Maritime Industry Briefing: Newbuild Orders, Offshore Contracts, and Middle East Tensions

## Uni-Asia Books First Newbuild in Over a Decade Singapore-listed bulker specialist Uni-Asia Group has ordered its first newbuild vessel in more than 10 years, signing a deal with Nihon Shipyard for the construction of a 40,000 DWT handysize bulk carrier. The ship is scheduled for delivery in the second half of 2024, marking a return to newbuilding activity for the company after a long hiatus. According to [Splash247](https://splash247.com/uni-asia-books-first-newbuild-in-over-a-decade/), this order represents Uni-Asia's first newbuilding contract since 2011. ## SFL Scores $170M Offshore Contract in Canada John Fredriksen-backed owner SFL Corporation has secured a new drilling assignment for its semisubmersible rig Hercules, lining up a contract worth approximately $170 million offshore Canada. As reported by [Splash247](https://splash247.com/sfl-scores-170m-semisub-deal-in-canada/), the deal is with a large multinational oil and gas company and covers a firm period of 18 months, with options to extend. This represents a significant new offshore contract for SFL as it looks to capitalize on increased activity in the Canadian market. ## Advisories Issued After Middle East Incidents The Directorate General of Shipping, India's maritime regulatory authority, has issued an advisory for maritime operators following recent incidents in the Middle East that resulted in the deaths of three Indian seafarers. According to [Hellenic Shipping News](https://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/shipping-authority-reports-three-indian-seafarers-killed-in-middle-east-issues-advisory-for-maritime-operators/), the advisory urges companies to assess voyage-specific risks amid escalated military actions in the region. This comes after reports of strikes on oil facilities in and near Tehran, which [Hellenic Shipping News](https://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/us-israel-hit-five-oil-sites-in-and-near-tehran-official/) attributed to the United States and Israel. Additionally, Kuwait's national oil company KPC announced a precautionary cut in crude oil production and refining due to the regional tensions.