Maritime Industry Briefing: COSCO Expands LNG Portfolio with $253M Injection; Piracy Tragedy Off Somalia

## COSCO Doubles Down on LNG with $253M Capital Injection COSCO Shipping Energy Transportation is pressing ahead with its liquefied natural gas ambitions, injecting a further RMB 1.7 billion ($253 million) into its dedicated LNG investment vehicle, according to Splash247. The Shanghai- and Hong Kong-listed owner confirmed its board has approved the capital injection into Shanghai COSCO Shipping LNG, underscoring the Chinese shipping giant's strategic commitment to building out a substantial gas carrier portfolio. The move reflects a broader industry trend among major Chinese carriers to secure long-term exposure to LNG shipping as global demand for cleaner-burning fuels continues to grow. COSCO's sustained investment signals confidence in the LNG freight market at a time when newbuilding orderbooks remain heavily subscribed and competition for long-term charters with major energy producers is intensifying. --- ## Five Crew Killed in Somali Piracy Attack Despite Rescue Operation In a sobering reminder of the persistent threat of maritime piracy in the Horn of Africa, five crew members aboard the vessel Honour 25 were killed by pirates before Puntland security forces were able to intervene, Seatrade Maritime reports. The tragedy occurred even as regional authorities achieved partial success in the broader counter-piracy effort, recovering two previously hijacked vessels — Sibu 1 and Eureka — from pirate control. Following those recoveries, a single vessel is reported to remain under pirate control in Somali waters. The deaths of the Honour 25 crew members highlight the lethal risks that continue to face seafarers operating in the region, and are likely to renew calls from industry bodies for heightened naval patrols and updated guidance on transit corridors through the Gulf of Aden and surrounding waters. Shipowners and operators are advised to consult the latest advisory notices from the Maritime Security Communications with Industry (MSCI) and to ensure vessels transiting the High Risk Area maintain current Best Management Practices (BMP) protocols. --- *Sources: Splash247, Seatrade Maritime*