooring and pipeline infrastructure near the Bukom refinery, aiming to restore direct crude deliveries and extend the facility's operational lifespan.The company said on Tuesday that the upgraded pipeline is projected to provide more than 20 years of reliable service.Other facilities are expected to continue operating normally during the upgrade, which targets completion in 2026, a spokesperson said in reply to a Reuters query.These engineering contracts were awarded to Allseas and DOF…

The Washington State Ferries (WSF) vessel Suquamish suffered a significant main engine casualty while operating on the Mukilteo/Clinton route last week causing the vessel to go out of service in the afternoon leaving one vessel in place to support the route.Unfortunately, this disruption occurred as many travelers were returning from one of the largest motorcycle gatherings in the Pacific Northwest, the 42nd Annual Oyster Run.To cover for the Suquamish, the Kitsap was moved to…

US ship agency company T. Parker Host (HOST) has acquired Impala Terminals Burnside (Impala Burnside), a bulk facility located in Burnside, LA, at Mile Marker 169 on the East Bank of the Lower Mississippi River.Effective immediately, the site will be renamed Ascension Bulk Terminal.Encompassing 230 acres—190 of which are available for future development—Ascension Bulk Terminal is a multipurpose facility positioned to support both current operations and long-term growth along the Lower Mississippi River.

Ulsan Port Authority (UPA) has completed Korea’s first methanol bunkering for a dual-fuel bulk carrier at Ulsan Port.The STS for a bulk carrier, conducted on September 28, 2025, follows Ulsan Port’s world-first successful methanol bunkering demonstrations for container ships (PTS/STS) in 2023-2024.With the latest achievement, Ulsan Port has expanded its bunkering track record from container ships to bulk carriers.The operation was conducted for Green Future, a methanol dual-fuel bulk carrier chartered by NYK Bulk & Projects Carriers…

Terminal operators in a major oil port in east China's Shandong province are set to introduce measures to ban shadow fleet vessels and curb visits by other old tankers, according to an official notice seen by Reuters and a tanker tracker.The measures, to take effect from November 1, would ban vessels using fake IMO numbers and ships of 31 years or older, which traders said would target what is known as the shadow fleet that transports oil under Western sanctions.Four terminal operators at Huangdao Port last week issued the notice…

Terminal operators in a major oil port in east China's Shandong province are set to introduce measures to ban shadow fleet vessels and curb visits by other old tankers, according to an official notice seen by Reuters and a tanker tracker.The measures, to take effect from November 1, would ban vessels using fake International Maritime Organization numbers and ships of 31 years or older, which traders said would target what is known as the shadow fleet that transports oil under Western sanctions.Four terminal operators at Huangdao Port last week issued the notice…

Global shipping companies are moving full steam ahead with commercial vessel orders from Chinese shipyards, despite the U.S. targeting those ships with port fees aimed at countering China's maritime dominance, a new report from the Center for Strategic and International Studies showed.Chinese shipyards captured 53% of all global ship orders by tonnage during the first eight months of 2025, according to the CSIS analysis of S&P Global data released on Wednesday.That was on par with full-year 2023 levels before the U.S.