1. Bulk carrier attacked, robbed in Liberia, West Africa
Armed pirates boarded anchored bulk carrier BLISS at Monrovia Anchorage, Liberia, West Africa, at 0330 UTC Jul 29, stole ship’s properties and fled, according to IMO’s Global Integrated Shipping Information System (GISIS) report. Master tried to contact Port Control, but didn’t get any response. Understood crew is safe. Report didn’t specify attack details, if crew were robbed or not. Bulk carrier arrived at Monrovia anchorage on Jul 23, as of 0530 UTC Jul 30 remains at anchor. http://maritimebulletin.net/2019/07/30/bulk-carrier-attacked-robbed-in-liberia-west-africa/?fbclid=IwAR0PGrbZBaQRElsIS0sMMqKoytVH-APVCNTH8gNTc6KMjS6vDmy5v8oAxXQ
2. Indonesia will not introduce global sulphur cap on January 1
The global sulphur cap will not come into play in Indonesian waters on January 1 as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has mandated. The transport ministry said yesterday that due to local energy firm Pertamina’s abundant stocks of 3.5% sulphur content fuel, all Indonesian-flagged vessels in local waters will continue to be able to use this fuel until supplies run out. https://splash247.com/indonesia-will-not-introduce-global-sulphur-cap-on-january-1/
3. Demo prices on the slide
Demo rates are on the slide, having dropped by more than $100 per ldt over the last six weeks to fall well below the $400 mark as the monsoon period kicks in across the South Asia. “Markets across the subcontinent continue to endure a rough ride over the summer months and there is virtually no good news over the recent past that would bring optimism back to the industry,” cash buyer GMS stated in a weekly report. https://splash247.com/demo-prices-on-the-slide/
4. ZIM Sets Clear Goals for the Future with New 2023 Strategy
Israel-based liner company Zim Integrated Shipping Services (ZIM) has announced its new 2023 business strategy, accompanied by a new corporate vision. Titled “Innovative Shipping Dedicated to You”, the new vision and values highlight the principles and beliefs that define ZIM, and set clear goals for the future, according to the company. https://worldmaritimenews.com/archives/280836/zim-sets-clear-goals-for-the-future-with-new-2023-strategy/
5. Gas, Tanker Business Drives Milaha’s Profit Up
Qatar-based maritime transport and logistics company Milaha saw its net profit rise in the first half of 2019 amid a stronger gas and tanker business. The company’s profit reached QAR 316 million (USD 86.7 million) for the six months ended June 30, 2019, representing a rise of 6% compared to a net profit of QAR 297 million (USD 81.5 million) reported in the same period in 2018. https://worldmaritimenews.com/archives/280835/gas-tanker-business-drives-milahas-profit-up/
6. New UK ferry route contracts imminent for no-deal Brexit supply security
In taking precautions for a no-deal Brexit, the UK government is planning to enter new contracts for increased capacity on routes between the EU and the UK. https://shippingwatch.com/secure/carriers/article11524034.ece
7. China Feasts on Record Saudi Crude Imports After Sanctions Hit Iran
China has tapped Saudi Arabia for a record volume of crude as the world’s biggest exporter plugs a shortage from sanctions-hit Iran. Asia’s biggest buyer shipped 7.72 million metric tons of crude, or 1.89 million barrels a day, from Saudi Arabia last month, according to data from China’s General Administration of Customs. Shipments from the OPEC producer made up almost a fifth of its total oil purchases in June and was 64% higher than the previous month. Imports from Iran fell to the lowest since May 2010. https://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/china-feasts-on-record-saudi-crude-imports-after-sanctions-hit-iran/
8. Samsung Heavy develops lithium-ion battery power system for ships
Samsung Heavy Industries Co., a major shipbuilder in South Korea, said Monday it has developed a lithium-ion battery power system for ships. The system, jointly developed with local battery manufacturer Samsung SDI Co., earned a type approval from Norway’s renowned classification society DVL-GL, becoming the first local shipbuilder to do so, according to the shipbuilder. Samsung Heavy said its lithium-ion battery system can control power generators on the ships in an efficient way and will reduce fuel costs, in addition to its environment-friendly feature. https://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/samsung-heavy-develops-lithium-ion-battery-power-system-for-ships/
9. Baltic index dips on easing panamax rates
The Baltic Exchange’s main sea freight index fell to a more than two-week low on Monday, weighed down by weaker rates for panamax vessels. The Baltic index, which tracks rates for ships ferrying dry bulk commodities, fell 0.8%, or 15 points, to 1,922 points, its lowest since July 12. The capesize index rose 13 points, or 0.4%, to 3,660 points. Average daily earnings for capesizes, which typically transport 170,000 tonne-180,000 tonne cargoes such as iron ore and coal, rose $72 to $27,217. https://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/baltic-index-dips-on-easing-panamax-rates/
10. Saudi Arabia’s ports authority issues license to Maersk to operate in all ports-SPA
Saudi Ports Authority has issued a license to the local subsidiary of Maersk to operate in all ports in Saudi Arabia, state news agency SPA reported on Monday. Maersk currently has weekly containerised shipping services to the ports of Jeddah, King Abdullah, Dammam and Jubail, it says on its website. https://www.shippingtribune.com/news/shipping/Saudi+Arabia%E2%80%99s+ports+authority+issues+license+to+Maersk+to+operate+in+all+ports-SPA
