News related to
near

Fourteen Saudi nationals were killed when a helicopter belonging to Aramco crashed on Sunday morning at Ras Tanura, a key energy hub on Saudi Arabia’s eastern Gulf coast, authorities said, opening an investigation into the cause of the accident. The aircraft went down at about 6am local time in the Ras Tanura area, west of the Strait of Hormuz, with all those on board reported dead. The […]

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Oil prices rose on Monday as renewed US-Iran military exchanges unsettled traders and slowed energy traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, reviving concerns that a fragile pause in hostilities may not hold long enough to restore normal crude flows. Brent crude futures climbed 58 cents, or 0.8 per cent, to $72.57 a barrel at 0207 GMT, while US West Texas Intermediate crude rose […]

Bitcoin slipped below $60,000 in the final week of June as digital assets endured one of their sharpest weekly reversals of the year, with Dogecoin, XRP and Solana showing relative resilience while broader market sentiment weakened under pressure from interest-rate expectations, a stronger dollar and fund outflows. The largest cryptocurrency changed hands near $59,873 after briefly falling through a level watched closely by traders for signs of […]

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Iran and the United States exchanged fresh attacks on military targets across the Gulf, placing fragile ceasefire talks under severe strain and drawing Kuwait and Bahrain deeper into a confrontation already unsettling shipping, energy markets and regional diplomacy. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said on Sunday that its naval and aerospace units had launched missiles and drones at US-linked facilities, naming Ali Al […]

Bahrain reported an Iranian drone attack and a tanker was hit in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, putting a fragile US-Iran ceasefire under its sharpest test since Washington and Tehran agreed to pause fighting and reopen the Gulf’s most important energy corridor. The incidents triggered new US strikes on Iranian military targets and prompted fresh accusations from both sides that the other had breached the interim […]

The UK’s Cyber Monitoring Centre has warned universities and colleges to reassess cyber resilience after a breach at Canvas exposed student and staff data across about 160 higher education institutions while causing less financial disruption than feared. The assessment found that the incident fell below the threshold for a formal Category 1 national cyber event, which requires losses of at least £10m or an impact on more […]

HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 June 2026 – Vinmec Healthcare System today officially launched its nationwide network of High-Tech Robotic Surgery Centers, marking a major milestone in the advancement of surgical innovation in Vietnam. Beyond investing in some of the world’s most advanced robotic surgical platforms, Vinmec is pioneering the country’s first integrated robotic surgery ecosystem, connecting multiple specialties, hospitals and global technology partners to expand access to cutting-edge surgical care for patients nationwide.

The official inauguration of the nation's first high-tech robotic surgery network, an integrated ecosystem designed to redefine surgical standards in Vietnam.
The official inauguration of the nation’s first high-tech robotic surgery network, an integrated ecosystem designed to redefine surgical standards in Vietnam.

The defining feature of the new network is Vietnam’s first and only multi-connected robotic surgery ecosystem. Rather than deploying standalone robotic systems, Vinmec has established an integrated operating platform that brings together multiple world-leading robotic technologies across its hospital network. Vinmec Times City International Hospital serves as the clinical coordination hub, linking robotic surgery centers at Vinmec Smart City, Vinmec Da Nang, Vinmec Central Park, Vinmec Can Tho and other Vinmec hospitals throughout the country.

For general surgery, Vinmec operates three of the world’s leading robotic surgery platforms: Da Vinci Xi at Vinmec Times City, Hugo RAS at Vinmec Da Nang and Vinmec Central Park, and Toumai MT-1000 at Vinmec Smart City and Vinmec Can Tho. Together, these technologies enable surgeons to access deep anatomical structures, perform highly precise procedures within confined surgical spaces, and select the most appropriate platform based on each patient’s condition. Notably, the Toumai MT-1000 also introduces the capability for 5G-enabled remote robotic surgery, laying the foundation for future models of connected healthcare delivery.

In orthopedic surgery, Vinmec has deployed a comprehensive portfolio of next-generation joint replacement robots, including ROSA at Vinmec Smart City, MISSO at Vinmec Times City and Vinmec Can Tho, and CORI across Vinmec Ocean Park 2, Hai Phong, Da Nang, Central Park, Phu Quoc and Nha Trang. These technologies enable personalized surgical planning based on each patient’s anatomy while supporting millimeter-level precision in implant positioning and joint balancing, helping optimize clinical outcomes and accelerate postoperative recovery.

