NORTH SEA ATLANTIC

The bipartisan, bicameral bill will fuel U.S. economy, strengthen national security by responding to China’s threat over the oceans. Currently, the number of U.S.-flagged vessels in international commerce is 80; China has 5,500.Today, Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Senator Todd Young (R-IN), Representative John Garamendi (D-CA-8), and Representative Trent Kelly (R-MS-1) introduced the Shipbuilding and Harbor Infrastructure for Prosperity and Security (SHIPS) for America Act, comprehensive legislation to revitalize the United States shipbuilding and commercial maritime industries.

Alexandre de Gusmão floating, production storage and offloading (FPSO) unit has departed in China and is now on its way to Brazil where it will be deployed at Petrobras’ Mero field, in the Santos Basin.The Alexandre de Gusmão FPSO left China on December 16, following the completion of the construction at COSCO Shipping’s shipyard and the delivery to leasing partners SBM Offshore and Petrobras.The FPSO can produce 180,000 barrels of oil per day and compresses 12 million cubic meters of gas daily.The unit is expected to start operations in 2025, increasing Mero's current production capacity by 31%, reaching 770,000 barrels daily.

The last 12 months has seen values rise to near-record levels across several sectors of the shipping industry, fuelled by the post-covid shipping boom and a strong newbuild market.The report states that the newbuild market experienced continued growth, with a notable rise in orders, particularly in the Post/Panamax and Capesize sectors. Chinese dominance in both ordering and shipyard production remains a defining trend, further consolidating their position in the bulker industry.Container Sector's RiseThe report states that increased sailing distances from a prolonged Red Sea crisis became the main driver of demand in 2024 that culminated in global twenty foot equivalent unit-miles

You would be hard pressed to find a corporate leader more passionate about the company they lead; more dedicated to the customer they serve. In this case it’s George Whittier, CEO, Fairbanks Morse Defense and the U.S. Navy. Upon his return less than five years ago, Whittier has driven FMD towards the top of the U.S. Navy supply heap, with a string of strategic acquisitions. Whittier discusses with Maritime Matters: The Marinelink Podcast, FMD’s rich history and promising future in helping the U.S. Navy rebuild its strategic edge globally with a strengthened manufacturing base.George, let’s start out with your leadership at FMD.

The arrival of the dredger Willem Van Rubroeck in Ndayane has marked the start of maritime works for the $1.2 billion Port of Ndayane, a project led by Dubai-owned ports and logistics firm DP World, which aims to transform Senegal into a major center for global trade.The vessel will dredge a 5 km-long shipping channel - an essential step in building this high-capacity port designed to elevate Senegal’s trade infrastructure.Phase 1 of the project includes an 840 m quay and a 5 km channel capable of accommodating the world’s largest container ships.The construction in this phase will create a capacity to handle 1.2 million TEUs annually.