Government Update News


UK Provides Aid for Ferry Operators

Apr 27, 2020

Ferry routes between Great Britain and Northern Ireland have been safeguarded, thanks to a multimillion-pound government scheme to help ensure critical freight can continue to move into and across the union.The package, worth up to £17 million ($21 million)…

US Should Avoid Phased Approach in Kenya Trade Talks -Chamber of Commerce

Apr 27, 2020

The United States should work to achieve a single, comprehensive agreement with Kenya that removes barriers to trade and investment, instead of pursuing a phased approach, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce said in a document viewed by Reuters.In comments submitted to the U…

Safeguarding the Maritime Transportation System During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Apr 13, 2020

The marine transportation system (MTS) is critical to both our national security and economic prosperity.  The U.S. Coast Guard has an enduring responsibility to safeguard the MTS and enable the uninterrupted flow of maritime commerce. While…

US CDC Extends 'No Sail Order' for All Cruise Ships

Apr 13, 2020

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention extended its “no sail order” for all cruise ships, as it looks to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus pandemic.The new CDC order says that cruise ships have to cease operations for up to 100 days…

US Grants BWTS Extension Due to COVID-19

Apr 10, 2020

The U.S. Coast Guard is giving additional time for vessels impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic to comply with regulations requiring ballast water treatment systems (BWTS) to be installed on board.Recognizing the impact of public health policies…

Adm. James Steele Gracey, 17th USCG Commandant, Passes Away

Apr 09, 2020

Admiral James Steele Gracey, USCG (retired), 17th Commandant of the Coast Guard, passed away on Sunday, April 5, 2020, in Falls Church, Va., at the age of 92.Born in Newton, Mass. in 1927, Adm. Gracey graduated from the United States Coast Guard Academy in 1949…

US Says No Requests Yet to Waive Jones Act to Help Oil Companies

Apr 06, 2020

The U.S. government said on Monday it has not yet received requests to waive a 100-year-old law on shipping goods between domestic ports, despite some interested parties who say temporarily lifting the regulation would help energy companies hurt by the oil price plunge…

IMO Urges Governments to Allow Crew Changes

Apr 02, 2020

United Nations shipping agency the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has echoed industry calls for governments to grant special travel exemptions to seafarers in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.In a Circular Letter (link) issued on Monday…

FMC Investigating COVID-19's Suply Chain Impacts

Apr 01, 2020

The Federal Maritime Commission issued an order authorizing Commissioner Rebecca Dye to identify operational solutions to cargo delivery system challenges related to Coronavirus-19.The Order notes that “Recent global events have only highlighted…

Greece to Sell Majority Stakes in Four Ports

Mar 31, 2020

Greece plans to sell majority stakes in four ports as part of a privatization plan agreed with its lenders after the country exited the bailouts in 2018, a document of its privatization agency (HRADF) showed on Tuesday.HRADF will sell majority stakes in the share capital of Alexandroupolis…

More Bad News for Bulkers, as South African Ports Close for Mineral Exports

Mar 26, 2020

South Africa's main export terminals will be closed to mineral exports from midnight on Thursday when a nationwide 21-day lockdown over coronavirus begins, disrupting copper supply chains linking major producer Zambia to Asian consumers.Miners…

Cargo Shipping to Keep EU Antitrust Exemption until 2024

Mar 25, 2020

Cargo shipping companies will be exempt from antitrust rules against anti-competitive agreements for a further four years until 2024 because this leads to lower prices and better consumer services, EU antitrust regulators said on Tuesday.First adopted in 2009 and extended for five years in 2014…

Dock Workers at Brazil's Santos Port Call off Strike Vote

Mar 23, 2020

A union representing the on-demand dock workers has called off a vote that had been scheduled for Monday on whether to hold a strike at Latin America's largest port over concerns about risks from the coronavirus outbreak.In a statement on Sunday…

IMF: Global Impact of COVID-19 will be Severe, but Temporary

Mar 21, 2020

As many markets struggle to find their footing in the face of the global COVID-19 pandemic, a recent podcast with Martin Muhleisen, director of the IMF's Strategy, Policy, and Review department, helps to lend insight and perspective from the view of the International Monetary Fund…

China Iron Ore Recoups Losses Amid Stimulus Hopes

Mar 19, 2020

China's iron ore futures erased earlier losses to end flat on Thursday, regaining support as miner Vale SA said it may temporarily halt activities at its Malaysian distribution center as a safety measure against the coronavirus pandemic.Iron…

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