ICAS Maritime Affairs Handbill (online ISSN 2837-3901, print ISSN 2837-3871) is published the last Tuesday of the month throughout the year at 1919 M St NW, Suite 310, Washington, DC 20036.
The online version of ICAS Maritime Affairs Handbill can be found at chinaus-icas.org/icas-maritime-affairs-program/map-handbill/.
February 18-Businesswire
[USA, Gulf Of Mexico]
Sentinel Midstream’s “Texas GulfLink” deep water crude oil export terminal has received approval from the U.S. Maritime Administration, enabling it to handle Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs). The terminal will improve export efficiency, reduce costs, and lower emissions while supporting U.S. energy exports globally.
Taiwan Pledges To Support Ocean Efforts Of The Pif
February 16- Taipei Times
[Taiwan, Pacific Ocean]
Taiwan is enhancing its maritime governance to tackle illegal fishing and protect its territorial waters, while also seeking stronger cooperation with neighboring countries for sustainable ocean management.
Cook Islands Deal With China On Economy, Seabed Mining Spurs Protest
February 12- Reuters
[Cook Islands, China, Pacific Ocean]
The Cook Islands has announced a new partnership with China focusing on deep-sea mining, trade, infrastructure, and education, sparking protests from locals and concern from Western nations over China’s growing influence in the Pacific. Prime Minister Mark Brown pledged to release details of the agreement to address transparency concerns.
India, France Say Global Ocean Treaty Should Come Into Effect At Earliest
February 12-The Economic Times
[India, France, Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, Pacific Ocean]
India and France have called for the Global Ocean Treaty to be implemented as soon as possible to protect marine biodiversity in international waters. The treaty aims to address global challenges like overfishing and climate change by ensuring sustainable management of shared ocean resources.
EU Searches for Legal Ways to Interdict Russia’s “Shadow Fleet” Tankers
February 10 – The Maritime Executive
[EU, Russia, Baltic Sea]
The EU is developing new laws to target Russia’s “shadow fleet” of aging oil tankers amid security concerns, while the Russian tanker Koala suffered unexplained explosions, sparking sabotage fears.
Maritime rivals China and Brunei vow to work together on oil and gas in disputed waters
February 7 – South China Morning Post
[China, Brunei]
China and Brunei have agreed to collaborate on oil and gas exploration in the South China Sea, though details remain unspecified. While both sides framed the deal cautiously to avoid external interference, analysts note that further negotiations are needed for concrete progress. Brunei, unlike other claimants in the South China Sea, has remained low-profile in maritime disputes.
Historic Step Taken On Ocean Governance In The Wider Caribbean
January 30 – WinnFM 98.9
[Wider Caribbean, North Brazil, Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic Ocean]
The Ocean Coordination Mechanism (OCM) for the Wider Caribbean has been officially activated to enhance collaboration among countries, inter-governmental organizations (IGOs), and other stakeholders for the sustainable management of marine resources.
French Aircraft Carrier Stages Combat Drills With Filipinos In Disputed Sea And Visits Philippines
February 21-Associated Press
[France, the Philippines]
France’s nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, Charles de Gaulle, docked at Subic Bay in the Philippines after conducting joint combat drills with Filipino forces in the South China Sea. According to the French, these exercises aim to enhance regional security and uphold international law in the disputed waters.
Japan Launches Fourth Hibiki-Class Auxiliary Ocean Surveillance Ship For The JMSDF
February 17-Naval News
[Japan, China, Russia]
Japan launched the fourth Hibiki-class auxiliary ocean surveillance ship, named “Bingo,” designed to enhance anti-submarine warfare capabilities. The vessel will join the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s Ocean Surveillance Division, featuring advanced sonar technology to track submarines and increase operational capacity in response to growing security threats from China and Russia.
Philippines Increases Defense Efforts Amid Ongoing Tension With China
February 14-VOA News
[Philippines, China, South China Sea]
The Philippines is enhancing its defense capabilities in response to ongoing tensions with China over the South China Sea. This includes increasing military cooperation with the United States and other regional partners to strengthen its security and address China’s growing influence in the disputed waters.
