India Okays Model Pact on Seafarers

Indian Government approved a model pact with foreign countries that would also allow unilateral recognition of seafarers' competency certificates, thus easing the process for them to seek employment on ships under the flag of that country.The decision was taken at a meeting of the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This will pave the way for mutual recognition of maritime education and training of seafarers by the countries involved.“The Cabinet has approved a model MoU with foreign countries for unilateral/bilateral recognition of Certificates of Competency of seafarers…

Kotug Tugboats Rescue Drifting Box Ship

Dutch salvage and towage company Kotug said that its two tugs have helped to rescue a containership hit by fire while sailing off the coast of East Africa.The 2,503-teu Oinousses (built 2000) was sailing sailing from Maputo to Mombasa, off the coast of Mozambique after the vessel sustained an engine room fire.On the night of January 20, two Rotortugs of KOTUG International picked up the Mayday signal of the container vessel EM-Oinousses having a devastating fire in the engine room.Although the vessel’s crew adequately extinguished the fire…

Florida Ports Leading the Way on Maritime Alternative Fuels

Florida's seaports and industry partners are investing in innovations to be more efficient and effective, including the implementation of environmentally friendly, less costly, domestically-produced natural gas as an alternative fuel, a recent report outlined.“Florida ports are leading the way in moving to cleaner, alternative energy sources, bringing tremendous environmental benefits to our transportation systems and our communities,” said Dr. Julia Nesheiwat, Florida’s Chief Resilience Officer under Gov.

Low-sulphur Fuel Sales Surge

The final quarter of 2019 marked a massive decline of high-sulphur fuel oil (HSFO) sales, as the industry transitioned into compliance of the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) 2020 Sulphur Cap (IMO 2020). In Singapore, the world’s largest bunkering hub, the bunker sale landscape saw significant change as the sale of high-sulphur fuel oil dropped tremendously in a matter of months. In contrast, the sale of low-sulphur fuels skyrocketed in the final quarter.The first wave…

ONE SEA Appoints Lehtovaara Chairman

ONE SEA has appointed Capt Eero Lehtovaara as its new Chairman. Lehtovaara, a Master Mariner and Associate Fellow of the Nautical Institute, is Head of Regulatory & Public Affairs at ABB Marine & Ports.He brings a wealth of experience to the expanding ONE SEA alliance where he has been a Board member for two years, as well as Vice Chairman. His past experience at sea provides a unique understanding of the challenges set by new regulations, human resource management and technological developments…

Jan De Nul Completes Harelbeke

The provider of maritime construction services Jan De Nul said that a new lock complex along the Lys river in Harelbeke, Belgium is inaugurated.The Joint Venture ‘Leieland’, a partnership between contractors Jan De Nul nv, Herbosch Kiere nv, Engie Fabricom nv and Aelterman bvba, was responsible for the design and execution of the works.In the past five years, the Joint Venture ‘Leieland’ worked by order of ‘De Vlaamse Waterweg’ (the Flemish Waterway Authority) on the renovation and modernization of the weir lock…

Second RoPax Launched for Hankyu Ferry Co

Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. held a christening and launch ceremony for the second of two passenger/cargo ferries currently under construction for Hankyu Ferry Co, Ltd.The new vessel, named Yamato, is being constructed at the Shimonoseki Shipyard & Machinery Works yard in Japan's Yamaguchi Prefecture and is scheduled to be delivered in June 2020 after rigging work is completed.Together with Settsu, which was christened and launched last August, Yamato will serve on the operator's Shinmoji-Kobe route.Yamato…

Dunkirk Port Switches on Cold Ironing

French container line CMA CGM announced that its ship APL Singapura has inaugurated the cold ironing facilities of the Terminal des Flandres in the Port of Dunkirk.By plugging into an onshore electricity supply (also known as "cold ironing"), container ships calling at port can shut down their auxiliary engines while still getting the power they need, particularly in order to maintain controlled temperatures in refrigerated containers (Reefers).This innovative technology has significant environmental benefits…

