Baltic Dry Index rises to 3,399 after 29-point gain
The Baltic Dry Index advanced by 29 points to reach 3,399 on Monday, 21 September 2026, according to a report from reports.
Maritime reporting archive
Every published Maritime Gazette report remains available here, organised in reverse chronological order across shipping, ports, vessels, trade, policy, safety and the wider maritime industry.
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Reporting archive
Dong Fang receives new SOV early and approves follow-on Vard newbuild
Vard has delivered Dong Fang Offshore's first newbuild SOV, the Orient Inspirer, two months early, and Dong Fang has approved a second vessel from the Norwegian yard with a value of up to $86 million, MarineLink reported on 21 September 2026.
Jinhui orders two 64,500‑dwt bulk carriers from Jiangmen Nanyang for $71.4m
Hong Kong’s Jinhui Shipping has contracted Jiangmen Nanyang Ship Engineering to build two mid‑sized bulk carriers for a combined $71.4m as part of a fleet renewal and expansion programme, MarineLink reported on 21 September 2026.
Tanker struck by unknown projectile in Strait of Hormuz; two crew lightly injured, UKMTO says
An advisory from the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, relayed by MarineLink, reports a tanker was struck by an unknown projectile in the Strait of Hormuz on 21 September 2026; two seafarers sustained minor injuries.
Strait of Hormuz transits slump as Gulf tensions persist, report says
MarineLink reported on 21 September 2026 that visible transits through the Strait of Hormuz fell to 17 commodity vessels over the weekend, down from 37 a week earlier, amid continuing Gulf tensions.
VLCC earnings surge to unprecedented levels in single week, broker figures show
Shipbroker Gibson’s weekly note, cited by reports on 20 September 2026, records unprecedented VLCC assessments, prompting questions over the rally’s sustainability.
Capesize rates soften as Pacific prompt tonnage outweighs cargo demand
A short-lived softening in Capesize freight was recorded this week, with the Pacific region most affected and C5 rates sliding from the low $17s into the mid-$16s before sentiment steadied.
Asia–US container rates climb as peak season stretches; US Gulf tanker markets mixed
Carriers’ capacity controls and an extended peak season pushed container spot rates from east Asia and China higher to the United States this week, while liquid tanker markets ex the US Gulf showed mixed outcomes.
Iran’s Strait authority publishes 77‑ship blacklist as transits continue
The Persian Gulf Strait Authority, opened in mid‑May 2026, has issued three tranches of blacklisted vessels totalling 77 names while analytics report continued use of an unauthorised southern corridor.
Rhine water falls to 20 cm; forecasts warn levels may reach zero and halt barge traffic
A The report on 20 September 2026 records Rhine levels at 20 cm on 18 September and cites forecasts that levels could fall to zero by the end of the month, posing a threat to barge traffic on a key European fuel artery.
CENTCOM reports two‑week rise in Hormuz oil and LNG transits after mine‑clearance and escorts
U.S. Central Command says intensified mine‑clearance and naval escort operations have produced a two‑week surge in oil and LNG transits through the Strait of Hormuz, marking the highest flow in six months.
VLCC market shows mixed moves as TC1 edges up to WS82
Sources indicated modest divergence across key VLCC indices on 20 September 2026: TC1 rose to WS82, TC20 fell to $16.35m and TC15 firmed to $7.2m.
Yanbu pipeline attack reshapes crude flows, lifts tanker freight and tightens diesel into Europe
Three weeks after an early‑September attack on a Saudi pipeline near Yanbu, crude trade patterns and freight markets have been altered and diesel supplies into Europe reduced, with knock-on effects for gas and coal prices.
Drewry: Intra‑Asia container index rises 6% to $1,402 as composite hits fourth straight record
Drewry’s Intra‑Asia Container Index advanced 6% to $1,402 per 40ft, with the composite measure registering an all‑time high for a fourth successive week amid geopolitical and typhoon‑related supply chain disruption.
Ankara seeks deal to reopen Black Sea shipping as attacks disrupt grain exports
Ankara is attempting to negotiate safe passage for commercial shipping in the Black Sea after strikes on vessels and port infrastructure disrupted grain exports from Russia and Ukraine, according to a 20 September 2026 report.
