Germany Germany resumes talks with Iran, Chancellor Friedrich Merz says Merz also said that the continued Israeli military campaign in Lebanon could jeopardise peace talks expected between the United States and Iran over the war in the Middle East. 09/04/2026
Iran Confusion reigns over Hormuz reopening as Iran issues new conditions Normal shipping in the Strait of Hormuz has not yet resumed as per the ceasefire deal, as Iran consolidates its hardline, unilateral position on lifting its blockade in apparent contradiction of the rollercoaster ceasefire deal. 09/04/2026
Business Greek and Liberian-flagged ships first to pass Hormuz since ceasefire A Greek-owned bulk carrier and a Liberian-flagged vessel seem to be the first ships through the Hormuz Strait since Wednesday's ceasefire, part of a fragile two-week truce. 08/04/2026
Economy Shipping companies seek clarity on Strait of Hormuz reopening Major shipping lines express cautious optimism over transit opportunities in the Strait of Hormuz after the US-Iran ceasefire was announced, but stress the urgent need for full clarity before any vessels move. 08/04/2026
Libya RFI Investigation: Ukrainian military in Libya and the strike on the Russian gas carrier Arctic Metagaz French journalists report the presence of more than 200 Ukrainian military specialists in Libya and their alleged involvement in the attack on the Arctic Metagaz vessel using a maritime drone. 04/04/2026
Business Ships seek Iranian clearance in Hormuz as insurance costs surge Surging insurance costs and tighter control over transit in the Strait of Hormuz are forcing shipowners to rethink voyages, with access increasingly shaped by risk, cost and coordination. 26/03/2026
Europe News Russian tanker drifting in the Mediterranean Sea may explode A Russian ship damaged by explosions has been drifting uncontrollably in the Mediterranean Sea for a fortnight, remaining a potential source of a major environmental accident. Rescuers and environmentalists warn: the situation off the coast of Malta is rapidly becoming more complicated. 19/03/2026
Iran The handful of marine choke points holding Europe's economy hostage From the Persian Gulf to the English Channel, a small number of narrow waterways carry the vast bulk of what Europeans eat, buy, and heat their homes with. When one of them is threatened the consequences ripple everywhere. 18/03/2026
Iran UN maritime body starts emergency talks on Middle East shipping At least 21 ships have been hit, targeted or reported attacks since the start of the conflict, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations, a naval monitor. 18/03/2026
Economy Hormuz becomes world's costliest waterway after 300% premium surge Missile threats, soaring insurance premiums and suspended voyages are reshaping the trade that once went through Hormuz — and consumers will feel it within weeks. 16/03/2026
United Arab Emirates German cruise passengers stranded in the Persian Gulf amid Iran attack The Persian Gulf is currently a hot zone due to hostilities. The Strait of Hormuz is closed to shipping, except for ships with connections to China or Russia that can pass. 01/03/2026
Earth News Arctic ship traffic and black carbon are on the rise “It ends up in a never-ending cycle of increased warming,” says Sian Prior, lead adviser for the Clean Arctic Alliance. 09/02/2026
World News Record 6,000 sailors abandoned in 2025, mostly by shadow fleets In 2025, more than 6,000 seafarers were abandoned on 410 ships, marking the worst year for crew abandonment. The ITF recovered $16.5 million in unpaid wages. 02/02/2026
The Big Question The Big Question: How important is shipping for our economy? The decision on a levy on carbon emissions from shipping, proposed by the UN’s International Maritime Organization, has been delayed until 2026. But is the industry ready for a decarbonised future? 01/12/2025
Europe News Two Russian shadow fleet tankers on fire off Turkiye's coast Two sanctioned oil tankers, the Kairos and the Virat, have caught fire in the Black Sea a few dozen nautical miles off the Turkish coast. Their crews are safe as the causes of the explosions are being investigated. 28/11/2025
Europe News EU executive touts increase of biofuels uptake for aviation, maritime Exclusive: The EU wants to increase the uptake of biofuels for the aviation and maritime sectors to cut pollution from heavy transport. Ukraine could play a key role. 24/11/2025