It’s possible that I shall make an ass of myself. But in that case one can always get out of it with a little dialectic. I have, of course, so worded my proposition as to be right either way (K.Marx, Letter to F.Engels on the Indian Mutiny)
Tuesday, April 07, 2026
Panama moves to unlock copper from First Quantum mine
The Cobre Panama mining complex includes two open pits, a processing facility, two power plants and a port. (Image courtesy of Cobre Panama.)
Panama is set to authorize the removal and processing of stockpiled ore at First Quantum’s (TSX: FM) shuttered Cobre Panama copper mine, marking a key step in managing the idled operation.
Commerce and Industries Minister Julio Moltó said the government expects to issue a resolution by Tuesday at the latest, allowing the company to extract and export material already mined and stored on site. The document is in its final stage within the ministry and would enable First Quantum to begin shipping the ore out of the country, La Estrella de Panamá reported.
“We are ready to take the next step,” Moltó said. “Between today and tomorrow, we should issue the resolution that will allow the company to begin removing this material so that it can be taken out of the country.”
BMO analyst Matt Murphy said a formal approval for stockpile processing would align with earlier government signals and market expectations. He said the resumption of mill operations, even on a limited basis, would mark an incremental positive step, with the mine already working to hire about 1,000 employees ahead of restarting processing.
The move advances Panama’s broader effort to manage roughly 38 million tonnes of ore mined before the operation was halted in 2023, part of a care and maintenance plan launched last year.
The stockpile is expected to yield about 70,000 tonnes of copper, with proceeds from concentrate sales potentially offsetting preservation costs in 2026, depending on regulatory timing.
Processing could begin about three months after approval and take roughly a year to complete, creating about 700 direct jobs on top of the current workforce of 1,600, along with indirect employment in logistics and services.
Murphy noted that First Quantum previously guided that processing could begin about three months after regulatory approval and run for about a year, producing roughly 70,000 tonnes of copper.
Almost $30M in royalties
The effort builds on a series of measures under President Jose Raul Mulino’s administration to extract value from the suspended mine. Authorities have already sold more than 122,000 tonnes of copper concentrate, generating nearly $30 million in royalties directed to public infrastructure projects, while restarting a 150-megawatt power unit to support site maintenance and supply the national grid.
Officials say removing and processing the stockpiled ore would reduce environmental risks tied to long-term storage, including acid rock drainage, while supporting the site’s tailings management system.
The mine, which once accounted for about 1% of global copper supply and roughly 5% of Panama’s GDP, has weighed on both the national economy and First Quantum’s outlook since its closure.
Before being shut down, Cobre Panama produced 350,000 tonnes of copper in 2022. The government aims to decide on the project’s long-term future by June
Ukraine Strikes Frigate and Oil Terminal in Massive Attack on Novorossiysk
Admiral Makarov frigate was one of the targets in Novorossiysk
In what is being called one of the most ambitious attacks staged on the Russian Black Sea port of Novorossiysk, Ukraine claimed a successful hit on one of the Russian frigates homeported in the region, as well as reports of extensive damage once again at the oil terminal. Russia is claiming to have shot down nearly 150 drones over a three-hour period, while reports said the frigate also used its air-defense missile systems.
Ukrainian officials leaked a series of videos showing the attack on the frigate, the Admiral Makarov, of the Project 11356 class. The 3,260-ton displacement frigate was commissioned in 2018 and had previously been ported at Sevastopol. It is 125 meters (409 feet) in length, with reports that it has a normal complement of 200 sailors. Ukraine claimed to have damaged the warship in a 2022 attack on Sevastopol and again in March of this year.
Images circulating online appear to show some damage to the vessel. The crew can also be seen on deck.
Ukrainian officials did not release full details on the attack and said damage assessments were still underway. They also reported targeting the Syvash, a self-elevating oil drilling platform that was in the Black Sea. Unconfirmed reports said Russia was using the platform for surveillance, communication, and intelligence gathering since the occupation of Crimea.
Ukraine did not confirm the latest attack on the oil terminal at Novorossiysk, but several videos are circulating online, reportedly showing large fires at the terminal. Ukraine has struck it four times in the past, starting last November, and the most recent was a month ago. Unconfirmed reports are saying the first pier is heavily damaged and that the second pier also sustained damage in the attack, which took place over about 1.5 hours.
It is a key oil terminal and would factor in Ukraine’s recent efforts to dramatically impact Russia’s oil economy. The terminals in the Baltic came under repeated attack at the end of March. Novorossiysk is the terminus for the Caspian Pipeline Consortium. It is reported to represent as much as a quarter of Russia’s oil exports, handling the oil from the Urals, Siberia, and Kazakhstan.
Reports are saying Ukraine launched at least 50 drones toward the oil terminal overnight. Russia has not confirmed the attack.
The Russian-installed governor of the region posted online, reporting power outages from the attack, and said at least eight people were injured. He claimed Ukraine had struck a residential building.
Miners escape from attacked coal mine in Russian-controlled Ukraine, official says
State mining and metallurgical plant in the Ukraine. Reference image by Khorzhevska, adobe stock.
All 41 miners who were trapped underground after Ukraine struck the Bilorechenska coal mine in the Russian‑controlled Luhansk region have been evacuated and are safe, a Russian‑installed official said on Monday.
Leonid Pasechnik, the Moscow‑appointed head of the region, said power had been restored to the mine and the workers brought to the surface.
He added none of the miners was injured and that no one required medical assistance.
Earlier, Pasechnik said a Ukrainian strike had damaged a power substation supplying the mine, leaving workers trapped underground while rescue operations were under way.
Kyiv has not commented on the incident.
(Editing by Guy Faulconbridge)
Novatek Starts Shipbuilder to Address Shortage of Ice-Class LNG Carriers
Zvezda delivered the first Arc7 vessel and a second is visible fitting out (Zvezda)
A listing of companies established in Russia during March revealed that PAO Novatek, the country’s largest gas producer, established a new shipbuilder. The company declined to comment to TASS or Reuters, but the speculation is that, frustrated by the lack of suitable LNG carriers, it is looking to accelerate the shipbuilding efforts.
Named Severny Inzhiniring (Northern Engineering), the company was officially filed on March 25. The records indicate that it is 100 percent owned by Novatek. Its primary business is listed as the construction of ships, vessels, and floating structures. It, however, lists other potential activities, including the production of refrigeration and ventilation equipment, engineering surveys, engineering and technical design, and technical consulting.
Russia faces a limited supply of ice-class tankers to transport the gas from the far north facilities of Noatek in the Arctic. It had announced plans years ago to build a fleet of ice-class gas carriers at the Zvezda shipyard that was established under the tutelage of Vladimir Putin. Zvezda, however, has been slow in its efforts to turn out the Arc-7 ice-class vessels, which are able to handle ice up to two meters (6.6 feet)
Zvezda was working in partnership with the South Korean shipyards that were supplying hulls and component blocks to be assembled at the yard in Russia. The war in Ukraine brought sanctions that forced the Koreas to suspend the projects, while other sanctions have limited Russia’s ability to import key components needed for the ships.
The shipyard delivered the first Arc7 tanker, Alexey Kosygin, in December 2025, specifically built to transport gas from the Arctic LNG 2 project. The vessel is 300 meters (984 feet) with a capacity of 172,000 cbm. At the time, Sovcomflot, which manages the vessel, said it expected the delivery of two more Arc7 ice-class tankers from the yard in 2026.
Novatek and Zvezda said the plan called for the construction of a total of 15 ice-class gas carriers and a total of 21 tankers. Industry and Trade Minister Anton Alikhanov announced in February 2026 that Russia would be developing the technical designs for the ships domestically in the future, while reporting that work was already underway.
Novatek owns 60 percent of the Arctic LNG 2 project. The project and gas carriers have encountered increased sanctions as the war continues in Ukraine.
The shortage of Arctic ice-class LNG carriers was further apparent in early December, when it appeared that the middle-class Arc4 carriers were unable to reach the terminal due to an early onset of thick ice. One of the vessels appeared to turn back and abandon an effort to reach the terminal for Arctic LNG 2.
No details were announced on the timing of the project or the expectations of how the new company could contribute to the need for ice-class gas carriers.
Polar Max Project Reaches Milestone with Start of Construction Ceremony
Polar Max is a next?generation icebreaking vessel designed to strengthen Canada’s Arctic and maritime capabilities. Developed as part of the National Shipbuilding Strategy, the project aims to deliver a highly capable modern work ship able to operate in demanding northern conditions, while supporting long?term industrial development and shipbuilding expertise in Canada.
The ceremony brought together representatives from Davie, ALMACO, project partners, government authorities, industry stakeholders, neutral development organizations and media representatives to mark the importance and national relevance of the program.
Full Scale Mock-up Cabins on Display The event featured a series of inspiring speeches by key dignitaries, Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Bernard Drainville, Minister for Lévis; George Pirie, Minister of Mines (Ontario); Steven Blaney, Mayor of Lévis; James Davies, CEO, and Lindsey Kettel, President of Davie; as well as Vilhelm Roberts, Executive Chairman of ALMACO Group. During the presentations, guests were also treated to a live video stream presented by Davie, which captured the start of the steel welding process in real-time.
Following these presentations, participants were invited to tour the full-scale mock-up cabins on display at the shipyard. These mock-ups, complemented by a 3Drendered flythrough video, offered an early and tangible perspective on the accommodation spaces being developed for Polar Max. The displays highlighted modern work ship accommodation design and functionality, allowing stakeholders to see firsthand how the interior spaces will support crew comfort and operational efficiency in northern conditions.
The exhibition allowed stakeholders to experience key interior solutions first?hand, supporting early alignment on design, layout and technical solutions before fabrication advances further.
From Plans to Execution “Starting construction of Polar Max in Lévis marks an important new phase in a project that is already moving at an exceptional pace. Polar Max shows what can be achieved when trusted allies work together to deliver strategically vital projects when they are needed most. We are proud that work is now moving forward in Canada, where this program will strengthen long-term shipbuilding capacity while helping deliver this ship on time and on budget.” James Davies, Chief Executive Officer, Davie.”
From Le Groupe ALMACO’s perspective, the kickoff represents both a technical and symbolic milestone as the mock-up cabins have been completed and presented to the customer.
The hull is being constructed at Davie-owned Helsinki Shipyard, with Le Groupe ALMACO delivering interior accommodation spaces and other essential areas during this stage. In parallel, in Québec, Davie’s skilled shipbuilders and Le Groupe ALMACO lead the design, procurement, and fabrication of the 1,400-ton superstructure – the top part of the ship.
“Seeing Polar Max move into active construction is a proud moment for our entire organization,” said Vilhelm Roberts, Executive Chairman of the Board of ALMACO Group. “This project builds on our long?standing collaboration with Davie and reflects our shared commitment to delivering world?class ships through close, hands?on cooperation between Canada and Finland.”
Toni Urpilainen, Project Manager at ALMACO, highlighted the value of early engagement and on?site collaboration.
“The kickoff event and the mock-up cabins give everyone a concrete understanding of what we are building and how the spaces will function in real life,” he said. “This early alignment is essential for quality, safety and efficiency as the project progresses into fabrication.”
An International Collaboration Under the National Shipbuilding Strategy The Polar Max project is being executed as a close international collaboration, with work taking place in both Canada and Finland. As part of the National Shipbuilding Strategy, the program plays a key role in renewing Canada’s federal fleet while reinforcing domestic shipbuilding capacity through long?term partnerships, skilled employment and industrial innovation.
Today’s start of construction ceremony marks the beginning of an intensified execution phase, supported by close coordination between Canadian and Finnish project teams.
The products and services herein described in this press release are not endorsed by The Maritime Executive.