For neurosurgery and spine surgery, Vinmec has integrated the StealthStation S8, Mazor X Stealth Edition robotic guidance system and the O-arm with StealthStation O2 imaging platform at Vinmec Smart City and Vinmec Da Nang. This advanced technology suite provides real-time navigation, intraoperative imaging and continuous surgical verification, enabling surgeons to accurately access complex anatomical structures while improving procedural safety and reducing the risk of complications.

Complementing its advanced technology ecosystem, Vinmec is also the first healthcare provider in Vietnam to develop a “3-in-1” robotic surgery model built on Personalization, Automation and Standardization. Every patient receives an individualized treatment plan through preoperative 3D reconstruction and surgical simulation, benefits from AI-enabled robotic assistance during surgery, and is treated according to internationally recognized standards in clinical practice, education and research.

Technology delivers value only when placed in the hands of highly skilled professionals. To operate this large-scale robotic surgery ecosystem, Vinmec has developed a multidisciplinary team of specialists who have undergone rigorous training, competency assessments and international robotic surgery certification programs. Their expertise forms the foundation for delivering safe, high-quality and consistently effective surgical care.

Alongside the launch of the robotic surgery network, Vinmec also announced the establishment of the Robotic Surgery Patient Support Fund, backed by nearly VND 300 billion in funding from Vingroup. The fund is expected to reduce financial barriers and expand patient access to advanced robotic surgery, particularly for those facing financial hardship.

At the event, Prof. Tran Van Thuan, MD, PhD, Deputy Minister of Health, remarked: “I highly appreciate Vinmec’s vision of not only investing in advanced medical equipment but also building a comprehensive ecosystem encompassing clinical care, medical education, scientific research, technology transfer, and international collaboration.” The Deputy Minister also acknowledged the humanitarian value of the Robotic Surgery Patient Support Fund, which helps expand access to advanced surgical technologies for eligible patients.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, Prof. Tran Trung Dung, MD, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of Vinmec Healthcare System, said:

“Our High-Tech Robotic Surgery Network is built on a model of multidimensional connectivity connecting experts, hospitals and the world’s leading technology partners within a single integrated ecosystem. Our goal is to provide patients in Vietnam with access to the most advanced surgical innovations while progressively positioning Vietnam as a regional destination for high-tech healthcare and precision surgery.”

According to Assoc. Prof. Pham Van Binh, MD, PhD, Director of the Vinmec High-Tech Robotic Surgery Network, the true strength of the centers lies not only in their advanced robotic systems but also in their ability to transform technology into sustainable clinical excellence.

“Our vision extends beyond building a treatment center. We are establishing an academic institution for robotic surgery that integrates clinical practice, academic training, scientific research and technology transfer, bringing together leading robotic surgeons from Vietnam and around the world.”

The launch of Vinmec’s High-Tech Robotic Surgery Network represents not only a significant milestone in the healthcare system’s development but also an important step forward in accelerating Vietnam’s transition toward an era of precision, personalized and technology-driven surgery. By bringing world-class surgical innovation closer to patients, Vinmec is laying the foundation for Vietnam to emerge as a new regional hub for robotic surgery and advanced medical treatment in Southeast Asia.

Hashtag: #Vinmec

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Advertisements

Dubai Holding is weighing an investment in Hscale, the Bain Capital-backed data centre builder, as the Dubai investment group looks to expand its European portfolio at a time when artificial intelligence and cloud computing are reshaping demand for digital infrastructure. The group is working with a financial adviser on a possible transaction, while Bain Capital seeks additional capital to accelerate Hscale’s build-out across Europe, the Middle East […]

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai UAE authorities confirmed there was no security threat after an emergency missile warning was pushed to mobile phones across the country on Friday evening and withdrawn within minutes, briefly unsettling residents before officials traced the episode to a technical malfunction in the national early warning system. The first message, sent at about 5.17pm on June 26, warned of “potential missile threats” and instructed […]

Dubai’s financial regulator recorded another year of strong licensing activity in 2025, as the emirate’s financial centre crossed 1,000 regulated entities and Dubai rose to seventh place in the Global Financial Centres Index, its highest position to date. The Dubai Financial Services Authority licensed and registered 182 new firms during the year, a 16 per cent increase on 2024, taking the total number of regulated entities in […]

HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 26 June 2026 – VinEnergo, a member of Vingroup’s green ecosystem, and SunAsia Energy Inc., a pioneer in the Philippine solar energy sector, have announced a strategic partnership to develop a portfolio of large-scale renewable energy projects utilizing the Solar on Stilts model. With expected lifetime revenues exceeding USD 1.5B, the projects will drive job creation, catalyze infrastructure investment, and strengthen the Philippines’ energy security.