BP, Premier Oil in $625M North Sea Deal

Energy giant BP has agreed a $625m deal to sell a package of North Sea assets. Premier Oil will take over the Andrew platform and BP's controlling stake in five surrounding fields, as well as its minority stake in the Shell-operated Shearwater field.BP operates the Andrew assets – comprising the Andrew platform, the Andrew (62.75%), Arundel (100%), Cyrus (100%), Farragon (50%) and Kinnoull (77.06%) fields and associated subsea infrastructure. It holds a 27.5% stake in the Shell-operated Shearwater field.“BP has been reshaping its portfolio in the North Sea to focus on core growth areas…

Hanlon will Retire as COVE CEO

Jim Hanlon has announced his plans to retire as Chief Executive Officer of the Center for Ocean Ventures and Entrepreneurship (COVE) in 2020.“I’m really proud of what we have accomplished at COVE”, said Jim. “At COVE, we’ve created a world-leading environment for ocean technology companies to come together and grow the ocean economy. It’s not a big surprise to the organization that I’m retiring, and I’m looking forward to seeing where COVE’s next leader will take us as COVE continues to grow and change”Hanlon…

Port of Baltimore Gets $1.8 Mln EPA Grant

The Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore has secured $1.8 million in grant funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to replace older diesel-powered equipment with newer, cleaner versions.The Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) funds will cover about 44 dray trucks, commonly used for transporting shipping containers to and from the port, and four pieces of cargo-handling equipment such as forklifts, yard tractors and other heavy cargo machinery.“This EPA grant will help us continue cleaning the air around the Port of Baltimore,” said Governor Larry Hogan.

KR Appoints New Chairman & CEO

The Korean Register (KR) has appointed Hyung-chul Lee as its 24th Chairman & CEO. His term began on December 23, 2019 and runs for three years until December 22, 2022.Hyung-chul Lee joined KR in 1988 and has until now held the position of Executive Vice President of KR. He was elected as Chairman & CEO at KR’s General Assembly meeting held on December 23.Over his 30 years with KR, Hyung-chul Lee has held many senior roles, including head of Statutory Service and head of Overseas Business Development Team…

Costa Smeralda Floated Out

Italian cruise line Costa Cruises said that Costa Smeralda is the first ship in the Costa fleet to be fueled by liquefied natural gas (LNG). "This is a step change for the cruise industry as a whole, guaranteeing a substantially reduced environmental impact," it said."Costa Smeralda is the first ship in the Costa fleet to be powered both in port and at sea by LNG, meaning improved air quality and protecting the environment with the virtual elimination of sulfur dioxide emissions (zero emissions) and particulate matter (95-100% reduction).

IMO2020: Methanol Proves Promising

When the clock strikes midnight on December 31, 2019, the maritime world enters a bold new era of emission reduction. With its growing fleet of methanol fueled ship and more than 60,000 hours of operating experience under its belt, Waterfront Shipping Company has a five-year headstart.As a general rule, shipowners are remiss to share insights on their operations, lest their competitors catch wind and leverage the same technology and savings. The case of Waterfront Shipping Company Ltd.

OSG Acquires Alaska Tanker

Overseas Shipholding Group, the tanker company providing energy transportation services for crude oil and petroleum products in the U.S. Flag markets, has entered into agreements with BP Oil Shipping Company USA and BP AMI Leasing to purchase the crude oil carrier vessels operated by Alaska Tanker Company (ATC).OSG currently owns a 37.5% interest in ATC. As part of the above transaction, OSG will acquire the remaining 62.5% interest of ATC that it does not own.According to the publicly traded tanker company…

Matson Takes Delivery of First Kanaloa Class ConRo

Largest "Con-Ro" Ship Built in U.S. Will Serve Hawaii.Matson today took delivery of its newest vessel, the largest combination container / roll-on, roll-off ("con-ro") ship ever built in the United States, from General Dynamics NASSCO. Christened 'Lurline,' the new ship is the first of two "Kanaloa Class" con-ro vessels being built for Matson by NASSCO at a total cost of approximately $500 million for the pair, and the third of four new vessels that Matson is putting into service between 2018 and 2020.

