CMA CGM and Maersk ships are once again transiting the Suez Canal, signaling a tentative recovery of the Red Sea route after months of security-driven diversions around Africa.
gCaptain Article: Big Boxships Return to Suez After Two-Year Hiatus
gCaptain Article: Shedding Light on “How Work” Safety Gaps Offshore
Offshore hot work accidents—from welding-triggered fires to deadly explosions—remain a major threat as investigations show permits, fire watches, and gas monitoring are too often ignored, putting crews at extreme risk.
Professional Mariner Article: Stephen Carmel Confirmed as New MarAd Administrator
Stephen Carmel has been confirmed as the 21st MarAd administrator, taking a central role in implementing President Trump’s maritime agenda and shaping U.S. commercial shipping and strategic sealift policy.
gCaptain Article: UK Probe Focuses on Cargo Securing After Containers Go Overboard in the English Channel
The MAIB is investigating how 16 reefer containers were lost from Baltic Klipper in heavy seas near Portsmouth, triggering Solent channel disruption and an ongoing West Sussex shoreline cleanup.
gCaptain Article: Port of New York – New Jersey Locks in 33-Year Lease Extension at Largest Container Terminal
The Port Authority has extended Maher Terminals’ lease through 2063, locking in long-term investment, capacity expansion, and net-zero commitments at the Port of New York and New Jersey’s largest container terminal as cargo volumes climb.
gCaptain Article: Navy Ship Fire Prevention Falters on Contractor Oversight Gaps, GAO Warns
A new GAO report finds that, despite post–Bonhomme Richard reforms, persistent gaps in contractor oversight, weak financial penalties, and outdated liability limits continue to put Navy ships at risk of catastrophic maintenance-period fires.
gCaptain Article: Improperly Secured Lithium-Ion Battery Cargo Nearly Dooms Ship in the Pacific, NTSB Finds
An NTSB investigation has found that incompatible lashing gear and heavy weather allowed lithium-ion battery units to shift aboard the Genius Star XI, triggering thermal runaway fires that caused $3.8 million in damage and renewed concerns over battery cargo safety at sea.
gCaptain Article: Port of Los Angeles Poised for Third-Best Cargo Year Despite Tariff Headwinds
Despite a double-digit drop in November volumes, the Port of Los Angeles is on track to top 10 million TEUs in 2025, ranking among its three busiest years ever as tariffs cool cargo demand nationwide.
DredgeWire Article: Loose Wire, Fatal Consequences: NTSB Report Blames Electrical Failure for Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse
An NTSB investigation has found that a single loose signal wire aboard the Dali triggered the blackout that led to Baltimore’s Key Bridge collapse, exposing major gaps in bridge protections, shipboard redundancy, and worker evacuation procedures.
Oregonian Article: Interstate 5 Bridge Cost Update Delayed Until 2026, Awaiting Coast Guard
I-5 bridge replacement leaders now say an updated cost estimate won’t arrive until at least spring 2026, as they await a Coast Guard ruling on whether the new Columbia River span must include a costly movable section.