In this episode, we examine the impact of significant disruptions in shipping operations due to the escalating conflict in the Gulf region.

Seatrade Maritime News Editor Marcus Hand speaks with maritime lawyer Menelaus Kouzoupis, Partner with Stephenson Harwood, who provides insights into the legal implications for shipowners navigating these turbulent times. From the de facto closure of the Straits of Hormuz to the skyrocketing war risk insurance premiums, this discussion sheds light on the complex challenges faced by the shipping industry amidst geopolitical tensions.

The conversation covers

1. The current situation
2. Is the Strait of Hormuz closed?
3. The impact on insurance premiums
4. Vessels stranded in the Gulf – who pays?
5. Can a shipowner refuse to sail?
6. The risks to vessels stranded in the region
7. The difficult situation faced by crew
8. The possibility of naval escorts

Listen now to hear more about all of these crucial topics

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For the latest news on the shipping and maritime industries, visit www.searade-maritime.com.

Connect with Marcus Hand, Editor of Seatrade Maritime News:

• Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/marcushand1
• Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-hand-b00a317/

Don't forget to join the conversation and let us know what topics you want us to cover in future on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn

Panama port battle, Hapag-Lloyd buys Zim, and VLCCs go bananas.

These are just some of the stories that are covered in the latest episode of Maritime in Minutes.

Seatrade Maritime News’ Marcus Hand and Gary Howard reflect on the month of February, with their highlights from the news in maritime and shipping, from the biggest stories to those that simply piqued their interest.

Listeners please note this episode was recorded the day prior to the US/Israel attack on Iran on 28 February

Hear more about:

Panama declares CK Hutchison’s Panama Ports concession unconstitutional

CK Hutchison: Panama terminal takeover ‘unlawful’, ceases operations

Six-year jail sentence for Solong captain

Container lines’ Red Sea mixed messages confuse shippers

SeaLead plummets in shipping line rankings

Hapag-Lloyd’s acquisition of Zim an era defining moment

Trump’s Maritime Action Plan floats foreign built vessel US port fee

Gemini shines as container line punctuality plummets in 2026

Red hot VLCC market hits new highs amid US – Iran tensions

Reward offered for ‘missing’ dark fleet VLCC

Listen to the full episode now

Red Sea hokey-kokey, the top risk for shipping businesses in 2026, and a booming dark fleet market.

These are just some of the stories that are covered in the latest episode of Maritime in Minutes.

Seatrade Maritime News’ Marcus Hand and Gary Howard reflect on the month of January, with their highlights from the news in maritime and shipping, from the biggest stories to those that simply piqued their interest.

Hear more about:

IMO rules understate benefits of utilising captured carbon, says GCMD

Singapore report highlights crew fatigue in Hafnia Nile and Ceres I collision

Shipping sees regulatory changes as biggest risk to business in 2026

Asian shipping execs negative on IMO Net Zero Framework prospects

CMA CGM reverts services to Cape of Good Hope

Two dead, 15 rescued from capsized bulker off Philippines

Repeat orders mark wind propulsion success stories

Dark fleet ship-to-ship transfers off Malaysia more than double

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to ensure you don't miss our latest uploads.

For the latest news on the shipping and maritime industries, visit www.searade-maritime.com

Connect with Marcus Hand:

• Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/marcushand1
• Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-hand-b00a317/

Connect with Gary Howard:

• Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GaryLeeHoward
• Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garyleehoward/

Don't forget to join the conversation and let us know what topics you want us to cover in future on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn

Shipping operates in an increasingly complex geopolitical environment and companies have to deal with delicate government relationships at a level of corporate diplomacy.

In this episode, we explore the intersection of geopolitics and maritime trade with Dr. Mary Papaschinopoulou and Neofytos Kourtesis from Mardiplo.

In a conversation led by host Punit Oza, Founder of Maritime NXT, they share their insights on how shipping companies navigate complex geopolitical challenges and the importance of corporate diplomacy in today's uncertain environment. Discover real-life success stories and learn how to effectively manage stakeholder relationships in the maritime industry.

