Jim Wilson

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...

The importance of preserving navigational rights and freedoms in accordance with international law was reaffirmed by the Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The IMO Council is the executive organ of the IMO  and is responsible for the work of the IMO. In a resolution adopted during the 137th session (6 – 10 July), the...

What do the United Nations and the IMO really matter? This author has certainly heard many insults and criticisms hurled at bodies like the U.N. and the IMO. They are distant, have no power, and are mere global talking shops, the critics say. What value have circulars and missives against cruise missiles? Denunciations vs drones?...

U.S. armed forces have been attacking Iran since last weekend, following Iranian attacks on commercial tankers owned and operated by the United Arab Emirates. Late evening (U.S. Eastern Time) on Wednesday 15 July, U.S. Central Command (“Centcom”; the U.S. military command that operates in the Middle Eastern region) forces struck Iranian command centers, air defense...

Ship traffic to and from Iranian seaports is blockaded by the United States Central Command (“Centcom”) as of 16:00 U.S. Eastern Time on July 14. Centcom has reinstated the blockade of Iran following new directions from U.S. President Donald Trump earlier this week, following a resumption of hostilities against commercial shipping. Writing on his Truth...