Jim Wilson

Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz (as at Thursday 30 July 2026 at 13:00 Greenwich Mean Time) Since 16/7, there have been seven attacks on merchant vessels in the Persian Gulf, detailed below: 17/7, Marshall Islands-flagged IDI hit by projectile. No fire or injuries were reported. 17/7, tanker BELMA hit by projectile from US blockading...

PT Asian Bulk Logistics (ABL Group) has announced the completion of its majority shareholding acquisition of the Engage Marine Group (Engage Marine Pty Ltd and its subsidiaries), an Australian provider of integrated maritime services. Completion follows the satisfaction of all conditions precedent under a Share Purchase Agreement (SPA), including execution of the relevant completion process...

This year in Tokyo, FONASBA’s 2026 Annual Meeting (11-14 October) programme will feature engaging plenary sessions with leading international and local speakers, exploring current challenges and opportunities in shipping, logistics, and maritime policy. There will be ample opportunity for networking, allowing participants to build new relationships and deepen existing ones. We are especially pleased to...

Shipping Australia is disappointed with the ongoing fee hikes at the Pilbara Ports Authority and the response of the Hon Stephen Dawson MLC, WA Minister for Ports. Shipping Australia is also disconcerted by the ongoing fee hikes for services across Australian ports, which are often large, imposed out-of-cycle, and at short notice. In relation to...

Maritime piracy and armed robbery incidents fell to their lowest level since 1992 in the first half of 2026, according to the latest report from ICC’s International Maritime Bureau (IMB). However, the ICC / IMB warn that crew safety is still at risk and that there is a resurgence of Somali piracy. Thirty-eight incidents of...

Port Authority of New South Wales has announced the appointment of board director Justine Jarvinen as its new Chair. Chief Executive Officer John McKenna said Ms Jarvinen’s appointment comes at an important time for the organisation as it continues to deliver on its long-term vision under Strategy 2030. “Ms Jarvinen, known as “JJ”, has served...

Liquefied gas transport specialist, Exmar, of Antwerp in Belgium, has reported the successful completion of the maiden voyage of the “Antwerpen,” which is said to be the first commercial seagoing cargo vessel powered by a dual-fuel ammonia engine. According to a statement from the company, during a voyage from China to India, “the vessel achieved...

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has appointed former master mariner, Greg Witherall, as Executive Director Operations, effective immediately. An executive with more than 30 years’ experience across the maritime sector, Mr Witherall brings operational, technical and regulatory expertise to the role. His career spans seafaring, vessel command, safety regulation and executive leadership. Mr Witherall...

Australian Border Force (ABF) officers have stopped 426 illicit weapons allegedly concealed within three shipping containers from reaching the Australian community. On Monday, 6 July 2026, ABF officers in Sydney’s Port Botany intercepted the containers, which originated from Asia and had been declared as containing metal fittings. During x-ray examinations, officers identified anomalies within the...

Nasdaq Helsinki-listed Kalmar Corporation has received an order for ten Kalmar Hybrid Straddle Carriers and 2 Hybrid Kalmar AutoStrad machines from container stevedore Patrick Terminals.  The 10 Hybrid Straddle Carriers are to be deployed at Patrick’s Melbourne terminal and the 12 Hybrid AutoStrads at Sydney AutoStrad terminal. The order was booked in Kalmar’s Q2 2026...