ASTRO PHOENIX

The U.S. is one week away from imposing port fees on certain vessels with links to China, a move expected to cost the top 10 carriers $3.2 billion next year as President Donald Trump seeks to address China's growing dominance on the high seas."While some observers believe the October 14 deadline may be extended - or even scrapped - as part of broader negotiations, the uncertainty has already unsettled carriers, adding another layer of geopolitical risk to fleet deployment strategies," S&P said in a report this week.Trump's administration said fees imposed on ships built, owned or operated by Chinese entities will help pay to revive U.S. shipbuilding.

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL), Kanadevia Corporation, and Yanmar Power Solutions have achieved a 98% methane slip reduction rate in onboard trials of LNG-fueled vessels, exceeding their initial target of 70%.The trials are part of the Green Innovation Fund Project ‘Development of Next-Generation Vessels’ led by Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO).The project, which runs from fiscal 2021 through 2026, aims to combine methane oxidation catalysts with engine improvements to reduce methane slip - unburned methane emissions from LNG fuel - by at least 70%.

U.S. forces hit another vessel allegedly carrying illegal drugs off the coast of Venezuela on Saturday evening, U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday, adding that the U.S. would also start looking at drug trafficking occurring on land.Trump made the comment during a speech at Naval Station Norfolk, next to the Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier. It was not immediately clear if he was referencing a strike announced Friday by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth."In recent weeks, the Navy has supported our mission to blow the cartel terrorists the hell out of the water ... we did another one last night. Now we just can't find any," Trump said.

Colonna’s Shipyard, Inc. (CSI) will invest $70m to acquire its fourth drydock, expected to have a lifting capacity of 25,000 tons and slated for delivery in the first half of 2028.“This new drydock acquisition is a testament to our continued dedication to innovation, quality service, and our steadfast investment in the future,” said Randall Crutchfield, Chairman & CEO, at Colonna’s Shipyard, Inc. “The expansion of our drydock capacity will further strengthen our ability to serve both our commercial and government clients, ensuring that we can meet their ever-evolving needs with unmatched expertise and reliability.

Moran Towing Corporation acquired Bisso Towboat Co, as it aims to accommodate growing needs of New Orleans and the Lower Mississippi River communities.Moran was founded in 1860 and is privately owned and operated. It offers ship assist services in 17 ports along the U.S. East and Gulf Coasts and has operated in New Orleans since 2006. In addition to its ship assist business, Moran also services LNG terminals, and transports liquid and dry bulk cargo with its fleet of liquid and dry bulk barges.  Bisso was founded in 1890 in New Orleans, and its headquarters remain in the area to this day.