1. Croatian Navy missile boat fire, Sibenik
Fire erupted in stern area near aft missile launchers on board of Croatian Navy missile boat VUKOVAR (RTOP-41), in the morning Sep 19, at Sibenik NCP Ship Repair Yard, where the boat is undergoing scheduled maintenance works. Fire was sparked by wielding works. One crew and two workers were hospitalized with smoke inhalation symptoms. Fire reportedly, was quickly extinguished by crew and by local fire fighting teams. http://maritimebulletin.net/2019/09/19/croatian-navy-missile-boat-fire-sibenik/?fbclid=IwAR2uQI5JBk4_3Pu2AgJWGvBJgUo8-2ZiZRB3bdxRCawdif6x8-sKhH4WYzI
2. Hopper beached by storm, Kerch Strait, Russia.
Hopper AKINCI was pushed aground by strong wind and high seas on southeast coast of Kerch Strait near Taman Port, Russia, on Sep 18. Hopper reportedly, was trying to change anchorage, in order to get further off coastline in deteriorating weather. 9 crew remain on board, they’re safe. As of Sep 19, hopper was still aground. No news yet on salvage. http://maritimebulletin.net/2019/09/19/hopper-beached-by-storm-kerch-strait-russia-video/?fbclid=IwAR1p0WUlnU8B75Z6bj78PBWcJrBaYWDHN3X0eAfIYW_BbY7MfTgx3RzyYlk
3. Cargo ship sank in Taiwan Strait, crew rescued UPDATE still afloat
Cargo ship (understood dry cargo), reported issuing distress signal early in the morning Sep 19 in Taiwan Strait. Vessel reported water ingress, sinking, requiring immediate assistance. Crew abandoned ship, all were rescued during large scale rescue operation. Ship’s status unknown, she may yet remain afloat.
UPDATE 1400 UTC Sep 19: The ship is afloat with working engine, though Master said engine was shut off. Authorities said they’re planning removal, towage. http://maritimebulletin.net/2019/09/19/cargo-ship-sank-in-taiwan-strait-crew-rescued/?fbclid=IwAR2YvWGywIb6F5mLGSXIaAMg2CPHsVRYLN1T-uWHRQ-lIuTjHApGoNxBdrY
4. Reefer caught fire during repairs, Varna
Fire erupted on board of refer GREEN SELJE, undergoing repairs at Naval Ship Repair Yard in Varna, Bulgaria, in the morning Sep 18. Fire was extinguished by fire fighting department engines, one worker was treated for smoke inhale. Fire started during wielding works and engulfed hull plating. Reefer is under repairs since May, according to track history. http://maritimebulletin.net/2019/09/19/reefer-caught-fire-during-repairs-varna/?fbclid=IwAR189GREumzyu3byyovjdFY9XGCi-cAY5BtMjlOkCjmFTu8drkLF-NTHGS8
5. Latvian tanker attacked, looted, West Africa
Latvian product tanker ANCE was attacked at 0250 UTC Sep 16, while at anchor in position 09 25N 013 44E, 5 nm SSW of Conakry, Guinea, West Africa. IMO/IMB report:
Four robbers armed with a gun and knives boarded an anchored tanker. They took hostage the duty AB, tied his hands and forced him to lead them to the bridge. Once inside the bridge, the robbers took hostage the duty officer and forced him to lead them to the Captain, Chief Engineer, third officer and bosun’s cabins. After looting the cabins, the robbers locked the crew in a cabin and escaped. Crew personal belongings, cash and ship’s properties stolen. http://maritimebulletin.net/2019/09/19/latvian-tanker-attacked-looted-west-africa/?fbclid=IwAR3apoLaKmhONbeefkaFSTmIrK7UspBrJ_nTitSZ37JOPbmiuksctKo7Tuc
6. Industry Majors Busy with Securing Financing
Shipping heavyweights have proven yet another time their fierceness in the fight to preserve liquidity with several major deals being announced today totaling in over USD 1.4 billion. Owner and operator of LNG carriers Dynagas LNG Partners said that it has sealed a syndicated USD 675 million senior secured term loan. The facility will be secured by first priority mortgages on the six LNG carriers in the partnership’s fleet. https://worldmaritimenews.com/archives/283475/industry-majors-busy-with-securing-financing/
7. Drewry: Automation Has Little Medium-Term Impact on Seafarer Demand
Vessel automation and digitization will reduce future seafarer demand, but the medium-term impact is expected to be limited, according to shipping consultancy Drewry. The evolution of autonomous ships will have significant implications for seafarer demand, training needs and manning costs. Crewing remains the single largest cost head within vessel operations, representing almost a half of typical ship operating costs. https://worldmaritimenews.com/archives/283434/drewry-automation-has-little-medium-term-impact-on-seafarer-demand/
8. Seaspan Boosts Its Financing Portfolio to USD 1.5 Bn, Eyes Vessel Acquisitions
Hong Kong-based charter owner and boxship operator Seaspan sealed today a USD 500 million financing deal, bringing its financing program to USD 1.5 billion. The company said it would use the net proceeds to repay five secured credit facilities, as well as for future vessel acquisitions. https://worldmaritimenews.com/archives/283462/seaspan-boosts-its-financing-portfolio-to-usd-1-5-bn-eyes-new-vessels/
9. UK Launches Largest Offshore Wind Lease in a Decade
Britain has launched its first major auction of offshore wind farm leases in a decade, offering sites with the combined potential to power more than six million homes. Britain is already the world’s largest offshore wind market, and plans to generate a third of its electricity from the technology by 2030 as a part of efforts to reach its 2050 net zero carbon emissions target. https://gcaptain.com/britain-launches-largest-offshore-wind-lease-in-a-decade/
10. IMO 2020 mandate creates Singapore-Fujairah arbitrage for LSFO
The fuel oil market has started to see International Maritime Organization-compliant marine fuel being shipped from Singapore to Fujairah, several market participants told S&P Global Platts, confirming expectations of imminent changes to global trade flows for residual fuels going into 2020. https://www.shippingtribune.com/news/shipping/IMO+2020+mandate+creates+Singapore-Fujairah+arbitrage+for+LSFO
