Maritime Powers Coordinate to Ensure Red Sea Shipping Safety

In response to rising tensions in the Middle East, France has reached out to the governments of Italy and Greece to coordinate efforts in the Eastern Mediterranean, according to a person close to French President Emmanuel Macron. The move comes as the U.S. has recently attacked an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean, the first time since World War II that the United States has sunk an enemy vessel with a torpedo. The Iranian ship had previously participated in a naval drill with India, underscoring the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the region. 'The goal is to ensure the security and freedom of navigation in the Red Sea,' the source told gCaptain. 'We need to work together to protect commercial shipping from any potential threats or disruptions.' The announcement follows warnings from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) that over 20,000 seafarers remain stranded in the Gulf region due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and related travel restrictions. IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez and International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) Chairman Emanuele Grimaldi have both highlighted the plight of these crew members, who are facing significant hardship. Meanwhile, the shipping market is seeing some positive signs, with Dorian LPG reporting that increased demand from India and the opening of the Panama pipeline are boosting the outlook for Very Large Gas Carriers (VLGCs). The company remains upbeat on continued U.S. production and structural demand growth from India's LPG policies. In other news, the USS Midway Museum has announced a partnership to preserve and release to the public structural material from the propulsion system of the decommissioned aircraft carrier USS Midway (CV-41). The manganese-bronze from the ship's original propellers is being made available through the collaboration, offering a unique window into maritime history.