Ms. Tetchi Capellan, Chief Executive Officer and Chairperson of SunAsia Energy (second from left), and Mr. Nguyen Anh Khoa, CEO of VinEnergo (second from right), sign the agreement between the two companies in the presence of Ms. Sharon Garin, Secretary of Energy of the Philippines, and Mr. Lai Thai Binh, Ambassador of Vietnam to the Philippines.
Ms. Tetchi Capellan, Chief Executive Officer and Chairperson of SunAsia Energy (second from left), and Mr. Nguyen Anh Khoa, CEO of VinEnergo (second from right), sign the agreement between the two companies in the presence of Ms. Sharon Garin, Secretary of Energy of the Philippines, and Mr. Lai Thai Binh, Ambassador of Vietnam to the Philippines.

Between 2027 and 2028, VinEnergo and SunAsia Energy plan to bring three flagship projects into operation, with a combined installed capacity of 422MWp. These are projects located in Macabebe, Pampanga (181 MWp), Sagay (126 MWp) and Silay (115MWp), both in Negros Occidental Province.

The partnership aims to deliver reliable renewable energy to the national grid, while supporting the Philippines’ goals of strengthening energy security, reducing carbon emissions, and promoting local economic development. Once operational, the projects are expected to supply electricity to approximately 278,000 households and reduce carbon emissions by more than 460,000 tons annually, equivalent to planting around 21 million trees.

Over the next 18 months, VinEnergo will work closely with SunAsia Energy on engineering design and project implementation. This phase will include the selection of engineers, technology providers, and contractors to install nearly 700,000 solar panels mounted on pile structures, as well as approximately 62 kilometers of new transmission lines across Negros and Pampanga.

The project portfolio will utilize the Solar on Stilts technology, in which solar panels are mounted on pile-supported structures above the water surface, enabling the integration of clean power generation with aquaculture activities. This approach effectively leverages the Philippines’ strong potential for combining renewable energy development with agriculture and fisheries, while serving as a model for future sustainable energy projects. It also aligns with VinEnergo’s strategy of advancing the Food-Energy-Water Nexus to optimize resource use and create long-term value for communities.

ING and SGV & Co. acted as exclusive M&A advisors to VinEnergo and SunAsia, respectively.

Mr. Nguyen Anh Khoa, Chief Executive Officer of VinEnergo, said: “Our partnership with SunAsia Energy on this strategic project portfolio is a clear demonstration of VinEnergo’s regional growth ambitions. We are proud to bring forward solutions that combine sustainable energy development with responsible resource utilization. Floating solar not only contributes to addressing energy security challenges, but also provides a valuable opportunity to share Vietnam’s development experience in protecting local livelihoods and fostering the parallel growth of the energy and agricultural sectors.”

Ms. Tetchi Capellan, Chief Executive Officer and Chairperson of SunAsia Energy Inc., said: “This partnership is driven by the shared commitment of SunAsia Energy and VinEnergo to strengthen energy security, support economic growth, improve people’s lives, and help protect the planet. Through the Floating Solar model, we are not only developing renewable energy infrastructure but also creating a framework where food production and clean energy generation can thrive together.”

The announcement of this strategic partnership comes as the Philippines hosts the ASEAN Summit, underscoring VinEnergo’s role in advancing cross-border collaboration to address energy and climate challenges. It also marks an important milestone in VinEnergo’s international expansion strategy, while highlighting the capabilities of Vietnamese enterprises in developing pioneering renewable energy models that contribute to ASEAN’s and the world’s sustainable energy transition goals.

Hashtag: #VinEnergo #SunAsiaEnergy #SolarOnWater

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About VinEnergo

VinEnergo is a leading Vietnamese energy developer focused on investing in and developing large-scale energy projects to accelerate the sustainable energy transition in Vietnam and across the region. With innovation at the core of its strategy, VinEnergo develops projects that deliver positive socio-economic impact while leading the deployment of integrated solutions that combine renewable energy, baseload power, and battery energy storage systems (BESS) to build a greener, more stable, and more reliable energy system.

