Methanol gains momentum as marine fuel
As the global shipping industry navigates the complex path toward decarbonization, methanol is emerging as a practical alternative fuel option, supported by growing investment and established infrastructure. However, significant economic and supply barriers remain before the fuel can achieve widespread adoption, according to a new analysis from classification society DNV.
The maritime sector’s interest in methanol is reflected in concrete numbers: over 450 methanol-capable vessels are currently in operation or on order, with technical solutions now available for all major ship types. Modern dual-fuel engine designs have accumulated more than 600,000 operating hours on methanol, demonstrating the technology’s maturity.
“From a technical perspective, methanol-fuelled engines have demonstrated high reliability,” said Marius Leisner, Senior Principal Consultant at DNV. “Retrofit feasibility is well established, and the use of conventional bunkering systems, unlike cryogenic fuels, means ports can adapt quickly and cost-effectively.”
South Africa hits global shipping giants
South Africa’s antitrust body referred a price-fixing complaint against the local units of some of the world’s top shipping companies including A.P. Moller-Maersk A/S and CMA CGM SA to a tribunal for prosecution.
The companies allegedly fixed the general rate increase charged to customers for shipping cargo between South Africa and Asia and between the nation and the western part of Africa from 2008 to 2018, in contravention of domestic antitrust laws, the Competition Commission said in a statement on Tuesday.
“The dismantling of the cartel will reduce the price of goods imported to South Africa for the benefit of consumers and will also reduce the costs of exports out of South Africa, which will, in turn, render the South African exports competitive in the world markets,” Commissioner Doris Tshepe said.
Putin warns Russia may hit Ukraine allies’ ships
Vladimir Putin warned that Russia may consider striking the ships of countries supporting Ukraine if a surge in attacks on Moscow’s tanker fleet continues, according to local media reports.
“What the Ukrainian armed forces are doing now is piracy,” Interfax reported.
He said the first possible countermeasures are to expand the range of Russian strikes against port facilities and ships calling at Ukrainian ports.
“Second, if this continues, we will consider the possibility — I’m not saying we will do this, but we will consider the possibility of retaliatory measures against the vessels of those countries that assist Ukraine in committing these piracy acts,” he said.
Three European countries with research stations in Antarctica
Three European countries with research stations in Antarctica have formed a unique partnership that involves joint operations to resupply their stations. The project aims to ease the logistical pressures and costs that come with voyages to the southern continent.
The British Antarctic Survey (BAS), the Norwegian Polar Institute (NPI), and Germany’s Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI) have joined forces to share an ice-capable vessel. It will carry out resupply missions to their respective Antarctic research stations for the next 10 years.?
Through the collaboration, the three agencies intend to jointly charter the containership Silver Mary to undertake resupply missions to the UK’s Halley VI station, Norway’s Troll station, and Germany’s Neumayer station. The first voyage for the Norwegian-flagged 113-meter (371-foot) vessel under the partnership will be in January next year. The ship’s AIS shows it is currently making its way to South Africa.
Philippines reports Oman arranged for release of crew
After four months of captivity, the crew of the bulker Eternity C is expected to be released by the Houthis. The Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs reports it has been advised of the release by the government of Oman, although no timing or details were provided.
The Philippines said it had been discussing the plight of the individuals with the Omani authorities as it sought to gain their freedom. The Philippines had made an initial appeal in July when the Houthis reported they had “rescued” several of the crewmembers from the ship. The Philippines reports it again raised the matter with Omanis during a phone call in November.
The statement says that nine individuals will be released and transferred from Yemen to Muscat, Oman. The DFA expressed its “sincere appreciation” to the Sultanate of Oman for the assistance in winning the repatriation of the crew.
Delays in Egyptian lng
Delays in unloading LNG cargos at Ain Sokhna in Egypt are exacerbating the shortage of LNG tankers in the Atlantic.
Ain Sokhna lies on the western coast of the Red Sea, 30 miles south of Suez. Besides its LNG facilities, Ain Sokhna has container, bulk, and general cargo terminals. There is also a logistics park developed by DP World.
Historically, Egypt has been a net exporter of LNG, although it began importing some LNG in 2015. But from 2024 onwards, imports of LNG rose substantially, as output from existing fields declined and domestic consumption rose. In the first nine months of 2025, Egyptian LNG imports were up over 50 percent in comparison with the previous year. In 2025, Egypt plans to import up to 160 shipments, and last week signed an agreement with Hartree Partners for 80 shipments to be delivered from January 2026 onwards. These level of imports makes Egypt the biggest importer of LNG in the Middle East, surpassing Kuwait.