Shipping associations have welcomed the European Union’s operation Aspides, a defensive maritime security operation to protect shipping in the Red Sea.

Beauty, they say, is in the eye of the beholder, but few observers would describe the widening chasm that has opened between western and some Middle Eastern interests in the Red Sea as objectively attractive.

Heavy lift outfit Jumbo Offshore will be represented by Sea Horizon offshore in the Middle East under a new agreement between the companies.

Seafarers covered by International Bargaining Forum (IBF) agreements can refuse to sail through the Southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, but it takes a high level of pre-planning according to ITF head Stephen Cotton.

The shipping industry has united in calling for the immediate release of 25 seafarers on board the Galaxy Leader held hostage by Houthi Rebels for three months now.

US Central Command (Centcom) announced its latest success in capturing arms destined for the Houthi Movement, however, attacks continue with a strike against a Greek ship on 15 February.

Diversions from transiting the Red Sea to avoid Houthi attacks have significantly strengthened ton mile demand to the benefit of investors listed product tanker owners.

AD Ports Group has reported a doubling of revenue in 2023 to AED11.7bn ($3.19bn), boosted by mergers and acquisitions.

ABS has inaugurated a training centre for LNG-related training and development in Doha which has the support of QatarEnergy.