Maritime Industry Briefing: LNG Newbuild Expansion, North Sea Green Hydrogen Study, and Tanker Attack Off Oman

## Purus Marine Expands LNG Fleet with Samsung Heavy Order Purus Marine is expanding its gas carrier portfolio with a further LNG newbuild order at Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI), according to Splash247. Samsung Heavy disclosed this week that it had secured a contract valued at approximately $252 million for a single 174,000 cubic metre LNG carrier, with the owner identified as being based in Oceania — a description consistent with Purus Marine's known profile. The order adds to what has become one of the more closely watched newbuild programmes in the LNG shipping sector. The vessel's delivery schedule has not been publicly confirmed, but the contract underscores continued confidence in long-term LNG demand and the sustained backlog at South Korean yards. Samsung Heavy Industries remains one of the world's leading constructors of large LNG carriers, and orders of this scale reflect the ongoing capital commitment required to serve global liquefied natural gas trade routes. --- ## Dutch Consortium Launches Offshore Green Hydrogen Feasibility Study A Dutch industry consortium, Hydrogen of Dutch Origin (H2DO), has initiated a feasibility study for a 30–50MW offshore green hydrogen production concept in the Dutch sector of the North Sea, Splash247 reports. The 'Offshore Midsized Green Hydrogen Feasibility and Concept Study', funded through the TSE programme, aims to demonstrate how offshore hydrogen production can complement and unlock additional offshore wind capacity. The initiative reflects growing interest across the European maritime and energy sectors in integrating hydrogen production directly into offshore wind infrastructure, reducing the need for costly onshore transmission and processing facilities. The North Sea has emerged as a focal point for offshore green hydrogen development, with several European nations competing to establish viable production models ahead of anticipated regulatory and commercial frameworks in the latter half of this decade. --- ## Tanker Struck by Missile Off Oman; Two Crew Members Missing A serious security incident has unfolded in the waters off Sohar, Oman, after a Palau-flagged tanker was reportedly struck by a missile, according to Seatrade Maritime. The attack has left two crew members missing and one injured, prompting search and rescue operations in the area. Details surrounding the origin of the strike remain under investigation. The incident adds to a pattern of maritime security threats in the broader Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea region, which has seen periodic attacks on commercial shipping in recent years. Shipowners and operators transiting the area are advised to monitor official advisories from relevant maritime security authorities and flag state administrations. The welfare of the missing crew members remains the immediate priority, and further updates are expected as search operations continue.