Barry Parker

6 days ago | seatrade-maritime.com | Barry Parker |Gary Howard

On the eve of the Good Friday holiday, the United States Trade Representative (USTR), issued its determination of Section 301 tariffs related to “…targeted action to restore American shipbuilding and address China’s unreasonable acts, policies, and practices to dominate the maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors.” The recommendations follow a year long investigation, which culminated in a request for comments—drawing almost 600 responses—and two days of hearings earlier this month.

1 week ago | seatrade-maritime.com | Barry Parker

President Donald Trump’s Executive Order (EO) “Restoring America's Maritime Dominance” was perhaps best summarised in a brief by law firm Holland & Knight which described it as “…heavy on high-level, ambitious policy plans but light on details,” adding that “Those looking for immediate directions from the White House may be disappointed as the EO instead sets forth a number of requirements for development of various plans, strategies, policies and reports.” The EO cites the President’s...

2 weeks ago | seatrade-maritime.com | Barry Parker

Shipping heavyweights reflected on green shipping and the agility of family businesses at 2025's Commodore debate. The Commodores’ Debate at CMA Shipping 2025 event saw a group of top shipping executives offering views on a variety of issues, ranging from tariffs to future fuel alternatives and company strategies on buying and selling vessels. Coming a week prior to the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO)MEPC 83 meeting, the fuel discussion saw a lively back and forth.

2 weeks ago | seatrade-maritime.com | Barry Parker

Participants at CMA Shipping 2025 were cautious but optimistic on AI applications in shipping, managing to avoid the usual jargon. The Artificial Intelligence (AI) session at CMA Shipping 2025, moderated by Nick Chubb, from maritime technology advisory firm Thetius, gets high marks because of what was missing—it was largely devoid of nebulous and abstruse jargon. Instead, the session delved into the practicalities of what works, what doesn’t work, and potential progress and pain points.

2 weeks ago | seatrade-maritime.com | Barry Parker

The timing for the Commodores’ Debate at CMA Shipping 2025 was either very good, or very bad- depending on one’s point of view. President Donald Trump’s “Liberation Day”, where an extensive tariff program was announced, preceded the discussion by one day, and the stock markets was in the midst of a free fall.