Bangladesh and the Maldives have reiterated their commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation, with renewed focus on establishing direct shipping links and enhancing collaboration in the halal food sector to support trade growth, transport efficiency and resilient supply chains. The discussions underscored shared ambitions to deepen economic ties and improve connectivity between the two countries.
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Australia and the Philippines have strengthened their maritime partnership by reaffirming mutual recognition of seafarer certificates, a move aimed at reducing administrative barriers and supporting smoother shipping operations and bilateral trade between the two countries. The agreement is expected to enhance maritime logistics while improving protections and career mobility for seafarers operating across both jurisdictions.
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Brazil has officially declined to join the U.S.-led Mineral Security Partnership, a strategic initiative from the Donald Trump administration designed to secure a steady supply of lithium, niobium, and rare earth elements for American industries. The Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Itamaraty, stated that the proposed pact treated Brazil merely as a supplier of raw materials rather than a technological partner, prompting the country to prioritize domestic industrial development.
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Hong Kong’s commerce chief summoned the Panamanian Consul General in the city on Friday to protest a court ruling that annulled CK Hutchison’s contract to operate two ports at the Panama Canal. The move follows warnings from China’s Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office that Panama could face “heavy prices” over the decision.
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Turkish fishermen discovered an unexploded drone in the waters near Karaburun, a district on the northwestern side of Istanbul, prompting an investigation by the Turkish Coast Guard Command. The incident occurred midday on Thursday, February 5, when the fishermen spotted an unidentified device in the sea and immediately notified the authorities. A specialized SAS team was dispatched to secure and neutralize the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), which was later destroyed after analysis.
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Kongsberg Maritime has been selected by Consórcio Marenova to design and equip four methanol- and ethanol-ready handy-size product tanker newbuilds for Petrobras Transporte (Transpetro), strengthening Brazil’s fleet renewal and future-fuel shipping capabilities. The vessels will be constructed by Consórcio Marenova, a joint venture between Ecovix in Rio Grande and MacLaren in Niterói, and will be operated by Transpetro.
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Dockworkers across Italy disrupted port operations after unionized labor staged a 24-hour strike protesting the alleged “militarization” of ports and the handling of arms and military cargo, forcing several container ships to remain offshore or divert to alternative anchorages. Reports indicate that vessels operated by ZIM and MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company were among those affected.
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Russia has said it sees no indication that India is planning to scale back or halt its purchases of Russian oil, reaffirming that energy cooperation between Moscow and New Delhi remains strong and mutually beneficial. The Russian foreign ministry said on Wednesday that India’s continued imports of Russian hydrocarbons contribute to stability in the global energy market and remain an important pillar of bilateral relations.
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Australian workers could soon gain easier access to jobs across Europe as Canberra and Brussels move closer to finalising a long-awaited free trade agreement that includes a two-way mobility arrangement for skilled professionals and investors. The agreement, which could be signed as early as this month, is expected to simplify temporary work access for highly skilled workers, researchers and business investors travelling between Australia and the European Union.
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China has instructed its state-owned firms to pause negotiations on new projects in Panama following the Central American nation’s decision to nullify CK Hutchison Holdings Ltd.’s contract to operate two strategic ports along the Panama Canal. The directive comes amid Beijing’s growing response to Panama’s move, which it views as influenced by U.S. interests.
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Coastal water has been a source of livelihood for humans for a long time and a cultural identity for millions of people, and fish and sea animals are present in it. Heavy metals enter coastal waters through industrial effluent, oil spillage, and volcanic activity. These are consumed by plankton, then by small fish, and are affected. Then, small fish are eaten by large fish. These metals accumulate in the body and this process is referred as bioaccumulation.
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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed confidence that the visit of Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to Islamabad would open new avenues for shared prosperity and strengthen bilateral ties between the two nations. President Tokayev’s visit marked the first official state visit by a Kazakh leader to Pakistan in 23 years, with the last visit occurring in 2003. During the visit, both leaders emphasized elevating relations to a strategic partnership, enhancing trade to a targeted $1 billion, deepening regional connectivity, and expanding cooperation across economic, defence, energy, digital, and people-to-people sectors.
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A collision between a speedboat carrying migrants and a Greek coast guard patrol vessel off the eastern Aegean island of Chios has claimed at least 15 lives, authorities reported late Tuesday. Greek coastguard officials said the incident occurred while a search and rescue operation was underway to locate potentially missing passengers, involving four patrol vessels, an air force helicopter, and a private boat carrying divers. Fourteen bodies, including 11 men and three women, were recovered from the sea, while 25 migrants, including around 11 children, were rescued and transported to a hospital on Chios. Two coast guard officers injured during the incident were also hospitalized, and one of the injured women later died, bringing the total death toll to at least 15.
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Caribbean maritime leaders are calling for a coordinated, cross-sector approach to decarbonize shipping, emphasizing that isolated projects or technologies alone will not be enough. Policymakers and financiers across the region stressed that successful decarbonization requires collaboration between countries and sectors, supported by evidence-based planning and investment-ready pathways.
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Oil prices moved sharply higher on Wednesday, with Brent crude rising to $67.86 per barrel, as renewed naval tensions in the Middle East combined with a steep decline in U.S. crude inventories to reignite concerns over global supply security. The rally marked a decisive shift in market sentiment, as traders refocused on immediate geopolitical and physical risks after a brief period of optimism driven by diplomatic signals.
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