Asia

AIDAstella and Azamara Pursuit Make First Calls to Niigata

The Port of Niigata in Japan recently celebrated the inaugural visits of two cruise ships, the AIDAstella and the Azamara Pursuit.

Niigata Port at dusk

Mitsui OSK Lines to Open Strategic Office in Washington

Reflecting a shifting global landscape, Japan’s Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL), has announced plans to establish a new office in Washington, DC.

a MOL container ship

HSBC: China Shipyards Remain Strong Despite U.S. Shift

Non-Chinese shipowners can breathe easier thanks to HSBC stating their belief that Chinese shipyards are retaining their competitive edge.

A shipyard in China

Hong Kong to Add Cruise Shore Power by 2030

Hong Kong is preparing to introduce shore power capabilities at its port by 2030, according to Joanne Chu, Deputy Commissioner of Tourism.

A cruise ship with Hong Kong island in the background

Bulk Carrier Boarded in Piracy-Prone Philip Channel

Ambrey has reported that a Marshall Islands-flagged bulk carrier was boarded by four intruders while sailing eastbound through the Philip Channel

Four pirates carrying knives climbing a ladder onto a vessel

Star Voyager Launches First Cruise Season from Thailand

StarCruises has officially kicked off its first-ever cruise season from Thailand with the Star Voyager arriving at Laem Chabang Port, Bangkok.

Bangkok as seen from the Chao Praya River

LPG Tanker Seized in Bangladesh Over Fire and Legal Disputes

The LPG tanker Captain Nikolas was detained at the Port of Chattogram on April 11, following court orders issued by a Bangladeshi court.

The flag of Bangladesh

Google Signs First Offshore Wind Deal in Asia Pacific

Google enters into its first offshore wind power purchase agreement in the Asia Pacific region, marking a step in its renewable energy strategy.

The Google logo on a rooftop

Malaysian Authorities Detain Crew of Tanker Krishna 1

ITF reports crew of a crude oil tanker has been detained by Malaysian officials for allegedly entering national waters without necessary documents

Immigration documents

China Unveils World’s Largest Cruise Terminal in Xiamen

After MSC celebrated the opening of what was hailed as the world’s largest cruise terminal in PortMiami, a new contender has claimed the title.

view of Xiamen from the sea

Vessel Capsizes off Philippines, Leaving Crew Missing

The Philippine Coast Guard confirm that aggregates carrier Hong Hai 16 capsized on April 15 at around 5:20 PM, resulting in confirmed fatalities.

a vessel that has capsized and is listing at dusk

Singapore’s Vasi Shipping Files for Bankruptcy Protection

Vasi Shipping, a small container shipping company based in Singapore, has declared bankruptcy after 13 years in operation.

documents stating a petition to file for bankruptcy

South Korea Saw Sharp Rise in Maritime Accidents in 2024

South Korea experienced a notable rise in maritime incidents and casualties in 2024, according to data from the Ministry of Oceans & Fisheries.

The flag of South Korea

Yangzijiang Financial Orders Four Handysize Bulk Carriers

Yangzijiang Financial Holding is making a return to Jingjiang Nanyang Shipbuilding with a fresh order in the handysize dry bulk market.

a Chinese ship building yard

Cargo Ship Collision in Vietnam Leaves Four Dead

A serious maritime collision occurred in Vietnam’s Gulf of Bắc Bộ on April 8, when a Panama-registered cargo ship struck a Vietnamese fishing vessel

A cargo ship and fishing vessel colliding at sea

Australia to Cancel Chinese Lease of Darwin Port

Australia is moving ahead with plans to terminate a Chinese firm's lease on the Port of Darwin, located in the far north of the country.

Darwin Port as seen from a walkway

NYK Orders First Methanol-Fueled VLCC for 2028 Delivery

Japanese shipping giant Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK) is set to introduce its first methanol dual-fuel very large crude carrier (VLCC) to its fleet.

The NYK logo on the side of a vessel

Cordelia Cruises to Acquire Two Ships from Norwegian Line

Norwegian Cruise Line has reached a deal to transfer two of its Sun-class ships, Norwegian Sky and Norwegian Sun, to India-based Cordelia Cruises

The Norwegian Sun cruise ship passing under a suspension bridge

Oil Spill Near Pulau Ubin Prompts Swift Cleanup Response

An oil spill has been confirmed by the Johor Port Authority after a slick was seen near the Eastern Johor Strait off the coast of Malaysia’s Pulau Ubin

Pulau Ubin coastline

Tourist Arrested in Japan for Carrying Firearm to Port

A 73-year-old tourist was taken into custody at Kobe Port Terminal after disclosing he had a gun in his luggage while preparing to board a cruise

Kobe port at night