Malaysia Strengthens Maritime Security With Advanced Patrol Aircraft, Regional Collaboration
February 12 – Indo-Pacific Defense Forum
[Malaysia, Turkiye, China, Italy, Indonesia, Philippines]
Malaysia is boosting maritime security with new surveillance aircraft and drones to protect its waters, especially in the South China Sea. This includes partnerships with Indonesia and the Philippines for joint patrols.
Ship Laden With Ballistic Missile Propellant Nears Iran
February 10 – The Maritime Executive
[Iran, China, USA]
Two Iranian cargo ships are transporting sodium perchlorate, a key ingredient for ballistic missiles, despite US sanctions. One ship is nearing Bandar Abbas, while the other remains in China.
China Anger Over US Naval Drills: ‘Illegal Claims’
February 6-Newsweek
[South China Sea, Australia, USA, Philippines, Japan]
China has expressed strong opposition to recent U.S. naval drills involving the Philippines, Japan, and Australia in the South China Sea, viewing them as a provocation. The exercises have raised tensions over competing territorial claims in the region.
Portuguese PM Urges EU To Prioritise Defence, Points To Maritime Threats
February 5 – Euractiv
[Portugal, EU, USA]
Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro emphasized defence as a top EU priority, calling for a Recovery and Resilience Plan to fund investments, particularly in maritime security. Speaking at an EU leaders’ retreat, he advocated for a joint EU debt instrument to ensure consistent and rapid defence funding.
See How Russia Is Winning The Race To Dominate The Arctic
February 3 – The Wall Street Journal
[Russia, North America, the Arctic]
The Arctic is becoming a hotbed of geopolitical competition, with Russia and China strengthening their military and economic cooperation, especially as melting sea ice opens up new shipping routes and access to valuable resources.
US’ Port-Fee Proposals Targeting China Make Waves In Shipping Sector
February 24-South China Morning Post
[USA, China]
The USTR has proposed steep port fees on Chinese-built vessels and operators, aiming to curb China’s dominance in global shipbuilding and logistics. The measures that could cost up to $1.5 million per US port call have drawn strong criticism from China. The US industry experts also warned that the fees could raise costs for U.S. importers and exporters, potentially shifting trade to Canada and Mexico.
Storm Clouds Gather For Chinese Shipping Lines As Trump Threatens More Tariffs
February 14-South China Morning Post
[USA, China, Red Sea]
Chinese shipping lines are facing increasing pressure due to Trump-era tariffs and declining freight rates, with the Shanghai Containerised Freight Index showing signs of strain. These challenges, along with geopolitical tensions, could disrupt global trade, potentially affecting maritime shipments.
Can Maritime Hydrogen Overcome The Headwinds?
February 12-IEEFA
[EU, Europe, United Kingdom]
The maritime sector faces significant challenges in adopting hydrogen as a fuel due to high costs, infrastructure needs, and regulatory hurdles. While hydrogen holds potential for decarbonization, the industry must navigate these barriers carefully to meet climate goals and ensure long-term sustainability.
Global Maritime Board: Gateway To Development Of Southern India
February 8-Organiser
[India]
India is working to enhance its southern maritime sector by focusing on indigenous shipbuilding, modernizing ports, and boosting the region’s economic and strategic position. The Global Maritime Board aims to create a more competitive and self-sufficient maritime industry, driving development in southern India and strengthening its global trade role.
House Maritime Subcommittee Sets Sail into 119th
February 7 – Eno Center for Transportation
[USA]
The House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation discussed ways to rebuild the U.S. maritime industry, focusing on fleet decline and workforce challenges. Key proposals included supporting shipbuilding programs and enhancing cargo protections.
What Effects Will Trump’s New Tariffs Have On Trade?
