Anduril Plans $6.6-Billion Maryland Shipyard for Virginia-Class Submarine Components

Anduril Industries and the U.S. Navy have announced plans for a new shipyard at Sparrows Point, Maryland, that will manufacture major components for Virginia-class nuclear-powered attack submarines. The project, known as Arsenal-2, involves a $3.7-billion private investment from Anduril and a U.S. Navy contract worth up to $2.9 billion, bringing the planned commitment to as much as $6.6 billion. According to Anduril, the facility will cover more than two million square feet and is expected to begin operations in 2030. It will produce complex submarine components and large assemblies, including torpedo tubes, while final submarine construction and assembly will remain with the U.S. Navy’s established prime shipbuilders. The company said payments under the Navy contract will be tied to demonstrated production results.

Two Filipino Fishermen Rescued After Drifting for Two Days Off Western Pangasinan

PANGASINAN, Philippines — Two Filipino fishermen were reportedly rescued by a merchant vessel after drifting at sea for two days off the western coast of Pangasinan, according to an account shared by a crew member involved in the rescue. Both fishermen have since safely returned to their families. The crew member said the fishermen had remained stranded despite other vessels reportedly passing through the area. A Korean captain eventually spotted the two men and immediately maneuvered his vessel to conduct rescue operations. With the assistance of the ship's officers and crew, both fishermen were successfully brought aboard and provided with assistance.

EU-sanctioned tanker Dakar makes late-season Northern Sea Route voyage

The 22-year-old product tanker Dakar is reportedly sailing westward along Russia’s Northern Sea Route as the Arctic navigation season approaches its end. Ship-tracking information indicates that the vessel is carrying methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), a component used in gasoline blending, and appears to be heading toward Russia. Built in Spain in 2004, the 21,300-deadweight-ton tanker reportedly received its cargo through a ship-to-ship transfer off South Korea. Available reports differ on its ice-class designation, so claims that the vessel has no ice class remain unconfirmed. Its reported direction of travel also does not establish its final destination.

Port of Savannah sets September container record as imports rise

The Port of Savannah in Georgia, United States, handled 504,015 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in September 2026, its highest container volume recorded for that month. According to the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA), the total increased by 3.7 percent compared with September 2025. Loaded imports rose by 5.5 percent from a year earlier, leading the growth. GPA attributed the increase to strong consumer spending and an extended peak shipping season, with typhoon-related delays at Asian ports pushing some cargo arrivals into September.

Virtue Maritime Services Corp. 🤝 TDM Shipping

A Vessel Where Filipino Seafarers Stay: MV Frederikke What makes a crew stay? On a recent visit to MV Frederikke, operated by TDM Shipping Inc., the answer was seen in respect, fair treatment, and rest that is actually balanced.

MARINO PH Info Caravan at West Bay Colleges Brings Maritime Industry Updates to Future Seafarers

MUNTINLUPA CITY, Philippines—MARINO PH conducted its Info Caravan at West Bay Colleges, Inc. on October 1, 2026 bringing maritime organizations and industry professionals directly to students as part of the school’s Maritime Industry Updates program. The activity was held in connection with the 27th National Maritime Week

LACERTA Shipping Agencies Philippines Holds New Office Blessing and Industry Gathering

LACERTA Shipping Agencies Philippines Inc. celebrated the blessing and opening of its new office on October 1, 2026. Maritime professionals, industry partners, friends, and colleagues gathered to share in this milestone.

Beacon Expo 2026 Successfully Concludes Two-Day Maritime Job Fair at SMX Convention Center

The two-day Beacon Expo 2026 successfully concluded on September 30, 2026, at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City, bringing together maritime professionals, seafarers, industry stakeholders, shipping companies, manning agencies, and maritime service providers.

ZONE OF APPROACH

Navigate with awareness and confidence! Understanding the zone of approach helps mariners recognize how vessels meet, cross, and overtake—building the awareness needed to assess potential collision risks.

Lines of Latitude and Longitude

Latitude and longitude are imaginary reference lines used to determine the exact position of any place on Earth. They form the basis of the geographic coordinate system and are widely used in navigation, mapping, surveying, and positioning. For seafarers, understanding latitude and longitude is essential for plotting a vessel’s position, planning routes, and maintaining safe navigation at sea.

PARTS OF A TYPICAL STOCKLESS ANCHOR

A stockless anchor is designed for modern ships due to its compact shape, strong holding power, and easy handling. Each part, including the shank, fluke, crown, and anchor shackle, has a specific function that helps secure vessels safely during anchoring operations. Understanding anchor components is essential for every seafarer.

Painting Stage

A painting stage, also known as a rigging stage, is a suspended working platform commonly used by seafarers when carrying out painting, cleaning, maintenance, rust removal, and inspection of ship structures, particularly in areas that are difficult to reach from the deck. It is typically made from a strong wooden plank or approved platform supported by ropes or other suitable rigging arrangements. The stage must be properly secured to reliable anchoring points, and all ropes, knots, shackles, planks, and supporting equipment should be checked before use to ensure they are in good condition and suitable for the intended load.