China’s LNG import patterns shift as cargo sources reconfigure global trade
A weekly shipbroker note highlights how geopolitical shifts have changed where LNG cargoes originate, altering volumes and voyage patterns into China.
Maritime news
The Maritime Gazette’s complete reporting archive across shipping, ships, ports, cruise, business and maritime policy.
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Reporting archive
Xeneta: spot rates into US East Coast near Covid‑19 peak as reliability slips
reports on 4 September 2026 summarises Xeneta’s weekly market update, which reports spot rates into the US East Coast close to pandemic peaks while schedule reliability deteriorates, according to Xeneta chief analyst Peter Sand.
DNV forecast says flexibility will define shipping’s fuel transition
DNV’s Maritime Forecast to 2050, summarised by reports on 4 September 2026, argues that flexibility across multiple fuels will determine the resilience of shipping’s net zero transition.
Industry leaders call for closer China–Europe ties on vessels, fuels and digitalisation
At SMM 2026, the first China'Europe Maritime Summit brought Chinese shipbuilders and European shipowners together to press for closer cooperation on vessel design, alternative fuels and digitalisation, organisers said.
Baltic Dry Index climbs to highest point since October 2021, reaching 3,628
The Baltic Exchange’s dry bulk freight index rose 4% to 3,628 on 4 September 2026, marking the third consecutive session of gains and the highest level since October 2021, a report said.
IMO GHG working group reconvenes in London amid sharp policy divides over net-zero framework
The IMO's 22nd Intersessional Working Group on GHGs met in London from 1–4 September 2026 to advance the Net-Zero Framework, but divisions over ambition, costs and preferred fuel routes remained unresolved, sources indicated on 4 September.
Renewed strikes push Hormuz traffic below pre-conflict levels and refocus recycling risks
A report from reports on 4 September 2026 says recent US strikes and Iranian retaliation have halted a lull in hostilities, leaving commercial traffic through Hormuz below pre-conflict levels and moving the primary risk for Gulf recycling candidates from sanctions paperwork to passage, insurance and security.
UK and EU gasoline routed to Russia through Moroccan blending hub as imports surge
Analysts say Russian imports of gasoline and diesel climbed sharply in mid‑2026, routed through a Moroccan blending hub as domestic refining was hit by Ukrainian strikes.
Drewry’s World Container Index rises 5% in weekly update
Drewry’s weekly assessment, reported, recorded a 5% rise in the World Container Index for the week ending 3 September 2026 and reiterated the index’s role as the industry benchmark across eight trade lanes.
VLCC market reported to have firmed in week to 4 September 2026, Affinity Research cited
A market note published on 4 September 2026 and attributed to Affinity Research LLP observed a significant firming in the VLCC sector this week, though the supplied summary contains no quantitative data.
Weekly note: Best Oasis reports India’s recycling market "quite buoyant" for the week to 4 September 2026
A Best Oasis weekly bulletin published by reports on 4 September 2026 described India’s recycling market as "quite buoyant" during that reporting week, citing a substantial improvement in local conditions.
China’s eastern ports face prolonged congestion as typhoons and US–Iran war bite
A The report dated 4 September 2026 says major container hubs on China’s east coast have seen vessel waiting times as long as ten days as the July typhoon season and the US–Iran war combine to sustain severe congestion.
Navios Maritime Partners commits Capesize Navios Pollux, weekly bulletin reports
Sources published Advanced Shipping & Trading's week 36, 2026 market note on 4 September, recording that Navios Maritime Partners have committed the Capesize Navios Pollux with scheduled dates and a scrubber fitted.
reports publishes Gibson tanker report entitled 'The 65 Billion Barrel Deal'
Sources published a Gibson tanker report on 4 September 2026 that quotes an announcement attributed to President Trump and credits Gibson Shipbrokers Ltd with the claim about '65 billion barrels'.
SMM 2026: Security rises to the top of maritime agenda
At SMM 2026 delegates from shipping, shipbuilding, technology and defence singled out security and supply‑chain resilience as immediate priorities, alongside AI and new propulsion technologies.
VHBS New ConTex reads 1,635 as September opens, reports reports
Sources published a short report dated 4 September 2026, citing VHBS data that put the New ConTex container ship time charter assessment at 1,635 points and described the market as showing resilience at the start of September.