NYK Provides Free Transport for Ginkgo Saplings

Japanese shipping giant Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK) Group has provided support to a project being conducted by maritime volunteers in the town of Pembroke, which is south of Wales, to return ginkgo saplings linked to Admiral Togo, one of Japan’s greatest naval heroes.Yusen Logistics Co. Ltd. has provided free transport from Britain, and a ceremony for receiving the saplings was held at the Hiroshima Botanical Garden in Japan on December 24.In the 1870s, the Japanese government donated the ginkgo tree to Britain…

India: Recycling of Ships Bill Becomes an Act

The Recycling of Ships Bill 2019 for safe and environmentally sound recycling of ships in India has become an Act after receiving the assent of President of India.The government of India decided to bring this Act to provide for the regulation of recycling of ships by setting certain international standards and laying down the statutory mechanism for enforcement of such standards.The Government has also decided to accede to the Hong Kong International Convention for Safe and environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, 2009.

MOL Secures Green Loan for LNGBV

Japanese shipping giant Mitsui O.S.K. Lines has signed its first green loan, which it plans to use to partially finance the construction of the world's largest liquefied natural gas bunkering vessel (LNGBV).The 18,600 cubic meters (cbm) LNGBV for Total will be owned and operated by MOL. Last year, Total and MOLsigned a long-term charter contract for a pioneer LNG bunker vessel.The loan is provided by BNP Paribas (BNPP) and the Export-Import Bank of China (CEXIM), with both banks acting as Mandated Lead Arrangers and BNPP acting as Sole Green Structuring Advisor.

Maersk Outlines Year in Review, Outlook

Steve Felder, Managing Director, Maersk South Asia has outlined the developments in 2019 and what we can expect in 2020:“While the global container demand was lower in 2019 due to weaker growth in the global economy, India witnessed a broad-based slowdown in its import export trade as well after a growth of several years. This is aligned closely with the weaker domestic demand, tight liquidity and working capital as well as a reflection of the overall cyclical weakening of the economic environment in all the main global economies.

Dead Monkey Found in a Shipping Container

A dead monkey was found in a shipping container in Whāngārei, New Zealand this month.A staff member at BBS Timbers discovered the dehydrated monkey body squeezed between sawn timber packs upon opening the fumigated container, which had arrived from Guyana.The facility alerted Biosecurity New Zealand, which advised how to remove the monkey. A biosecurity officer followed up with an inspection and picked up the body for disposal.The monkey body was in a poor condition. The species has not been identified."The whole response worked extremely well.

New OTI Rules Now in Effect

Non-vessel-operating common carriers (NVOCC) will now need their required bond, insurance or other form of surety and their Form FMC-1 (published tariff location) on file before the US Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) will issue their NVOCC license.This new requirement is one of several changes to Commission regulations governing ocean transport intermediaries (OTI) contained in a Final Rule, “Licensing, Registration, Financial Responsibility Requirements, and General Duties for Ocean Transportation Intermediaries” (Docket No.

MHI Vestas Offshore Wind Intros Safety’N’Mind

MHI Vestas Offshore Wind has created a digital safety training mobile app developed to streamline safety refresher training courses for offshore wind turbine technicians, which has been accredited by the Global Wind Organization (GWO).Industry-first Safety’N’Mind is designed as a digital, gamified substitute for one theoretical training day. And that training needs to be refreshed every other year, which traditionally takes three full days.“We developed the Safety’N’Mind app because we saw an opportunity to innovate within safety training…

BIMCO's Sanctions Clauses to Meet Challenges

BIMCO’s Documentary Committee has approved two charter party sanctions clauses to help owners and charterers manage due diligence policies and navigate an increasingly complex environment of economic and trade sanctions imposed by governments.Sanctions have become a widely used geopolitical tool by governments. The rules are complex, imprecisely drafted, often changing, and the risks of violation can be high. The necessity of sanctions clauses that provide contractual certainty has prompted BIMCO to revise…

PONANT Taps VARD for Two Cruise Vessels

VARD has announced a contract to build 2 new-generation luxury expedition cruise vessels for PONANT.The new units, due for delivery both in 2022, will represent an evolution of the “PONANT EXPLORERS” class vessels. They will be operated in the South Pacific areas for “PAUL GAUGUIN CRUISES” brand as well as the eponymous ship acquired recently by PONANT, thus bringing the number of ships under this brand to 3. They will be built by VARD group’s production network, and they will…

Swire Shipping Extends South Pacific network

Swire Shipping, trading division of China Navigation Company, announced it will be entering a new vessel sharing partnership from New Zealand to Tonga, Samoa (Apia), Cook Islands and Fiji. This market leading service will depart every 10 days from Auckland.“Swire Shipping has built up a strong reputation for itself as a market leader connecting the Pacific Islands to the world. Today’s launch will enable us to offer expanded global coverage into the Pacific Islands, as well as specifically providing New Zealand customers with a new direct service alternative.

