In a major step forward to upgrade Cyprus’ status as a robust maritime center the country has launched the One-Stop Shipping Centre.

Soaring freight rates and an upturn in financial fortunes are in focus at the US’ Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) as disputes with shippers loom.

A group of 22 US senators is applying pressure to the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP) to look into vessels trading oil from Iran.

The US and UK have launched strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen to disrupt and degrade the capabilities of rebels to attack shipping in the Red Sea and protect global trade.

War in Gaza has so far led to attacks on merchant vessels transiting the Red Sea, but some experts are also concerned about the spread of vessel attacks to Somali pirates operating in the Gulf of Aden and Arabian Sea region.

Lemissoler Navigation and Shanghai Merchant Ship Design and Research Institute (SDARI) received ABS approval in principle (AiP) for their design of a 65,000 dwt methanol-fueled ultramax bulk carrier.

Maritime Hub Abu Dhabi has been officially launched to promote public-private sector co-operation and sustainability goals.

As more and more ships divert from the Red Sea over the threat from Houthi rebels opinion writer Michael Grey warns the situation should not be allowed to drift on.

The hostilities in the Red Sea will likely be igniting other battles, albeit of a commercial rather than military nature, as container lines seek hefty rate increases and file urgent requests with US regulators.

As the Isle of Man registry celebrates the Berge Olympus as the most powerful sailing ship in the world the focus on wind power could swing the maritime industry behind a technological renaissance.