InterManager Daily News 13.03.2019

 
1. Trawler sank after collision with Very Large Ore Carrier, 12 missing, China
Very Large Ore Carrier VATHY collided with fishing vessel of Zhejing Fisheries, ZHEDAIYU02611, at around 0100 Beijing time Mar 12, east of Yangtze estuary, Yellow sea. Fishing vessel sank, of 14 fishermen on board, 2 were rescued, 12 are missing, SAR still going on. VATHY is en route from Australia to Caofeidian, China, Bohai Bay, Yellow sea. No AIS during last 24 hours, probably the ship was detained after collision. Bulk carrier VATHY, IMO 9279393, dwt 229186, built 2004, flag Bahamas, manager SAMOS Steamship, Cyprus (EQUASIS). http://maritimebulletin.net/2019/03/12/trawler-sank-after-collision-with-very-large-ore-carrier-12-missing-china/?fbclid=IwAR1pdNo6AEAdp7AjGzVNPELlQlIvzeweFK69od4mc2keBNIeOl20ub3qFXc
 
2. Burning ConRo Grande America Sinks in Bay of Biscay
Update: The MV Grande America has sunk in Bay of Biscay in water depth of 4,600 meters, France’s Marine Nationale reported. The agency said ship sank at March 12, at 1526 local time about 180 nautical miles off France’s coast. Previous: The situation on board the Grimaldi Lines combination roll-on/roll-off containership Grande America worsened overnight in the Bay of Biscay as the fire continues to burn and the ship now listing fairly significantly to starboard. https://gcaptain.com/burning-conro-grande-america-sinks-in-bay-of-biscay/
 
3. Family of Abandoned Seafarer Talk of Consequences
Human Rights at Sea has published the first of a series of case studies on the families of Indian seafarers still https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/forty-seafarers-abandoned-in-uae, some reportedly for over 33 months, offshore the UAE With a headline of Abandonment. A Pattern of Human Rights Abuse, the latest publication aims to reinforce public awareness of the consequences to those who suffer, including the family members left behind. The charity’s investigative team met with Mr. Prabakaran in Mumbai, the brother in law of Captain Ayyappan Swaminathan, Master of the MV Azraqmoiah for the last 25 months, who gave personal statements on behalf of the family to Human Rights at Sea. Prabakaran said: “It is a nightmare and mental harassment for him and his crew.” Family support is ongoing, but there are limits for everyone, he says. “We are however continuing to support as it is our moral responsibility to the family. Even his mother of 65 years has helped out with her savings.” https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/family-of-abandoned-seafarer-talk-of-consequences
 
 
4. Man Overboard Uses Jeans to Survive Hours Lost at Sea
WELLINGTON, March 12 (Reuters) – Knocked overboard in rough seas off New Zealand, a German yachtsman credited his jeans with saving his life after fashioning them into a make-shift life jacket that kept him afloat for over three hours before his rescue by coastguards. Arne Murke, 30, was sailing with his brother in Tolaga Bay, on the east coast of New Zealand’s north island, on March 6, when the yacht’s boom swung unexpectedly, whacking him into the water. Unable to reach the life jacket thrown by his brother, Murke was soon carried far off by the swell. https://gcaptain.com/man-overboard-uses-jeans-to-survive-hours-lost-at-sea/
 
5. Cocaine Worth $77 Million Found in Shipping Container Arriving at Port of New York/New Jersey
Law enforcement officers unload part of approximately 3,200 lbs. of cocaine, which was seized at the Port of New York/Newark on February 28, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey. Image released on March 11, 2019. Courtesy U.S. Customs and Border Protection/Handout via REUTERS. A joint operation involving the U. S. Customs and Border Protection seized approximately 3,200 pounds of cocaine in what officials said is the largest illicit drugs seizure at the port since 1994. https://gcaptain.com/cocaine-worth-77-million-found-port-of-new-york-new-jersey/
 
 
6. Korean bunker companies refuse to bunker Russian freighter
Russian general cargo ship PARTIZAN is stuck in Pohang Korea, with her engine and generators cut off because of lack of fuel. Pohang bunker company or companies refused to bunker the ship, allegedly fearing probable repercussions, because the ship and her owner were blacklisted by the United States Department of the Treasury for illegal trade with North Korea. Master made a sea protest, according to owner, GUDZON Shipping Compnay Vladivostok. Crew left the ship and are accommodated in hotel. http://maritimebulletin.net/2019/03/12/korean-bunker-companies-refuse-to-bunker-russian-freighter/?fbclid=IwAR1QL8NeaN85u2lzINihknSvGMTh_PhSBkqXhs4xhOmP9mHicNB1aJPeiOA
 
7. CMA CGM Containership to Test Sustainable Marine Biofuel
French container shipping company CMA CGM and Dutch Port of Rotterdam have joined forces with IKEA Transport & Logistics Services and the GoodShipping Program to test and scale the use of sustainable marine biofuel oil. The test will commence with a bunkering of the marine biofuel oil on a CMA CGM container vessel on March 19, representing a major step towards the decarbonization of ocean freight. https://worldmaritimenews.com/archives/272953/cma-cgm-containership-to-test-sustainable-marine-biofuel/?fbclid=IwAR2FB7sawucmodoByFF-ZyzVnocONwqxJsvigNm3tcgLkMRi8yCEs35Vatc
 
8. Greek Flag Drops Another 52 Ships, No Longer Largest in Dwt Terms
Over the previous year, the Greek-controlled fleet slightly deflated in terms of number of vessels, deadweight and gross tonnage, while the Greek flag is no longer the largest in terms of dwt. As of March 6, 2019, Greek companies controlled 4,017 vessels of various categories, totaling 339.54 million dwt and 198.16 million gross tons. According to data provided by IHS Markit, the numbers represents a drop of 131 vessels, 2.37 million dwt and 1.12 million gross tons from a year earlier. https://worldmaritimenews.com/archives/272798/greek-flag-drops-another-52-ships-no-longer-largest-in-dwt-terms/
 
9. Moody’s Upgrades Panama Canal’s Long-Term Rating
Rating agency Moody’s has upgraded the 20-year USD 450 million Senior Unsecured Bonds issued by the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) to A1 from A2, with a stable outlook. As informed, this was based on the waterway’s strong performance since the expansion’s inauguration. Moody’s noted that the Expanded Canal has increased overall tonnage and attracted new market segments, contributing to the waterway’s successful performance. https://worldmaritimenews.com/archives/273000/moodys-upgrades-panama-canals-long-term-rating/
 
10. Report: Power Outage Hits Venezuela’s Main Oil Terminals
A prolonged power blackout has given Venezuela’s oil export volumes yet another hit. The nation’s exports have been in decline for years due to underinvestment and failing infrastructure, but the loss of power means that state oil company PDVSA cannot operate its main oil loading terminal, the Jose Oil Port, according to Reuters. Wellheads, upgrading plants and other petroleum infrastructure are also dealing with a loss of power, and Bloomberg reports that production has halted in some areas. The partial shutdown may have brought total output as low as 500,000 barrels per day, down from about 1.5 million bpd last year and 2.5 million bpd in 2014. https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/report-power-outage-hits-venezuela-s-main-oil-terminals