Maritime Current News

Insights, Updates, and Maritime Intelligence

Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Maritime Current News

Insights, Updates, and Maritime Intelligence

Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Author: Maritime Current News

International Seminar Highlights Biofuels’ Role in Maritime Decarbonization
Maritime Trade & Economy
Maritime Current News

International Seminar Highlights Biofuels’ Role in Maritime Decarbonization

An international seminar organized by the IMO Future Fuels and Technology Project explored the latest developments in biofuels for the maritime sector, addressing both opportunities and challenges in using plant-based, waste oil, or agricultural residue fuels to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from shipping. The seminar, held at IMO headquarters in London on 12 February, aimed to provide information and insights to policymakers and industry stakeholders on alternative fuels and emerging technologies, without engaging in formal policy negotiations.

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Hapag-Lloyd Acquires ZIM, Creating World’s Fourth-Largest Container Shipping Company
Ports and Shipping
Maritime Current News

Hapag-Lloyd Acquires ZIM, Creating World’s Fourth-Largest Container Shipping Company

Global container shipping giant Hapag-Lloyd has agreed to acquire ZIM, Israel’s de facto national shipping line, in a landmark deal valued at over $4 billion. The heads of agreement have been reached, and ZIM’s board approved the transaction, which will see the company delisted from the New York Stock Exchange after Hapag-Lloyd purchases all issued shares.

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China to invest $800 Million in Pakistan’s Sea-to-Steel Maritime Project at Port Qasim
Pakistan Maritime News
Maritime Current News

China to invest $800 Million in Pakistan’s Sea-to-Steel Maritime Project at Port Qasim

A Chinese firm is set to invest $800 million in Pakistan to implement the Integrated Maritime Industrial Complex (IMIC) project, which includes a comprehensive sea-to-steel initiative at Port Qasim, along with shipbreaking and maintenance facilities. The investment aims to modernize Pakistan’s maritime and industrial infrastructure, reviving Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM) and the Iron Ore and Coal Berth, which has been abandoned for over 12 years.

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Pakistan National Shipping Corporation Acquires Modern MR-II Clean Product Tanker MT. Quetta
Pakistan Maritime News
Maritime Current News

Pakistan National Shipping Corporation Acquires Modern MR-II Clean Product Tanker MT. Quetta

Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC), the national flag carrier of Pakistan, has announced the successful induction of a modern MR-II clean product tanker, formerly known as MT. Stavanger Poseidon (DWT 49,999, built in 2020),into its managed fleet. The vessel has been renamed MT. Quetta.
This strategic addition reflects PNSC’s ongoing commitment to fleet expansion, portfolio diversification, and strengthening its presence in the international shipping market. MT. Quetta is a technologically advanced vessel, constructed to meet high standards of safety, operational efficiency, and environmental compliance.

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China Controls Shipbuilding Volume, but Korea Retains Edge in LNG Ships and Advanced Maritime Technology
Ports and Shipping
Maritime Current News

China Controls Shipbuilding Volume, but Korea Retains Edge in LNG Ships and Advanced Maritime Technology

China now dominates global shipbuilding orders, but South Korea is fighting back in high-end vessels such as LNG carriers, as rising geopolitical tensions reshape the maritime industry and global supply chains.
In 2025, Chinese shipyards secured 63 percent of global new vessel orders, far ahead of South Korea’s 21 percent and Japan’s 5 percent, according to London-based Clarkson Research Services. Chinese state data placed the figure even higher at 69 percent, underscoring Beijing’s tightening grip on global shipbuilding.

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Bio-LNG and Biomethane: Driving Maritime Decarbonisation under EU Regulations
Maritime Trade & Economy
Maritime Current News

Bio-LNG and Biomethane: Driving Maritime Decarbonisation under EU Regulations

The International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) Net Zero Framework (NZF) adjournment has increased the relative importance of European Union regulations, including FuelEU Maritime and the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). Shipowners with liquefied natural gas (LNG) engines are financially incentivized under these rules to transition to Bio-LNG, also known as biomethane, to meet decarbonisation targets. FuelEU Maritime strongly favors Bio-LNG because of its low to negative life cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and compatibility with existing LNG engines, offering a seamless pathway for operators to reduce emissions without extensive retrofitting.