Ulstein Painting SOV Windea TBN

Norwegian shipbuilder and ship designer Ulstein is currently carrying out the paint work on Bernhard Schulte’s new service operation vessel (SOV), the 'Windea TBN'.The SOV, which was launched on 15 October 2016, for the offshore wind industry was docked into our dock hall on 8 December 2019.The hull of the vessel arrived Ulstein Verft in September 2019 and in the last few months the work has been focused on accommodation, electrical installations, painting of technical areas and outfitting.After the hull had been towed into the dock hall…

HullWiper Hull Cleaning Comes to Qatar

Underwater hull cleaning specialist HullWiper Ltd is joining forces with GAC Qatar in preparation to launch its hull cleaning solution at the Qatari port of Ras Laffan in early 2020 to meet growing demand for eco-friendly hull cleaning solutions.GAC Qatar is the only company to have been granted a license by the country’s Environment Ministry to operate hull cleaning equipment in its waters.HullWiper’s Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) complies with Qatar’s regulations, which include…

DP World Creates New Maritime Entity

Following DP World’s recent acquisition of Topaz Energy and Marine and its integration with P&O Maritime created a new brand P&O Maritime Logistics - a global provider of maritime solutions in offshore, port services and logistics.Through the synergies created by the merger of the two companies, under the DP World umbrella, the POML business is well positioned to grow and build further scale and value for customers and shareholders alike.Offering a distinctive value proposition to customers…

Høglund, DNV GL Ink 'big data' MoU

Høglund Marine Solutions and DNV GL have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to help generate and export big data from ships.This is a step towards greater digitalization of the marine industry, providing Høglund with the opportunity to further develop their automation expertise and systems and DNV GL the potential to enhance their classification services.“The digital transformation of shipping is finally happening and opens the door to many long sought-after advantages and necessary progress”, says Børge Nova, CEO of Høglund Marine Solutions.

Carnival Joins the Getting to Zero Coalition

Carnival Corporation has announced it has joined the Getting to Zero Coalition.Carnival Corporation is the first cruise company to join the global alliance.The coalition’s goal aligns with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from shipping by at least 50% by 2050 as compared to 2008 emissions. To meet the target, the Getting to Zero Coalition aspires to having technically feasible, commercially viable zero emission deep sea vessels (ZEVs) entering the global shipping fleet as early as 2030.

STS Loading Caustic Soda in Rotterdam

The new International Maritime Organisation (IMO) regulations aim to significantly reduce emissions of sulfur oxides, which are responsible for atmospheric acidification. This means that vessels may only use fuels with sulfur levels of up to 0.5 percent as of 1 January 2020.The current permitted level is 3.5 percent. However, another option is available. Shipping companies may continue to use heavy fuel oil if they install ‘scrubbers’ on their vessels to purify the exhaust gases with a wash treatment of water and soda."As the world’s largest bunker port…

Wilhelmsen, NorSea Join Forces for Hydrogen

The Norwegean global maritime industry group Wilh. Wilhelmsen Holding ASA and Denmark-based supply chain manager NorSea join forces to develop liquid hydrogen supply chain for maritime applications in Norway.The environmentally friendly liquid hydrogen can be offered to commercial shipping in large scale supply within first quarter 2024, claimed the companies.Together with major industry players such as Equinor, Viking Cruises, Air Liquide, and more, this is a huge and important step towards a sustainable future…

Amin to Spearhead HII Digital Strategy

America’s largest military shipbuilding company Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) announced on Wednesday that Bharat Amin has been named executive vice president and chief information officer.In this newly created position, Amin will be responsible for establishing the company’s information technology (IT) and digital strategic direction with a focus on cyber security capabilities through engagement with HII’s executive and division leadership teams. In collaboration with the business units, Amin will lead corporate IT governance and provide functional oversight.

