1. 2 sunk coal barges to be salvaged, Ko Si Chang, Thailand
Two barges loading coal from bulk carrier SOUTHAMPTON on Ko Si Chang island Anchorage, Gulf of Siam, Thailand, crashed into each other and sank at night Jul 31, with 1,400 and 900 tons of coal, respectively. Accident was caused by rough weather brought by typhoon WIPHA passage. There was a meeting held on Aug 6, of all involved parties, including Maritime Safety Department, Marine Resources Department, local authorities and tugs operators. http://maritimebulletin.net/2019/08/06/2-sunk-coal-barges-to-be-salvaged-ko-si-chang-thailand/?fbclid=IwAR2lKXyjOK9ckVEqmrszebBSqGNy6YHOExDCBuLaIwF_cCyh-4ALSIRhSK8
2. Ferry VIKING GRACE rescue drill accident
Three crew plunged into water from ferry VIKING GRACE during rescue drill at night Aug 5, when the ship was en route from Stockholm to Turku Finland. Rescue boat was lowered with 3 crew in it, when one of falls gave up, according to media reports, citing VIKING LINE statement. All 3 crew are safe, details of an accident though, aren’t clear. http://maritimebulletin.net/2019/08/06/ferry-viking-grace-rescue-drill-accident/?fbclid=IwAR3PJoUn0IvuhgFV72zbLOSvwrpe7tSuPADRPzn_5t17I27I_Mc6waUCcnE
3. Titanic-Builder Harland and Wolff Files for Insolvency
Irish shipbuilder Harland and Wolff is filing for insolvency at the High Court in Belfast, after its bankrupt Norwegian owner Dolphin Drilling failed to find a buyer for the shipyard. The company informed that the insolvency request would be completed on August 6, adding that accountancy firm BDO had been appointed as administrators. https://worldmaritimenews.com/archives/281222/titanic-builder-harland-and-wolff-files-for-insolvency/
4. Britain joins US mission to patrol Strait of Hormuz
Under new prime minister Boris Johnson, the UK has decided to join a US-led coalition to safeguard shipping through the Strait of Hormuz after a string of incidents in the region over the past three months. While exact operational details are being determined, the mission is intended to improve coordination between different countries’ militaries and commercial shipping. https://splash247.com/britain-joins-us-mission-to-patrol-strait-of-hormuz/
5. Evergreen scraps four vessels after pledging higher standards
According to shipbroker Braemer ACM, Evergreen has sent four container ships to be scrapped. Last week, the Taiwanese liner company pledged better safety to ShippingWatch after scrapping of an Evergreen vessel recently cost a yard worker his life. https://shippingwatch.com/secure/carriers/Container/article11535950.ece
6. This is how many Norwegian seafarers work on Norwegian ships
The number of Norwegian seafarers working on Norwegian ships has increased slightly compared to last year, but the number has gone down when comparing to the year before that. The development pleases Norway’s minister of trade. https://shippingwatch.com/secure/carriers/article11535254.ece
7. Stena Bulk Says Iran Detention of UK-Flagged Tanker Unacceptable
ONDON, Aug 6 (Reuters) – The continued detention of British-flagged tanker Stena Impero is “unacceptable and unjustifiable” and there are concerns for the welfare of the crew after 19 days in confinement, the vessel’s owner said on Tuesday. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards on July 19 seized the Stena Impero in the Strait of Hormuz waterway for alleged marine violations. That came two weeks after Britain seized an Iranian oil tanker near Gibraltar, accusing it of violating sanctions on Syria. https://gcaptain.com/stena-bulk-says-iran-detention-of-uk-flagged-tanker-unacceptable/
8. Battery-Powered Ships Next Up in Battle to Tackle Emissions
Four Japanese companies have teamed up to build the world’s first zero-emission tanker by mid-2021 that will be powered by large-capacity batteries and will operate in Tokyo Bay, according to a statement on Tuesday. The new company e5 Lab Inc. is a venture between Asahi Tanker Co., Exeno Yamamizu Corp., Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Ltd. and Mitsubishi Corp. https://gcaptain.com/battery-powered-ships-next-up-in-battle-to-tackle-emissions/
9. Iran Sanctions Breach Suspicion Prompts Bank to Seize Ships
Reports alleging that fuel tankers appeared to breach U.S. sanctions against Iran were cited in court filings by a bank as it sought to seize the ships, accusing the owners of loan default. The accusations, which led to the the temporary arrest of the vessels in Singapore late last month, come as the U.S. seeks to isolate the regime in Tehran by cutting off oil sales, a major source of revenue. They also underscore how traders and shippers suspected of violating sanctions can run foul of their own lenders, not just governments. https://www.shippingtribune.com/news/shipping/Iran+Sanctions+Breach+Suspicion+Prompts+Bank+to+Seize+Ships
10. Iron ore crumbles as supply rises, demand wanes in China
Dalian and Singapore iron ore futures fell below $100 a tonne on Monday as stockpiles rose, while demand may further weaken in China, the biggest consumer of the steelmaking ingredient and producer of more than half of the world’s steel supply. The yuan weakening following an escalation in the Sino-U.S. trade war added to the overall downbeat investor sentiment. https://www.shippingtribune.com/news/shipping/Iron+ore+crumbles+as+supply+rises%2C+demand+wanes+in+China
