Seacurus Daily: Top Ten Maritime News Stories 12/08/2016
1. China Accused of Cyber Attack
Spyware used in cyber attacks on Vietnam’s major airports and infrastructure is now suspected of having bombarded many more official sites, amid tensions with China over territory in the disputed South China Sea. A malicious code disguised as anti-virus software found lurking in everything from government offices to banks, major companies and universities was the same as that used in “politically-colored” attacks and rigs and shipping could be next.
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2. Changes to the Shipping Cycle
Increased volatility in newbuilding activity will force a structural change to future shipping cycles, brokers have forecast. The independent research and consultancy firm says excess shipyard capacity and a slowing but still considerable orderbook are the negative factors overhanging brighter prospects for shipping demand growth. As a consequence of the current glut many yards will be well-positioned to take orders and deliver within two years.
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3. Stricken Rig is Leaking
The semi-submersible drilling rig Transocean Winner has spilled an unknown quantity of diesel oil after running aground off Scotland’s Isle of Lewis on August 8, the UK’s Maritime and Coastguard Agency has confirmed. A damage assessment team from Smit Salvage and Transocean spent 3½ hours yesterday checking the condition of the rig which broke free from its tug towline in stormy seas in the early hours of Monday.
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4. Big Bulk Player Suffers
Bangkok-based Thoresen Shipping has concluded its second quarter results with a loss amid the weak dry bulk shipping market. The bulk shipping arm of Thoresen Thai Agencies (TTA) reported a quarterly loss of THB196.2m ($5.6m), representing a 90% fall compared to the same period of last year. Thoresen Shipping said its average time charter equivalent rate in the second quarter was at $5,079 per day, a decline of 19% year-on-year.
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5. Union Slams Fire Safety
Nautilus International is urging the government to reverse cuts to at-sea fire-fighting services after new research revealed that ship fires are the biggest threat to safety in European waters. A study published by the Finnish Transport Safety Agency shows that almost 800 ship fires occurred in European waters between 2004 and 2014 – 10% of which were classified as ‘serious’. The largest percentage of ship fires and explosions occurred on cargo ships.
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6. Call on China to Play Ball
Japan and the Philippines joined forces to call on China to observe the rule of law in resolving maritime disputes after an international tribunal rejected Beijing’s claims to most of the South China Sea. Japanese foreign minister Fumio Kishida met his counterpart Perfecto Yasay in the southern Philippine city of Davao where both pledged to work closely to boost maritime security while facing separate sea disputes with China.
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7. Seafarers Salary Slashed
There is chaos in the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) over a slash in seafarers’ salary. Angered seafarers stormed into Abuja to protest what has been termed an “evil pay cut” after their salary was slashed by 50 percent. The protest was a reaction to a mail sent to them by the company mandating all Seafarers to sign and comply with the cut within seven days or risk losing their jobs. The company argues "economic realities" as a reason for the cut.
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8. Hapag Lloyd Profits Wobble
German container shipping company Hapag-Lloyd AG has swung to a loss in the first half of the year as tumbling freight rates weighed on revenue. The bad news comes as the Hamburg-based company tries to boost its fortunes through a merger with United Arab Shipping Company. Subdued economic growth, persistently tough competition in the liner shipping industry and further declines in freight rates have marked the first half of the 2016 business year.
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9. Cruise Passenger Digit Injury
A cruise ship passenger got injured onboard a cruise ship while it was sailing in the Gulf of Naples during its voyage. The man, a passenger onboard the 89,600 gross ton MSC Poesia almost lost his finger after it was partially detached and needed urgent medical attention. As a result the local Coast Guard was contacted so he could be transferred to a land medical facility. Authorities then dispatched a patrol boat to take him ashore.
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10. Ship Hits Pier
The general cargo ship "Nikiti II" allided with pier at Iskenderun port, Turkey. The vessel arrived at Turkey from Greece and was maneuvering for mooring, but proceeded to the quay with higher than usual speed and collided with the stone wall. The general cargo ship suffered slight damages and dents above the waterline, but remained seaworthy and stable without water ingress. The vessel was later berthed successfully and started cargo handling operations.
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Daily news feed from Seacurus Ltd – providers of MLC crew insurance solutions www.seacurus.com
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S Jones
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