1. Disruption of supply chains vs. virus outbreak: what’s more dangerous?
Philippines Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) has lifted 14-day quarantine period of all cargo ships coming from China, Macau and Hong Kong SAR, which was implemented by BOQ several days earlier. The BoQ lifted the ban after Philippines Ports Authorities (PPA) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) made an appeal, citing serious disruption in the supply chain. http://www.maritimebulletin.net/2020/02/06/disruption-of-supply-chains-vs-virus-outbreak-whats-more-dangerous/
2. Aframax tanker crew requested repatriation from Shanghai, turned down
18 crew of Aframax tanker STI ROSE requested replacement and repatriation from Shanghai, where tanker is presently docked, pending 2-month repairs at ship repair yard. 21 crew include 10 Russian, 10 Filipino and 1 Greek nationalities. Russian seamen also contacted Russian General Consular in Shanghai, with the same request. http://www.maritimebulletin.net/2020/02/05/aframax-tanker-crew-requested-repatriation-from-shanghai-turned-down/
3. General cargo ship sank in Indonesian waters, crew rescued
General cargo ship GRAHA ANGKASA 1 issued distress signal in the evening Feb 3, reporting flooded engine room, sinking, and requested assistance. The ship was sinking in waters of Serei, North Minahasa Regency, North Sulawesi, Indonesia. SAR boats from Serei Fleet Base were deployed, all 12 crew were rescued in challenging weather conditions. The ship was loaded with some 3000 tons of unidentified cargo, bound for Morowali, Central Sulawesi. http://www.maritimebulletin.net/2020/02/05/general-cargo-ship-sank-in-indonesian-waters-crew-rescued/
4. Cruise ship WORLD DREAM with some 3600 people under quarantine in Hong Kong
Cruise ship WORLD DREAM is placed under quarantine in Hong Kong port, on arrival from Kaohsiung Taiwan in the morning Feb 5, with some 1800 passengers and 1800 crew on board. Three coronavirus-infected passengers were on board of WORLD DREAM during her 4-day Vietnam cruise during Jan 19-25, but infected persons were diagnosed with virus later, in Hong Kong. http://www.maritimebulletin.net/2020/02/05/cruise-ship-world-dream-with-some-3600-people-under-quarantine-in-hong-kong/
5. COSCO, OOCL, ONE and Yang Ming to Set Up New Transatlantic Service
Asian shipping giants COSCO Shipping Lines, Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL), Ocean Network Express (ONE) and Yang Ming are to launch a new weekly Transatlantic service, the new East Mediterranean – America service (EMA). As informed, the first voyage is scheduled for April 2020, subject to FMC filing. https://mobile.worldmaritimenews.com/archives/290635/cosco-oocl-one-and-yang-ming-to-set-up-new-transatlantic-service/
6. SFL Offloads VLCC, Terminates Charter with Frontline
Bermuda-based SFL Corporation has sold and delivered Front Hakata, a 2002-built very large crude carrier (VLCC). Although the buyer of the 324,021 cbm vessel has not been disclosed, VesselsValue’s data shows that the company in question is based in China.
Separately, Frontline said it has agreed with SFL to terminate the charter for Front Hakata following the ship’s sale to a new owner. https://mobile.worldmaritimenews.com/archives/290623/sfl-offloads-vlcc-terminates-charter-with-frontline/
7. Vinalines Set on Joining Global Shipping Alliances
The Vietnam National Shipping Lines Corporation (Vinalines) has set sights on joining the global shipping alliances.
In order to meet this goal, the company plans to focus its efforts on three major fields, those being the development of its port management, shipping, and maritime services, the Vietnam News Agency reported. https://mobile.worldmaritimenews.com/archives/290592/vinalines-set-on-joining-global-shipping-alliances/
8. Titan LNG Wraps Up 1st STS LNG Bunkering in Port of Antwerp
Dutch LNG supplier Titan LNG has completed the first ship-to-ship (STS) LNG bunkering in the Port of Antwerp, Belgium.
The operation was carried out at the facility of SEA-Tank Terminal on February 4. It is said to be an important step in the Port of Antwerp’s “transition to a multi-fuel port”.
Titan LNG’s bunker barge FlexFueler 001 supplied LNG to the product tanker Ramelia, operated by the Swedish Gothia Tanker Alliance. https://mobile.worldmaritimenews.com/archives/290570/titan-lng-wraps-up-1st-sts-lng-bunkering-in-port-of-antwerp/
9. S. Korea Unveils Aid Package Worth 820 Bln Won For New Ships
South Korea on Wednesday unveiled a financial package worth 820 billion won (US$690 million) to help modernize aging passenger boats and cargo vessels.
The package is meant to help smaller shipping companies build 59 new ships — 21 passenger boats and 38 cargo vessels, the Financial Services Commission said. https://www.shippingtribune.com/news/shipping/S.+Korea+unveils+aid+package+worth+820+bln+won+for+new+ships
10. UK Ports: Now Lets Have The Detailed Vision For Future UK Trade Policy
Responding to developments today (3 February 2020) including the Prime Minister’s speech in Greenwich, the British Ports Association has called on the Government to clarify the mixed messages on trade and set out a positive and detailed vision for the UK’s trade and industrial policy. https://www.shippingtribune.com/news/shipping/UK+Ports%3A+Now+Lets+Have+The+Detailed+Vision+For+Future+UK+Trade+Policy