Burnett Name CEO of Seiche

Seiche Water Technology Group has announced that COO Mark Burnett has been promoted to Chief Executive Officer. Burnett will be responsible for the strategic direction of the business, which provides Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM), marine environment and visual monitoring technology solutions to the oil and gas, renewables, marine construction, marine science, utilities, power and defense sectors.Burnett joined Seiche as UK Regional Director in November 2016, before being promoted to COO in March 2018. Previous to joining Seiche, Burnett was Chief Executive Officer of WGP Group.

Boskalis Bags Pasay Reclamation Project

Dutch dredging and heavylift company Royal Boskalis Westminster N.V. (Boskalis) has received the Provisional Letter of Acceptance for the Design and Construction contract for the Pasay Reclamation Development Project in Manila Bay, Philippines in cooperation with CHEC from China.The award was made by the publicly listed company SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SMPHI), one of the largest property developers in Southeast Asia. The development will create a new commercial and residential area in a densely populated part of Manila.

TEN Extends LNG Carrier Charter

The diversified tanker operator Tsakos Energy Navigation (TEN) announced the extension of one of its liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers for a minimum one-maximum three-year period.The Greek shipping company said that the new increased rate is set to commence in the first quarter of 2020 and expected to generate around $30 million of gross revenues.“We are delighted to continue the employment of our LNG carrier to one of the industry’s top names which highlights TEN’s operational capabilities in this highly demanding sector…

NORDEN Examining Biofuels

NORDEN partners with Danish based Kvasir Technologies, a spinout from the Technical University of Denmark with a patented technology to produce fuel from plant material.“At NORDEN, we want to drive the shipping industry towards a cleaner future. If we are to truly make a difference, testing fuel alternatives is the right starting point,” says Henrik Røjel, Fuel Efficiency and Decarbonization Manager at NORDEN. “The collaboration with Kvasir is highly welcomed, both as part of…

LR Approves New LNG-Fueled VLCC Design

The UK-based maritime classification society Lloyd’s Register (LR) has granted approval in principle (AiP) to a quartet for an LNG-fueled VLCC design that uses a prismatic GTT Mark III membrane LNG tank.The AiP was granted to China Merchants Energy Shipping (CMES), CNOOC Gas and Power Group, Dalian Shipbuilding Industry (DSIC), and Gaztransport and Technigaz(GTT).The main objectives of the AiP include developing a specification for a dual fuel VLCC that meets the IMO’s GHG 2030 emission limitations and preparing the relevant design drawings.CMES and CNOOC G&P…

CMA CGM Initiates Global Energy Coalition

Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the French container transportation and shipping company CMA CGM Group recommended that French President Emmanuel Macron initiate an international coalition for the energy transition of the transportation sector whose priority will be to develop a more competitive and less carbon-intensive energy source.Rodolphe Saadé stressed the need to improve the cooperation of all those working on near-term solutions to replace fossil fuels in the transportation and logistics sectors.The French President accepted to actively support this initiative…

Asian Refiners Strive to Finish IMO Preparations

At SK Energy's largest refinery in South Korea, engineers are rushing to complete a new processing unit ahead of schedule as the firm looks to boost sales of low-emission fuels before new marine fuel standards take effect in just one month.In Japan, the country's second-biggest refiner Idemitsu Kosan Co is taking a more cautious stance, increasing capacity for low sulphur fuel oil (LSFO), but also relying on blending to produce IMO 2020 compliant bunker fuel.The different approaches…

Fuel Market Calm ahead of IMO Changeover

Fears about a shortage of diesel and other middle distillates stemming from new marine pollution regulations have receded, with distillate premiums falling to some of the lowest levels for two years.From the start of 2020, ocean-going ships will be required to use low-sulphur fuels or employ exhaust gas cleaning systems, known has scrubbers, under pollution control rules approved by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).Fuel traders and shipowners have warned for several…

