Multiple cargo ships, including one of Greek interest, were attacked or fired upon in the Strait of Hormuz. This incident occurred as US-Iran tensions remained high, with reports mentioning a recently extended ceasefire deadline by the Trump administration.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard reportedly shelled a container ship passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil transport route. Another vessel's crew also reported an attack, though the perpetrator was not confirmed.
American armed forces seized the Iranian-flagged container ship Touska, which US sources suggest may have been carrying 'dual-use items' that could be used for both civilian and military purposes.
The world's largest intelligent container ship has commenced its maiden voyage, marking a significant advancement in maritime technology and logistics.
China has successfully delivered the world's largest 10,000-ton all-electric intelligent container vessel, marking a significant advancement in maritime technology.
The District Prosecutor has filed charges against Eimskipafélag Íslands hf. and Eimskip Ísland ehf. concerning the companies' sale of container ships, with demands for the companies to be sentenced and fined.
Global food prices rose for a second straight month in March to hit their highest level since September last year and could rise further if the Middle East conflict that pushed up...
Two large Chinese container ships have successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz, marking the first confirmed crossing by a major carrier since the conflict began, while 18 India-flagged vessels carrying crude oil and LPG remain stranded in the war-hit zone, though some have safely transited recently.
Two Norwegian tankers have successfully navigated out of the Strait of Hormuz, while Swedish vessels are reported to still be present in the critical waterway.
Shipping giant Maersk is making a strategic push into parcel logistics, aiming to extend its services from container shipping to direct doorstep delivery.
A container ship owned by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines was damaged while anchored in the Persian Gulf amidst ongoing exchanges of attacks between the US and Iran. Japan's Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Kazuyoshi Kaneko, expressed deep concern over the situation.
A container ship sailing 65 kilometers from Dubai was hit by a 'projectile,' causing a small fire on board, though all crew members were reported safe.
Iranian Kurdish opposition groups, with 4,000 to 5,000 fighters based in Iraqi Kurdistan, are prepared to challenge Tehran and have high hopes for the US-Israeli operation in Iran, but are holding back as the war unfolds.
A container ship was hit by an 'unknown projectile' off the United Arab Emirates, resulting in a 'small fire'.
And a new blow to a containership off the...
A container ship was hit off the coast of the United Arab Emirates by an unidentified projectile, a British maritime security agency reported Wednesday, as Iran carries out a retaliation campaign in…
With the escalating situation in Iran, shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital transport route for energy and other goods, is being affected. Amidst this, a Tokyo-based company exporting food to the Middle East is struggling to cope as the arrival of container ships carrying their products to the destination is uncertain.
A small container ship was struck while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, according to UK reports, raising concerns about maritime security in the vital shipping lane.
A container ship was struck by a projectile in the Strait of Hormuz, north of Oman, according to the UKMTO. The impact caused a fire in the engine room.
The ongoing conflict in Iran, particularly attacks from Yemen, is once again threatening container ship traffic in the Red Sea and Suez Canal, but paradoxically, this situation is securing profits for shipping companies.
Ship Orders From South Korea Are Surging Thanks To U.S. Fees On Chinese-Made Ships
South Korea is tightening the race with China in global shipbuilding after U.S. plans to curb Chinese-built vessels disrupted order flows and redirected demand , according to Nikkei.
Worldwide new orders fell 27% in 2025 to 56.42 million compensated gross tonnage (CGT) — the first annual drop in two years — according to U.K.-based Clarksons Research.
China remained No. 1 but saw orders tumble 35% to 35.36 million CGT, shrinking its share to 62.7%. South Korea, ranked second, moved the other way: orders climbed 8% to 11.59 million CGT, lifting its share to 20.6%. Japan, in third, recorded a 53% plunge to 2.77 million CGT, with its slice slipping to 4.9%.
The shift followed a U.S. announcement last April outlining fees on Chinese-built ships entering American ports starting in October 2025. Although the policy was delayed for a year after a U.S.-China summit in late October, uncertainty had already prompted global shipping companies to hesitate on new Chinese orders.
A unit of China State Shipbuilding Corp. said it was disadvantaged in contract talks last summer, opening the door for South Korean yards to win more large container ship deals. HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering cited weaker demand for Chinese shipyards as a key reason for its recent surge in orders.
Nikkei writes that the company posted record results for the year ended December: revenue rose 17% to roughly 29 trillion won ($20.1 billion), while net profit doubled to about 3 trillion won.
Government-backed workforce initiatives have also supported the industry. Seoul opened a training center in Indonesia in 2024 to prepare skilled workers, including Korean language instruction, before dispatching them to local yards. Shipbuilders have raised wages and introduced AI tools to ease labor strain.
Foreign employment in South Korea’s shipbuilding sector hit a record 22,824 at the end of 2024 — about four times the level five years earlier — with foreigners making up more than 20% of the workforce.
Japan, meanwhile, has struggled to capture orders shifting away from China. Data from the Japan Ship Exporters' Association show export contracts in 2025 fell 20% to 8.93 million gross tons, marking a fourth straight year of decline. Limited yard capacity, slipways booked through around 2029, and labor shortages have constrained growth and pushed up costs.
