1. Spain and the dark fleet
A Splash contribution by Rafael Muñoz Abad argues that Spain has not learned enough from the 2002 Prestige disaster. It says Spain is among the EU countries most exposed to the “ghost” or “dark” fleet along key parts of its coastline.
https://splash247.com/spain-and-the-dark-fleet/
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2. Trump floats US toll on Hormuz
Splash reports that the struggle over control of the Strait of Hormuz has entered a new phase. The article says Donald Trump suggested the US could charge tolls on ships using the waterway.
https://splash247.com/trump-floats-us-toll-on-hormuz/
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3. Peter Döhle extends boxship run with Chengxi contract
Splash says German owner Peter Döhle Schiffahrts is adding two feeder containership newbuilds at Chengxi Shipyard in China. Shipbuilding sources told the outlet the Hamburg-based company contracted the CSSC-affiliated Jiangsu yard for two 3,100 teu vessels.
https://splash247.com/peter-dohle-extends-boxship-run-with-chengxi-contract/
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4. Carlova expands tankers newbuild slate
Splash reports that Greek owner Carlova Maritime is expanding its tanker programme, increasing its VLCC exposure in South Korea and also placing an aframax order in China. The article says the Athens-based company, led by Anthony Inglessis, has ordered a second 300,000 dwt VLCC at Hanwha Ocean for delivery in the third quarter of 2029.
https://splash247.com/carlova-expands-tankers-newbuild-slate/
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5. Russia’s Yamal LNG Sends First Cargo to China Since November as EU Demand Dominated Q1
gCaptain reports that Yamal LNG has sent its first cargo to China since November, according to ship-tracking data. The shipment indicates a tentative return of flows to Asia after European buyers took all volumes in the first quarter of 2026.
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6. Japan Relies on Offshore Oil Transfers as Middle East Risks Rise
gCaptain, citing Bloomberg, says Japan is using ship-to-ship oil transfers away from the Middle East to secure crude supplies. The report says this helps keep Japanese tankers out of a conflict zone now considered too risky for crews and ships.
https://gcaptain.com/japan-relies-on-offshore-oil-transfers-as-middle-east-risks-rise/
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7. Avikus to Ramp Up Autonomous Navigation Systems
SeaNews reports that Avikus is preparing to scale up its autonomous navigation systems and has obtained DNV type approval for HiNAS Control. The search snippet says DNV carried out a thorough and systematic assessment as part of the approval process.
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8. Swedish Coast Guard Releases Sanctioned Tanker
SeaNews reports that the tanker Flora 1, sanctioned by the EU and detained by Swedish authorities on April 3 over an alleged Baltic oil spill, has been cleared to leave. The article identifies the vessel as the ship involved in the case.
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9. Open Letter to President Ursula von der Leyen: Europe’s transport system is unprepared — and workers are paying the price
Cyprus Shipping News says the consequences of the Iran conflict and Gulf escalation are not a one-off geopolitical shock. The letter argues they are another stress test that the European Union risks failing.
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10. Uncertainty at the IMO: Three scenarios and their consequences for shipping’s transition
Cyprus Shipping News says this week’s newsletter examines a recent insight brief on possible outcomes for the IMO Net-Zero Framework. It says the scenarios range from adopting the framework as it stands to removing its economic elements entirely, with materially different consequences.
