Since the start of the conflict in the Middle East Iran has sought to exert control of the Strait of Hormuz and establish a new navigational order.

In a new monthly series on the Seatrade Maritime News Podcast entitled Maritime Crossroads we will be exploring the critical issues of maritime and energy risks in the Middle East region.

The series features Noam Raydan, a Senior Fellow at The Washington Institute for Near East Policy discussing issues with Marcus Hand, Editor of Seatrade Maritime News.

The first episode explores how Iran is changing the navigational order in one of world’s most key waterways – the Strait of Hormuz.

The internationally recognised routes in the Strait of Hormuz were adopted by International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 1968 but these are no longer being used by commercial shipping.

“Instead, we have a completely new navigational order, and this is what Iran right now wants to shape according to its own terms. So, in this new navigational order which we are seeing emerging in the region, we have completely new lanes that are being used by commercial shipping,” she says.

The conversation covers:

• Changes in navigation in the Strait of Hormuz
• Iranian threats and shipping risks
• Trends in energy transport in the region
• The role of pipelines in energy security
• Humanitarian issues for seafarers
• Future challenges in the region

Listen to the full episode now

In a five-part series mid-year we take stock of shipping markets in the first six months of the year and look ahead to the remainder of the 2026 with experts Maritime Strategies International (MSI).

In this third part the Seatrade Maritime Podcast talks with Will Fray, a Director with MSI about the performance and outlook for the dry bulk shipping market.

Overview of the dry bulk market

Factors behind rising secondhand values

Geopolitical impacts on dry bulk trade

Demand outlook for the second half of 2026

Supply side analysis and fleet growth

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For the latest news on the shipping and maritime industries, visit www.searade-maritime.com.

Connect with Marcus Hand, Editor of Seatrade Maritime News:

• Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/marcushand1
• Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-hand-b00a317/

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In a five-part series mid-year we take stock of shipping markets in the first six months of the year and look ahead to the remainder of the 2026 with experts Maritime Strategies International (MSI).

In this second part the Seatrade Maritime Podcast talked to Daniel Richards from MSI, about the developments in the container shipping market and the outlook for the remainder of the year.

The episode covers:

Overview of the first half of 2026

Factors Influencing freight rates

Demand and supply dynamics

Market predictions for the second half of 2026

The charter market landscape

Future of newbuilding orders

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to ensure you don't miss our latest uploads.

For the latest news on the shipping and maritime industries, visit www.searade-maritime.com.

Connect with Marcus Hand, Editor of Seatrade Maritime News:

• Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/marcushand1
• Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-hand-b00a317/

Don't forget to join the conversation and let us know what topics you want us to cover in future on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn

In a five-part series mid-year we take stock of shipping markets in the first six months of the year and look ahead to the remainder of the 2026 with experts Maritime Strategies International (MSI).

In this first part the Seatrade Maritime News Podcast talked to Adam Kent, Managing Director of MSI, about the overall macro-economic picture for shipping so far in 2026, and what lies ahead.

This year has been characterised by geopolitical disruption with the US/Israel – Iran war, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a worsening of security in the Black Sea with the ongoing Russia – Ukraine conflict, and continued trade wars.

“We didn't think that the world is shipping to get any more complex 2026 has certainly shown us otherwise. Up until year to date, the industry has once more been confronted with more geopolitical shocks and a playbook that seemed to change almost on a daily basis. But overall, I'd say that certainly from a shipping markets perspective, they've continued to adjust and have performed actually quite well,” Kent explains.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to ensure you don't miss our latest uploads.

For the latest news on the shipping and maritime industries, visit www.searade-maritime.com.

Connect with Marcus Hand, Editor of Seatrade Maritime News:

• Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/marcushand1
• Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-hand-b00a317/

Don't forget to join the conversation and let us know what topics you want us to cover in future on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn

Shipping has faced multiple geopolitical shocks in the first half of 2026 so where are markets headed in the remainder of the year?

In this episode, we take a comprehensive look at the shipping markets as we head into the second half of 2026.

Join Marcus Hand and the experts from Maritime Strategies International (MSI), including Adam Kent, Daniel Richards, Will Fray, and Tim Smith, as they analyse the current state and future outlook for container shipping, dry bulk shipping, tankers, and shipbuilding.

Looking back on the first half of the year Adam Kent, Managing Director of MSI comments, “We didn't think that the world is shipping to get any more complex. I think 2026 has certainly shown us otherwise. Up, until year to date, the industry has once more been confronted with more geopolitical shocks and a playbook that seemed to change almost on a daily basis.”

While shipping has been rocked events such as the US – Iran war and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz markets have benefited from disruption, and while the likes of large tankers are witnessing extreme volatility the overall earnings picture across the major sectors of shipping has been extremely positive.

Starting out with a broad macro-economic overview of shipping markets the team from MSI take the listener through specific major sectors, what has happened so far in 2026 and what lies ahead for the remainder of the year and beyond.

You’ll hear about the:

• Container shipping market overview with Daniel Richards
• Dry bulk market analysis with Will Fray
• Tanker market insights with Tim Smith
• Newbuilding and shipbuilding market overview with Adam Kent

Listen to the full episode now get the low down on where shipping is headed in the second half of 2026

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to ensure you don't miss our latest uploads.

For the latest news on the shipping and maritime industries, visit www.searade-maritime.com.

Connect with Marcus Hand, Editor of Seatrade Maritime News:

• Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/marcushand1
• Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-hand-b00a317/

Don't forget to join the conversation and let us know what topics you want us to cover in future on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn

Houthi Red Sea threat , record VLCC newbuilding orders, and Jones Act controversy intensifies.