ClassNK grants AiP to OceanWings’ RF and RT wingsail designs
ClassNK has issued an Approval in Principle to OceanWings for its Rigid Fixed and Rigid Tiltable wingsails, a decision presented at SMM in Hamburg on 2 September 2026 and reported on 4 September 2026.
LR grants AiP to CSSC Huangpu Wenchong for 12,500 m³ LNG bunker design
Lloyd's Register has granted an Approval in Principle to CSSC Huangpu Wenchong for a new 12,500 m³ LNG bunkering vessel design, a move highlighted at SMM 2026 in Hamburg and reported on 4 September 2026.
Techcross renews Smart Platform to strengthen vessel data analytics
Techcross has completed a full renewal of its Smart Platform, a web-based service for shipowners that now emphasises improved information structure and analytics to make BWMS data more actionable.
Hutchison Ports BEST unveils two larger quay cranes at Port of Barcelona
Two new, larger ship-to-shore quay cranes have arrived at Hutchison Ports BEST’s terminal in the Port of Barcelona, an upgrade the operator says will boost capacity to meet customer growth.
Kalmar opens industry-first fully automated Test Centre in Ljungby
Kalmar has inaugurated a fully automated Test Centre in Ljungby, Sweden, which the company says will accelerate its electric and autonomous product development while improving reliability and shortening time-to-market.
US nonfarm payrolls rise 162,000, far above forecasts
A report published on 4 September 2026 records a 162,000 increase in US nonfarm payrolls, well above the consensus forecast of 55,000, signalling stronger-than-expected job growth.
Wärtsilä renews five-year lifecycle agreement with Mercy Ships for Global Mercy
MarineLink reported on 4 September 2026 that Wärtsilä has agreed a five-year renewal with Mercy Ships International to continue lifecycle support for the Global Mercy.
MCA publishes Guidance MIN 738 (M+F) under Section 8(4) on EU/EEA registrations
The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency has issued Guidance: MIN 738 (M+F), a Direction under Section 8(4) of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995 dated 4 September 2026, addressing registrations previously granted under the EU/EEA free movement eligibility category.
Korean Register issues Statement of Fact for ShipWatch performance methodology
The Korean Register has issued a Statement of Fact concerning a vessel performance calculation methodology created by ShipWatch, an affiliate of Navig8 and ADNOC L&S, MarineLink reported on 4 September 2026.
Techcross renews Smart Platform with emphasis on data structure and analytics
Techcross has overhauled its web-based Smart Platform for shipowners, with the redesign prioritising data structure and expanded analytics so ballast water management system outputs can be used more effectively.
DfT publishes transparency charts for department and transport NDPBs
The Department for Transport has published a set of organisational charts and transparency data for the department and its transport non-departmental public bodies, dated 4 September 2026.
Baltic Dry Index rises 140 points to 3,628, reports reports
Sources indicated that the Baltic Dry Index climbed 140 points to 3,628 on Friday, 4 September 2026; the London-based Baltic Exchange compiles the index from a daily survey of agents and it covers freight prices for dry bulk cargo including coal, grain and iron ore.
GTMaritime adds GT Hub Operate to enable fleetwide software deployments
GTMaritime has introduced GT Hub Operate, a module that permits shoreside IT teams to send software deployments directly to vessels and ties the platform’s asset and vulnerability view to actionable deployment tools.
Pink Corridor partners to study safety needs for theoretical nuclear-powered UK–US container route
An industry study led by Lloyd's Register and A.P. Moller - Maersk, with ports in Charleston and Felixstowe, will examine the security and safeguarding measures needed for a theoretical nuclear-powered UK–US container service.
IMO takes part in IAEA launch of ATLAS for nuclear technologies at sea
The IMO took part in the IAEA High‑Level Forum in Washington, D.C. that launched ATLAS, an initiative intended to bolster cooperation on the safe, secure and safeguarded use of nuclear technologies at sea.
Houston bunker demand strong, prompt availability tight; HSFO and VLSFO lead times extend to 5–7 days
Sources indicated on 4 September 2026 that strong bunker demand in Houston tightened prompt availability for conventional grades, with HSFO and VLSFO cited at five to seven days' lead time and LSMGO at four to five days.