Gasum Makes its 1st Cruise Ship STS LNG Bunkering

The Nordic energy company Gasum said that its liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunker vessel Coralius conducted first ever ship-to-ship (STS) bunkering to a cruise ship - Carnival Corporation's cruise vessel Costa Smeralda.During the bunkering operation, LNG was supplied to the newbuild Costa Smeralda at the Meyer Turku shipyard. Costa Smeralda is the first cruise ship in a series of newbuilds at Meyer Turku that will be fitted with LNG propulsion.LNG is the cleanest available marine fuel…

Nordic Ports Unite for Sustainable Transport

In a signed declaration, the Nordic ports have agreed to cooperate, exchange information and share approaches in a number of areas relating to the environment and climate. The Port of Gothenburg has joined a collaboration with ten other Nordic ports. IBy connecting land and sea – and by being connecting nodes of global trade and world economy – ports play a vital role in contributing to e.g. UN’s Global Sustainability Goals (SDGs) and creating a sustainable future in line with the Paris Agreement.Therefore…

Belgian Shipowners Hails Indian Accession to HKC

Royal Belgian Shipowners' Association (RBSA) welcome the accession by the Government of India to the Hong Kong International Convention for Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, also known as the HKC.Yesterday (November 28), India became the 15th Party State to the HKC, fulfilling at once one of the three criteria for the Convention’s entry into force.It is another significant step towards achieving more safe and environmentally sound ship recycling globally, as India…

India Accedes to Ship Recycling Convention

India, one of the world's five major ship recycling countries, has acceded to the IMO Hong Kong Convention, the treaty that will set global standards for safe and environmentally-sound ship recycling.India's accession brings this important convention a significant step closer to entering into force, with the required 15 States now party to it and with India's ship recycling volume considerably contributing to the required recycling capacity.The Hong Kong Convention1 covers the design…

Joseph Angelo Awarded Global Maritime Prize

The prestigious International Maritime Prize for 2018 has been presented to Joseph J. Angelo, a former United States Coast Guard (USCG) and International Association of Independent Tanker Owners (INTERTANKO) senior executive who participated in International Maritime Organization (IMO) meetings for many years, providing leadership on a number of key regulatory developments.IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim presented the prize on Monday (25 November) at the annual IMO Awards ceremony.

Kalmar Signs Pact with Baja Ferries

Kalmar, part of Cargotec, has signed an agreement with Mexican ferry operator Baja Ferries to supply 20 terminal tractors for use in RoRo port operations.The order, which was agreed through Kalmar’s Mexican distributor Tracsa/Sitsa, was booked in Cargotec's 2019 Q3 order intake, with delivery scheduled to take place during Q1 2020.Baja Ferries is a leading provider of cargo and passenger ferry services in Mexico, offering integrated and multimodal logistics solutions. The company’s…

Hägg takes the helm at Steerprop

Steerprop appointed Riku-Pekka Hägg as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), starting January 2020.Formerly Hägg was Vice President of Ship Design at Wärtsilä. “Steerprop shares my passions and values to ensure efficient and sustainable shipping in the future. Together with Steerprop’s skilled personnel, we have the possibility to make great things to happen for the company, the industry and the environment.” said Hägg.

APM Terminals Barcelona unveils 5G

APM Terminals Barcelona revealed how the latest 5G wireless technology is enabling the use of V2X communication – where information is passed between vehicles and other entities that could affect it.During his presentation, entitled “5G in a container terminal: V2X applied to Cranes. Improving safety in a dangerous Environment”, Sergi Domínguez Tomas, Head of IT at APM Terminals Barcelona, explained that 5G technology provides an opportunity to develop new solutions to optimize safety within the terminal.“Wireless communications have always been difficult to manage in container terminals…

IMO Backs Polar Waters Navigation Training

Well-trained seafarers are essential to safe ship navigation in Polar waters and International Maritime Organization (IMO)  has been playing its part with a training course for maritime instructors, underway in Valparaíso, Chile (18-22 November).The course is training participants from maritime training institutions in South America responsible for training seafarers – with a focus on IMO’s Polar Code. The code, when properly applied, is a powerful tool for safeguarding the environment…