About SunAsia Energy Inc.

SunAsia Energy Inc. is a Philippine renewable energy developer focused on innovative clean energy and solar solutions, including floating solar, Solar on Water, and other renewable energy projects that support the country’s clean energy transition.

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 June 2026 – With top teams from around the world gearing up for the hotly contested Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races this weekend (June 27-28), participants and spectators can expect a bumper programme of action, fun and entertainment along the Victoria Harbour waterfront in Tsim Sha Tsui – one of the city’s most vibrant districts known for its iconic skyline views and tourist attractions.

There is much to celebrate. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races as well as 35th anniversary of both the co-organiser, Hong Kong China Dragon Boat Association, and the sanctioning body, International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF). The IDBF added to the occasion by announcing earlier this year the relocation of its headquarters back to Hong Kong.

Paddles up! Hong Kong marks 50 Years of international dragon boat thrills

Riding on the wave of excitement, the organiser, Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), extended the annual Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Festival period to 13 days (June 19 – July 1), beginning on the historic Tuen Ng Festival (Dragon Boat Festival) and concluding on July 1, which is the 29th anniversary of the Establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

As the headline international flagship event of “Hong Kong Summer Fun”, Dr Peter Lam, Chairman of the HKTB, said the Festival not only ran over a longer period, but also featured a stronger race line-up and more vibrant entertainment programmes than in previous years, offering an experience found only in Hong Kong for locals and visitors, while showcasing Hong Kong’s position as the Events Capital of Asia.

More than 220 teams from 16 countries and regions will compete for top honours in the world‑renowned setting of Victoria Harbour. This year’s event also introduces the special 50th Anniversary Fishermen Invitational Cup and the 50th Anniversary Championship, paying tribute to the traditional spirit of dragon boat racing.

Visitors will be able to enjoy a series of thematic activities along the Avenue of Stars, including a 22-metre traditional wooden dragon boat, a dragon boat-themed installation in collaboration with the new film Minions & Monsters, live music performances and a line-up of intangible cultural heritage performances, including martial art Wing Chun, Chinese juggling diabolo, traditional musical instruments ruan and guzheng.

Visitors can enjoy a series of thematic activities at the "Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Festival" which runs until July 1.
Visitors can enjoy a series of thematic activities at the “Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Festival” which runs until July 1.

Highlighting Hong Kong’s reputation as the birthplace of modern international dragon boat racing, as well as its strengths as a global hub city, the IDBF has taken a significant step in its long‑term global strategy with the formal incorporation of International Dragon Boat Federation Limited in Hong Kong on 29 April 2026.

“Incorporation in Hong Kong is not a conclusion, but a beginning. It anchors our Federation in the city where our international story started and strengthens our ability to serve our members and the global dragon boat family,” said Claudio Schermi, President of the IDBF.

As part of this new chapter, the IDBF has applied for funding under “the Pilot Scheme to Strengthen the Presence of Hong Kong in Asian and International Sports Associations”, which was recently introduced by the HKSAR Government’s Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau. The Pilot Scheme is an initiative designed to support Asian and international sports associations establishing their headquarters or regional headquarters in the city.

The Dragon Boat Festival has a long and colourful history dating back more than two thousand years. Held each year on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, the day commemorates the patriotic poet Qu Yuan.

According to legend, Qu committed suicide for his beliefs by throwing himself into the Luo River. The villagers nearby raced out on their dragon boats, banging gongs and drums to scare away fish and other underwater creatures to stop them from eating Qu’s body. The tradition continues to this day, with dragon boat competitions taking place at locations across Hong Kong, each reflecting the unique characteristics of its neighbourhood.

Traditional dragon boat treats feature prominently during the festival, notably zongzi. These glutinous rice dumplings, traditionally wrapped in bamboo leaves and steamed or boiled, are widely available during the festive period.

Hashtag: #hongkong #brandhongkong #asiasworldcity #dragonboatraces #dragonboatfestival





The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

MUNICH, GERMANY – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 June 2026 – EVB successfully concluded its June 23–25 exhibition at Power2Drive Europe 2026 at Messe München, where it connected with global industry professionals and highlighted its latest EV charging, energy storage, and power management solutions for cleaner, smarter, and more efficient energy systems.

Power2Drive Europe is a leading international exhibition for charging infrastructure and e-mobility. It brings together global players in EV charging and sustainable mobility, making it a key platform for industry exchange and innovation.