Klaveness Dry Bulk completes first clinker voyage in years from Vietnam to Ivory Coast
Klaveness Dry Bulk loaded clinker in Cam Pha, Vietnam in August 2026 and discharged in Ivory Coast, its first such cargo in several years and a sign of shifting clinker supply patterns to West Africa.
Ethanol-capable G80 engine completes R&D verification ahead of fitting to third VL Ore Carrier
Everllence has confirmed R&D testing and verification of an ethanol-capable B&W G80 engine at HD Hyundai in Korea; the engine is earmarked for the third ship in a ten-vessel very large ore carrier order placed by Shandong Shipping.
Yang Ming and Hanwha Ocean sign for six 13,000 TEU LNG dual‑fuel boxships, report says
Sources indicated that Yang Ming and Hanwha Ocean have concluded a shipbuilding contract for six 13,000 TEU class LNG dual‑fuel container vessels, signed by the companies’ chief executives.
bound4blue fits four 22-metre eSAIL® suction sails to Marflet Marine’s Santiago I
bound4blue has completed the fitting of four 22‑metre eSAIL® suction sails to Marflet Marine’s Santiago I, with preparatory work in Zhoushan and final installation at EDR Antwerp Shipyard.
Gard renews liquefaction warning after fatal bulk‑carrier incident linked to east‑coast India cargoes
Gard has warned Members and clients about the dangers of bulk cargo liquefaction after a fatal incident in the Bay of Bengal, drawing attention to some iron ore fines shipments from India’s east coast.
Deltamarin’s 40,000 dwt MR1 design wins Bureau Veritas Approval in Principle
A 40,000 dwt MR1 product oil tanker concept from Deltamarin has secured an Approval in Principle from Bureau Veritas, a development presented at SMM in Hamburg and reported on 4 September 2026.
HHLA lowers expectations for 2026 after reassessing terminal modernisation impact
HHLA’s Executive Board has revised the group’s expectations for the 2026 financial year after reviewing recent business performance and updated estimates, pointing to extensive automation and infrastructure works at Hamburg container terminals. Report dated 4 September 2026.
Qatar ports report sharp month‑on‑month rise in bulk cargo and livestock in August 2026
Mwani Qatar reported on X on 3 September 2026 that Hamad, Ruwais and Doha ports handled about 120,000 tonnes of bulk cargo in August 2026, a 168% increase on July, with livestock throughput also up, sources indicated on 4 September 2026.
Iron ore heads for second weekly rise as shipping costs climb
Futures moved toward CNY 730 per ton and were on track for a second straight weekly gain as shipping disruptions, higher fuel costs and pre-holiday restocking in China supported prices, a The report said on 4 September 2026.
Copper steadies near $6.57 as supply risks persist
Copper futures traded around $6.57 per pound on 4 September 2026, supported by a cluster of supply‑side challenges including an export ban from Congo, weaker production in Chile and Peru and weather disruptions tied to El Nino.
Regional tension lifts Brent above US$95 as Iraq exports recover, reports reports
reports on 4 September 2026: Iraq’s exports increased in August while ICE Brent traded above US$95 per barrel amid renewed US–Iran hostilities and missile activity in the Gulf, with the market’s next moves hinging on Hormuz shipments.
EIA: US residual fuel oil production rose 13% in August
Energy Information Administration figures published via reports show US residual fuel oil production rose 13% in August versus July, with production at 343,000 b/d while supply and imports declined.
Indian recyclers driven to speculative bids as vessel supply tightens
A MarineLink report dated 4 September 2026, citing Wirana Shipping, says competition for a limited number of end-of-life vessels is prompting Indian recyclers to submit highly speculative bids that may result in sizeable losses.
South Korea reviews military options to support navigation in Strait of Hormuz
Seoul has begun a formal review of measures, explicitly including military options, aimed at supporting freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, the presidential office said on 4 September 2026, while denying that a deployment decision had been taken.
Everllence signs long-term service agreements with TT-Line for two China Merchants RoPax newbuilds
At SMM 2026 in Hamburg, Everllence and TT-Line confirmed long-term service agreements covering two RoPax newbuilds at China Merchants, a report by MarineLink dated 4 September 2026 says.
Ten crew missing after cargo ship sinks off Istanbul following collision
MarineLink, citing state-owned Anadolu Agency, said Turkish authorities were searching for ten crew members after a cargo ship sank off the coast of Istanbul following a collision.