Consortium completes reported first ship-to-ship ammonia bunkering to ammonia-fuelled vessel
A Japanese consortium reported completing the world’s first ship-to-ship ammonia bunkering to an ammonia-fuelled vessel on 17 September at a quay within Japan Marine United’s Ariake Shipyard.
Maersk Asia Pacific update urges Q4 readiness as tech and regional links shape planning
A Maersk Asia Pacific market update published on 20 September 2026 warns that Q4 planning must account for holiday peaks, shifting trade requirements and growing technology use across air, ocean and inland logistics.
Government outlook signals steep fall in iron ore export earnings despite stable volumes
A government outlook cited by reports shows iron ore export earnings dropping by about a third by 2030–31 in 2025–26 dollars, while export volumes fall only around 2 percent.
India’s coal imports fall in 2026 despite rise in Russian shipments, says report
reports reports that India’s overall coal imports have fallen in 2026 even as shipments from Russia increase, with shipbroker Banchero Costa citing AXS Marine tracking that global seaborne coal loadings rose 1.7% in Jan–Aug to 866.8 million tonnes.
Baltic Dry Index edges higher for second day; capesize up 2%
The Baltic Exchange’s dry bulk freight index advanced for a second session on Friday, rising about 1% to 3,370 points, while the capesize sector climbed 2% to 5,768, sources indicated on 18 September 2026.
VLCC spot earnings at $1m a day revive debate over tanker pooling
Sources indicated on 18 September 2026 that exceptional VLCC spot earnings of about $1m a day have refocused attention on how shipowners balance spot exposure with the predictability pooling can offer.
Carriers capitalise as Xeneta flags near‑record Far East–US container rates
reports reports Xeneta’s weekly update showing carriers capitalising on rising freight rates on the Far East–US trade, with analyst insight from Peter Sand.
ICS tells UN Security Council to uphold maritime security, freedom of navigation
Thomas A. Kazakos, secretary general of the International Chamber of Shipping, addressed an Arria-Formula meeting of the UN Security Council in New York on 17 September 2026, urging protection of maritime security, freedom of navigation and the established international legal framework.
Report: Red Sea and Hormuz incidents leave two chokepoints under simultaneous pressure
Sources indicated on 18 September 2026 that fresh strikes off Yemen's Red Sea coast and a reported detention in the Strait of Hormuz have left both regional chokepoints simultaneously affected.
Indian recycling market remains firm, Best Oasis report says
Sources carried a Best Oasis Limited weekly note on 18 September 2026 stating that the Indian recycling market remained firm and buying sentiment was positive.
Ammonia bunkering edges closer to reality as converted carrier wins certification
A converted ammonia carrier has been certified for ship-to-ship bunkering by China Classification Society, a notable technical step even as recent leaks underline safety concerns, sources indicated on 18 September 2026.
Report: Perim taken and Petroline hit as freight rates top $1 million a day
Sources indicated on 18 September 2026 that Houthi control of Perim, a pumping‑station attack on the East–West pipeline and freight rates above $1 million a day combined to create acute disruption to crude flows.
Affinity weekly: VLCC rates surge as Horn of Hormuz transits fall, report says
reports on 18 September 2026 carried Affinity Tanker Weekly, which reported an across-the-board rise in VLCC rates and a fall in Strait of Hormuz transits linked to an escalating Middle East war.
Kamsarmax Bora recorded as committed to undisclosed interests in week 38 market note
A week 38 market note, published 18 September 2026 by reports and attributed to Advanced Shipping & Trading S.A., records the Kamsarmax Bora 81/2014 as committed to undisclosed interests.
Iran and Oman reported close to agreement on shipping corridor in Strait of Hormuz
reports on 18 September 2026 said Iran and Oman have nearly finalised a shipping corridor in the Strait of Hormuz, but a parliamentary spokesperson emphasised this would not amount to reopening the strait.
VLCC benchmarks surge as TD3C tops $1.2m/day and TD34 exceeds $750,000/day
Gibson Shipbrokers, as reported on 18 September 2026, records extraordinary VLCC voyage assessments this week, with TD3C above $1.2 million per day and TD34 beyond $750,000 per day.
Italy to deploy warships to protect shipping as Houthis tighten control of Bab el-Mandeb
Sources indicated on 18 September 2026 that Italy plans a naval deployment to shield its merchant fleet transiting the Bab el-Mandeb as Houthi forces increase their hold on the chokepoint.
