Carnival CEO Comments on Middle East, Eyes Future Risks
Josh Weinstein, CEO of Carnival, opened the company’s Q2 2025 earnings call with remarks about the recent developments in the Middle East.
Middle East
Aroya Cruises Begins First Mediterranean Season in Istanbul
Saudi Arabia’s first domestic cruise brand, Aroya Cruises, made its debut in European waters with a maiden call at Galataport Istanbul this week.
Eleven Energy Launches to Expand Saudi Bunker Market
A Saudi Arabian prince, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Saud has unveiled Eleven Energy, a newly established global bunkering firm.
Oil Tankers Collide Off UAE Coast Near Khor Fakkan
Two crude oil tankers, Adalynn and Front Eagle, were involved in a collision off the coast of the UAE near the Khor Fakkan anchorage.
Maritime Alert Issued Amid Rising Middle East Tensions
A security alert has been issued by the UKMTO, MSCHOA, and JMIC cautioning vessel operators navigating through the Middle East of elevated risk.
Suez Canal Offers 15% Fee Cut Amid Easing Red Sea Tensions
Egypt’s Suez Canal Authority has announced a temporary 15% reduction in transit fees for large containerships, in a bid to revive trade flows.
MSC Antonia Grounds in Red Sea Amid GPS Spoofing Concerns
The container ship MSC Antonia ran aground in the Red Sea near Jeddah on May 10 and has remained immobile since. GPS Spoofing is suspected.
Mediterranean Sea Enters Sulphur Emission Control Zone
As of May 1, the Mediterranean Sea became an Emission Control Area for sulphur oxides (SOx), marking a major environmental milestone for the region
Explosion at Iranian Port Claims Over 40 Lives
The death toll from the devastating explosion and fire at Shahid Rajaee Port near Bandar Abbas in southern Iran has climbed to at least 40.
Iran Seizes Two Ships for Smuggling Subsidized Diesel
The IRGC has detained two vessels, the Salama and the Sea Ranger, accusing them of smuggling large quantities of subsidized fuel out of Iran.
U.S. Targets Iran Oil Trade, Warns Shipping on Risks
The United States has introduced a new wave of sanctions targeting Iran’s oil sector, issuing a strong warning to the global shipping industry.
Shipping Industry Monitors Red Sea After Aid Deadline Passes
The shipping industry is watching developments in the Red Sea today as Houthi rebels threaten to resume attacks on commercial vessels in the region
Houthis Threaten to Resume Ship Attacks Over Gaza Aid Block
Houthis have issued an ultimatum to Israel warning they'll resume attacks on shipping unless humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza restart by Tuesday
Houthi Leader Warns of Renewed Threats to Red Sea Shipping
Houthis issue warning, stating they're ready to resume attacks on ships transiting the Red Sea if ceasefire between Israel and Hamas collapses.
U.S. Expands Sanctions Targeting Iranian Oil Shipments
Trump acts on pledge to increase pressure on Iran by imposing sanctions on those accused of facilitating the transport of Iranian oil to China.
Iranian Vessels Transport Missile Fuel Ingredient from China
Vessels sailing under the Iranian flag have been identified as carrying sodium perchlorate, a chemical essential for producing missile propellant
Abu Dhabi Unveils Cruise Crew Pass for Visiting Crew Members
The Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi has launched the Cruise Crew Pass, a program designed to offer discounts to cruise ship crew.
Costa Smeralda First Cruise Ship to Bunker LNG in Dubai
Costa Smeralda, while operating her winter cruise season in the United Arab Emirates, has become the first cruise ship to refuel there with LNG.
Hapag-Lloyd Announces Rate Hike for India-Middle East to US
Hapag-Lloyd has announced a GRI / GRA for container shipments moving from the Indian Subcontinent and Middle East to North America.
Saudi Arabia Launches 'No Limits' Campaign with Aroya Cruise
The SRSA has unveiled the "No Limits" campaign in conjunction with the maiden voyage of the Aroya, Saudi's first cruise ship to sail the Red Sea