February 2 – Maritime Executive
[North America, China, Mexico]
President Trump’s new tariffs are expected to disrupt North American trade, raise consumer prices, and escalate tensions with China. While aimed at protecting domestic industries, they may lead to supply chain disruptions, retaliatory tariffs, and increased costs for businesses and households.
Maersk & Hapag-Lloyd Launch New Ocean Network ‘Gemini Cooperation’
February 1 – Marine Insight
[Demark, Germany, North Sea, Baltic Sea]
Maersk and Hapag Lloyd have launched the Gemini Cooperation, a long-term maritime partnership to create a flexible, reliable ocean network focused on East-West trade routes, fleet integration, and decarbonization efforts.
Explosion Forces Crew To Abandon Hong Kong-Flagged Container Ship To The Red Sea
January 29 – The Washington Post
[Hong Kong, Red Sea]
An explosion on a Hong Kong-flagged container ship in the Red Sea, amid ongoing Houthi attacks, highlights escalating threats to maritime security, disrupting trade routes crucial for global energy and cargo shipments.
India Leads Bay of Bengal Nations to Bolster Blue Economy, Marine Ecosystems
February 21-Pragativadi
[Indian Ocean, Bay of Bengal, Southeast Asia]
India has taken over the Chairmanship of the Bay of Bengal Inter-Governmental Organisation (BOBP-IGO), focusing on regional cooperation for marine resource management and small-scale fisheries sustainability. The move aims to strengthen the blue economy and protect marine ecosystems.
February 21-World Economic Forum
[United Kingdom, Indonesia]
The UK government has launched a Blue Planet Fund Country Plan for Indonesia, introducing up to £18 million in new funding over the next five years. This initiative aims to enhance the climate resilience and prosperity of vulnerable coastal communities by protecting and sustainably managing Indonesia’s blue carbon ecosystems.
Navigating a Low-Carbon Future: Maritime Decarbonisation on the 2025 Global Agenda
February 15-In Depth News
[Japan, China, USA, EU]
Countries like the EU, U.S., China, and Japan are working toward maritime decarbonization by focusing on emissions reduction in the shipping industry. This global effort aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 through international cooperation and regulatory frameworks.
The Maritime Industry’s Interest Are Turning Towards A Carbon Levy
February 14-Safety4Sea
[USA]
The maritime industry is increasingly exploring a carbon levy as a means to address shipping emissions and fund decarbonization efforts. This move reflects the sector’s shift towards sustainability, with discussions on how such a levy could balance environmental goals with economic impacts on the shipping industry.
Advancing Blue Carbon in New Zealand’s Coastal Wetlands
February 11-The Nature Conservatory
[New Zealand]
Efforts are underway to restore coastal ecosystems like mangroves and salt marshes, which help capture carbon and support biodiversity in New Zealand. These blue carbon projects, led by The Nature Conservancy, aim to fight climate change while creating potential for carbon credit programs.
Proposed ‘Marine Prosperity Areas’ Framework Would Link Ocean Conservation With Economic Growth
February 10-Global Seafood Alliance
[Caribbean, South Pacific, Southeast Asia]
The proposed Marine Prosperity Areas (MPAs) framework seeks to integrate ocean conservation with sustainable economic growth by protecting key marine ecosystems while promoting activities like sustainable fisheries and tourism.
‘It’s Not The Death Of U.S. Offshore Wind’ Says Intelatus
February 10 – Marine Link
[USA, Europe]
Despite facing challenges under the Trump administration’s energy policies, the U.S. offshore wind industry is not doomed. While progress may slow, international collaboration and European supply chain involvement suggest the sector still has substantial growth potential.
Ocean Treaty Now! Polish Protesters Deliver Bold Message To Government
February 7 – Oceanographic
[EU, Poland]
Greenpeace Poland urged the government to ratify the Global Ocean Treaty ahead of an EU meeting in Gdańsk. The treaty is key to protecting 30% of oceans by 2030, but Poland has yet to act. Greenpeace calls for urgent EU-wide ratification before the UN Oceans Conference in June.
