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Ship Photo of the Week
The former Fremantle Highway is loaded on the BOKA Vanguard in the Port of Rotterdam. Photo courtesy Boskalis
Top Stories
Western Sanctions Reshaping Shipping
Western nations are increasingly wielding sanctions to counter destabilizing activities by bad actors like Russia and Iran. The measures aim to curb global threats by choking off the entities and individuals who enable them. But as these restrictions pile up, a growing “shadow fleet” is brazenly defying the rules, posing serious safety and environmental risks while facilitating global instability. The result is a market divided between those following the rules and those flouting them—creating a troubling dynamic that’s reshaping global trade and shows no signs of abating.
UK Tightens the Screws on Russia’s Shadow Fleet
The UK has ramped up its sanctions against Russia, barring 18 more oil tankers from its ports as part of a crackdown on Putin’s covert “shadow fleet.” These aging tankers, used to sneak Russian oil past international sanctions, now total 43 vessels blocked by the UK.
This move, part of a broader coordinated effort with the U.S. and EU, targets a fleet that has helped Russia export $4.9 billion worth of oil in the last year alone. The UK’s action is designed to choke off crucial revenues funding Russia’s war effort, while addressing growing safety and environmental risks.
U.S. Sanctions Houthi-Linked Shipping Network
After broadening sanctions on Iran’s oil and gas sectors in response to the October 1 missile attack on Israel, the U.S. is intensifying pressure on Iran’s destabilizing illicit oil trade. The government this week imposed new sanctions on 18 entities and individuals linked to the network funding Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. The sanctions, announced by the Treasury’s OFAC, target entities involved in moving Iranian oil under the radar, including the Panama-flagged KAPOK.
Run by Houthi financier Sa’id al-Jamal, the network helps fund missile and drone strikes on commercial ships. OFAC’s latest move underscores the U.S.’s commitment to disrupting this revenue stream, with sanctions targeting not only the web of companies, managers, and vessels involved in the illicit shipments, but also the individuals behind them, including ship captains.
China Flexes Military Muscle Around Taiwan
China staged war games around Taiwan on Monday, vowing more action against “separatist acts” if needed. The drills, involving 17 warships and 125 aircraft, aimed to pressure Taiwan after President Lai Ching-te’s National Day speech, where he reaffirmed Taiwan’s autonomy.
Beijing’s military called the exercises a “stern warning” to pro-independence forces. While no live-fire drills or missile launches occurred, China’s show of force included air and sea patrols around Taiwan. Taiwan and the Pentagon condemned the maneuvers, calling them blatant provocations that destabilize the region.
Russia’s LNG Shadow Fleet Stalls
Russia’s attempt to establish an LNG shadow fleet is hitting turbulence as unsold cargoes continue to stack up aboard ships like Asya Energy, Pioneer, and Nova Energy. Despite moving closer to potential buyers in Asia, these vessels remain in limbo, with over 1 million cubic meters of floating LNG yet to find a home.
Industry experts warn the situation could worsen as winter sea ice returns, limiting shipping routes. With buyers in China and India hesitating, Russia may be forced to offer steep discounts, but even that might not be enough to compete in an oversupplied market.
Missiles on the Move: Navy’s Breakthrough at Sea
The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Chosin (CG 65) steams alongside the Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo ship USNS Washington Chambers (T-AKE 11) during an at-sea demonstration of the Transferrable Reload At-sea Method (TRAM) while underway in the Pacific Ocean Oct. 11, 2024. U.S. Navy Photo
The U.S. Navy made history by successfully testing its Transferrable Reload At-Sea Method (TRAM) for the first time in open waters. On October 11, sailors aboard the USS Chosin (CG 65) reloaded a missile system while underway off the coast of San Diego, a game-changing capability that reduces downtime and boosts operational readiness.
The TRAM demo, witnessed by Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, showcased how this innovative system allows warships to rearm without returning to port—a significant strategic edge for the Navy’s future combat operations.
B-2 Bombers Take Aim at Hardened Houthi Weapon Sites
In a high-stakes mission, U.S. B-2 stealth bombers struck several Houthi weapons-storage sites in Yemen, targeting missiles and drones used to disrupt Red Sea shipping. The operation, involving U.S. Air Force and Navy personnel, successfully hit bunkers with no reported civilian casualties, according to U.S. Central Command.
The strikes are part of ongoing efforts to curb attacks by the Iran-backed Houthis, who began targeting ships after Israel’s conflict with Hamas escalated last year. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the mission highlights America’s ability to reach even the most fortified sites—a clear signal to Iran amid rising regional tensions.
Pan Viva’s Great Escape
The Coast Guard continues the response, Oct. 14, 2024, to Pan Viva, a 738-foot cargo vessel, beset by weather 2.3 miles northeast of Unalaska, Alaska. Coast Guard photo courtesy of CGC Stratton.
The 738-foot cargo vessel Pan Vivanarrowly avoided disaster off the coast of Unalaska, Alaska, after being battered by 60 mph winds and 29-foot waves. Carrying 300,000 gallons of fuel and 21 crew members, the ship dropped anchor Saturday, risking grounding in the fierce North Pacific storm.
Thankfully, the ship’s anchor held until conditions improved. By Monday, the Pan Viva safely departed, escorted by tugs to smoother seas, avoiding what could have been a major environmental catastrophe.
California Ports Set New Records
The Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach have smashed their busiest quarter records, even outpacing the pandemic-era surge. Shippers moved cargo early to avoid global supply chain disruptions, leading to a record-breaking 954,706 TEUs in September at Los Angeles—up 27% from last year. Over at Long Beach, September was equally historic with 829,499 TEUs processed, marking a fourth consecutive month of growth.
Despite labor strikes and global supply chain hiccups, both ports are riding a wave of booming imports. As retailers stock up for the holidays, they’re expecting continued growth through the year-end, leaving everyone wondering just how high those container stacks will go.
Fremantle Highway Catches a Ride
The Fremantle Highway is loaded on the BOKA Vanguard. Photo courtesy Boskalis
Dutch marine company Boskalis is wrapping up a complex 15-month salvage mission for the fire-ravaged car carrier Fremantle Highway. The vessel, packed with thousands of cars—including nearly 500 electric vehicles—caught fire off the Dutch coast in July 2023, claiming one life and injuring seven crew members.
After stabilizing and towing the ship to safety, Boskalis’ semi-submersible vessel, BOKA Vanguard, has now loaded the charred remains for a journey to the Far East. There, the vessel will undergo repairs and modifications before returning to service, closing a fiery chapter in the vessel’s history.
As always, we’d love to hear your feedback. Email [email protected] with any questions, comments, tips, or concerns. Don’t forget to check out the Club Discord and gCaptain.com for the latest maritime news.
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