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Ships warned to avoid Red Sea, log Hormuz voyages after Israel hits IranMerchant shipping is continuing to pass through the Strait of Hormuz despite Israel's attacks on Iran on Friday, the multinational, U.S.-led Combined Maritime Force said, although some shipowners were looking to avoid the region.
Shipments of limestone on the Great Lakes totaled 3.2 million tons in October, a decrease of 3.8 percent compared to 2024. Limestone cargos were also below the month’s 5-year average by 10.7 percent.Loadings from U.S. quarries totaled 2.6 million tons, a 6.1 percent reduction. Shipments from Canadian quarries increased 6.8 percent to 626,805 tons.Year-to-date, the limestone trade stands at 22.
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.
Chartwell Marine, a pioneer of vessel design, has announced an order for a new Fair Isle ferry to supply to Shetland Islands Council. The vessel is due to commence build at Parkol Marine Engineering, a leading bespoke shipbuilder, and is due to launch towards the end of 2026.The new ferry will replace the 1986-built ‘Good Shepherd’ and provide a vital transport link between Fair Isle and the
MV Lochmor, the first of two new vessels for the Little Minch routes, was launched August 23, 2025 at Cemre Marin Endustri shipyard in Yalova, Turkey.MV Hebrides, the new ferry along with sister vessel, MV Claymore, will provide a two-vessel service to the routes between Uig on Skye, Tarbert (Harris) and Lochmaddy (North Uist).
Shipments of limestone across the Great Lakes held relatively steady in July 2025, totaling 3.53 million tons — a fractional drop of less than 1% compared to the same month last year, according to the Lake Carriers’ Association (LCA). Despite the minimal year-over-year change, the trade fell 6.7% short of the month’s five-year average, reflecting softer demand from some key markets.
UK-based bunker operator John H. Whitaker (Tankers) Limited secured chemical certification from Lloyd’s Register (LR) on behalf of the Isle of Man Flag Administration for its tanker Whitchampion to load, carry and blend Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAME B100) onboard under IBC Code and MARPOL Annex II regulations.
The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch has published a report into the uncontrolled launch of a fast rescue craft during a training exercise.At 1645 on August 23, 2025, the crew of the passenger/car ferry Lord of the Isles were carrying out an exercise involving the launch of the vessel’s fast rescue craft (FRC) using stored power. The FRC fell 9m to the water on launching.
The new International Association of Maritime Clusters (IAMC) was launched during London International Shipping Week 2025 after a panel discussion: “Why collaboration is essential for maritime to grow.”IAMC fielded questions such as: Is there really a need for another trade association?From the tone of the debate
Artemis Technologies is leading a feasibility study on the establishment of a new ferry service between Newlyn in Cornwall and St Mary’s in the Isles of Scilly, around 30 miles off the southwestern tip of Cornwall, England, in the Atlantic Ocean.The study will assess the technical and commercial viability of deploying the Artemis EF-24 Passenger, a 100% electric, high-speed hydrofoil ferry
The first sea trials for ferry MV Isle of Islay have been carried out successfully by Cemre Marin Endustri in Yalova, Turkey.The trials took place from Thursday 22nd May to Friday 30th May, in the Sea of Marmara, with staff from the Scottish government owned Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) in attendance.
Procurement is underway for two new freight flex vessels to serve the Aberdeen to Kirkwall/Lerwick Route.The new vessels will replace the Hellier and Hildasay, on the service operated by Serco NorthLink Ferries.The freight flex ferries will provide extra freight capacity and capability for quicker crossings on the routes.