Often debated and long-awaited, The White House released its long-anticipated America’s Maritime Action Plan (MAP), a 40+ page blueprint aimed at what it calls a new “Maritime Golden Age” for the United States.The document, developed under Executive Order 14269, lays out a four-pillar strategy to rebuild domestic shipbuilding capacity, expand the U.S.
The military and Coast Guard budgets are established that will benefit the U.S. ship building and repair sector, but what will stimulate the commercial yards?This author has been scratching his head of late, after a thrilling dive into July’s U.S. Big Beautiful Bill Act, and has asked several colleagues where the funding for support commercial shipbuilding can be found? To answer that
On April 30, Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ), together with several original co-sponsors, reintroduced the SHIPS for America Act in the U.S. Senate, first introduced in December 2024, divided into two bills. Companion legislation was also introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Rep. Trent Kelly (R-MS) and Rep. John Garamendi (D-CA). This is a major, historic effort to revitalize the U.S.
Navigator Holdings has signed a non-binding letter of intent to sell eight gas carriers and its shareholding in a joint venture for about $183 million.The agreement with Bernhard Schulte and Sloman Neptun covers vessels currently managed under the Unigas International joint venture.
US marine autonomy specialist Janus Marine & Defense has launched an Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV) comparison website. Janus Navigator, a structured, filterable database of almost 200 global USV platforms with a sales capability, has been created to allow clients to make informed choices and identify which platform class best aligns with their mission profile before important procurement
Marine insurer Gard and maritime technology company NAVTOR have partnered to integrate Gard’s loss prevention content into NAVTOR’s NavStation platform, aiming to improve access to safety guidance for crews and operators at sea.The collaboration enables Gard Insights articles to be delivered directly through NavStation
Solstad Maritime (SOMA) has secured multiple new contracts for several construction support vessels, that will be employed in the North Sea and Brazil.The contracts are for Normand Navigator, Normand Cutter, and Normand Jarstein CSVs.The combined firm period of these project related contracts is approximately 175 days, with an additional 150 optional days.
NOAA Marine and Aviation Operations will celebrate the keel-laying for Navigator, the second of two new charting and mapping vessels being constructed for NOAA. The vessel is being built by Thoma-Sea Marine Constructors, LLC., in Houma, Louisiana.The keel-laying is a centuries-old maritime tradition that formally recognizes the start of a ship's construction.
American Cruise Lines has announced 10 new ships for the U.S. market beginning with American Pioneer debuting in Florida on October 31st. American Pioneer is the 2nd new Patriot Class ship the company has launched this year. All American’s new boats will continue to sail domestically, operating itineraries across the Line’s growing portfolio, including the Mississippi River, Alaska
A liquefied natural gas tanker has left Russia's Arctic LNG 2 after loading a cargo there, according to data compiled by LSEG and analytics firm Kpler, as the project continues output despite Western sanctions over Moscow's war in Ukraine.The Christophe De Margerie tanker arrived at Arctic LNG 2 on October 17 and departed loaded on October 20, according to Kpler data.
Amon Maritime has entered into a joint venture with Navigator Holdings Ltd., the owner and operator of the world’s largest fleet of handysize liquefied gas carriers.Pursuant to the Joint Venture, Navigator will acquire approximately 80% of the joint venture company, Navigator Amon Shipping AS, of Norway, with Amon Maritime holding approximately 20%, subject to the investment terms and conditions.
Norwegian offshore vessel operator Solstad Offshore has confirmed contracts for two of its construction support vessels (CSVs), which will be put to work in South America.The first contract is with Petrobras for the Normand Flower CSV, owned by Solstad Maritime.The contract, valued at $115 million excluding ROV services, was first announced in April 2025