Learn more about:

1. The role Mardiplo plays
2. Success story in Bangladesh
3. Managing stakeholder relationships
4. The role of technology
5. Recruiting the next generation

Listen to the full episode to the get the full picture of the evolving world of corporate diplomacy

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to ensure you don't miss our latest uploads. Don't forget to join the conversation and let us know what topics you want us to cover in future on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn

For the latest news on the shipping and maritime industries, make sure you visit www.searade-maritime.com and subscribe to our newsletter.

Follow Punit Oza:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/punit-oza-fics-afni-llb-m-sc-6149893/

A continued newbuilding boom in 2025 sees shipyards with the third largest orderbook ever, can momentum be sustained in 2026?

In the fifth, and final, part of our shipping market outlook series we are focusing on the shipbuilding sector with Maritime Strategies International (MSI) Managing Director Adam Kent.

Speaking to the Seatrade Maritime Podcast he says 2025 was the fifth year of a sustained ordering boom with 90 million gt of vessels ordered last year.

Listen to the episode now to get the full picture

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to ensure you don't miss our latest uploads.

For the latest news on the shipping and maritime industries, visit www.searade-maritime.com.

Connect with Marcus Hand, Editor of Seatrade Maritime News:

• Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/marcushand1
• Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-hand-b00a317/

Don't forget to join the conversation and let us know what topics you want us to cover in future on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn

The tanker market goes into 2026 on strong footing against a complex geopolitical back drop, rising production, and fleet growth

In the fourth part of our shipping market outlook series we are focusing on the tanker sector with Maritime Strategies International (MSI) Analyst Tim Smith.

Speaking to the Seatrade Maritime Podcast Smith says that the tanker sector is coming into 2026 on a very strong footing.

Listen to the full episode to learn where the market is headed

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to ensure you don't miss our latest uploads.

For the latest news on the shipping and maritime industries, visit www.searade-maritime.com.

Connect with Marcus Hand, Editor of Seatrade Maritime News:

• Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/marcushand1
• Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-hand-b00a317/

Don't forget to join the conversation and let us know what topics you want us to cover in future on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn

Dry bulk shipping went into 2026 in stronger than expected position, but will the market hold up?

In the third part of our shipping market outlook series, we are focusing on the dry bulk sector with Will Fray, a Director of Maritime Strategies International (MSI).

Speaking about the dry bulk market in 2025 to the Seatrade Maritime Podcast resilience is the word that Will uses.

By this he means resilience to various external factors such as tariffs and the now suspended USTR port fees on Chinese built and owned vessels and on fundamental basis that the fleet grew by 3% but demand only grew by 0.5% in terms on tonnes traded. “So, it's quite remarkable that dry bulk earnings only fell by around 10% year on year,” he says.

Listen to the full episode to find out where the markets are headed.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to ensure you don't miss our latest uploads.

For the latest news on the shipping and maritime industries, visit www.searade-maritime.com.

Connect with Marcus Hand, Editor of Seatrade Maritime News:

• Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/marcushand1
• Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-hand-b00a317/

Don't forget to join the conversation and let us know what topics you want us to cover in future on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn

A full return to Red Sea and Suez Canal transits by container lines is expected for 2026 combined with fleet growth will they be able to maintain profitability?

In the second part of our 2026 shipping market outlook series, we are focusing on the container sector with Maritime Strategies International (MSI) analyst Daniel Richards.

Speaking to the Seatrade Maritime Podcast Richards says the market is seeing the effects of cumulative supply growth - how will this impact 2026 and will container lines continue to order new tonnage?

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to ensure you don't miss our latest uploads.

For the latest news on the shipping and maritime industries, visit www.searade-maritime.com.

Connect with Marcus Hand, Editor of Seatrade Maritime News:

• Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/marcushand1
• Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-hand-b00a317/

Don't forget to join the conversation and let us know what topics you want us to cover in future on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn