2026 Port Cost Benchmark Book: What a “Normal” PDA Looks Like by Vessel Type and Region
Port costs are one of the last big spend areas in shipping that still get approved with too little context. In 2026, with freight margins more sensitive to carbon, fuel spreads, and schedule pressure,...
Biofouling ROI Showdown: Foul-Release (Silicone) vs SPC Antifouling vs In-Water Hull Cleaning + Prop Polish
Fuel is your biggest controllable cost at sea. Hull roughness and slime add drag that burns cash every hour. The question is not “paint or clean,” it is “which path gives the most clean...
France Just Boarded “Boracay”: A New Phase of On-Water Enforcement
France’s boarding of the Benin-flagged tanker Boracay off Saint-Nazaire marks a shift from list-based sanctions to on-water enforcement. Two senior crew were detained, prosecutors in Brest opened a judicial probe, and President Macron publicly...
12 Daily Signals Driving VLCC Profit Today
VLCC rates are jumping and minutes matter. This report gives shipowners and operators a fast morning read that turns volatility into clear actions. Start with the TD3C print, then scan the 12 daily signals...
13 Shipowner Side Hustles That Scale in 2026
Cash flow is getting lumpier at the exact time capital and compliance costs are sticking. To stay in control, we can treat the vessel as a platform, not just a ship. The goal is...
12 Biofouling Innovations Saving Millions in Fuel
As global carbon regulations tighten and fuel prices remain volatile, shipowners are under pressure to reduce drag and boost efficiency. Fortunately, a wave of new innovations is changing how fleets manage hull performance. From...
Empty Containers: A Growing Crisis Hidden in Plain Sight
How a Portside Backlog in the U.S. Could Disrupt Global Trade Flows, Inflate Shipping Costs, and Unravel Supply Chain Stability. At first glance, a stack of empty shipping containers sitting idle at U.S. ports...
12 Weak Points Hackers Exploit on Modern Ships in 2025
As ships become more connected, they also become more exposed. From bridge navigation systems and satellite communications to crew networks and IoT-based cargo sensors, modern vessels rely heavily on digital infrastructure. While these systems...
IMO Carbon Tax: Where We’re Headed and What It Will Cost
In April 2025, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) approved a draft framework introducing a global carbon pricing mechanism for shipping—a significant move towards decarbonizing the maritime industry. The proposed system includes a two-tier fee...
The Coolest Maritime Jobs You’ve Never Heard Of
When people think of maritime careers, they usually picture captains, deckhands, or massive container ship crews crossing oceans. But the real world of shipping is a lot deeper — and way more interesting —...
Maritime ESG in 2025: Key Moves Every Shipowner Should Consider Now
ESG is no longer a side note in the maritime world—it’s becoming a make-or-break factor for shipowners. Between tightening EU emissions rules, new IMO standards, and financiers demanding cleaner, more transparent operations, 2025 is...
Fleet Longevity: 20 Key Strategies to Extend the Life of Your Ships
Extending the lifespan of a fleet can lead to massive savings. Replacing a single vessel can cost millions, while strategic maintenance and upgrades can achieve the same results for a fraction of the price....
Dual-Fuel Vessels: Must-Know Insights for the Future of Shipping
Dual-fuel vessels are leading the charge toward greener and more efficient shipping. These innovative ships, capable of running on both traditional marine fuels and cleaner alternatives like LNG or methanol, are reshaping the way...
The Top 5 Pros and Cons of the 12 Major Ships on the Market
For shipowners, understanding the pros and cons of different vessel types can help guide decisions around fleet composition, operational focus, and investment strategies. From container ships and oil tankers to bulk carriers and reefer...
Top 12 Countries for Cost-Effective Ship Repairs
When it comes to keeping a commercial fleet in optimal condition, ship repairs can represent a significant ongoing expense for owners. Whether it’s routine maintenance or major overhauls, choosing the right location for repairs...
The Benefits of Investing in a RoRo Ship in Today’s Economy: The Whys and Why Nots
In an era marked by increasing globalization and evolving logistics needs, Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) ships have become a vital component of the maritime industry. These specialized vessels, designed to transport wheeled cargo such as cars,...
The Economics of Ship Size: Balancing Bigger Vessels Against Port Limitations
In the maritime industry, the size of a vessel directly influences its operational dynamics and economic outcomes. Over recent decades, the trend toward larger vessels has been driven by the relentless pursuit of efficiency...
Big 5 Breakdown: Size, Fuel Burn, and Carrying Capacity
The backbone of global trade, these colossal vessels are more than just structures of steel and engine; they are moving cities, powerhouses of the sea, each with their own unique story. From the fuel-laden...
Ship Training Simulators: A Beginners Rundown
Let’s dive into the fascinating world of Ship Training Simulators – or as I like to call it, the maritime metaverse. What Are Ship Training Simulators? Imagine stepping into a room and finding yourself...
The Easy Guide to the Rise of IoT in Maritime Industry
Let’s get acquainted with the Maritime IoT Gateway – your ship’s new best friend. * Please send feedback/suggestions to editor @ shipuniverse.com What’s a Maritime IoT Gateway Anyway? How Does It Fit into the...