Pirates Abandon Iranian Dhow After Being Hounded by EUNAVFOR for a Week
EUNAVFOR assets pressured the pirates which finally abandoned the Iranian-flagged show (Atalanta)
EUNAVFOR Atalanta is reporting that its forces confirmed that the suspected Somali pirates abandoned the Iranian-flagged dhow Al Waseemi after having held the vessel and its crew for nearly two weeks. Assets deployed to the EUNAVFOR operation had been tracking the vessel and pressuring the pirates while not moving in because of concerns for the safety of the hostage crew.
EUNAVFOR Atalanta currently has deployed the Italian frigate Emilio Bianchi and the Spanish frigate Canarias as part of its monitoring operations in the Western Indian Ocean. The first of their vessels had located the dhow approximately 480 nautical miles southwest of Mogadishu on March 27, 48 hours after they received the first report of the hijacking.
The warships closed the distance, with one beginning the surveillance using air assets on March 27 and the second warship arriving on March 30. At that point, EUNAVFOR reported the dhow had been isolated, and they believed it was no longer a threat to shipping. When the vessel was taken on March 24, they warned that the modus operandi reflected a high likelihood that the pirates planned to use the fishing boat as a mothership in an attempt to pirate larger vessels.
The teams continued to monitor the dhow and coordinated with the Somali maritime police forces ashore. Using surface and air assets, EUNAVFOR says it continued to pressure the hijackers with its presence, and they finally abandoned the dhow.
The naval forces boarded the dhow on April 5 to ensure the security of the crew. They provided food, water, and medical care.
EUNAVFOR Atalanta has been in place since 2008 in the Western Indian Ocean to assist with security and develop the regional resources. Since 2009, it estimates that over 2,600 hostages have been held along with 139 vessels. It reports a window of opportunity between about March and June during a lull in the monsoon seasons, and while the threat has been reduced, it continues to warn vessels to maintain security measures while transiting the region.
Iran Continues Strikes on UAE Ports and Claims Hit on “Israeli Ship”
Four people were injured in Khor Fakkan and the master of a ship reported splashes no Sunday (Sharjah Customers)
Iran continues to strike out at ports in the UAE in what the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is calling Operation Wave 97. Reports indicated a fire and damage at the Khor Fakkan Port, followed by claims that an “Israeli ship” was burning near the Jebel Ali port.
One of the official media outlets in the UAE, Sharjah Media, issued a series of reports on April 5 confirming the fire at Khor Fakkan on the western side of the UAE in the Emirate of Sharjah. It said the incident was due to debris from a missile intercept.
The official report said three individuals from Pakistan and one from Nepal were injured, with the Nepalese suffering a severe injury. The three Pakistanis were reported to have minor to moderate injuries. It resulted in a message of “deep concern” and new calls for de-escalation from Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The report said the debris had caused a fire in the port. Later reports said the fire was contained and cooling operations were underway.
UK Maritime Trade Operations also reported that the master of a vessel alongside in the Khor Fakkan Port witnessed multiple splashes near the unnamed vessel. There were no reports of injuries or damage to the vessel.
The IRGC, however, in an unconfirmed report, that it had targeted an “Israeli ship” with a cruise missile near Jebel Ali. It claimed the ship, which they identified as “King Dao Star” (sic), was currently burning. Other reports said the ship was using an international identity to hide its association with Israel.
The likely vessel was the Qingdao Star (IMO: 9318163), commented Martin Kelly, Head of Advisory at EOS Risk Group. The 4,253 TEU vessel was built in 2006 and operated for Zim as the Zim Qingdao until 2023. The vessel (50,689 dwt) is now registered in the Marshall Islands and shows on Maersk’s schedule in the Gulf region.
Iran also claimed an attack on an MSC containership on Saturday near Bahrain. It also associated the company with Israel.
The attacks are part of the ongoing targeting of sites in the UAE with a total of nine ballistic missiles, one cruise missile, and 50 drones launched from Iran on Sunday and engaged by the UAE. On Friday, the UAE reported one person was killed, and four were injured by shrapnel at the Habshan gas facilities. Since the start of hostilities, the UAE reports it has intercepted over 500 ballistic missiles, 24 cruise missiles, and over 2,100 drones.