ConTex edges to 1,646 in week 38 as VHBS notes steady upward drift
The ConTex container ship time charter assessment index increased by 2 points to 1,646 in week 38, a small 0.1% weekly rise and 1.7% gain overall, according to a VHBS summary published via reports on 18 September 2026.
Japan Engine completes land-based tests of hydrogen engine for large commercial ships, report says
A reports item dated 18 September 2026 reports that Japan Engine Corporation, with Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Yanmar Power Solutions, has completed land‑based testing of what is described as the world’s first hydrogen‑fuelled engine for large commercial vessels under a NEDO development programme.
Azane signs ammonia supply agreement with Yara Norge to underpin marine fuel activities
Azane Fuel Solutions AS has entered a supply agreement with Yara Norge AS to secure ammonia for its marine fuel activities, a move described as an important step in building a reliable supply chain for lower‑emission shipping.
Minister says maritime is central to UK growth as LISW27 launch draws senior audience
At the official launch of London International Shipping Week 2027 the UK Maritime Minister told an audience of more than 250 that the sector is crucial to the Government’s growth mission, sources indicated on 18 September 2026.
Yang Ming names 15,500 TEU LNG dual-fuel ship YM Weight for Asia–West Mediterranean MS2 service
YM Weight, the fourth of five 15,500 TEU LNG dual-fuel newbuilds from HD HHI, was named in Ulsan on 17 September and assigned to Yang Ming’s Asia–West Mediterranean MS2 service.
Crew reports suspected cyberattack after systems failure aboard Vivit Africa LNG
reports, citing Bloomberg, reported that the Vivit Africa LNG experienced a sudden systems failure earlier this month while en route from the United States to Italy; the crew described the incident as a suspected cyber attack.
NYK PCTC makes first call at Chan May as central Vietnam begins finished-vehicle exports
A NYK-operated pure car and truck carrier made the first recorded call at Chan May Port on 18 September 2026, enabling the region's first export shipment of finished vehicles and creating a new logistics option for central Vietnam.
Japan team completes hydrogen engine for large ships; report cites over 95% GHG cut
Japan Engine Corporation, with Kawasaki and Yanmar under NEDO’s Green Innovation Fund Project, has completed the 6UEC35LSGH hydrogen engine for large commercial vessels, with the report citing more than a 95% greenhouse gas reduction compared with conventional heavy‑fuel‑oil engines.
South Korean shipyard unions ramp up action as Chuseok approaches
Sources indicated on 18 September 2026 that unions have intensified industrial action at South Korean shipyards, with Hanwha Ocean stopping all Goliath cranes on 18 September.
Georgia Ports thanks drivers with on-gate giveaways during appreciation week
On 18 September 2026, Georgia Ports Authority staff handed out breakfast and cooling items to drivers at terminal gates across its facilities, including Savannah and Brunswick, in recognition of National Truck Driver Appreciation Week.
EIA: US natural gas storage rose by 44 bcf but missed forecasts
The EIA reported a 44 billion cubic feet rise in US natural gas storage in its latest weekly release, published by reports on 18 September 2026, a result below forecasts that points to stronger demand.
Five-day slide in dry bulk market followed by late-week recovery, Lion Shipbrokers reports
Lion Shipbrokers told reports that the dry cargo market declined for five consecutive sessions before recovering towards the end of week 38, 2026; the Baltic Dry Index was cited.
Aramco halts October crude deliveries to at least two European refiners after pipeline attack
MarineLink reported on 18 September 2026 that Saudi Aramco told at least two European refining customers they would receive no crude in October after an attack on a pipeline to the Red Sea.
Italian defence minister urges stronger naval protection in the Red Sea
MarineLink reported on 18 September 2026 that Italy's defence minister urged a stronger naval presence in the Red Sea to protect merchant shipping as the Bab el-Mandeb Strait faces heightened risk.
Sanmar Delivers NICO, Seventh Tug for H. Schramm Towage
Sanmar Shipyards has handed over NICO, a versatile tug for harbour ship-handling and towing, to Germany’s H. Schramm Towage, the yard's seventh tug for the operator.
Aesen unveils Aesen 116H next-generation hybrid crew boat
Aesen has introduced the Aesen 116H, a next-generation hybrid crew boat the builder says is designed for offshore personnel transfer and infield logistics, MarineLink reported on 18 September 2026.