Maritime Optimisation and Communications

Maritime Digitalisation & Communications focuses on the latest in IT and electronics within the shipping industry. Our mission is to deliver thorough and easy-to-understand insights into this fast-evolving sector, which influences every aspect of ship operations and management.

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EU's fresh crackdown on Russia brings total blacklisted vessels to 340

3 days ago | rivieramm.com | Georgios Georgiou

The European Union is implementing a new round of sanctions against Moscow, targeting a significant number of ’shadow’ vessels, while Russian crude exports remain stable year-on-year EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the approval of the 17th sanctions package against Russia in a post on X. The new measures add 189 vessels to the EU’s shadow fleet blacklist, bringing the total number of listed units to 342. This follows the previous packages, which included 153 ships.
Winds of change blow in the North Sea

3 days ago | rivieramm.com | John Snyder

Bottle necks aheadSurprisingly, the phenomenal growth of offshore wind will not be “sufficient to meet the green energy ambitions of the Ostend Declaration for the NorthSea,” says DNV. Among the maritime bottlenecks will be North Sea ports and specialised windfarm vessels.
US and China agree temporary tariff de-escalation

3 days ago | rivieramm.com | Jamey Bergman

A weekend of negotiations in Geneva have produced an agreement between the US and China that will see a reduction in tariff levels starting 14 May. The deal is a temporary, 90-day de-escalation in a months-long, tariff-led, tit-for-tat trade war that began shortly after US President Donald Trump took his second term in January 2025.
Japan's Doun Kisen linked to Newcastlemax newbuilding trio in China

3 days ago | rivieramm.com | Georgios Georgiou

According to shipbroking and market sources, the company has ordered three Newcastlemax bulk carriers at a Chinese shipyard. Several brokers suggest Nantong Xiangyu has secured the deal, despite being better known for building Ultramax and Kamsarmax tonnage in the dry bulk sector. While pricing details have not been disclosed, market estimates place the cost of each Newcastlemax at around US$76M. The three vessels are expected to be delivered through Q1 2028.
Costamare sees container vessel demand boost from USTR plan, debuts dry bulk spin-off

3 days ago | rivieramm.com | Georgios Georgiou

In its Q1 earnings report, the US-listed Greek shipowner highlighted the USTR plan could trigger large-scale fleet redeployments, potentially introducing inefficiencies that would support the current strong charter market dynamics. Costamare chief financial officer Gregory Zikos added such inefficiencies could initially boost demand for tonnage. Regarding tariffs, Costamare stated the container vessel charter market has adopted a “wait and see” stance, helping maintain firm rate levels.
Marinakis' CCEC maps out LCO2 carrier deployment, seals long-term LNG carrier charters

3 days ago | rivieramm.com | Georgios Georgiou

The US-listed Greek shipping company has four 22,000-m³ LCO2 carriers under construction, scheduled for delivery in 2026. Speaking during the Q1 earnings call, CCEC chief executive Jerry Kalogiratos described the vessels as semi-refrigerated Handysize multi-gas carriers capable of transporting LPG, ammonia, and other cargoes, in addition to liquid CO2. Focusing on the LCO2 carrier segment, Mr Kalogiratos highlighted increasing project activity, citing Northern Lights as a notable example.
New remote power system testing for DP OSVs

3 days ago | rivieramm.com | John Snyder

With the increased use of batteries in the offshore sector, US-based OneStep Power Solutions, Inc had anticipated a surge in demand for power system testing, notably for dynamically positioned (DP) vessels. To that end, the company had deployed its new in-person testing solution, targeting the OSV industry and the increasing number of hybrid power applications in the ferry and cruise sector.
Greece's Athenian Sea Carriers prioritises AMP ahead of new fleet launch

3 days ago | rivieramm.com | Georgios Georgiou

The traditional Greek shipping company has embarked on a strategic shift under the leadership of experienced executive Jens Martin Jensen, moving away from the VLCC segment to focus exclusively on smaller tankers. As part of this transition, Athenian Sea Carriers has launched a newbuilding programme for 10 18,500-dwt product/chemical tankers at China’s Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry, with deliveries scheduled between July 2025 and January 2027.
Sabine Bank Pilots adding helicopter transfers on ‘America’s Energy Gateway’

3 days ago | rivieramm.com | John Snyder

A partnership between HeliService USA and Sabine Bank Pilots will add new helicopter transfers to enhance pilot operations on the Sabine-Neches Waterway, a major shipping route for the energy and petrochemical industry and the military. As a result of the partnership, HeliService USA will introduce and operate two Leonardo AW169 intermediate twin-engine helicopters for Harbor Pilot Shuttle (HPS) operations on behalf of Sabine Bank Pilots.
Women in Maritime Today: WISTA Hellas president Vivi Kolliopoulou discusses equality in shipping

3 days ago | rivieramm.com | Georgios Georgiou

The call for equal opportunities aligns with one of shipping’s most important goals: achieving diversity and inclusion through meritocracy. Speaking to Riviera for the International Day for Women in Maritime 2025 special report, Ms Kolliopoulou emphasises that while the industry’s current focus is understandably on ESG – especially the environmental pillar – WISTA Hellas aims to remind everyone of the social dimension of sustainability.