Traffic Through Strait of Hormuz Ticks Up, But Iran Retains Control
An Omani corridor takes shape: vessels transit close to Oman's waters in the new southern corridor (Windward Maritime AI Platform)
Transit volume through the Strait of Hormuz remains a fraction of what it was before the Iran conflict, but there are signs that outbound movement is picking up, according to maritime data consultancy Windward. In particular, a new trickle of transits through Omani waters appears to be holding steady at several vessels per day, suggesting that there may be a stable alternative to the "Tehran toll booth" at the north side of the waterway.
Windward's independent analysts counted 11 ships passing through the Strait on April 5. Fars News Agency - the outlet of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which now controls traffic in the Strait - put the number somewhat higher at 15 vessels for the day.
Outbound transits continue to dominate traffic, according to Windward, suggesting that most IRGC transit permits are granted to allow ships trapped in the Arabian Gulf to leave. Much of the "tollbooth" tanker traffic is Iran's own energy commerce, as Iran continues to sell oil into global markets and profit from the tight supply environment.
The new Omani corridor is showing signs of life. Two to four vessels have used the route every day since April 2 - a meaningful change. The functional route appears to be a rare sign of diplomatic progress: an Iranian official claimed last week that Iran was coordinating with Muscat on a "monitoring" protocol for the strait, and the Omani foreign ministry confirmed Sunday that staff talks had been held with Iranian counterparts on "smooth passage through the Strait of Hormuz." Omani and Iranian technical staff "presented a number of visions and proposals" to each other for how to operate the strait, the ministry said.
However, traffic remains limited to a small fraction of normal amounts, says Sparta analyst Hoa Nguyen. "First, it is a drop in the ocean compared to pre-war levels. Second, lots of ships being included in the trackers are bulk carriers or containers. Third, the vast majority being outbound traffic with a tiny portion being inbound with links to Iran," he said in a research note Monday. "Only when inbound traffic [crosses] can we have any confidence in any normalization scenario."
For this reason, Iranian control is a strategic disadvantage for the GCC states, which have a high degree of economic dependence on the waterway. On Monday, top UAE diplomat Anwar Gargash told Reuters that "the Strait of Hormuz cannot be held hostage by any country," and he insisted that freedom of navigation must "be part and parcel of the settlement of any ?conflict" between Iran and the United States. The White House and Tehran continue to exchange threats and peace proposals; the most recent updated White House deadline for Iran to reopen the waterway expires at 2000 hours on Tuesday, at which point the U.S. and Iran may choose to escalate the conflict.
Multiple defense analysts predict that Iran will remain in control of the strait for an extended period, even in the event of escalation. For now, Tehran continues to demonstrate its de facto authority over navigation: it claimed Sunday that it has given permission for "brotherly Iraq" to use the strait unhindered; on the same day, Iranian authorities ordered two Qatari LNG carriers that were headed for the "toll booth" route to turn around and go back.
The traffic restriction has sent oil prices (and backwardation) soaring, specifically for deliverable barrels. Trading sources told Reuters Monday that traders are selling WTI Midland into Asia for July delivery at a premium of up to $30-40 over dated Brent, a sign of the tight market in the Gulf-dependent Far East.
Diesel prices have soared as heavier Arabian Gulf barrels exit the Asian refining mix and middle distillate output falls. In Singapore, diesel prices are running in the range of US$13 per gallon at the pump. In California, where energy prices are exposed to demand from the Asian market, retail diesel exceeded $7.50 per gallon statewide and breached the $8 mark in San Francisco - a national record.
Are Naval Forces Ready to Keep the Bab el Mandeb Open?
The Houthis' leaders have made their position clear. They stand alongside Iran and the Palestinians, and have demonstrated the Houthi ideological position by launching two drone and four missile attacks against Israel up until April 4, all successfully intercepted without causing any damage. The Houthis appear set on continuing these nuisance attacks designed to express solidarity, which in all likelihood will continue until the war against Iran comes to a conclusion. Alternatively, when the inevitable Israeli retaliation hits the Houthis, they may be tempted to try and increase the scale of their attacks.