These are just some of the stories that are covered in the latest episode of Maritime in Minutes.

Seatrade Maritime News’ Marcus Hand and Gary Howard reflect on the month of July, with their highlights from the news in maritime and shipping, from the biggest stories to those that simply piqued their interest.

Hear more about:

US Jones Act controversy intensifies over foreign-flag vessel charters

Can black swans continue saving container lines from overcapacity?

Gemini Suez return signals cautious step towards liner normalisation

Shanghai overtakes London in shipping hub rankings

Trump pulls U-turn on 20% Hormuz tariff

Record VLCC orders raise fears of 2028 tanker squeeze

10 seafarers killed in Russian strike on Golden Leo

DP World seeks to bypass Hormuz with new Fujairah terminals

Tanker rates set to soar on Houthi attack fears in Red Sea

Drone strike hits Energos FSRU and a LNG carrier in Egypt’s Damietta port

Listen to the full episode now

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to ensure you don't miss our latest uploads.

For the latest news on the shipping and maritime industries, visit www.searade-maritime.com

Connect with Marcus Hand:

• Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/marcushand1
• Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-hand-b00a317/

Connect with Gary Howard:

• Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GaryLeeHoward
• Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garyleehoward/

Don't forget to join the conversation and let us know what topics you want us to cover in future on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn

One of the aims of shipping’s dark fleet is to not be detected – in this podcast episode we look at how you can track vessels trying to hide their identities and activities.

In this latest Chat About Geopolitics and Trade podcast episode host Punit Oza, Founder of Maritime NXT, delves into the shadowy world of the dark fleet with Michelle Wiese Bockmann, Senior Maritime Intelligence Analyst with Windward.

You will hear how Windward leverages multi-source intelligence and advanced analytics to bring transparency. The conversation delves into the challenges of understanding the dark fleet, the evolving sanctions landscape in global trade and the use AI in maritime tracking.

Join us for a deep dive into how real-time data is reshaping decision-making for shipowners, insurers, and governments alike.

Topics discussed include:

• Overview of Windward's technology solutions
• Understanding the dark fleet
• The role of AI in maritime intelligence
• Collaborations with insurers
• The impact of sanctions on trade
• The importance of human intelligence
• Geopolitical hotspots
• Commercial adoption of technology

Listen to the full episode now to hear about all these topics and much more.

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Follow Punit Oza:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/punit-oza-fics-afni-llb-m-sc-6149893/

In this episode recorded at Posidonia 2026 you’ll hear from Julian Bulan with Bureau Veritas about the shipping industry's challenge of greenhouse gas reduction.

In conversation with Seatrade Maritime News’ Emma Howell he explains how Bureau Veritas supports ship owners in navigating regulatory frameworks, ensuring compliance, and improving data accuracy for emissions reporting.

The episode also delves the importance of innovation, technology, and the evolving role of data in driving sustainability within maritime operations.

Listen to the full conversation to learn more about

• Bureau Veritas and GHG reduction
• Regulatory developments
• The verifier role in emissions data
• Ensuring data accuracy
• Addressing conflicting requirements
• Cybersecurity and data management
• LNG as a marine fuel
• Preparing for future GHG rules

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to ensure you don't miss our latest uploads. Feel free also to recommend the show to a friend or colleague that you think would enjoy it.  

For the latest news on the shipping and maritime industries, visit www.searade-maritime.com.

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Recorded at Posidonia 2026 in Greece, this episode of the Seatrade Maritime podcast features correspondent Gary Howard in conversation with Maria Kyratsoudi, business development director, Greece, at ABS.

Together they explore how Greek shipowners are responding to tightening IMO and EU regulations, and why energy efficiency and performance optimisation are taking priority over early bets on alternative fuels.

In this episode:

ABS as “Greece’s trusted class”

• How ABS’s role has evolved from traditional classification to technical and sustainability advisor.
• Expanded engineering, sustainability, and advisory capabilities for Greek clients.

Newbuilding trends in the Greek fleet

• Strong increase in tanker, VLCC/Suezmax, and bulk carrier orders, with LNG and LPG also in the mix.
• How owners are aligning fleet renewal with regulatory and commercial pressures.

Decarbonisation and regulation: IMO + EU

• Why Greek owners are looking at the combined impact of IMO and EU rules rather than single regulations in isolation.
• The drive for energy efficiency upgrades, fuel readiness, and robust compliance documentation.

Efficiency first, fuels later

• Why the immediate focus is on energy efficiency and performance optimisation for both newbuilds and retrofits.
• Making vessels more commercially attractive through measurable real‑world gains.

Digitalisation and data

• How regulatory demands for accurate data are pushing pragmatic adoption of digital tools.
• The link between digitalisation and decarbonisation, and using performance data to support charterers and financiers.

In this episode of the Seatrade Maritime Podcast, correspondent Gary Howard sits down at Posidonia with Robert Sakker, president & CEO of Pulsar International, and Ben Palmer OBE, president of Viasat Commercial, to explore how next-generation satellite connectivity is reshaping life and work at sea.

From the mental health of seafarers caught in geopolitical crises to the fiercely demanding Greek shipping market, the conversation dives into why reliable, secure, and high-capacity connectivity is now a strategic necessity—not just a technical nice-to-have.

Robert and Ben unpack NexusWave, a fully managed, bonded multi-network service that combines LEO, GEO, and cellular to deliver resilient connectivity for ship operations and crew welfare. They discuss the shift from price-driven decisions to value and outcomes, the growing role of cyber security as ships become “mobile offices,” and how multi-orbit, software-defined networks and upcoming Viasat-3 satellites are setting the stage for the next five years of maritime digitalisation.