Showcasing Advanced Charging Technologies

Highlighting its PTB-certified technologies, EVB presented charging solutions for residential, commercial, fleet, and public applications.

  1. Floor-mounted AC EV Charger: Featuring a 21-inch LCD touch screen, POS payment, and ISO 15118-2 certification, it combines EV charging and digital advertising for retail, parking, and urban charging hubs.
  2. Liquid-Cooled DC Charger: With up to 480 kW output and a modular design that supports independent operation, it is built for high-demand public and commercial charging scenarios, delivering reliable performance with easier operation and maintenance.
  3. Split MW DC Charger: A 2 MW high-power charging solution for electric trucks, logistics fleets, ports, and industrial applications, supporting MCS/CCS interfaces, smart power sharing, and expandable DC outputs.

EVB also showcased its award-winning BUDC Ultra Fast Charger 150 kW, an ultra-thin dual-gun charger honored with Red Dot and iF Design Awards. Featuring a 75 kW liquid-cooled module and a slim 100 mm body, it delivers reliable, low-noise fast charging for space-limited scenarios.

Integrated PV, Storage and Charging Solutions

Beyond EV charging products, EVB showcased integrated PV, energy storage, and charging solutions for diverse application scenarios. By combining solar power, energy storage, and charging infrastructure, EVB helps customers improve energy efficiency, optimize power use, and reduce operating costs.

Strengthening Global Partnerships

The exhibition enabled EVB to strengthen partnerships and explore new collaborations, with discussions focused on fleet electrification, commercial deployment, and integrated energy infrastructure.
Hashtag: #ZhejiangBenyiNewEnergyCo

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About EVB

EVB is a global provider of smart EV charging solutions.Backed by over 100 patents and international certifications, EVB has a presence in nearly 70 countries and has delivered more than 25,000 projects worldwide, providing reliable, high-speed, and eco-friendly charging infrastructure to support the clean energy transition.

For more information, please visit www.evb.com or contact [email protected].

Video:

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai ADNOC Drilling has delivered AD-300, its first AI-enabled automated walking island rig, nearly three months ahead of schedule, advancing Abu Dhabi’s push to use robotics, data systems and lower-emission power options in offshore oilfield development. The rig is the first of six next-generation island units covered by a $1.54 billion drilling services programme awarded by ADNOC Offshore across 2024 and 2025. Its early […]

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai J. P. Morgan has cut its Brent crude price forecast for the second half of 2026, signalling that weaker demand and smaller-than-expected stock draws have reduced the upward pressure that had kept oil markets tense through much of the year. The bank now expects Brent to average $86 a barrel in the third quarter and $80 in the fourth, with prices ending 2026 […]

Scammers are exploiting the opening of Grand Theft Auto VI pre-orders with fake early-access offers, bogus beta invitations and imitation websites designed to steal money, passwords and banking details from players waiting for Rockstar Games’ biggest launch in more than a decade. The warning comes as pre-orders for GTA 6 are set to open on June 25 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, with the game […]

Electronic Arts is pushing artificial intelligence deeper into its game development pipeline as senior executive Laura Miele said the technology is already helping its studios move faster and sharpen creative decisions by taking repetitive work out of production. Miele, president of EA Entertainment, Technology and Central Development, said AI tools had contributed to “a real rise of creativity” across the company’s teams by removing some of the […]

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Ruggieri has formed a project-based collaboration with Dubai-based Novara Events Management to develop large-scale pyrotechnic and multimedia experiences for the Gulf events market, bringing together one of Europe’s oldest fireworks houses and a regional organiser targeting high-impact live productions. The agreement positions the 300-year-old French pyrotechnics specialist to deepen its presence in a market where festivals, national celebrations, destination launches, private events and […]

Electric Way has broken ground on a 125,000 sq ft expansion of its distribution centre at National Industries Park in Dubai, a move aimed at more than doubling its operating capacity as demand rises from construction, utilities, manufacturing and data centre projects across the region. The extension is designed to strengthen the company’s bulk order fulfilment, warehousing, kitting and supply chain operations for electrical products including cables, […]