In the meantime, the Houthis have advertised they are ready to resume attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, at a time of the Houthi leadership’s own choosing, factoring in (but not determined by) appeals from Iran for support or by the clamor of popular sentiment.
If the Houthi leadership does decide to resume the attacks, then the impact on global energy supplies will be potentially even greater than the impact of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz – because the estimated five million barrels per day-plus of Saudi crude being shipped south from Yanbu through the Bab el Mandeb would cut into the bare minimum needed to keep critical services in Asia functioning.
So how would the world react to a resumption of Houthi attacks against shipping?
Unlike in the Strait of Hormuz, it has already been demonstrated that with a sufficiently strong naval presence, merchant shipping can get through the danger area, albeit admittedly with some casualties.
The threat, if it emerged, would no longer be one that Saudi Arabia could ignore, as it would compromise the Kingdom’s last open shipping route. This certainty would be one reason why the Houthis might not resume their attacks, because it would not only bring the Saudi Western Fleet into action, it would threaten the general ceasefire between the Houthis and Saudis which has been in place since March 2022. Since then, the Saudi Western Fleet has also been considerably strengthened with the addition of five Avante Class corvettes ordered by Royal Saudi Navy in 2018. These modern corvettes are each equipped with 64 Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM) medium-range, surface-to-air missiles for engaging anti-ship cruise missiles and drones. Any Saudi involvement would also likely bring with it as well the Egyptian Navy, with whom the Saudis have had a very active bilateral naval support agreement since September 2025.
Already in place, patrolling the danger area from a base in Djibouti, are ships of the European Union’s Operation Aspides. Operation Aspides already has a mandate until February 2027 to intervene should there be a threat to civilian shipping, removing the lack-of-political-cover issue which often delays EU deployments. Currently the force is commanded by Rear Admiral Vasileios Gryparis from Greece, with tactical command afloat exercised by Italian Rear Admiral Milos Argenton from the Carlo Bergamini Class frigate Luigi Rizzo (F595).
As well as the Greek MECO 2000 Class frigate HS Hydra (F542), there are also probably two French vessels in the force, their identities as is normal not disclosed by the French, and the force is likely to also be able to call upon the Spanish Air Force CN-235 maritime patrol aircraft normally based in Djibouti. This experienced force could probably be quickly reinforced by the large numbers of European naval vessels defending the Republic of Cyprus, as only the British Sovereign Base Area in Cyprus has been threatened by Iran, rather than the Republic itself.
Asian navies might also be keen to join in, as a closure of the Bab el Mandeb would have direct and significant economic impact on Asian countries heavily dependent on Middle Eastern crude.
Although the United States Central Command would wish to assist in an operation to keep the Bab el Mandeb open, the mission to do so is formally allocated to Destroyer Squadron 50; DESRON 50 is heavily engaged elsewhere and might not have the resources to join in. Without DESRON 50 in the force, there would be a deficit both of tactical and overhead intelligence resources, but also of command and control capability.
Unlike for any potential operation in the Strait of Hormuz, there is a large enough potential naval force available to help keep the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden open to the merchant marine. The principal problem is that from a force command perspective, the Americans are unlikely to have the bandwidth to provide some key functionality. This deficit can probably be overcome, but only if someone is currently stepping up and working out how the leadership and coordination role is to be filled – because the requirement to act, in what would be a very complex air defense environment, could come soon and at very short notice.
Maritime Partners Puts M/V Deirdre Ann Into Service
Maritime Partners placed the M/V Deirdre Ann into service as a new-construction pushboat built by FMT Shipyard in Harvey, Louisiana. The vessel is powered by two Mitsubishi S6R2 Tier 3 engines, each rated at 803 horsepower at 1400 RPM, with commissioning support from Laborde Products.
The S6R2 platform is designed for consistent power at working speeds, strong low-end torque, and a fuel curve that helps operators manage consumption over long duty cycles. For a vessel expected to stay on the move, the combination of reliable engine performance and Laborde’s regional support network positions the Deirdre Ann for dependable uptime during its first years in service.