Looking ahead, global demand is expected to rebound in 2026 as stricter environmental rules accelerate orders for vessels powered by next-generation fuels such as hydrogen and ammonia. HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering has set a 2026 order target of $23.3 billion, up 26% from this year, citing steady demand for new builds and fleet replacements.
China is working to regain momentum. In December, Cosco Group placed 50 billion yuan ($7.23 billion) in orders with China State Shipbuilding Corp., underscoring coordinated support among state-owned enterprises.
Japan is also attempting a reset. Imabari Shipbuilding recently completed its acquisition of Japan Marine United to streamline operations. The government aims to double domestic shipbuilding capacity to 18 million gross tons by 2035, seeking to narrow the wide gap with South Korea and China.
Tyler Durden
Mon, 02/16/2026 - 14:00
Iran reportedly attacked at least three container ships and seized two vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions despite a ceasefire extension in the region.
Container shipping giant Maersk has announced the suspension of bookings for Berbera port, a move that will significantly affect cargo shipments, particularly those destined for Ethiopia.
Hungarian opposition figure Peter Magyar announced plans to suspend state television and radio broadcasts, promising to reform public media to ensure press freedom and truth for Hungarians. This pledge comes amidst political discussions involving figures like Donald Trump and Serbian President Vučić regarding Hungarian politics.
A container ship has collided with a railway bridge near Gouda, Netherlands, leading to the suspension of train services between Gouda and Nieuwerkerk aan den IJssel, and Gouda and Zoetermeer Oost.
As former Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif proposes conditions for ending the conflict, including nuclear program limits for sanctions relief, President Trump threatens to escalate attacks on Iran's civilian infrastructure, stating the US military has 'not even started.' Meanwhile, experts analyze the US's dilemma in ending the war, while reports detail ongoing Iranian attacks and the broader impact of the conflict.
Chinese vessels are navigating disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz by utilizing an Iran-controlled corridor, as Asia continues to barter for energy amidst the ongoing Iran crisis.
Turkey has announced that its air defenses intercepted a ballistic missile fired from Iran over NATO skies, marking another near-miss incident and escalating the threat to the region.
The container shipping market is experiencing a new phase of rate increases, with the Drewry benchmark index rising for the fourth consecutive week, primarily driven by the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.
The Department of Shipping Studies at the University of Piraeus, in collaboration with MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, announced a new training program titled 'Fundamentals of Container Shipping,' strengthening the connection between education and the shipping industry.
The escalating conflict in the Middle East has plunged international container shipping into disarray, leading to canceled routes, diverted vessels, and soaring freight rates to the Persian Gulf and Saudi Arabia.
Asian container shipping companies are experiencing a turnaround in their fortunes, largely due to the continued closure of the Red Sea, which is impacting global shipping routes and freight rates.
Russia's state nuclear corporation Rosatom has commissioned shipbuilder USC to construct a nuclear-powered container ship, part of its plan to develop infrastructure for cargo transport via the Northern Sea Route.
A container ship, reportedly German-owned, caught fire near the Strait of Hormuz after being hit by missile fragments, indicating an escalation of maritime incidents in the region.
Iran has begun mining the Strait of Hormuz, the critical oil shipping chokepoint, with US naval forces actively destroying the mines. President Trump demanded Iran immediately remove all mines, warning of severe consequences. Reports estimate Iran possesses 5,000-6,000 sea mines, posing a major threat to global shipping.
South Korean shipbuilding giant HD Hyundai announced a joint development agreement with the American Bureau of Shipping to advance the design of electric propulsion systems for nuclear-powered container ships.
The Department of Maritime Studies at the University of Piraeus, in collaboration with MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company), has announced a new training program on the fundamentals of container shipping.
A Maltese-flagged container ship, Safeen Prestige, was struck by two rockets in the Strait of Hormuz. All 24 crew members were rescued by the Omani navy without casualties.
"Unknown Projectile" Strikes Container Ship In Strait Of Hormuz As Maritime Crisis Explodes
This morning has been very active on the maritime security front.
Israeli authorities are utilizing container ships to repatriate dozens of essential medical personnel who were stranded abroad following the outbreak of aerial conflict with Iran.
There are few assets on earth as strategically sensitive as the ports flanking the Panama Canal. They sit at the hinge of global trade, where container ships glide between oceans and geopolitics moves just beneath the surface. That is why Panama’s seizure of two major port terminals operated by CK Hutchison, the Hong Kong conglomerate built by Li Ka-shing, deserves more than a passing headline.
It is not simply a contractual dispute dressed up as constitutional housekeeping. It is a stress te...
An Iranian gunboat reportedly fired upon and targeted container ships off the coast of Oman, with some reports indicating multiple vessels were hit. Maritime agencies confirmed the incidents, raising concerns about shipping safety in the region.
US forces have seized the Iranian container ship Touska in the Gulf of Oman on suspicion of carrying dual-use goods. Tehran condemns the act, while Washington defends the blockade and inspects the cargo.
