CASPIAN PROTECTOR

A record wave of global investment in new ships is translating into sustained growth for Germany's marine equipment industry, with suppliers reporting rising revenues, strong order books and growing optimism despite mounting geopolitical and competitive pressures.According to the latest industry survey from VDMA, Germany's maritime supplier sector posted average revenue growth of 5.2% in 2025, marking its fourth consecutive year of expansion. The results underscore how a historic global shipbuilding cycle—driven by fleet renewal, decarbonization investments and naval rearmament—is benefiting companies that supply propulsion systems, machinery, automation

Iran's Revolutionary Guards fired at least two missiles at commercial ships transiting through the Strait of Hormuz on Monday night, Axios reported, citing two U.S. officials.Two commercial ships suffered significant damage but had no casualties, the report said, citing a U.S. official.Separately, Britain's maritime security agency said a tanker caught fire after being hit by an unknown projectile east of Oman's Limah early on Tuesday.The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency (UKMTO) said early on Tuesday that the tanker was struck on its port side while travelling southbound about 8 nautical miles (15 km) east of Limah, causing a fire.

MODEC has completed the forward hull section of floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel Gato do Mato, marking a key construction milestone for the Brazil-bound offshore production unit.The forward hull section, built at Sumitomo Heavy Industries Marine & Engineering's Yokosuka shipyard in Japan, has departed for China, where it will be integrated with the aft hull section before the vessel moves to the next stage of construction.The project is the first to use MODEC's Next Generation Hull (NGH) design and the first FPSO hull to be built in partnership with Sumitomo Heavy Industries Marine & Engineering under the company's multi-yard construction model

A.P. Moller Holding has agreed to acquire 100% of Oslo-based ship leasing company Ocean Yield from funds managed by investment firm KKR, expanding its maritime portfolio.Ocean Yield has interests in more than 70 vessels across several shipping segments, including gas carriers, LNG carriers, container ships, crude, product and chemical tankers, and dry bulk carriers.Under KKR's ownership since 2021, Ocean Yield has invested more than $3 billion to expand its portfolio, diversify its investment-grade customer base and nearly double its long-term contracted backlog to more than $5 billion, the companies said.The financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.

ADNOC and XRG have signed a strategic collaboration agreement with Mitsui to explore opportunities across liquefied natural gas (LNG), crude oil, sulfur, shipping and chemicals, as well as international energy investments through XRG.The agreement establishes a framework for collaboration in areas including crude oil market development and long-term supply, LNG sales and optimization, sulfur procurement and logistics, and shipping solutions for LNG, ammonia, sulfur and other commodities.