Maritime Current News

Insights, Updates, and Maritime Intelligence

Friday, April 10, 2026

Maritime Current News

Insights, Updates, and Maritime Intelligence

Friday, April 10, 2026

Author: Maritime Current News

Barbados Advances Green Shipping Initiatives with IMO-Backed Study
Maritime Environment Policy and Law
Maritime Current News

Barbados Advances Green Shipping Initiatives with IMO-Backed Study

Barbados is taking significant steps to reduce shipping emissions by exploring green shipping corridors. The first phase involves a pre-feasibility study commissioned by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to identify opportunities for sustainable maritime transport. An initial online meeting on February 12 brought together the Government of Barbados and key national stakeholders, including the Maritime Transport Administration, the Ministry of Tourism and International Transport, and Barbados Port Inc., to discuss the framework of the Barbados Green Shipping Corridors: Pre-Feasibility, Policy and Regulatory Pathways study.

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IMO Strengthens Strategy to Achieve Zero Plastic Discharge from Ships by 2030
Maritime Environment Policy and Law
Maritime Current News

IMO Strengthens Strategy to Achieve Zero Plastic Discharge from Ships by 2030

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has advanced its efforts to eliminate plastic pollution from ships by 2030, as its Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response agreed on an updated draft 2026 Strategy and Action Plan on Marine Litter during its 13th session at IMO Headquarters in London from 9 to 13 February 2026. The draft strategy, finalized at PPR 13, will be submitted for adoption to the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 84), scheduled to meet from 27 April to 1 May 2026.

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U.S.–Sri Lanka Defence Talks Boost Maritime Coordination and Humanitarian Support
Maritime Trade & Economy
Maritime Current News

U.S.–Sri Lanka Defence Talks Boost Maritime Coordination and Humanitarian Support

Maritime cooperation emerged as a key focus during high-level talks between the United States and Sri Lanka, as the Commander of the United States Pacific Fleet, Admiral Stephen T. Koehler, met with Sri Lanka’s Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), at the Ministry of Defence on 19 February. The discussions highlighted the changing security dynamics in the Indian Ocean Region, with both nations recognizing the importance of strengthening collaboration to address emerging maritime challenges. Both parties stressed the need to enhance maritime domain awareness, improve information sharing, and coordinate effectively to respond to natural disasters and humanitarian crises.

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Mawani and Qatar Ports Sign MoU to Strengthen Regional Maritime Trade and Port Cooperation
Maritime Trade & Economy
Maritime Current News

Mawani and Qatar Ports Sign MoU to Strengthen Regional Maritime Trade and Port Cooperation

The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) and Qatar Ports Management Co. have signed a new memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing maritime and logistics cooperation to drive regional and international trade growth.
The agreement was signed by Mawani President Suliman Al-Mazroua and Qatar Ports Management Co. CEO Abdullah Mohammed Al-Khanji, in the presence of Qatari Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Bandar bin Mohammed Al-Attiyah. The move underscores both sides’ shared commitment to advancing the ports and logistics sector, improving operational efficiency, and supporting stronger trade flows across the Gulf region.

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Enhancing Global Maritime & Logistics Safety through VDI 2700ff Load Securing Standards
Blog
Maritime Current News

Enhancing Global Maritime & Logistics Safety through VDI 2700ff Load Securing Standards

In a world where trade routes are growing worldwide and supply chains are becoming more and more intricate, cargo security between the port and the ultimate destination is a key concern. Cargo security is not the only threat posed of missecured loads; drivers, logistics employees, and other road users are also at risk, and according to research, improperly secured cargo is a cause of a considerable portion of transportation accidents. Good load-securing standards have thus formed part of modern-day logistics, particularly for experts dealing in maritime routes, intermodal transport networks, and the global supply chain.

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VPS Launches Maress 2.0 to Drive Offshore Shipping Decarbonization and Efficiency
Maritime Safety , Security and Technology
Maritime Current News

VPS Launches Maress 2.0 to Drive Offshore Shipping Decarbonization and Efficiency

Maritime decarbonization legislation continues to intensify, placing growing demands on shipowners and operators to deliver transparent, traceable data demonstrating reduced carbon footprints and regulatory compliance. In response, Veritas Petroleum Services (VPS) has upgraded its Maress software to version 2.0, enhancing fuel efficiency, emissions monitoring, and operational insights for offshore vessels.

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Hungary Seeks Croatian aid as Russian Oil Pipeline via Ukraine Halts
Maritime Trade & Economy
Maritime Current News

Hungary Turns to Croatia Amid Russian Oil Flow Disruption via Ukraine

Hungary and Slovakia have requested Croatia’s assistance to secure Russian oil supplies after flows via Ukraine were halted, prompting Hungary’s MOL company to release strategic crude reserves. The disruption, which started on January 27, has been attributed to a Russian attack on a Ukrainian pipeline, with Kyiv and Budapest exchanging accusations over responsibility. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha shared images on X showing Druzhba pipeline infrastructure on fire, while Hungary countered that Ukraine had cut power to the section of the pipeline. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico accused Ukraine of delaying the pipeline’s restart to pressure Hungary regarding its stance on Ukraine’s EU membership.

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China’s Russian Crude Oil Imports Surge to Record Levels in February amid India’s Cutbacks
Maritime Trade & Economy
Maritime Current News

China’s Russian Crude Oil Imports Surge to Record Levels in February amid India’s Cutbacks

China’s imports of Russian crude oil are set to reach a new record high in February 2026, marking rising Chinese demand even as India scales back its purchases of Russian oil, according to traders and ship-tracking data. China’s Russian oil imports are estimated at around 2.07 to 2.083 million barrels per day in February, up sharply from January’s estimated 1.7 million bpd, driven largely by independent Chinese refiners snapping up heavily discounted cargoes amid shifting global trade patterns.

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Pakistan’s Aquaculture Sector Advances with Launch of PakRos All-Male Prawn Hatchery
Fisheries & SeafoodPakistan Maritime News
Maritime Current News

Pakistan’s Aquaculture Sector Advances with Launch of PakRos All-Male Prawn Hatchery

Gharo – Pakistan’s aquaculture sector marked a significant milestone as the Giant Freshwater Prawn Farmers’ Day & Technical Roadshow, themed “Unlocking Pakistan’s Aquaculture Export Potential through High-Value Species,” was successfully held at Pak Gharo Agri & Livestock Farms (PGA&LF) in Gharo in collaboration with the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) under the leadership of Director General Mr. Athar Khokhar. The event spotlighted new strategies to enhance fisheries exports, promote high-value aquaculture, and strengthen Pakistan’s competitiveness in global seafood markets.

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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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