TWS Intelligence Desk

Maritime intelligence for decisions that cannot wait.

Relevant developments from Brazil and around the world, selected for professionals in shipping, cargo, logistics, insurance and claims.

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142 articles

Maritime technology and decarbonization • Aug 02, 2026

EU proposes ETS-funded support for sustainable maritime fuels and zero-emission propulsion

The European Commission has proposed a new Sustainable Maritime Alternative Propulsion mechanism under the EU ETS, reserving allowances to help close the cost gap for eligible fuels and zero-emission propulsion. The prop...

A commercial cargo vessel fitted with wind-assisted propulsion sails near a European port.

Commodities and dry bulk • Aug 01, 2026

US tariff measures redraw exposure for Brazilian bulk and steel cargoes

New US Section 301 duties now apply to parts of Brazil’s export basket, while iron ore pellets and pig iron are among the exemptions. The split treatment raises cargo-classification and market-diversion questions for dry...

Pellets of iron ore from the LKAB mine in Kiruna, Sweden. The Kiruna City Hall gives these as souvenirs.

Merchant marine and regulation • Aug 01, 2026

EU 21st Russia sanctions package expands maritime exposure to LNG tanker sales and shadow-fleet support vessels

The EU’s 23 July package adds 41 vessels to its service and port-access ban, expands listing criteria to vessels supporting designated ships, and introduces controls around sales of LNG tankers to third countries.

Russia’s natural gas exports by pipeline to the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom (UK) declined by almost 40% during the first seven months of 2022 compared with the same period in 2021 and by almost 50% compared with the previous five-year (2017

Vessels and shipping • Aug 01, 2026

Red Sea traffic rebounds briefly while Hormuz crossings remain constrained

A two-day swing in vessel movements shows that commercial confidence in the Middle East’s principal chokepoints remains highly fragile: Bab el-Mandeb traffic recovered from a monthly low, but Strait of Hormuz transits st...

U.S. Sailors aboard the guided missile destroyer USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110) prepare to offer rescue assistance to a burning vessel March 11, 2013, during a transit in the Strait of Hormuz. The William P. Lawrence was deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet

Article • Jan 10, 2024

From Mate's Receipt to Master's Peace of Mind: The TWS Maritime Service Advantage in Shipping

The role of a marine survey company like TWS Maritime Service is critical in the complex ballet of maritime trade, acting as a guardian and advocate for the interests and rights of their …

Article • Jan 04, 2024

On bulk carriers, hatch covers serve two primary roles:

Granting access to cargo holds for loading/unloading when open, and ensuring weathertight sealing of the hatchway when closed, thus preventing water ingress in any sea state. These covers…

News • Jan 03, 2024

Navigating New Horizons: TWS Maritime Service's Role in Fortaleza's Fruit Export Boom

The Port of Fortaleza is set to double its fruit exports with new shipping routes to key European destinations. These expansions, along with infrastructure improvements like a dedicated f…

Article • May 27, 2023

Porto do Pecém: Driving Economic Development in Northeast Brazil

Introduction Welcome to the presentation about Porto do Pecem, located in the state of Ceara, Brazil. Porto do Pecem is one of the most important and modern ports in the country, playing…

Article • Apr 12, 2023

Environmental Issues and Sustainability: Why We Need to Act Now

As an experienced maritime service provider, TWS Maritime Service is committed to promoting sustainable and environmentally friendly practices in the shipping industry. In this article, w…

Safety First • Apr 11, 2023

Safety and Best Practices for Surveyors on Board Ships.

As surveyors, we play an important role in ensuring the safe and secure handling of cargo on board ships. This requires us to prioritize safety and follow best practices to minimize risk …