Maritime Partners pointed out that the selection of the S6R2 package ties directly to long-term operational needs.
“When one of our vessels goes to work, operators need power they can trust,” said Chris Miller, Director of Newbuild Programs at Maritime Partners. “The S6R2 gives us the performance profile we want, and Laborde gives us the local support that keeps downtime to a minimum. That combination lets our customers take delivery of a boat that is ready to work from day one.” Laborde emphasized the coordination behind the project and the hands-on support provided throughout the build.
“The Mitsubishi S6R2 is well suited for pushboats that need consistent power at working speeds,” said Bradley Matte, Gulf Coast Territory Sales Manager at Laborde Products. “It delivers strong torque, predictable fuel performance, and straightforward maintenance, which helps vessels like the Deirdre Ann stay available and productive over the long term.”
The Deirdre Ann continues Maritime Partners’ investment in modern, efficient pushboats built with attention to both performance and long-term serviceability.
The products and services herein described in this press release are not endorsed by The Maritime Executive
Virgin Voyages Sailing From The Port of Los Angeles for First Time
‘Brilliant Lady’ Launches Cruises along Pacific Coast and Visits to Canadian, Mexican Riviera and Central American Destinations
For the first time ever, Virgin Voyages today kicked off a brand-new West Coast itinerary sailing from the Los Angeles Cruise Terminal, with its newest ship, Brilliant Lady, making the Port of Los Angeles its homeport this spring.
This maiden call marks the cruise line’s fresh start on the West Coast, featuring adults-only cruising and unique experiences to iconic destinations.
“Virgin Voyages brings a fresh, contemporary cruise product to Los Angeles, and we’re proud to welcome them as a new homeport partner,” said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka. “With these well-crafted itineraries, passengers can make the most of their time exploring destinations along the Pacific Coast and beyond.”
Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady began her inaugural tour in September 2025, launching from New York. The 110,000-ton vessel measures 909 feet long and 125 feet wide, specifically designed to pass the Panama Canal. Able to accommodate 2,770 passengers, the ship features 1,408 cabins, more than 20 eateries and unique spaces.
With no children on board and no buffets, Virgin Voyages instead emphasizes premium, all-inclusive dining across 20+ eateries, immersive entertainment and shows, live music and dancing under the stars, detox and retox moments with a variety of fitness spaces aboard Brilliant Lady. Created specifically with the West Coast in mind, Brilliant Lady also introduces new wellness programming designed around movement and recovery, from morning raves to Vibe Rides cycle classes. The ship also features unique offerings such as dedicated solo cabins for passengers traveling alone.
2025 was a record cruise year at the Port of Los Angeles with 241 calls carrying a total of 1.6 million passengers, which generated an estimated $300 million for the local economy. The cruise industry is growing rapidly and the Port is poised to accommodate the needs of both current and future passengers.
The products and services herein described in this press release are not endorsed by The Maritime Executive.
Largest Ship Repair Yard in East Africa Inaugurated in Djibouti
Djibouti Ship Repair Yard handled its first ship late last year and now marked it official inauguration (Djobouti Ports & Free Zones Authority)
Officials in Djibouti officially inaugurated the Djibouti Ship Repair Yard on April 4, marking what they called a milestone in the development of the country’s maritime economy. It becomes the largest ship repair yard in the Red Sea region and East Africa, available to provide critical repair and maintenance work.
“The DSRY project has always been a national priority, given Djibouti’s strategic location at the entrance to the Bab el-Mandeb, one of the world’s busiest maritime routes,” said President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh during the ceremony.
The operation is a decade in the making, with the Djibouti Ports & Free Zones Authority highlighting plans for the facility in December 2016. At the time, it had projected an opening in September 2020.
The project was developed in partnership with Damen Shipyard and an investment from Invest International from the Netherlands, valued at €107.5 million (approximately $124 million).
