1. Bulk carrier anchored off Belgium for 2 weeks, fearing cargo explosion
Bulk carrier LIFE PASSION is kept at anchorage off Oostende, Belgium, North sea, since her arrival from Novorossiysk Russia, on Jan 20. The ship is loaded with iron ore, and there’s a risk of mass explosion due to ore self-heating and hydrogen emission. There already was an explosion while the ship was under way in French waters, though reportedly, comparatively minor, one crew was injured and medevaced by helicopter. http://www.maritimebulletin.net/2020/02/04/bulk-carrier-anchored-off-belgium-for-2-weeks-fearing-cargo-explosion/
2. Ships keep being hit by virus fears
Vietnamese authorities had to come up with official statement rebutting news on cruise ship WORLD DREAM (IMO 9733117, Dream Cruises) visiting Ha Long Bay in Quang Ninh Province, Gulf of Tonkin, with 3 passengers diagnosed later with coronavirus.
Three passengers that took the same cruise from China to Vietnam in January have been diagnosed with the novel coronavirus, with a further two suspected of being infected, the South China Morning Post has learned. http://www.maritimebulletin.net/2020/02/04/ships-keep-being-hit-by-virus-fears/
3. Tug with barges still aground, Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, Louisiana
Tug MISS ODESSA with 6 hopper barges loaded with rocks, ran aground at around 2200 LT Feb 2 on Atchafalaya River near Berwick, Louisiana, Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. One of the barges broke in two during refloating attempts, the rest of barges and tug didn’t suffer damages. As of 0430 UTC Feb 4, tug and barges were still aground, refloating operation being under way. Tug http://www.maritimebulletin.net/2020/02/04/tug-with-barges-still-aground-gulf-intracoastal-waterway-louisiana/
4. EU Launches EUR 75 Mn BlueInvest Fund to Boost Innovation
Investment Fund to launch the BlueInvest Fund in an effort to support innovations in the maritime sector. During the BlueInvest Day conference in Brussels, a EUR 75 million (USD 83 million) equity investment fund for the blue economy was launched. https://mobile.worldmaritimenews.com/archives/290542/eu-launches-eur-75-mn-blueinvest-fund-to-boost-innovation/
5. BPA: Most Ports Won’t Be Congested Post-Brexit
Most UK ports have prepared for the worst-case scenarios and will not be congested as a result of potential disruptions to trade following the official exit of the UK from the European Union, the British Ports Association reassures. As explained, disruption at certain ports may mean increased costs for traders, manufacturers and ultimately potentially consumers. As a result, BPA called on the Government to roll out a clear and detailed vision for the UK’s trade and industrial policy. https://mobile.worldmaritimenews.com/archives/290545/bpa-most-ports-wont-be-congested-post-brexit/
6. Report: 4 Die Following Fire Aboard Zoya 1 Supertanker
Four people have reportedly died following the fire on board the supertanker Zoya 1 last week, the Associated Press informed citing the Indian Consul in Dubai.
The fire broke out on board the very large crude carrier, approximately 21 nautical miles northwest of Dubai, UAE, on Wednesday, January 29. https://mobile.worldmaritimenews.com/archives/290538/report-4-die-following-fire-aboard-zoya-1-supertanker/
7. Coconut Charcoal the Likely Cause of Yantian Express Fire
Coconut charcoal has been identified as the likely cause of last year’s fire on board the containership Yantian Express, according to a report published by Germany’s Federal Bureau of Maritime Casualty Investigation (BSU). However, the investigation could not clarify the cause of the fire unambiguously. This was especially due to the very long duration of the fire and the intensive use of firefighting water which changed the origin of the fire strongly. By procedure of exclusion, three containers which could possibly have caused the fire were identified. https://mobile.worldmaritimenews.com/archives/290498/coconut-charcoal-the-likely-cause-of-yantian-express-fire/
8. Ports plan for Brexit Irish Sea checks
The biggest operator of ferries in the Irish Sea has confirmed that there will be checks, inspections and some new infrastructure for trade, and it wants to know what the government will pay forhttps://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/ports-plan-for-brexit-irish-sea-checks/
9. Russian gas supplies to Europe plunge in January
Russian gas supplies to Europe plunged in January, S&P Global Platts Analytics data showed Monday, with exports via Ukraine down 71% on the month despite the new gas transit agreement between Gazprom and Ukraine’s Naftogaz coming into force on January 1. https://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/russian-gas-supplies-to-europe-plunge-in-january/
10. Brexit to Add Sanctions Compliance Complexity
The U.K.’s exit from the European Union could bring significant changes to the country’s sanctions policy — a scenario that could complicate compliance for multinational companies.
It won’t happen right away, however. Although Britain is set to officially withdraw its membership from the European Union on Friday, an agreement approved Wednesday by the European Parliament provides for a transition period until Dec. 31. https://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/brexit-to-add-sanctions-compliance-complexity/