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Cyberattacks Surge in Maritime Sector, Persistent Vessel Tracking Becomes Critical
Maritime Safety , Security and Technology
Maritime Current News

Cyberattacks Surge in Maritime Sector, Persistent Vessel Tracking Becomes Critical

Cyberattacks are escalating across industries, and the shipping and maritime sectors are no exception. According to research by law firm HFW, reported by the BBC, the cost of addressing cyberattacks in the shipping sector doubled from 2022 to 2023, averaging $550,000 per incident. As attacks grow more sophisticated, maritime operators and ports face increasing financial and operational risks.

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Asia-US Container Rates Ease amid Low Volume and Rising Blank Sailings, Panama Ports Dispute Escalates
Ports and Shipping
Maritime Current News

Asia-US Container Rates Ease amid Low Volume and Rising Blank Sailings, Panama Ports Dispute Escalates

Container shipping rates from East Asia and China to the US edged lower this week as cargo volumes remain soft, despite carriers increasing the number of blank sailings. Supply chain advisory firm Drewry reported that spot rates from Shanghai to major US ports declined slightly due to subdued demand. Ahead of factory closures for the Lunar New Year, carriers announced 57 blank sailings over the next two weeks on transpacific East and West Coast trade lanes, significantly higher than in previous years. Analysts expect spot rates to continue a modest decline in the coming weeks.

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Pakistan Secures $3 Million GEF Funding to Boost Marine Biodiversity and Sustainable Fisheries
Pakistan Maritime News
Maritime Current News

Pakistan Secures $3 Million GEF Funding to Boost Marine Biodiversity and Sustainable Fisheries

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry announced that Pakistan has secured $3 million from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to conserve marine biodiversity and accelerate a shift toward sustainable and regenerative fisheries management.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the maritime minister said the project titled “Conserving marine biodiversity by accelerating transition to sustainable and regenerative fisheries management practices”, will be executed by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs.

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Trump Administration Unveils Maritime Action Plan to Revive US Shipbuilding and Counter China’s Dominance
Ports and Shipping
Maritime Current News

Trump Administration Unveils Maritime Action Plan to Revive US Shipbuilding and Counter China’s Dominance

The Trump administration has released a comprehensive Maritime Action Plan aimed at rebuilding the United States shipbuilding industry and strengthening the broader maritime sector, funded in part through port fees on cargo arriving aboard China-built vessels. The levies, introduced under Section 301 following a U.S. investigation into China’s alleged unfair shipping practices, were expected to generate an estimated $3.2 billion annually before both countries agreed to pause the measures for 12 months amid escalating trade tensions.

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Seascale Energy Marks Strong Growth Nine Months After Launch as Marine Fuel Procurement Platform
Ports and Shipping
Maritime Current News

Seascale Energy Marks Strong Growth Nine Months After Launch as Marine Fuel Procurement Platform

Nine months into operations, Seascale Energy has gained significant momentum as a marine fuel procurement platform focused on scale, transparency, and efficiency in the bunker industry. Launched in May 2025 as a joint venture between Cargill’s Pure Marine Fuels (PMF) and the Hafnia Bunker Alliance, Seascale Energy was created to offer a future-ready approach to marine fuel procurement.

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IMO Secretary-General Attends Launch of Methanol-Ready Product Tanker Thun Resolve at Ferus Smit Shipyard
Ports and Shipping
Maritime Current News

IMO Secretary-General Attends Launch of Methanol-Ready Product Tanker Thun Resolve at Ferus Smit Shipyard

Erik Thun Group has officially launched its latest product tanker, Thun Resolve, the newest vessel in its R‑class “Resource Efficiency” series, designed for top-tier performance, sustainability, and crew safety. The launch took place at Shipyard Ferus Smit BV in Leer, Germany, at 11:00 CET and was attended by IMO (International Maritime Organization) Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez, who leads global maritime safety and environmental protection efforts. The ceremony also included Brigit Gijsbers, Deputy Director-General for Civil Aviation and Maritime Affairs in the Netherlands, who served as the vessel’s Godmother, highlighting Erik Thun Group’s commitment to responsible, future-ready shipping.

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