Spain Becomes The First Country In Europe To Ratify The Global Ocean Treaty
February 5 – The Diplomat Spain
[Spain, EU]
Spain has become the first EU country to ratify the High Seas Treaty (BBNJ), formally depositing its ratification at the United Nations in New York. This treaty establishes a legal framework to protect 30% of the high seas by 2030, regulating human activities and ensuring fair access to marine genetic resources.
Riding the Wave: Businesses and Investors Set Their Sights on ASEAN’s Blue Economy
February 5-PR Newswire
[ASEAN, Indonesia]
ASEAN countries are attracting growing interest from businesses and investors looking to tap into the blue economy, focusing on sustainable ocean resources. This sector offers new opportunities for economic growth, conservation, and environmental sustainability in Southeast Asia.
Transforming Puget Sound Ecosystems with Oysters, Kelp, and Eelgrass
February 3 – Port of Seattle
[Elliott Bay Marina, Seattle, USA]
The Smith Cove Blue Carbon Project aimed to enhance habitat and water quality through Olympia oyster, bull kelp, and eelgrass restoration while exploring blue carbon sequestration potential. While the project faced challenges, it provided valuable ecological insights, fostered partnerships, and contributed to ongoing research on marine restoration in the Puget Sound.
Balancing Ocean Health And Economic Growth: The Role Of Sustainability Metrics In The Eu
February 1 – CEPR
[Europe, Baltic Sea, North Sea, Atlantic Sea]
The EU’s Blue Growth Strategy aims to lead in blue energy and expand sectors like aquaculture and blue biotechnology, but challenges remain in measuring marine ecosystem contributions and achieving inclusive blue growth.
Before 2024, the naming history of the Gulf of Mexico reflected a blend of indigenous heritage and European exploration. Indigenous groups, including the Maya, had their own names for the Gulf, such as Nahá, meaning “great water.” However, these names were largely replaced during European colonization. The Aztecs referred to the Gulf as Chalchiuhtlicueyecatl, or “House of Chalchiuhtlicue,” after their deity of the seas. The Maya, who used the Gulf as a major trade route, likely called it Nahá.
In the 16th century, Spanish explorers introduced new names, including Mar del Norte (Sea of the North) and Seno Mexicano (Mexican Sound). Other names used by Spanish cartographers included Gulf of Florida (Golfo de Florida) and Gulf of Cortés (Golfo de Cortés). Early European maps also referred to it by various names, such as the Gulf of St. Michael (Sinus S. Michaelis), Gulf of Yucatán (Golfo de Iucatan), Yucatán Sea (Mare Iuchatanicum), Great Antillean Gulf (Sinus Magnus Antillarum), Cathayan Sea (Mare Cathaynum), and Gulf of New Spain (Golfo de Nueva España).
As Spanish influence in the region expanded, the name “Gulf of Mexico” gained prominence, reflecting the Gulf’s geopolitical significance to the Spanish crown. By the 17th century, the name had become widely accepted, appearing in nautical charts, legal documents, and historical records.
As of early 2025, discussions about the naming and significance of the Gulf of Mexico have resurfaced, reflecting broader debates on national sovereignty, cultural heritage, and historical narratives. The Gulf’s name is not just a geographic label but a symbol tied to geopolitical tensions and identity politics. These discussions also highlight the Gulf’s economic importance, as it supports vital industries such as fishing, oil, and tourism. Recognized as one of the world’s most productive fisheries, the Gulf generates millions of dollars for local American economies. Its ecological fragility further underscores its significance in conversations about international relations, trade disputes, and environmental policy. As a result, the history and naming of the Gulf of Mexico serve as a microcosm of larger global issues.
On January 20, an executive order was issued to promote U.S. heritage by ensuring that national landmarks honor “visionary and patriotic Americans.” The order mandates the renaming of certain geographical features and establishes procedures for doing so. A key provision concerns the U.S. Board on Geographic Names (Board). Agency heads must review and potentially replace their appointees, while the Secretary of the Interior may make additional appointments. The restructured Board is tasked with prioritizing this renaming policy and ensuring federal agencies use Board-approved names consistently, especially in cases requiring Congressional approval.
