As Houthi militia in Yemen step up attacks on shipping in the Red Sea the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and the World Shipping Council (WSC) have called for urgent action.

As attacks on commercial shipping the Red Sea see the region becoming a “no go” region for vessels opinion writer Michael Grey calls for action.

NASDAQ-listed Star Bulk Carriers Corp. and NYSE-listed Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc. have announced they will merge and create the world’s largest dry bulk shipping company.

China’s largest shipbuilding group CSSC has signed a slew of huge contracts for up to 34 newbuildings, including 10 car carriers for Seaspan and Hyundai Glovis, at Marintec China.

Yemini Houthi rebels struck three vessels with missiles in the Southern Red Sea on Sunday, and a responding a US warship shot down three drones.

Singapore-based Punit Oza, Founder of Maritime NXT and a guest presenter on the Seatrade Maritime Podcast, has been elected as Vice President of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS).

A drop-in fuel conditioner, SulNOxEco, has lowered fuel consumption significantly in recent trials with conventional marine fuels.

Angad Banga, the Chief Operating Officer for Caravel Group, has been appointed as the new Chairman of Hong Kong Shipowners Association (HKSOA).

Seafarer salaries are rising by over 10% according to a survey by Danica Crewing but could level off in the coming year as container and bulker owners tighten their belts.