  • Safety and Shipping Review 2026: Vessel and cargo value in region shows importance of maritime chokepoints. Managing geopolitical disruptions is now a top priority for shipowners and cargo operators.
  • Geopolitical tensions challenge shipping’s ongoing long-term safety improvements. Incidents fell 16% to fewer than 3,000 globally in 2025, while fire remains a major loss driver with over 200 incidents, the second highest total in a decade.
  • More complex and volatile risk landscape enforces need for greater operational resilience versus cost efficiency.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 June 2026 – Given that 90% of international trade is transported across oceans, maritime safety and stable shipping trading routes are critical. According to Allianz Commercial’s latest Safety and Shipping Review, incidents like the closure and reported mining of the Strait of Hormuz are the latest in a series of recent disruptions to have impacted shipping. They signal a transition toward a “new maritime order” defined by escalating security risks along strategic shipping corridors, the disruption of established trade routes, persistent uncertainty, higher risk premiums, and a greater strategic emphasis on resilience over pure cost efficiency.

In addition to geopolitical uncertainty, traditional risks for the shipping industry remain a major concern, although the numbers of total vessel losses and incidents have continued to decline in recent years. Machinery damage or failure and fires are among the main loss drivers in this regard, leading to significant economic and insured losses.

“Our analysis shows the shipping industry has made significant improvements in maritime safety in recent years. However, it has also undergone a fundamental transformation, from decades of relative stability, defined by steady trade flows and largely predictable operating conditions to becoming increasingly complex and volatile. The Middle East conflict and Strait of Hormuz closure is just the latest in a series of severe interruptions to hit shipowners and cargo operators. Resilience, geopolitics, and efficiency must be balanced in an increasingly unpredictable world, where the cost of uncertainty is reshaping the shipping industry,” explains Thomas Lillelund, CEO of Allianz Commercial.

Geopolitical uncertainty becomes top risk for shipping industry
The conflict in the Middle East paralyzed the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil trade route. Allianz Research data shows that around 1,150 cargo-carrying vessels (over 100GT*) with an estimated vessel and cargo value of approximately $125 billion, a volume of 29 million GT, and as many as 20,000 seafarers are in the Persian Gulf waiting to resume operations following recent diplomatic breakthroughs. This underscores the structural importance of maritime chokepoints and how critical they are for shipping and international trade, while also highlighting the severe disruptions to vessel operations and mental strain that has been placed on those seafarers who have endured months on board facing the threat of attack.

Marine insurance cover has been available throughout the conflict, albeit at increased hull and cargo premiums. However, the real issue for shipowners has been more about the risk to the crew and the vessel when transiting a conflict zone, rather than pure insurance considerations. Even if the US and Iran agreement holds and the Strait of Hormuz is reopened, solid assurances of safe passage will be required, involving the international community, particularly if traffic is to return to its pre-war levels, up to as many as 140 vessels a day.

“We are seeing growing uncertainty around shipping routes. Any type of event – a conflict, pandemic or a grounded vessel blocking a key port or shipping canal – can potentially cause a major disruption to shipping and supply chains. The events in the Middle East have been more impactful than many would have expected. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz sets a dangerous precedent and raises questions around the long-term future of this and other critical chokepoints. What is becoming clear is that we have to pay a price for uncertainty, shifting from ‘just-in-time’ to ‘just-in-case’ supply chains, and prioritizing resilience over cost efficiency,” says Captain Rahul Khanna, Global Head of Marine Risk Consulting at Allianz Commercial.

Total loss and incident numbers decline despite industry headwinds
The review’s latest analysis shows that there have been more than 900 total losses reported over the past decade (vessels over 100GT). Between 2016 and the end of 2020, there were 555, an average of 111 per year. This number declined to 350 between 2021 and the end of 2025, an average of 70 (37% down on the previous five-year period), reflecting the positive effect of an increased focus on safety measures over time – 43 total losses have been reported in 2025, with more than 30 of these vessels over 500GT. The South China, Indochina, Indonesia, and the Philippines region is the main loss hotspot globally over the past year, and the past decade (255). A huge volume of imports and exports flow through the region, resulting in high levels of shipping traffic, which is reflected in the number of incidents.

Around the world, the number of shipping incidents declined over the past year by around 16% (2,818 in 2025 compared to 3,353 in 2024). The East Mediterranean and Black Sea region saw the highest number (622), followed by the British Isles (619), which is also the location of the most incidents over the past decade. Machinery damage or failure was the major cause of shipping incidents globally, accounting for over half (1,505), followed by vessel collision (260). Fires on large vessels, including container ships and car carriers, remain a worry. There were more than 200 incidents on large vessels reported during 2025, down from 2024, but still the second highest total over the past decade, with at least nine total losses reported.