The order mandates renaming the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America, citing its historical and economic significance to the U.S., including its role in trade, natural resource extraction, and maritime industries. Within 30 days, the Secretary of the Interior must rename the U.S. Continental Shelf area—bordering Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida—as the Gulf of America and update the GNIS accordingly. The Board will oversee implementation to ensure federal agencies adopt the new designation.
The attempt to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America” highlights the complex intersection of history, politics, and national identity in geographic naming conventions. Its potential impact on U.S. maritime relations and global maritime affairs stem from a single nation’s attempt to assert control over a shared geographical space. The previous name, “Gulf of Mexico,” has been in use since the mid-17th century and is recognized by international bodies like the International Hydrographic Organization. The U.S. presidential executive order, directing the adoption of “Gulf of America,” was framed as a way to honor American heritage and the Gulf’s economic importance to the U.S.. However, such unilateral renaming attempts can be viewed as a form of “naked imperialism” and chauvinism, reminiscent of historical European powers imposing names on territories in the New World.
This action can and will evoke trade frustrations and anti-Mexican sentiment. Such a change carries considerable economic implications, potentially disrupting the tourist industry and necessitating updates to official documents. The international community may also reject the new designation, leading to discrepancies in global communications. Moving forward, it’s crucial to monitor the U.S. government’s implementation of the name change and the responses from Mexico, Cuba, and other international bodies. Geographic names are subject to political and cultural contestation, and alterations can have far-reaching consequences for international relations. In short, encouraging collaboration and respecting shared resources is more vital than asserting ownership through renaming.
This issue’s Spotlight was written by Kailyn Provitt, Part-time Research Assistant.
Government Releases & Other Press Statements
Analyses & Opinions
Other Research
ICAS conducted its second Arctic-focused ICAS Expert Voices Initiative (EVI) interview series in-person with Dr. Zhao Long (Shanghai Institutes for International Studies). This interview focused on understanding China’s Arctic policy and strategy, assessing China’s respective relations with the Arctic States, particularly with the U.S. and Russia, and addressing China’s role in ocean governance.
Stay tuned for the full interview release in early March, 2025!
By Nong Hong
February 10, 2025
While Trump’s rhetoric on acquiring Greenland or asserting control over Canadian territory has sparked debate, the likelihood of such efforts materialising remains low… That said, Trump’s remarks should not be dismissed entirely as political rhetoric. They reflect deeper US concerns about Arctic dominance, the strategic significance of the Northwest Passage, and countering China’s growing influence in the region. While direct territorial acquisitions remain highly improbable, the broader geopolitical competition in the Arctic is very real and will continue to shape global power dynamics.
While concerns about China’s growing influence in the region are valid, reasserting US control over the Panama Canal would be legally dubious and politically costly. The idea may resonate in certain political circles, but it faces considerable obstacles in terms of legal justification, diplomatic consensus and Panama’s cooperation…
by Nong Hong
February 4, 2025
As 2025 unfolds, territorial and maritime disputes in the South China Sea are expected to persist. The course of these disputes will largely depend on the willingness of key stakeholders—China, Southeast Asian nations (both claimants and non-claimants), and external powers—to engage in diplomacy and seek mutually acceptable solutions. China has reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful dispute resolution while maintaining its maritime security interests. Beijing is likely to continue its dual-track approach of strengthening economic and political ties with ASEAN while advancing discussions on the long-awaited Code of Conduct (COC)…
Dr. Nong Hong Spoke at the Democracy Forum 2025
Monday, February 17, 2025
2:00 – 3:30pm GMT
On February 17, Dr. Nong Hong spoke at the webinar “Territorial claims in the South China Sea: A question of legality”, hosted by the Democracy Forum.
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