Maritime Safety & Shipping: The World Shipping Council is urging the IMO to close a lithium battery loophole, saying Special Provision 188 lets containers carry thousands of batteries without dangerous-goods declarations—an issue now backed by Germany and the Marshall Islands ahead of IMO talks. Maritime Security & Enforcement: The US Coast Guard Cutter Joseph Gerczak returned to Honolulu after a 52-day Blue Pacific patrol, conducting dozens of boardings with Pacific partners to counter illegal fishing and protect marine resources, including port calls in the Marshall Islands. Ocean Policy: Pacific Islands Forum leaders adopted a new Ocean Statement calling for stronger political leadership, urgent climate action, tighter fisheries management, and Pacific-led financing to protect the Blue Pacific. Pacific Infrastructure & Resilience: The 8th Pacific Meteorological Council highlighted upgrades to early warning systems across the region, including Tuvalu’s use of AI for faster severe-weather monitoring. Local Industry & Trade: Global Ship Lease (Marshall Islands-incorporated) declared a quarterly dividend on its preferred shares, underscoring ongoing shipping finance activity tied to the Marshall Islands’ maritime footprint. Diplomacy & Tech Partnerships: Taiwan’s President Lai met Tuvalu’s foreign minister, with Taiwan support cited for outer-island aquaculture, agriculture production, and digital connectivity. Aviation/Defense Training: Taiwan’s MOFA said a drone academy (GUAVA) is moving toward legal registration and pilot training to help diplomatic allies build drone resilience.