The increasing size of vessels is also driving a trend for a rise in general average claims, where the shipowner and cargo interests share losses or expenditure to save the whole venture in an emergency. Such claims are typically complex and large. Contributions to cover losses can be as high as 50% of the cargo value, which if a vessel is carrying a few thousand electric cars, for example, could easily be over US$100mn.

“Insurance markets react quickly to crises, but the real challenge for companies is understanding how risks are interconnected. That’s why resilience and risk management are becoming just as important as insurance coverage. The shipping industry is facing turbulent times, not only from geopolitical instability, but also from traditional hull and machinery risks, where we see claims costs continue to rise, as well as from decarbonization and fleet renewal challenges. Our role as an insurer is to support our clients as both a risk carrier and a resilience partner to mitigate risks before they become a damaging loss event,” says Justus Heinrich, Global Product Leader Marine Hull at Allianz Commercial.

Geopolitics and high demand drive trend for older vessels
The average age of the global fleet increased to 23 years in 2025, up from around 20 years old just before the Covid-19 pandemic, as shipowners retain vessels for longer due to the volatile geopolitical climate. Conflict in the Middle East has seen tankers and container ships stranded and rerouted around the Cape of Good Hope, for example, resulting in longer transit times and a squeeze on existing fleet capacity.

Older vessels pose significant safety risks at sea, with vessels over 20 years old accounting for over half of all safety incidents, analysis shows. As ships age, the likelihood of incidents increases due to structural, mechanical, and technological obsolescence, creating risks for crew, cargo, and the environment.

“Shipowners are under pressure to scrap older vessels and replace them with new, more efficient, safer and compliant ships. However, the recent pushback against net zero targets and full order books at the major Asian shipyards are other factors which could ensure the average age of vessels is likely to remain elevated in the near term,” says Captain Nitin Chopra, Senior Marine Risk Consultant, Allianz Commercial.

Hashtag: #Allianz

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Allianz Commercial

Allianz Commercial is the center of expertise and global line of Allianz Group for insuring mid-sized businesses, large enterprises and specialist risks. Among our customers are the world’s largest consumer brands, financial institutions and industry players, the global aviation and shipping industry as well as family-owned and medium enterprises which are the backbone of the economy. We also cover unique risks such as offshore wind parks, infrastructure projects or film productions. Powered by the employees, , and network of the world’s #1 insurance brand, we work together to help our customers prepare for what’s ahead: They trust us in providing a wide range of traditional and risk transfer solutions, outstanding and services as well as seamless handling. Allianz Commercial brings together the large corporate insurance business of Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty (AGCS) and the commercial insurance business of national Allianz Property & Casualty entities serving mid-sized companies. We are present in over 200 countries and territories either through our own teams or the Allianz Group network and partners. In 2025, the integrated business of Allianz Commercial generated around €17.3 billion in gross premium globally.

XRP slipped towards the lower end of its three-week trading band as weak turnover, softer derivatives positioning and fading momentum left traders focused on the $1.05-$1.10 support zone as the market’s decisive near-term test. The token traded near $1.10 on Tuesday, down about 3 per cent over 24 hours and more than 10 per cent over the week, with its market value hovering around $68 billion to […]

SpaceX’s market value has fallen by more than $600 billion in three trading sessions, a reversal that has tested investor confidence in one of the year’s biggest public listings and drawn a sharp contrast with bitcoin’s steadier performance under the same market pressure. Shares of the Elon Musk-led space and technology group extended their decline after the company moved into the bond market for the first time […]

Abu Dhabi sovereign investor Mubadala is reviewing a potential commitment to a private equity project fund seeking to acquire control of MNC Solution, a listed South Korean defence components maker, in a deal that would deepen Gulf exposure to Seoul’s expanding weapons supply chain. The proposed investment would be made through a fund being assembled by Korea Investment & Securities Co. Partners Private Equity Division, which was […]

Emaar Properties has pushed back the tendering process for Dubai Creek Tower by about three to four months, delaying the next major step in one of Dubai’s most closely watched landmark projects as port closures disrupt construction-material costs and pricing assumptions. The postponement affects the main tender for the redesigned tower at Dubai Creek Harbour, a project that has been on the market’s radar since its original […]

VISHNU RAJA
RYO YAMADA
HITORI GOTOH
IKUYO KITA