Sea Watch

A case before the US Supreme Court could open the way for major oil companies to be held financially liable for damages caused by climate change. If the court allows climate-related lawsuits to proceed, states and local governments could seek billions in compensation from fossil fuel producers. The outcome is being closely watched because it would shape who ultimately pays for the costs of rising seas, wildfires and extreme weather.

A ZDNET writer describes avoiding a $300 onboard Wi-Fi charge on a cruise by relying on a kit of 12 gadgets packed for the trip. The piece walks through the items used to stay connected and comfortable at sea without paying the cruise line's internet fees, offering a practical shopping list for travellers watching their onboard budgets.

North Sea oil workers are set to strike, and warnings suggest the action could severely disrupt fuel supplies across the UK. The dispute threatens operations at offshore installations that supply a significant share of Britain's oil and gas. Industry and union representatives are at odds over pay and conditions, and officials are watching for knock-on effects on fuel availability for consumers.

Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force has introduced the V-BAT, an uncrewed reconnaissance aircraft, as part of a wider push to boost maritime surveillance. The system is intended to expand monitoring capabilities around Japanese waters while reducing the personnel needed to operate it. The move fits into Japan's broader efforts to strengthen its defense posture and keep watch over surrounding seas with fewer crew demands.

Yemeni forces have taken control of strategic sites near the Bab al Mandab strait, the narrow shipping passage linking the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. TRT World reported the seizure. The strait is one of the world's most important maritime chokepoints, so any shift in control of territory there is being watched closely for its impact on regional security and international shipping.

Container shipping company Ocean Network Express has entered a partnership with classification society ClassNK to carry out a tank study on roll damping technology. The research aims to reduce ship rolling motion at sea, which can improve cargo safety, crew comfort and fuel efficiency. Details of the study's scope and timeline have not been disclosed.

Iran has issued a warning that it is prepared to deliver a stronger military response as tensions at sea escalate. The live coverage follows rising friction in maritime areas, with Tehran signaling it may escalate beyond current measures if provoked further. Observers are watching closely for any move that could widen the confrontation and draw in other regional or international naval forces.

Forces aligned with Saudi Arabia have launched a push against Houthi positions near a key global trade route, in a renewed escalation of the long-running conflict in Yemen. The area borders shipping lanes central to international commerce, and the offensive is being closely watched for its potential impact on regional stability and maritime traffic through the Red Sea corridor.

Egypt, Eritrea, Sudan and Somalia have reached an agreement covering Red Sea security, Nile water issues and broader regional cooperation. The four countries' alignment signals a deepening of ties among states bordering or invested in the Red Sea corridor, a waterway already strained by the Sudan war and shipping disruptions. Observers are watching how the pact affects relations with Ethiopia, notably over the Nile dam dispute.