All articles tagged with #cargo ships
Yemen's Houthis have sunk a second cargo ship in the Red Sea within a week, attacking vessels with rockets and explosives, claiming to target ships linked to Israel amid ongoing regional tensions. The attacks have resulted in multiple casualties, rescue operations, and international condemnation, highlighting threats to maritime security and freedom of navigation in the region.
Former Maryland governor and current Senate candidate Larry Hogan is advocating for the federal government to fund the reconstruction of a Baltimore bridge damaged by a massive cargo ship, despite previous safety warnings from experts and an insurance company about the risks of accommodating such large vessels in the port. Hogan's push for bigger ships had been part of his efforts to boost the economy, despite concerns about safety.
Cargo ships are being rerouted around the southern tip of Africa to avoid Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, leading to serious financial and environmental consequences. The crisis has forced shipping firms to choose a lengthy detour around the Cape of Good Hope, adding significant time and costs to each trip. The situation has also impacted global supply chains, pushing up prices of goods and delaying deliveries, while also increasing fuel consumption and carbon emissions. Despite the challenges, experts believe that global supply chains are resilient and will adapt, but the environmental impact and potential long-term duration of the crisis remain concerns.
Two cargo ships in the Red Sea were attacked by missiles, one hit by a drone and the other by missiles, both launched from Yemeni territory controlled by Houthi rebels backed by Iran. The attacks come amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, with the Houthis declaring support for Hamas and targeting ships traveling to Israel. The Bab El Mandab strait, through which 10% of global trade passes annually, is a vital trade route. The US is under pressure from Israel to respond, but fears widening the conflict and Iranian retaliation. A multinational naval coalition may be formed to protect shipping and intercept incoming missiles and drones.
Two commercial ships, connected to the same maritime group as the vessel seized by Yemen's Houthis, have diverted their course in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Israel has described the seizure of the British-owned, Japanese-operated cargo ship as an "Iranian act of terrorism," while the Houthis claim it was Israeli. Japan is appealing for the release of the captured ship and its crew, seeking assistance from Saudi, Omani, and Iranian authorities. Two other ships managed by the same company have also changed their routes. The Houthis have threatened further attacks on Israel and potential targeting of Israeli ships in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandeb Strait.
Two cargo ships, Polesie and Verity, collided in the North Sea off the German coast, with the Verity sinking and several people missing. One person has been rescued, and search and rescue operations are underway. The Polesie remains afloat with 22 people on board.
Two cargo ships have docked in Ukraine's port of Chornomorsk, marking the first civilian vessels to arrive since Russia withdrew from a grain deal. The temporary Black Sea corridor established by Ukraine aims to evacuate ships stuck in Ukrainian ports since the war broke out. The ships will be delivering 20,000 tons of wheat to Africa and Asia. Russia's withdrawal from the deal has led to increased attacks on the Odesa region's port infrastructure and grain silos. Ukraine has sought alternative transport routes, but land transport costs are higher, and the Danube's ports struggle to handle the same volume as seaports.
Two cargo ships have arrived in the Ukrainian port of Chornomorsk, using a temporary Black Sea corridor established by Ukraine after Russia's withdrawal from a grain deal. The ships are the first civilian vessels to reach the Odesa ports since Russia exited the agreement. Ukraine's economy heavily relies on farming, and the country had been exporting its grain safely under a UN and Turkey-brokered deal. However, Russia withdrew from the agreement, leading Ukraine to reroute transport through the Danube River and road and rail links into Europe. The interim Black Sea corridor was opened due to concerns of possible Russian attacks on civilian vessels.
Two cargo ships have left Ukraine's Black Sea ports and are using a temporary civilian corridor along the western shores of the Black Sea, controlled by NATO members Romania and Bulgaria, to reach the Bosporus Strait, despite Russian threats. The vessels had been docked in Ukrainian ports since before Russia's invasion. This comes as Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan are set to meet in Sochi, following the breakdown of a deal allowing Ukrainian grain exports.
Ukraine is considering using its newly-tested Black Sea export corridor for grain shipments after successfully evacuating a vessel on the route last week. Russia's blockade of Ukrainian ports has prompted Ukraine to establish an alternative "humanitarian corridor" along the sea's western coastline. The country is finalizing a scheme with global insurers to cover grain ships traveling to and from its Black Sea ports. Ukraine has allocated $547 million for ship insurance to attract ship owners to its ports, which have come under fire from Russian forces.
French company Airseas has developed Seawing, a kite-like device that can be attached to cargo ships to reduce fuel consumption and cut carbon emissions by 20%. The 1,000-square-meter kite flies 300 meters above the water and is controlled by an automated system. The wing flies in a figure eight pattern, multiplying its pulling power, and harnesses wind that is 50% more powerful at that height. The technology can be retrofitted to existing ships and has received funding from the EU. Airseas hopes to have the technology fully operational by the end of 2025.
French company Airseas is developing the Seawing, a 1,000 square meter kite that will fly 300 meters above the water's surface, to help cargo ships reduce fuel consumption and cut greenhouse gas emissions by 20%. The kite will be automated and easy to use for crews, taking pressure off the ship's engines and reducing the need for fuel. Shipping is responsible for 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, more than the airline industry, making it a significant target for emission reduction efforts. Japanese shipping company "K" Line has already placed orders for the Seawing kite, and the European Union has invested over $2 million in funding.