The US Department of Defense has ramped up enforcement against shadow fleet vessels transporting sanctioned oil, forcing seven ships in 24 hours to change course and change courses in the Caribbean region. A recent seizure included Olina near Trinidad while Ukraine applauded coordinated US actions taken against Russia-linked vessels operating without proper regulation.
From January 5-10, 2026, the Panama Canal story has focused on stabilising transit conditions and renewing relations with the United States. Operationally, it has entered 2026 with more predictable slot allocation, relaxed draft limits, and unchanged toll structures; politically senior Panamanian officials have reiterated that its operation remains efficiently managed and fully under Panamanian control.
Panama and the United States have signed an accord that grants priority and free passage for American military vessels through the Panama Canal. Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth made this announcement following discussions with Panamanian officials, signaling an important shift in bilateral relations.
Container shipping rates on key China-US lanes remained at elevated levels during the week ending December 29th 2025 despite holiday lull and weak cargo volumes, according to carriers defending pricing ahead of Chinese New Year and 2026 contract negotiations, while US import forecasts predict declines due to tariffs and economic caution. Asia-Europe bookings surged sharply this month.
Late 2025, following strong US opposition and threats of sanctions, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) delayed voting on its Net-Zero Framework (NZF) for shipping emissions until October 2026 - this postponement jeopardizing global decarbonization efforts while EU sustainability reporting simplifications and new CII guidelines advanced rapidly; industry leaders requested clarity.
Trump administration intensified enforcement against Venezuelan oil exports in late December 2025, when US Coast Guard officers seized two tankers and pursued another vessel associated with shadow fleet vessels linked to Venezuela. Operations also targeted sanctioned oil shipments connected to its government.
China responded to US arms sales to Taiwan with asset freezes and transaction bans against 20 US defense companies and 10 executives, as retaliation. Finland Customs also launched an investigation on structural steel cargo aboard detained vessel Fitburg from 2022-2024 for possible violations against sanctions regulations; all these events demonstrate increasing maritime and trade compliance pressures heading into 2026.
In December 2025, the Philippines initiated their inaugural dedicated offshore wind auction of 3.3 GW capacity at Pambujan and Sta. Clara ports. South Korea awarded Vestas with 390MW contract while US projects such as Empire Wind were issued stop-work orders or Vineyard Wind faced policy uncertainty; these events highlighted divergent regional trajectories for marine energy development.[58 words]
Russias Sea Rescue Service unveiled the multipurpose support vessel Kerch Strait on December 24, 2025 - further augmenting Northern Sea Route operations and simultaneously with IMO adopting SOLAS Regulation II-1/3-13 with new safety requirements for onboard lifting appliances effective January 1 2026 which affected vessel certifications and retrofits - to demonstrate their advancements in maritime support and regulatory compliance. These developments exemplify advancements in maritime support services as well as regulatory compliance advancements.
Fincantieri finished 2025 strong by approving its 2026-2030 business plan which seeks to achieve 40% revenue growth and EUR500M net profit by 2030. They secured major torpedo contracts from Indian Navy, launched first Saudi MMSC in Wisconsin state, delivered Italian Navy LSS Atlante ship, formed joint venture for subsea telecom acquisition as well as extended a Virgin Cruises loan loan agreement.
Orsted is considering all options, including possible legal action, after receiving a stop-work order on its Sunrise Wind and Revolution Wind projects from the Trump administration on December 22. This halt has an adverse impact on multiple developers with Dominion Energy already suing in response. Orsted hopes to resolve the matter efficiently through dialogue with regulators like BOEM.
On December 22, 2025, President Donald Trump unveiled the Trump-class battleships as the centerpiece of his Golden Fleet initiative to expand naval power with initial construction of two vessels that is projected to increase to 20-25 over time. This initiative puts pressure on defense contractors over delays while increasing shipyard activity nationwide amid worries over China's shipbuilding pace. Navy Secretary John Phelan provided details regarding advanced weapons including nuclear-armed missiles.
The US Coast Guard has intensified operations against Venezuelan oil tankers, seizing vessels and pursuing others near Venezuela in international waters. President Donald Trump ordered this action against vessels bypassing sanctions preventing oil exports to China or elsewhere, with officials preparing for high-risk boardings while monitoring global energy market impacts.
“From December 10 to 22 2025 US seized tanker vessels that were apart of Venezuela’s shadow fleet the Skipper, Bella 1, in a historic effort to remove the country’s financial strings to PDVSA. For going after a third ship the ire of China in violation of international laws. The Americans have done the most serious enforcement.”
Coda Octopus Group, Inc. announced its latest revenues for fiscal third quarter 2025, 29% higher year on year propelling increased revenues powered by the marine technology and defence sector. Highlights for this quarter include: delivery of 16DAVD untethered systems to the U.S. Navy and multiple orders from major European navies; completion of DUS Hardening Program; start of production of Echoscope PIPE NANO GEN Series sonars which is taking Coda into underwater robotics applications including the application to special forces.
International Maritime Organization's MEPC adjourned extraordinary session without adopting Net-Zero Framework (NZF) for shipping GHG reduction, action postponed to October 2026 due to U.S. opposition and trade penalties threats; leaving industry players facing regulatory uncertainty from regional measures like EU ETS remaining.
Deep Trekker continues to build its international footprint following the announcement of an exclusive Middle East distribution agreement with Unique Group and a ribbon cutting for a full-service facility in Tampa, FL. Then, regional offices covering all three sectors continue to be announced, with defense, offshore, and infrastructure work attracting increasing attention globally.
Marine energy continued to progress this month, with Nova Scotia issuing 12.5 megawatts of new tidal stream licenses to Eauclaire Tidal and Orbital Marine Power at Fundy Ocean Research Center for Energy site. National laboratories and international collaborations worked on tools, research programmes, coordination platforms to accelerate the testing and deployment of wave and tidal technologies.
The Panama Canal Authority has made “forward-looking investments in new ports and gas pipelines” in light of changing global trade routes . Recent announcements include greater LPG transits, plans to soon break ground on a new port facility, and wooing others to invest.
HD Hyundai also won its biggest container ship order since 2007, taking on a US$1.46 billion contract from HMM for eight ultra-large 13,400 TEU LNG dual fuel vessels. At the same time it extended US collaboration with an MOU with Huntington Ingalls Industries and Siemens partnerships to improve American shipbuilding capabilities.