The United States seized an Iranian vessel near the Strait of Hormuz, prompting Tehran to vow retaliation and further escalating tensions in the critical waterway. This incident occurred ahead of planned peace talks, which Iran is reportedly considering boycotting due to US demands.
Gianluigi Aponte, founder of Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), transferred ownership of the world's largest container shipping line to his son and daughter in late 2025, marking a major generational shift.
French and Japanese-owned ships have reportedly made their first crossings through the Strait of Hormuz since the conflict began. This marks a significant development for international shipping in the critical waterway.
New trade routes, evolving trade patterns, and emerging cargo segments, particularly in artificial intelligence, are expected to bolster the container shipping sector in 2026 and 2027, acting as a counterweight to the Middle East crisis.
New trade routes and cargo flows, particularly in high-tech goods driven by artificial intelligence, are expected to support container shipping in 2026 and 2027, acting as a counterweight to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.
The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has caused an unexpected logistical effect, with thousands of new luxury cars intended for the UAE market being unloaded on an African island because container ships cannot pass through the strait.
The blocking of Persian Gulf ports due to the Middle East conflict has severely hampered global container shipping, leading to rising prices and delays. Maersk warns that increased transport costs will be passed on to customers and ultimately consumers, as the conflict disrupts key maritime routes.
A German container ship was struck by a projectile in the Strait of Hormuz, according to maritime security services, adding to concerns about shipping safety in the region.
The fate of the crew of the tugboat Mussafah 2 remains unknown after it was hit by two missiles while en route to assist an abandoned container ship in the Strait of Hormuz.
A container ship was struck off the coast of Oman while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, leading to a halt in traffic in the key global oil transit waterway, with Iran's Revolutionary Guards claiming control.
A container ship was hit by a missile in the Strait of Hormuz, north of Oman, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). This incident highlights the escalating 'war scenario' in the vital shipping lane.
Persian Gulf Goes Dark For Container Shipping And There's No Detour Left
By Stuart Chris of FreightWaves
Ocean lines flee Strait of Hormuz as Iran targets Persian Gulf ports
While tanker vessels came under fire in the Strait of Hormuz, container lines were suspending operations to Persian Gulf ports following the joint Israel-U.S. attack on Iran.
Media reports said ports in the United Arab Emirates and Dubai’s port of Jebel Ali were hit by Iranian missiles, and that Tehran ha...
Danish Navy Intercepts, Detains Iran-Flagged Cargo Ship
Denmark detained a container vessel previously blacklisted by Washington under last year's sweeping Iran sanctions on Thursday, amid suspicions it was operating under a false flag.
The Nora was seized after authorities determined it was allegedly sailing under the flag of Comoros without authorization. The ship is now anchored in Danish waters pending further investigation, according to reports. It actually appears to be a box ship transporting containers at the time it was intercepted. It raised the Iranian flag under deeply suspicious circumstances, as a patrol boat eyed the vessel, Danish officials say.
AFP via Getty Images
The Danish Maritime Authority believes it to be part of Iran's so-called shadow fleet of tankers. "The Danish Maritime Authority reports that the vessel has been detained due to incorrect registration," the agency said.
Several months ago the vessel went through a name change, which Washington officials believe was in order to keep shipping sanctioned Iranian and Russian exports, and to evade European suspicions while traversing regional waters.
The vessel is said to currently anchored east of Albaek in the northernmost part of Jutland.
It's possible the vessel will eventually be released, as the Danish government explained the ship will be detained until Iran confirms to the agency that the container ship is legitimately registered and certified.
According to more details via a maritime monitoring publication:
Denmark’s TV 2 reports the vessel had gone dark while it was in St. Petersburg, Russia, in mid-January and then sailed west into the Baltic and reached Skagen, where it stopped on January 22. The following day, it anchored less than 20 miles east of Aalbaek, Denmark, where it has remained for the past 28 days.
A Danish patrol ship was spotted near the vessel along with a Danish Armed Forces sea drone. The Danish Maritime Authority reports it questioned the vessel’s registry in Comoros and was informed by the authorities that the ship was “not correctly registered.” Apparently, when they questioned the vessel further, it suddenly raised an Iranian flag, prompting the detention.
Danish outlet TV 2 further reports that the Cerus/Nora had transited Danish waters at least 10 times over the past year during repeated voyages to Saint Petersburg - and each time the vessel allegedly went dark, ceasing transmission of its position data as it neared Russian waters.
BREAKING: Danish authorities have detained the 226-meter container ship Nora, now flying the Iranian flag, east of Aalbæk, after it was found not properly registered with its claimed flag state. Previously sailing under the Comorian flag, the vessel suddenly changed its… pic.twitter.com/vjh2qaOJOm
February 19, 2026
The Trump administration is meanwhile contemplating whether to escalate its military pressure on Iran by beginning to directly seize Iranian oil exports. This would be seen by Tehran as an immediate act of war.
Tyler Durden
Fri, 02/20/2026 - 02:45