Three Indian-flagged oil tankers carrying over 8.6 lakh metric tonnes of cargo and 94 Indian crew members successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday. The vessels are now en route to Indian ports, with arrivals expected next week.
Guinea is prioritizing iron ore exports to China for 'green steel' production, diverting bauxite vessels due to higher prices and upcoming seasonal rains. This move aids China's diversification from Australian and Brazilian ore, impacting major operators like Baowu Winning Consortium Simandou.
台灣海岸巡防署表示，已驅離在台灣東部經濟海域活動的中國海洋研究船「向陽紅33」。該船於週四晚間進入台灣限制水域，經警告後於週五凌晨駛離。台灣方面指控中國利用政府和研究船進行「霸權擴張」。
Iran's Foreign Ministry has denied media reports claiming the Strait of Hormuz has been closed, stating that shipping continues and that armed forces are ensuring safe passage for merchant vessels.
Around 80 mines must be cleared from the Strait of Hormuz before normal shipping can resume, according to Phil Belcher of Intertanko. The main route is closed and dangerous, with an estimated 600 vessels waiting in the area. The US and Iran have signed a memorandum of understanding to cease hostilities.
The Strait of Hormuz remains blocked by approximately 80 mines, hindering normal shipping operations despite a recent US-Iran MoU. Experts warn recovery will take time due to navigational risks and potential Iranian tolls, impacting global trade and oil flow.
Australia has donated surveillance, delivery, and inspection drones to the Philippine Coast Guard, including fixed-wing and underwater vehicles. The donation aims to support the modernization of the Philippine coastguard and its maritime domain awareness efforts.
The US military conducted a "lethal kinetic strike" on a boat in the Eastern Pacific on Thursday, alleging it was smuggling drugs. Three individuals were killed in the attack, which the US Southern Command stated targeted a vessel operated by "Designated Terrorist Organisations" involved in narco-trafficking. Critics question the legality and evidence connecting those killed to drug cartels.
South Korean National Assembly Speaker Cho Jeong-sik urged comprehensive diplomatic actions for the safe return of 24 South Korean vessels and their crews stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, following a US-Iran ceasefire.
The Strait of Hormuz, a critical global trade chokepoint, remains blocked by approximately 80 mines, hindering the resumption of normal shipping. Despite a recent US-Iran agreement, clearing these obstacles and potential Iranian maritime fees present ongoing challenges for global trade.
Ghost nets and plastic waste are severely impacting marine ecosystems in Asia, particularly in Indonesia. Coastal communities and conservationists face the burden of collection, with limited regulations to stop vessels from discarding nets. A 2024 report highlights Indonesia's significant plastic waste production and its discharge into the marine environment.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei revealed he initially opposed the recent US-Iran memorandum of understanding but approved it after receiving assurances that national interests would be protected. The deal includes a ceasefire, lifting of naval blockades, and a 60-day negotiation period on sanctions relief and Iran's nuclear program.
Hainan's Free Trade Port has improved logistics efficiency through institutional reforms, reducing clearance time and increasing vessel registration
China is testing intelligent, LNG-powered vessels on a new artificial waterway in Guangxi, part of a $10 billion project connecting the region to the Gulf of Tonkin. The vessels can share real-time data and perform automated mooring, aiming to boost shipping capacity and cut costs ahead of a planned test run in September.
A vessel off the coast of Yemen was fired upon by individuals in two skiffs, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). The vessel's security team returned fire, and the skiffs disengaged. Authorities are investigating.
The US administration is considering measures to resume oil tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, including a paid "VIP pass" for expedited transit protected by US ships, Politico reported. Around 500 vessels await safe passage amid ongoing US-Iran negotiations.
Iranian oil tankers have passed through a US blockade in the Strait of Hormuz for the first time in two months, following an announced peace deal between Iran and the US. At least two supertankers carrying 3.8 million barrels of crude oil exited the blockade line.
Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence reported detecting six Chinese naval vessels operating around the island on Wednesday morning. The ROC Armed Forces monitored the situation and responded accordingly, noting no Chinese military aircraft were detected during this period. This follows similar reports from Tuesday and highlights ongoing Chinese military operations near Taiwan.
The US military is conducting covert ship-to-ship oil transfers in the Gulf of Oman to maintain energy exports amid an Iranian blockade. The operation, involving smaller tankers transferring oil to larger vessels, aims to mitigate the global energy supply shock caused by the Strait of Hormuz closure.
The IRGC Navy insists on coordination for all vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, despite the US lifting its blockade. This comes as an agreement between the US and Iran is set to be signed, including a 60-day ceasefire and discussions on Iran's nuclear program.
UK Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer pledged the UK's full involvement in reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping channel closed by Iran. He called a US-Iran deal to end the war a "breakthrough" and stated G7 unity against Iran acquiring nuclear weapons.
Turkish authorities will raise transit fees for vessels passing through the Bosphorus and Dardanelles by 15% starting July 1, bringing the rate to $6.7 per ton. This annual revision follows a previous increase and aims to fund maritime services.
An agreement between the US and Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz is expected to allow 24 South Korean-linked vessels and 137 sailors to depart. However, uncertainty remains regarding the exact terms of the deal and potential obstacles like naval mines and internal Iranian instability.
Oil prices dropped sharply Sunday after President Trump announced a "complete" deal with Iran and the "immediate toll-free reopening of the Strait of Hormuz." Brent crude fell 3.9% to $84/barrel, US crude 4.8% to $81. The waterway had been effectively closed since February.
