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The path to net-zero emissions for the global shipping sector hit a significant roadblock last Friday, as a scheduled Extraordinary Session of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC/ES.2) concluded with a decision to adjourn, deferring the adoption of the crucial Net-Zero Framework (NZF) for one year. The policy measures, which had …

The seaborne crude oil trade routes are constantly evolving and China is at the center of things. In its latest report, shipbroker Xclusiv said that “analysing trade flow data from Signal Ocean Platform, it is noted that year to date, China imported approximately 362.2 million tonnes of crude oil, excluding volumes from countries under international …

“So far this year, only 10 container ships have been recycled. This extends a pattern of low recycling activity seen since 2021 as many ships have continued trading beyond their usual recycling age. As a result, we estimate that a recycling overhang of minimum 500 ships and 1.8 million TEU now exists,” says Niels Rasmussen, …

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has decided to postpone the adoption of its Net-Zero Framework (NZF) for another year. This delay, while creating additional uncertainty, warrant careful examination of the proposed mechanisms. Prior to the IMO MEPC meeting, in-depth research by Rystad Energy ‘s maritime decarbonization specialists revealed critical gaps in the current NZF that …

The newbuilding market activity was quite firm over the past week. In its latest weekly report, shipbroker Intermodal said that “the newbuilding market witnessed a firm week, with 10 reported orders covering 33 firm plus 2 optional units across the dry, wet, containership and ferry segments. Two orders were reported in the dry bulk segment. …

China’s soybean supply chain took a sharp turn south in September. No U.S.-origin soybeans were discharged at Chinese ports, the first zero month since 2018, as buyers leaned heavily on Brazil and Argentina. Signal Ocean cargo flow analytics confirm U.S. volumes collapsing while South American loadings surged, coinciding with a jump in CBOT soybean futures …

BIMCO has initiated the development of a clause specifically addressing the new fees introduced on 14 October 2025 for US-related ships calling at ports in China. The Chinese Ministry of Transport announced on 10 October this year that new “Special Port Fees” would be imposed on ships arriving at Chinese ports if they are US-built …

The dry bulk market second-hand market was quite active last week. In its latest weekly report, shipbroker Xclusiv said that “activity picked up across all bulk segments this week. On the Newcastlemax sector, the “Bulk Sao Paulo” – 208K/2020 New Times was reported sold for USD 72.75 mills to undisclosed buyers and Jiangsu Steamship acquired …

According to a new paper by DNV, shifting environmental requirements are reigniting interest in nuclear propulsion as a long-term solution for maritime decarbonization. This renewed attention comes despite the absence of any civilian commercial nuclear-powered vessel commissions in more than four decades. DNV’s latest report, “Maritime nuclear propulsion: Technologies, commercial viability, and regulatory challenges for …

A substantial portion of ship financing is tied to fossil fuel carriers that face risks of stranding in the global shift to a low-carbon energy system. A comprehensive study by researchers at UCL (University College London) has mapped the global landscape of shipping finance and uncovers the financial arrangements and institutions behind USD 378 billion …