CMA CGM to Raise $2 bln to Fund CEVA Deal

Shipping group CMA CGM said it planned to raise $2 billion to help finance its takeover of CEVA Logistics, with half the cash coming from selling port assets to its joint venture with China Merchants Port Holdings Co.France-based CMA CGM, the world's fourth-largest container shipping company, bought CEVA this year to expand in land logistics, valuing the firm at about $1.7 billion.CMA CGM said it was pushing back some of Switzerland-based CEVA's financial targets by two or three years, partly because of a slowdown in some industries, such as car manufacturing.Under an agreement with China Merc

IMO SG Meets Sovcomflot

Sovcomflot, the Russian maritime shipping company specializing in petroleum and LNG shipping, said that its team has met Kitack Lim, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).He was met by Sergey Frank, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sovcomflot and Igor Tonkovidov, President and CEO of Sovcomflot, as well as Alexey Klyavin, President of the Russian Chamber of Shipping.One of the key issues on the IMO's agenda is mitigating the impact of global shipping on the environment.The Agency has adopted new…

Smart Ports: Piers of Future

For the first time, the ports of Antwerp, Barcelona, Hamburg, Los Angeles, Montreal and Rotterdam come together to showcase their most advanced digital transformation and sustainability projects at their dedicated ‘Smart Ports’ exhibitThe 'Smart Ports. Piers of the Future' event brought together six of the world's largest ports and has turned Barcelona into the world capital of port innovation.At the Smart City Expo World Congress, held from 19 to 21 November at the Fira de Barcelona events center on Gran Via…

CSA Protests Malaysia's Scrubber Ban

Members of the Clean Shipping Alliance 2020 expressed disappointment in regard to Malaysia’s recently-announced decision to prohibit the use of open-loop scrubbers in its coastal waters. The Malaysia Shipping Notice states that ships calling to Malaysian Ports are advised to change over to compliant fuel oil or change over to closed-loop/hybrid systems before entering Malaysian waters and ports.“We are disappointed in this announcement,” said CSA 2020 Chairman Capt. Mike Kaczmarek.

GOGL Profits Up in Q3

The Bermuda registered, Norway based dry bulk shipping company Golden Ocean Group (GOGL) announced a net income of $36.7 million and earnings per share of $0.26 for the third quarter of 2019 compared with net loss of $33.1 million and loss per share of $0.23 for the second quarter of 2019.EBITDA stood at $81.1 million for the third quarter of 2019, compared with $21.5 million for the second quarter of 2019.Birgitte Ringstad Vartdal, Chief Executive Officer of Golden Ocean Management AS…

ICS Opens China Liaison Office in Hong Kong

The global trade association for shipowners and operators, International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) opened its China Liaison Office in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) on Tuesday, 21 November, during a reception hosted by the Hong Kong Shipowners Association.Liu Xiaoming, the Deputy Minister of Transport from the People’s Republic of China, Huang Liuquan, the Deputy Director of Hong Kong, Macau Affairs Office of State Council of the People’s Republic of China, and Frank Chan…

Ponant Orders Two Ships from Fincantieri

Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri has signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) to design and construct two new-generation luxury expedition cruise ships for French cruise operator Ponant.The MoA also envisages an option for one further sister-ship. The finalization of the contract is subject to the fulfillment of technical and financial conditions.In the past, Fincantieri has already built for Ponant 4 ships in Ancona, "Le Boréal", "L'Austral", "Le Soléal", and "Le Lyrial", delivered respectively in 2010…

ZIM Back into Black

Israeli international cargo shipping company ZIM Integrated Shipping Services continued to record improvements and to expand its global network to its customers confronting  challenging business environment.ZIM has reported a net profit of USD 5 million for the third quarter of 2019, after returning to black in the second quarter of the year. (Compared: Net loss of $6.6 million in Q3 2018).Eli Glickman, ZIM President & CEO, said: “In spite of the challenging market conditions, ZIM continued to record improved results in Q3, as it did throughout 2019.

Robotic Hull Cleaning Advances in Dutch Ports

Recent acceptance to operate in Rotterdam and proof of sustainability claims after more than 500 hull cleaning operations help propel ECOsubsea, the robotic hull cleaning system.The Dutch national regulatory body Rijkswaterstaat gave the Norwegian company the green light to start offering hull cleaning services to vessels at all Dutch Ports including Europe’s biggest port, the Port of Rotterdam, a move that is helping the firm solidify its position in Europe following similar permissions in Antwerp…