DSYR is positioned on 80 hectares with more than 800 meters of berth. In February, they repositioned a floating dock measuring 217 meters in length to the yard. It has a lifting capability of 20,100 tonnes. The facility is strategically located on a critical shipping lane.
Work has already begun at the yard, with its first large vessel dry-docking on October 15, 2025. The Africa Sun (13,719 dwt), a Djibouti-flagged containership that operates to the Red Sea and Middle Eastern ports, entered the yard for a month of repairs. Built in 2006, the ship completed hull and underwater inspections, painting, structural and deck repairs, and work on its tanks, piping, and electrical systems.
No timeline was given for when the yard will reach full operational capacity. The officials said they plan to market their capabilities and hope to attract more international business.
Red Cat Plans to Make 3D-Printed Drone Boats for On-Demand Delivery
One of Haddy's robots prints out a plastic drone boat prototype for a different unmanned-boat company, 2026 (Haddy)
Red Cat, the drone company bringing Ukraine's famous unmanned boat designs to the U.S. market, has announced a partnership to use large-scale robotic 3D printing during manufacturing. The solution will double the manufacturing capacity of Red Cat's maritime division, Blue Ops.
The firm is focusing its initial efforts on Ukraine's seven-meter drone boat design, with five different configurations for combat or surveillance. The best-known use case of the platform is its capability as a long-range remote-controlled bomb boat, but Blue Ops is also interested in delivering gun-mount, anti-aircraft and UAV-carrying variants - concepts all trialed with success in the Black Sea. With a low center of gravity and a deep-V hull, the design is more capable in higher sea states than an equivalent manned vessel, according to Blue Ops CEO Barry Hinckley.
Going forward, Blue Ops will be working with 3D printing specialist Haddy, which applies AI and robotics to the task of manufacturing large objects in series - not just for prototype designs. The St. Petersburg company is a Siemens- and CEAD Flexbot-equipped printing vendor with a background in printing furniture, architectural elements, casting molds and other items. It launched in 2022, and after a 2025 expansion, it now has one of the largest facilities of its kind in the world. Haddy has previously 3D-printed a semisubmersible prototype hull for a competing U.S. drone-boat company; it says that the 40-foot-long print took nine days.
In its partnership with Blue Ops, Haddy will support the construction of a new, large format 3D-printing shop at Blue Ops’ own manufacturing plant. The idea is to manufacture hulls on demand to meet customer requirements for five- and seven-meter drones. Blue Ops will also be able to order more hulls from Haddy's own shops if more capacity is needed.
"This partnership advances our ability to iterate at the speed of modern conflict," said Barry Hinckley, president of Blue Ops. "This fundamentally changes how quickly we can move from concept to deployment and gives us the ability to meet demand at scale in ways the industry hasn’t seen before."
TRUMP'S
NOAA Reopens Northeast Canyons Nat'l Monument to Commercial Fishing
Deep-sea coral at Mytilus Seamount (Courtesy NOAA)
NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service has withdrawn a longstanding ban on commercial fishing within the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument. The action follows through on a proclamation to reopen the area, signed by President Donald Trump in February - but certain gear types are still restricted.
The monument area covers about 4,900 square miles, and it is home to high-value species like red crab, mackerel and swordfish. In a statement, NOAA said that it was following input it had received from fishing companies and acting on a desire to improve economic conditions for fishermen.
"The president delivered on his promise to bolster the American fishing industry and fishing communities," said Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in a statement. "Restoring fishing in the Northeast Monument sends a signal that our fishermen are valued in the United States."
NOAA has left in place some of the rules designed to protect deep-sea corals, aligning with the goals of the New England Fishery Management Council’s Deep-Sea Coral Amendment. All trawling, dredging and other bottom-tending gear (save for red crab pots) is banned in a designated coral habitat area around Georges Bank.
It is the second piece of regulatory relief for fishermen in U.S. waters in less than a month. In March, the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council (WESPAC) voted to reopen areas of four vast Pacific Ocean national monuments to commercial fishing. The reopening details vary by gear type and distance from shore for each of the reserve areas.
